The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria said it airlifted 20,515 Nigerian pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the 2025 hajj in one week.

NAHCON disclosed this in a statement by its Principal Information Officer, Shafil Mohammed, in Abuja on Thursday.

Vice-President Kashim Shettima had on May 9 declared the inaugural flight open in Owerri, Imo.

Mr Mohammed, while providing an update on the ongoing 2025 hajj airlift operations, said that within six days, 50 flights successfully conveyed 20,515 Nigerian pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

He said that the commission would regularly update the public on the progress of the exercise.

NAHCON is a government’s agency that regulates and coordinates hajj and umrah activities for Nigerian Muslims to ensure a smoother and more efficient pilgrimage experience.

This includes licensing and supervising organisations involved in hajj and umrah operations, and coordinating with government authorities in Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.

The wife of Ondo State Governor, Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa, has pledged her support to the fight against human trafficking in the state.

Mrs Aiyedatiwa stated this during a meeting with the state’s Comptroller of Immigration, Felicia Anara, at the command headquarters in Akure on Friday.

According to her, the meeting is aimed at fostering stronger collaboration between the state government and the Nigerian Immigration Service.

She said, “We need to be united and at the front against human trafficking, it is a serious threat to the dignity and future of the population of the state’s youth.’’

Mrs Aiyedatiwa highlighted the importance of proactive measures, community sensitisation, and stringent enforcement of immigration laws to safeguard vulnerable individuals.

She also called on governments at all levels to encourage the appointment of more women into key public offices, noting that women play crucial roles in shaping policies that protect vulnerable groups and strengthen family values.

Speaking, the state comptroller of immigration commended the governor’s wife for her proactive stance, reiterating the command’s commitment to collaborating with the state government in the fight against human trafficking and related crimes.

Ms Anara assured that the command would intensify its surveillance and enforcement activities to disrupt the operations of human traffickers.

She noted that the meeting would pave the way for more coordinated efforts and innovative strategies to tackle human trafficking.

Abike Dabiri-Erewa, chairperson, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), has called on governments at all levels to take steps to curb human trafficking in Nigeria.

She made the call at a strategic meeting with Binta Bello, the director-general (D-G), National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), on Friday, in Abuja.

Ms Dabiri-Erewa said that more needed to be done to curb the menace.

She said that the traffickers should be named and shamed while enforcing stricter penalties as a deterrent to other criminal actors.

She called for closer collaboration between NAPTIP, NiDCOM, the National Commission for Refugees Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), and other sister agencies to curb the menace

The NiDCOM boss also pushed for more flexible policies and better funding to help NAPTIP fully carry out its mandate against the menace.

The NiDCOM boss also pushed for more flexible policies and better funding to help NAPTIP fully carry out its mandate against the menace.

She lauded the support of the first lady, Oluremi Tinubu, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), neighbouring governments, Nigerian Diaspora Communities, Wema Bank and NGOs for helping to rescue and reintegrate trafficked victims.

She commended the NAPTIP D-G for her dedication, and pledged NiDCOM’s continued support in the fight against human trafficking in the country.

“We will continue to do our best to save these young ones and encourage safe and regular pathways for migration,” she said.

Earlier, the NAPTIP boss thanked Ms Dabiri-Erewa for NiDCOM’s support, especially in the recent rescue of 231 young Nigerians from Ghana.

She said that tackling human trafficking required joint action from government, society, and key stakeholders.

The D-G also stressed the need for more awareness across all levels to highlight the dangers of trafficking,

“We rescued last week 19 girls all pregnant for one man in an estate in Abuja, we received nine girls from Cote D’ivoire, and many others,” she said.

Recognising NiDCOM’s role in engaging with Nigerians in the diaspora, she expressed her commitment to strengthening the NiDCOM-NAPTIP relationship.

Ms Bello assured that the Agency would continue to protect the rights and dignity of Nigerians against trafficking in persons.Abike Dabiri-Erewa, chairperson, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), has called on governments at all levels to take steps to curb human trafficking in Nigeria.

She made the call at a strategic meeting with Binta Bello, the director-general (D-G), National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), on Friday, in Abuja.

