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Nigeria News (Standard)

Ondo Police Arrest Suspect After 18-Month-Old Beheaded in Idanre Farm Attack

Father of slain child urges Ondo State Government and security agencies to ensure justice as police confirm arrest

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Father of slain child urges Ondo State Government and security agencies to ensure justice as police confirm arrest

An 18-month-old toddler was killed and beheaded by an unidentified assailant at Agoti farm settlement in Idanre Local Council Area of Ondo State, with the incident reported a few days ago. The attack, which also left the child’s mother injured, occurred when the suspect invaded the family’s residence within the farm community.

According to local accounts, the father of the victim, Bright Kalu—a peasant farmer from Abia State—was working on a separate farmland at the time of the incident. Upon returning, he discovered that his daughter had been abducted and later found dead with her head severed. The mother was reportedly attacked during the ordeal but survived with injuries.

The incident has sparked outrage among residents and heightened concerns about security in rural settlements across Ondo State. Cases of violent attacks targeting farming communities have been a persistent issue in parts of South-West Nigeria, prompting calls for enhanced security measures from stakeholders and local leaders.

Ondo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a suspect linked to the gruesome killing. Police authorities stated that investigations are ongoing to determine the motive behind the attack and whether others may be involved. Meanwhile, Bright Kalu has appealed to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and relevant security agencies to ensure those responsible are brought to justice, urging human rights organisations to intervene on behalf of bereaved families like his.

The police assured residents that patrols would be increased around farm settlements in Idanre LGA while investigations continue. The state government is expected to meet with community leaders in coming days to address rising concerns about rural safety.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/18-month-old-toddler-beheaded-in-ondo-farm-as-assailant-attacks-mother/

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Xenergi Launches Tender Offer for Premier Paints Minority Shares in Ogun State Takeover Move

Offer comes after Xenergi’s emergence as core investor, signaling major ownership shift in Nigeria’s paint industry

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June 17, 2026

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Offer comes after Xenergi’s emergence as core investor, signaling major ownership shift in Nigeria’s paint industry

Xenergi, the new core investor in Premier Paints Plc, has initiated a tender offer for the company’s minority shares as part of a fresh ownership restructuring in Ogun State. The move was confirmed on Wednesday, 17 June, as Xenergi seeks to consolidate its position following its recent acquisition of controlling interest in the leading Nigerian paint manufacturer.

According to details made available, Xenergi’s tender offer is targeted at shareholders holding minority stakes, with the aim of acquiring additional shares to strengthen its grip on Premier Paints’ operations. This development follows Xenergi’s earlier stake purchase that positioned it as the largest single shareholder in the company. The transaction is expected to trigger a significant change in Premier Paints’ board and management structure.

Premier Paints Plc, based in Ogun State and listed on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), has faced stiff competition from bigger players within the manufacturing sector. Industry analysts say Xenergi’s entry could signal renewed investment and possible turnaround for the company, which has struggled with market share and operational challenges over recent years.

The management of Premier Paints confirmed receipt of Xenergi’s offer in an official statement, noting that all regulatory procedures would be followed in line with NGX rules. “We assure all shareholders that their interests will be protected throughout this process,” a company representative said. Shareholders are expected to receive further communication regarding terms and timelines of the tender.

Market watchers believe Xenergi’s aggressive approach may lead to delisting or a significant reorganisation of Premier Paints, depending on acceptance levels among minority shareholders. Analysts further predict ripple effects across Nigeria’s paints and coatings sector as new capital and management expertise flow into Premier Paints through this transaction.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/888464-premier-paints-new-core-investor-xenergi-launches-a-tender-offer-for-minority-shares.html

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Zamfara Group Moves to Sue Minister Matawalle over Certificate Allegations

Concerned citizens accuse former Zamfara Governor of using vocational certificate for elective office; legal action imminent

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June 17, 2026

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Concerned citizens accuse former Zamfara Governor of using vocational certificate for elective office; legal action imminent

A political storm is brewing in Zamfara State as the Zamfara State Concerned Citizens (ZSCC) announced plans on Monday to take legal action against the Minister of State for Defence and former Governor, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, over alleged irregularities in his educational qualifications. The group made its position known through a statement issued by its leader, Musa Abdullahi, in Kaduna.

According to Abdullahi, ZSCC is challenging Matawalle’s use of a certificate reportedly obtained from the Vocational Training Centre, Bunza, for his previous governorship bid and current ministerial appointment. The group alleges that the said certificate does not meet constitutional requirements for public office holders at state or federal level. “We have concluded consultations and are preparing to approach the court to test the validity of these credentials,” Abdullahi stated.

This development comes amid growing scrutiny of public officials’ academic backgrounds in Nigeria, with similar cases having resulted in court actions and political setbacks for some politicians. ZSCC said their move is motivated by a desire to uphold transparency and accountability in governance within Zamfara and beyond. “Public office is a position of trust that demands honesty, transparency and strict compliance with the law,” Abdullahi added.

At the time of filing this report, Matawalle had not publicly responded to the allegations. The Minister, who represents Zamfara (North-West), served as Governor under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) before decamping to the All Progressives Congress (APC). As at Monday evening, calls seeking comment from his aides were not returned.

Legal experts say if the matter proceeds to court, it could set a precedent for future eligibility screenings across Nigeria’s political landscape. Stakeholders are watching closely as the case may affect both upcoming appointments and electoral contests in Zamfara State.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/national/certificate-controversy-zamfara-group-moves-to-sue-matawalle/

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Nigeria News (Standard)

UK Court Acquits Former Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke of Bribery Charges

Ruling in London comes after years of legal proceedings; Nigerian authorities maintain interest in separate corruption investigations

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June 17, 2026

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Ruling in London comes after years of legal proceedings; Nigerian authorities maintain interest in separate corruption investigations

A court in the United Kingdom on Wednesday acquitted former Nigerian Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, of bribery charges, bringing an end to a high-profile legal battle that has drawn attention from both British and Nigerian authorities. The verdict was delivered at a London court, where Alison-Madueke had been facing allegations linked to her tenure as petroleum minister.

The acquittal follows years of legal scrutiny and court appearances, with British prosecutors alleging that Alison-Madueke accepted bribes in exchange for awarding lucrative oil contracts during her time in office. The judge ruled that the prosecution failed to provide sufficient evidence to prove the bribery allegations beyond reasonable doubt.

Alison-Madueke served as Minister of Petroleum Resources under former President Goodluck Jonathan from 2010 to 2015, a period marked by repeated claims of corruption and mismanagement within Nigeria’s oil sector. Her arrest and subsequent trial in the UK were closely monitored by Nigerians who have expressed concern over alleged losses running into billions of naira from the sector during her tenure.

While the UK court has now cleared Alison-Madueke of these charges, Nigerian anti-graft agencies including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have stated that she still faces outstanding corruption investigations at home. EFCC officials have previously said efforts are ongoing to extradite her to Nigeria for questioning over separate allegations related to money laundering and abuse of office.

Legal analysts say the UK verdict may not halt local proceedings against Alison-Madueke, as Nigeria’s anti-corruption laws allow for independent prosecution. The outcome is expected to reignite debate over international cooperation on corruption cases involving high-profile officials.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/business/business-news/888462-uk-court-acquits-ex-petroleum-minister-diezani-alison-madueke-of-bribery-charges.html

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