A former chairman of the Kebbi State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Alhaji Muhammadu Besse, has died in bandits’ captivity.

Besse was abducted earlier in June.

This was disclosed on Tuesday in a post on X by Bakatsine, a journalist who reports on conflict and insecurity in Nigeria’s North-West region.

Recall that a video had emerged, showing the former APC chairman and his associate being humiliated by bandits in the Birnin Gwari forest.

Bakatsine wrote: “DEVASTATING UPDATE: Alhaji Muhammadu Mai
Barga Besse, the immediate former APC Chairman of Koko/Besse LGA in Kebbi
State, has now also been confirmed dead in captivity.

“This means both men seen in the videos released from the Birnin Gwari forest have lost their lives without ever reuniting with their families after their abduction.

“What began as disturbing footage of humiliation has ended in the worst possible tragedy. Two lives gone, two families shattered and more painful questions about the security crisis facing communities across northern Nigeria.

“May Almighty Allah forgive them, grant them Aljannatul Firdaus and comfort their loved ones.”

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Residents and opposition parties in Borno State are demanding an independent investigation after a non-existent ₦4 billion railway project appeared in the state’s 2025 budget implementation report.

The controversy erupted when the Borno State government admitted that the project, listed as “100% completed,” was an administrative error.

Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Usman Tar, clarified that no rail project was awarded, funded, or executed in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council or Jere Local Government Area during the fiscal year.

Opposition groups, including the Nigeria Democratic Congress and Africa Democratic Congress, rejected the explanation.

Aliyu Balarabe, Publicity Secretary of the NDC, urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) to launch a transparent probe.

“We are not talking about millions, but billions of naira. If it is an error, where are the funds?” Balarabe asked.Similarly, Baba Mustapha of the ADC described the situation as “unfortunate,” insisting that public funds must be accounted for.

Residents also voiced skepticism, questioning the credibility of the government’s expenditure figures.

Hassan Aminu, a Maiduguri resident, argued that if such a massive error could slip into the budget, the entire spending report should be re-evaluated.

The issue has sparked widespread calls for accountability, with critics warning that dismissing the matter as a clerical mistake undermines public trust in governance.

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Concerned leaders and stakeholders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Ogun State have petitioned the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), demanding a thorough investigation into allegations of financial misconduct, abuse of office, and unethical behaviour against the state chairman, Otunba Femi Patrick Soluade.

In a petition dated June 20, 2026, and addressed to the National Chairman, the group accused Soluade of misappropriating and mismanaging party funds, removing authorised signatories from the party account without proper approval, and directing aspirants to pay nomination or expression-of-interest fees into his personal bank account instead of the official party account.

The petitioners, Hudu Idris, Ismaila Adejumon, Temitope Adebayo, and Rashidat Yekin, said the petition was driven by their commitment to accountability, transparency, justice, discipline, and adherence to the party’s constitution. They warned that the alleged issues, if left unaddressed, could damage the party’s unity, credibility, and chances in future elections.

Key allegations

Financial impropriety: Concerns over the management of funds in the Ogun State ADC account at Sterling Bank, including demands for a comprehensive forensic audit of all inflows and outflows since Soluade assumed office in December 2024.

Unauthorised changes: Alleged removal of other signatories to the party account without consultation or approval from relevant party organs.

Diversion of funds: Claims that more than ten aspirants were instructed to pay into the chairman’s personal account rather than the designated official party account.

Other misconduct: Allegations of inappropriate conduct toward a female aspirant, intimidation, high-handedness, and an alleged assault on his deputy (which Soluade has denied).

The petitioners called for the immediate constitution of an impartial investigative panel to hear testimonies, examine all allegations, and review relevant bank records.

Soluade was appointed acting chairman in December 2024 following the voluntary resignation of the previous acting chairman, Itunu Abioro.

Chairman’s responseWhen contacted, Femi Soluade dismissed the allegations as false and misleading. He described the reported assault on his deputy as a resolved misunderstanding and insisted he remains on good terms with the individual.

“I have been funding the party by myself and using my goodwill,” he said, adding that records of inflows and outflows exist and would be made available to the national leadership. Soluade expressed confidence that he would be vindicated, stating, “I have my integrity and it cannot be dragged in the mud.”

The NWC is yet to issue an official response to the petition as of the time of this report.

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Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, has directed the immediate dismantling of all unauthorised police roadblocks across the state’s highways.

On Monday, Adepoju personally led a statewide inspection of police checkpoints as part of efforts to implement the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu’s, directives against extortion, illegal roadblocks, and officer misconduct.

During the exercise at the Rivers-Imo boundary, the CP emphasised the need for officers to maintain professionalism, avoid disrupting traffic flow, and uphold the reputation of the Nigeria Police Force. He noted that the number of checkpoints in the area had already decreased significantly, with any remaining illegal ones removed on the spot.

“We have directed that nobody should block the road. Officers should position themselves strategically and carry out stop-and-search operations without obstructing traffic,” Adepoju stated. He added that compliance so far has been encouraging.

