Nigeria News (Standard)
EFCC Screens Delta Head of Service, Audits State Payroll in Fresh Crackdown on Ghost Workers
Dr. Mininim Oseji confirms anti-graft agency’s visit during Civil Service Week as nationwide probe targets payroll fraud
Dr. Mininim Oseji confirms anti-graft agency’s visit during Civil Service Week as nationwide probe targets payroll fraud
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has launched a comprehensive screening exercise targeting the Delta State Head of Service, Dr. Mininim Oseji, and key officials across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), as part of efforts to expose ghost workers and strengthen the integrity of the state’s civil service payroll. The verification, which began this week in Asaba, comes amid a broader national move against payroll irregularities in public service.
According to Dr. Oseji, who spoke at a press briefing in Asaba on Monday marking the 2026 Civil Service Week themed “Reforms, Resilience and Results”, EFCC operatives visited government offices to scrutinise payroll records, nominal rolls and other employment documents. The exercise is part of a series of checks being conducted in several states to uncover fraudulent salary payments and ensure only legitimate workers are paid by government.
The screening is seen as a response to longstanding concerns about ghost workers—non-existent employees who remain on public payrolls—costing states billions of naira each year. The EFCC’s intervention follows repeated calls from financial experts and anti-corruption groups for stronger oversight of state wage bills. Delta State, like many others in the South-South zone, has faced scrutiny over its personnel management practices and fiscal discipline.
“The EFCC informed us that it is a nationwide exercise with legal backing to investigate suspected financial irregularities within state administrations,” Dr. Oseji stated during the event. She emphasised that Delta government was cooperating fully with federal authorities to guarantee transparency and restore public confidence in the civil service system. No specific figures were disclosed regarding any ghost workers identified so far.
The outcome of the audit will determine whether further disciplinary or legal actions will be taken against culpable officials or if additional reforms are required within Delta’s MDAs. Observers say the ongoing probe could prompt similar crackdowns in other states if significant payroll fraud is uncovered. The EFCC is expected to release preliminary findings once the verification process concludes.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Oyo Police Reassure Families on Swift Release of Abducted Pupils and Teachers
State command renews commitment to rescue operation as community anxiously awaits return of victims
State command renews commitment to rescue operation as community anxiously awaits return of victims
The Oyo State Police Command has given fresh assurance regarding the ongoing efforts to secure the release of pupils and teachers who were abducted in the state. The reassurance came on Monday, 22 June 2026, as families and residents in the affected community continue to await positive news.
According to police authorities, operatives are intensifying their search and rescue operations across identified locations linked to the abduction. The command stated that every available resource is being deployed to ensure that those held captive are freed unharmed and reunited with their loved ones.
The incident has heightened concerns over security in Oyo State, especially among parents and educational stakeholders. Many have called for improved security measures around schools and increased patrols in vulnerable areas. The police have urged members of the public to remain calm and cooperate by providing credible information that could assist investigators.
While the details surrounding the number of abducted persons remain undisclosed, the police reiterated their commitment to resolving the matter swiftly. “We are working round the clock with other security agencies to ensure the safe rescue of all victims,” a statement from the command noted.
The state government is yet to issue a separate statement on the incident as at press time. Meanwhile, security agencies have intensified surveillance in neighbouring communities as part of ongoing efforts to prevent further incidents.
Nigeria News (Standard)
FG Releases Updated Emergency Hotlines for All 36 States and FCT to Boost Rapid Response
Direct state control room numbers, national toll-free codes, and specialised agency contacts published for medical, fire, and security incidents
Direct state control room numbers, national toll-free codes, and specialised agency contacts published for medical, fire, and security incidents
The federal government has unveiled a comprehensive list of emergency hotlines for all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), aiming to improve rapid response to medical, fire, and security emergencies nationwide. The updated directory was released on Saturday, highlighting both national toll-free lines and direct mobile numbers for state police commands and emergency control rooms.
