Nigeria News (Standard)
Oba of Benin Summons Native Doctors, Priests Over Rising Insecurity in Edo State
Monarch convenes emergency meeting at Benin City palace as kidnappings and violent crime escalate across Edo communities
Monarch convenes emergency meeting at Benin City palace as kidnappings and violent crime escalate across Edo communities
The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has called an urgent gathering of native doctors, traditional priests, priestesses and other indigenous religious practitioners in Edo State to address the recent surge in insecurity. The emergency meeting is scheduled for June 23 at the Oba’s Palace in Benin City, following increasing reports of kidnapping and violent crime across the state.
According to a statement released by the Benin Traditional Council (BTC), the invitation was issued under the direct instruction of the monarch and is considered a matter of urgency for all invitees. Chief Victor Nosakhare, who signed on behalf of BTC secretary Frank Irabor, stated that discussions will centre on how traditional institutions can support efforts to curb criminal activities including kidnapping, cult-related violence and armed robbery.
Edo State has seen a worrying rise in abductions and attacks in both urban centres and rural communities, sparking widespread concern among residents. Many citizens have expressed fears about safety on major highways and within their localities. The latest move by the palace follows recent interventions by Governor Monday Okpebholo, who has vowed to sign death warrants for convicted kidnappers and proposed establishing a special court to fast-track cases related to kidnapping and cultism in the state.
“The situation has reached a level that requires every stakeholder to contribute towards restoring peace,” Chief Nosakhare said in the statement. The council also indicated that the meeting will explore ways traditional leaders can work alongside government authorities, security agencies and community groups to reinforce security measures across Edo. Youth leaders known as Okaighele have been invited to a separate meeting at the palace on June 24 as part of wider consultations aimed at mobilising grassroots support.
The involvement of traditional religious figures is expected to spark discussions on how indigenous knowledge systems and community-based approaches can complement government policing efforts. While details of specific strategies remain undisclosed, stakeholders anticipate that closer collaboration between traditional institutions and formal authorities could help address security challenges confronting Edo State.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos Investors Embrace iWorld’s Residency and Citizenship Programme Amid Growing Global Mobility Demand
International legal firm iWorld offers Nigerians tailored investment migration options as families seek secure alternatives abroad
International legal firm iWorld offers Nigerians tailored investment migration options as families seek secure alternatives abroad
Nigerian entrepreneurs and investors in Lagos are increasingly turning to international legal firm iWorld for secure pathways to residency and citizenship by investment, as at Friday, 21 June. The trend reflects a growing desire among business owners and families to access global markets, quality education, and long-term capital planning through structured migration programmes.
According to information from iWorld, the firm operates as a specialist in investment migration, corporate structuring, and financial services, with more than 15 years’ experience and a team of over 120 lawyers and experts. Their offering stands out by focusing on critical client needs such as programme suitability, application authorisation, documentation requirements, source of funds review, and distinguishing between marketing claims and official government decisions.
The increasing demand for residency by investment (RBI) and citizenship by investment (CBI) among Nigerians is driven by the search for stronger banking infrastructure abroad, security for families, and enhanced access to new markets. These programmes are no longer viewed as mere standalone products but have become integral to personal and business strategies for high-net-worth individuals.
iWorld said its advisory approach goes beyond basic comparisons by helping clients navigate complex requirements. The company claims access to over 100 immigration programmes globally, offering Nigerian clients multiple options tailored to their specific goals. “The most valuable advisor is not the one making the loudest promises but the one able to answer the questions that truly matter,” iWorld stated.
With a rising number of Nigerians exploring offshore opportunities due to economic uncertainties at home—including naira depreciation and changing banking regulations—experts believe firms like iWorld will play an increasing role in facilitating legal migration solutions. Prospective investors are advised to seek proper legal guidance before embarking on any RBI or CBI process.
Source: https://guardian.ng/business-services/iworld-for-nigerian-investors/
Nigeria News (Standard)
INEC Declares APC’s Asogwa Winner of Enugu North By-Election
Victory consolidates APC presence in Enugu North as electoral commission concludes collation for June 2026 by-poll
Victory consolidates APC presence in Enugu North as electoral commission concludes collation for June 2026 by-poll
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Asogwa, as the winner of the Enugu North federal constituency by-election. The announcement was made in Enugu State on Sunday, 21 June 2026, after INEC officials concluded collation of results from polling units across the constituency.
According to INEC, Asogwa secured the highest number of valid votes cast during the by-election, surpassing his rivals from other political parties. The process began early Sunday morning with electoral officers and party agents present at designated collation centres to oversee tallying and verification.
The by-election was conducted to fill a vacant seat in the House of Representatives for Enugu North federal constituency. The vacancy arose following a previous court ruling that nullified the earlier occupant’s election, prompting INEC to organise this fresh contest. The outcome is significant for APC, which has been aiming to strengthen its influence in Enugu State and across Nigeria’s South-East geopolitical zone.
INEC officials said the election was generally peaceful with voter turnout considered moderate compared to previous general elections in the area. As at press time, there were no official reports of violence or major disruptions from polling units. Party agents at the collation centre commended INEC for conducting a transparent process.
With this victory, Asogwa is expected to receive his Certificate of Return from INEC in coming days before being sworn in at the House of Representatives. Political observers say APC’s win could impact future calculations ahead of forthcoming elections in Enugu State.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Ekiti Observers Report Vote Buying, Irregularities in Governorship Election
CJID cites widespread voter inducement and unauthorised assistance as polls open across Ekiti State on Sunday
CJID cites widespread voter inducement and unauthorised assistance as polls open across Ekiti State on Sunday
Observers deployed by the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) have reported cases of vote buying and irregular voter assistance during the governorship election held in Ekiti State on Sunday, June 21. The monitoring team raised concerns after witnessing multiple incidents at polling units across the state.
According to CJID, their field officers documented several instances where voters were offered cash or material incentives in exchange for supporting particular candidates. In addition, observers noted that unauthorised persons assisted voters in casting their ballots, a practice that contravenes Nigeria’s electoral guidelines. The irregularities were reported in both urban and rural polling stations, with some locations recording higher rates of alleged inducement.
The CJID said these activities undermine the credibility of the electoral process and may affect public confidence in the outcome. Vote buying has remained a persistent challenge in Nigerian elections despite repeated warnings from electoral authorities and law enforcement agencies. The situation in Ekiti mirrors reports from previous polls, where similar tactics were employed to influence voter behaviour.
Officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) are yet to release an official response to the allegations as at press time. Stakeholders, including civil society groups and opposition parties, have called for stricter enforcement of electoral laws to deter malpractice. “All forms of inducement threaten the integrity of our democracy,” a CJID statement said.
With vote counting underway, attention has shifted to how security agencies and INEC will address complaints from observers and ensure that results reflect the will of Ekiti people. The final outcome is expected to shape public discourse around election reforms and accountability ahead of future polls.
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