Nigeria News (Standard)
Ex-NBA Chairman Okoko Urges Federal Government to License Civilian Gun Ownership in Anambra
Calls for review of firearms law spark fresh debate as security agencies face criticism over checkpoints and response times
Calls for review of firearms law spark fresh debate as security agencies face criticism over checkpoints and response times
Former Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Idemili Branch, Benjamin Chukwudi Okoko, has called on the Federal Government to allow law-abiding Nigerians to legally own and carry firearms for self-defence, citing the increasing rate of insecurity nationwide. Okoko made this appeal on Thursday in Onitsha, Anambra State, stressing that many residents have become easy targets for armed men due to limited ability to protect themselves.
Okoko argued that government should urgently review the country’s firearms laws and establish a regulated licensing system so responsible citizens can acquire arms for personal protection. ‘Government should liberalise the ownership of arms and ammunition to enable Nigerians procure arms for self-defence against gunmen and bandits,’ Okoko said while addressing journalists in Anambra. He clarified that his proposal was not an invitation to indiscriminate possession of firearms but a measure to empower citizens where security agencies are unable to respond promptly.
The former NBA chairman also criticised the proliferation of security checkpoints across the South-East, alleging that many have become centres of extortion rather than effective crime prevention. He pointed out that personnel from the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Customs Service, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and local vigilante groups now operate numerous roadblocks, resulting in delays for motorists and increased transport costs. According to Okoko, these checkpoints waste commuters’ time, increase fuel consumption, and create hardship for businesses and travellers.
In addition, Okoko condemned repeated cargo inspections by customs officers on goods already cleared at seaports. He said such practices discourage business activities and raise the cost of moving goods within Nigeria. His comments come amid renewed public debate over whether relaxing Nigeria’s strict firearms regulations would improve personal safety or worsen insecurity by increasing weapon circulation.
Nigeria currently operates one of Africa’s toughest firearms licensing regimes under the Firearms Act. The law requires government approval before civilians can possess specified categories of weapons. While supporters of civilian gun ownership say it would help communities facing frequent attacks by armed men, opponents warn it could escalate violence if not properly managed. Security agencies have not issued any official response to Okoko’s suggestions as at press time.
Nigeria News (Standard)
NSCIA Expands National Executive Council to Strengthen Muslim Representation Nationwide
Islamic council increases leadership body size, aims for broader inclusion of stakeholders across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones
Islamic council increases leadership body size, aims for broader inclusion of stakeholders across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones
The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has announced the expansion of its National Executive Council, a move aimed at deepening representation and strengthening the council’s capacity to address Muslim affairs across Nigeria. The development was made public on Monday, 5 October 2026, following a meeting of top council officials in Abuja.
According to the statement released after the meeting, the NSCIA leadership resolved to increase the number of seats on its executive body. The council said this adjustment will allow for greater input from Muslim leaders and scholars from all six geopolitical zones, reflecting the diverse interests and challenges faced by Nigeria’s Muslim community.
The decision comes at a time when many stakeholders in the Islamic community have called for more inclusive governance structures within faith-based organisations. The council noted that as Nigeria’s Muslim population continues to grow and diversify, it is critical that leadership bodies remain responsive to changing realities. The expanded executive is expected to facilitate improved consultation and coordination on religious matters affecting education, social welfare, and interfaith relations.
In its official statement, the NSCIA emphasised that “the expansion will enhance collaboration among stakeholders and ensure that voices from every region are properly represented.” While no specific figures were disclosed regarding the number of new seats or names of new appointees, the council assured members that transparency and merit would guide all selections. Attempts to reach opposition or dissenting voices within the council were unsuccessful as at press time.
The NSCIA said it will release a full list of new executive council members following its next general assembly. Observers say this move could influence policy directions within Nigeria’s wider religious landscape over the coming months.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos Tenant Discovers Landlord’s Father Buried Beneath Living Room After Over a Year
Landlord’s family exhumes remains in Surulere flat, pledges to repair sitting room after tenant expresses shock
Landlord’s family exhumes remains in Surulere flat, pledges to repair sitting room after tenant expresses shock
A Lagos tenant, identified as Mr Bachelor, has revealed he lived for more than a year in a Surulere apartment without knowing his landlord’s late father was buried beneath the living room floor. The discovery was made on September 20, 2026, when members of the landlord’s family visited the property and informed the tenant of their intention to exhume the remains.
According to Mr Bachelor, who shared details of the incident on X (formerly Twitter), he was in his apartment when the landlord’s relatives arrived and disclosed that their late brother—who is also the landlord’s father—had been buried in the middle of his sitting room. “He was buried right in my living room, and I was not aware until they came around today,” he stated.
