Nigeria News (Standard)
Ogun Police Arrest 30 Suspected Cultists During Isara-Remo Initiation Procession
Violent Crime Response Unit moves in with detectives; Anambra Police also confirm arrest of two over missing woman case
Violent Crime Response Unit moves in with detectives; Anambra Police also confirm arrest of two over missing woman case
The Ogun State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of 30 male suspects during an alleged cult initiation procession at Isara-Remo, Remo North Local Government Area, on Sunday, 16 June. The operation was carried out by the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) working together with detectives from Isara Area Command and Isara Division.
According to a statement issued by police spokesperson Oluseyi Babaseyi on Tuesday, the suspects were apprehended as they gathered for what the police described as a planned cult initiation ceremony. Officers reportedly acted on intelligence about the gathering and moved in swiftly to disrupt the event and effect arrests. The command said the suspects are currently undergoing further investigation and will be charged to court upon completion of preliminary inquiries.
Cult-related activities remain a major security concern in Ogun State, especially in areas such as Remo and Sagamu, where past clashes have resulted in deaths and destruction of property. State authorities have repeatedly warned against harbouring or supporting cult groups, stressing that such gatherings threaten peace and public safety. The latest arrests come amid renewed efforts by security agencies to clamp down on secret societies ahead of school resumption across South-West states.
“We remain resolute in our determination to rid Ogun State of criminal elements,” Babaseyi said in the statement, urging community members to continue providing credible information to law enforcement agencies. The command did not immediately release names of those arrested or details of any weapons recovered at the scene.
In a separate development, Anambra State Police Command confirmed the arrest of two suspects allegedly linked to the murder of a 33-year-old woman from Oraifite community in Ekwusigo Local Government Area. The woman had been reported missing for over three months before her remains were discovered. Police say investigations are ongoing as at press time.
The recent crackdown underscores ongoing challenges facing police in tackling cultism and violent crime across Nigeria’s South-West and South-East zones. Security agencies have called for greater collaboration with local communities to identify criminal hideouts and prevent similar incidents.
Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/police-nab-30-suspected-cultists-during-ogun-initiation/
Nigeria News (Standard)
Ekiti Observers Raise Alarm as BVAS Fails to Recognise Elderly Voters in Governorship Poll
Technical hitches with biometric system spark concern over disenfranchisement; INEC faces calls for urgent review
Technical hitches with biometric system spark concern over disenfranchisement; INEC faces calls for urgent review
Election observers have expressed serious concern after the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) failed to recognise several elderly voters during the ongoing Ekiti State governorship election on Saturday, 20 June 2026. Reports from multiple polling units across the state indicated that some senior citizens were unable to complete accreditation as the BVAS devices repeatedly rejected their fingerprints and facial recognition attempts.
The malfunction was observed in different local government areas, with officials confirming that affected voters were mostly elderly persons whose biometric data could not be captured by the machines. While some polling officers attempted manual intervention, many of the older voters left frustrated, unable to cast their ballots.
This incident has raised fresh questions about the reliability of technology in Nigeria’s electoral process, especially in rural communities where access and technical know-how remain limited. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) introduced BVAS to curb multiple voting and enhance transparency, but similar glitches were recorded during previous elections, prompting calls for improvement ahead of the high-stakes Ekiti poll.
An observer group monitoring the election described the situation as worrisome and urged INEC to provide alternative accreditation procedures for vulnerable groups. “We have seen several elderly voters unable to vote because BVAS could not recognise them,” one observer stated. “INEC must urgently address this to avoid widespread disenfranchisement.”
As at press time, INEC officials said efforts were ongoing to resolve technical issues at affected polling units. The commission is expected to conduct a review after the election and consider recommendations from stakeholders on improving biometric verification for subsequent polls.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Trump Distances Himself from Netanyahu over Iran Deal, Insists ‘I Call All the Shots’
US president warns Israeli leader against actions that could derail ongoing Iran talks amid rising diplomatic tensions
US president warns Israeli leader against actions that could derail ongoing Iran talks amid rising diplomatic tensions
A sharp division has emerged between United States President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over a proposed deal with Iran, as the US administration intensifies efforts to broker an agreement aimed at ending months of conflict in the Middle East. The development comes as Trump, speaking from Washington on 20 June, urged Israel not to take steps that could undermine negotiations with Tehran.
