Nigeria News (Standard)
Ibadan Parents Seek Review of UK Robbery Conviction as Nigerian Student Awaits Sentencing
Family of Oluwatobiloba Akinrinola claims evidence is circumstantial; sentencing set for July 27 in Nottingham prison
Family of Oluwatobiloba Akinrinola claims evidence is circumstantial; sentencing set for July 27 in Nottingham prison
The family of Oluwatobiloba Akinrinola, a Nigerian student convicted of robbery and blackmail in the United Kingdom, has called for an urgent review of his conviction, insisting their son is innocent. The appeal was made by his parents, Mr. Aderinkola Akinrinola and Mrs. Olayinka Akinrinola, in a statement released in Ibadan on Tuesday following the verdict delivered by a UK court on June 19, 2026.
Oluwatobiloba is currently being held in a Nottingham prison pending his sentencing, which has been fixed for July 27. His parents allege that the conviction was based largely on circumstantial evidence, including his association with the principal suspect and photographic as well as CCTV material presented during trial. According to them, prosecutors relied heavily on an image showing their son with the main suspect, Richile Vagnu, and CCTV footage said to have captured Oluwatobiloba entering the venue where the incident occurred on November 21, 2025.
The family maintains that Oluwatobiloba only met Vagnu shortly after he gained admission into Leicester University in September 2025 and described their relationship as casual. They argue that their son’s presence at the scene was coincidental and not indicative of any involvement in criminal activity. “Our son has no history of crime or misconduct,” Mr. and Mrs. Akinrinola stated.
The case has raised concerns among Nigerians at home and abroad regarding due process for citizens facing legal challenges overseas. Legal experts note that while UK courts generally uphold strict standards of evidence, appeals are possible if there are questions about the fairness of proceedings or reliability of proof presented at trial.
With sentencing scheduled for July 27, the Akinrinola family says they will pursue all available legal avenues to clear their son’s name. Advocacy groups have also urged relevant Nigerian authorities to provide consular support to ensure Oluwatobiloba’s rights are fully protected throughout the process.
Nigeria News (Standard)
EFCC Witness Tells Abuja Court NSTIF Contractors Met All Conditions in ₦2.2bn Fraud Case
Testimony comes as former Labour Minister Ngige faces scrutiny over procurement practices at Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund
Testimony comes as former Labour Minister Ngige faces scrutiny over procurement practices at Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund
A prosecution witness has told an Abuja court that contractors engaged by the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSTIF) fulfilled all requirements in the controversial ₦2.2 billion contract fraud case involving former Minister of Labour, Chris Ngige. The testimony was given on Thursday during ongoing proceedings in the Federal Capital Territory.
According to the witness, whose evidence forms part of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) investigation, the contractors complied with all stipulated guidelines and procurement conditions before their contracts were awarded by NSTIF. The EFCC has alleged irregularities in contract awards during Ngige’s tenure as minister, prompting a high-profile trial that has drawn attention to procurement practices within federal agencies.
The case is significant as it highlights persistent concerns about transparency and accountability in public sector contracting in Nigeria, especially regarding major federal institutions like NSTIF. The anti-graft agency’s probe into the alleged fraud is part of wider efforts to address corruption and recover public funds misappropriated through inflated or improperly awarded contracts.
During Thursday’s hearing, the EFCC’s witness maintained under cross-examination that due process was observed by the contractors, noting that all relevant documents and performance guarantees were provided as required by law. However, defence lawyers have insisted there were no grounds for the fraud allegations, arguing that due diligence was followed throughout the process.
