Nigeria News (Standard)
House of Representatives Passes State Police Bill in Landmark Abuja Session
Legislation aims to decentralise policing powers; move sparks debate over security and constitutional amendment requirements
Legislation aims to decentralise policing powers; move sparks debate over security and constitutional amendment requirements
The House of Representatives on Thursday passed a bill seeking to establish state police across Nigeria, marking a significant step towards decentralising security architecture in the country. The session, which took place at the National Assembly complex in Abuja on 11 June, saw lawmakers vote overwhelmingly in favour of the proposal after prolonged deliberations.
The bill’s passage follows months of pressure from various stakeholders calling for more localised control of security operations amid persistent insecurity in several regions. Lawmakers debated provisions for recruitment, oversight, and funding of the proposed state police forces before agreeing to forward the bill to the next legislative stage.
Advocates argue that state police will enhance rapid response to crime and address peculiar security challenges facing states such as Zamfara, Kaduna, and Rivers. However, critics warn that without strong safeguards, state governors may abuse policing powers for political ends. The legislation also faces hurdles as it requires constitutional amendment, demanding concurrence from two-thirds of Nigeria’s 36 State Houses of Assembly.
Supporters within the House described the move as historic. “This bill represents a bold step towards empowering states to secure their people,” one lawmaker said during plenary. Opposition members urged caution, stressing the need for clear guidelines to prevent potential misuse by state executives.
With the House’s approval secured, attention now shifts to the Senate and state legislatures. If enacted, Nigeria will join countries like the United States and India with multi-level policing systems. Analysts say successful implementation could improve public trust in law enforcement but caution that funding and operational independence will be critical challenges moving forward.
Nigeria News (Standard)
EFCC Tells Abuja Court Ethiopian Airlines Jet Was Used for Nigeria Air Unveiling in Sirika Fraud Case
Investigators say aircraft bore Nigeria Air branding for three days before return to Ethiopia; all accused deny allegations
Investigators say aircraft bore Nigeria Air branding for three days before return to Ethiopia; all accused deny allegations
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday told an FCT High Court in Abuja that an Ethiopian Airlines plane was used for the public unveiling of Nigeria Air during the final days of former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika’s tenure. The revelation came as part of ongoing trial proceedings against Sirika and three others accused of contract fraud linked to the national carrier project.
According to EFCC investigator Christopher Odofin, who appeared as the agency’s twelfth prosecution witness, the aircraft arrived in Abuja on 27 May 2023 and was displayed with Nigeria Air branding until 29 May. Odofin testified that the plane was quickly flown back to Ethiopia after the ceremony, where its markings were removed. He said this arrangement was made under a charter agreement with Ethiopian Airlines for display purposes only, adding that crew members wore Ethiopian Airlines uniforms and local participants were assembled for photographs at the unveiling.
The EFCC maintains that this arrangement forms part of a broader probe into how multiple contracts were awarded under Sirika’s watch at the Federal Ministry of Aviation, specifically targeting decisions around the Nigeria Air initiative. The commission alleges that a company tied to one of Sirika’s associates benefited from these awards. Investigators said they have reviewed electronic communications, including a voice note allegedly sent by Sirika himself, instructing certain contract processes.
Sirika and his co-defendants, which include his daughter and son-in-law, have pleaded not guilty to all charges. Justice Sylvanus Oriji adjourned further hearings in the case to 10 June. During proceedings, EFCC tendered both documentary evidence and digital recordings it plans to rely on as trial continues.
The Nigeria Air project was unveiled at the end of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration as a flagship attempt to revive a national carrier. However, questions soon emerged about compliance with aviation certification requirements after the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority highlighted gaps in readiness. The EFCC has also initiated separate legal action against Sirika in another Abuja court over additional alleged contract fraud.
Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/nigeria-air-efcc-sirika-ethiopian-plane-trial-2026061116042611645
Nigeria News (Standard)
UEFA Appoints Omar Artan to Officiate Super Cup After World Cup Snub
Referee’s selection for European showpiece follows exclusion from last World Cup, raising questions about officiating standards
Referee’s selection for European showpiece follows exclusion from last World Cup, raising questions about officiating standards
UEFA has appointed Omar Artan as the lead referee for the upcoming UEFA Super Cup, marking a return to high-profile duty for the official who was omitted from the last FIFA World Cup. The announcement was made on Thursday by UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland.
Artan, who was not selected among the officials for the recent World Cup tournament, will now take charge of one of Europe’s most prestigious club fixtures. The Super Cup pits the winners of the UEFA Champions League against the Europa League champions and is scheduled to hold later this summer at a yet-to-be-disclosed venue.
His appointment comes after widespread debate within football circles over officiating standards at global tournaments. Many observers had noted Artan’s absence from the World Cup referees’ list and questioned FIFA’s criteria for selection. UEFA’s decision to entrust him with the Super Cup is seen by some analysts as a move to reaffirm confidence in his abilities on the big stage.
While neither FIFA nor UEFA has issued public statements explaining Artan’s omission from the World Cup panel, sources within European football suggest that internal assessments and continental priorities played a role. The latest development signals UEFA’s intention to keep top referees active in high-stakes matches despite global selection dynamics.
The football world will watch closely as Artan takes charge of the Super Cup encounter, with many expecting his performance to influence future appointments at both continental and international levels.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Super Eagles Ranked Second-Highest Among Teams Missing 2026 FIFA World Cup
Nigeria trails only Egypt in latest FIFA ranking of nations absent from North America tournament, highlighting missed opportunity
Nigeria trails only Egypt in latest FIFA ranking of nations absent from North America tournament, highlighting missed opportunity
The Super Eagles have emerged as the second-highest ranked national team not participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to the latest FIFA global football rankings released on Thursday. The announcement places Nigeria just behind Egypt among the notable African footballing nations that failed to secure a spot at the upcoming tournament slated for the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The new rankings were published by FIFA following the conclusion of World Cup qualifying matches across various continents. Nigeria, who had been widely tipped as favourites to qualify from their group, missed out on a ticket after failing to secure enough points during the qualification campaign. Egypt, also a traditional powerhouse in African football, similarly did not make it through.
This development comes as a major disappointment for Nigerian football fans and stakeholders, who had high expectations following the Super Eagles’ strong showing at previous Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournaments and their history of regular World Cup appearances. Nigeria’s absence means West Africa will be represented by other countries such as Ghana and Senegal, while North Africa will rely on Morocco and Algeria.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has yet to issue an official statement in reaction to the rankings or the missed qualification. However, football analysts say the development underscores the need for urgent reforms within the national team set-up. Calls have intensified among supporters for changes in coaching staff and youth development strategies ahead of future competitions.
With global attention now shifting towards preparations for the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup, Nigerian football authorities are expected to review their qualification campaign and chart a new path forward. Stakeholders maintain that building a more competitive squad and improving administrative structures will be crucial if Nigeria is to reclaim its place among world football’s elite at subsequent tournaments.
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EFCC Tells Abuja Court Ethiopian Airlines Jet Was Used for Nigeria Air Unveiling in Sirika Fraud Case
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