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COURT GRANTS SOWORE BAIL, GIVES FRESH TERM

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  A Federal Judge has set aside an arrest warrant against activist and politician, Omoyele Sowore, and granted him bail after revoking an earlier one for failing to show up in his ongoing trial. An earlier bail granted Sowore was revoked and a warrant for his arrest ordered by the court for failing to show up for his trial on June 16. Sowore who is on trial for allegedly defaming Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu was admitted to bail in the sum of 200 Million Naira along with two sureties. One of the sureties must be a traditional ruler from his community Kiribo, a town in the Ese-Odo Local Government Area of Ondo State, Nigeria. The trial judge, Mohammed Umar, ruled that the second defendant must be a resident of Abuja and an owner of a landed property. The court also ordered the prosecution to verify the sureties. Lastly, Justice Umar ordered the defendant to deposit his passport with the court. The court expressed satisfaction with the defendant’s ‘readiness in the case.’ He adds that Sowore did not wait till he was arrested. The judge expressed satisfaction that the defendant readily makes himself available for trial. ’He came to court to face his trial,’ the judge said. ‘This shows that he is set to face his trial with all seriousness,’ the judge further added. On the aspect of the defendant’s passport, his counsel, Raphael Adakole, said it is presently at the United States Embassy in Lagos and would need to be there in person to get it. The lawyer thereby made an undertaking assuring that their client would be their responsibility. He assures that Sowore would be present to face trial. Adakole said meeting that request was crucial as it is part of the terms of bail handed down by the court. Following this request, the trial judge gave a ruling handing the defendant over to his legal team headed by Senior Advocate Adeyinka Fusika. The judge adjourned the case till July 6 for Sowore to open his defense.

World Cup: Morocco Victory Triggers Celebrations, Arrests in Netherlands

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  Morocco’s dramatic penalty shoot-out victory over the Netherlands sparked jubilant celebrations across The Hague on Tuesday, where a large Moroccan community resides, but the festivities were also marred by clashes with police that led to several arrests. In the Schilderswijk district of the city, AFP reporters saw fans draped in Moroccan flags dancing and cheering in the streets, as car horns blared and firecrackers exploded. Several hundred supporters gathered at a crossroads in the district, kicking a ball in the air and celebrating wildly with passengers of passing vehicles, sometimes jumping on cars. Around one hour into the festivities,however, the mood soured as riot police arrived on the scene, deploying water cannon and conducting baton charges to clear the crowd. The last-32 match in Monterrey ended in a thrilling 1-1 draw after extra time, leading to a nail-biting penalty shoot-out. After several misses on both sides, Morocco striker Ismael Saibari, who plays in the Netherlands for PSV Eindhoven, slotted home the winning penalty to set up a last-16 clash with co-hosts Canada. AFP