According to the directory, while Nigerians can dial the national 112 toll-free code for immediate assistance in any part of the country, direct 11-digit mobile numbers are also provided for each state’s command centre. These lines are intended to bypass delays often experienced on national switchboards during critical incidents such as health emergencies, fire outbreaks or criminal attacks.
The directory also features dedicated numbers for the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Federal Fire Service (FFS), and domestic violence support units. For example, NEMA can be reached on 0800 22 55 63 62 for disasters such as floods or building collapses, while FFS is available on 0803 200 3557 nationwide.
A breakdown of the contact details shows that every state—including Lagos (with its unique toll-free codes ‘767’ and ‘112’)—has at least one direct-dial number for its police or emergency control centre. Other shortcodes like ‘199’ for Police and ‘122’ for Road Safety remain active across Nigeria. Authorities advise citizens to save both local and national lines to ensure swift access during emergencies.
Officials said publishing the verified contacts is part of ongoing efforts to enhance public safety infrastructure amid rising concerns over delayed first responder deployment. The government urged Nigerians to make use of these lines responsibly and reminded callers that while shortcodes are toll-free, standard network charges apply on full-length mobile numbers. The new directory is expected to reduce response times significantly and ensure that help reaches affected communities faster in times of need.
Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/nigeria-emergency-numbers-state-directory-2026062213515128457
Nigeria News (Standard)
Wizkid Sparks Album Speculation With Paris Listening Party Set for Thursday
Fans in Lagos and beyond react as Grammy-winning singer hints at new project, with reports of event at Cova Club, Paris
Fans in Lagos and beyond react as Grammy-winning singer hints at new project, with reports of event at Cova Club, Paris
Nigerian superstar Wizkid has reignited talk of a new album after posting a cryptic one-word message on X over the weekend, as reports emerged of a listening party scheduled for Thursday, June 25, in Paris. The award-winning artiste, whose real name is Ayodeji Balogun, made the announcement on his verified X account, writing simply: “Album,” without giving further details about title or release date. The development has generated excitement among fans in Lagos and across Nigeria who have been anticipating a follow-up to his last studio album.
Shortly after Wizkid’s post, industry sources began circulating information about a pre-release album listening party set to take place at Cova Club in Paris. According to those familiar with the arrangements, the event is being organised in partnership with Deeds Magazine and will feature performances by DJs Yosa and Gingerboy, hosted by Sina and Rae Grey93. Although neither Wizkid nor his management have officially confirmed the Paris party as at press time, social media activity—including Wizkid’s recent Instagram stories from studios near the Eiffel Tower—has fuelled speculation that part of the new project was recorded in France.
The move mirrors Wizkid’s pattern of minimalistic album rollouts. In 2024, his sixth studio LP ‘Morayo’ was announced with a single tweet on his late mother’s birthday before tracklists and dates were released in subsequent months. Similarly, his collaborative EP with Asake titled ‘Real Vol. 1’ was unveiled during an Apple Music interview without prior notice. Music analysts say this approach keeps fans guessing and builds anticipation ahead of official releases.
Speaking on the current speculation, music commentator Dotun Akande noted that “Wizkid has mastered how to control conversation around his projects by dropping subtle hints and letting fans do the rest.” As at Monday evening, neither Wizkid’s label nor organisers of the reported Paris party had issued an official statement. The singer’s last album ‘Morayo’, released in late 2024 and dedicated to his late mother Jane Dolapo Balogun, was widely praised for its introspective themes but also drew calls from critics for more creative risk-taking.
If confirmed, this would mark Wizkid’s first major solo release since ‘Morayo’. For now, fans are left waiting for further information from the singer or his team regarding title, tracklist or official release date. Industry watchers believe any announcement could come immediately after Thursday’s rumoured event in Paris.
Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/wizkid-new-album-teaser-paris-party-2026062214142474874
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