The family explained that they planned to move the body to another location they had prepared and assured Mr Bachelor that necessary repairs would be made to his sitting room after the exhumation. The tenant noted that he was the first occupant of the newly built house and had spent over a year there before learning about the burial.
The incident has raised fresh concerns among Lagos residents about transparency from landlords regarding property histories. Some social media users responding to Mr Bachelor’s post urged prospective tenants across Nigeria to conduct due diligence before moving into rental properties. Others called for clearer regulations around residential burials and disclosure by property owners.
As at press time, neither local authorities nor tenants’ rights groups have issued official statements on the matter. The landlord’s family has not provided additional comments beyond assurances of repairs. The situation highlights ongoing gaps in property regulation and tenant protection in Lagos State.
Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/man-discovers-corpse-buried-under-living-room-2026100506463406930
Nigeria News (Standard)
INEC to Address Nigerians Nationwide as 2027 Election Countdown Reaches 100 Days
Electoral commission prepares public statement amid growing anticipation for next general polls across all states
Electoral commission prepares public statement amid growing anticipation for next general polls across all states
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced plans to address Nigerians nationwide as the countdown to the 2027 general elections hits the 100-day mark. The development, expected to take place across all states, comes as political parties and voters begin preparations for one of the country’s most significant democratic exercises.
According to information from INEC headquarters in Abuja, the commission will issue a formal statement to outline its readiness and call on citizens to participate actively in the electoral process. This move is seen as part of efforts to assure stakeholders of INEC’s commitment to credible and transparent polls, following widespread debates over electoral integrity in recent cycles.
The announcement is particularly significant given Nigeria’s recent history of tightly contested elections, with issues such as voter turnout, technological deployment, and security logistics taking centre stage. Many Nigerians, especially young voters, have expressed concerns about the credibility of past elections and are watching closely for signals of improvement in 2027.
While details of INEC’s planned address remain under wraps, observers expect the commission’s leadership to emphasise the importance of voter registration, collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and adherence to election guidelines. Political analysts note that early communication from INEC could help build public confidence and encourage broader participation ahead of the polls.
With just over three months before Nigerians return to the ballot box, all eyes are on INEC’s next steps. The commission is likely to face scrutiny from both ruling and opposition parties over its preparations. As at Monday, October 5th, no official response has been issued by major political parties regarding INEC’s planned address.
Nwabali Returns as Okoye Left Out — Iheanacho Leads New-Look Super Eagles Against Russia
NSCIA Expands National Executive Council to Strengthen Muslim Representation Nationwide
Lagos Tenant Discovers Landlord’s Father Buried Beneath Living Room After Over a Year
INEC to Address Nigerians Nationwide as 2027 Election Countdown Reaches 100 Days
Calabar Banker Left Homeless After Funding Family’s Relocation to Canada, Loses Contact With Four Children
Sowore Reveals RCCG’s Pastor Adeboye Prayed for Him in Lagos After Thanksgiving Service
Federal Government’s King’s College Concession Plan Sparks Fresh Criticism in Lagos
Portugal FA President Breaks Silence on Ronaldo’s Post-2026 World Cup Plans — Why the Legend Refused to Retire
Ndidi Admits Frustration After Super Eagles’ Defeat to Guinea-Bissau Leaves Fans Demanding Answers
Portuguese FA President Backs Jorge Jesus Amid Ronaldo Scandal Fallout
Environment Minister Urges Increased Investment in Nigeria’s Green Economy Ahead of Global Climate Summit
Lagos Tech Professionals Earn More Than Oil Workers in 2026 as Dollar Salaries Surpass ₦220m
Lagos Police Arrest Doctor, Birth Attendant Over Alleged Sale of Newborn for ₦2.5m
CBN Kwupụtara Nnweta Ego Ọhụrụ ₦2.09trn OMO Na ₦464.6bn NTB N’ime Ụlọ Akụ N’izu a
NDLEA Auctions Forfeited Lagos Hotel, Properties for ₦6.15bn
Lagos Shop Sparks Debate as Silicone Breast Prostheses Sell for ₦115,000
Ogun Police Kill Two Suspected Kidnappers, Rescue Abducted Victim and Recover ₦2.2m
NBS Reports CIT Drops by 31% Nationwide as VAT Revenue Climbs to ₦2.42trn
Lagos Welcomes 66 South Africa Returnees as Pastor Bolaji Donates ₦100,000 Each
