NEWS
Imo Lawyers Call for Enhanced Security as Slain Magistrate is Buried
Lawyers in Imo have called for enhanced security in the state to forestall further attacks targeted at judicial officers, staff members and court facilities.
The legal practioners made the call at a valedictory session held in honour of late Magistrate Nnaemeka Ugboma, the former Chairman, Obudiagwa Customary Court in Oguta Local Government Area.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Ugboma was shot dead by yet-to-be identified gunmen on February 2.
The gunmen, who reportedly rode in motorcycles, were said to have shot and killed the 55-year-old man, after identifying him as their target, while he was presiding over a court session.
About eight months after the incident, lawyers, who gathered at the Justice Oputa High Court, Owerri, for the session, made a case for enhanced security in the state.
In a remark, the Chief Judge of Imo, Justice T.N. Nzeukwu, who presided over the session, condoled with the bereaved families over the unfortunate demise of Ugboma.
“That he was shot and killed while performing his adjudicative functions has once more emphasised the need for a more pragmatic approach to the issue of security and safety of all those who sit in judgment.
“We are pained and saddened that the Judiciary of Imo has been diminished again, this time, not by natural death but by death orchestrated by fellow human beings,” he said.
Nzeukwu was represented by Justice T.E. Chukwuemeka-Chikeka.
Also, the Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Owerri branch, Mr Ugochukwu Alinnor, said Ugboma’s death laid emphasis on the security gaps endangering the judiciary, officers and staff members.
“The security of our courts, the judicial officers and staff that man these court should be of paramount importance and should therefore be beefed up to forestall attacks on them in the discharge of their duties.
“Security personnel should be posted to all the courts in the state and orderlies attached to the judicial officers to nip in the bud any plan to attack the court,” he said.
Alinnor also berated the police over the alleged inhuman and degrading treatments meted out on law-abiding citizens and members of the association recently in Owerri.
He said rather than tackle the security situation ravaging the state, the police have made members of NBA subject of unlawful arrest, torture, detention, harassment and intimidation.
“The recent arrest, detention and torture of our colleague, Chigozie Chinaka, by ACP David Ogenyi, Area Commander, Owerri Municipal, and his cohorts, is unbelievably dehumanising and ought to be questioned,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Owerri Bar, Mr Eze Iheoma (SAN), described the violent attacks on legal practitioners as a latter day development.
Iheoma called for an escalation of the worrisome situation in the media to enable the government to take a more decisive action.
In a speech, the Learned Cock of the Bar, Mr Peter Mgbenwelu, expressed concern that “a member of the noble profession could be brazenly and brutally murdered in similar manner and venue.”
Mgbenwelu called on government at all levels and security agencies to urgently cleanse and purge the state of insecurity.
On his part, the state’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Cyprian Akaolisa, described the security situation in the state as a “dilemma”.
Akaolisa said he had been a victim of violence in the state as his country home was once invaded and razed down in an attempt to murder him.
“Anybody could fall a victim.
“We were targeted because we are politicians, but today, anyone can become a victim.
“Those carrying these guns have no friend, they kill both their friends and enemies,” he said.
However, the Attorney-General said the state Government, in collaboration with the security architecture in the state, was taking measures to stop the violence.
In a sermon at an open air service at Ugboma’s country home in Nnebukwu Community, Rev. Fr. Placidius Ezeji of All Saints Catholic Church, Nnebukwu, underscored the need for all to live a godly life in readiness to meet God.
“Seek the face of God rather than seeking material and ephemeral things,” he said.
NAN reports that Ugboma, who was survived by an aged mother, siblings and three children, was interred in his family compound in Nnebuwku, Oguta. (NAN)
By Tambaya Julius, Abuja
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has dismissed a purported recruitment update circulating on social media, describing it as false and not originating from the Service.
The Service, in a statement, urged members of the public to disregard the misleading information and refrain from sharing unverified content capable of misleading prospective applicants and the general public.
The NCS advised Nigerians to rely solely on information published through its official communication channels for accurate updates on recruitment exercises and other activities of the Service.
It reiterated that its verified social media platforms remain the authentic sources of information and urged the public to always verify recruitment-related announcements before acting on them or sharing them with others.
By Tambaya Julius, Abuja
Nigeria’s broad money supply (M3) increased for the second consecutive month, rising to N133.25 trillion in June 2026 from N129.21 trillion recorded in May, according to the latest Money and Credit Statistics released by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
The latest data showed that money supply expanded by N4.
04 trillion month-on-month, despite the apex bank’s decision to maintain its benchmark Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) at 26.5 per cent.The increase reflects the continued growth in liquidity within the economy, even as the CBN maintains a cautious approach aimed at controlling inflation, managing liquidity and sustaining macroeconomic stability.
Broad money supply, also known as M3, includes currency in circulation outside banks, demand deposits, savings and time deposits, as well as foreign currency deposits.
CBN figures also revealed a significant year-on-year growth in money supply, with M3 rising from N117.25 trillion in June 2025 to N133.25 trillion in June 2026.
This represents an increase of approximately N16 trillion, or 13.59 per cent, over the one-year period.
A breakdown of the statistics showed that M2, which comprises narrow money (M1), quasi-money, demand deposits and currency outside banks, rose to N133.24 trillion in June from N129.20 trillion in May.
