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Nigeria News (Standard)

Bandits Kill Prominent Katsina Businessman After ₦5 Million Ransom Payment in Dandume LGA

Police yet to issue official statement as community mourns; family paid ransom before remains were recovered

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Police yet to issue official statement as community mourns; family paid ransom before remains were recovered

A prominent businessman, Alhaji Bala Sanin Kawo, was killed by armed men after being abducted in Dandume Local Government Area of Katsina State on Monday, 11 June. The incident occurred as Kawo returned from one of his farms near Dantakari town, accompanied by an employee.

According to sources familiar with the situation, the abductors contacted Kawo’s family on 13 June and demanded a ransom. While initial reports suggested the gunmen asked for ₦500 million, residents in the area told our correspondent that the agreed amount was ₦5 million. The family and associates managed to raise the sum quickly and sent representatives to deliver it to the kidnappers.

However, after receiving the money, the armed men directed Kawo’s relatives to a specified location where they found his remains. The fate of his employee who was abducted alongside him has not yet been confirmed as at press time. The police command in Katsina State has not released an official statement regarding the incident.

The killing of Alhaji Bala Sanin Kawo has sparked fear among residents and business owners in Dandume LGA and surrounding communities, highlighting ongoing security challenges faced by people in Katsina State and across Nigeria’s North-West region. Kidnappings for ransom have continued to disrupt daily life and economic activity, with families often forced to raise large sums under pressure.

Efforts to reach Katsina State Police Public Relations Officer for comment were unsuccessful. As at time of filing this report, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack. Community leaders have called for increased security presence in rural areas prone to attacks by armed groups.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/bandits-abduct-kill-prominent-businessman-in-katsina/

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Abuja Court Rejects Ex-Minister Sadiya Umar-Farouq’s Bid to Overturn Arrest Warrant

Former Humanitarian Affairs Minister faces continued EFCC probe as judge upholds arrest order issued in graft case

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June 15, 2026

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Former Humanitarian Affairs Minister faces continued EFCC probe as judge upholds arrest order issued in graft case

A Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed the application by former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Sadiya Umar-Farouq, seeking to set aside the arrest warrant issued against her. The ruling was delivered on Monday, reaffirming the court’s earlier directive for her arrest in connection with an ongoing corruption investigation.

The court had previously granted the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) a warrant to apprehend Umar-Farouq after she failed to honour several invitations regarding alleged financial misconduct during her tenure. On Monday, her legal team argued that due process was not followed in issuing the warrant and requested its reversal, but the presiding judge ruled that the application lacked merit.

Umar-Farouq served as Minister under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, overseeing major social intervention programmes. The EFCC’s probe centres on allegations of misappropriation of funds earmarked for vulnerable Nigerians, a matter that has attracted significant public attention given the scale of government social spending in recent years.

While Umar-Farouq’s counsel maintained that their client was willing to cooperate with investigators, the EFCC argued that repeated non-appearance had hampered progress in the case. The agency has intensified efforts to bring former officials to account, reflecting growing pressure from civil society groups demanding transparency in public office.

With the court’s decision standing, law enforcement agencies are expected to enforce the arrest warrant unless an appeal is filed and granted. This development signals a toughening stance by anti-graft bodies on high-profile cases involving former government officials.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/887956-court-dismisses-ex-minister-sadiya-umar-farouqs-request-to-void-arrest-warrant.html

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Nigeria News (Standard)

British Council Launches Production Phase of Film Lab Africa in Lagos After Major Matchmaking Event

Programme brings together writers, producers and mentors as accelerator initiative enters key stage in Nigeria’s creative sector

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June 15, 2026

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Programme brings together writers, producers and mentors as accelerator initiative enters key stage in Nigeria’s creative sector

The British Council has officially moved Film Lab Africa Phase Two into its production phase, following a major matchmaking event held at the council’s Lagos office on 8 May 2026. The event brought together selected writers, creative producers, mentors and stakeholders to facilitate collaboration and accelerate project development within Nigeria’s dynamic film industry.

According to the organisers, the matchmaking session was designed to pair emerging talents with experienced industry figures, thereby creating new opportunities for cross-disciplinary partnerships. Attendees engaged in one-on-one sessions, group discussions and networking activities aimed at strengthening connections within the sector. The transition into the production phase marks a significant milestone for the accelerator programme, which has focused on capacity-building and talent development since its inception.

Film Lab Africa is part of a broader British Council initiative to support the growth of Nigeria’s creative economy by nurturing homegrown talent and providing access to resources and mentorship. Industry observers say the programme comes at a crucial time as Nollywood continues to expand its global reach while grappling with challenges such as funding gaps, technical capacity and distribution hurdles.

Representatives of the British Council stated that moving into production will allow participants to bring their concepts to life under professional guidance. The council noted that the matchmaking event was well-received by both local and international stakeholders, who praised its focus on practical skills development. No opposition response was provided as at press time.

With production now underway, participants are expected to begin principal photography on their projects in coming weeks. Organisers say they hope this phase will lead to increased visibility for Nigerian filmmakers and contribute positively to the nation’s reputation as a creative powerhouse in Africa.

Source: https://guardian.ng/life/film/film-lab-africa-phase-two-moves-into-production-following-successful-matchmaking-event/

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Nigerian Army Rescues Widow of Ex-Defence Spokesman in Katsina Operation

Troops intensify offensive against armed groups in Batsari LGA, freeing abducted widow of late Major General Rabe Abubakar

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June 15, 2026

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Troops intensify offensive against armed groups in Batsari LGA, freeing abducted widow of late Major General Rabe Abubakar

The Nigerian Army has rescued the widow of late Major General Rabe Abubakar during a recent military offensive against armed men in Batsari Local Government Area of Katsina State. The operation, which took place on Monday, saw troops intensify efforts to dislodge criminal elements responsible for a series of abductions and attacks across the North-West.

According to military sources, the rescue was part of a broader campaign targeting hideouts used by armed men in rural communities around Batsari. The widow, whose name was not immediately disclosed, had been held captive for an unspecified period before her liberation by security forces. Details on whether any ransom was demanded or paid were not provided as at press time.

Katsina State has witnessed a surge in abductions and violent attacks over the past year, with several communities in Batsari and neighbouring LGAs repeatedly targeted. Security analysts say the ongoing military operations are crucial to restoring confidence among residents and reducing the influence of criminal groups operating across the North-West geopolitical zone.

A senior army officer involved in the operation said, “Our troops will continue to pursue all criminals until every abducted citizen regains freedom and peace returns to Katsina communities.” However, families affected by previous abductions say they remain concerned about the safety of their loved ones still in captivity.

The Nigerian Army said its troops would sustain patrols and intelligence-driven raids across affected areas. Authorities urged residents to cooperate with security agencies by reporting suspicious movements. The opposition could not be immediately reached for comments regarding the latest rescue effort.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/887953-rabe-abubakars-widow-rescued-as-military-intensifies-katsina-offensive.html

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