Nigeria News (Standard)
Ogun Government Clarifies Mirabel Rape Allegation, Arrests Suspected Gang-Rape Leader in Ifo LGA
Attorney-General Ogungbade says Mirabel’s claim found to be fabricated; police detain key suspect in separate Ifo case
Attorney-General Ogungbade says Mirabel’s claim found to be fabricated; police detain key suspect in separate Ifo case
The Ogun State Ministry of Justice has issued an official update on two high-profile gender-based violence cases that have generated public concern across the state. In a statement released on Monday in Abeokuta, Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Oluwasina Ogungbade (SAN), clarified the status of the alleged rape of Miss Nsikak Abigael Emem, known as Mirabel, and provided details on the arrest of a suspected ringleader in a separate gang-rape incident involving a 15-year-old girl in Ifo Local Government Area.
According to Ogungbade, thorough investigations by relevant authorities—including interviews with Mirabel—established that her rape allegation was false and deliberately fabricated. The Ministry explained that due to these findings, there was no offender to be apprehended or prosecuted regarding Mirabel’s claim. “There is no threat to public safety based on the initial narrative,” Ogungbade stated in the written statement.
The Attorney-General further disclosed that after reviewing the situation, government resolved that psycho-social rehabilitation would better serve the interest of justice for Mirabel rather than pursuing prosecution for making a false report. The case had earlier sparked widespread reactions online and offline, highlighting ongoing concerns about gender-based violence and the need for effective response mechanisms across Ogun State and Nigeria at large.
Meanwhile, in a separate development, Ogungbade announced that police had apprehended the suspected ringleader behind the gang-rape of a 15-year-old girl in Ifo LGA. The Ministry assured that investigation into this incident is ongoing and pledged to pursue full prosecution in line with state laws protecting minors from sexual abuse.
The Ministry called on members of the public to avoid spreading unverified information about such sensitive matters and reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and justice. Stakeholders continue to urge government agencies to strengthen support systems for survivors while ensuring due process is followed when allegations arise.
Nigeria News (Standard)
LPPC Shortlists 89 Lawyers Nationwide for 2026 SAN Conferment
Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee unveils candidates for Senior Advocate of Nigeria title; final selection expected in coming months
Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee unveils candidates for Senior Advocate of Nigeria title; final selection expected in coming months
The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) has released a shortlist of 89 lawyers across Nigeria as candidates for the conferment of the prestigious Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) rank in 2026. The announcement was made public on Wednesday, 24 June, with the full list now available for scrutiny by legal stakeholders and the general public.
According to the LPPC, this shortlist represents a major step in the annual process that determines which legal practitioners will be elevated to the rank of SAN, regarded as one of the highest honours in Nigeria’s legal profession. The committee stated that those shortlisted have met initial eligibility criteria and will now undergo further screening and interviews before final approval is granted.
The conferment of SAN is considered significant within Nigerian legal circles, as it symbolises professional excellence and is often a prerequisite for leadership roles in the judiciary and private practice. Each year, lawyers from various states submit applications, which are then reviewed by the LPPC based on experience, courtroom performance, and integrity. The process aims to promote merit while also ensuring regional representation within the senior bar.
With this development, legal observers expect robust discussions within the profession regarding transparency and equity in the selection process. In previous years, some stakeholders have called for reforms to ensure wider access to the SAN title beyond major urban centres such as Lagos and Abuja. The LPPC has assured that due diligence will be observed throughout all stages leading up to the final announcement.
The next phase involves a review of petitions or objections against any candidate on the shortlist before a final list is published later in the year. Successful applicants will be formally decorated at a ceremony scheduled for 2026. The LPPC urged members of the public with credible information about any candidate’s suitability or otherwise to submit their input during this period.
Nigeria News (Standard)
AFN Invites 29 Athletes to Abuja Camp as Ese Brume Returns for Commonwealth Games Preparation
Athletes selected from Lagos trials and overseas records; camp opens June 25 ahead of Glasgow 2026 Games
Athletes selected from Lagos trials and overseas records; camp opens June 25 ahead of Glasgow 2026 Games
The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has invited 29 athletes, including Olympic medallist Ese Brume, to the National Sports Commission (NSC) Commonwealth Games camp in Abuja, as preparations intensify for the 2026 Games scheduled to hold in Glasgow, Scotland. The invitation, announced on Monday, follows the conclusion of national trials at Yabatech Sports Complex, Lagos, and consideration of current records from athletes unable to attend due to visa challenges.
According to AFN Secretary-General Israel Inwang, the selected team comprises 14 male and 15 female athletes drawn from performances at the recent Lagos trials as well as verified results from overseas-based competitors. The invited athletes have been directed to report at the NSC national camp in Abuja starting Thursday, June 25, for an intensive build-up programme targeting podium finishes at the Games.
