Nigeria News (Standard)
House of Representatives Sets Thursday Vote on State Police Proposal
Move marks key stage in constitutional amendment process as lawmakers debate decentralising security powers to states
Move marks key stage in constitutional amendment process as lawmakers debate decentralising security powers to states
The House of Representatives will conduct a vote on Thursday in Abuja to determine whether state governments across Nigeria should be empowered to establish their own police forces. This significant step forms part of ongoing efforts to amend the constitution and address long-standing calls for decentralised policing amid persistent security challenges nationwide.
The decision to schedule the vote follows a series of committee deliberations and closed-door consultations among lawmakers from various geopolitical zones. The proposed amendment, if passed, would allow each state government to create and control its own police service, ending decades of exclusive federal command over policing in Nigeria. Members are expected to cast their votes individually, with results determining if the proposal advances to the next legislative stage.
Debate over state police has intensified in recent years as insecurity—including armed banditry, kidnapping, and farmer-herder clashes—continues to affect communities from Zamfara and Kaduna in the North-West to Ondo and Ekiti in the South-West. Supporters argue that locally controlled police will respond more effectively to grassroots security needs, while opponents warn about potential abuse by state governors and fears of political interference.
A senior lawmaker said preparations were underway for Thursday’s session, stressing the importance of broad consensus. “We have consulted widely with stakeholders from all parties and regions. Nigerians want improved security,” he noted. However, some opposition members expressed reservations about states’ readiness for such responsibility, citing concerns over funding and oversight mechanisms.
If approved by a two-thirds majority in the House of Representatives, the measure will move on to the Senate for concurrence before it can become law. The outcome is expected to set the tone for further constitutional reforms regarding federalism and security architecture in Nigeria.
Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/886565-reps-to-vote-on-state-police-thursday.html
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.
EFCC Tells Abuja Court Ethiopian Airlines Jet Was Used for Nigeria Air Unveiling in Sirika Fraud Case
UEFA Appoints Omar Artan to Officiate Super Cup After World Cup Snub
Super Eagles Ranked Second-Highest Among Teams Missing 2026 FIFA World Cup
Super Eagles Hold Firm at 26th in FIFA Rankings Despite World Cup Absence
Senate Orders Arrest of Bandits Flaunting ₦100m Cash on TikTok in Kogi
Access Holdings Appoints Managing Directors for Two Key Subsidiaries in Lagos
Federal Government Declares Friday Public Holiday for Democracy Day Celebration
Ex-NNPCL Boss Kyari Challenges Senate Arrest Warrant Over Absence at Abuja Hearing
Osun Governor Adeleke Escapes Injury as Podium Collapses During Ijebu-Jesa Rally
Lagos Receives 268 Nigerians as Federal Government Begins South Africa Evacuation Over Xenophobia
FG Launches $500m Abuja Formula 1 Bid, Targets Africa’s First Grand Prix Since 1993
Gọvanmenti Nigeria Kwupụtara 53 Orù Anyanwụ Maka Ike Ọhụrụ N’iru Afọ 2050
Why More Nigerians Are Searching for Casino Bonuses—and What You Should Know Before Claiming
Fresh Romance Rumours Trail Lando Norris as Alix Earle Sparks Drama in Monaco
Moniepoint Graduates Second DreamDevs Cohort in Lagos to Strengthen Nigeria’s Engineering Workforce
Somali Referee Omar Artan Blocked From US World Cup Over Visa Row, Misses Dream Debut
Borno State Records 74 Deaths as Cholera Outbreak Overwhelms Health Facilities
Federal Government Launches Mining Grants for Research and Exploration Across Nigeria
House of Representatives Sets Thursday Vote on State Police Proposal
