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 FCT Minister Nyesom Wike Denies Land Grabbing Allegations, Defends Acquisition for Judges’ Quarters Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has strongly rejected claims that he is a land grabber, insisting he is simply performing his official duties. Wike made the declaration on Wednesday during the inauguration of the Federal High Court Judges Quarters in the Katampe area of Abuja. The project is part of a series of initiatives marking President Bola Tinubu’s third year in office. Vice President Kashim Shettima represented President Tinubu at the event. Addressing critics on social media, the minister explained the background of the land acquisition.  “When we came here looking for land to construct judges’ quarters, there was no road, but last year, Mr. President commissioned all the roads within this Katampe,” Wike said. He noted that the land originally belonged to Julius Berger PLC, which had been allocated the property 15 years earlier but made no ...

 FG Released Only N2.68tn of N54.93tn Budgeted for Road Projects Between 2023 and 2026 — Treasury Data The Federal Government released only N2.68 trillion for road construction, rehabilitation and maintenance projects between 2023 and April 2026, despite making budgetary provisions amounting to N54.93 trillion for the sector during the period, according to data obtained from the Open Treasury Portal. The figures reveal a significant gap between approved allocations and actual cash releases, highlighting the financing challenges that continue to hamper the execution of capital infrastructure projects across the country. The development comes as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to showcase projects under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda through the ongoing Renewed Hope Media Tour organised by the Presidential Communications Team. An analysis of Treasury records showed that road-related projects received a budgetary allocation of N2.53 trillion in 2023, with actua...

 Presidency: FG not considering new taxes on telecom services, petroleum products The federal government says it is not considering the introduction of new taxes on telecommunications services or petroleum products. The clarification comes after the International Monetary Fund (IMF) advised Nigeria to extend value-added tax (VAT) to fuel products and to introduce excise duties on telecommunications services to raise government revenue and fund development and social spending.

 Kaduna Govt Compensates Victims Of 2015 Alhuda Huda Demolition In Zaria The Kaduna State Government has compensated victims affected by the 2015 demolition of properties around Alhuda Huda College in Zaria, in a move aimed at addressing a longstanding injustice suffered by affected residents. The compensation exercise, approved by Governor Uba Sani, comes shortly after the state government approved compensation for affected farmers in Giwa Local Government Area. The demolished houses, located behind Alhuda Huda College, were reportedly removed during a previous administration without compensation to residents, leaving many families facing economic hardship and years of uncertainty. To implement the compensation package, the Director-General of Kaduna Geographic Information Service, Dr. Bashir Garba Ibrahim, led a delegation to Zaria where offer letters for new residential plots were presented to beneficiaries. The plots were allocated at zero premium as part of efforts to restore ...

 Commissioner Condemns Vandalism of Soludo Smart School Project, Reaffirms Commitment to Quality Education By Obiageli Nwankwo The Anambra State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Ekene Ogugua, has condemned the vandalism and theft of facilities at the ongoing Smart School project in Uga, describing the act as a setback to government efforts aimed at providing quality education for children across the state. Dr. Ogugua made the remarks on June 15, during an inspection visit to the project, where he assessed the level of work at one of Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s flagship Smart Schools and witnessed the significant transformation taking place at the facility, expressing concern over the destruction and theft of some infrastructure by individuals suspected to be members of the host community. According to the Commissioner, the vandalism represents more than the loss of physical assets, as it undermines investments designed to improve educational opportunities for future generations. “It ...

 Anambra Holds Workshop on Plea Bargain, Criminal Justice Reforms in Awka By Chinelo Okeke  The Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Anambra State, Tobechukwu Nweke, SAN, on Wednesday addressed stakeholders at a workshop on Plea Bargain and Key Innovations in the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL), held at Finotel Classique Hotel, Awka. The capacity-building programme, organized by the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Phase II Programme in collaboration with the  Anambra State Ministry of Justice, is designed to strengthen the implementation of plea bargain processes and deepen ongoing criminal justice reforms in the state. Participants at the workshop included Judges, Magistrates, prosecutors from the Ministry of Justice, Police, members of the Plea Bargain Committee, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Judicial Correspondents, and Defence Counsel, reflecting a broad-based engagement of key justice sector stakeholders. The initiat...