Yiaga Africa
Acivil society organisation, Yiaga Africa, has kicked against a bill before the National Assembly seeking to introduce compulsory voting in Nigeria and prescribe six months jail term for any eligible voter who refuses to vote.

Executive director of the NGO, Samson Itodo, in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja, described the bill as draconian.

He acknowledged the fact that the bill was conceived as a legislative intervention to address what he called an abysmally low voter turnout in the county.

Mr Itodo also said that the rationale behind the bill was to address one of the biggest challenges in Nigeria’s electoral system.

He, however, said that the strong-arm approach adopted by the bill was draconian and that constituted a gross violation of constitutionally-guaranteed fundamental human rights.

“Indeed, the right to abstain from voting is itself a legitimate form of political expression protected under domestic and international human rights law.

“Voter turnout in Nigeria has fluctuated significantly over the years, reflecting a complex interplay of political and systemic factors that influence electoral participation.

“In 1979, turnout stood at 34.6 per cent, increasing slightly to 38.9 per cent in 1983 and holding at 35 per cent in 1993.

“A notable surge occurred in 1999 with a turnout of 52.3 per cent, followed by a peak in 2003 when 69.1 per cent of registered voters participated,” he recalled.

Mr Itodo noted that the upward trend, however, got reversed in subsequent elections; 57.5 per cent in 2007, 53.7 per cent in 2011, 43.7 per cent in 2015, 34.7 per cent in 2019 and a historic low of 27.1 per cent in 2023.

According to him, the sharp decline has positioned Nigeria as the largest democracy in Africa with the lowest voter turnout.

“Democracy thrives on freedom which includes the choice to participate or abstain from voting.

“Compulsory voting undermines this democratic freedom and punitive sanctions for not voting erodes the foundational principles of voluntary democratic engagement.

“The bill, in its entirety, fails to address the drivers of voter apathy, such as distrust in the electoral process, election manipulation and poor governance.”

Rather than compelling voting, Mr Itodo said that the National Assembly should prioritise electoral reforms that would rebuild public trust, improve election integrity and remove structural and systemic barriers to participation.

“These include reforms that guarantee mandatory electronic transmission of results, review of the mode of appointments into INEC, early voting, diaspora voting and improved transparency in the management of elections,” he said.

The executive director said that voter apathy should not be addressed with imposing punishment for not but through trust, electoral justice and accountability.

He, therefore, urged the national assembly to reject the proposed bill and channel its legislative efforts toward passing the electoral amendment that would expand access to voting, guarantee electoral transparency and protect the political rights of Nigerians.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says it has arrested a former Kaduna State government contractor and an official of Formal Act Legacy Limited, over alleged N30 billion fraud.

EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, said this in a statement, on Friday in Abuja.

Mr Oyewale said that the suspect was formerly a consultant with the state government but had his contract terminated due to alleged fraudulent activities.

He explained that in spite of the termination of his contract, the official (names withheld) paraded himself as the authentic contractor to the 23 local government areas in Kaduna State.

Mr Oyewale said the official also allegedly defrauded Athena United Charity Foundation, FICCORD with affiliation to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Office.

According to him, the official has no less than 251 complaints received by the commission against him.

”It is also alleged that the suspect informed his victims that he had a 2020 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Kaduna State Government.

”The MoU, according to him ,is for the purpose of sourcing intervention grants from global donor agencies for the funding of LGA projects in the state and supporting the actualization of SDGs within the state.

”While investigations revealed that the suspect is not a consultant to UCF, his 2020 MoU with Kaduna State government was terminated by the state government in October 2023 as a result of default on the terms of the MoU by the suspect.”

He said that in spite of the termination of the MoU, the suspect anll engaged in unauthorised award of fictitious contracts to the tune of approximately N30 billion.

Mr Oyewale alleged that the suspect did this by convincing his victims to supply items meant for construction of hospitals, motorised boreholes, hospital beds and mattresses, drugs and vaccines.

He said the suspect allegedly received the items on behalf of the Kaduna State Government, sell some and diverted their proceeds to his personal use.

”From investigations, it was discovered that when he took delivery of the supplies, he would warehouse them, keep the local government areas in the dark about the delivery.

