ABUJA — The Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday fixed June 30, 2026, to rule on an application by activist and African Action Congress presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore seeking restoration of his bail and the setting aside of a bench warrant issued against him. Justice Mohammed Umar ordered Sowore returned to Kuje Correctional Centre pending the ruling.
Background: Why He’s in Custody
Bail Revoked June 16: The court revoked Sowore’s bail and issued a bench warrant after he failed to appear for trial on June 16.
Charges: The Department of State Services is prosecuting Sowore for alleged cybercrime and criminal defamation. DSS alleges he described President Bola Tinubu as a “criminal” in posts on his official X and Facebook accounts on August 25, 2025.
Remand: On Monday, June 22, Justice Umar ordered Sowore remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre pending determination of his application to stay execution of the bail revocation.
Wednesday’s Hearing: What Happened
Sowore’s counsel, R.O. Adakole, holding the brief of Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, SAN, told the court they filed a motion on notice dated June 17 and filed June 19. The application seeks 12 reliefs, including:
An order setting aside the June 16 order revoking bail
An order vacating the bench warrant against him
Restoration of the status quo and earlier bail conditions
The motion was brought under Sections 35(4), 36(1), and 6(6)(a) and (b) of the 1999 Constitution, and Sections 169 and 352 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015. It’s supported by a 25-paragraph affidavit deposed to by Emmanuel Larry.
DSS counsel Akinkolu Kehinde, SAN, opposed the application, relying on a 25-paragraph counter-affidavit. He argued Sowore had not placed truthful facts before the court to enable it to exercise discretion in his favor.
Oral Request for Release Denied
Adakole made an oral application asking the court to release Sowore to his lawyers pending the June 30 ruling, undertaking to produce him in court. Justice Umar declined, saying he needed to study the affidavits and processes before deciding. Sowore will remain in Kuje Prison until the ruling.
DSS: “We Didn’t Oppose Bail Initially”
The DSS stressed that Sowore was initially granted bail on self-recognition at the start of trial and the Service did not oppose it. In a separate statement, DSS said the issues leading to bail revocation were “entirely premised on the court processes,” not enforcement action by the Service. DSS also announced a probe into operatives’ conduct after a scuffle involving Sowore at court on June 22.
Reactions
Peter Obi: NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi called Sowore’s remand “a dangerous regression for democracy,” warning against weaponizing state institutions to stifle dissent.
Gani Adams: Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland Gani Adams said the remand “undermines fair trial, free speech” and sends a “dangerous signal to all Nigerians who dare to speak truth to power.”
SERAP: Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project urged Tinubu’s government to “immediately and unconditionally release” Sowore and drop all charges, saying he’s detained “solely for the peaceful exercise of his human rights.”
Justice Umar adjourned to June 30 for ruling on whether to restore Sowore’s bail or uphold the revocation. Sowore has pleaded not guilty to the cybercrime and defamation charges.
ABUJA — President Bola Tinubu has proposed a constitutional amendment to establish state police services, with the Senate beginning a historic vote on the bill Wednesday.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio read Tinubu’s letter during Tuesday’s plenary, announcing receipt of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Alteration) State Police Bill, 2026. Akpabio called it “one of the most consequential constitutional votes in Nigeria’s democratic history” and urged full attendance from senators.
In the letter, Tinubu described the bill as “a critical component of our administration’s strategy to reorganise Nigeria’s security architecture to better protect our citizens.” He said it builds on work already done by both chambers and includes safeguards for creating a dual policing structure. Tinubu asked the Senate to act quickly to consider and pass the bill.
What the Bill Does
The amendment would alter the 1999 Constitution to allow states to establish and maintain their own police services alongside the Nigeria Police Force. It moves policing from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent Legislative List.
Akpabio said state governments are ready to act promptly once the amendment is completed. He argued state police would improve grassroots intelligence gathering because “residents are often best positioned to identify suspicious activities and criminal elements within their communities.”
