Nigeria News (Standard)
Atiku Abubakar Criticises Court’s Bail Conditions for El-Rufai in Abuja Detention Case
PDP chieftain warns that stringent bail terms threaten constitutional rights as former Kaduna Governor remains in custody
PDP chieftain warns that stringent bail terms threaten constitutional rights as former Kaduna Governor remains in custody
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has faulted the bail conditions imposed on former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, by the Federal High Court in Abuja. In a statement released on Monday through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said the court’s refusal to review what he described as ‘stringent’ bail conditions was a threat to fundamental rights and justice.
El-Rufai remains in detention after failing to meet the bail terms set by the court, prompting concerns from political stakeholders and legal observers about due process. The court’s decision not to ease the bail requirements has sparked debate within legal and political circles about how such measures align with Nigeria’s constitutional provisions.
Atiku argued that while courts have the discretion to set bail conditions, these powers must be exercised judiciously and not used as a tool for indirect punishment before trial. He stated that excessive or impossible-to-meet conditions undermine the presumption of innocence guaranteed by the Nigerian constitution. “The law is settled that an accused person remains innocent until proven guilty,” Atiku noted in his statement.
The PDP stalwart further emphasised that procedural detention resulting from harsh bail terms amounts to punishment before conviction and called on judicial authorities to uphold fairness and reasonableness in their decisions. No immediate response was available from government prosecutors or officials regarding Atiku’s comments.
Legal practitioners have echoed similar concerns, warning that restrictive bail practices could erode public confidence in the justice system. Observers expect increased scrutiny on court procedures as human rights advocates press for reforms. The outcome of El-Rufai’s case is likely to influence future debates on bail administration and judicial discretion across Nigeria.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Senate Passes State Police Bill, Empowers Governors to Appoint Commissioners Nationwide
Legislation allows state governors to appoint police commissioners and issue directives, marking major shift in Nigeria’s security architecture
Legislation allows state governors to appoint police commissioners and issue directives, marking major shift in Nigeria’s security architecture
The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday, 24 June 2026, passed a landmark bill enabling the creation of state police across the country and granting governors the authority to appoint police commissioners. The vote, which took place at the National Assembly complex in Abuja, marks a significant move towards decentralising policing powers in Nigeria.
The bill’s passage followed several weeks of intense debate among lawmakers from both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and opposition parties. Supporters argued that allowing states to manage their own police forces would improve security response times and address localised threats more effectively. Under the new framework, each state governor will have the legal right to appoint a commissioner of police for their state and issue operational directives within the boundaries of federal law.
This development is considered one of the most consequential changes to Nigeria’s security structure since independence. Calls for state police have grown in recent years amid rising insecurity, with many stakeholders citing the limitations of a centralised police system in responding to banditry, kidnapping, and communal violence in different regions. With this bill, proponents believe states will be better equipped to tailor law enforcement strategies to their unique needs.
The Senate’s decision has drawn mixed reactions from political leaders and security experts. While several governors welcomed the move as overdue, some critics expressed concern about potential misuse of power by state executives. The Inspector General of Police is yet to issue an official statement on how federal and state agencies will coordinate under the new arrangement. There was no immediate comment from major opposition parties as at press time.
The bill will now proceed to the House of Representatives for concurrence before being transmitted to President Bola Tinubu for assent. If signed into law, implementation guidelines are expected within months, potentially ushering in a new era for policing and public safety across Nigeria.
Nigeria News (Standard)
US Sanctions Abuja-Based Bureau de Change Firms, Names Nigerian in ISIS Financing Crackdown
Treasury Department blacklists Mukhtar Adamu Muhammad and three local currency exchange companies; assets frozen under new measures
Treasury Department blacklists Mukhtar Adamu Muhammad and three local currency exchange companies; assets frozen under new measures
The United States government has imposed fresh sanctions targeting individuals and companies accused of funding ISIS activities, including one Nigerian national and three Abuja-based bureau de change firms. The announcement was made on Monday by the US Department of State, with enforcement effective immediately across the affected jurisdictions.
The sanctions list, released as part of a global counter-terrorism initiative, identified Mukhtar Adamu Muhammad—a Nigerian national—as well as Generation Currency Bureau de Change Limited, Manhattan Bureau de Change Limited, and Nine to Nine Exchange Bureau de Change Limited among six entities and three individuals operating across Nigeria, France, Syria, and Türkiye. Authorities allege these networks were instrumental in moving funds for ISIS operatives via formal currency exchanges and cryptocurrency platforms.
According to Thomas Pigott, spokesperson for the US Department of State, the targeted network represents a major pipeline for channelling resources to ISIS cells globally. “These actions are designed to disrupt financial support structures that enable terrorist groups to operate across borders,” Pigott said in a written statement. The US Treasury noted that all sanctioned individuals and entities will face restrictions on accessing the American financial system, with any assets under US jurisdiction now frozen.
The move follows mounting international pressure for governments to clamp down on illicit financial flows fuelling insecurity in West Africa. Security analysts say Nigeria’s complex network of informal currency traders remains vulnerable to exploitation by criminal syndicates. While Abuja has yet to issue an official response to the designations, government officials have previously pledged to strengthen anti-money laundering regulations and cooperate with foreign partners on counter-terrorism efforts.
The latest sanctions come as part of ongoing efforts by US authorities to dismantle global terrorist financing channels operating through both traditional bureau de change outlets and emerging digital asset systems. The full list also includes exchange-related companies based in Türkiye and Syria as well as facilitators operating out of France. The opposition could not be immediately reached for comment on the development.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Northwest HRGDS Condemns Killing of 21 in Plateau’s Bokkos LGA, Demands Swift Security Action
Rights group urges security agencies to intensify efforts after latest night attack in Mushere Kingdom leaves families mourning
Rights group urges security agencies to intensify efforts after latest night attack in Mushere Kingdom leaves families mourning
The Human Rights and Grassroots Development Society (HRGDS) Northwest chapter has strongly condemned the killing of at least 21 residents in Kawel Village, Mushere Kingdom, Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State. The attack, which occurred while villagers were asleep, took place in the early hours of Monday, leaving the community in shock and deep mourning.
According to Hadjia Rukayya Abdulhafeez, Northwest Coordinator of HRGDS, the organisation is deeply saddened by what she described as a recurring cycle of violence that continues to claim innocent lives and destabilise communities in Plateau State. She said the most recent incident is a tragic reminder of the urgent need for proactive security measures to protect vulnerable rural populations.
The HRGDS extended condolences to families of those killed, survivors who sustained injuries, and the people of Mushere Kingdom. Abdulhafeez noted that this latest attack comes just days after the killing of a traditional ruler in the same local government area—a development she called “deeply troubling and unacceptable”. The group stated it was praying for the peaceful repose of those lost and quick recovery for those injured.
Calling on government and security agencies to intensify intelligence gathering and strengthen rapid response mechanisms, Abdulhafeez urged that perpetrators be identified and brought to justice. She stressed that only through effective law enforcement can peace be restored in Plateau’s conflict-hit communities.
As at press time, there has been no official statement from Plateau State Government or security agencies regarding arrests or deployment of additional personnel. HRGDS said it will continue to monitor developments and support affected communities, urging all stakeholders to work towards ending repeated violence in the North-Central state.
Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/northwest-group-condemns-fresh-plateau-massacre/
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Senate Passes State Police Bill, Empowers Governors to Appoint Commissioners Nationwide
US Sanctions Abuja-Based Bureau de Change Firms, Names Nigerian in ISIS Financing Crackdown
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