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Nigeria News (Standard)

Gunmen Kill Two Vigilantes in Late-Night Attack on Plateau’s Riyom LGA

Incident sparks fresh security concerns as Ta-Hoss community mourns; police yet to identify attackers behind Wednesday assault

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Incident sparks fresh security concerns as Ta-Hoss community mourns; police yet to identify attackers behind Wednesday assault

Two members of a local vigilante group were killed during a late-night attack by unknown armed men in Ta-Hoss community, Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, on Wednesday. The incident, which occurred around 10 p.m., has left residents in shock and heightened anxiety over persistent insecurity in the North-Central state.

The deceased vigilantes, identified as Davou Dalyop Patu, aged 48, and Dalyop Zaram, aged 38, were said to be on routine patrol duty when the assailants struck. According to local accounts, the attack happened swiftly as the vigilantes carried out their responsibilities safeguarding the area. Community members expressed fear that insecurity may worsen if immediate action is not taken.

Plateau State has faced repeated incidents of violence in recent months, particularly across rural LGAs like Riyom. Residents say local security outfits have become critical to community protection amid ongoing attacks. The latest killings have renewed calls for improved government response and collaboration between state authorities and grassroots security groups.

As at press time, neither the Plateau State Police Command nor Governor Caleb Muftwang had issued an official statement regarding the incident. Efforts to reach security agencies for comment were unsuccessful. The identities and motives of the attackers remain unknown.

Community leaders are urging swift investigation and deployment of additional security personnel to Ta-Hoss and surrounding villages. Stakeholders warn that failure to address these attacks could further destabilise farming communities ahead of the rainy season.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/two-vigilantes-killed-in-fresh-plateau-attack/

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Nigeria News (Standard)

EFCC, INEC Seal Partnership to Tackle Vote Buying in Abuja Ahead of 2027 Elections

Agencies vow to enforce campaign finance laws and curb electoral fraud amid concerns over high spending by aspirants

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Agencies vow to enforce campaign finance laws and curb electoral fraud amid concerns over high spending by aspirants

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) have agreed to intensify collaboration in Abuja as part of preparations for the 2027 general elections. The decision, reached during a meeting between top officials on Tuesday, aims to address rising cases of vote buying, electoral fraud, and violations of campaign finance regulations across Nigeria.

Discussions between both agencies focused on strengthening investigations and enforcement actions against individuals and groups suspected of manipulating election outcomes through illicit financial activities. The move comes as Nigeria faces persistent challenges with vote buying and campaign finance abuses, issues observers say have eroded public confidence in the country’s electoral process.

According to statements from EFCC and INEC, the partnership will prioritise intelligence sharing, coordinated enforcement, and closer monitoring of political campaign spending. Both agencies cited recent revelations by EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede that some governorship aspirants spent between ₦20 billion and ₦30 billion to contest elections, warning that unchecked spending fuels corruption and undermines democracy. INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan reiterated the need for strict enforcement of electoral laws, noting that credible polls depend on transparent processes free from undue influence.

Civil society groups have repeatedly raised alarm about the growing influence of money in Nigerian politics, urging regulatory agencies to take concrete action ahead of future polls. The EFCC said its focus would include tracking suspicious financial flows before, during, and after the elections, while INEC pledged full support for investigations into alleged violations by candidates or parties.

With political activities already picking up pace nationwide ahead of 2027, stakeholders will be watching closely to see how this partnership translates into real improvements. Both commissions say their goal is to deliver violence-free, credible elections that reflect the true will of Nigerian voters.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/2027-elections-efcc-and-inec-team-up-ahead-of-polls-heres-why-2026061114555804250

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Nigeria News (Standard)

House of Representatives Passes Bill to Establish State Police Nationwide

Legislation advances amid rising insecurity; bill requires Senate concurrence and presidential assent for final approval

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Legislation advances amid rising insecurity; bill requires Senate concurrence and presidential assent for final approval

The House of Representatives on Thursday passed a bill seeking to establish state police across Nigeria, marking a significant step towards decentralising the country’s policing structure. The session, which took place at the National Assembly complex in Abuja, saw lawmakers vote in favour of the proposal following a heated debate on the measure’s potential impact on national security.

The bill, which aims to amend existing constitutional provisions, was adopted after a clause-by-clause consideration during plenary. Lawmakers supporting the move argued that state-controlled police forces would help address growing security challenges at the grassroots level by enabling state governments to respond more swiftly to local threats. Opponents, however, expressed concern over possible abuse by state governors and called for safeguards against political interference.

Calls for state police have intensified recently as insecurity persists in several parts of Nigeria, particularly with frequent reports of kidnappings and armed attacks in the North-West and South-East zones. Supporters say giving states authority over their own police formations could improve response times and accountability, while critics worry about fragmentation and the risk of human rights violations if not properly regulated.

The Speaker of the House said after the vote that “the House has listened to Nigerians’ demands for improved security and taken action,” noting that further consultations would be held with stakeholders as the legislative process continues. The bill now awaits concurrence from the Senate before it can be transmitted to President Bola Tinubu for assent.

If signed into law, this measure will mark a major shift in Nigeria’s policing framework, ending decades of exclusive federal control. Observers say implementation details — such as recruitment standards and operational oversight — will be critical in determining whether state police achieve their intended objectives.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/886852-updated-reps-pass-bill-for-establishment-of-state-police.html

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Senate Disowns Arrest Warrant for Ex-NNPC Boss Kyari, Rebukes Oshiomhole Over ₦210trn Probe Comments

Red Chamber clarifies only Senate President can authorise warrants, distances itself from Oshiomhole’s remarks against NNPCL

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Red Chamber clarifies only Senate President can authorise warrants, distances itself from Oshiomhole’s remarks against NNPCL

The Senate in Abuja on Thursday firmly dissociated itself from a reported warrant of arrest against former Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) Group Chief Executive Officer Mele Kyari and rebuked comments by Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North), who had described the company as “a bunch of criminals and thieves”. The clarification came less than a day after the Senate Committee on Public Accounts allegedly recommended Kyari’s arrest for failing to appear before the committee investigating a ₦210 trillion matter.

During plenary, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) moved a motion stressing that no committee has power to issue or enforce any warrant of arrest without strict adherence to the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act and express approval of the Senate President. Bamidele warned that any attempt by a committee to act independently in this regard would amount to an unlawful exercise of power.

The probe into NNPCL’s financial activities has drawn significant attention from both lawmakers and the public, with concerns about transparency in the oil and gas sector amid Nigeria’s revenue challenges. The Senate’s move to clarify its position comes at a time when oversight functions are under scrutiny and public trust in institutions remains fragile.

“The power to issue a warrant affecting the liberty of a citizen is an extraordinary statutory power which must be exercised strictly in accordance with the procedure prescribed by law,” Bamidele said on the floor. He added that fair hearing and presumption of innocence require that no person or institution should be adjudged guilty except by a court after due process. The Senate also resolved that statements such as those made by Oshiomhole could be misinterpreted as representing the official position of the chamber, thereby undermining confidence in ongoing legislative oversight.

Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin (APC, Kano North) backed Bamidele’s motion, and the Red Chamber adopted a resolution formally distancing itself from both the arrest warrant recommendation and Oshiomhole’s comments. The Senate reiterated its commitment to upholding due process and ensuring impartiality as it continues its investigation into financial matters involving NNPCL.

Source: https://punchng.com/n210tn-probe-senate-disowns-ex-nnpc-boss-kyari-arrest-warrant-rebukes-oshiomhole/

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