Legislative Path
The House of Representatives passed its version of the bill on June 10, 2026. The Senate passed an executive bill on state police for second reading on June 11. Tinubu’s new Constitution Alteration Bill builds on that proposal and provides the constitutional foundation required.
Copies of the Constitution Review Committee’s report were distributed to senators Tuesday. Akpabio noted the proposal is the result of nearly two years of consultations.
Tuesday’s emergency plenary adjourned after lawmakers mourned Rep. Yaya Tongo, who died Monday. Debate on the state police bill shifted to Wednesday.
Stakeholder Positions
State governors are seeking greater authority over security operations and guaranteed funding for state police, according to a Nigeria Governors’ Forum meeting of Attorneys-General last week.
Retired Brigadier General Peter Aro said state police should be viewed as “deliberate security reform rather than a political project,” but warned that “adequate safeguards must be put in place to prevent abuse.”
Next Steps
If the National Assembly passes the amendment, at least 24 of Nigeria’s 36 state Houses of Assembly must also approve it before it becomes law.
The Senate reconvened Wednesday to debate the bill.
The Chairperson, International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Anambra State Chapter, Barrister Amara Muojeke, has called for stronger protection of widows’ rights and greater economic empowerment to help them live with dignity and independence.
Speaking in Awka, as the world marked the 2026 International Widows’ Day, Barrister Muojeke explained that June 23 every year is set aside globally to draw attention to the plight of millions of widows and advocate for the protection of their welfare and fundamental rights.
She noted that the 2026 theme, “Justice, Dignity and Economic Empowerment of Widows,” is particularly significant in Nigeria and Anambra State due to the challenges widows continue to face, including harmful cultural practices, disinheritance, and property grabbing.
According to Muojeke, who is also the Anambra State Leader of the NBA Women Forum, the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees the dignity of every human person under Section 34, stressing that widows deserve fairness, respect, and protection under the law, while adding that economic empowerment remains critical, as financially independent widows are better positioned to care for their children and resist exploitation.
Mrs. Muojeke explained that Anambra State has laws prohibiting harmful widowhood practices, including the Malpractices Against Widows and Widowers (Prohibition) Law of 2005 and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law of 2017, which criminalizes widowhood abuses and prescribes penalties, including imprisonment.
She encouraged widows not to suffer in silence whenever their rights are violated, but to seek legal redress, noting that FIDA provides free legal services to widows across the country.
On June 22, 2026, the US State Department and Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control sanctioned Mukhtar Adamu Muhammad, a resident of Agege, Lagos, and three Nigerian firms he allegedly owns or controls for facilitating ISIS financing. The firms are Generation Currency Bureau De Change Limited in Lagos, incorporated January 2019; Manhattan Bureau De Change Limited on Murtala Mohammed Way, Kano, incorporated January 2021; and Nine to Nine Exchange Bureau De Change Limited at FAAN Complex, Airport Road, Lagos, incorporated August 2017. The US designated Muhammad a Specially Designated Global Terrorist, saying he’s an ISIS in West Africa financial facilitator who conducted money transfers for the group, and that the three BDCs acted as conduits for ISIS-WA operations.
The action was part of wider sanctions targeting 3 individuals and 6 entities across France, Syria, Türkiye, and Nigeria. Others named include French national Abderrahmane Miloud, Syria-based Abdelhakim Boukich who used crypto for ISIS transfers, two Turkish firms Alkaram Danismanlik and Spider Gayrimenkul, and Syrian crypto exchange Bitcoin Exchange Agent Idlib’s No.1 Coin Exchange. State Dept spokesperson Thomas Pigott said ISIS now relies on financial intermediaries and decentralized networks to move money, and that these sanctions reflect “unrelenting pressure” on the group.
The US also highlighted counterterrorism cooperation with Nigeria, citing a joint May 16, 2026 operation that killed Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described as ISIS’s number two official. Under Executive Order 13224, all property of the sanctioned persons under US jurisdiction is blocked and US persons are barred from transactions with them.