 Floyd Mayweather faces felony charges for alleged theft and check fraud American boxer Floyd Mayweather is facing two felony charges in Las Vegas over allegations that he wrote a bad check to purchase a watch from a luxury resale store.   Mayweather was scheduled for an initial appearance Monday in Las Vegas Justice Court. He was not physically present for the hearing, but an attorney represented him, according to the Clark County District Attorney’s Office.   His case is scheduled for a hearing in September.   Mayweather, 49, was charged in April with theft as well as drawing and passing a check without sufficient funds with the intent to defraud, according to court records.   Prosecutors in Clark County allege that in December 2024, Mayweather wrote a $200,000 check through Wells Fargo Bank to Las Vegas designer resale store Gold and Beyond, despite having insufficient funds in his account, according to the criminal complaint.   The felony charges come a...

 Shakira and Manuel Garcia-Rulfo Spark Dating Buzz After Los Angeles Outing Shakira and Manuel Garcia-Rulfo are generating fresh dating speculation after the two were photographed together in Los Angeles. The singer and the The Lincoln Lawyer actor were recently seen leaving the Sunset Tower Hotel, according to photos shared by DeuxMoi.  The images quickly caught fans' attention, with many wondering whether the outing was simply friendly or something more. Neither Shakira nor Manuel Garcia-Rulfo has publicly addressed the nature of their relationship. The sighting came during a brief break in Shakira's *Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour*. The global superstar had just wrapped up two performances in Los Angeles as the latest leg of the tour got underway. What makes the timing especially interesting is that Shakira recently spoke candidly about her personal life and suggested that dating is not currently a priority. The singer, who shares two children with former partner Gerar...

 Bride-to-Be Sara Ceccantini Dies in Greece Car Crash During Bachelorette Trip A bride-to-be has lost her life following a car crash during her bachelorette trip in Greece, just days before she was due to get married. Sara Ceccantini, 37, was visiting Mykonos with friends when the vehicle she was travelling in was involved in a collision with another car, according to reports from Greek and Italian media outlets. The crash is said to have happened overnight between Sunday, June 14, and Monday, June 15. Ceccantini was seated in the back of the car at the time of the incident, alongside three other passengers. Emergency responders rushed her to hospital in critical condition, but she later passed away from her injuries. One of her friends was also injured and remains under medical care. Authorities in Greece are still investigating the exact circumstances surrounding the collision. Ceccantini, originally from Arezzo in Italy, was due to marry her fiancé, Luca Bugialli, on June 20 in ...

 Zendaya Flaunts Wedding Ring as She Steps Out With Tom Holland After Marriage Confirmation Zendaya appeared on the red carpet with her wedding ring on display as she joined Tom Holland for their first public appearance since confirming they are married. The couple were photographed in Amsterdam on Wednesday during promotional activities for the upcoming Spider-Man film, stepping out together at the H’ART Museum. Zendaya, 29, drew attention as she arrived in a red leather mini skirt paired with a black and silver jacket. She completed the look with Tiffany jewelry, including earrings and a Bird on a Rock ring, while prominently showing her wedding band. Tom Holland, 30, appeared alongside her in a tailored suit and striped tie, as the pair posed together for cameras and greeted fans. Their appearance comes shortly after Holland addressed long-running speculation about their relationship status in an interview with Esquire UK, where he spoke openly about his personal happiness and c...

