Court Nullifies Registration of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as Political Party

By: Manoah Kikekon 

LOKOJA, KOGI STATE – The legal status of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has been thrown into uncertainty following a ruling by the Federal High Court in Lokoja, which has set aside its previous judgment that had compelled the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the entity as a political party.

Presiding Judge Isah Dashen, in his ruling on suit marked FHC/LKJ/CS/49/2025, declared the December 10, 2025, judgment "constitutionally defective." The court noted that the initial proceedings failed to include all necessary parties, a procedural oversight that has now rendered the former decision null and void.

The court’s decision followed a vigorous legal challenge filed by the Peace Movement Party (PMP). The PMP argued that it held a significant legal interest in the matter and should have been formally joined as a party before the court issued any directives regarding the NDC's registration.

Justice Dashen upheld the PMP’s application, stating that the applicant had established sufficient interest to be heard. Furthermore, the judge emphasized that material facts were withheld during the earlier proceedings, necessitating the vacation of the previous order to ensure judicial integrity.

As a result of the ruling, the court has ordered a restoration of the status quo as it existed prior to the December 2025 judgment. The substantive suit is now set to begin afresh, with the court mandating that INEC, the Peace Movement Party, and the Nigeria Democratic Congress must all be joined as active participants in the new proceedings.

This development follows earlier controversies regarding the NDC's entry into the Nigerian political arena. In February 2026, INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan had noted that only two out of eight applicants had successfully met the rigorous constitutional and Electoral Act requirements for registration, yet the NDC had secured registration through the initial court mandate that has now been vacated.

The ruling marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing discourse regarding the registration of new political associations in Nigeria, placing the burden back on the judiciary to ensure that the process remains transparent and inclusive of all stakeholders.

Police Apprehend 53 Suspected Members of Deceptive Recruitment Ring in Badagry

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

BADAGRY, LAGOS – The Nigerian Police Force has taken 53 individuals into custody following an intelligence-led operation in the Badagry area. The group is currently under investigation for their alleged involvement in a recruitment syndicate that reportedly lured job seekers with promises of employment and business opportunities.

The raid, conducted at a facility on Akwuzu Street within the Olorunda Local Council Development Area (LCDA), followed reports that the group was operating under the guise of a legitimate medical product enterprise. Authorities are now meticulously profiling each individual to differentiate between those potentially misled and those actively facilitating the syndicate’s operations.

According to preliminary reports, the syndicate specifically targeted unemployed youth and other vulnerable residents. Once recruited, victims were reportedly subjected to intense orientation sessions where they were encouraged to market health products and, crucially, pressure others to join the network a hallmark of pyramid-style schemes.

The Badagry Divisional Police Officer (DPO), CSP Jude Nwokolo, who paraded the suspects on Friday, emphasized that the investigation is focused on transparency and accountability. "The police are profiling every individual to determine their level of involvement before any decision on prosecution is made," Nwokolo stated.

Among those detained is 36-year-old Abdulmalik Aliu, a native of Kogi State, whom investigators believe held a supervisory position within the organization. While Aliu maintained that his activities were lawful and that recruits joined the program of their own volition, the police remain skeptical given the clandestine nature of the orientation sessions.

The operation comes at a sensitive time for Badagry, as security agencies increase their presence to combat a recent surge in criminal networks using remote communities for illegal activities. While this case is separate from recent human trafficking busts in the region, the recurring nature of these incidents has prompted a call for heightened community awareness.

The police are advising members of the public to exercise extreme caution regarding "get-rich-quick" schemes or employment offers that require secrecy or the recruitment of others.

"We urge residents to be cautious of organisations offering unrealistic employment or business opportunities, particularly those requiring attendance at secretive orientation camps," DPO Nwokolo advised. He further urged the public to verify the official registration of any company before committing to a role and to report suspicious gatherings to the nearest police station immediately.

As the investigation continues, the police are working to identify further victims and map out the full extent of the syndicate's operations. The 53 individuals remain in custody as the force works to ensure that those exploiting the vulnerable are held accountable under the law.

Nigeria Customs Intercepts Over 580,000 Unregistered Medicaments

By: Manoah Kikekon 

KANO, NIGERIA – The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kano/Jigawa Area Command, has intercepted and transferred custody of over 580,000 unregistered pharmaceutical products to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

The massive seizure, which took place at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to shield Nigerian consumers from potentially lethal, unverified medications.

The interception, conducted on June 9, 2026, was the result of a highly targeted, intelligence-driven operation at the SAHCO Shed of the international airport. Following the seizure, a joint examination by Customs officials and NAFDAC experts confirmed that the massive consignment lacked the mandatory registration and certification required for legal distribution within Nigeria.

Speaking during the formal handover ceremony at the Customs House in Bompai, Kano, the Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Usman Adamu, provided a breakdown of the haul. The seizure included: 575,440 tablets of various medicaments, 5,415 injections, 1,075 bottles of eye drops, 243 inhaler canisters.

“The interception underscores the commitment of the NCS to protecting public health and strengthening collaboration with regulatory agencies in combating the influx of illicit and uncertified pharmaceutical products into the country,” DC Adamu stated. “The products were found to be unregistered and therefore not approved for circulation in Nigeria. Their interception is part of our ongoing efforts to safeguard the health and well-being of Nigerians.”

Receiving the items on behalf of NAFDAC, **Azik Kanadi**, Assistant Director in the agency’s Ports Inspection Directorate, commended the Customs Service for their vigilance. He warned importers that the agency remains uncompromising in its stance against unverified drugs, which pose severe risks to unsuspecting patients.

