Nigeria News (Standard)
Abuja Court to Rule on Admissibility of Emefiele’s Statements in Alleged $4.5bn Fraud Case
Judge to determine if ex-CBN governor’s written confessions while in EFCC custody can be used as evidence
Judge to determine if ex-CBN governor’s written confessions while in EFCC custody can be used as evidence
A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has announced it will soon decide whether statements made by former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, during his detention by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), are admissible in the ongoing trial over alleged $4.5 billion fraud. The court session took place on Friday, June 26.
The case centres around allegations that Emefiele, while serving as CBN Governor, was involved in transactions totalling $4.5 billion that authorities describe as fraudulent. At the latest hearing, prosecution and defence lawyers argued over the legal status of statements Emefiele wrote while being held by the EFCC. The court reserved ruling on whether these statements could be accepted as evidence in the trial.
The issue of admissibility is considered significant, given its potential impact on the prosecution’s case and Emefiele’s defence. Legal observers note that cases involving high-profile financial crimes have often hinged on such procedural matters in Nigerian courts, affecting both outcomes and public perception.
The EFCC maintains that due process was followed in obtaining Emefiele’s statements, insisting they were made voluntarily during lawful custody. Defence counsel countered that the former CBN governor was under duress at the time, arguing that any statement given under such conditions should not be admitted as evidence. The judge adjourned to deliver a ruling on the matter at a later date.
The outcome is expected to shape subsequent proceedings in one of Nigeria’s most closely watched corruption cases involving a top financial sector official. The next court date will see parties return for either continuation of trial or further argument depending on the judge’s decision regarding admissibility.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Peter Obi Urges Suspension of State Police Implementation, Cites Security Risks
Labour Party chieftain warns against hasty rollout, calls for national dialogue on police reforms
Labour Party chieftain warns against hasty rollout, calls for national dialogue on police reforms
Former presidential candidate and Labour Party (LP) stalwart, Peter Obi, has called for the immediate suspension of state police implementation across Nigeria, warning that the current security landscape is not conducive for such a move. Obi made this known on Friday, 26 June 2026, during a public address in Lagos, where he highlighted the potential risks involved.
Obi argued that rolling out state police under existing political and institutional conditions could worsen insecurity rather than solve it. According to him, some state governments may deploy newly created police forces to suppress opposition and settle political scores instead of addressing crime. “Until there are comprehensive reforms and proper safeguards in place, introducing state police will only deepen our problems,” he said.
The push for state police has gained momentum in recent months as insecurity persists in various parts of the country. Proponents argue that decentralising policing will improve response times and community engagement, especially in states facing banditry and kidnapping. However, critics like Obi maintain that without strong oversight mechanisms, state-controlled forces could be abused by powerful interests.
Obi emphasised the need for a national conversation involving all stakeholders before any major restructuring of security architecture is undertaken. He called on President Bola Tinubu’s administration to prioritise constitutional amendments and independent oversight agencies as prerequisites for effective policing reform. “We must avoid creating more problems in our quest to solve one,” he added.
The federal government has yet to respond formally to Obi’s position. Meanwhile, some lawmakers from the All Progressives Congress (APC) have continued to advocate for quick passage of bills supporting state policing. The debate is expected to intensify at the National Assembly as security remains a top concern for millions of Nigerians.
Nigeria News (Standard)
NHRC Urges Immediate Action to Curb Drug Abuse Among Youths Nationwide
Commission raises alarm on rising substance abuse, calls for government intervention and stronger enforcement measures
Commission raises alarm on rising substance abuse, calls for government intervention and stronger enforcement measures
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called for urgent steps to address the growing problem of drug abuse among Nigerian youths, warning that the trend poses a serious threat to public health and national development. The commission made this appeal on Friday, 26 June, highlighting the situation during a public statement in Abuja.
According to NHRC, recent observations indicate a worrying increase in substance abuse across various states, with many young Nigerians turning to illicit drugs due to unemployment, social pressures, and lack of awareness about the dangers involved. The commission stressed that immediate government intervention is needed to prevent further escalation of the crisis.
The NHRC emphasised that drug abuse not only endangers the lives of young people but also contributes to rising crime rates and undermines the country’s socio-economic progress. “We are seeing more cases of addiction and related offences among youths,” the commission noted, urging relevant authorities at federal and state levels to prioritise prevention programmes, rehabilitation centres, and stricter enforcement of existing laws.
While commending ongoing efforts by some agencies and civil society organisations, the NHRC insisted that a coordinated national response is required. The commission called on security agencies to intensify their crackdown on drug trafficking networks while advocating for increased funding for mental health services. No official response from the Ministry of Health or the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) was available as at press time.
Stakeholders are expected to meet next month in Abuja for a national summit on youth development where drug abuse prevention will be among key agenda items. The NHRC said it will continue monitoring government responses and push for policies that protect vulnerable populations from the dangers of substance misuse.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Davido Launches First 2026 Single ‘I Know Who I Be’ With South African Collaboration
Afrobeats star teams up with Jazzwrld and GL_CeeJay; track available on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube
Afrobeats star teams up with Jazzwrld and GL_CeeJay; track available on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube
Nigerian Afrobeats singer David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, released his first single of 2026, ‘I Know Who I Be’, on Friday, collaborating with South African producer Jazzwrld and artiste GL_CeeJay. The new track became available across major streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music.
The single marks Davido’s first recorded collaboration with both Jazzwrld and GL_CeeJay. Davido announced the release via his official social media accounts, sharing artwork from the single and clips from the accompanying music video to engage his fans.
‘I Know Who I Be’ is produced with a vibrant three-step sound, blending Afrobeat influences with unique elements contributed by the featured South African artistes. The track’s energetic rhythm and cross-border collaboration highlight Davido’s continued effort to expand his musical influence across Africa.
Davido remains one of Nigeria’s most influential musicians, consistently using his platform to promote African music on the global stage. His new release is expected to attract attention from both Nigerian and international audiences, reflecting ongoing trends in the Afrobeats genre where cross-country collaborations are becoming more prominent.
As at Friday, there has been no official statement from Davido’s management on upcoming album plans or further collaborations for the year. However, industry analysts say this release could signal more projects involving other African acts in 2026.
Source: https://guardian.ng/life/davido-releases-first-2026-single-i-know-who-i-be/
Peter Obi Urges Suspension of State Police Implementation, Cites Security Risks
NHRC Urges Immediate Action to Curb Drug Abuse Among Youths Nationwide
Davido Launches First 2026 Single ‘I Know Who I Be’ With South African Collaboration
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