This morning, I listened to the British Prime Minister’s speech announcing his planned resignation in July. As a keen observer of global politics, my primary interest lies in examining what successful nations do right and the structural factors that cause others to lag or struggle with governance and development.
The Prime Minister’s planned resignation comes amid mounting public frustration over a stagnant economy, a worsening cost-of-living crisis, and a perceived failure to honour key campaign pledges.
Looking inward in our dear country, we can recall our own situation. Before 2015, our President on several occasions championed the call for the then President Goodluck Jonathan to resign over economic hardship and insecurity affecting Nigerians. During the Chibok school kidnapping incident, he demanded the immediate resignation of President Jonathan, arguing that the government had failed in its most fundamental duty of protecting lives.
During the 2023 election campaign, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu made several promises, including improved electricity supply. He also challenged the electorate not to vote for him for a second term if he failed to deliver on those commitments—particularly in providing stable power, fighting corruption, and improving the welfare of Nigerians.
At present, however, these conditions have worsened. Electricity supply remains unreliable, insecurity has intensified in many areas, including kidnappings, and economic hardship has deepened rather than eased. Similar concerns are reflected across other critical sectors such as security, infrastructure, transportation, and anti-corruption efforts, all of which have regressed. We are in the worst possible condition.
I, therefore, join Nigerians of goodwill in calling for the resignation of the President over monumental failure in governance. Such a gesture would help enthrone a political culture rooted in accountability and responsibility, rather than further entrenching impunity. It would also send a powerful message that public office is a sacred trust, not an entitlement, and help build a society in which future leaders understand that failure carries consequences. Only by ending the culture of impunity can we secure a better future for the society our children will inherit in a New Nigeria that is possible.
Barr Ezeokenwa Sly Jr, the National chairman of APGA responds to Chief Primus Odili, denies ever promising him APGA ticket for Anambra north senatorial zone.
…says Primus never gave him money and that the only unsolicited financial gift Primus sent to him has been returned.
…advised Promus to accept the defeat in good fate.
…denies receiving any property from Stella Oduah at VGC.
Read…
*RE: SLY EZEOKENWA, APGA NATIONAL CHAIRMAN AND REPEATED EXTORTIONS*
Dear Okosisi Aguleri,
My attention has been drawn to a blackmail post with the above caption which you, your media team and some of your cohorts (particularly a certain self-styled Igwe APGA) have been circulating on various social media platforms. The said blackmail posts contain series of invectives, diatribes, wicked lies, false innuendos, outright falsehood, vile propaganda and ludicrous allegations all aimed at tarnishing my image and the reputation I have laboured to build over the years in APGA. I have equally received several calls from friends and associates on the propriety or otherwise of your baseless allegations.
I had elected to ignore you and remain calm in the face of your wicked and spurious allegations but I have seen that you’re not relenting in your wickedness and evil scheme. Indeed, it’s not at all times that silence may be golden and certainly this is not one of the times. I have therefore elected to reply you, not just to set the records straight, but to equally debunk all your outrageous and wicked lies which you have cooked up against me simply because you lost a direct primary election. Your loss is not my making but purely an expression of the free choice of party members in Anambra North who trooped out to choose their preferred candidate through a credible and transparent process that has now been adjudged one of the best primaries conducted in the country. I am equally glad that in all your invectives, you have not impugned the credibility of the primaries you participated in.
Let me state at the outset that you lack character and any modicum of integrity. Little surprise you could turn against the former Governor (your boss), who built you from nothing to what you’re today; the same man you have sponsored several outrageous allegations and wicked propaganda against in the not too distant past. Let karma judge you for all your actions and inactions.