London court acquits former Nigerian minister Diezani Alison-Madueke of bribery charges Former Nigerian Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, has been acquitted of all bribery charges against her following a high-profile corruption trial in the United Kingdom. A jury at Southwark Crown Court in London on Wednesday, June 17, found the 65-year-old not guilty on six counts, including five charges of accepting bribes and one count of conspiracy to commit bribery. Alison-Madueke had consistently denied all allegations throughout the proceedings. Prosecutors alleged that while serving as Nigeria’s petroleum minister between 2010 and 2015 under former President Goodluck Jonathan, Alison-Madueke received significant benefits from oil and gas industry figures seeking lucrative contracts in Nigeria. According to the prosecution, she was provided with what was described as “a life of luxury” in London in exchange for influence over the award of energy contracts. However, Alison...

 NASARAWA POLICE COMMAND WARNS AGAINST VIOLATION OF THE ELECTORAL ACT, ORDERS STRICT ENFORCEMENT The Nasarawa State Police Command has in strong term warned the general public,  politicians, their supporters, and political groups against engaging in political rallies, processions, and other forms of campaigns in violation of the provisions of the 2026 Electoral Act. The warning is sequel to a violent clash between supporters of rival political office seekers in parts of the State, which resulted in the destruction of property, vandalisation of campaign billboards, and damage to vehicles belonging to innocent members of the public.  A statement by the Police Public Relations Officer SP Ranhan Nansel says the Command notes  that Section 98 (1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, stipulates that political campaigns shall commence not earlier than one hundred and fifty (150) days before polling day and shall end twenty-four (24) hours prior to the day of the election. The Commis...

 BAUCHI STATE POLICE COMMAND  PRESS RELEASE  BAUCHI POLICE ROLLS OUT MOBILE COURT AS ENFORCEMENT AGAINST UNREGISTERED VEHICLES, CONCEALED NUMBER PLATES BEGINS In line with the directive of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc (+), NPM and in fulfillment of its mandate to ensure road safety and national security, the Bauchi State Police Command has commenced strict enforcement against unregistered vehicles and the use of concealed/fictitious number plates across the state. Accordingly, the Command, in collaboration with the State Judiciary, has deployed Mobile Courts to the five Area Command Headquarters, and strategic locations within Bauchi metropolis. The Mobile Courts have already commenced swift prosecution of offenders. The operation targets vehicles operating without proper registration, vehicles with covered/obscured plates, and those using unauthorized or fake number plates. The Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, mni, psc (+),...

Rwanda genocide suspect denies charges at ICC trial A 66-year-old Rwandan on trial in the Netherlands for inciting and participating in the massacre of 3,000 Tutsis during the 1994 genocide denied the charges Wednesday, saying he was himself a victim, AFP reported. Prosecutors have accused the man, identified as Eugene N., of being "personally involved in the killing of Tutsis", around 800,000 of whom were murdered over a three-month period. They allege he went on a "rampage of looting and destruction" against Tutsis in the southern Rwanda district of Mbazi, torching houses and plundering possessions. Shortly afterwards, an estimated 3,000 Tutsis who had fled to a stadium in Mbazi were killed. The suspect faces charges of inciting and co-perpetrating genocide, as well as war crimes over the looting. Genocide denial But as his trial opened in The Hague, the suspect told judges: "I have not committed all the acts I am accused of." "On the contrary, I wa...

 BRICS approves $1 billion loan for South Africa urban infrastructure BRICS-backed New Development Bank (NDB) has approved a loan of up to $1 billion for South Africa to upgrade its urban infrastructure in eight metropolitan municipalities, NDB said. The municipalities expected to receive investments are Johannesburg, Cape Town, Buffalo City, Ekurhuleni, eThekwini, Mangaung, Nelson Mandela Bay and Tshwane.

