News
Alleged N1.6b Money Laundering: Court Rejects Bauchi Accountant General’s Application To Travel For Hajj
Alleged N1.6b Money Laundering: Court Rejects Bauchi Accountant General’s Application To Travel For Hajj
Justice O.A. Egwuatu of the Federal High Court, sitting in Abuja, on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, rejected the application filed by Bauchi State Accountant General, Sirajo Muhammad Jaja for permission to travel to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the Muslim pilgrimage, hajj and medical check-up.
Jaja is facing prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC alongside the first defendant Aliyu Abubakar, an unlicensed bureau de change operator on amended five-count charge, bordering on conversion of funds, belonging to the Bauchi State Government, and money laundering to the tune of N1,635,270,350.9k (One Billion, Six Hundred and Thirty-five million, Two hundred and seventy thousand, Three hundred and fifty Naira, Nine kobo).
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On conclusion of the cross-examination of the first Prosecution Witness, PW1, Abimbola Williams, a compliance officer with the United Bank for Africa, UBA at the Tuesday’s sitting by Jaja’s counsel, Chris Uche, SAN, the counsel informed the court of his client’s application for leave of the court to enable him travel to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for two weeks to perform the Muslim pilgrimage and for medical check- up.

Court
“Before adjourning, there is an application. The second defendant wants to travel outside for two weeks. It is a temporary application for the release of his passport,” adding that the defence was already in receipt of the prosecution’s response, which he said, he was yet to respond to.
In his response, prosecution counsel, Abba Muhammed, SAN, informed the court that the prosecution was in receipt of the application and has responded in objection to the application for him to travel out for any reason, stating that the defendant is a flight risk, with other parties in the charge being at-large.
“The prosecution opposed the application of the second defendant with a 10 paragraph affidavit filed on 13 March, 2026. We rely on all the deposition and annexures. We provided cogent reasons, the facts are there. We rely on them and we urge the court to reject the application.
In his ruling on the application, Justice Egwuatu struck out the application and adjourned the matter till June 30, 2026 for continuation of trial.
News
Oyo Government Lifts Curfew Imposed On 10 LGs, Assures Residents Of Safety
Oyo Government Lifts Curfew Imposed On 10 LGs, Assures Residents Of Safety
The Oyo State government has lifted the curfew imposed on 10 local government areas following the kidnapping incident in Oriire.
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The Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, said residents can now resume their normal activities..
The state government initially imposed a 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. curfew on the affected local governments, but later extended it by 24 hours on Thursday.
The local governments, which include Atiba, Atisbo, Irepo, Iseyin, Itesiwaju, Olorunsogo, Oriire, Oorelope, Saki West, and Saki East, border the Old Oyo National Park.
In a statement issued on Saturday in Ibadan by the Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, residents can now resume their normal activities.

Governor Makinde
He expressed appreciation for the cooperation and understanding of the people in the affected areas.
The commissioner added that the state government was closely monitoring the security situation and reassured residents that efforts were ongoing to bring the kidnapping episode to an end.
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News
Police Intercepts Large Consignment Of Illicit Substances, Arrests Suspect In Borno
Police Intercepts Large Consignment Of Illicit Substances, Arrests Suspect In Borno
In its sustained efforts to combat the trafficking and abuse of illicit drugs and other prohibited substances, the Borno State Police Command, under the leadership of CP Naziru Abdulmajid, psc, has recorded another significant breakthrough with the arrest of a suspect and the recovery of a large cache of illicit substances concealed in sacks.
Eereporter.com
On 26th June, 2026, at about 1911hrs, operatives of the Command’s X-Squad, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted an Isuzu Bedford pick-up vehicle along Baga Road-Bypass, Maiduguri. A thorough search of the vehicle led to the discovery of fifty-five (55) sacks containing numerous 60ml bottles of an illicit substance popularly known as “Gumm”.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the illicit substances were being conveyed to Ngamboru Ngala LGA, with the intention of smuggling them across international borders.
During the operation, one Babagana Modu M’51yrs, who was identified as the driver of the vehicle, was arrested. The suspect stated during investigation that he had been contracted to transport the consignment to its intended destination. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend other persons connected to the illegal operation who are currently at large.
The case remains under active investigation, and further details will be communicated as investigations progress.