“He does not also pay the contractors the value of what they supplied.

”It is also alleged that the suspect was selling contract award papers using proxies with whom he shared the proceeds.

”These fraudulent acts coupled with his unilateral alteration of the nature of the contracts and their terms, allegedly led to the termination of the MoU he had with the state government in 2023.”

He said that items recovered from him included Toyota Hilux pick up vans, ambulances, buses, dispatch motorcycles, caches of drugs and vaccines for children, stacks of hospital beds and mattresses and heavy duty generators.

”Found in his office store are large quantities of tablets, capsules, syrups, infusions, ointments/creams; medical consumables that include hand gloves, syringes, and mucus extractor.”

He said that the commission was collaborating with NAFDAC and the Kaduna State ministry of health in the evaluation of the cache of medicines found in his storage facilities as well as in carrying out qualitative analysis on them.

Mr Oyewale said following the inspections, Umar Suleiman, investigation and enforcement officer, federal task force, NAFDAC, confirmed that some of the drug manufacturers were registered with NAFDAC, while some were unregistered.

He quoted Mr Suleiman as saying that some of the medicines were still within shelf life, while some had expired with some being outright counterfeits.

”Corroborating the position of the NAFDAC official, Abubakar Balarabe, a pharmacist and Team Leader, Ministry of Health Kaduna State said that some of the medicines had expired.

He noted also that the warehouse, where the medicines were stored, fell below standard.

“The storage is not fit for any medicine because of the way and manner it was kept,” he said.

According to Mr Oyewale, the suspect will be charged to court as soon as the investigation is concluded.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has expressed serious concern about rising violations of the right to food, emphasising its importance for overall human rights.

The NHRC Senior Rights Adviser, Hiliary Ogbonna, expressed his concern at the monthly presentation of April dashboard report on human rights violations across the country.

The dashboard is a monthly analysis and graphical presentation of the human rights situation in Nigeria.

Similarly, the observatory is for monitoring, reporting and analysing the human rights violations.

The concern, he said, is particularly acute given the impact of economic hardship on access to nutrition and healthcare, leading to increased vulnerability to disease and mortality.

“The right to life is meaningless without the right to food and gainful employment.

“The commission believes that these rights are fundamental and should be upheld, emphasizing the need for policies that address poverty and ensure access to essential resources,” he said .

He called for economic reforms that prioritise human dignity and social justice, advocating for policies that ensure decent work, fair wages, and access to essential services

”There were killings of four farmers in Akure North, two female farmers in Delta and 14 in Borno.

”Kidnapping has spread to practically every part of the country. And for us, it is something that is very important” he said.

He said in the month of April the commission received complaints of 139 killings in Benue, 119 in Plateau and 227 in other parts of the country.

Mr Ogbonna said that the killings took place in communities where the greater percentage of the food consumed in the country are produced.

”This is worrisome because the people behind these acts are not held accountable.

”There are no conclusive investigations and prosecutions of these people who commit these heinous crimes,” he said.

He called on the military to step up the security networks in Nigeria to ensure that those responsible are apprehended.

He also said that the constant increase in violations of child and women’s rights was worrisome.

Mr Ogbonna noted that the commission completed 863 investigations, 60 visits to correctional centres and places of detention.

He added that it also gave 33 summons and letters to Nigeria police as well as 12 visitations to military formations.

Mr Ogbonna noted that the commission received 261,483 complaints with North Central at the top of the chart.

He said also that the April report recorded a 20 per cent increase compared to the March report.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, says the FCT Administration has renovated and furnished more than 60 public schools across the territory.

Mr Wike stated this after inspecting some ongoing projects in Gwagwalada and Kwali Area Councils of the territory on Friday.

“We have done a lot of work in schools. The schools we have renovated and furnished are more than 60 so far,” Mr Wike said.

He explained that beyond road projects, the FCT Administration had invested hugely in improving critical infrastructure in the health and education sectors.

According to him, every sector will receive the needed attention, and no one will be left behind.

“I can tell you that no sector would be left abandoned, every sector will be focused on,” he stated.

The minister, however, pointed out that “a good road network is what brings development.”

Mr Wike said the farming communities along the A2 to Pai road would be happy that they now have a road network to take their farm produce to the city and markets to sell.

