Nigeria News (Standard)
FG Denies Scrapping National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies Amid Rumours
Education ministry dismisses circulating claims, assures stakeholders NBAIS remains operational across all Nigerian states
Education ministry dismisses circulating claims, assures stakeholders NBAIS remains operational across all Nigerian states
The federal government has denied recent reports claiming it scrapped the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS), insisting the agency remains fully functional across Nigeria. The clarification was issued in Abuja on Wednesday following widespread rumours suggesting NBAIS had been dissolved or merged with another body.
According to the statement, the Ministry of Education said there was no official directive to abolish NBAIS or alter its mandate. The ministry emphasised that all regulatory and academic activities under NBAIS would continue as normal, urging students, teachers and state governments to disregard any contrary information circulating online or offline.
The National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies is responsible for setting standards and conducting examinations in Arabic and Islamic education at secondary level nationwide. Stakeholders had expressed concern over the alleged scrapping, noting NBAIS’s importance for millions of pupils in northern states and other regions where Islamic education is a core part of the curriculum.
“Government has not taken any decision to scrap or restructure NBAIS,” a senior official said, adding that such decisions require due process involving wide consultations. “We urge all Nigerians to remain calm and continue their academic activities without fear of disruption.”
As at Wednesday, there was no official reaction from major educational unions or opposition parties regarding the rumour. The Ministry of Education advised anyone with questions about NBAIS operations to contact their state education boards or the board’s headquarters in Kaduna. Further updates will be provided if there are changes affecting NBAIS status nationwide.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Ex-Mdzough U Tiv Leader Ihagh Backs State Police, Hails Akpehe’s Emergence in Benue
Ihagh says community-based policing will tackle farmer-herder conflict as Akpehe joins socio-cultural group’s leadership
Ihagh says community-based policing will tackle farmer-herder conflict as Akpehe joins socio-cultural group’s leadership
Chief Iorbee Ihagh, immediate past President General of Mdzough U Tiv Worldwide, has thrown his weight behind the establishment of state police as a solution to grassroots insecurity and persistent farmer-herder clashes in Benue State. Ihagh made this known in a statement issued on Monday, shortly after congratulating Barrister Stephen Aondonam Akpehe on his emergence as Ex-Officio in the group’s new leadership.
According to Chief Ihagh, the introduction of state police will strengthen security responses in communities because officers recruited from local areas have deeper knowledge of the terrain, language, and culture. He argued that this local intelligence would help detect threats early, prevent attacks, and improve coordination among security agencies facing complex security challenges in Benue and other states.
The former Mdzough U Tiv Worldwide leader further emphasised that Akpehe’s appointment comes at a critical period when traditional institutions are expected to support government efforts towards peace and security. He maintained that effective community leadership is essential for promoting peaceful coexistence and driving grassroots initiatives against insecurity.
Ihagh stated, “State police will enable us to respond faster to issues affecting our people. When those who understand our environment are involved, it becomes easier to identify problems before they escalate.”
While commending Akpehe for accepting the new role, Ihagh urged all leaders within the socio-cultural organisation to rally behind initiatives aimed at restoring safety and harmony in Benue communities. The newly constituted Mdzough U Tiv leadership is expected to work closely with state authorities and security agencies as debate over decentralised policing continues nationwide.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Ogun Attorney-General Clears Adeyinka, Ashimiyu in Folunsho Olayinka Death Case
State prosecutors end criminal proceedings after autopsy confirms natural causes; legal team welcomes Attorney-General’s decision
State prosecutors end criminal proceedings after autopsy confirms natural causes; legal team welcomes Attorney-General’s decision
The Ogun State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice has formally cleared Chief (Mrs.) Dorcas Adeyinka and Mr. Suraju Ashimiyu of all criminal allegations related to the death of Ms. Folunsho Olayinka, effectively ending prosecution in the high-profile case. The decision was made public on Tuesday following a comprehensive review of police investigations and medical reports submitted to the Ministry of Justice in Abeokuta.