The inspection aligns with broader national directives from the IGP, requiring officers to be properly dressed, display visible name tags, and refrain from extorting the public. Adepoju warned that violators would face disciplinary action, with some officers already identified for lacking proper uniforms or name tags.

He stressed that routine monitoring by police leadership is essential to ensure professional conduct and urged the public to report any cases of misconduct or extortion through official channels.

The operation covered key areas including the East-West Road corridor in Ikwerre and Emohua Local Government Areas. The CP was accompanied by senior officers, including the Deputy Commissioner of Police (State CID) and other tactical unit commanders.

This move forms part of ongoing nationwide efforts to eliminate unauthorised checkpoints while allowing legitimate policing duties that do not inconvenience road users.

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The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Oyo State Wing, has said public schools in the state will not reopen until the government puts adequate security measures in place to guarantee the safety of teachers, students, and staff.

The union embarked on an indefinite strike following the abduction of over 40 students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15. Two teachers were also killed in the incident, heightening fears among education stakeholders.

Mr Olukayode Salami, NUT Oyo State Secretary, disclosed this in Ibadan on Tuesday while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). He explained that the strike was necessitated by the prevailing insecurity, which has created fear, tension, and psychological trauma among teachers and learners. Many parents have reportedly begun withdrawing their children from schools.

“As much as we have casualties among learners in terms of abduction, we have higher casualties among teachers because two of them were killed. The continuous detention of victims in captivity is another factor of concern to all of us,” Salami stated.

The union leader noted that the NUT did not rush into the strike but acted when it became clear that the security situation had not improved. The union has set clear conditions for calling off the industrial action: the safe rescue of all abducted persons and the implementation of sustainable measures to prevent a recurrence.

Salami emphasised that schools must remain safe learning environments and should not be turned into targets by criminals. “If anybody has a grievance against government, such persons should address it with government and not resort to attacking schools and innocent people,” he said.

The union has held several meetings with government officials, resulting in a communiqué and action plans submitted for immediate implementation. Among the proposals are increased security patrols in vulnerable areas, especially forest-bordering local government areas, and the establishment of joint task forces involving conventional security agencies, hunters, and vigilante groups.

While acknowledging that schools cannot remain shut indefinitely, Salami stressed that visible improvements in security are needed to restore public confidence before teachers can return to the classrooms. He urged the state government to treat the matter with utmost urgency for the sake of education and public safety.

The indefinite closure of public primary and secondary schools in Oyo State continues as of June 23, 2026.

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Monday, declared that the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, is the only opposition party challenging the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Wike made the remark while congratulating President Bola Tinubu on the APC’s victory in Saturday’s bye-elections across Nigeria.

He spoke during the commissioning of the Water Supply Network to Karu Satellite Town as part of projects marking Tinubu’s third anniversary in office.

According to Wike, the PDP remains the leading opposition party in Nigeria.

He said: “Let me use this opportunity to congratulate your party for winning Saturday’s bye-elections and also congratulate my party for
maintaining its position as the opposition.

“In every political setting, there must be winners and an opposition. Today, we have seen the ruling party and the opposition party.

“The opposition is not about talking but about challenging the ruling party, and we are the only party challenging the ruling party. Therefore, we are the leading opposition party.”

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The United States has released the names of individuals and entities connected with ISIS financial networks, in furtherance of the Trump Administration’s fight against global terrorism financing.

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The designations announced on Monday affect three men and six businesses “who have enabled ISIS to move money across borders.” They operate in Europe, the Middle East, and West Africa.

Washington says by crippling the web, which spans from France and Syria to Türkiye and Nigeria, the U.S. is cutting off funds that enable ISIS to execute attacks, support its regional affiliates, and threaten civilians, including religious minorities.

The targets include a Nigerian whose money exchange firms served as conduits for ISIS financing, a French man who provided information on explosives to ISIS supporters, and a Syrian who used crypto to transfer funds on behalf of ISIS allies.

The American government reaffirmed its strong partnership with Nigeria, which joined the U.S. in the May 16, 2026, operation that resulted in the killing of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, the number two official in ISIS.

The United States’ unrelenting pressure on ISIS, according to the State Department, continues to decentralize its operations and rely on financial intermediaries to connect its global network.

“We will continue to use every diplomatic and legal tool available to hold ISIS and its supporters accountable – wherever they operate and however they move money,” the statement reads.

The Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control has published the details of companies and three nationals now regarded as Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGT).

The Nigerian is Muhammad Mukhtar Adamu, linked to ISIS-West Africa. Born 02 (alt 03) August 1990, Muhammad’s home address shows he resides
in the Agege area of Lagos.

The Syrian is Abdelhakim Boukich a.k.a. Babili Muhammad, DOB 15 Dec 1993; alt. DOB 01 Jan 1991. The French is Abderrahmane Miloud a.k.a.
Ghazi Ibrahim, DOB August 1992. Both are linked to the Islamic State of Iraq
and the Levant.

The three companies linked to Muhammad, based in Nigeria, include General Currency Bureau De Change Limited, located in Lagos and
established on January 9, 2019, with Registration Number RC 1555604.

