Nigeria News (Standard)
Ghana President Mahama Condemns Canada’s Ban on Partey, Vows Legal Challenge
Ghana’s Foreign Ministry describes Canada’s refusal of entry to Thomas Partey as ‘high-handed and unfair’ ahead of World Cup opener
Ghana’s Foreign Ministry describes Canada’s refusal of entry to Thomas Partey as ‘high-handed and unfair’ ahead of World Cup opener
President John Dramani Mahama has strongly criticised Canadian authorities after Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey was denied entry into Canada due to pending rape charges in the United Kingdom, sparking diplomatic tensions just days before Ghana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign kicks off. The incident occurred on Friday, leaving Partey stranded at the team’s base camp in Boston instead of joining his teammates for their opening match against Panama.
According to a statement from Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the government considers the Canadian decision to bar Partey, who plays for Villarreal and is facing legal proceedings in London, as a breach of international protocols. The ministry condemned the move as “high-handed and extremely unfair,” stressing that Partey has not been convicted and insisting that his rights must be respected under global law.
Partey, a former Arsenal midfielder, had been expected to lead Ghana’s Black Stars at the tournament but now faces uncertainty regarding his participation. The rejection of his visa application has put Ghana’s preparations into disarray and raised concerns among football stakeholders about fair treatment for African teams. Officials argue that denying entry based solely on pending charges undermines both due process and Ghana’s sporting ambitions.
President Mahama, addressing journalists on Saturday, affirmed that Ghana would pursue all available legal and diplomatic channels to challenge what he termed a violation of international norms. He stated: “Ghana will not accept this disregard for our national team or for due process. We will ensure our player receives fair consideration.” The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has called on FIFA and relevant bodies to intervene and urged Canada to reconsider its decision.
As at press time, Canadian authorities had not issued any further comment on the matter. The Black Stars’ technical crew is reportedly exploring alternative options should Partey remain unavailable for selection. Meanwhile, football observers across Africa are watching closely as the standoff unfolds ahead of Ghana’s opening fixture.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Toxic Gas Leaks Endanger Residents’ Health and Livelihoods in Rivers State Community
Affected villagers report persistent health issues as environmental authorities face calls for urgent intervention in oil-rich area
Affected villagers report persistent health issues as environmental authorities face calls for urgent intervention in oil-rich area
Residents of a Rivers State community are grappling with toxic gas leaks that have threatened their health and livelihoods, according to an investigation published on Monday. The incident, which has persisted for weeks, has left many villagers reporting respiratory problems and disruptions to farming and fishing activities central to their survival.
The gas emissions were first noticed by community members, who said the strong odour and visible fumes began spreading across farmlands and waterways. Local farmers and fishermen revealed that crops are failing and fish stocks dwindling due to contamination, compounding economic hardship already prevalent in the region. Several households have reported increased cases of coughing, breathing difficulties, and skin irritations among adults and children alike.
This crisis highlights the ongoing environmental challenges facing oil-producing communities in the Niger Delta, where incidents of pollution frequently impact public health and economic activities. Rivers State is one of Nigeria’s major oil-producing areas in the South-South geopolitical zone, with communities often exposed to hazards linked to oil exploration and pipeline operations.
Environmental officials have been notified of the situation, with some promising to investigate the source of the leaks. Community leaders are urging both state authorities and federal agencies responsible for environmental protection to take immediate action. “We cannot continue to live like this,” one local leader said during a meeting with residents. However, as at press time, no formal response from regulatory agencies had been issued.
Affected families are calling for medical support and compensation for losses suffered. As investigations continue, environmental activists say the incident underscores the need for stricter monitoring of oil installations in Rivers State. Stakeholders warn that failure to address these recurring problems could further erode trust between host communities and operators in Nigeria’s vital oil sector.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Adamawa Police Arrest Two Suspected Armed Robbers After Attack in Mubi LGA
Command says suspects were on wanted list since 2025; two accomplices still at large after June 10 incident
Command says suspects were on wanted list since 2025; two accomplices still at large after June 10 incident
The Adamawa State Police Command has apprehended two suspected armed robbers in the Mubi area following a coordinated operation on June 10, 2026. The suspects, identified as Abdulhamid Salihu (also known as Baban Anty) and Bello Yahaya (also known as Baban Yambiyu), were arrested by officers attached to Operation Sanity after a robbery incident at Unguwar Kara in Mubi Local Government Area.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Suleiman Nguroje, the suspects had been on the police wanted list since 2025 for their alleged involvement in multiple criminal activities within the state. Nguroje explained in a written statement that the arrest followed intelligence-led operations involving personnel from both Mubi North and South councils.
The police stated that Salihu and Yahaya, along with two accomplices who are currently at large, allegedly attacked one Mustapha Ali during the incident. The victim was reportedly injured and dispossessed of cash and other valuables during the attack. The Command assured that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspects still on the run.
SP Nguroje reiterated the commitment of Adamawa Police Command to ensure security across all communities in the state. He urged members of the public to continue providing timely information that could assist law enforcement agencies in curbing criminal activities. As at press time, police investigations are ongoing, while the suspects remain in custody pending further action.
The arrest comes amid increased concerns over rising cases of armed robbery and violent crimes in Adamawa State’s northern senatorial zone. Stakeholders have called for sustained patrols and intelligence gathering to deter future attacks and restore public confidence.
Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/police-nab-two-suspected-armed-robbers-in-adamawa/
Nigeria News (Standard)
NGX, Abu Dhabi Exchange Launch Partnership to Attract Middle East Capital to Lagos Market
NGX Group chairman says deal aims to deepen investment in energy, tech and infrastructure sectors across Africa
NGX Group chairman says deal aims to deepen investment in energy, tech and infrastructure sectors across Africa
The Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX Group) and the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) have commenced a strategic partnership designed to channel increased Middle Eastern capital into African markets, with Lagos serving as a key entry point. The announcement was made during an official visit by NGX Group executives to the ADX headquarters in Abu Dhabi on Friday.
According to Dr Umaru Kwairanga, Chairman of NGX Group, the collaboration marks a significant step towards strengthening ties between Africa and Gulf investors. He stated that the Nigerian capital market is focused on building robust alliances with leading regional exchanges, aiming to connect institutional investors from the Middle East with opportunities in fast-growing sectors such as energy, infrastructure, technology, oil and gas across Nigeria and the continent.
The move comes as Nigeria intensifies efforts to position its capital market as an attractive gateway for global investment. Analysts note that foreign direct investment into Nigeria fell sharply in recent years due to currency volatility and security concerns. However, authorities believe strategic partnerships like this could help restore investor confidence, especially at a time when naira exchange rates remain under pressure and inflation is above 30 percent according to National Bureau of Statistics data.
“This engagement marks the beginning of a mutually-beneficial relationship that can unlock new investment flows and strengthen economic ties between Africa and the Gulf region,” Kwairanga said during the meeting in Abu Dhabi. He added that the United Arab Emirates has established a stable investment environment which offers valuable lessons for African emerging markets seeking long-term growth.
Both exchanges are expected to develop frameworks for cross-listings, joint investor roadshows and capacity-building initiatives in coming months. Market watchers say success could lead to greater liquidity on NGX platforms and open up new funding sources for Nigerian businesses operating within critical sectors. The exchanges have not yet provided specific timelines or financial targets for the partnership.
Toxic Gas Leaks Endanger Residents’ Health and Livelihoods in Rivers State Community
Adamawa Police Arrest Two Suspected Armed Robbers After Attack in Mubi LGA
NGX, Abu Dhabi Exchange Launch Partnership to Attract Middle East Capital to Lagos Market
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