𝗔𝗕𝗨𝗝𝗔 𝗖𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗧 𝗗𝗘𝗟𝗜𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗦 𝗣𝗢𝗪𝗘𝗥𝗙𝗨𝗟 𝗝𝗨𝗗𝗚𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧, 𝗦𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗘𝗦 𝗠𝗢𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗥 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗦𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗢𝗙 𝗟𝗔𝗧𝗘 𝗡𝟬𝗧𝟬𝗥𝗜𝟬𝗨𝗦 𝗧É𝗥𝗥𝟬𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗧 𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗗𝗘𝗥 𝗘𝗟𝗜𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗗 𝗜𝗡 𝗞𝗢𝗚𝗜 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗘 𝗧𝗢 𝟰𝟬 𝗬𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗦 𝗜𝗠𝗣𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗢𝗡𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧

𝗔𝗕𝗨𝗝𝗔 𝗖𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗧 𝗗𝗘𝗟𝗜𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗦 𝗣𝗢𝗪𝗘𝗥𝗙𝗨𝗟 𝗝𝗨𝗗𝗚𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧, 𝗦𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗘𝗦 𝗠𝗢𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗥 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗦𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗢𝗙 𝗟𝗔𝗧𝗘 𝗡𝟬𝗧𝟬𝗥𝗜𝟬𝗨𝗦 𝗧É𝗥𝗥𝟬𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗧 𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗗𝗘𝗥 𝗘𝗟𝗜𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗗 𝗜𝗡 𝗞𝗢𝗚𝗜 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗘 𝗧𝗢 𝟰𝟬 𝗬𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗦 𝗜𝗠𝗣𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗢𝗡𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday sentenced two women arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) for their involvement with terrorism to forty years in prison. 

The convicted women, Safiya Salihu and Halima Abdullahi, are mother and sister respectively of the terrorist kingpin, Kachallah Ibrahim Battujo, who was eliminated by Nigerian security forces, on June 10, 2026, in a forest near Iluke in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State,

Justice Hauwa Joseph Yilwa handed the sentences after both women pleaded guilty to Counts 2, 4 and 5 of the five-count terrorism-related charge brought against them by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation. 

Both women escaped conviction on Counts 1 and 3, which bordered on they receiving N490,300 from Battujo, fully aware it was proceeds of terrorism, as well as Count 3, which was on their sponsored holy pilgrimage with the proceeds of terrorism. The Director of Public Prosecution, Oyedepo Rotimi, SAN, urged the court to strike out both counts, but convict them on the others.

According to Count 2, both women 

"aided and abetted the activities of Battujo, a known bandit Kingpin and passed information through telephone conversations to the said Battujo, and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under section 26 of the terrorism (Prevention Prohibition) Act, 2022."

In addition to pleading guilty to Count 2, Battujo's mum pleaded guilty to Count 5 which bordered on concealment of information on the terrorism activities of her son. 

On her part, Halima, who is sister of the eliminated terrorist kingpin, in addition to pleading guilty to Count 2, also pleaded guilty to Count 4 which also bordered on

FAKE NEWS! Lagos State Police Command Debunks Social Media Reports On Late DC Admin; Says, DCP Khan Salihu Was Never Kidnapped, He Died After Brief Illness

FAKE NEWS! Lagos State Police Command Debunks Social Media Reports On Late DC Admin; Says, DCP Khan Salihu Was Never Kidnapped, He Died After Brief Illness 

It is heart-wrenching and disappointing for the family, friends, and associates of late DC Finance and Administration of the Lagos State Police Command, DCP Salihu Khan who died yesterday Monday 15th June afternoon, and was just buried early today according to Islamic rites to get on social media to find that a campaign of calumny is being championed by a group of Nigerian social media users against the memory of the late gallant senior police officer, complete gentleman, and breadwinner. It is an agonizing experience for the immediate family. It doesn't do justice to the legacy of a man who has been described by the Lagos State Police Command as a highly respectful and loyal senior officer. It is like pouring salt on an open wound, National Association of Online Security News Publishers, NAOSNP can report.

For the avoidance of doubt, the late Deputy Commissioner of Police, DCP Khan Salihu died yesterday after complaining of being unwell. In fact, he reported to the office at Lagos State Police Command before he checked into a hospital. DCP Khan was never kidnapped by suspected criminals at any time prior to his demise. Any report circulated on social media or through any other means contrary to the truth is entirely false, misleading, and a complete fabrication with no basis in fact whatsoever.

To further this assertion, the Lagos State Police Command, the agency that DCP Khan worked with till his unfortunate incident, highlighted in its press statement e-signed and released to the National Association of Online Security News Publishers NAOSNP by the Command's Spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi stated that: 'The Command wishes to state categorically that prior to his passing, DCP Khan Salihu briefly complained of feeling unwell and was immediately rushed to the hospital for urgent medical attention. Sadly, upon arrival, medical doctors confirmed him dead.'