The court adjourned further hearing to a later date for continuation of trial. The outcome is expected to shape ongoing discourse about contract awards and anti-corruption measures in federal ministries, departments and agencies across Nigeria.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Defence Minister Musa Hosts UK Security Delegation in Abuja, Reviews Military Partnership MoUs
UK National Security Adviser leads talks on counter-terrorism and technical training as both nations seek to modernise cooperation
UK National Security Adviser leads talks on counter-terrorism and technical training as both nations seek to modernise cooperation
Nigeria and the United Kingdom have commenced a comprehensive review of their existing Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) on security and defence, focusing on modernising protocols and boosting military capacity-building for the Nigerian Armed Forces. The high-level talks took place in Abuja on Tuesday, led by Defence Minister Gen. Christopher Musa and the UK National Security Adviser, Mr Jonathan Powell.
The UK delegation is currently in Abuja for the fourth edition of the UK-Nigeria Security and Defence Partnership (SDP4) Dialogue. During their meeting with Nigerian defence officials, both sides agreed to deepen collaboration through expanded technical training programmes and enhanced intelligence sharing frameworks.
This renewed engagement comes as Nigeria continues to grapple with evolving security challenges, including insurgency in the North-East, banditry in the North-West, and threats to regional stability across West Africa. Analysts say that stronger international partnerships remain crucial for Nigeria’s military to address complex threats and adapt to modern warfare demands.
Defence Minister Musa reaffirmed Nigeria’s “unwavering commitment” to maintaining a strategic alliance with the United Kingdom. According to Musa, deepening bilateral ties would help address critical issues such as counter-terrorism operations, intelligence exchange, and stabilising volatile regions within Nigeria’s borders. The minister described the dialogue as an opportunity for both countries to review progress on past agreements and chart a new path for future cooperation.
The visiting UK team reiterated its support for Nigeria’s security agenda, stating that ongoing technical assistance would continue under the revised partnership framework. Both parties are expected to conclude their review with an updated set of MoUs outlining specific deliverables in military training and operational support. Further announcements on new joint initiatives are anticipated following the conclusion of this week’s dialogue sessions.
Nigeria News (Standard)
CBN Orders Lagos Banks to Freeze Accounts of 10 Alleged ISIS Sponsors After US Sanctions
Financial institutions have 48 hours to comply as authorities intensify clampdown on terrorism financing networks across Nigeria
Financial institutions have 48 hours to comply as authorities intensify clampdown on terrorism financing networks across Nigeria
The Central Bank of Nigeria has directed all commercial banks and financial institutions in Lagos and nationwide to immediately freeze the accounts and assets of ten individuals and companies accused of financing terrorism, following sanctions imposed by United States authorities. The move was announced in a CBN circular dated June 24, instructing banks to identify, block, and report any funds or resources linked to the named persons within two days.
The directive follows US Treasury sanctions against Lagos-based financier Mukhtar Adamu Muhammad, aged 35, along with three Bureau De Change operators—Nine to Nine Exchange Bureau De Change, Manhattan Bureau De Change, and Generation Currency Bureau De Change—alleged to have channelled funds for Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). According to US authorities, these entities materially supported ISWAP through illicit money transfers. Nigeria’s own Sanctions Committee subsequently added six more individuals and a company—Abbal Bako & Sons Bureau De Change Limited—to the list on June 18.
This latest clampdown marks an escalation in Nigeria’s efforts to disrupt terrorist funding streams. In April, authorities published a separate list of 48 individuals and organisations linked to groups including ISWAP and IPOB, freezing their accounts in partnership with the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit. The CBN instructed banks not only to block all assets but also to retrospectively review past dealings for suspicious activities such as rapid fund movements or transactions with high-risk jurisdictions.
The Sanctions Committee said in a statement that Nigeria remains “resolute in its commitment” to tackling terror finance through international cooperation. Financial institutions must file compliance reports within 48 hours detailing any frozen assets or confirming nil returns. The CBN warned that providing false or misleading information would amount to a regulatory offence.
Security agencies are now working closely with regulators and financial intelligence units as part of ongoing investigations. The apex bank has also mandated banks to heighten monitoring for red flags associated with informal money channels and cross-border transactions tied to designated parties. As at press time, opposition parties had not issued a response.
Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/fg-freezes-assets-alleged-isis-sponsors-nigeria-2026062515300043588
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