Crime
Court Jails Mother, Sister of Slain Terror Kingpin Battujo for 40 Years
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday sentenced Safiya Salihu and Halima Abdullahi, the mother and sister respectively of eliminated terrorist kingpin Kachallah Ibrahim Battujo, to a combined 40 years in prison for their roles in supporting terrorism activities.
Justice Hauwa Joseph Yilwa handed down the sentences after the two women pleaded guilty to three terrorism-related charges brought against them by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation.

Battujo, a notorious bandit kingpin, was neutralized by Nigerian security forces on June 10, 2026, in a forest near Iluke in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The women were convicted on:
- Count 2: Aiding and abetting Battujo’s terrorist activities by passing information to him through telephone conversations, contrary to Section 26 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
- Count 4 (Halima Abdullahi): Concealing information about her brother’s illegal possession of firearms after visiting his forest camp.
- Count 5 (Safiya Salihu): Concealing information regarding her son’s terrorism activities.
Each count carries a 20-year jail term. Justice Yilwa ordered the sentences to run concurrently. The convicts will undergo rehabilitation after serving their terms.
They were discharged and acquitted on Counts 1 and 3, which involved receiving N490,300 and sponsorship for Hajj pilgrimage from proceeds of terrorism. The Director of Public Prosecution, Oyedepo Rotimi, SAN, had urged the court to strike out those counts.
The women, both from Dungun Mu’aza Sabuwa LGA in Katsina State, were arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS).
This conviction underscores ongoing efforts by Nigerian authorities to dismantle terror networks by targeting not only operatives in the field but also their family members who provide material support or withhold critical intelligence.
Crime
Ibadan, Ojoo Tensed After Tricycle Rider Stabbing Triggers Clashes (Images)
Tension remains high in the Ojoo area of Ibadan following a violent clash sparked by the alleged stabbing death of a tricycle rider, which later escalated into retaliatory attacks, gunshots, and destruction of property.

The violence reportedly began after a disagreement the previous night. According to residents and eyewitnesses, the tricycle operator was chased and stabbed to death by suspected Hausa scrap collectors. The incident quickly triggered widespread outrage.
The killing prompted some Yoruba youths to launch retaliatory attacks while demanding justice for the deceased. The unrest led to sporadic gunfire and significant damage to properties in the area.

Security operatives have been deployed to the scene to restore order. As of the latest reports, many shops remain closed and residents are staying indoors as authorities work to prevent further violence and calm the situation.
Local security agencies are investigating the initial stabbing and the subsequent clashes, with appeals for calm from all sides. Community leaders are expected to engage in efforts to promote peace and prevent escalation in Ojoo and surrounding neighborhoods.

Developments are being closely monitored as the situation remains tense.
Crime
Tinubu Orders ICPC to Probe PFIPC over Fake Government Body
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the activities of a fake government body known as the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC).
The President gave the anti-graft agency a 30-day deadline to complete the probe and submit a detailed report. The directive was announced on Tuesday in a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
According to the Presidency, the PFIPC is entirely fictitious and was never established by the Federal Government. It has no basis in any law, presidential instrument, executive approval, or other lawful government act.
One Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew allegedly posed as the Director-General of the non-existent council and falsely claimed to be a presidential appointee. The investigation will focus on several key issues, including:
- The alleged forgery of appointment letters and other official government documents.
- The use of false claims of presidential appointment to obtain official recognition, diplomatic support, and visa facilitation.
- The opening of multiple bank accounts in the names of purported government agencies using forged documents.
President Tinubu has instructed the ICPC to examine not only the actions of the principal suspect and his collaborators but also the broader circumstances that allowed the fake entity to gain an appearance of legitimacy. This includes probing the origin and use of forged documents, the source and movement of any funds involved, and the role of any public officers, private individuals, financial institutions, or intermediaries who may have facilitated the scheme.
The move underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to addressing fraud involving impersonation of official institutions and misuse of government identity. All ministries, departments, and agencies have been directed to cooperate fully with the ICPC.
Further updates on the investigation are expected as the probe progresses.
Crime
BREAKING: Court Grants Sowore N200 Million Bail, With Fresh Conditions
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday granted bail to online publisher and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, but imposed stringent fresh conditions for his release.
Justice Umar Mohammed ruled that Sowore must provide two sureties, each executing a ₦200 million bail bond. One of the sureties must be a traditional ruler from Sowore’s community in Ese-Odo Local Government Area of Ondo State, while the second surety must own landed property within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Sowore is also required to surrender his international passport to the court’s deputy registrar for safekeeping. The court further directed that both sureties must be verified by counsel to the prosecution, Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN.
The ruling comes after Sowore’s absence from court proceedings. On June 16, 2026, Justice Umar revoked the self-recognisance bail earlier granted to Sowore in December and issued a bench warrant for his arrest over allegations of cybercrime and criminal defamation.
Last Tuesday, the judge ordered that Sowore be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the determination of his motion seeking a stay of execution of the revocation order and bench warrant. The court also dismissed Sowore’s application requesting that the judge recuse himself from the trial on grounds of alleged bias.
The Department of State Services (DSS) is prosecuting Sowore over alleged criminal defamation stemming from social media posts on his official X and Facebook accounts in which he reportedly referred to President Bola Tinubu as a “criminal.”
Sowore’s lead counsel, R.O. Adakole, appealed to the court to release his client to him temporarily to enable the retrieval of Sowore’s passport from the US Embassy in Lagos.
Justice Umar adjourned the matter to July 6, 2026, for the continuation of hearing.
-
Business2 days agoBACITI graduates pioneer set of 40 Senior Customs Officers
-
News2 days agoFG Launches First University Innovation POD, Targets Research-Led Industrial Growth
-
Sports2 days agoParis FC confirm Liam Rosenior as new coach
-
Sports2 days agoTeam Nigeria Athletes Commend NSC Support Ahead of Glasgow 2026 Games
-
Sports2 days agoBelgium beat US 4-1 to Reach World Cup Quarter-finals
-
Health2 days agoFG Launches Tsetse Fly Surveillance Campaign in Akwa Ibom
-
Crime2 days agoTinubu Orders ICPC to Probe PFIPC over Fake Government Body
-
Politics1 day agoJUST IN: “I Might Not Be Alive to Contest 2027 Election” – Peter Obi