He added that good road networks also have a positive impact on reducing insecurity.

Mr Wike explained that when people commit offences and there “is no road to chase them, it would become a problem.

“But when you see this kind of road with streetlights, you will have to think twice before you commit any

The Ministry of Youth Development has reaffirmed its commitment to creating platforms that promote mentorship and leadership development for the boy child.

Ayodele Olawande, Minister of Youth Development, said this on Friday in Abuja during a news conference to commemorate the International Day of the Boy Child.

The day is marked annually on May 16, with the 2025 theme, “Boys’ Mental Health and Well-being.”

Mr Olawande stated that the government believed every boy, regardless of background or economic status, deserved quality mentorship to help him thrive.

“As a government, we are committed to creating platforms that promote mentorship and leadership development for the boy child. Through initiatives like this, we can provide them with the support they need to succeed,” he said.

The minister emphasised that the goal was to empower Nigerian youth, including boys, with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities necessary for success.

“In today’s world, many fathers have little time for their children, especially their sons. This can negatively impact their development and well-being,” Mr Olawande noted.

He stressed the importance of mentorship in filling that gap: “Without positive male role models, many boys struggle to develop the skills and values needed to become responsible, productive members of society.”

The minister added that mentorship offered guidance, support, and helped boys build self-confidence, make sound decisions, and form positive relationships with adults.

Mr Olawande also acknowledged the United Nations for recognising the significance of supporting boys through mentorship, saying the International Day of the Boy Child reflected global commitment to promote their well-being and development.

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) on Thursday declared its readiness to take over power at the state and national levels in 2027.

Abubakar Dogara, the party’s national vice chairman for the North-Central Zone, made the statement during the SDP North-Central Zonal Caucus meeting in Nasarawa State.

Mr Dogara described the SDP as “the new bride of Nigeria,” claiming the party’s membership is growing rapidly across the country.

“We are holding meetings at the zonal, national, ward, state, and local government levels.

“It’s all part of our preparations. Our membership cards are consistently exhausted at the state level,” he said.

He added that the party was building strong grassroots structures ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“So, we are preparing to take over the leadership of the country come 2027, by the grace of God. I believe SDP is now the bride of the nation,” Mr Dogara said.

He urged Nigerians to join the party at their respective wards and support its candidates to transform the country’s political narrative.

Also speaking at the meeting, Idoko Idoto, the Benue State chairman of the SDP, expressed confidence in the party’s chances in the next elections.

“Come 2027, I assure you, SDP is coming with full force. SDP will take over Benue State and Nigeria.

“We’ll win all the senatorial seats, House of Representatives, and the State Assembly will not be left out,” he said.

Mr Idoto also recalled that the party had once governed Benue State, affirming that it had a solid foundation to build upon for future success.

The Ministry of Interior has launched a new online citizenship and business management platform, according to its permanent secretary, Magdalene Ajani.

Ms Ajani said in a statement on Friday that the new digital platform was designed to streamline the application and processing of citizenship and business-related services, ensuring faster turnaround time and improved user experience.

The platform aims to manage citizenship applications, process business permits, and administer regulations related to businesses and foreign workers.

The permanent secretary explained that the initiative was part of the ministry’s ongoing reforms to promote transparency and enhance operational efficiency, thereby significantly improving service delivery to the public.

“Members of the public, corporate entities, and other stakeholders are hereby expected to access the platform through the following official channels: the Ministry of Interior’s website: https://interior.gov.ng.

“Direct portal access: https://candb.interior.gov.ng, candb-support@interior.gov.ng for support or inquiries.

“The ministry remains committed to establishing a more efficient, transparent, and secure framework for citizenship administration, while continuously enhancing service delivery through digital transformation,” Ms Ajani said.

Acouple, Idris Adeyemo, 36 and his wife, Zainab, 31 were on Thursday arraigned in a Mapo Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly assaulting a police officer.

Idris and Zainab were arraigned alongside one Kafaya Bakare, 40.

They pleaded not guilty to the three-count charge of breach of peace, assault and threat to life, filed against them.