The expansion in liquidity was largely driven by growth in quasi-money and domestic assets during the period under review.
Quasi-money increased from N84.58 trillion in May to N88.54 trillion in June, while demand deposits recorded a marginal rise from N39.43 trillion to N39.78 trillion.
However, currency held outside the banking system declined from N5.19 trillion in May to N4.92 trillion in June, indicating that more funds remained within the formal banking system.
Further analysis of the CBN data showed that net domestic assets grew by 4.37 per cent, rising from N102.26 trillion in May to N106.73 trillion in June.
Net foreign assets recorded a slight decline of 1.56 per cent, falling from N26.95 trillion to N26.53 trillion during the same period.
Overall, broad money supply expanded by 3.11 per cent month-on-month, highlighting sustained liquidity growth despite the CBN’s restrictive monetary policy measures.
The money supply figures came days after the apex bank retained the Monetary Policy Rate at 26.5 per cent at the conclusion of its 305th Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting.
The committee also kept all other monetary policy parameters unchanged, signalling its commitment to sustaining the disinflation process while protecting macroeconomic stability.
Analysts noted that the continued rise in money supply presents a challenge for the CBN as it seeks to strike a balance between supporting economic activities, managing liquidity and preventing renewed inflationary pressures.
By Tambaya Julius, Abuja
The Senate Committee on Sports Development has criticised the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for failure to honour invitations to appear before it, warning that continued disregard for legislative oversight could attract disciplinary action.
The committee, chaired by Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central), expressed its displeasure during a meeting on Wednesday, describing the absence of officials from both organisations as unacceptable and an impediment to the committee’s constitutional oversight functions.
Ningi revealed that separate invitation letters were sent to the Chairman of the NSC, Mallam Shehu Dikko, and the Commission’s Director-General, Bukola Olopade, to remove any ambiguity over who should represent the agency before the committee.
He dismissed the explanations submitted by the Commission for its absence, insisting that they were unsatisfactory.
“The committee will not tolerate attempts to frustrate its constitutional oversight responsibilities,” Ningi said.
He warned that the repeated absence of senior officials was preventing the committee from effectively carrying out its legislative mandate, adding that such conduct could warrant disciplinary action by the Senate.
“It is becoming a practice that requires Senate disciplinary action against these agents of government,” he said, stressing that accountability must be upheld.
Committee members unanimously backed the chairman’s position, insisting that the leadership of both the NSC and the NFF must appear before the panel to explain issues relating to their finances and operations.
As part of its ongoing investigation, the committee directed the NSC to submit evidence of its approved budgets for 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026, along with details of budget releases for the same period.
It also requested records of funds released to all sporting federations, including basketball, volleyball, boxing, judo and hockey, as well as evidence of statutory federal government subventions to the federations.
To verify the records, Sen. Ningi instructed the Clerk of the Committee to write to the Accountant-General of the Federation requesting comprehensive details of all funds released to the NSC from 2023 to date.
The committee further directed the NFF to provide detailed appropriations and releases for Nigeria’s participation in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), as well as comprehensive expenditure records for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign and the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
Ningi said a new date would be communicated to the NSC and NFF for their appearance before the committee.
Addressing National Assembly correspondents after the meeting, the senator maintained that the attitude of both organisations was unacceptable.
He reiterated that the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria empowers the National Assembly to exercise oversight over all Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government, including the National Sports Commission and the Nigeria Football Federation.
Customs Debunks Viral Recruitment Update, Warns Public Against Fake Information
ShareBy Tambaya Julius, Abuja The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has dismissed a purported recruitment update circulating on social media, describing...
Tinubu Expands Nigerian Army Structure, Mounts 12 Divisions
ShareBy Elijah Oguche, Abuja President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the expansion of the Nigerian Army’s command structure from eight...
Money Supply Hits N133.25trn as CBN Maintains Tight Monetary Stance
ShareBy Tambaya Julius, Abuja Nigeria’s broad money supply (M3) increased for the second consecutive month, rising to N133.25 trillion in...
Senate Committee Summons NSC, NFF Over Snub of Oversight Invitation
ShareBy Tambaya Julius, Abuja The Senate Committee on Sports Development has criticised the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Nigeria...
Police Arrest Four Suspected Kidnappers, Rescue Abducted Woman in Rivers
ShareThe Police Commander in Rivers has arrested four suspected members of a kidnapping syndicate and rescued a woman abducted from...
Yusuf Hails FG Suspension of NECO Fee Hike
ShareFrom Rabiu Sanusi Kano Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has applauded the Federal Government for suspending the proposed...
Mbah Advocates Experiential learning, Unveils Human Development Model
ShareFrom Sylvia Udegbunam, Enugu Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah has called for a fundamental overhaul of Nigeria’s education system, urging...
Woman Bags One year Imprisonment for Trafficking 45.6kg Cannabis
ShareA Federal High Court in Ibadan on Thursday sentenced a 40-year-old woman, Omodunmami Ayantola to one year in the correctional...
Oborevwori Approves Financial Support for Delta Law School Graduates
ShareFrom Francis Sadhere, Delta Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has approved the payment of financial assistance to 533...
The State of Humanities Education in Nigeria
ShareBy Kenny Ola The reality that recently dawns on Nigerian education arrives not with noise, but with poise, a gospel...