Nigeria News (Standard)
Police Arrest Suspects in Kano, Katsina and Zamfara Over ₦7.7bn Telecom Data Fraud
NPF-NCCC recovers nearly ₦90m, real estate and vehicle; telecom firm reverses ₦3.8bn in stolen data
NPF-NCCC recovers nearly ₦90m, real estate and vehicle; telecom firm reverses ₦3.8bn in stolen data
Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) have dismantled a major syndicate accused of orchestrating a ₦7.7 billion telecom data fraud across Kano, Katsina and Zamfara states. The arrests, announced on Thursday, followed coordinated raids in May 2026 after a leading telecommunications company reported unauthorised access to its network.
According to the NPF-NCCC spokesperson, DSP Unwana Imah, the investigation began when staff login credentials were compromised, allowing both insider and external actors to illegally access the company’s billing platform between 1 October and 28 November 2024. The suspects allegedly generated fraudulent airtime which was later converted to data bundles and sold nationwide through an extensive vendor network.
The police said over 400 laptops, 1,000 mobile phones and several POS machines were seized during raids in the three states. Asset tracing led to the recovery of nearly ₦90 million in cash, two residential houses in Kano State, a mini-plaza and a Toyota RAV4 — all believed to have been purchased with proceeds of the crime. The telecommunications company was able to reverse about 2,931.79 terabytes of stolen data valued at approximately ₦3.8 billion.
Key suspects arrested include Musa Muhammed Kwandi, Nura Sadauki and Aminu Muhammed, along with Musa Hassan Mohammed (an IT specialist), Samson Alisigwe and Yusuf Shehu — all of whom are believed by investigators to have played significant roles or benefited from the scheme. “In the course of the investigation, several suspects were arrested and over 400 laptops, 1,000 mobile phones, POS machines, cash exhibits and other evidential materials were recovered,” Imah said in a statement.
Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu reaffirmed commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s digital infrastructure while urging members of the public with useful information to support ongoing investigations through NPF-NCCC channels. The police added that efforts are ongoing to trace additional assets linked to the syndicate and ensure prosecution of all those involved. Cybercrime targeting telecoms has become a growing concern for operators nationwide as they invest more in cybersecurity measures.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Arsenal to Face Coventry City in Premier League Opener as 2026/27 Fixtures Released
Defending champions begin title defence away to newly promoted Coventry; full match schedule announced by league officials
Defending champions begin title defence away to newly promoted Coventry; full match schedule announced by league officials
Arsenal will kick off their campaign to retain the Premier League title with an opening fixture against Coventry City, following the official release of the 2026/27 season fixtures on Friday. The defending champions are set to travel to Coventry for their first match as the league unveiled the full schedule for all twenty clubs.
According to details provided by Premier League organisers, Arsenal’s opening clash with Coventry marks a high-profile start, pitting last season’s winners against a newly promoted side eager to impress on their return to top-flight football. The fixture is one of several headline matches slated for the opening weekend, with other clubs also learning their paths for the coming season.
The announcement comes amid heightened anticipation among fans and stakeholders, as Arsenal look to build on their successful previous campaign. For Coventry City, who secured promotion from the Championship last season, facing Arsenal at home represents both a challenge and an opportunity to make a statement early in the league.
Premier League officials said the fixture list was designed to balance competitiveness and ensure teams have adequate rest between matches. “Every new season brings fresh excitement and challenges,” a league spokesperson stated while unveiling the fixtures in London. Reactions from club supporters have been swift on social media, with many highlighting key clashes that could shape the title race and relegation battle.
With pre-season preparations already underway for most clubs, attention will now turn to player transfers and tactical adjustments ahead of the August kick-off. Arsenal’s opener against Coventry is expected to draw significant attention from fans across Nigeria and beyond, reflecting growing interest in English football within the country.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Zamfara Council of Imams Condoles Police Command After Bomb Attack Kills Officers in Gusau
Religious leaders offer prayers and condemn violence as Commissioner Ahmad Muhammad Bello receives delegation at Command headquarters
Religious leaders offer prayers and condemn violence as Commissioner Ahmad Muhammad Bello receives delegation at Command headquarters
A delegation from the Council of Imams (Zawiyya Branch), led by Khalifa Ibrahim Sheik Balarabe, paid a condolence visit to Zamfara State Police Command headquarters in Gusau on Wednesday after a recent bomb attack claimed the lives of police officers on duty. The religious leaders visited to sympathise with the Command’s leadership and bereaved families affected by the tragic incident.
The Imams were received by Commissioner of Police Ahmad Muhammad Bello and members of the management team. During the visit, Khalifa Balarabe led special prayers (Du’a) for the repose of the souls of the deceased officers and for comfort for their families. He condemned the attack, stating that killing innocent people was against Islamic teachings which promote peace, justice, brotherhood, and respect for human life.
The Council expressed deep sympathy to both the police authorities and bereaved families, urging them to remain steadfast in faith during this period. The delegation emphasised that such violence undermines efforts to maintain peace and security in Zamfara State and called on residents to support security agencies as they respond to ongoing threats.
Commissioner Bello thanked the religious leaders for their show of solidarity and assured them that police would continue working with all stakeholders to restore normalcy in affected communities. He reiterated that investigations into the attack were ongoing and that security measures had been strengthened across vulnerable areas in Zamfara.
The bomb attack comes amid ongoing security challenges facing Zamfara State in Nigeria’s North-West zone. Authorities have repeatedly called for community support and cooperation as efforts continue to tackle armed attacks targeting security personnel and civilians alike.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Ekiti INEC Clears 14 Candidates for 2026 Governorship Election Amid Intense Party Jostling
Electoral body releases final list as major parties field contenders, but ballot features no women candidates for top seat
Electoral body releases final list as major parties field contenders, but ballot features no women candidates for top seat
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has published the final list of 14 candidates cleared to contest the Ekiti State governorship election, scheduled for June 2026. The announcement, made at INEC’s state headquarters in Ado-Ekiti on Friday, sets the stage for a fiercely contested poll among Nigeria’s leading political parties and several smaller platforms.
According to INEC officials, the cleared aspirants represent a cross-section of major and minor parties, with the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) among those fielding candidates. The full names and party affiliations of all aspirants were displayed at the commission’s office and distributed to stakeholders.
The release of the candidate list comes after weeks of intensive party primaries and internal screening processes that saw political heavyweights emerge from both APC and PDP. Political observers say this year’s ballot is notable for having no female candidates in the race for Governor, a development that has drawn concern from gender rights advocates and civil society groups in Ekiti State. Advocacy organisations have urged political parties to address what they describe as persistent barriers to women’s participation in high-level politics.
INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in Ekiti, who spoke during a press briefing, assured residents of the state that preparations were on course for a free and credible election. He emphasised that all qualified parties had been given a fair opportunity to present their best aspirants. “We call on all stakeholders to support a peaceful process,” he said.
With campaigns set to intensify across Ekiti’s sixteen local government areas, attention will now turn to how each candidate plans to address critical issues facing the state—including youth unemployment, education quality, health services, and infrastructure gaps. The next few weeks are expected to see increased mobilisation by party supporters as well as monitoring by independent observers.
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