 Saidi Balogun and Family Honor Late Daughter Zeenat's Posthumous Birthday in Emotional Tribute Veteran Nollywood actor Saidi Balogun and his family have come together in a deeply emotional tribute to honor his late daughter, Zeenat Balogun, on the occasion of her posthumous birthday. In a moving video shared on social media, the family reflected on Zeenat’s vibrant spirit and the quiet, courageous battles she fought during her lifetime. The emotional tribute, shared on Instagram by Saidi's son, Khalid, featured family members speaking warmly about Zeenat. They reminisced about her strength and the joy she brought to their lives despite her personal challenges. Khalid captioned the video with a poignant reminder: 'We only die when we are forgotten,' emphasizing that Zeenat's memory will forever remain alive in their hearts. Shining a Light on Sickle Cell Anaemia Beyond remembering Zeenat's life, the Balogun family used the occasion to raise crucial awareness abo...

 TROOPS OF 12 BRIGADE RESCUE FIVE KIDNAP VICTIMS AS TERRORISTS FLEE SUSTAINED MILITARY ONSLAUGHT Troops of 12 Brigade Nigerian Army under 2 Division Nigerian Army have successfully intercepted and rescued five kidnapped victims abandoned by fleeing terrorists during ongoing counter terrorism operations in Kogi State. The feat was recorded on 17 June 2026 as troops intensified efforts to exploit the successes achieved from recent coordinated ground and air operations against terrorist enclaves operating within the state’s forested areas. The operation formed part of sustained offensive actions aimed at dismantling the criminal networks of notorious terrorist kingpins and denying the criminals freedom of action within the Brigade’s Area of Responsibility. Acting on operational directives and following the recent air interdiction mission conducted against a known terrorist hideout within the forest, troops deployed from Forward Operating Base Oshokoshoko on a blocking mission along Os...

DreamWorks releases first trailer for Shrek 5, marking return to franchise after 15 years with original cast and new characters DreamWorks has released the first official trailer for “Shrek 5,” marking the franchise’s return to the swamp after more than 15 years. The trailer, released Tuesday, brings back original voice cast members Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz and Eddie Murphy, while also introducing new additions to Shrek’s family. Comedian Marcello Hernandez and actor Skyler Gisondo voice Shrek and Fiona’s sons, Fergus and Farkle. A previously teased daughter, Felicia—voiced by Zendaya—did not appear in the trailer. Universal Pictures describes “Shrek 5” as a new comedic adventure, though plot details remain limited. Early footage suggests Shrek and his family may find themselves in trouble, including a sequence that shows them imprisoned alongside Donkey. Familiar characters from the “Far, Far Away” universe, including the Gingerbread Man, also make appearances. The film is scheduled f...

Police link shooting at U.S consulate in Toronto to 'criminals for hire' network involving teens recruited via encrypted apps Police say a shooting at the U.S. consulate in Toronto is part of a wider pattern of coordinated attacks involving teenagers allegedly recruited online to carry out gun violence and record it for payment. Authorities believe the consulate shooting, along with several other incidents across the city, are connected through what they describe as a “criminals for hire” network operating through encrypted messaging apps. Toronto police Chief Myron Demkiw said investigators are examining multiple shootings from March that targeted the consulate, a residential building, and a business, as well as other related incidents. He said young suspects were allegedly paid to conduct the attacks and required to film them as proof. “Through encrypted messaging apps, young people are hired to carry out attacks against various targets,” he said, adding that investigators ar...

 Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine calls for abolition of death penalty, citing lack of deterrent effect and execution delays      Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine is calling for the state to abolish the death penalty, saying it no longer serves as a deterrent to violent crime and acknowledging a major shift in his long-held position on capital punishment. Speaking at a news conference, DeWine said his decades of experience in law enforcement and government have led him to conclude that the system is not achieving its intended purpose. “I do not believe that argument today can be successfully made,” he said, referring to the idea that executions deter crime. “Therefore, I believe Ohio should abolish the death penalty.” DeWine noted that he has repeatedly delayed scheduled executions during his time in office and pointed to what he described as long delays in the appeals process, declining death sentences, and cases in which inmates die of natural causes or suicide before their execution da...