'At no time was he abducted, kidnapped, or involved in any incident remotely connected to criminal activity as falsely portrayed in the publication,' the Command added.

The statement released by the Lagos PPRO, SP Abimbola Adebisi finds it rather disturbing that any individual or group will ride on the sadness of a family to trend online. 'The Command finds it deeply disturbing and professionally disappointing that such a spurious and unverified story could be published by a recognised media platform without the slightest attempt to verify the information from the appropriate authorities.'

'This represents a serious breach of the fundamental principles of responsible journalism and has unnecessarily misled the public while causing avoidable pain and distress to the family, friends, and professional colleagues of the late senior officer. The publication is not only inaccurate but also insensitive, particularly at a time when the Command, family members, and loved ones are mourning the loss of a dedicated and accomplished senior police officer who served the nation with distinction.'

The Lagos Command is, thus, issuing a stern warning and immediate demand for a swift withdrawal of the false report, while urging the media organisation concerned to issue a public correction and apology in the interest of truth, professionalism, and public accountability.

The Command also encouraged members of the public to disregard the publication in its entirety and rely only on information released through official channels of the Lagos State Police Command. The Command remains committed to combating misinformation and will continue to provide accurate, timely, and verified information to the public.

JUST IN: Major General Abubakar Rabe (rtd) who was abducted in Katsina State exactly two weeks ago is dead.

JUST IN:  Major General Abubakar Rabe (rtd) who was abducted in Katsina State exactly two weeks ago is dead.

Katsina State Government has announced that Retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, who was åbdûcted alongside his wife by bandits, has di€d of hypertension while in captivity.

KOLA OYEWO IS DEAD: With heavy hearts, we bid farewell to Professor Kola Oyewo, a veteran actor, distinguished scholar, and one of the finest icons of Nigerian theatre and film, who has passed away at the age of 80.

KOLA OYEWO IS DEAD 

With heavy hearts, we bid farewell to Professor Kola Oyewo, a veteran actor, distinguished scholar, and one of the finest icons of Nigerian theatre and film, who has passed away at the age of 80.

For decades, he illuminated our screens, stages, and classrooms with uncommon brilliance. As an actor, he brought stories to life with grace, depth, and authenticity. As a lecturer, he nurtured generations of students, shaping minds and inspiring excellence. As a cultural ambassador, he devoted his life to preserving and promoting the richness of Yoruba and Nigerian theatre.

Dr. Oyewo was more than a performer; he was a mentor, a teacher, and a living institution whose influence transcended the arts. His contributions to academia and the entertainment industry have left footprints that time can never erase.

Though death has taken him from our sight, it can never take away the legacy he built, the lives he touched, and the inspiration he leaves behind.

Nigeria has lost a legend. The stage has lost a master. The classroom has lost a great teacher.

May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace. 🕊️🌹

Farewell, Professor Kola Oyewo. Your legacy will live on forever.

Sowore Falls Unconscious After Policemen Fire Teargas At June 12 Protesters in Abuja

Sowore Falls Unconscious After Policemen Fire Teargas At June 12 Protesters in Abuja

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore reportedly fell unconscious on Friday, June 12, 2026, during a Democracy Day protest in Abuja after security operatives fired teargas to disperse demonstrators.

The rally, which was part of a nationwide mass action organized by a coalition of civil society organisations against worsening economic hardship and insecurity, turned chaotic when police arrived at the scene. Operatives deployed canisters of teargas and fired shots into the air to force the crowd to scatter.

Eyewitnesses reported that Sowore collapsed amid the thick fumes of teargas. He was quickly gathered by fellow demonstrators and rushed out of the crowd in a vehicle for emergency medical attention.

The police operation followed warnings from the Federal Capital Territory Command against demonstrations targeting sensitive government locations. Security forces had already barricaded key areas, including Unity Fountain, Eagle Square, and access roads leading to the Three Arms Zone early on Friday morning.

The situation surrounding Sowore’s health condition remains unknown at the time of this report.

Democracy Day 2026: NGIJ Commends Pres. Tinubu’s Reforms

Democracy Day 2026: NGIJ Commends Pres. Tinubu’s Reforms

.Calls for Greater Commitment to Press Freedom, Security

The Nigerian Guild of Investigative Journalists (NGIJ) joins millions of Nigerians at home and in the diaspora in commemorating Democracy Day 2026, a historic occasion that celebrates the resilience of the Nigerian people, the sacrifices of pro-democracy heroes, and the nation's 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance.

