Nigeria News (Standard)
Sokoto State Records 883 Gender-Based Violence Cases, Secures 22 Convictions in One Year
Authorities highlight improved prosecution rates as state intensifies fight against gender-based violence in North-West region
Authorities highlight improved prosecution rates as state intensifies fight against gender-based violence in North-West region
Sokoto State has recorded a total of 883 cases of gender-based violence (GBV) over the past year, with authorities confirming that 22 convictions were secured during this period. The data was released on Friday by officials monitoring GBV trends in the state, underscoring ongoing efforts to tackle the menace in the North-West.
According to the figures, Sokoto’s judicial system processed several cases through the courts, leading to convictions for various forms of GBV, including assault and sexual offences. Officials attributed the rise in reported cases to increased public awareness and better support systems for survivors across communities in Sokoto State.
Gender-based violence has remained a significant challenge in many parts of Nigeria, with women and children often at heightened risk. The Sokoto State government and civil society organisations have continued to sensitise residents on reporting mechanisms and legal support available for victims. Stakeholders say the conviction rate marks an improvement from previous years, reflecting stronger collaboration between law enforcement and judicial officers.
While welcoming the progress made, authorities acknowledged that more work needs to be done to ensure justice for all survivors and deterrence for perpetrators. They called on residents to continue reporting incidents promptly and assured that government will sustain investments in legal aid services and survivor support centres. The focus now shifts to scaling up preventive education and ensuring every case is diligently prosecuted.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Peter Obi Urges Suspension of State Police Implementation, Cites Security Risks
Labour Party chieftain warns against hasty rollout, calls for national dialogue on police reforms
Labour Party chieftain warns against hasty rollout, calls for national dialogue on police reforms
Former presidential candidate and Labour Party (LP) stalwart, Peter Obi, has called for the immediate suspension of state police implementation across Nigeria, warning that the current security landscape is not conducive for such a move. Obi made this known on Friday, 26 June 2026, during a public address in Lagos, where he highlighted the potential risks involved.
Obi argued that rolling out state police under existing political and institutional conditions could worsen insecurity rather than solve it. According to him, some state governments may deploy newly created police forces to suppress opposition and settle political scores instead of addressing crime. “Until there are comprehensive reforms and proper safeguards in place, introducing state police will only deepen our problems,” he said.
The push for state police has gained momentum in recent months as insecurity persists in various parts of the country. Proponents argue that decentralising policing will improve response times and community engagement, especially in states facing banditry and kidnapping. However, critics like Obi maintain that without strong oversight mechanisms, state-controlled forces could be abused by powerful interests.
Obi emphasised the need for a national conversation involving all stakeholders before any major restructuring of security architecture is undertaken. He called on President Bola Tinubu’s administration to prioritise constitutional amendments and independent oversight agencies as prerequisites for effective policing reform. “We must avoid creating more problems in our quest to solve one,” he added.
The federal government has yet to respond formally to Obi’s position. Meanwhile, some lawmakers from the All Progressives Congress (APC) have continued to advocate for quick passage of bills supporting state policing. The debate is expected to intensify at the National Assembly as security remains a top concern for millions of Nigerians.
Nigeria News (Standard)
NHRC Urges Immediate Action to Curb Drug Abuse Among Youths Nationwide
Commission raises alarm on rising substance abuse, calls for government intervention and stronger enforcement measures
Commission raises alarm on rising substance abuse, calls for government intervention and stronger enforcement measures
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called for urgent steps to address the growing problem of drug abuse among Nigerian youths, warning that the trend poses a serious threat to public health and national development. The commission made this appeal on Friday, 26 June, highlighting the situation during a public statement in Abuja.
According to NHRC, recent observations indicate a worrying increase in substance abuse across various states, with many young Nigerians turning to illicit drugs due to unemployment, social pressures, and lack of awareness about the dangers involved. The commission stressed that immediate government intervention is needed to prevent further escalation of the crisis.
The NHRC emphasised that drug abuse not only endangers the lives of young people but also contributes to rising crime rates and undermines the country’s socio-economic progress. “We are seeing more cases of addiction and related offences among youths,” the commission noted, urging relevant authorities at federal and state levels to prioritise prevention programmes, rehabilitation centres, and stricter enforcement of existing laws.
