Nigeria News (Standard)
NAHCON Concludes 2026 Hajj Airlift, Moves to Kickstart 2027 Pilgrimage Plans
Commission wraps up return of final batch of pilgrims, initiates early preparations for next year’s exercise
Commission wraps up return of final batch of pilgrims, initiates early preparations for next year’s exercise
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has completed the airlift of Nigerian pilgrims returning from the 2026 Hajj, and has commenced preliminary arrangements for the 2027 pilgrimage. The last flight carrying pilgrims from Saudi Arabia arrived in Nigeria on Tuesday, marking the official end of this year’s return operations.
According to NAHCON, all registered pilgrims who travelled for the 2026 Hajj from across states in Nigeria have now been brought back home. The commission noted that the exercise ran according to schedule and involved coordination between state Muslim pilgrim welfare boards, airlines, and Saudi authorities at various departure points.
The successful conclusion of this year’s airlift is significant given previous years where delays and logistical challenges affected some return journeys. The timely completion is expected to reduce complaints and improve confidence among intending pilgrims and stakeholders ahead of future exercises.
NAHCON stated that it has now shifted focus to planning for the 2027 Hajj. The commission said it will immediately begin consultations with stakeholders including state boards, airlines, and Saudi partners to streamline registration and logistics processes. NAHCON assured intending pilgrims that lessons learned from the just-concluded exercise will inform better service delivery in subsequent years.
With Hajj being a major religious obligation for Nigerian Muslims, early preparations are considered crucial in addressing travel bottlenecks and accommodation issues. NAHCON said details regarding guidelines and timelines for next year’s pilgrimage will be released in due course.
Nigeria News (Standard)
International Rights Groups Raise Alarm Over Alleged Intimidation of SERAP in Ongoing Legal Disputes
Global watchdogs call on Nigerian authorities to safeguard civil society space as SERAP faces mounting legal pressure
Global watchdogs call on Nigerian authorities to safeguard civil society space as SERAP faces mounting legal pressure
Several international human rights organisations have voiced serious concerns over alleged attempts to intimidate the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) amid ongoing lawsuits in Nigeria. The development has drawn attention to Lagos, where SERAP is currently entangled in multiple legal cases as at Tuesday, 23 June 2026.
According to statements issued by the global rights groups, there are growing fears that the legal challenges facing SERAP may be part of a broader effort to suppress advocacy and civil society activity in Nigeria. The organisations did not specify which suits are involved but highlighted patterns of intimidation that could undermine SERAP’s work on government transparency and anti-corruption reforms.
SERAP has long played a prominent role in promoting accountability and transparency in Nigeria, especially through litigation against federal and state institutions. Observers note that any perceived clampdown on the group could have significant implications for the civic space and access to justice for ordinary Nigerians.
The international bodies urged Nigerian authorities to guarantee SERAP’s right to operate without harassment or interference. “Civil society must be protected from all forms of intimidation,” one group said in its statement, calling for immediate safeguards. There was no immediate response from government agencies regarding the allegations, and efforts to reach relevant officials were unsuccessful as at press time.
Rights advocates warn that continued legal pressure on advocacy groups like SERAP risks eroding public trust in Nigeria’s democratic institutions. The situation is expected to draw further scrutiny from both local and international stakeholders if the current trend continues.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Obi, SERAP, #EndBadGovernance Group Condemn Sowore’s Detention, Allege Political Persecution
Activists and rights groups demand immediate release of AAC chieftain, call trial a threat to democracy in Abuja
Activists and rights groups demand immediate release of AAC chieftain, call trial a threat to democracy in Abuja
Prominent Nigerian activist Omoyele Sowore’s ongoing detention has drawn strong condemnation from the #EndBadGovernance movement, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, and the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), who allege his trial is politically motivated. The reactions followed Sowore’s continued incarceration by authorities in Abuja as at Tuesday, 23 June 2026.
According to statements issued by the #EndBadGovernance coalition and SERAP, Sowore—publisher of Sahara Reporters and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate—remains in custody despite repeated calls for his release. The groups argue that the charges against him amount to a political trial designed to silence opposition voices ahead of key national elections.
Sowore’s detention has become a rallying point for civil society actors who see the move as part of a wider clampdown on dissent. Activists warn that prosecuting high-profile critics could set a dangerous precedent for the protection of fundamental rights in Nigeria. “This is not just about one individual; it’s about safeguarding democracy and freedom of expression,” the #EndBadGovernance movement said in a written statement.
Peter Obi, former Governor of Anambra State and Labour Party presidential candidate, joined calls for Sowore’s unconditional release. In his reaction, Obi described the situation as ‘unacceptable’ and urged government to respect constitutional rights. SERAP echoed these concerns, warning that persistent repression could undermine Nigeria’s obligations under international human rights treaties.
With public scrutiny mounting, observers say government now faces increasing pressure to demonstrate respect for rule of law and due process. Rights advocates have vowed to sustain advocacy until Sowore regains his freedom. At press time, there was no official comment from relevant security agencies on why Sowore remained in custody despite widespread appeals.
Nigeria News (Standard)
DIG Fayoade Pledges Improved Security in Lagos, Endorses Technology-Driven Policing
Police say 28 armed robbery attempts foiled, 71 suspects arrested in four months as LSSTF urges more innovation
Police say 28 armed robbery attempts foiled, 71 suspects arrested in four months as LSSTF urges more innovation
The Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of South-West, Adegoke Mustapha Fayoade, has assured residents of Lagos State and the wider South-West region of enhanced security measures, following a strategic visit to the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) headquarters in Alausa, Ikeja on Monday. The visit, part of his working tour across the six states in the zone, provided an opportunity for police leadership and security stakeholders to discuss new approaches to tackling criminal activities.
During the engagement, Fayoade commended ongoing efforts by the Lagos State Police Command and highlighted recent successes in crime prevention. According to police figures, officers foiled 28 armed robbery incidents and apprehended 71 suspects between February and June 2026. The Deputy Inspector-General stressed that sustained collaboration with the LSSTF and other partners is vital to consolidating these gains.
The meeting focused on leveraging technology and innovative strategies to address evolving security threats. Executive Secretary/CEO of LSSTF, Dr Ayodele Ogunsan, urged security agencies to embrace modern policing tools and deepen partnerships with private sector players. He noted that Lagos remains a critical economic hub whose safety has far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s prosperity.
Commissioner of Police for Lagos State Command, Fatai Tijani, and Assistant Inspector-General of Police (Zone 2), Moshood Jimoh, were also present at the session. They reiterated their commitment to proactive policing and intelligence-led operations. “We are deploying more surveillance equipment and enhancing rapid response capabilities,” Tijani said during the briefing.
Security experts at the event advocated for more investment in digital infrastructure and community-based initiatives to complement police efforts. The LSSTF reaffirmed its readiness to support capacity-building programmes and provide technical resources where needed. Fayoade concluded by calling on residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement agencies as strategies are rolled out across local government areas.
International Rights Groups Raise Alarm Over Alleged Intimidation of SERAP in Ongoing Legal Disputes
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