Magistrate O.O. Latunji admitted each of the defendants to bail, in the sum of N50,000, with one reliable surety each.

Latunji subsequently adjourned the suit until June 24 for hearing.

The police prosecutor, Inspector Oluseye Akinola, told the court that the defendants committed the crime on May 14, at Felele area of Ibadan, Oyo State.

Akinola said that Idris, Zainab and Bakare had an altercation with their co-tenants, Amoke Oseni.

According to the prosecutor, a police officer from the Felele police station arrived at the scene, but Idris obstructed him from performing his lawful duty of arresting his wife.

He further stated that Idris assaulted the arresting police officer, using all sorts of abusive language and threatened to decisively deal with the complainant, Oseni.

He noted that the offence contravened the provisions of Sections 249, 351 and 416 of the Criminal Code Cap 38 vol. ii law of Oyo State 2000.

The Anambra State government has banned the distribution of gifts and food items in public spaces in the state capital, Awka, particularly under the Aroma Flyover Bridge.
This was indicated in a statement on Thursday signed by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Anambra State Capital Territory Development Authority, Ossy Onuko.

The statement read in part. “The government has closely observed the activities of some content creators, philanthropists, and charity groups who encourage and sustain the indiscriminate roaming of children under the Aroma Bridge by consistently giving out food, drinks, and cash gifts to these kids. As noble and pious as your intentions may be, sadly, they contribute to the defacing of our capital city and endanger the lives of these kids who are at risk of being hit by vehicles, abused by unruly adults, and conscripted into cultism”.

Mr Onuko noted that henceforth charitable acts done in public were illegal, warning that any individual or group caught in the act would be seen as promoting civil disorder and risked prosecution.

He further advised that charitable activities and interventions could be channelled through accredited institutions such as orphanages, care homes, and registered non-governmental organisations where support could be professionally and safely administered to those in need.

He added, “We urge all charitable acts to be channelled through accredited organisations such as orphanages, care homes, and registered non-governmental organisations (NGOs), where support can be professionally administered to those in need or their private homes and spaces that do not constitute a public nuisance.’’

Mr Onuko urged the residents to join hands with the government to maintain order, cleanliness, and dignity of the state capital city.

Grammy-winning R&B singer Chris Brown has been arrested in connection with an alleged bottle attack at a London nightclub in 2023.
According to The Sun, officers from the Metropolitan Police took the 36-year-old American musician into custody just after 2 a.m. on Thursday 15 May at the five-star Lowry Hotel in Manchester.

The arrest relates to an incident that reportedly occurred on 19 February 2023 at Tape nightclub in Hanover Square, Mayfair.

The “Under the Influence” crooner is accused of launching an unprovoked attack on music producer Abraham Diaw during a Dirty Martini-themed club night at the exclusive venue.

Mr Diaw alleged to the news outlet that, “He hit me over the head two or three times. My knee collapsed as well.” The producer reportedly required hospital treatment and was later discharged using crutches. At the time, Brown was in the UK as part of his global tour.

The complainant, Mr Diaw, has since filed a $16 million (£12 million) civil claim against the singer, seeking damages for injuries and financial losses resulting from the incident.

Reports indicate that the R&B superstar flew into Manchester Airport on a private jet on Wednesday. After being informed of his arrival, Met Police detectives travelled to the city and arrested him.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed in a statement that the singer was taken into custody shortly after 2:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 15. This arrest is linked to an incident that occurred at a venue in Hanover Square on February 19, 2023, where he is suspected of causing “grievous bodily harm.”

Brown’s arrest came just weeks ahead of the launch of Brown’s Breezy Bowl XX world tour to celebrate 20 years music career journey, which includes two UK dates at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on 21 and 22 June.

A High Court sitting in Benin City, Edo State, on Thursday, remanded a 56-year-old man, Festus Ugo, in a correctional centre over alleged rape of a 13-year-old girl.

Ugo whose address was not given, is being charged with rape.The Police Prosecutor, I.E Ekibade, told the court that the defendant committed the offence on May 8, at Upper Mission Road, New Benin, in the Benin Judicial Division.

Ekibade said that the offence contravened Sections 4(1) and Section 5(1) of the Edo State Violence Against Persons (Prohibited) Law, 2021.

