Landlords cite soaring building costs as government targets agents and estate operators for alleged exploitation of tenants

Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has announced plans to clamp down on excessive housing charges, warning house agents and estate operators against collecting illegal fees from tenants beyond agreed rent payments. The move, revealed on Friday, has drawn mixed reactions in Anambra, with landlords arguing that rising construction costs make it unfair for government to influence rental prices.

The state government is considering reforms that may regulate agency charges, require the registration of real estate agents, and provide new channels for tenants to report exploitation. Governor Soludo stated that his administration was responding to reports of tenants being forced to pay multiple fees in addition to their rent. “I learnt that after tenants pay their house rent, agents still collect additional fees from them. House agents in Anambra State should get ready… we are coming for them,” Soludo said during an address.

However, some landlords and property developers have voiced strong opposition, highlighting the impact of inflation on construction materials. A Nigerian man went viral online after saying, “I can’t be buying a bag of cement for ₦12,000 and you tell me how much I will rent my property.” He added that unless government introduces mass housing schemes or subsidises building materials, efforts to regulate private rents are unsustainable. “If govt wants to crash rent, they should roll out mass housing for low income earners and rent will crash,” he argued on social media.

For years, residents in major cities like Awka, Onitsha and Nnewi have faced high accommodation costs due to agency fees, agreement charges and legal deposits often rivaling or exceeding annual rent. Some tenants allege that these extra charges are now a significant barrier to securing affordable housing. The planned reforms are expected to focus more on regulating the activities of agents and real estate practitioners than imposing direct controls on landlords’ rental prices.

Soludo’s intervention is part of a wider push by the Anambra government against what it describes as exploitative practices in critical sectors. Over the past two years, authorities have increased efforts to bring transparency into property transactions and protect residents from predatory practices. While officials say new regulations will restore order in the housing market, stakeholders warn that without addressing fundamental supply issues—such as construction inflation—the cost burden may persist.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/i-cant-be-buying-cement-for-naira12000-and-you-tell-me-what-rent-to-charge-nigerian-man-reacts-as-soludo-moves-against-excessive-housing-fees-in-anambra-2026062210012541963

Manager credits players’ ambition after Cape Verde secures maiden FIFA World Cup qualification in dramatic fashion

Cape Verde national team coach, Bubista, has commended his players for their determination and belief after the country reached a new milestone by qualifying for the FIFA World Cup for the first time. The achievement was confirmed on Monday following a decisive match that sealed their historic spot at the global football tournament.

The crucial victory, which took place at home in Praia, saw Cape Verde overcome their final group stage opponents to clinch one of Africa’s coveted World Cup slots. The result sparked celebrations across the island nation as fans and football stakeholders hailed the team’s achievement.

This qualification marks a significant leap for Cape Verdean football, coming after years of steady progress on the continental stage, including previous Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) appearances. For many Nigerians and other African observers, Cape Verde’s rise under Bubista is seen as proof of what smaller nations can achieve with proper planning and investment in youth development.

Coach Bubista praised his squad’s mentality after the match, stating that their success was a product of hard work and big dreams. “We came to dream big,” he said, while also acknowledging the support from the country’s football federation and fans. He highlighted how this achievement would inspire future generations and strengthen football development on the islands.

With their place now secured in the upcoming FIFA World Cup, Cape Verde is expected to intensify preparations for their debut appearance on world football’s biggest stage. The nation joins other African qualifiers and will be looking to represent West Africa with pride when the tournament kicks off next year.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/sports/football/889744-we-came-to-dream-big-bubista-salutes-cape-verdes-world-cup-rise.html

Police condemn act as attack on rule of law; no evidence presented against victim before lynching

A woman accused of child theft was killed and set ablaze by a mob in Maraban Jos, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State on Sunday after being forcibly removed from police custody. The Kaduna State Police Command confirmed the incident, describing it as a barbaric act undermining the rule of law.

According to Mansir Hassan, spokesperson for Kaduna State Police Command, the Divisional Police Officer for Maraban Jos received a distress call at around 10:00 a.m., reporting that a woman was being assaulted by a crowd over allegations of stealing a child. Hassan said officers responded swiftly, rescued the woman from the mob, and brought her to the police station for protection and investigation. He also noted that no evidence was provided to support the claim against her.

Shortly after the initial rescue, a large number of people estimated in the hundreds reportedly stormed the police station. The mob overpowered officers on duty, forcibly took the woman out of custody, killed her and set her body on fire in full view of bystanders. The police identified the victim as a native of Maraban Jos.

The incident has raised fresh concerns about mob justice and public confidence in law enforcement across Kaduna State and Nigeria at large. Cases of lynching over unproven allegations have been widely condemned by civil society groups and human rights advocates, who argue that such acts erode legal processes and endanger innocent lives.

Reacting to the development, Police Public Relations Officer Hassan described the incident as an affront to legal institutions. “This act is not only barbaric but also represents a direct attack on our collective efforts to uphold justice,” he said in a statement released Sunday afternoon. He reiterated that investigations would continue and assured residents that efforts are underway to identify those responsible for inciting violence at the station.

The police command has appealed to members of the public to desist from taking laws into their own hands and urged anyone with information about those involved in the attack to come forward. As at press time, no arrests had been announced while security presence was increased in Maraban Jos to forestall further unrest.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/woman-lynched-set-ablaze-after-mob-overpowers-kaduna-police/