Katsina State government denies sponsoring bandits for Hajj pilgrimage, demands evidence
via Punch Nigeria1 min read
The Katsina State Government has refuted allegations that it sponsored Hajj pilgrimage for criminal elements, labeling the claims as false and misleading. Nasir Mu鈥檃zu, the state Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, issued a statement in Katsina on Wednesday, addressing claims reportedly made by Bashir Kurfi on Trust TV. Mu'azu stated that the allegation is baseless, unfounded, and designed to mislead the public and undermine efforts by the government and security agencies to combat insecurity in the state. He added that the claim surfaces as security agencies, with government support, are achieving significant successes against banditry and related crimes. The commissioner characterized the allegation as a politically motivated attempt to divert attention from these achievements. Mu'azu expressed concern over the politicization of security issues by individuals and groups pursuing personal and political interests. He alleged that some elements are dissatisfied with the government's refusal to support schemes that would divert public resources from development projects. Mu'azu challenged those making the allegations to provide credible and verifiable evidence and warned that the government would use all lawful means to protect its reputation and hold accountable anyone spreading false information. He urged residents and Nigerians to disregard the allegations and support security agencies and stakeholders working to restore peace and stability. Mu'azu reaffirme
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Gospel singer Joshua Bamiloye has defended Mount Zion Films, the faith-based film ministry founded by his father Mike Bamiloye, against accusations of demonizing Yoruba culture and spirituality. His comments, made on X, followed criticism from a user who alleged that Mount Zion films portray Yoruba spirituality as evil while promoting Christianity. This discussion arose after the announcement that "Agbara Nla," a popular Mount Zion film, would return to cinemas 34 years after its initial release. Bamiloye refuted the claims, stating that Mount Zion celebrates Yoruba culture, including its colors, language, proverbs, and royalty. He used the character Abejoye as an example, noting that the character maintained his Yoruba cultural identity while embracing Christianity. Bamiloye also clarified that the ministry frames its narratives as "Light vs Darkness," not "Yoruba spirituality vs foreign religion," and that darkness has no nationality. He further argued that films with traditional settings constitute less than 30% of Mount Zion's more than 200 productions, suggesting that critics base their arguments on a minority of their catalog. He urged critics to watch the full films before making judgments.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is preparing to arraign Bello Bodejo, the President of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, before the Federal High Court in Abuja. He faces a 12-count charge filed on June 22, 2026, for alleged terrorism financing and money laundering, involving approximately $2.53 million. The EFCC accuses Bodejo of receiving and possessing large sums of foreign currency, believed to be proceeds of unlawful activities, in violation of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act of 2011 and the Money Laundering Prevention and Prohibition Act of 2022. According to a statement by EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale, Bodejo allegedly accepted multiple cash payments from Sa鈥檌du Abubakar, a former Accountant-General of Bauchi State, without processing these transactions through a financial institution as legally required. Specific charges include receiving $100,000 in cash on January 11, 2022, $200,000 on January 21, 2022, $500,000 on March 20, 2024, and $980,000 on February 7, 2024, all from Abubakar. The EFCC also alleges that Bodejo possessed funds he knew or should have known were proceeds of unlawful activity. Bodejo is expected to enter his plea once the court sets a date for his arraignment.
Benjamin Kalu, the Deputy Speaker of Nigeria's House of Representatives, presented Nigeria as a prime location for climate and green economy investments at the Nigeria Climate Investment Summit in London. He urged international financiers and development partners to explore opportunities in renewable energy, agriculture, transportation, and climate-resilient infrastructure. Kalu emphasized that Nigeria's green transition offers practical and bankable opportunities that can deliver strong returns while addressing climate and development challenges. Key investment sectors include distributed renewable energy, solar mini-grids, battery storage, clean cooking solutions, electricity transmission, industrial energy efficiency, climate-smart agriculture, cold-chain logistics, food processing, resilient rural infrastructure, electric mobility, waste-to-value systems, and green manufacturing. He also highlighted climate adaptation projects such as flood-control systems, resilient drainage, coastal protection, and climate-resilient housing. Kalu stressed that climate finance must address both emissions reduction and the realities faced by communities affected by flooding, land degradation, food insecurity, and climate-related displacement. He linked these opportunities to economic reforms by President Bola Tinubu's administration, citing the removal of fuel subsidy and foreign exchange market reforms as measures enhancing investor confidence. The Deputy Speaker also pointed to a stable