Others: Manhattan Bureau De Change, Murtala Mohammad Way, Kano, est. 26 January 2021, Reg. No. RC 1763824; Nine To Nine Exchange Bureau
De Change, FAAN Complex, Airport Road, Lagos, est. 22 August 2017, Reg. No. RC
1462752.

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Apex Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has rejected the call by Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to resign, describing the demand as politically inappropriate and lacking context.

In a statement issued by Deputy President-General Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro and Professor Chibuikeya Achoakawa, the organization stressed that Obi’s remarks, comparing Tinubu to the UK Prime Minister’s resignation do not represent the collective will or strategic interest of the Igbo nation.

“Ohanaeze Ndigbo unequivocally disassociates the Igbo nation from calls for the resignation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” the statement read, while reaffirming its commitment to national unity and responsible political discourse.

The group acknowledged ongoing federal infrastructure projects in the Southeast, including road initiatives supervised by Minister of Works David Umahi, and highlighted broader projects such as the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway and the Badagry–Sokoto Highway Corridor.

It also noted improvements in Nigeria’s external reserves and relative security gains in the region.

Ohanaeze urged political actors to exercise restraint, promote dialogue, and prioritize national cohesion over partisan rhetoric.

It commended federal efforts in infrastructure and economic reforms, while stressing that Nigeria’s democratic stability depends on disciplined leadership and constructive public commentary.

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The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory
Authority (NMDPRA) says liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) wholesalers and retailers are charging non-cost-reflective prices, pushing cooking gas prices as high as N2,100 per kilogram despite significantly lower indicative prices issued by the regulator.

The authority disclosed this in a presentation delivered by Rabiu Umar, chief executive officer (CEO) of the NMDPRA, at an emergency stakeholders’ meeting convened by the Ministry of Petroleum Resources over rising LPG prices.

According to NMDPRA, consumers across the country are paying far above the regulator’s indicative pricing benchmarks due to marketer profiteering and distribution bottlenecks.

The NMDPRA said cooking gas sells for between N1,600/kg and N2,100/kg in the south-west despite an indicative price range of N1,018/kg to N1,177/kg.

In the north-central, LPG prices range from N1,550/kg to N1,950/kg against an indicative benchmark of N1,066/kg to N1,224/kg, while consumers in the south-south pay between N1,400/kg and N2,000/kg compared with an official guide of N1,021/kg to N1,179/kg.

The authority attributed the disparity to “non-cost reflective pricing” by wholesalers and retailers as well as infrastructure constraints affecting product distribution.

On May 25, TheCable reported cooking gas price rose to N2,000/kg in Lagos and N1,600 in Abuja.

CHEVRON EXPORTED ALL LPG PRODUCED BETWEEN JANUARY AND MAY

The regulator also raised concerns over domestic supply shortages, saying a significant portion of locally produced LPG is being exported instead of being supplied to the domestic market.

According to the presentation, Chevron Nigeria Limited produced 148,222 metric tonnes of LPG between January and May 2026 but exported the entire volume.

The authority said Chevron accounted for 22.93 percent of total LPG production during the period.

NMDPRA said engagements would be required with the Nigerian
Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the ministry of petroleum resources to address the situation and secure additional volumes for the domestic market.

The report showed that Nigeria LNG (NLNG) remained the largest producer during the period with 187,559 metric tonnes, representing 29.01 percent of total output, followed by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery with 105,127 metric tonnes or 16.26 percent.

‘NIGERIA RECORDS 91,966MT LPG SUPPLY GAP’

The authority further said Nigeria recorded a year-to-date LPG supply deficit of 91,966 metric tonnes between January 1 and June 18, 2026.

According to the report, total supply during the period stood at 565,106 metric tonnes, compared with a benchmark requirement of 657,072 metric tonnes.

The deficit reduced market coverage efficiency to 86 percent, down from 88.4 percent recorded in 2025.

NMDPRA attributed part of the shortfall to poor import performance by oil marketing companies (OMCs).

It said marketers allocated import quotas totalling 390,000 metric tonnes for the second quarter achieved only 4.2 percent of the approved volume.

The NMDPRA added that Nigeria could face a supply gap of 165,000 metric tonnes in the third quarter if current supply challenges persist.

The authority also identified middlemen as a major contributor to rising prices.

According to the regulator, traders rather than terminal operators are now the dominant off-takers of LPG from producers, forcing operators with storage and distribution infrastructure to buy products through intermediaries.

NMDPRA said it has commenced audits and enforcement actions aimed at increasing the number of terminal operators that can purchase products
directly from producers.

The regulator added that recent interventions have improved
LPG stock sufficiency from 11 days to 22 days.

As of June 21, Nigeria’s LPG stock stood at 85.87 million kilograms, while average daily supply increased to 5,040 metric tonnes in June from 4,262 metric tonnes recorded in May.

The authority said it is also working to improve foreign exchange access for imports, deploy technology-driven product tracking systems and expand gas infrastructure through the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund (MDGIF).

NMDPRA also said the Anoh Gas Processing Plant is expected to contribute additional volumes to the domestic market from July 2026.

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