World Cup: France Face Sweden Test with Mbappe, Dembele, Olise

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  France are set to deploy their star-studded attack against Sweden in Tuesday’s World Cup Round of 32 encounter, as Erling Haaland aims to guide Norway past Ivory Coast and into the last 16. Co-hosts Mexico, meanwhile, bid to continue their journey in front of a fervent crowd at the Estadio Azteca when they take on Ecuador. The Swedish defence is bracing to face not only Kylian Mbappe, who has scored four times already in this tournament, but also Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele, who notched a hat-trick in a 4-1 win against Norway in the group stage. Completing the French trio, Michael Olise’s runs at defenders have been creating havoc. With attacking swagger and midfield flair, France appear well-placed to reach their third final in as many World Cups. The only question mark might be their defence — and Sweden have their own high-profile forward line who will try to unlock it, although Premier League duo Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres have not fully fired yet at this tournament. If France get past Sweden, they will face not Germany — who were beaten in a penalty shootout for the first time in World Cup history on Monday — but their conquerors Paraguay. France coach Didier Deschamps said Sweden had “nothing to lose”. “Sweden are playing for their survival. Obviously they will do everything to win the game,” Deschamps said on Monday. “We need to stay humble, maintain our determination and concentration. In the group stage winning the first game gave us some margin for error, but now we have no second chances.” France came into the World Cup as one of the leading contenders to win the trophy, following their triumph in 2018 and defeat on penalties to Argentina in the 2022 final. Sweden’s route to the World Cup was unusual — they finished bottom of their qualifying group but were parachuted into the play-offs thanks to their performances in the UEFA Nations League. They reached the knockout rounds in North America, despite a 5-1 drubbing by the Netherlands, as one of the best third-placed teams in the group phase. Sweden coach Graham Potter said his team would have to produce something special to beat France. “They have quality all over… They have won the World Cup before and they have a fantastic manager,” Englishman Potter said Monday. “An exciting challenge awaits us, and we will have to play the game of our lives, clearly.” ‘Powerhouse’ Haaland Haaland, another potent attacking force at this World Cup with four goals in two games, will be fully rested when he comes up against the Ivory Coast in Dallas after he was not used in the defeat to France. Norway coach Stale Solbakken hailed the leadership of his “powerhouse”, hailing Haaland as “one of the best players in the world”. “He’s a great leader for us, he leads by example on the pitch,” he said. “He has something that maybe you can’t train so much to reach it, the sniff for goals, the feeling that the ball will land at your feet… and I think that is his biggest strength.” Mexico meanwhile have the added bonus of knowing that if they beat Ecuador, they will remain in their capital city to face the winner of the tie between England and the Democratic Republic of Congo. On a dramatic day of action Monday, Paraguay stunned Germany in a penalty shootout of high drama after holding them to a 1-1 draw after extra time in Foxborough. “This qualification is for all Paraguayans who believed in us,” coach Gustavo Alfaro said — and Paraguay’s president called a national holiday to celebrate. Morocco won their own shootout to eliminate the Netherlands after an enthralling contest in Monterrey as goalkeeper Yassine Bounou saved the Netherlands’ fifth penalty from Crysencio Summerville. Then striker Ismael Saibari stepped up to blast home the winning effort for the Atlas Lions. And Brazil came from behind to overcome Japan 2-1 in the day’s first game, and will face the winner of Norway’s game against the Ivory Coast on Sunday AFP

Oyo State Govt Declares 16-hour Curfew In 10 Local Government Area

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Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has approved the declaration of a 16-hour curfew in 10 local government areas of the state. According to a memo issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Musibau Babatunde, the curfew takes effect from Wednesday, June 24, 2026. The curfew, which is between 4PM and 8 AM, and lasts for 48 hours in the first instance, affects local government areas bordering the Old Oyo National Park. The affected local government areas are: 1. Oriire (Headquarters: Ikoyi-Ile) 2. Orelope (Headquarters: Igboho) 3. Irepo (Headquarters: Kisi) 4. Saki West (Headquarters: Saki) 5. Saki East (Headquarters: Ago-Amodu) 6. Atisbo (Headquarters: Tede / Ago-Are) 7. Itesiwaju (Headquarters: Otu) 8. Iseyin (Headquarters: Iseyin) 9. Olorunsogo (Headquarters: Igbeti) 10. Atiba (Headquarters: Offa-Meta, Oyo )