The prosecutor urged the court to remand the defendant in a correctional centre for an initial period of 14 days pending legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecution.

The Judge, Justice Williams Azeigbemhin, ordered the defendant to be remanded at the Benin Correctional Centre, and adjourned the case until May 29.

The University of Ilorin on Thursday commended the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board’s Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, for taking responsibility for the technical glitches resulting in the poor performance of many candidates in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.

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In a statement signed by the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Wahab Egbewole, the institution said the board addressed the development with truthfulness, lauding Mr Oloyede for demonstrating courage and integrity of character.

The statement read, “We hereby write to appreciate you on how the development of the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations was handled by the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board under your leadership. As a university, we want to put on record the fact that the Board approached the issues that arise on the result with truthfulness, and nothing was hidden from the public. This approach demonstrated courage, honesty of purpose, integrity, strength of character, and on the whole a call on the younger generation to emulate these positive values.”

The university lauded the JAMB boss for not apportioning blame, noting that his admission of error was a rare phenomenon in the country.

“The admission of the error committed by one of the service providers culminating in the result that affected more than 300,000 candidates could have been laid at the doorstep of the service provider, but you took responsibility. This is an uncommon phenomenon in Nigeria,” the university added.

Meanwhile, the board announced it would reschedule the 379,997 affected candidates for another examination

The police in Lagos on Thursday arraigned a 35- year-old man, Desmond Chinweuba, before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court for alleged N6.5 million fraud.

The defendant, a teacher, who resides at 12, Asolo St., Agric, Ikorodu, Lagos, is being tried for obtaining by false pretence, stealing and forgery.

The prosecutor, ASP Adegoke Ademigbuji told the court that the offences were committed in November 2024 at a private school at, 3, Ekoro Road, Abule Egba, Lagos.

The prosecutor said that the defendant was entrusted withN6.5 million to purchase stationeries for the school, Abosede Idehen International Academy, but failed to do so.

The prosecutor also told the court that the defendant stole the school laptop, a standing air conditioner and a projector, valued at N5 million and absconded when the auditor came to audit the school store.

The prosecutor said that it was also discovered that the defendant forged a professional certificate which he presented to the school at the point of his employment.

Ademigbuji said that efforts to locate the defendant failed until his phone was tracked and he was arrested.

The offences, according to the prosecutor contravene Sections 287, 314 and 363 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2025.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The Chief Magistrate, O. O Kushanu granted the defendant bail of N350,000 with two sureties in likesum.

Mrs Kushanu adjourned the case until June 6 for mention.

The Lagos State Government has warned residents that anyone who assaults law enforcement officers, particularly those attached to the Central Business District will face the full weight of the law.

The Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on CBD, Bola Olumegbon-Lawal, said this at the Ministerial Press Briefing held at Alausa, Ikeja, on Thursday.

She disclosed that three individuals had already been prosecuted for attacking CBD officials while they were discharging their duties.

She stated, “We will not tolerate any act of violence against our officers. Anyone found guilty of assaulting law enforcement personnel will be brought to justice. In as much as we train our officers regularly on how to relate professionally with members of the public, we frown at any action of violence.’’

Ms Olumegbon-Lawal said that both the Lagos Island and Ikeja CBDs had been reopened for business activities.

She called on traders and stakeholders in the area to take responsibility for safeguarding public infrastructure.

“We urge all stakeholders to protect government assets in their environment and to obey all traffic rules. These facilities belong to all of us and must not be left at the mercy of vandals. We keep appealing to street vendors to desist from showcasing their wares on CBD lanes,” Ms Olumegbon-Lawal said.

The special adviser revealed that 926 vehicles and 33 tricycles were impounded in the last one year for a range of traffic offences including illegal parking, driving against traffic and obstruction.

She also warned against street trading, stating that goods seized would not be returned.

Ms Olumegbon-Lawal said that the CBD was taking internal discipline seriously as well.

“We have five CBD officers currently undergoing disciplinary action for gross misconduct, which should serve as a deterrent,” she said.

Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede, has reiterated the need for students to join the fight against corruption in the country, stressing that the monster does only exist in government but also thrives in homes and schools.

