Nigeria News (Standard)
Ogun Orphans Accuse Land Grabbers of Forcing Entry, Allege Police Intimidation in Ibafo
Family of late Adisa appeals to Ogun authorities, claims burial site was desecrated and police failed to intervene
Family of late Adisa appeals to Ogun authorities, claims burial site was desecrated and police failed to intervene
A family of orphans in Ibafo, Obafemi Owode Local Government Area, Ogun State, has accused suspected land grabbers of forcefully taking over their late father’s property and alleged that police officers intimidated them instead of providing protection. The incident reportedly occurred in April, after a series of offers by unknown individuals to buy the disputed land were rejected by the family.
According to Damilola Adisa, who spoke on behalf of her siblings, their ordeal began after losing both parents—their mother in 2012 and their father in 2015, who was killed by unknown persons. The only inheritance left for the family is a parcel of land at No. 10, Surakatu Okunola Street, Mogede, Qwara Quarters in Ibafo, where their late father built a house and was buried. Damilola stated that despite receiving an offer of ₦2.5 million for the land last year from unidentified persons, the siblings refused to sell because of the emotional significance attached to it.
She recounted that trouble started when neighbours alerted them that strangers had entered the property without permission. On arrival at the site with her sister, they allegedly found workers demolishing part of their father’s burial ground and beginning construction activities. Damilola said attempts to stop the demolition led to threats from the intruders and intimidation from police operatives who arrived at the scene but failed to halt the encroachment.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about land disputes and alleged abuse of power by some security agents in Ogun State. The family’s plea underscores the vulnerability faced by orphans defending inherited property amidst rising incidents of land grabbing across South-West Nigeria. Despite reporting the matter to relevant authorities, including local police divisions, Damilola claimed no meaningful intervention has been provided as at press time.
Efforts to reach Ogun State Police Command for comment were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report. The affected family is calling on Governor Dapo Abiodun and traditional rulers in Obafemi Owode LGA to intervene and ensure justice is served.
Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/orphans-allege-land-grabbing-police-harassment-in-ogun/
Nigeria News (Standard)
INEC Deploys Election Materials, Personnel Across Ekiti Ahead of 2026 Governorship Poll
Electoral body moves sensitive materials to all 16 LGAs as stakeholders urge transparency in South-West state
Electoral body moves sensitive materials to all 16 LGAs as stakeholders urge transparency in South-West state
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced the deployment of election materials and personnel across Ekiti State in preparation for the upcoming 2026 governorship election. The exercise began on Friday, with INEC officials dispatching sensitive and non-sensitive materials to the 16 local government areas ahead of the scheduled poll.
According to INEC, the early deployment is aimed at ensuring timely arrival of materials at polling units and smooth conduct of the election. Ad-hoc staff were also mobilised to various local government headquarters, where they will receive further instructions before moving to their designated polling stations. Security agencies have been placed on alert to support INEC’s logistical operations and maintain order during the exercise.
The deployment comes amid growing expectations from residents and political parties that INEC will deliver a free and fair contest. The commission’s proactive approach is seen as an effort to address past complaints about late arrival of voting materials and personnel, which often led to delays and voter disenfranchisement in previous elections in the South-West state.
INEC officials assured stakeholders that all measures are in place for a credible exercise. “We have distributed materials according to schedule and trained our staff for effective service delivery,” one official said at a distribution centre in Ado-Ekiti. Political parties have urged INEC to ensure strict adherence to electoral guidelines, while civil society observers called for transparency throughout the process.
With preparations entering their final phase, attention now shifts to election day logistics and security arrangements across Ekiti’s towns and villages. The governorship contest is expected to be closely watched by national parties as it sets the tone for subsequent elections in the region.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Delta Court Grants ₦50 Million Bail to Native Doctor Accused of Ritual Practices
Judge imposes strict bail conditions as defendant faces ongoing trial for alleged ritual activities in Delta State
Judge imposes strict bail conditions as defendant faces ongoing trial for alleged ritual activities in Delta State
A High Court sitting in Delta State has granted bail in the sum of ₦50 million to a native doctor currently standing trial for alleged involvement in ritual practices. The decision was delivered on Friday, 19 June 2026, following a bail application by the defence counsel during proceedings in the state capital.
The court, presided over by a High Court judge, ruled that the accused must provide two sureties in like sum, both of whom must be resident within the jurisdiction and show evidence of substantial means. The native doctor, whose name was not disclosed at press time, was arrested earlier this year after security agencies alleged his participation in unlawful ritual activities within Delta State.
The case has attracted significant attention from residents and traditional leaders in the South-South region, with many expressing concern about the prevalence of such practices and their impact on community safety. Under Nigerian law, ritual-related offences are considered serious crimes and often carry lengthy prison sentences if convictions are secured.
During Friday’s hearing, the prosecution opposed the bail application, citing concerns about possible interference with witnesses and the risk of flight by the defendant. However, the judge noted that bail is at the court’s discretion and set strict conditions to ensure the accused remains available for trial. The matter was adjourned to a later date for continuation of hearing.
Legal analysts say that while bail does not amount to an acquittal, it allows defendants to prepare their case outside detention. Community members have called on authorities to intensify efforts against ritual-related crimes across Delta and neighbouring states.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Abuja Court Sentences 37-Year-Old to Death by Hanging Over 2014 Nyanya Bombing
Judgement brings closure to victims’ families after deadly attack that left dozens dead in Federal Capital Territory
Judgement brings closure to victims’ families after deadly attack that left dozens dead in Federal Capital Territory
A High Court in Abuja has sentenced a 37-year-old man to death by hanging for his role in the 2014 Nyanya bombing, which claimed dozens of lives in the Federal Capital Territory. The judgement was delivered on Friday, marking the end of a lengthy trial connected to one of Nigeria’s deadliest terror incidents.
The court found the accused guilty of terrorism charges relating to the April 2014 explosion at the busy Nyanya motor park, where scores were killed and many others injured during morning rush hour. Security operatives had arrested the culprit after investigations linked him to the planning and execution of the attack.
The Nyanya bombing shocked Nigerians and drew widespread condemnation at the time, highlighting major security challenges facing Abuja and surrounding areas. The incident triggered a nationwide security alert, with government deploying additional personnel and increasing surveillance across key locations in the capital.
Delivering judgement, the presiding judge said the evidence presented by prosecution proved beyond reasonable doubt that the convict was directly involved in orchestrating the bombing. The sentence was handed down according to relevant anti-terrorism laws. There was no immediate response from defence counsel or relatives of the convict following the ruling.
With this verdict, legal analysts say authorities have demonstrated commitment to prosecuting those responsible for attacks on civilians. Security agencies are expected to intensify efforts to bring remaining suspects linked to similar incidents before justice, while survivors and families of victims continue to seek support for rehabilitation.