Oyo Schools will stay Shut until Security Improves, says NUT

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  The Nigeria Union of Teachers has stated that public schools in the state should only reopen after the government has implemented sufficient security measures to ensure the safety of pupils, teachers, and other school personnel. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the NUT directed teachers in public schools to embark on an indefinite strike following the abduction of over 40 students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of the state on May 15. The secretary of the union, Mr Olukayode Salami, told NAN in Ibadan on Tuesday that schools might reopen once the government implements adequate security measures to restore confidence among teachers, parents and learners. Salami said the union’s decision to withdraw teachers from classrooms was prompted by growing insecurity, including the killing of two teachers and the continued captivity of abducted victims. According to him, the development created fear, tension and psychological instability among teachers and learners, while some parents had also 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. “The emotion, tension and panic in society also contributed to the decision because classrooms were no longer safe and teachers were not psychologically stable to carry out their duties,” he said. The NUT secretary noted that the union did not immediately embark on the strike after the incident but took the decision when it became apparent that the security situation had not improved sufficiently. He said the union attached conditions to the suspension of academic activities, including the safe rescue of abducted persons and the implementation of measures to prevent a recurrence. “The condition we attached was for government to intensify efforts and ensure the safe rescue of these people. “Secondly, government must put measures in place that can guard against such occurrences. “No condition is permanent and no decision is permanent. “Once meaningful measures are put in place, there will be a need to review the position and see how we can collectively move forward,” the secretary said. Salami also said that schools should remain safe learning environments and not become targets of criminal activities. “If anybody has a grievance against government, such persons should address it with government and not resort to attacking schools and innocent people who are not responsible for any offence,” he said. The union leader disclosed that the NUT and other stakeholders recently held marathon meetings with government officials to discuss solutions to the security challenges. According to him, a communiqué was issued after the meetings, while action plans were also developed and submitted to the government for implementation. “We are waiting for the implementation of those action plans, especially those requiring immediate action. “Schools and classrooms cannot remain shut forever, but we need to see signs that will restore confidence in society for us to return to work,” he said. Salami called for increased security patrols across vulnerable parts of the state, saying such measures would reassure residents and discourage criminal activities. He suggested the establishment of joint security task forces comprising conventional security agencies and local security outfits, including hunters and vigilante groups. According to him, local government areas bordering forests and other vulnerable locations should have dedicated security formations carrying out regular patrols and intelligence gathering. “If we begin to see security patrols across every nook and cranny of the state, especially vulnerable areas, it will send a signal that government is addressing the situation. “There should be no room for criminality. Once confidence and peace of mind are restored, people will be able to go about their normal activities, including teaching and learning,” he said. Salami, however, noted that the responsibility for providing security rests with the government, which possesses the required personnel, logistics and authority to deploy security operatives where necessary. He urged the government to treat the issue as a matter of urgency in the interest of education and public safety. (NAN)

Suspect in Viral Abuse Video Arrested, 18-Year-Old Classified as Child – Activist

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  Human rights activist, Harrison Gwamnishu, has disclosed that the suspect accused of assaulting an 18-year-old woman in a viral abuse video has been arrested and is currently in police custody. He further stated that the young woman was taken away while still a child and that her father had no knowledge of any purported marriage involving her. Gwamnishu disclosed the development in an update shared on Instagram on Tuesday, stating that preliminary findings also indicated that the lady identified as ‘Chisom’ was 15 years old when her relationship with the suspect reportedly began. The update follows a disturbing video that surfaced on Monday showing a visibly injured young woman, said to be an 18-year-old wife. The footage showed the woman with apparent facial injuries as a man identified as her husband exchanged words with neighbours who confronted him over the alleged abuse. A separate video later surfaced showing the woman at what appeared to be a hospital alongside Gwamnishu. In the clip, the activist spoke about plans to secure the man’s arrest, but the young woman pleaded against such action. Providing an update, Gwamnishu said, “Preliminary findings indicate that Chisom was only 15 years old when the relationship between her and the man reportedly began.” He said he initially considered backing down after Chisom pleaded with him not to pursue the suspect’s arrest. “Yesterday, while she pleaded with us not to arrest the man claiming to be her husband, I almost backed down. However, something in me said, ‘Harrison, involve your Lagos team,’” he wrote. According to him, members of the Behind Bars Human Rights Foundation’s Lagos chapter intervened, after which the suspect was handed over to the Isheri Oshun Divisional Police Headquarters. “The suspect was handed over to Isheri Oshun Divisional Police Headquarters, his statement was obtained, he was detained, and officers also visited Chisom at the hospital,” Gwamnishu stated. The activist further disclosed that he received a call from a relative of Chisom’s father, who claimed the young woman was taken away alongside her siblings after her mother’s death when she was seven years old. “Earlier today, I received a call from a relative of Chisom’s father, who narrated that Chisom was taken away after her mother died. She was just seven years old when members of her late mother’s family took her and her three siblings away,” he said. According to Gwamnishu, the relative told him that Chisom’s father became depressed after losing his wife and having his children taken away from him, and that family members had not seen Chisom and two of her siblings until the viral video surfaced online. “They also stated that he was never aware of any marriage involving Chisom and the man now claiming to be her husband,” Gwamnishu added. He said the organisation would continue to support the young woman as investigations progress. “Why we cannot abandon 18-year-old Chisom. Her case is unusual, and she is deeply traumatised. Despite everything she has been through, she still needs support, protection, and understanding,” he wrote. Gwamnishu added that his Lagos State Director, Nta Amarachi Judith, was actively following up on the matter while the organisation awaited the outcome of the police investigation.

