馃嚦馃嚞NigeriaWest Africa
TCN expresses concern over vandalism of 14 power tower spans in Niger State
via Punch Nigeria7 min read
The Transmission Company of Nigeria TCN has voiced alarm over escalating attacks on electricity infrastructure in Niger State, reporting that vandals have destroyed 14 tower spans of its 132-kilovolt high-voltage transmission line in the Lambata axis of the Gurara Local Government Area. TCN described these acts as economic sabotage, threatening power supply, endangering lives, and hindering efforts to improve power distribution and industrial growth. Musa Shuaibu, General Manager, Transmission, Abuja Region of TCN, spoke at a security and community engagement meeting in Lambata, stating that the company is seeking support from traditional rulers, vigilante groups, and security agencies due to repeated vandalism. The affected 132kV line, built over four decades ago during former President Shehu Shagari's administration, was crucial for supplying electricity from the Shiroro axis to the Federal Capital Territory. Shuaibu noted that the line operated without major interference until recently, when criminals began targeting its conductors. He lamented that restoring the 14 vandalized spans would cost approximately N32 million, diverting resources that could have been used for infrastructure improvement. The TCN official warned that power disruptions affect hospitals, businesses, and households, and that residual voltage from fallen conductors poses a fatal risk. He emphasized that these transmission lines supply distribution companies like AEDC, and their destruction impedes the
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Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has decided to start teenage player Lamine Yamal on the bench for the team's 2026 FIFA World Cup match against Cape Verde. Spain, considered a tournament favorite, is playing against debutants Cape Verde at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano shared on X that Yamal was listed among the substitutes for the Group H match, despite earlier assurances about his fitness. Coach De la Fuente had previously stated in a pre-match press conference that Yamal was in "PERFECT conditions" and ready to play after recovering from a recent injury. Social media users reacted to the news, with many suggesting it was a cautious approach to manage the young player's workload during a long tournament. Comments included observations that a rested Yamal coming off the bench against tired legs would be effective, and that it was good he started from the bench as he had not played since his injury. Others noted that he might not be fit for 90 minutes and there was no need to risk further injury, calling it a smart move for a 17-year-old. Spain enters the tournament with high expectations after their Euro 2024 success, where Yamal was a standout performer. Cape Verde faces a challenge against Spain, even without Yamal in the initial lineup. The match is expected to test Spain's team depth as they aim to advance from the group stage, with fans anticipating Yamal's involvement as the tournament progresses.
The Federal High Court in Kaduna has adjourned the trial of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai until June 24, 2026. The adjournment occurred because two co-defendants were absent from court. El-Rufai, who was present, is facing allegations of abuse of office, financial impropriety, and fraud during his tenure as governor, brought by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission. The prosecution alleges that public funds were released for projects that were either not executed or handled irregularly. El-Rufai has consistently denied the allegations, stating that all actions taken during his administration were lawful. The charges stem from ICPC investigations into contract awards, execution, and public fund management between 2015 and 2023. The trial has garnered significant public attention due to El-Rufai's political prominence.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the deregistration of five political parties, including the African Democratic Congress ADC, Accord A, Action Alliance AA, Action Peoples Party APP, and Zenith Labour Party ZLP. Justice Peter Lifu issued the judgment, directing the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC to deregister these parties for failing to meet constitutional requirements. The court found that the parties did not secure 25 percent of the votes in the last general elections, as mandated by law. Justice Lifu dismissed preliminary objections from the defendants and instructed INEC to bar these parties from participating in future elections, including the 2027 general elections. The suit, filed by the Incorporated Trustees of the National Forum of Former Legislators, argued that the affected parties failed to meet constitutional requirements regarding electoral spread and performance, asserting that none of the defendants effectively countered their arguments.