Nigeria News (Standard)
Ex-NAPTIP DG Condemns Assault on 10-Year-Old Boy in Anambra, Demands Swift Justice
Former agency head calls for urgent investigation as child abuse case sparks outrage in South-East state
Former agency head calls for urgent investigation as child abuse case sparks outrage in South-East state
A former Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has condemned the reported assault of a 10-year-old boy in Anambra State, urging authorities to ensure prompt justice for the victim. The incident, which took place in one of the state’s communities, has drawn widespread concern from child rights advocates and local residents.
According to information released on Friday, the ex-NAPTIP chief expressed deep worry over the alleged attack, describing it as a violation of Nigeria’s Child Rights Act. The details surrounding the assault remain unclear, but calls have intensified for police and social welfare officials in Anambra to investigate the matter without delay and bring any perpetrators to book.
The case highlights persistent challenges facing children in some parts of Nigeria, where reports of abuse and neglect continue despite existing legal protections. Stakeholders have repeatedly warned that such incidents undermine efforts to guarantee child safety across South-East states and beyond.
In a statement, the former NAPTIP Director-General stressed that all children are entitled to protection under Nigerian law and called on relevant agencies to act swiftly. “Justice must not only be done but seen to be done in cases like this,” the ex-agency head stated. Child protection groups echoed this sentiment, urging government at both state and federal levels to prioritise enforcement of child rights legislation.
As at press time, it was not clear if arrests had been made in connection with the assault. Authorities are expected to provide updates as investigations progress. The situation continues to generate discussion among community leaders and advocacy organisations focused on safeguarding children’s welfare.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Abuja Court Jails Bandit Leader’s Mother, Sister for 40 Years Each Over Terrorism Support
Federal High Court rules against relatives of Kachallah Ibrahim Battujo as government intensifies mass trial of terrorism suspects nationwide
Federal High Court rules against relatives of Kachallah Ibrahim Battujo as government intensifies mass trial of terrorism suspects nationwide
A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has sentenced Safiya Salihu and Halima Abdullahi, the mother and sister of notorious bandit leader Kachallah Ibrahim Battujo, to 40 years imprisonment each after finding them guilty of terrorism-related offences. The judgment was delivered on Wednesday as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks aiding insecurity across Nigeria.
According to court proceedings, both women were convicted for aiding Battujo’s terrorist activities by sharing sensitive information with him through phone calls and failing to report his operations to law enforcement agencies. Justice Hauwa Yilwa stated that their actions violated Section 26 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, which mandates strict penalties for anyone found supporting or concealing terrorist activity.
The conviction comes amid a broader crackdown by the Federal Government targeting not just armed groups but also those who provide logistical, financial or informational support. In recent months, courts have handed down prison sentences ranging from 20 to 40 years to several individuals accused of assisting terrorist organisations. Some have received death sentences for more severe offences such as arms trafficking and direct involvement in attacks.
Security agencies welcomed the judgment, describing it as a warning to those who help sustain criminal operations regardless of family ties. “This ruling sends a strong message that no one is above the law when it comes to terrorism,” said a senior security official in Abuja who spoke on condition of anonymity. The government has indicated that prosecutions will continue until all collaborators are brought to justice.
With over 500 suspects currently facing trial in what officials describe as Nigeria’s largest counter-terrorism prosecution exercise, authorities say they are determined to ensure accountability and deter would-be accomplices. The conviction of Battujo’s relatives is seen as reinforcing government’s resolve that anyone found aiding terrorist networks will face severe consequences, regardless of their relationship with the perpetrators.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Ekiti Ex-Governors Endorse Oyebanji for 2026, Boosting Second Term Ambition
Political heavyweights in Ekiti rally behind APC incumbent, as opposition strategises for upcoming governorship election
Political heavyweights in Ekiti rally behind APC incumbent, as opposition strategises for upcoming governorship election
Former Governors of Ekiti State have publicly endorsed incumbent Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s bid for a second term, setting the stage for a heated contest ahead of the 2026 governorship election. The endorsements, which came during a stakeholders’ meeting in Ado-Ekiti on Friday, signal increased backing within the All Progressives Congress (APC) and could influence voter sentiment across the South-West state.
The event saw major APC stalwarts and key political actors pledging support for Oyebanji, as party leaders emphasised unity and continuity. Although details of the meeting’s resolutions were not disclosed, observers noted that open support from former governors could sway undecided party members and neutral voters. However, some party insiders cautioned that endorsements alone may not guarantee victory, citing the state’s history of competitive elections.
Ekiti has often witnessed intense political rivalry between APC and opposition parties, particularly the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). With the next poll approaching, analysts say Oyebanji’s endorsement by his predecessors may strengthen his campaign machinery but will also attract heightened scrutiny from both aggrieved APC factions and PDP strategists preparing their own candidates. The last governorship election in Ekiti was closely contested, reflecting deep political divisions within the state.
In response to the endorsements, some opposition figures insisted that only performance and popular support can secure electoral success. “What matters is not just who is backing you but what you have done for Ekiti people,” one PDP chieftain said. APC officials maintained that continuity would allow ongoing programmes to reach completion, while opposition voices called for greater focus on governance outcomes rather than political alliances.
As party primaries draw near, all eyes are on how Oyebanji will consolidate his base amid changing alliances. Political observers predict a lively campaign season with high stakes for all sides. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has yet to release detailed guidelines for the 2026 election.
Nigeria News (Standard)
NAFDAC Seizes Smuggled Vegetable Oil, 40,000 Cartons of Soap in Warri Operation
Agency officials intercept consignment of unregistered products; warn importers against violating food and drug safety regulations
Agency officials intercept consignment of unregistered products; warn importers against violating food and drug safety regulations
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has confiscated a large consignment of smuggled vegetable oil and about 40,000 cartons of soap during an enforcement operation in Warri, Delta State, on Friday. The agency said the products were brought into the country without proper registration or approval.
According to NAFDAC officials involved in the operation, the seizure followed intelligence reports about the illegal movement of consumer goods through Delta State. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the vegetable oil brands did not meet safety requirements, while the soap cartons lacked necessary documentation from regulatory authorities. The items were immediately removed from distribution channels to prevent their sale to unsuspecting consumers.
NAFDAC stated that such enforcement actions are part of ongoing efforts to safeguard public health and maintain standards in the food and household product sector. Unregulated imports have been linked to cases of substandard or adulterated goods in Nigerian markets, posing risks to buyers across different states.
The agency warned importers and distributors to ensure all products comply with NAFDAC’s registration procedures before bringing them into Nigeria. “Any individual or company found contravening these laws will face full prosecution as provided by existing regulations,” an official said.
NAFDAC urged members of the public to report suspicious products or activities in their communities as part of a collective effort to ensure only safe and certified goods reach consumers nationwide.
Abuja Court Jails Bandit Leader’s Mother, Sister for 40 Years Each Over Terrorism Support
Ekiti Ex-Governors Endorse Oyebanji for 2026, Boosting Second Term Ambition
NAFDAC Seizes Smuggled Vegetable Oil, 40,000 Cartons of Soap in Warri Operation
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