FG Intensifies Call for Action Against Sexual Violence

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  The Federal Government has advocated a collective, society-wide effort to eradicate conflict-related sexual violence, calling on relevant stakeholders to reinforce measures aimed at prevention, victim protection, and accountability in order to better protect vulnerable groups in affected communities across the country. Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Sulaiman-Ibrahim, made the call in a statement marking the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict globally, on Saturday in Abuja. She said conflict-related sexual violence remained one of the gravest consequences of insecurity, terrorism, violent extremism and armed conflict, with far-reaching implications for peace, stability and national development efforts. According to her, the crimes inflict lasting physical, emotional and psychological harm on survivors, while weakening families, destabilising communities and creating obstacles to recovery, reconciliation and social cohesion. Sulaiman-Ibrahim said women and girls bore the greatest burden of conflict-related sexual violence, although men and boys were also affected, often facing stigma and challenges in accessing support. She described sexual violence in conflict as a threat to national security, social cohesion and sustainable development, stressing the need for coordinated interventions to address the growing menace effectively. The minister called on security agencies, judicial institutions, schools, healthcare providers and social welfare services to strengthen collaboration and improve preventive and response mechanisms against the menace nationwide. She also urged traditional and religious leaders to support efforts aimed at preventing violence, protecting vulnerable groups and promoting values that encouraged peace, dignity and mutual respect everywhere. Sulaiman-Ibrahim called on community organisations and development partners to deepen awareness campaigns, strengthen prevention efforts and expand survivor-support initiatives aimed at addressing conflict-related sexual violence nationwide. She appealed to parents and caregivers to promote values of respect, empathy and peaceful coexistence within families and communities, describing such efforts as essential to violence prevention. According to her, strong families remain the first line of defence against violence, abuse, exploitation and radicalisation, helping to nurture responsible citizens and strengthen social stability nationwide. The minister urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and report cases of abuse, trafficking, exploitation and other forms of violence, emphasising the importance of community participation in prevention efforts. She also called on the creative industry to use its influence to challenge harmful norms, promote positive social values and encourage attitudes that rejected violence and discrimination. Sulaiman-Ibrahim said filmmakers, musicians, broadcasters, content creators and social media influencers could help shape attitudes, raise awareness and inspire behavioural change across communities throughout the country. She reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting survivors through access to justice, healthcare and psychosocial services aimed at promoting recovery, healing and restoration of dignity. The minister also advocated increased investment in shelters, Sexual Assault Referral Centres, legal aid services, research initiatives and institutional coordination mechanisms to strengthen survivor protection nationwide. She said preventing violence must remain central to national efforts to protect women, children and other vulnerable populations from abuse, exploitation and conflict-related harm across Nigeria. Sulaiman-Ibrahim urged Nigerians to stand with survivors and work collectively to build safer communities free from violence and exploitation, while promoting peace, justice and inclusion for all. NAN