Primus, we are both Catholics and I will be right to assume that we both believe in the sacredness of the Blessed Sacrament. I had told you shortly after you started your blackmail that I am willing to go with you before the Archbishop or any priest of your choice to swear before the Blessed Sacrament if I ever demanded any money from you in respect of your aspiration or if I did anything to prejudice your ambition or if I ever called a single soul in my LGA or any other place requesting the person to vote for Sen Stella Oduah or any other aspirant during the primaries. I believe that you should be willing to do so if indeed you’re a man of honour and integrity.
While waiting for you to accept my challenge, I am minded to reply your wicked allegations in the following underlisted headings:
1. *YOUR CLAIM OF PROMISE OF TICKET* It is on record that I NEVER DISCUSSED OR AGREED to give you the ticket of APGA for Anambra North Senatorial District. Indeed, you know I lack such capacity. If you’re intelligent enough, you would know that I lack such capacity to influence the outcome of a direct primaries. I recall emphasising severally to you on the need to mobilise your supporters to register as members of the party as only such members have the right to vote in the primaries. You assured me that you had already deployed some young people who were doing the uploads. It’s on record that the enactment of the Electoral Act in February this year obliterated the indirect mode of primaries leaving just the Direct or Consensus as the legally recognised modes. Pray, how feasible or possible is it for me to promise you ticket in a fiercely and keenly contested primaries? How is that even possible. Primus, have you forgotten how you pleaded with me severally to disqualify Sen Oduah and Sir John Emeka because, according to you, that they recently joined the party? Please, on what terms or in exchange for what did I promise you APGA ticket? My dear brother, you know that these are mere fabrications you conjured up to tarnish my image. I can only say that you have indeed made good your threats but I can assure you that you have failed.
2. *ALLEGATIONS OF EXTORTIONS* Primus, you alleged that I extorted money from you with the promise of giving you APGA ticket. I have equally heard so many humongous amounts in various quarters. You told some persons that I collected 500m from you; you still told others that I have received over a billion naira from countless aspirants. All these you know are lies. In your diatribes under reference, you woefully failed to mention the money I collected from you other than a certain $1000 dollars you claimed I collected for prayers; which you know to be false. I have never visited any prayer house in all my adult life and I neither solicited nor received such money from you. I NEVER RECEIVED ANY MONEY FROM YOU TO HOST THE NWC IN ANAMBRA. The private money I received from you was your support for the APGA E Registration fund raising which you told me you didn’t want to make a public donation in the platform. Every other money I received from you since 2024 were not more than $1000 which you gave me on 3 occasions; during 2025 Christmas, my birthday in January this year and your Easter gift. Again, in March this year, shortly after Mr Governor’s inauguration for a 2nd term, you paid me a visit, in company of the Mayor of Anambra East, Hon Maureen Gwacham, Ugoo Obiefuna and Hon Marcel Ifejiofor to formally declare your aspiration to me. You brought drinks and kola and told me that Ugoo was going to send across what you called “consultation’ to me. INDEED, THE MONEY UGOO SENT ACROSS TO ME IN AN ENVELOPE WAS THE ONLY MONEY I RECEIVED FROM YOU IN RESPECT OF YOUR ASPIRATION. I DIDN’T DISCUSS OR RECEIVE ANY EXTRA DIME FROM YOU. EVEN THE MONEY (which has been returned to you) WAS TOTALLY UNSOLICITED.
3. *OTHER WICKED ALLEGATIONS* Primus, you claimed that Sen Stella Oduah gave me a house in VGC, Lagos and that’s why I worked for her. You also claimed that I was investing people’s money in Real Estate. Please, I challenge you to mention the people that I collected money from to invest in real estate. I have heard several outrageous allegations against me concerning extortions from some aspirants. Some of the people you mentioned have reached out to me to debunk your wicked lies. I don’t even know from which planet you concocted such lies against an innocent woman. FOR THE RECORDS, I NEVER RECEIVED ANY BUILDING OR PROPERTY FROM SEN ODUAH IN VGC OR AT ANY OTHER LOCATION. I AM NOT BUILDING ANY HOUSE IN JABI. THESE ARE ALL LIES AND YOU KNOW IN THE DEEPEST PART OF YOUR HEART THAT THEY ARE LIES. Again, your claim about discussing Mr Governor’s future with you is the mother of all blackmail. I NEVER HAD SUCH DISCUSSION WITH YOU. INDEED, I CAN’T EVEN IMAGINE WHAT WOULD WARRANT SUCH DISCUSSION WITH YOU. YOU MAY BE SUFFERING FROM AN ELECTION LOSS INDUCED HALLUCINATIONS AND AMNESIA.