While commending ongoing efforts by some agencies and civil society organisations, the NHRC insisted that a coordinated national response is required. The commission called on security agencies to intensify their crackdown on drug trafficking networks while advocating for increased funding for mental health services. No official response from the Ministry of Health or the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) was available as at press time.
Stakeholders are expected to meet next month in Abuja for a national summit on youth development where drug abuse prevention will be among key agenda items. The NHRC said it will continue monitoring government responses and push for policies that protect vulnerable populations from the dangers of substance misuse.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Davido Launches First 2026 Single ‘I Know Who I Be’ With South African Collaboration
Afrobeats star teams up with Jazzwrld and GL_CeeJay; track available on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube
Afrobeats star teams up with Jazzwrld and GL_CeeJay; track available on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube
Nigerian Afrobeats singer David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, released his first single of 2026, ‘I Know Who I Be’, on Friday, collaborating with South African producer Jazzwrld and artiste GL_CeeJay. The new track became available across major streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music.
The single marks Davido’s first recorded collaboration with both Jazzwrld and GL_CeeJay. Davido announced the release via his official social media accounts, sharing artwork from the single and clips from the accompanying music video to engage his fans.
‘I Know Who I Be’ is produced with a vibrant three-step sound, blending Afrobeat influences with unique elements contributed by the featured South African artistes. The track’s energetic rhythm and cross-border collaboration highlight Davido’s continued effort to expand his musical influence across Africa.
Davido remains one of Nigeria’s most influential musicians, consistently using his platform to promote African music on the global stage. His new release is expected to attract attention from both Nigerian and international audiences, reflecting ongoing trends in the Afrobeats genre where cross-country collaborations are becoming more prominent.
As at Friday, there has been no official statement from Davido’s management on upcoming album plans or further collaborations for the year. However, industry analysts say this release could signal more projects involving other African acts in 2026.
Source: https://guardian.ng/life/davido-releases-first-2026-single-i-know-who-i-be/
Peter Obi Urges Suspension of State Police Implementation, Cites Security Risks
NHRC Urges Immediate Action to Curb Drug Abuse Among Youths Nationwide
Davido Launches First 2026 Single ‘I Know Who I Be’ With South African Collaboration
Tinubu Establishes National Health Technology Office, Appoints Adigwe as Pioneer Coordinator
Lagos Leaders Urge Service and Nation Building at Odukoya’s 70th Memorial Lecture
Sokoto State Records 883 Gender-Based Violence Cases, Secures 22 Convictions in One Year
Nollywood Actor Joseph Momodu Joins US Army, Cites Father’s Legacy in Major Career Move
Abuja Court to Rule on Admissibility of Emefiele’s Statements in Alleged $4.5bn Fraud Case
Health Minister Pate Confirms ₦339bn Basic Healthcare Fund Disbursed Nationwide, ₦235bn Under Tinubu
NAFDAC Launches Nationwide Campaign in Lagos, Urges Nigerians to Read Food Labels
Environment Minister Urges Increased Investment in Nigeria’s Green Economy Ahead of Global Climate Summit
Gọvanmenti Nigeria Kwupụtara 53 Orù Anyanwụ Maka Ike Ọhụrụ N’iru Afọ 2050
Lagos FMCG Giants Record ₦18.9bn Rise in Production Costs, Earnings Hit by Inflation in Q1
Lagos Residents Spend Over ₦50bn on US Visa Applications Amid Tighter Entry Rules
Moniepoint Graduates Second DreamDevs Cohort in Lagos to Strengthen Nigeria’s Engineering Workforce
Lagos Police Arrest Doctor, Birth Attendant Over Alleged Sale of Newborn for ₦2.5m
FG Launches $500m Abuja Formula 1 Bid, Targets Africa’s First Grand Prix Since 1993
Lagos Court Declares National Assembly’s ₦110bn Vehicle and Allowance Spending Unlawful
Fresh Romance Rumours Trail Lando Norris as Alix Earle Sparks Drama in Monaco