Drugs
The Borno State Police Command reiterates its unwavering commitment to combating drug trafficking and other criminal activities across the state. The Command urges members of the public to continue supporting the Police with timely and credible information to preempt crime.
ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, ANIPR, FCAI, FIPMD
Police Public Relations Officer
For: Commissioner of Police
Borno State Command.
Eereporter.com
27th June, 2026.
News
MSME Awards Reflects Tinubu’s Commitment To Economic Growth – Information Minister
MSME Awards Reflects Tinubu’s Commitment To Economic Growth – Information Minister
The Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has described the 2026 National MSME Awards as a clear demonstration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to positioning Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) as the foundation of Nigeria’s economic prosperity under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
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Speaking with journalists after the awards ceremony at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, the Minister said the recognition given to outstanding entrepreneurs reflects the Federal Government’s determination to create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, generate employment and stimulate sustainable economic growth.
According to the Minister, the award recipients themselves acknowledged that the support and policy direction provided by President Tinubu have strengthened confidence within the MSME sector and inspired renewed commitment to national development. “The awards are a clear indication of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to repositioning MSMEs as the foundation of Nigeria’s economic prosperity. The beneficiaries have dedicated their achievements to Mr. President and the Renewed Hope Agenda, expressing confidence that with the continued support of the administration, Nigeria is firmly on the path to greater prosperity,” the Minister said.
Responding to questions on his own recognition for supporting MSME development and job creation, the Minister dedicated the honour to the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, its agencies and members of staff.
He explained that the Ministry’s role is to ensure that Nigerians are well informed about government policies and programmes, particularly those aimed at empowering entrepreneurs and expanding economic opportunities. “This recognition is not for me alone. It belongs to the Ministry, its agencies and our hardworking staff who continue to communicate government initiatives and enlighten Nigerians on the opportunities available through MSME development. Our responsibility is to ensure that citizens understand the value of these programmes and appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s efforts to reposition the country for the benefit of all Nigerians,” he stated.
Commenting on the disbursement of over ₦1 billion in grants to more than 1,000 beneficiaries, the Minister described the initiative as a strategic intervention that will strengthen small businesses and deepen grassroots economic development.
He noted that the decision by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to provide direct financial grants instead of material gifts reflects a practical approach to empowering entrepreneurs to reinvest in their enterprises, expand operations and create more employment opportunities. “The President believes that providing cash support will enable beneficiaries to reinvest in their enterprises, grow their businesses and contribute more meaningfully to the nation’s economy. It is a new direction that will strengthen entrepreneurship and deepen grassroots economic development,” the Minister added.
Earlier in his remarks at the ceremony, the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, said the National MSME Awards remain a key expression of the Tinubu Administration’s commitment to empowering entrepreneurs and driving inclusive economic growth across the country.
He explained that the Federal Government had introduced a major policy shift under the Renewed Hope Agenda by replacing material prizes such as cars, shops and houses with business grants ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦3 million, to provide entrepreneurs with the working capital needed to expand their businesses.
According to the Vice President, “In today’s economic realities, what a growing business needs most is working capital. This strategic financial support will help beneficiaries reduce operating costs, purchase raw materials, scale production and create lasting jobs for our growing population.”
He congratulated the award recipients and urged them to make prudent use of the grants by expanding their businesses, mentoring emerging entrepreneurs and creating employment opportunities. He further assured Nigerian entrepreneurs that the Federal Government, working in partnership with state governments and the private sector, would continue to build an environment where innovation is rewarded, small businesses grow into large enterprises and prosperity is shared by all.

Information Minister
The 2026 National MSME Awards and the public presentation of the Compendium of MSME Activities under the Renewed Hope Agenda attracted several senior government officials and key stakeholders. Among those in attendance were the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON, represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia; the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, represented by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President), Mr. Stanley Nkwocha; the Special Adviser to the President on Job Creation and MSMEs, Mr. Temitola Adekunle-Johnson; Director General, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Dr. Mohammed Bulama; Director General, Voice of Nigeria, Jubrin Baba Ndace; Director General, News Agency of Nigeria, Ali Muhammed Ali; Director General, National Broadcasting Commission, Mr Charles Ebuebu; Executive Secretary, Nigerian Press Council, Dr. Dili Ezughah; Nigerian Television Authority, Salihu Abdulhamid Dembos as well as other senior government officials, development partners, private sector leaders and distinguished guests.
Rabiu Ibrahim
Special Assistant (Media) to the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation.
Eereporter.com
Saturday, June 27, 2026
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