World Cup: Netherlands Crush Sweden 5-1 in Houston

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  Cody Gakpo and Brian Brobbey both scored twice as the rampant Netherlands thrashed Sweden 5-1 in a World Cup warning on Saturday in Houston. The big win in front of nearly 69,000 put the delighted Dutch on the cusp of the knockout rounds and gave them liftoff after being held by Japan. Ronald Koeman’s side top Group F with four points from two games, ahead of Sweden on three, Japan (one) and Tunisia (none). Despite the sobering loss the Swedes had plenty of chances but were denied by good goalkeeping and wasteful finishing.   They are still in with a good chance of progressing into the last 32. Japan and Tunisia play later Saturday in Monterrey, Mexico. Sunderland striker Brobbey got his first start of the tournament and repaid Koeman with predatory goals after five and 17 minutes. Before that the 24-year-old had scored only once for his country since making his debut three years ago. In a game full of top Premier League talent, Liverpool’s Gakpo — who set Brobbey up for the opener — scored twice early in the second half. Substitute Anthony Elanga pulled one back for Sweden just before the hour with a classy finish. Crysencio Summerville had the last word for the five-star Dutch. Two crew members from the historic Artemis II lunar mission were among the VIP guests, a nod to Houston’s place as the home of space flight. The Dutch, twice pegged back in a lively 2-2 draw with Japan to start their title bid, made the brighter start in front of their orange-clad fans and King Willem-Alexander. Brobbey, who came in for Summerville despite the winger scoring against Japan, started and finished the first goal. It was made in the Premier League, with goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen, midfielder Tijjani Reijnders and Gakpo all involved. Brobbey exchanged passes with Gakpo, before the Anfield attacker crossed in low from the left for his team-mate to stab in from close range. Sweden, who thrashed Tunisia 5-1 in their first game, could not handle Brobbey’s muscular presence. Up front the much-vaunted attack of Liverpool’s Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres of Arsenal were feeding on scraps for Sweden. – Gakpo’s half – Twelve minutes after his opener Brobbey made it 2-0 when a deflected Denzel Dumfries cross from the right fell perfectly into his path and he toe-poked past Kristoffer Nordfeldt. Sweden’s English coach Graham Potter was in deep discussions with his backroom staff as the game threatened to run away from them. At the unpopular hydration break Potter made a beeline for left-sided defender Gabriel Gudmundsson of Leeds United, who was being overrun by the flying Dumfries and Donyell Malen. Sweden then had their best chance, Gyokeres crossing for an unmarked Yasin Ayari who completely miscontrolled the ball with his chest. Gyokeres was next to fluff a good chance, failing to make proper contact after being played in by the largely anonymous Isak. Gyokeres and Ayari twice both had further sights of goal, only to be denied by the increasingly overworked Verbruggen. The Netherlands were hanging on by end of the half. Koeman sent on Summerville for Malen at the break, and two minutes later it was mission impossible for Sweden, Gakpo prodding in from close range after yet another dangerous low cross from Dumfries. All three goals were strikingly similar. Gakpo scored a lovely fourth on 54 minutes, turning inside his defender before firing low into the bottom corner. Nottingham Forest winger Elanga pulled one back five minutes later when he raced clear of the Dutch defence and rattled the ball past Verbruggen. West Ham’s Summerville made it five in the dying minutes with his second goal in North America. Sweden face Japan next while the Netherlands play Tunisia. AFP

Kogi Police Begin Clampdown on Vehicles Using Illegal or Covered Number Plates

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  The Kogi State Police Command on Monday commenced a statewide enforcement exercise targeting vehicles with covered, obscured, unauthorised, defaced, or no registration number plates. A statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, ASP Oyiza Afusat, stated that the exercise was in line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu and is aimed at strengthening public safety by denying criminal elements the use of unidentifiable vehicles for criminal activities. “The Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, psc, mni, has directed all Area Commanders, Motor Traffic police and Divisional Police Officers to enforce full compliance within their Areas of Responsibility. Vehicles found in violation will be impounded and subjected to investigation in line with extant laws,” she wrote. She advised Motorists, transport operators, and fleet owners to ensure that all vehicles display valid, clearly visible registration number plates at all times, and to keep relevant documents up to date and readily available for inspection when required. She said that the exercise is a proactive security measure designed to enhance crime prevention, improve vehicle identification, and strengthen overall security operations across the State. She noted that the Kogi State Police Command remains committed to protecting lives and property and urged members of the public to cooperate fully for the success of this initiative. Afusat urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious persons, vehicles, or activities to the nearest Police Station or through emergency channels.  

BREAKING: Oyo Govt Declares Tuesday Public Holiday to Commemorate Islamic New Year 1448

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  The Oyo state Government has declared Tuesday 16th of June, 2026 as a public holiday. The state government, in a circular signed by the SSG, Prof. Musibau Babatunde and made available to newsmen on Monday, said the holiday is in honour of the new Hijirah islamic calendar year 1448. The government urged the citizens, especially Muslim faithful to pray for a continued peace and progress of the state. over 1000 hajj pilgrims from Oyo State that went to the Holy Land of Mecca in Saudi Arabia in May returned safely days ago.

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