Nigeria News (Standard)
Oba of Benin Sets July 2 Ritual to Place Curses on Kidnappers Amid Rising Edo Insecurity
Palace action follows emergency meeting with native doctors, as traditional leaders seek to bolster security efforts in Edo State
Palace action follows emergency meeting with native doctors, as traditional leaders seek to bolster security efforts in Edo State
The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has scheduled a spiritual exercise for 6:00 a.m. on July 2, 2026, at his palace in Benin City to place traditional curses on kidnappers, armed robbers, cultists and other violent criminals across Edo State. The decision comes after an emergency meeting with native doctors, traditional priests, priestesses and youth representatives in response to escalating insecurity in the state.
According to palace sources, the monarch’s move is a direct response to increased reports of kidnapping, ritual killings and armed robbery along highways and rural communities within Edo State and neighbouring areas. The meeting at the Oba’s Palace strongly condemned these criminal activities and called for urgent intervention from both government and traditional institutions.
Oba Ewuare II has directed that traditionalists from across Edo South Senatorial District will participate fully in the ritual, which is expected to involve prayers, invocations and rites calling on ancestral powers to confront those perpetrating or aiding violent crimes. The monarch stated that such spiritual action is rooted in the authority of the ancestors and is meant to complement ongoing efforts by security agencies.
“This exercise is necessary given the worsening security situation,” Oba Ewuare II said at the palace meeting, adding that both modern law enforcement and traditional mechanisms are needed for deterrence. While police and other agencies continue their operations against criminal gangs, stakeholders have described the planned ritual as a decisive step that reflects the historical role of Benin’s traditional rulers in safeguarding social order.
Preparations are ongoing at the palace ahead of July 2. Traditional leaders from various communities are expected to converge for what palace officials describe as a crucial spiritual intervention targeting kidnappers, bandits and their collaborators. The initiative comes amid calls from state officials for tougher penalties against convicted kidnappers—including public execution—underscoring how insecurity remains a pressing challenge for residents across Edo.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Abuja Court Adjourns ₦577m Land Fraud Trial as EFCC Witness Suffers Bereavement
Proceedings halted after prosecution requests new date; defendants face 17-count charge over Katampe District properties
Proceedings halted after prosecution requests new date; defendants face 17-count charge over Katampe District properties
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday stalled the trial of two real estate executives accused of a ₦577 million land fraud, following a request by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for an adjournment after its key witness lost his mother. The case, presided over by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, involves Dr. Rebecca Godwin-Isaac, Chief Executive Officer of Homadil Realty Ltd, and Idakwogi Richard John, Chief Executive Officer of Rychado Homes Limited, who are standing trial alongside their companies.
EFCC counsel Chiamaka Njoku informed the court that the scheduled prosecution witness was prepared to testify but could not appear due to bereavement. “We prepared the witness for today but he lost his mother; we are asking for another date,” Njoku told the court during Wednesday’s proceedings. The court subsequently adjourned the matter to a yet-to-be-announced date to allow the EFCC present its witness.
Godwin-Isaac and John were arraigned on a 17-count charge bordering on criminal conspiracy, forgery, obtaining money under false pretence and money laundering linked to disputed properties in Cadastral Zone B07, Katampe District of Abuja. The EFCC alleges that the defendants fraudulently obtained large sums under false claims related to land transactions in one of Abuja’s high-value districts.
Land fraud remains a significant concern in Nigeria’s real estate sector, with authorities intensifying efforts to curb illegal dealings and protect property buyers. The high-profile nature of this case has drawn attention from industry stakeholders and legal observers, given the scale of funds involved and the prominence of the accused executives.
With proceedings now adjourned, both prosecution and defence await a new hearing date as at press time. The outcome of this trial is expected to set important precedents for future land-related fraud cases in the Federal Capital Territory.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Nigeria Welcomes US Sanctions on Lagos BDC Operator Over Alleged Terrorism Financing
Federal government says move aligns with ongoing efforts to curb illicit financial flows linked to terrorism in the country
Federal government says move aligns with ongoing efforts to curb illicit financial flows linked to terrorism in the country
The Nigerian government has expressed support for recent sanctions imposed by the United States on a Lagos-based Bureau De Change (BDC) operator and associated companies accused of facilitating terrorism financing. The endorsement was made public on Wednesday, following the US Treasury Department’s announcement of asset freezes and restrictions targeting entities allegedly involved in funding terrorist activities.
According to officials, the US action specifically targets a BDC operator headquartered in Lagos along with several linked firms, all suspected of moving funds that could be used by terrorist groups. The federal government stated that this development demonstrates international cooperation in addressing financial crimes that threaten Nigeria’s security and stability.
Efforts to counter terrorism financing have intensified in recent years as authorities face growing concerns about illicit money flows supporting armed groups across the country, especially in the North-East and North-West geopolitical zones. Security analysts say BDCs and informal financial operators have sometimes been exploited due to regulatory gaps and challenges in monitoring transactions.
In its response, government said it is working closely with international partners to strengthen oversight of Nigeria’s financial system. “We welcome any measures that disrupt terror financing networks operating within our borders,” a senior official said, noting that collaboration with global agencies is crucial for tracing suspicious transactions and holding perpetrators accountable.
Authorities have also pledged to increase scrutiny of BDCs nationwide while reviewing licensing procedures and compliance checks. Financial regulators are expected to issue new guidelines to operators, while law enforcement agencies intensify surveillance on high-risk sectors. The opposition could not be immediately reached for comment as at press time.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Federal Government Reaffirms Land Rights, Forest Protection Commitment Ahead of COP31
Nigeria restates position on safeguarding forests and indigenous land rights in build-up to global climate summit
Nigeria restates position on safeguarding forests and indigenous land rights in build-up to global climate summit
The federal government has reiterated its dedication to protecting land rights and preserving forests across Nigeria as the country prepares for the upcoming COP31 climate conference. Officials made this affirmation on Wednesday, emphasising the importance of sustainable land management and forest conservation in Abuja.
The renewed commitment comes as international attention turns towards Nigeria’s role in global environmental negotiations, with the next United Nations climate summit set to take place later this year. According to government representatives, efforts are ongoing to balance economic growth with ecological preservation, particularly in communities dependent on forest resources.
Protecting land rights has remained a priority for policymakers, given its significance for rural livelihoods and food security. Nigeria’s forests face mounting pressure from illegal logging, agricultural expansion, and urbanisation. Stakeholders have called for stronger enforcement of existing laws and more inclusive policies that empower local communities to participate actively in conservation.
A senior environment ministry official stated that Nigeria would present concrete strategies at COP31, highlighting national achievements and ongoing challenges. “We are working closely with traditional leaders and civil society groups to ensure our approach is both effective and respectful of indigenous rights,” the official noted during a briefing in Abuja.
With COP31 drawing near, environmental groups are urging government to accelerate policy implementation and increase funding for afforestation projects. Observers say Nigeria’s stance on land rights and forest protection will be closely watched by international partners seeking stronger commitments from large African states.
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