The disagreement was laid bare after reports revealed Trump cautioned Netanyahu against retaliating following an Iranian missile strike earlier in June, insisting diplomatic channels were close to delivering results. Trump reportedly told Netanyahu during a phone call, “We are close to doing something good in terms of a deal,” while also making it clear in conversations with US officials and the media that he alone determines the direction of negotiations. “I call the shots. I call all the shots,” Trump said in comments to Financial Times, adding that Netanyahu “won’t have any choice” but to accept the outcome.
Netanyahu has long advocated for military pressure on Iran and was said to be dissatisfied with news that a deal might be imminent. According to sources familiar with discussions, the Israeli prime minister had hoped that coordinated US-Israeli military action would further weaken Tehran’s leadership and improve his own political standing ahead of elections in Israel’s Knesset. However, Israel’s recent airstrike in Beirut reportedly drew Trump’s ire, with US officials indicating frustration over moves that could jeopardise months of diplomatic work.
Despite speculation about a possible rift, both countries remain close allies. US officials maintain that any final agreement will address longstanding concerns regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions and regional influence. Opposition figures within Israel have called for greater transparency from Netanyahu regarding his strategy towards Iran and relations with Washington. Meanwhile, there is no indication that the US intends to withdraw support for Israel or seek political change in the country.
For now, attention remains focused on whether Trump and Netanyahu can find common ground as talks with Tehran progress. The fate of the proposed deal—and its impact on Middle East stability—continues to be closely watched by policymakers and analysts across the region.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Enugu North By-Election Records Peaceful Voting Amid Low Turnout
INEC officials report calm conduct across polling units as residents cite apathy and economic hardship for poor participation
INEC officials report calm conduct across polling units as residents cite apathy and economic hardship for poor participation
The by-election in Enugu North Senatorial District, held on Saturday, was conducted peacefully with no reports of violence or disruptions, but saw a notably low turnout of registered voters across multiple polling units. Electoral officers from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) supervised the process in various wards within Enugu North Local Government Area.
Polling began as scheduled in the morning, with INEC staff and security personnel present at each location. Despite the orderly atmosphere, observers noted that many ballot boxes remained largely empty by midday. Community leaders and election officials attributed the sparse attendance to voter apathy and prevailing economic challenges facing residents in the South-East state.
The by-election was called to fill a vacant seat in the Senate after the previous occupant’s tenure ended. Such elections are often seen as a test of democratic engagement at the grassroots level. However, many eligible voters stayed away from the polls, echoing a broader trend of declining participation in recent elections across Nigeria.
An INEC official at one of the polling centres confirmed that voting materials arrived on time and there were no technical issues reported. “We ensured all arrangements were made for a smooth process,” said the official, who declined to be named as he was not authorised to speak publicly. Local community representatives expressed disappointment over the turnout but commended both security agencies and electoral workers for maintaining order throughout the exercise.
Collation of results is expected to proceed overnight, with INEC set to announce official figures and declare a winner on Sunday. Stakeholders have urged political parties and civil society groups to intensify voter education campaigns ahead of future elections to address growing disengagement among citizens.
Ekiti Observers Raise Alarm as BVAS Fails to Recognise Elderly Voters in Governorship Poll
Trump Distances Himself from Netanyahu over Iran Deal, Insists ‘I Call All the Shots’
Enugu North By-Election Records Peaceful Voting Amid Low Turnout
APC, Other Parties Contest Kano Federal Bye-Election as NDC Remains Absent
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Ex-Governor Fayose Votes in Ekiti, Predicts Landslide Victory for Governor Oyebanji
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Environment Minister Urges Increased Investment in Nigeria’s Green Economy Ahead of Global Climate Summit
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