Author: damazah@gmail.com

As Nigeria moves closer to adopting state policing, the debate has shifted from whether the country needs a decentralised policing system to how it can establish one that is effective, adequately funded, accountable and insulated from political abuse, writes Linus Aleke For more than two decades, the debate over state policing has remained one of the most contentious issues in Nigeria’s constitutional and security discourse. Rising insecurity, ranging from terrorism and banditry to kidnapping and communal violence, secessionist agitation and cult related violent extremism has repeatedly exposed the limitations of a highly centralised policing system, prompting renewed calls for a…

Alex Enumah and Linus Aleke in Abuja The federal government yesterday filed a 10-count criminal charge against three persons arrested over alleged complicity in the recent kidnap of children and teachers of a school in Orire Local Government Area (LGA) of Oyo state.The 10-count charge filed before the Federal High Court, Abuja, borders on terrorism, kidnapping, concealment, incitement and illegal mining. The three defendants: Abdulrazak Umar (a.k.a. Abu Khalifa/Abu Khalid), Yunusa Musa (a.k.a. Yunusa bin Musa), and Shamsu Adamu Sani (a.k.a. Abu Itisar). They hail from Suleja Local Government Area of Niger State.They were alleged to have conspired with one…

TOPSHOT – People ride in a gondola past a portrait of Qatar’s former leader Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani at a mall in Doha on July 12, 2026, after the announcement of his death. Qatar’s government on July 12 announced the death of Sheikh Hamad, who led the country from 1995 to 2013. He was 74, according to a government website. The former leader was seen as one of the key architects of modern Qatar and led the country during a period of rapid economic growth. He took power in June 1995, overthrowing his father in a bloodless coup…

As smoke from hundreds of burning wildfires spread across Canada and the United States, the first three operational satellites in the Google-backed FireSat program successfully launched into orbit. The satellites will begin providing wildfire detection capable of spotting even small fires in the United States, Australia, and Europe before the end of the year. The launch of the microsatellites aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on July 7, 2026 marks a transition to “initial operational capability” for the FireSat constellation managed by the nonprofit Earth Fire Alliance. After a three-month testing period, the…

As the race for the 2027 presidential election gathers momentum, attention has largely focused on the familiar political heavyweights and the intrigues rocking the major parties. Yet, away from the headlines, one aspirant Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim is quietly positioning himself as a potential surprise contender, writes Chuks Okocha While Nigeria’s major political parties have been consumed by internal crises, defections and leadership tussles ahead of the 2027 general election, one presidential hopeful quietly pursued his ambition away from public attention. Unlike many politicians eager to announce their platforms at the slightest opportunity, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim chose silence, keeping even his closest political…

The Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Abubakar Sulaiman, says he wants the institute to become the world’s intellectual hub for democracy. Mr Sulaiman, a professor, commemorated his seven years of stewardship as the Director-General of NILDS on Thursday at the institute’s headquarters in Abuja. In a fireside chat during the event, the former Minister of National Planning said he saw NILDS as an institution that would serve not only the Nigerian Parliament, but also legislatures across Africa and democratic institutions around the world. He noted that his administration prioritised institutional development, staff members’ welfare,…

The top stories and transfer rumours from Saturday’s newspapers…PREMIER LEAGUEArsenal are preparing an offer for Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa, who has yet to agree a new deal with Villa – Daily Mail Arsenal are continuing discussions over Morgan Rogers with his representatives and Aston Villa – Daily Mail Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Should Arsenal target Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers despite him likely costing over £100m? Aston Villa continue to explore the market for wingers, with the likes of West Ham’s Crysencio Summerville and Ibrahim Mbaye at PSG among names on their radar -…

By Enitan Abdultawab Nigerian singer Bella Shmurda has alleged that he was defrauded after paying $4 million for a property in Lagos that he later discovered had been stolen. The singer made the claim during an emotional Instagram Live session, where he broke down in tears while appealing for help. According to Bella Shmurda, the property was sold to him by someone who allegedly had no legal ownership of it. “Nigeria, I need your help. I’m not doing okay right now. I spent $4 million of my own hard-earned money, only to find out I bought stolen property,” he said.…

*Osigwe: I have no preferred candidate, won’t vote  *Dismisses rigging allegations  *Ojo claims plot to impose candidate  *Okpoko vows lawyers will resist interference in NBA’s affairs Alex Enumah in Abuja and Wale Igbintade in Lagos The intrigues, litigations, influence peddling, political maneuverings and regional colouration that have dogged the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) 2026 elections will come to an end today as thousands of lawyers across Nigeria log on to elect a new President and other national officers of the Association. The finger pointing, accusations and counter accusations of manipulation is coming on the heels of the President of the…

*Senior lawyers urge caution Wale Igbintade The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday dismissed concerns that the recent Court of Appeal judgements on aspects of the Electoral Act and its election guidelines could undermine preparations for the 2027 general election, insisting that the rulings pose no obstacle to the conduct of credible, free and fair polls. A senior INEC official who pleaded to remain anonymous, told THISDAY that the Commission’s constitutional mandate to conduct elections and issue the necessary administrative guidelines remains intact, stressing that the judgment affirming its powers over election timetables reinforced its legal position.The assurance came as…