Nigeria News (Standard)
Katsina Court Sentences Woman to Death for Smuggling 438 Bullets to Zamfara Bandits
DSS arrest at Jibia Motor Park leads to rare capital punishment verdict as authorities intensify crackdown on arms couriers
DSS arrest at Jibia Motor Park leads to rare capital punishment verdict as authorities intensify crackdown on arms couriers
A Federal High Court in Katsina State has sentenced Hauwa’u Mukhtar to death by hanging after convicting her of smuggling 438 rounds of ammunition intended for a notorious bandit kingpin in Zamfara State. The court delivered its verdict on Monday, following her arrest by Department of State Services (DSS) operatives at Jibia Motor Park on 16 September 2023.
According to the prosecution, Mukhtar was apprehended while attempting to transport 438 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, with intelligence reports indicating the deadly cargo was meant for a bandit leader identified simply as ‘Ado’, who is believed to operate from the Dunburum Forest in Zamfara. The DSS charged her with conspiracy to commit terrorism and aiding terrorist activities.
This case has drawn national attention due to the growing trend of women being recruited by criminal logistics networks supplying arms and ammunition to bandit groups across Nigeria’s North-West region. Security analysts say the successful conviction marks one of the most significant terrorism-linked cases involving a female suspect in recent years, as authorities work to disrupt supply lines fueling insecurity.
Presiding judge, Justice A.B. Bawale, ruled that the prosecution presented overwhelming evidence against Mukhtar, including witness testimonies and physical exhibits of the seized ammunition. The court found her guilty on both counts and imposed the maximum penalty under the Katsina State Penal Code Law, 2021. The defence’s arguments were rejected in their entirety.
Security officials have described Mukhtar’s sentence as a strong deterrent for those aiding armed groups. A senior DSS officer, speaking after the judgment, said: “This should serve as a warning that anyone caught supporting terrorists will face the full consequences of the law.” Legal observers note that Mukhtar’s legal team may yet file an appeal, but authorities maintain that stiffer sentences are needed as part of broader efforts to curtail banditry and restore peace across affected communities.
Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/katsina-female-arms-smuggler-death-sentence-2026061712120510979
Nigeria News (Standard)
JustMarkets Set to Launch SpaceX Stocks CFDs Trading for Nigerian Clients
Online brokerage expands offering, targets local investors with access to SpaceX contract-for-difference products
Online brokerage expands offering, targets local investors with access to SpaceX contract-for-difference products
JustMarkets, a global online trading platform, has announced plans to introduce SpaceX stocks contract-for-difference (CFD) trading to its Nigerian client base. The development, revealed on Wednesday, will allow Nigerian investors to speculate on the price movements of SpaceX shares without owning the underlying asset.
According to JustMarkets, the new product will soon be available on its trading platform, enabling clients in Lagos and across Nigeria to gain exposure to one of the world’s most talked-about private companies. The company said the initiative is part of efforts to broaden investment options for Nigerians amid growing interest in tech-related assets.
SpaceX, founded by Elon Musk, has garnered global attention for its commercial space exploration activities and innovative satellite technologies. Although SpaceX remains a privately held company and is not listed on any major stock exchange, CFDs offer traders an opportunity to benefit from price fluctuations based on secondary market valuations and news events related to the firm.
JustMarkets stated that it will provide detailed information about margin requirements, trading hours and risk disclosures ahead of the launch date. The firm urged potential investors to familiarise themselves with the risks associated with leveraged products like CFDs before participating.
Industry analysts say the move reflects increasing demand among Nigerian retail traders for diversified portfolio options beyond traditional equities and forex. As at June 2026, online trading platforms have seen a surge in activity due to naira volatility and interest in foreign assets. JustMarkets noted that it remains committed to regulatory compliance and investor education as it rolls out new offerings.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Aviation Minister Approves Naira Payment Option for Nigeria’s Aircraft Leasing Firm
FG’s new policy aims to ease forex pressure on local airlines, support sector’s recovery from high operating costs
FG’s new policy aims to ease forex pressure on local airlines, support sector’s recovery from high operating costs
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has announced that Nigeria’s proposed aircraft leasing company will allow domestic airlines to pay for leased aircraft in naira. Keyamo revealed this initiative on Wednesday, 17 June, during a media briefing in Abuja, stating that the policy is designed to reduce the burden of sourcing foreign exchange for local operators.
According to the minister, the new arrangement will make it easier for Nigerian airlines to acquire modern aircraft without the additional pressure of fluctuating exchange rates. Keyamo explained that most local carriers have struggled with high operating costs due to the need to pay lease fees in dollars amid persistent naira depreciation. “With this policy, we are creating a level playing field for Nigerian airlines and ensuring sustainability in our aviation sector,” he said.
The establishment of a national aircraft leasing company is part of government’s broader strategy to revitalise Nigeria’s aviation sector, which has faced operational challenges linked to forex scarcity and rising maintenance expenses. Industry experts say this move could help boost local capacity and improve safety standards by enabling airlines to renew their fleets more easily.
Keyamo noted that the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms aimed at reducing reliance on foreign currency transactions across key sectors. He added that government would work closely with stakeholders to finalise modalities and ensure transparent implementation of the naira-based payment system. “We want our airlines to be competitive and profitable while maintaining global best practices,” Keyamo added.
The minister did not specify when the new leasing company would commence full operations but assured that regulatory guidelines would be released in due course. Observers believe the success of this policy could set a precedent for other sectors seeking relief from forex constraints.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Oshiomhole Accuses Akpabio’s Daughter of Securing NNPC Job Without Due Process
Former APC National Chairman raises concerns over alleged irregular recruitment at NNPC involving Senate President’s family
Former APC National Chairman raises concerns over alleged irregular recruitment at NNPC involving Senate President’s family
Senator Adams Oshiomhole has alleged that the daughter of Senate President Godswill Akpabio secured employment at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited without following due process. The claim was made public on Wednesday, 17 June, as debate over transparency in federal appointments intensifies in Abuja.
Oshiomhole, a former Governor of Edo State and ex-National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), voiced his concerns during discussions about federal recruitment practices. He specifically referenced the appointment of Akpabio’s daughter at NNPC, questioning whether established procedures were observed in her employment.
The allegation comes amid growing scrutiny on the transparency and fairness of recruitment into top government agencies. Many Nigerians have expressed concern that such positions are often reserved for relatives of high-ranking officials, undermining merit-based selection and public confidence in government institutions.
As at press time, neither Senate President Godswill Akpabio nor NNPC management had issued an official response to Oshiomhole’s allegation. Calls for comment from both parties went unanswered. The development is likely to heighten tensions within APC ranks and raise fresh calls from civil society groups for stricter oversight of recruitment processes in strategic national agencies.
Stakeholders expect that the matter will be further discussed when the Senate reconvenes for plenary. Meanwhile, anti-corruption advocates are urging relevant authorities to investigate claims of nepotism and ensure that all federal appointments adhere to extant regulations.
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