You even claimed that I collected 20m from Akaoma to disqualify you. How then did you contest the primaries? Truth is, you don’t even know how childish you sound with all these preposterous, baseless and utterly ludicrous allegations. You’re just pathetic and I may be forced to just ask you to GET A LIFE.
Another pathetic lie is your claim that I requested you to chair the fundraising in Onitsha Archdiocese and more like compelled you to pledge 200m. Primus, you must really be a small mind. Have you forgotten that people you lie with their names are still alive. Sir Evaristus Uba, the CMO President of Onitsha Archdiocese is still alive and is in a better position to explain how they chose you as the Chairman of the occasion. I was only invited to the function although I concede that I attended the function in your company. I don’t know the discussion you had with CMO that warranted the decision to make you Chairman of the Occasion. I never remotely suggested the amount of money you should donate and I never compelled you to make any donation. These are all lies.
Again, I recall your decision to accompany me to some of my functions last year during the Governorship campaign. It was a humble plea from you to allow you join me in some of my outings since you weren’t too busy. I wonder how voluntary donations you made to various churches and organisations became my problem or part of my decision to extort money from you. Primus, you even listed donations you made to Rev Srs? Haba!!!
Primus, have you forgotten how you claimed victory shortly after the election alleging wrong calculations for you. You even shared the purported collation with your media team with the imputation that you won the primaries. I am equally going to share the pictures you and your media team shared before we issued a Statement debunking your lies. When you saw that your claim was erroneous and false, you turned around to cast aspertions on my personality and image. I still ask, how on earth did I wrong you! I am willing to tender an unreserved apology if I did.
The most painful of all your devious machinations is you senseless decision to share the images of my father, a man who’s peacefully resting in his grave to achieve your evil agenda. I am surprised you didn’t mention that my late father also promised you ticket since we all now owe you APGA ticket. Intriguingly, you forgot that Dr Alex Obiogbolu equally contested the APGA Primaries yet it’s you that I promised ticket. How convenient!!!
I have taken this pains to narrate what transpired between us for the world to see and be the fair judge. I will also share the screenshots of your previous demands to me so that people can see the said money I allegedly extorted from you so that they can see you for who you really are; a cheap and senseless blackmailer!!!
I will advise you to refrain from your ill-advised campaign of blackmail and calumny against me. This would be the height of my benevolence to you. Quite frankly, I perfectly understand your frustration at the loss of the primaries and I deeply sympathise with you. I wish there was something I could have done. However, the wishes of the people prevailed and my job is simply to uphold the decision of our party faithful in Anambra North expressed through a credible primaries. If that is my only crime against you, then so be it. I don’t owe you or anybody an apology!!!
Fifteen entrepreneurs have received grants totaling eight million two hundred and fifty thousand naira after pitching their business ideas at the end of an entrepreneurship training programme organized by the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN), in collaboration with the Anambra State Small Business Agency (ASBA) for fifty top performing participants.
The development bank, in partnership with ASBA, opened registration for the 2026 DBN Entrepreneurship Training Programme around February, 2026, which offered free online entrepreneurship training, mentorship and opportunities to win cash prizes and grants.
Interested participants who enrolled on the “BizAid Learning Platform” completed four mandatory courses, and scored at least 80 per cent to qualify for a 3-day physical workshop held at the IDK learning center, Awka, where the fifteen winners emerged.
