Atiku Abubakar demands full investigation into INEC voter database leak
via Punch Nigeria4 min read
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called for a comprehensive investigation into the alleged leak of information from the Independent National Electoral Commission's INEC Continuous Voter Registration database. Atiku stated that INEC's explanation, which confirmed voter information was accessed using valid official credentials and released without authorization, raises concerns about internal compromise and potential political interference rather than external hacking. He emphasized that Nigerians need to understand how restricted electoral data ended up in the public domain and in the hands of political actors. Atiku highlighted that the information was publicly released by Lere Olayinka, spokesman to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and questioned the basis of Wike's recent prediction about Atiku's performance in the 2027 presidential election. Atiku warned that the incident impacts public confidence in the neutrality of Nigeria's electoral institutions and urged INEC to disclose the complete chain of custody of the leaked information. While welcoming the Department of State Services DSS investigation, he stressed the need for a thorough, impartial, and transparent resolution to maintain public trust ahead of the 2027 general election.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Napoli forward Romelu Lukaku scored on his return to international football after more than a year, helping Belgium to a 2-0 victory over Croatia in a World Cup friendly in Rijeka. Lukaku, who had been sidelined since September 2025 due to injury, netted in the 96th minute. This match was Belgium's penultimate fixture before their World Cup opener against Egypt on June 15. Lukaku, 33, has played only 64 minutes for his club this season due to a hip injury. Belgium's coach Rudi Garcia started Atalanta midfielder Charles De Ketelaere in attack, with Lukaku on the bench. Belgium took a 1-0 lead at halftime with a goal from Aston Villa playmaker Youri Tielemans in the 38th minute. Croatia, World Cup semi-finalists in 2022, had chances from captain Luka Modric and Osasuna striker Ante Budimir, who hit the bar. Lukaku secured his 90th international goal in injury time, doubling Belgium's lead. Croatia will conclude their World Cup preparations by hosting Slovenia on Sunday before starting their campaign against England on June 17. Belgium will host Tunisia on Saturday.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency NDLEA, Edo State Command, announced the arrest of 48 suspected drug traffickers and the seizure of 541.47 kilograms of narcotic drugs during May. The arrests included 25 males and 22 females, apprehended through intelligence-led operations across various drug flashpoints in the state. Cannabis sativa constituted the majority of the seized drugs, totaling 540.6253 kg, alongside psychotropic substances, methamphetamine, and codeine syrup. The command's legal unit secured three convictions, filed five new cases, and has 94 pending cases in the Federal High Court in Benin City. Significant seizures included 27.3kg of cannabis sativa from Lucky Omen and various drugs from individuals like Joseph Osin, Prince Aniete, and Esther Okes. Raids in Auchi town led to the arrest of Abdulmalik Sunday and Abayomi Precious, with various quantities of Loud, Colorado, Tramadol, Swinol, Rohypnol, and methamphetamine recovered. In drug demand reduction efforts, the command counselled 31 individuals, with eight currently undergoing rehabilitation, and conducted five sensitisation programmes. The NDLEA reaffirmed its commitment to combating drug trafficking and abuse in Edo State, urging public cooperation.
Must ReadNigeria's federal government has heightened health screening at airports, seaports, and land borders in response to the ongoing Bundibugyo strain of Ebola virus disease outbreak in East and Central Africa. The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare confirmed there are no current Ebola cases in Nigeria but emphasized activated nationwide preparedness measures. These measures include mandatory temperature checks, health declaration forms, and intensified risk profiling for all incoming travelers. High-risk individuals or those showing symptoms of viral hemorrhagic fevers will undergo secondary screening, isolation, and referral. The government has also reinforced surveillance systems across the country, activated Public Health Emergency Operations Centres, and placed Rapid Response Teams on standby. Healthcare facilities are directed to strengthen infection prevention and control, improve triage systems, and promptly report suspected cases. Nigerians are advised to maintain hand hygiene, avoid contact with symptomatic individuals' bodily fluids, and report unusual illnesses to health authorities. This vigilance echoes past public health responses, including Nigeria's successful containment of the 2014 Ebola outbreak.
Must ReadAhead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, the International Football Association Board has approved a comprehensive set of new rules. These changes, the most extensive in several years, aim to combat time-wasting, clarify existing regulations, and expand VAR powers. Key adjustments include a visible 5-second countdown for throw-ins and goal kicks, with penalties for delays such as possession loss or a corner kick for the opposition. Substitutions will now require the departing player to exit within 10 seconds via the nearest boundary, with delays potentially preventing the replacement from entering until the next stoppage after one minute. Injured outfield players must leave the field and cannot return for one minute after play restarts, with exceptions for serious or head injuries, goalkeeper injuries, and certain penalty situations. VAR's authority is expanded to review incorrect second yellow cards, mistaken identity in carding, wrongly awarded corner kicks, and fouls occurring before set-piece restarts. New disciplinary measures include red cards for players who cover their mouths during confrontations to discourage discriminatory abuse, and for those who leave the field to protest referee decisions. Teams abandoning matches in protest may forfeit, and officials encouraging such actions can face sanctions. Competitions may also permit referees to wear body cameras. Other changes involve new equipment rules, clarification on dropped balls and penalty double touches, and a change t