Nigeria News (Standard)
NSIB Launches Probe Into Benue Boat Tragedy That Claimed 11 Lives
Safety bureau team visits Makurdi, activates family support protocols as Benue government pledges collaboration
Safety bureau team visits Makurdi, activates family support protocols as Benue government pledges collaboration
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has commenced a comprehensive investigation into the recent boat accident at Wadata on River Benue, which led to the death of 11 people. The incident, which occurred in Benue State earlier this week, prompted a swift response from NSIB officials who arrived in Makurdi on Wednesday to assess the situation and support affected families.
According to a statement released by Funke Adebayo-Arowojobe, Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance at NSIB, the investigation is being led by Director-General Alex Badeh Jr. The delegation undertook an on-the-spot safety assessment at the accident site and engaged directly with key stakeholders in Benue’s water transport sector to determine the causes of the mishap and recommend preventive measures.
Boat accidents have become a pressing concern across Nigeria’s inland waterways, with Benue State witnessing several tragedies in recent years. This latest incident has heightened calls for improved safety standards and stricter enforcement of existing regulations. The NSIB’s intervention is seen as crucial for restoring public confidence and ensuring that similar occurrences are avoided in future.
While receiving the NSIB team on behalf of Governor Hyacinth Alia, Deputy Governor Samuel Ode assured that the Benue State government would cooperate fully with investigators. The bureau also activated its family assistance protocols to provide immediate support for victims’ relatives. “Our priority is to establish what happened and to stand by those affected,” Adebayo-Arowojobe stated in her official communication.
The NSIB team is expected to hold further meetings with state officials and local boat operators as part of its ongoing inquiry. Findings from the investigation will inform new safety guidelines for water transportation in Benue and potentially influence national policy on river travel.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Premium Times Publisher to Grill Ex-Abacha Intelligence Chief After Years of Silence
Session marks rare public questioning of former military intelligence boss linked to Sani Abacha era abuses
Session marks rare public questioning of former military intelligence boss linked to Sani Abacha era abuses
The publisher of Premium Times, alongside other notable figures, is set to question a former intelligence chief who served under the late Head of State, Sani Abacha, breaking decades of silence surrounding one of Nigeria’s most controversial security eras. The planned session will take place in Abuja on Friday, 19 June 2026, bringing renewed attention to unresolved issues from the Abacha regime.
Organisers say the event will feature direct questioning of the ex-security chief on his role during the years marked by high-profile detentions and allegations of human rights abuses. The intelligence officer, whose identity has not been disclosed in this announcement, is expected to face tough questions from media executives and civil society leaders.
The Abacha administration (1993–1998) is widely remembered for its clampdown on opposition figures and journalists. Many Nigerians still seek answers regarding political killings, prolonged detentions and mysterious disappearances that occurred under the military government. Human rights advocates have repeatedly called for greater transparency and accountability from those who held key security positions during that period.
While details about the format of Friday’s session remain limited, stakeholders say it represents a significant opportunity for public engagement with a figure rarely seen or heard since leaving office. Calls for accountability have persisted over the years, with both local and international groups urging former officials to address their actions while in power.
It remains unclear if any government representatives will attend or respond formally to revelations that may emerge. However, analysts believe this development could encourage further dialogue around Nigeria’s history of military rule and ongoing demands for justice by affected families.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Nollywood Celebrities, Soludo Attend Alexx Ekubo’s Burial in Arochukwu, Abia State
Hundreds gather as top actors, Anambra Governor, and business leaders pay tribute to late star who died of kidney cancer
Hundreds gather as top actors, Anambra Governor, and business leaders pay tribute to late star who died of kidney cancer
The final burial ceremony of popular Nollywood actor Alexx Ekubo took place on Thursday in Arochukwu, Abia State, drawing a large crowd of celebrities, politicians, business figures and fans from across Nigeria. Ekubo, who died on May 11, 2026 at the age of 40 after battling advanced metastatic kidney cancer, was laid to rest in his hometown amid an outpouring of emotion and tributes.
The streets of Arochukwu witnessed heavy vehicular traffic and increased activity as mourners arrived for the funeral service. Notable personalities present included Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State, businessman Obi Cubana, and a host of Nollywood stars such as Stan Nze, Bimbo Ademoye, IK Ogbonna, Ini Edo, Nancy Isime, Omoni Oboli, Kate Henshaw and Mbong Amata. Family members and friends were also joined by hundreds of fans who came to pay their last respects.
Ekubo’s death has been widely mourned within the Nigerian entertainment industry. His career spanned more than a decade with roles in major films that earned him numerous awards and recognition as one of Nollywood’s most beloved actors. His passing at a relatively young age has sparked renewed discussion about access to quality healthcare for entertainers and the need for increased support structures for those facing critical illnesses.
Speaking at the event, several attendees described Ekubo as a positive influence in the film industry. “He was always supportive of his colleagues and had a passion for helping others,” one actor said during the service. Governor Soludo commiserated with the family and called for unity among creative professionals during trying times. Businessman Obi Cubana was also seen consoling relatives at the graveside.
The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) sent a delegation to represent industry colleagues unable to attend in person. Many Nigerians took to social media to share memories and pay tribute to Ekubo’s legacy. As the funeral concluded late Thursday afternoon, community leaders in Arochukwu expressed gratitude for the peaceful conduct of proceedings despite the influx of visitors from outside Abia State.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Ogun State Bans Graduation Ceremonies, End-of-Session Parties in All Schools Over Parent Fee Concerns
Education ministry warns that schools flouting the directive risk sanctions as state moves to curb extra financial burden
Education ministry warns that schools flouting the directive risk sanctions as state moves to curb extra financial burden
Ogun State Government has banned graduation ceremonies and end-of-session parties across all public and private schools with immediate effect, following reports that some school administrators were allegedly imposing extra charges on parents in the guise of organising such events. The directive, issued by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology on 17 June, was circulated to all school heads statewide.
According to a circular signed by A.A. Bisiriyu, Director of Education (Private Schools), the government said it had received multiple complaints from parents about being pressured to pay additional fees for graduation and end-of-session celebrations. The government stressed that any school found violating the new order would face sanctions as stipulated under existing education regulations.
The Ministry stated: “It has been brought to the notice of the Ministry that some administrators of both public and non-state (private) schools have started extorting parents/guardians under the disguise of organising graduation/end-of-session parties for learners. Therefore, it is pertinent to state that, the State Government frowns at organising Graduation/End of Session Party ceremony in all classes in both Public and Non-State (Private) schools in the State. Hence, no school owner should organise such gatherings forthwith.”
The policy requires all school administrators to immediately inform parents, guardians and other stakeholders about the ban to ensure full compliance across Ogun State. Officials emphasised that basic and secondary schools must focus on academic excellence instead of costly social events which place unnecessary financial pressure on families.
This move follows similar actions in other states such as Kogi, Benue, Ondo, Osun and Imo, where authorities have also restricted or banned elaborate graduation-related celebrations in a bid to control rising educational costs for families. In Kogi State earlier this week, officials warned that erring schools could face closure if they continued with excessive graduation activities. Ogun State Government reiterated its commitment to enforcing this new directive to protect parents from sudden levies linked to non-academic gatherings.
Premium Times Publisher to Grill Ex-Abacha Intelligence Chief After Years of Silence
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Nollywood Celebrities, Soludo Attend Alexx Ekubo’s Burial in Arochukwu, Abia State
Ogun State Bans Graduation Ceremonies, End-of-Session Parties in All Schools Over Parent Fee Concerns
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