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EFCC Arrests FAAN Official, Two Others in Kano Over Alleged ₦4.4bn Gold Smuggling

Anti-graft agency says suspects tried to move 22.2kg unprocessed gold and foreign currency through Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport

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Anti-graft agency says suspects tried to move 22.2kg unprocessed gold and foreign currency through Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested a staff of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Ali Baffa, along with two other suspects, Aushabu Nasidi and Mukhtar Muhammad Dan Zaria, for alleged money laundering and illegal smuggling of gold valued at over ₦4.4 billion. The operation took place at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano, on Tuesday, 11 June 2026.

According to EFCC sources, the suspects were apprehended following a surveillance operation ordered by the commission’s chairman across all zonal directorates to intensify monitoring against smuggling activities at Nigeria’s international airports. Baffa, an Inspector in FAAN’s Aviation Security section, was allegedly found concealing 22.2 kilograms of unprocessed gold bars inside his trousers in a bid to evade security checks and illegally export the precious minerals.

The anti-graft agency further disclosed that preliminary investigations also linked the suspects to attempts at moving large sums of foreign currency into the country through the same airport. The arrest comes as authorities step up efforts to curb illicit financial flows and mineral resource smuggling that have cost Nigeria billions in lost revenue.

An EFCC official who spoke on condition of anonymity explained that “the arrests followed strict directives from our chairman for all zones to block every channel used for illegal export of mineral resources and bulk cash movements.” The official added that investigations are ongoing to determine the full network behind the operation. FAAN management has not issued an official comment as at press time.

The suspects are expected to face prosecution once investigations are concluded. The EFCC said it will continue operations at major airports nationwide as part of broader measures to tackle economic crimes and strengthen Nigeria’s compliance with anti-money laundering regulations.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/faan-staff-two-others-in-efcc-net-over-alleged-money-laundry/

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Edo Police Arrest Kidnap Gang, Recover ₦4.5 Million and Weapons in Benin City Abduction

Governor Okpebholo pledges special courts for kidnapping cases after suspect claims security chief supplied firearms

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23 minutes ago

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June 20, 2026

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Governor Okpebholo pledges special courts for kidnapping cases after suspect claims security chief supplied firearms

Operatives of the Edo State Police Command have arrested suspected members of a kidnapping gang in Benin City, recovering over ₦4.5 million in cash, firearms, and a Lexus SUV following the abduction of a woman at the city’s Vegetable Market on 14 June. The operation, which led to the death of one suspect during a gun battle, was confirmed by Commissioner of Police Monday Agbonika on Thursday.

According to police accounts and video evidence from the scene, the gang—comprising four men—carried out a daylight attack using an RX 350 Lexus SUV. They targeted a parked vehicle at the market, shooting its tyre before dragging out two occupants. While the male victim managed to escape, the female was pursued and eventually abducted by the attackers.

One of the suspects, Marvellous Isaac (32), told investigators that his group sourced their weapons from a community security chief in Oredo Local Government Area identified as Liberty. Isaac claimed that fellow gang member Precious—who was killed during police operations—facilitated contact with Liberty and that the security chief received ₦1.5 million from the ₦8 million ransom paid by the victim’s family. Isaac also said that firearms rented from Liberty were used by multiple groups in Benin City.

Commissioner Agbonika stated that intelligence-led efforts by the command’s Intelligence Response Team led to several arrests and the recovery of ₦2.25 million cash believed to be part of the ransom, another ₦2.25 million from crime proceeds, a pump-action shotgun, two live cartridges, a motorcycle and the SUV used in the abduction. He confirmed that investigations into alleged internal sabotage and collusion among local security personnel are ongoing.

Governor Monday Okpebholo (APC) commended security agencies for their swift action during a briefing on Thursday and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fighting kidnapping and violent crime in Edo State (South-South). The governor announced plans to establish special courts dedicated to handling kidnapping and cultism cases for faster prosecution and sentencing. The state government says it will also review community security structures following allegations against local chiefs.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/edo-kidnap-suspect-confesses-we-rented-guns-from-community-security-chief-in-naira8m-abduction-case-2026062016294662086

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Ekiti State Records High Deployment of Voting Materials, Security Ahead of 2026 Polls — Yiaga Africa

Yiaga Africa observes increased presence of electoral materials and security operatives across major Ekiti local governments ahead of governorship election.

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28 minutes ago

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June 20, 2026

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Yiaga Africa observes increased presence of electoral materials and security operatives across major Ekiti local governments ahead of governorship election.

Yiaga Africa, an election monitoring group, has reported a significant deployment of voting materials and security personnel across various local government areas in Ekiti State on Saturday, 20 June 2026, as preparations intensify for the forthcoming governorship election. The group stated that this increased deployment was observed in several parts of the state as at the weekend.

According to Yiaga Africa, the distribution process for sensitive and non-sensitive election materials commenced early, with most polling units in Ado-Ekiti, Ikere, Oye, and other LGAs receiving their allocations before midday. Security operatives—including police officers and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) personnel—were also stationed at key distribution centres to ensure safe passage and prevent disruptions.

The high level of preparation comes amid heightened public interest in the Ekiti governorship contest, which observers say is a litmus test for Nigeria’s South-West zone ahead of the 2027 general elections. Yiaga Africa noted that timely deployment is critical to minimising delays that have previously marred voting processes in the region.

In its preliminary assessment, Yiaga Africa described the logistics so far as “commendable” but urged authorities to sustain momentum through to election day. “Early arrival of materials will boost voter confidence and help INEC maintain credibility,” the group said in its report released on Saturday. No major opposition party statement had been issued regarding logistics as at press time.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is expected to continue monitoring logistics while security agencies maintain patrols across Ekiti State. Stakeholders are hopeful that improved deployment will translate into a smooth and credible electoral process.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/889387-ekitidecides2026-yiaga-africa-reports-high-level-of-voting-materials-security-personnel-deployment.html

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Nigeria News (Standard)

BVAS Device Fails to Verify Some Voters in Ikere, Delays Accreditation Process

Technical hitches reported at several polling units as voters in Ikere, Ekiti State, face verification setbacks

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28 minutes ago

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June 20, 2026

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Technical hitches reported at several polling units as voters in Ikere, Ekiti State, face verification setbacks

The Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) experienced technical issues in Ikere, Ekiti State, on Saturday, leading to difficulties in verifying the faces of some voters during the accreditation process. The incident occurred as residents arrived at various polling units to participate in ongoing electoral activities.

According to reports from the scene, electoral officers struggled with the BVAS device as it failed to recognise the facial features of several eligible voters. Some affected individuals were forced to wait for extended periods while officials attempted multiple scans or explored alternative verification methods.

The BVAS device is a key component of Nigeria’s electoral reforms, designed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to improve transparency and reduce incidents of impersonation and multiple voting. Its failure at polling units in Ikere raises fresh concerns about the readiness and reliability of election technology ahead of major polls.

While INEC officials onsite assured voters that efforts were being made to resolve the glitches, some residents expressed frustration over delays caused by the malfunctioning equipment. As at press time, there was no official statement from INEC headquarters regarding the scope or cause of the technical fault.

Election observers are expected to issue further updates on how these BVAS challenges may affect voter turnout and the overall credibility of results from Ikere. The situation underscores ongoing logistical hurdles faced in deploying digital accreditation tools across Nigeria’s diverse electoral landscape.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/889391-bvas-fails-to-verify-some-voters-faces-in-ikere.html

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