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 Opens Final Debate on State Police Bill in Abuja
Proposed law sparks renewed arguments over security decentralisation as lawmakers weigh implications for states and federal control
Proposed law sparks renewed arguments over security decentralisation as lawmakers weigh implications for states and federal control
The Nigerian Senate commenced the final debate on the state police bill at the National Assembly complex in Abuja on Wednesday, 24 June 2026. Lawmakers across party lines engaged in spirited discussions regarding the proposed constitutional amendment aimed at allowing individual states to establish and manage their own police forces.
During plenary, senators reviewed the bill’s clauses, which seek to shift policing powers from exclusive federal control to a shared responsibility with state governments. Proponents argued that enabling state police would improve responses to rising insecurity, particularly at local government level. Opponents raised concerns about potential abuse by state governors and possible threats to national unity.
The renewed push for state police follows persistent insecurity nationwide, including bandit attacks and kidnappings in the North-West and South-East zones. Security analysts have repeatedly called for decentralised policing, saying it could help address community-level crimes more effectively than the current centralised system.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio (APC, Akwa Ibom North-West) presided over proceedings. Some lawmakers expressed reservations about funding and oversight mechanisms for state police commands. Others cited past incidents where local security outfits were allegedly misused for political purposes. The House of Representatives is also expected to consider a parallel version of the bill this week.
The Senate will continue clause-by-clause consideration before a final vote scheduled for next week. If passed by both chambers and approved by two-thirds of state assemblies, the bill will amend Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution. Supporters believe it could mark a major shift in Nigeria’s security architecture, while critics warn that careful safeguards are needed to prevent misuse at sub-national level.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Delta Pastor Urges Men in Warri to Embrace Romance in Marriages
Cleric advises husbands to show affection and support at local event, highlights importance of emotional connection
Cleric advises husbands to show affection and support at local event, highlights importance of emotional connection
A pastor in Warri, Delta State, on Wednesday called on men to adopt more romantic approaches in their marriages, stressing that genuine affection strengthens family bonds. Speaking at a local gathering attended by residents and community leaders, the cleric advised husbands to go beyond traditional roles and prioritise emotional connection with their wives.
The pastor, whose name was not disclosed at the event, encouraged men to express love openly and support their partners through both words and actions. He noted that many marriages in Nigeria suffer due to lack of communication and mutual understanding, adding that romance is not limited to material gifts but also includes respect, listening, and sharing daily experiences.
This advice comes at a time when relationship experts across the country have raised concerns about increasing marital disputes linked to emotional neglect. With shifting societal expectations and economic pressures affecting family life, religious leaders are playing a growing role in promoting healthy relationships within Nigerian homes.
The pastor’s remarks were well received by attendees, some of whom shared personal testimonies about the positive impact of affection and communication in their own marriages. Community elder Chief Monday Igho said such guidance is timely for young couples facing modern challenges. “We need more of these teachings so our sons will know how to treat their wives better,” Igho stated during the session.
Organisers say they plan to hold similar sessions across Delta State to further educate men on building stronger families through love and understanding.
Nigeria News (Standard)
US Embassy in Abuja Outlines Steps for Americans Replacing Lost Passports in Nigeria
Mission urges prompt action as US citizens in Lagos and Abuja advised to obtain police reports for lost documents
Mission urges prompt action as US citizens in Lagos and Abuja advised to obtain police reports for lost documents
The United States Mission has issued a fresh advisory to American citizens residing in Nigeria, detailing the procedures for replacing lost or stolen passports in Abuja and Lagos. The guidance, released on Monday by officials from both the US Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate General in Lagos, comes amid increased travel activity and concerns over document security.
According to the mission, affected US citizens are expected to promptly report incidents of passport loss or theft and begin the replacement process through official channels. The advisory states that while applicants are encouraged to obtain a police report from the station closest to where the incident occurred, this step may not be compulsory for every case.
To initiate the replacement, applicants must book an in-person appointment at either the embassy in Abuja or the consulate in Lagos. Requirements include completing Form DS-11 (application for a US passport) and Form DS-64 (report of lost or stolen passport). Additionally, applicants will be required to present proof of US citizenship, a valid form of identification, and a recent passport photograph that meets US specifications.
Officials stressed that timely reporting is essential to avoid disruptions to travel plans. The mission also reminded US citizens that failure to follow the outlined procedures could delay their ability to return home or continue travel. No comment was available from Nigerian immigration authorities as at press time regarding collaboration on these cases.
The advisory comes at a time when international travel has seen an uptick among dual nationals and expatriates living within Nigeria’s major urban centres. The embassy reiterated its commitment to providing consular assistance, stating that affected individuals should consult its official website for appointment bookings and further instructions.
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