Speaking after he observed the pitching processes, the Acting Managing Director of the ASBA, Barrister Nonso Samson Emeka, who noted that the entire training packages gave participants essential skills that will help them succeed as entrepreneurs, said the Governor Chukwuma Soludo administration is keen on bringing people out of the streets due to unemployment into gainful employment, adding that “ASBA is taking all supporting initiatives head-on”, working with development and global partners to empower people to start something meaningful and live right through access to funding.He further explained that at every point in time and with every breath, the Anambra State Government is encouraging the youths to engage in meaningful ventures and take their minds off vices, saying that everyone who went through the entrepreneurship training programme has been greatly and positively impacted, even as he charged the winners of the grants to be steadfast, remain true to the goal, and build others.
DBN representative at the event, Precious Ayegbayo, who stated that entrepreneurs in Anambra are top-notch, explained that ‘unique value propositions’ stood the top winners out; as their businesses are not just for profit generation, but have impact on MSMEs, and the environment.
She charged the winners to ensure that the grants were put to use as intended, noting that the bank is committed to giving MSMEs skills, resources and knowledge needed to scale up their businesses and access finance.
To be part of the second phase of the entrepreneurship training programme coming up in October, as well as benefit from other packages, Ayegbayo urged interested persons to follow DBN on social media platforms and register.
In an interview, the group founder of Learna Educational Hub, based in Imo, Chinwe Nlemoha, who emerged the overall winner and went home with three million naira, said the grant will enable her develop platform to enable millions of children log on and learn effectively, as well as distribute more materials to children that mostly need them.
A breakdown of the figures shows that 5 people received N150, 000 each, 5 people N200, 000 each, 2 people N500,000 each, 1 person (3rd position) N1,000,000, one person (2nd position) N1,500, 000, and one person (overall winner) N3,000,000.00
LAGOS — June 18, 2026 — The naira weakened to ₦1,405 per dollar at the parallel market on Wednesday, widening the gap with the official NFEM rate of ₦1,361.5 to ₦43.5.
The slide comes as Brent crude fell by $7 per barrel this week to $79.88, cutting Nigeria’s main source of dollar inflows. Traders say demand pressure from importers and summer travel is also driving the rate up.
The widening spread has revived fears of currency round-tripping, while businesses are holding off on pricing decisions ahead of the Tax Acts 2025 rollout in January. Households are already facing higher costs for fuel, food, and imported goods.
The Central Bank has not commented, but analysts expect renewed volatility if oil stays below $80 and reserve buffers weaken further.
ABUJA — June 18, 2026 — The Federal Government has released transition guidelines for the Tax Acts 2025, set to replace all repealed tax laws starting January 1, 2026.
The Finance Ministry says the new framework will streamline Nigeria’s tax system and clarify compliance rules for businesses, SMEs, and accountants ahead of the rollout. The Acts will consolidate multiple existing tax laws into one code.
The announcement comes as the naira weakens and oil prices slide, with businesses closely watching how the new tax regime will affect operating costs and revenue projections.
ABUJA — June 18, 2026 — The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has called on the Federal Government to immediately declare a National Security Emergency.
The group warned that Nigeria is facing “unprecedented insecurity” and said the move would empower military commanders with more authority to tackle banditry, kidnappings, and terrorism nationwide. Presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar’s African Democratic Congress (ADC) also urged the FG to declare a security emergency this week.
The calls come amid mass trials of 490+ suspected terrorists in Abuja and a joint US-Nigeria operation that killed 21 suspected ISWAP fighters in Borno State.
He further explained that at every point in time and with every breath, the Anambra State Government is encouraging the youths to engage in meaningful ventures and take their minds off vices, saying that everyone who went through the entrepreneurship training programme has been greatly and positively impacted, even as he charged the winners of the grants to be steadfast, remain true to the goal, and build others.
who emerged the overall winner and went home with three million naira, said the grant will enable her develop platform to enable millions of children log on and learn effectively, as well as distribute more materials to children that mostly need them.