As we reflect on our democratic journey, we acknowledge that democracy remains the most viable system for promoting popular participation, accountability, rule of law, respect for fundamental human rights, and sustainable national development. 

While Nigeria has recorded significant democratic milestones since 1999, the journey towards a more inclusive, prosperous, and equitable society remains a work in progress.

The Guild commends President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for several bold policy decisions and reforms aimed at repositioning the nation's economy and strengthening critical sectors of governance. 

We recognize the administration's efforts in pursuing fiscal reforms, infrastructure development, local government autonomy, digital transformation, and initiatives designed to attract foreign investments and enhance economic competitiveness.

We also acknowledge the government's commitment to improving revenue generation and efforts to tackle long-standing structural challenges that have hindered national growth. These are difficult but necessary steps towards economic stability and national progress.

However, as investigative journalists committed to truth, accountability, and public interest, we believe that genuine democracy thrives not merely on policy pronouncements but on measurable improvements in the lives of citizens.

The reality facing millions of Nigerians today remains deeply concerning. Rising inflation, high cost of living, unemployment, poverty, insecurity, and declining purchasing power continue to place enormous burdens on families and businesses across the country. 

While reforms may be yielding long-term prospects, there is an urgent need for more robust social protection measures and targeted interventions to cushion the immediate hardships experienced by ordinary Nigerians.

The Nigerian Guild of Investigative Journalists urges the Federal Government to intensify efforts towards addressing insecurity in all its manifestations, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, communal conflicts, and other criminal activities that threaten national stability and economic productivity. Security remains the foundation upon which development, investment, and national cohesion are built.

We further call on government at all levels to deepen transparency, strengthen anti-corruption institutions, and promote accountability in public service. Nigerians deserve governance that is responsive, transparent, and driven by the collective interest of the people rather than narrow political considerations.

Of particular importance to the Guild is the issue of press freedom. Democracy flourishes where journalists can carry out their constitutional responsibilities without fear, intimidation, harassment, censorship, arbitrary arrests, or threats to their safety.

The media remains a critical pillar of democracy and a watchdog of society.

Investigative journalism plays an indispensable role in exposing corruption, promoting transparency, amplifying citizens' voices, and holding leaders accountable. We therefore urge the Federal Government, security agencies, political actors, and other stakeholders to uphold and protect media freedom as guaranteed under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The safety and protection of journalists must be treated as a national priority. Attacks on journalists and restrictions on access to public information undermine democratic values and weaken public trust in governance.

As Nigeria celebrates Democracy Day, we also call on political leaders, civil society organizations, traditional institutions, the private sector, and citizens to renew their commitment to national unity, peaceful coexistence, electoral integrity, and responsible civic engagement.

Democracy is not an event but a continuous process that demands vigilance, participation, and accountability from both leaders and the governed.

The Nigerian Guild of Investigative Journalists remains committed to promoting ethical journalism, investigative reporting, transparency, human rights, and good governance. We shall continue to use the power of factual, balanced, and public-interest journalism to contribute to nation-building and democratic consolidation.

As we mark Democracy Day 2026, we celebrate the resilience of Nigerians and reaffirm our collective hope for a nation where justice prevails, opportunities abound, institutions are strengthened, and democratic dividends are felt by every citizen regardless of status, ethnicity, religion, or political affiliation.

Happy Democracy Day, Nigeria.

Signed:

Mallam Abdulrahman Aliagan

President

Nigerian Guild of Investigative Journalists (NGIJ)

Mr. Rowland Olonishuwa

Secretary

Nigerian Guild of Investigative Journalists (NGIJ)

SOLDIER KILLED, ANOTHER INJURED AS SUSPECTED KIDNAPPERS STRIKE IN MOWE

SOLDIER KILLED, ANOTHER INJURED AS SUSPECTED KIDNAPPERS STRIKE IN MOWE

Tension gripped the Magbon-Etido area of Mowe, Ogun State, on Monday after suspected kidnappers reportedly launched an attack during an attempted abduction operation.

According to reports, the armed men targeted a resident in the community, prompting an intervention by security personnel.

 A gun battle reportedly ensued, resulting in the death of one soldier, while another sustained injuries and is currently receiving treatment.

The incident sparked panic in the area, with videos circulating online showing the evacuation of the slain security operative.

The Ogun State Police Command has confirmed the attack but clarified that the incident was not a bandit invasion, contrary to claims circulating on social media.

 Authorities described it as an isolated criminal attack linked to an attempted kidnapping.

Security operatives have since intensified operations in the area, while efforts are ongoing to track down and apprehend those responsible.

Residents have been urged to remain calm and continue their lawful activities, as security agencies maintain that the situation is under control.