Nigeria News (Standard)
Kogi University Arrests Two Suspected Cultists, Intensifies Crackdown on Campus Crime
Vice-Chancellor Salisu Ogbo Usman vows sustained action as students confess to cult membership after arrest in Anyigba
Vice-Chancellor Salisu Ogbo Usman vows sustained action as students confess to cult membership after arrest in Anyigba
Authorities at Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, Kogi State, have arrested two suspected cultists on campus as part of a renewed crackdown on cultism and related criminal activities. The suspects, Fidelis Atuluku (Matric. No. 2026SE1252) and Monday Okolo (Matric. No. 2026SE1247), both first-year students from the Department of Social Studies/Education, were apprehended on Tuesday, 23rd June 2026 following a tip-off.
According to the university’s management, the suspects were tracked by a joint security team and found in possession of charms while within the school premises. Upon interrogation, both students confessed to being members of the Juris Confraternity and revealed they had been initiated prior to their admission into the university. The institution stated that the suspects would be handed over to law enforcement agencies for further investigation and legal action.
The latest arrests come amid heightened security concerns after a recent breach on campus prompted university authorities to declare ‘total war’ against cultism. Cult-related violence has remained a pressing issue in tertiary institutions across Nigeria, with many stakeholders worried about its impact on academic life and student safety.
In an official statement issued by Uredo Omale, the university’s public relations officer, Vice-Chancellor Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman reiterated management’s commitment to rooting out cultism and restoring sanity within the institution. “We will not relent until we rid our campus of all criminal elements,” Usman said. He further advised parents and guardians to closely monitor their wards and remain vigilant against signs of involvement in illegal groups.
With investigations ongoing, the university has pledged continued collaboration with security agencies to safeguard lives and property on campus. The development underscores growing efforts by educational authorities nationwide to stem the tide of cult-related violence in Nigerian universities.
Nigeria News (Standard)
NFF President Gusau Announces Plan to Decentralise Coaching Education Nationwide
Move aims to expand access for grassroots coaches; state FAs set to play bigger role in training programmes
Move aims to expand access for grassroots coaches; state FAs set to play bigger role in training programmes
The President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Gusau, has revealed a new plan to decentralise coaching education across the country, with the goal of making training more accessible to coaches at all levels. Gusau made this announcement on Wednesday, 24 June, during an official engagement in Abuja.
According to Gusau, the NFF intends to move away from a centralised system of organising coaching courses and instead empower state football associations (FAs) to conduct training at the grassroots. This initiative is designed to address long-standing complaints about limited access and high costs that have prevented many aspiring coaches from participating in NFF-accredited programmes.
The NFF president said that decentralisation will allow state FAs to organise coaching courses within their localities, under guidelines and supervision provided by the national body. “We believe that by bringing coaching education closer to the people, we can discover more talent and improve the standard of football in every part of Nigeria,” Gusau stated.
Industry observers note that this marks a significant policy shift for Nigerian football administration. Many grassroots coaches have previously complained about having to travel long distances or pay high fees for certification courses usually held in Abuja or Lagos. The NFF’s new approach is expected to benefit coaches from remote areas and support football development at community level.
While details on implementation timelines are yet to be announced, Gusau assured stakeholders that modalities will soon be communicated through state associations. He urged local FA chairmen to prepare for active involvement in the process, promising that the NFF will provide technical support and ensure uniform standards nationwide.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Senate Approves State Police Bill as Tinubu Retains Federal Emergency Powers
Constitutional amendment allows states to form police services, but Abuja keeps authority to intervene in security matters
Constitutional amendment allows states to form police services, but Abuja keeps authority to intervene in security matters
The Senate in Abuja on Wednesday passed the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) (State Police) Bill, 2026, granting states the power to establish their own police services while maintaining significant emergency intervention rights for the Federal Government. The bill, sent by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (APC), moved through all legislative stages within 24 hours following a coordinated push between the executive and Senate leadership.
The legislation, if ratified by state assemblies and signed into law, will overhaul Nigeria’s security framework by replacing the current Nigeria Police Force with a restructured Federal Police Service and new State Police Services. However, under Section 214 of the bill, Abuja retains sweeping powers to deploy federal police in any state during actual or imminent breakdown of order, when a state police service is unable to function, or when national security is threatened.
Supporters say this move answers longstanding calls for decentralised policing to tackle insecurity across Nigeria’s regions. The North-West and North-Central zones have faced persistent attacks from armed groups, while South-East states have reported rising incidents of violence. Proponents argue that state-level control will allow faster response and improved community relations. However, critics warn that excessive federal oversight could undermine true autonomy for state police.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio (APC, Akwa Ibom North-West) described the bill as “a major step towards modernising our security sector,” adding during plenary that “the Federal Government must have capacity to step in when peace is at risk.” No official opposition statement was issued immediately after passage; PDP lawmakers were seen conferring outside chambers but did not address reporters.
The bill now proceeds to Nigeria’s 36 state Houses of Assembly for concurrence before it can become law. Analysts say its implementation will depend on clarity around funding, recruitment standards, and operational guidelines for both federal and state police services. Stakeholders also await further details on checks and balances designed to prevent abuse of emergency powers by Abuja.
Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/national/fg-retains-emergency-powers-under-state-police-bill/
Nigeria News (Standard)
Jaiz Bank Penalised ₦530.9 Million by Regulators in 2025 Over Compliance Issues
Latest regulatory sanctions mark a significant increase, highlighting mounting scrutiny on Islamic banking sector compliance
Latest regulatory sanctions mark a significant increase, highlighting mounting scrutiny on Islamic banking sector compliance
Jaiz Bank Plc, Nigeria’s foremost non-interest financial institution, has been hit with regulatory penalties amounting to ₦530.9 million in the 2025 financial year, according to figures released on Wednesday. The penalties, which represent a significant rise from previous years, stem from various compliance infractions flagged by regulatory bodies.
The Abuja-headquartered lender faced these sanctions following a series of regulatory reviews conducted in the first half of 2025. Details show that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and other relevant authorities imposed fines for breaches related to anti-money laundering measures, Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements, and other operational lapses within the reporting period.
The jump in Jaiz Bank’s penalty fees comes as Nigerian banking sector regulators increase oversight of Islamic finance institutions and demand stricter adherence to anti-fraud and transparency standards. Sector analysts say the development signals growing expectations for non-interest banks to match conventional institutions in compliance protocols and risk management frameworks.
Regulatory authorities have not publicly commented on the specific nature of Jaiz Bank’s infractions as at press time. However, industry observers note that such penalties are typically enforced following routine audits or special investigations into banking operations. The bank is expected to address internal control weaknesses as part of ongoing engagement with regulators.
With these latest sanctions, stakeholders in Nigeria’s financial services industry anticipate more robust compliance investments from Islamic banks going forward. Market watchers suggest that further lapses could attract additional scrutiny or even heavier fines as regulators aim to ensure sector stability.
NFF President Gusau Announces Plan to Decentralise Coaching Education Nationwide
Senate Approves State Police Bill as Tinubu Retains Federal Emergency Powers
Jaiz Bank Penalised ₦530.9 Million by Regulators in 2025 Over Compliance Issues
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