Mr Olukoyede, who spoke during the inauguration of Integrity Club at Al-Hikmah University, Kwara State, on Wednesday, said students should be committed to promoting transparency, discipline and patriotism.

He said, “Corruption is not a distant or abstract concept; it is the abuse of entrusted power for private gain. It takes many forms—from bribery and exam malpractice to cybercrime and sex-for-grades. These acts do not only exist in government; they thrive in our homes, schools, and among our peers. And this is why every Nigerian, especially students, must take ownership of the fight against it.”

The EFCC boss, represented by the Head Public Affairs Department of the Commission in Ilorin, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE11 Ayodele Babatunde, noted the event was to create zero tolerance for corruption among young Nigerians and build a generation of youths committed to good governance and national development.

He further lamented the involvement of students in internet fraud, charging them to uphold the values of hard work and ethical leadership in their schools and communities.

“Education should empower you with knowledge, not with schemes to defraud others. Social media may glorify criminal wealth, but the reality is often disgrace, prison, or worse. Your responsibility as members of the Integrity Club is to promote transparency, discipline, patriotism, and to serve as ethical role models. You are the eyes and ears of integrity on this campus,” Mr Olukoyede noted.

In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of University, Noah Yusuf, lauded the commission for its efforts to educate young Nigerians on the dangers of corruption and unethical consciousness, assuring EFCC of its continued support in the fight against the monster.

Mr Yusuf said, “The EFCC has shown tremendous foresight by targeting the youth for early re-orientation. At Al-Hikmah University, we are proud to align with this vision and commit to nurturing students who not only excel academically but also stand tall in character.’’

The Russian delegation arrived in Istanbul for talks aimed at ending the war in Ukraine, with their plane landing at Atatürk Airport, the Interfax news agency reported on Thursday.

The exact time for the start of negotiations with the Ukrainian delegation is yet to be confirmed, the agency reported, citing sources close to the Russian negotiators.

Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin himself proposed the direct talks in Istanbul, but until recently, he had not confirmed whether he would attend in person.

It was only late on Wednesday that it became known that Vladimir Medinsky would head the Russian delegation.

Mr Medinsky, a presidential adviser and former culture minister, is considered a political lightweight in Moscow.

He previously led the last direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine in 2022, which ended without any breakthroughs.

Germany’s foreign minister, Johann Wadephul, says he backs President Donald Trump’s demands for NATO members to spend five per cent of their economic output on defence.

On Thursday, Mr Wadepuhl said he agreed with Trump’s assessment that the drastic increase was necessary, after meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the sidelines of a gathering of NATO foreign ministers in the Turkish city of Antalya.

Washington has called for allies to agree on a new target of spending five per cent of gross domestic product on defence at the upcoming NATO summit in June.

Currently, NATO members are committed to spending at least two per cent of GDP on military expenditure, although not all have achieved the goal.

Germany is spending just over two per cent of its GDP on defence.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said last week that each additional percentage point would mean further annual expenditure of $50.5 billion for Berlin.

In Antalya, Mr Rubio said NATO has the opportunity to grow even stronger.

One possible compromise to reach a higher target could be considering significantly more expenditure on infrastructure for military use.

A possible split could be to agree that traditional defence spending would be raised to 3.5 per cent of GDP, with an additional 1.5 per cent of GDP to be spent on infrastructure.

A deadline for meeting a new defence spending target could be 2032.

Mr Rubio said at a NATO meeting in Brussels in April that no one expected five per cent to be achieved in a year or two. Achieving the new target would also be a financial effort for the U.S.

“We have to think about what we can do to make sure that we have all the defence-related expenditures in place,” said NATO secretary general Mark Rutte, arriving at the Antalya meeting.

Mr Rutte said that additional expenditure is needed to protect the alliance from different threats – including Russia, a military build-up in China, and terrorism- and to ramp up NATO’s defence industrial production.

“We need to produce more all over NATO, and particularly when we look at Russia,” he said. “We have to beat them when it comes to defence industrial production.”

The money is also needed “to make sure that Ukraine can prevail and that we can collectively help Ukraine to bring this war to a lasting and durable peace”, Mr Rutte said.