This year’s athletics contingent will represent Nigeria in 18 events across track and field disciplines, including all three scheduled relays: men’s 4 × 100 metres, women’s 4 × 100 metres, and mixed 4 × 400 metres. The AFN emphasised that selection was based on merit and recent form, aiming to assemble a competitive squad capable of improving on Nigeria’s previous showing at international competitions.
In a statement released by AFN President Tonobok Okowa, the federation expressed confidence in the abilities of both athletes and technical crew. Okowa urged all invitees to exhibit discipline and commitment while assuring them of necessary support from the federation. “We are expecting all invited athletes and officials to resume camp as scheduled so we can achieve our goals for Glasgow,” Inwang added.
With barely a month left before the opening ceremony in Scotland, stakeholders are hopeful that early camping will give Team Nigeria an edge over regional rivals. The full list of invited athletes includes both home-based talents and those competing abroad who were unable to attend Lagos trials due to travel restrictions.
Source: https://guardian.ng/sport/ese-brume-returns-as-afn-list-29-athletes-for-camp/
Nigeria News (Standard)
Viral Video in Unspecified Northern State Shows Armed Men Passing Police, Sparks Security Debate
Social media reactions highlight deepening fears over banditry as Nigerians question police tactics and government response
Social media reactions highlight deepening fears over banditry as Nigerians question police tactics and government response
A video circulating widely on social media has allegedly captured a group of heavily armed men moving past police officers in an unidentified northern Nigerian community, drawing strong reactions and renewed concern over insecurity. The footage, which emerged on Monday, shows the armed group travelling through a populated area while visibly outnumbered police officers stand nearby. The exact location and circumstances remain unverified as at press time.
The viral clip quickly became a topic of intense debate among Nigerians online. Many users voiced alarm about the country’s ongoing security challenges, especially in states like Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, Sokoto and Niger where bandit attacks and kidnappings have persisted despite military operations. Some viewers accused government of failing to address the situation effectively, while others defended the officers seen in the video, citing the overwhelming firepower of the armed men compared to the limited number of policemen present.
One social media user commented that “the police guy was hailing them like he knew them,” expressing frustration at what was seen as a lack of resistance. Another wrote, “Tinubu and his APC government doesn’t have the political will to end insecurity in Nigeria… Just look at this nonsense.” In contrast, some users argued that expecting two officers to confront a large armed group would be unrealistic and dangerous. “What would you have the 2 Police Officers do? They were literally outnumbered, and needed to stay alive,” another user wrote.
The incident has reignited conversations about rising insecurity across northern Nigeria and beyond. Many citizens are calling for more effective security measures and accountability from authorities. Some went further by alleging government complicity in the attacks without providing evidence, reflecting growing mistrust among segments of the population.
As at now, neither federal nor state security agencies have issued an official statement regarding the video or its context. Previous incidents involving armed groups have led to calls for better equipment and support for frontline police and military personnel. Security analysts say that unless more proactive steps are taken by government at all levels—including improved intelligence gathering and local community engagement—banditry and violent attacks may continue to threaten lives across affected regions.
LPPC Shortlists 89 Lawyers Nationwide for 2026 SAN Conferment
AFN Invites 29 Athletes to Abuja Camp as Ese Brume Returns for Commonwealth Games Preparation
Sẹnetị Kwupụtara Mmezi Iwu Ala Maka Iwulite Ụlọ Ọrụ Ndị Uweojii Steeti Na Nigeria Dum
Viral Video in Unspecified Northern State Shows Armed Men Passing Police, Sparks Security Debate
Bellingham, Koulibaly, Kane Named in 2026 World Cup Worst XI for Matchday 2
Ndị Ọha Naa N’ibu Ibu Ọnụ Ahịa Ọrụ Ndụ Kwa ụbọchị N’agbanyeghị Ego Gọvanmentị Na-akọta Bawanyela
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Environment Minister Urges Increased Investment in Nigeria’s Green Economy Ahead of Global Climate Summit
Gọvanmenti Nigeria Kwupụtara 53 Orù Anyanwụ Maka Ike Ọhụrụ N’iru Afọ 2050
Moniepoint Graduates Second DreamDevs Cohort in Lagos to Strengthen Nigeria’s Engineering Workforce
Lagos FMCG Giants Record ₦18.9bn Rise in Production Costs, Earnings Hit by Inflation in Q1
FG Launches $500m Abuja Formula 1 Bid, Targets Africa’s First Grand Prix Since 1993
Lagos Residents Spend Over ₦50bn on US Visa Applications Amid Tighter Entry Rules
Fresh Romance Rumours Trail Lando Norris as Alix Earle Sparks Drama in Monaco
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Lagos Police Arrest Doctor, Birth Attendant Over Alleged Sale of Newborn for ₦2.5m