The case, registered as Charge No. AB/46C/2025, accused Adeyinka and Ashimiyu of conspiracy and acceleration of death under the Ogun State Criminal Code Law. According to a statement from Yakubu Eleto Chambers, solicitors representing the accused, the Attorney-General found no substantive grounds for prosecution after examining witness statements, exhibits recovered by police, and medical findings.
The controversy stemmed from the April 19, 2024, death of Ms. Olayinka. Public attention intensified when police arrested Adeyinka, a known philanthropist in Ogun State, and her husband Ashimiyu, alleging their involvement in suspicious circumstances surrounding Olayinka’s passing. The case raised concerns within the state over accountability in high-profile deaths and prompted calls for transparency from civil society groups.
According to the legal team’s statement, an autopsy conducted by the Chief Pathologist at State General Hospital Mortuary, Ota, on August 21, 2024—supported by follow-up medical reports—confirmed that Ms. Olayinka died from natural causes. This conclusion was central to the Attorney-General’s directive to discontinue all criminal proceedings against both defendants.
With this development, Chief (Mrs.) Adeyinka and Mr. Ashimiyu are expected to be formally discharged from court. Their lawyers welcomed the decision as a vindication of their clients’ innocence and urged members of the public to respect the outcome. The Ogun State Ministry of Justice has not announced any further steps regarding this matter.
Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/ogun-ag-clears-philanthropist-husband-in-folunsho-death-case/
Nigeria News (Standard)
FG Auctions ₦6.15bn Drug Assets in Lagos, Akure as NDLEA Sells Victoria Island Hotel
Estate firms acquire seized properties in major public auction; four assets withdrawn for not meeting reserve price
Estate firms acquire seized properties in major public auction; four assets withdrawn for not meeting reserve price
The Federal Government on Monday concluded the public auction of assets forfeited by convicted drug traffickers, generating over ₦6.14 billion in revenue from high-value properties in Lagos and Akure. The exercise, which took place in Abuja under the supervision of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Federal Ministry of Justice, saw a six-storey luxury hotel on Victoria Island, Lagos sold for ₦5.9 billion—the largest single asset in the auction.
According to Tamarantare Francis Ali-Bozi, Head of Asset Recovery and Management Unit at the Ministry of Justice, a total of four major properties were successfully handed over to new corporate owners after meeting government reserve prices. These include the Victoria Island hotel acquired by Tope Ojo and Tunde Olonishakin Estate Firm; a commercial/residential property in Lekki Phase 1 bought by FSS Limited for ₦219.5 million; a block of flats in Ejigbo secured by A-BNB Global Innovations Limited for ₦104 million; and a residential property in Akure purchased by Fazeen Global Link Limited for ₦29.36 million.
The NDLEA confirmed that all assets auctioned had been permanently confiscated following final court orders linked to high-profile narcotics cases. Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, said four other properties listed for sale did not meet their minimum valuation and were therefore withdrawn from the auction floor. “Those properties will be considered for future disposal once they attract qualifying bids,” Babafemi stated during the bid announcement.
The asset disposal marks one of Nigeria’s most significant recoveries under the Proceeds of Crime Act, reflecting government efforts to deter drug trafficking through aggressive forfeiture measures. Experts say such auctions not only raise funds for public use but also send a message that crime will not pay. The Ministry of Justice assured that proceeds would be remitted into federal coffers for development projects.
With this round concluded, stakeholders expect more asset auctions as court-ordered forfeitures increase amid ongoing anti-narcotics operations nationwide.
Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/ndlea-forfeited-properties-auction-lagos-2026061711284118086
Ex-Mdzough U Tiv Leader Ihagh Backs State Police, Hails Akpehe’s Emergence in Benue
Ogun Attorney-General Clears Adeyinka, Ashimiyu in Folunsho Olayinka Death Case
FG Auctions ₦6.15bn Drug Assets in Lagos, Akure as NDLEA Sells Victoria Island Hotel
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