
An operative of the Department of State Services DSS, Michael Jego, testified in a Federal High Court in Abuja regarding the arrest of John Agbo, accused of sending threat messages to elite schools in the Federal Capital Territory. Jego, the first prosecution witness, stated that the DSS received petitions from three schools in 2024 concerning text messages threatening students, teachers, and property. The affected schools were identified as Premier International School, The Regent Secondary School, and Oakland International British School. The DSS alleged that Agbo used multiple mobile phone numbers to send these threats, claiming attacks would take less than a minute. Jego testified that his team began an investigation after a petition from Oakland International British School dated November 28, 2024. Forensic analysis led to Agbo's arrest in Otukpo, Benue State, where a Techno Android phone and SIM card were recovered. Agbo was arraigned on March 17, 2026, on a two-count charge under the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022, and the Cybercrimes Prohibition, Prevention, etc Amendment Act, 2024. The prosecution tendered the recovered phone, school petitions, a compact disc with audio-visual recordings of Agbo's interview, and his extra-judicial statement, which were admitted as exhibits. While Agbo admitted familiarity with the phone, he denied ownership. Under cross-examination, Jego confirmed the petitions did not name Agbo, but maintained Agbo admitted involveme
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Must ReadThe Mozambican government has confirmed that five Mozambican citizens were killed in xenophobic attacks in South Africa over the weekend. These are the first deaths officially linked to the ongoing protests against illegal migrants in the country. Approximately 800 Mozambican nationals were affected by the violence that erupted in Mossel Bay on Friday. The government statement also noted that two other Mozambicans died in a road accident while returning to Mozambique. Following the violence, 300 Mozambicans returned home independently, while over 500 others were sheltered in the Western Cape Province, with their repatriation process to Mozambique commencing on June 1. South African police are investigating the deaths of two men in Mossel Bay, though they have not yet confirmed a link to the protests or the nationalities of the deceased. The mayor of the area, Dirk Kotze, expressed deep concern over the xenophobic attacks, which have resulted in murders, house burnings, and family displacement. South Africa has a history of xenophobic violence, with significant outbreaks in 2008, 2015, and 2021, often fueled by economic frustrations and anti-immigrant rhetoric, particularly ahead of local government elections.

Ekiti State is intensifying efforts to protect lives and property against increasing kidnappings and bandit attacks, particularly in border communities. Despite sharing borders with states experiencing heightened criminal activity, Ekiti has largely remained peaceful, though isolated incidents have prompted increased vigilance. A recent attack on a Christ Apostolic Church in Eda Oniyo, Ilejemeje Local Government Area, resulted in the death of the presiding pastor and the abduction of about 15 worshippers. The Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Michael Falade, stated that rescue operations are ongoing, describing it as a sensitive security matter. An inter-agency bush-combing team, comprising personnel from the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Amotekun Corps, Department of State Services, and local vigilante groups, is working to flush out criminals from border areas. Governor Biodun Oyebanji approved the continuation of these operations to ensure the state remains safe. The Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, retired Brigadier General Ebenezer Ogundana, expressed optimism for the safe rescue of the abducted worshippers, noting close collaboration with Kwara State security agencies. He emphasized that Ekiti remains one of the safest states in the region despite regional security concerns. The Commissioner for Information, Taiwo Olatunbosun, highlighted the governor's emergency approach to security, strengthening s
Must ReadThe Central Bank of Nigeria CBN has launched its Nigeria Payments System Vision 2028, aiming to bring N2.83tn currently held outside the formal banking system into financial channels and onboard 50 million additional Nigerians by 2028. Unveiled by CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso in Abuja, the initiative seeks to deepen digital payments, reduce cash dependence, and position Nigeria as a leading payments hub in Africa. The plan targets reducing cash outside banks to less than 40% of money in circulation by 2028, which, based on April 2026 figures, would mean moving approximately N2.83tn into the formal system. This move is expected to improve monetary policy transmission, increase banking sector liquidity, and enhance financial intermediation, especially ahead of the 2027 general elections, which have raised concerns about cash-driven campaigns and vote-buying. Cardoso emphasized that efficient payment systems are crucial for creating economic opportunities and reducing poverty. The vision also aims to increase financial inclusion to 95% by 2028, providing bank accounts or wallets to 50 million more Nigerians, including market women, farmers, and young people. The framework is built around five strategic pillars: payment infrastructure and interoperability, digital financial inclusion, innovation and emerging technologies, cross-border payments, and regulation and cybersecurity. The CBN's Deputy Governor, Economic Policy Directorate, Dr. Muhammad Abdullahi, detailed these pillars,

Chelsea has reportedly entered the race to sign Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen from Galatasaray, with Turkish reports indicating the club is demanding €150m for the Nigerian forward. This development follows remarks by Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle, who stated Osimhen was left out of Nigeria’s June friendly squad due to potential transfer discussions, suggesting a club change might occur. However, Osimhen clarified on Instagram that Chelle’s comments were taken out of context and asked for speculation to be disregarded. The Super Eagles media team also issued a clarification. Despite Osimhen's denial, interest in the striker remains high, with previous reports linking him to Manchester United. Turkish newspaper Sabah indicates Chelsea has initiated contact for a potential summer deal. Galatasaray, who acquired Osimhen from Napoli for €75m last summer, is reportedly unwilling to accept offers below €150m. Osimhen had a successful season, scoring 15 league goals and providing five assists in 22 matches for Galatasaray, helping them retain the Turkish Super Lig title, and contributed seven goals and three assists in the UEFA Champions League.