“NAFDAC will remain committed to working closely with Customs and other relevant agencies to prevent the circulation of unsafe medicines and ensure that only approved pharmaceutical products are available in the Nigerian market,” Kanadi said.

The Kano/Jigawa Area Command has issued a final warning to importers and distributors of pharmaceutical products: the command is intensifying its surveillance and enforcement operations. Customs authorities emphasized that any attempt to bypass regulatory scrutiny will be met with the full force of the law, as the Command continues to prioritize the safety of the public over the profits of criminal syndicates.

NSCDC Dismantles Trafficking Ring, Rescues 24 Victims in Badagry

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

Suspects and Victims 

BADAGRY, LAGOS – The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Badagry Division, have successfully dismantled a major human trafficking and illegal confinement hub. The operation, conducted under the leadership of the Divisional Officer, Chief Superintendent of Corps (CSC) Gbenga Ekunola, resulted in the rescue of 24 victims and the arrest of three key suspects.

The raid, which followed months of intelligence gathering and community-led surveillance, uncovered a hidden facility where victims mostly foreign nationals were being held under exploitative conditions. According to reports from the Lagos State Command, the victims included citizens from Togo and the Benin Republic, as well as one Nigerian from Imo State.

Investigations into the facility revealed a disturbing pattern of abuse. The syndicates allegedly lured victims into the country under false pretenses before subjecting them to unlawful detention, extortion, and psychological manipulation.

"The victims have suffered memory loss to the point that they cannot remember how they got into those confinements," said Oluwaseun Abolurin, the NSCDC Lagos State Command spokesperson. He further alleged that the perpetrators used food items laced with unknown substances to control the victims, effectively stripping them of their autonomy. Among those rescued were pregnant women and a young toddler, highlighting the brutal nature of the criminal enterprise.

The success of this operation was met with praise from local leadership, including the Executive Chairman of Olorunda LCDA, Hon. Ajose Peter Kumayon. Following the rescue, Hon. Kumayon visited the NSCDC divisional headquarters to commend the officers for their professionalism and swift response.

This breakthrough occurred shortly after a crucial Peace and Security Stakeholders Meeting in Iworo, where local leaders and security agencies discussed strategies to fortify the council area against emerging threats. Hon. Kumayon reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to providing the necessary support for security forces to maintain peace across Olorunda.

As investigations continue, the NSCDC has called on families with missing relatives to come forward, as some of the rescued individuals had been reported missing for as long as three years. The Corps has reaffirmed its dedication to ridding Badagry of such criminal networks, emphasizing that the fight against human trafficking requires a concerted effort between security agencies and the public.

“We will do everything within our capacity to synergize with relevant stakeholders to ensure that Lagos is not a safe haven for criminals,” CSC Ekunola assured, noting that the rescued victims are currently being processed for proper care and eventual repatriation.

Tin Can Island Port Customs Records ₦111.2 Billion Revenue in May 2026

 By: Manoah Kikekon

Tin Can Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Joseph Anani

LAGOS, NIGERIA – The Tin Can Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has demonstrated robust fiscal performance, recording a revenue haul of ₦111.2 billion for the month of May 2026. This achievement reinforces the Command’s position as a critical pillar in the nation’s economic framework and a top-performing outpost within the Customs service.

The figure was officially disclosed by the newly appointed Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Joseph Anani, during his maiden engagement with maritime journalists at the Command’s headquarters. Addressing the media, Comptroller Anani lauded the performance as a testament to the collective efforts of the Command’s personnel and the growing compliance of port stakeholders.

Comptroller Anani, who assumed office on May 22, 2026, expressed satisfaction with the Command’s momentum. He emphasized that the revenue growth is not just a statistical milestone but a reflection of the systemic improvements currently sweeping through the nation's ports.

“I am pleased to inform you that the Command is currently performing commendably in the area of revenue generation,” Anani stated during the briefing. “This positive trajectory is a reflection of the dedication of our officers, improved compliance levels, and enhanced operational efficiency. We intend to consolidate on these gains and indeed strive to surpass previous achievements.”

Under Comptroller Anani’s leadership, the Command is doubling down on the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 to guide its enforcement and trade facilitation activities. The Controller reaffirmed that the Command would leverage the Service’s ongoing modernization initiatives, utilizing technology-driven solutions to curb revenue leakages and streamline cargo processing.

“Compliance will remain at the heart of our operations, and enforcement will be firm, fair, and professional,” Anani added. He further urged terminal operators and other maritime industry players to enhance their infrastructure to accommodate increased vessel traffic and maintain the port's competitive edge.

In a move to foster greater transparency, Comptroller Anani identified the media as a strategic partner in the Command’s ecosystem. By pledging to support capacity-building workshops and providing regular access to operational information, he aims to build a culture of open communication and accountability.

“This meeting marks an important step in our deliberate effort to build stronger bridges of understanding and cooperation between the Command and the media,” he noted. “Since assuming office, I have made it a priority to engage continuously with all critical stakeholders in the maritime sector, and the press remains one of the most vital components in that ecosystem.”

The Controller also expressed his appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for the trust placed in his leadership. As the Command moves into the second half of 2026, it remains focused on the tripartite mandate of national security, trade facilitation, and sustained revenue generation.

3HF Mobilizes Stakeholders in Lagos to Combat Exploitative Child Domestic Work

 By: Manoah Kikekon

IKEJA, LAGOS – The Heart and Hands Humanitarian Foundation (3HF) hosted a Child Rights and Safeguarding Workshop on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, in Ikeja, Lagos State. The event, supported by the Freedom Fund and the U.S. government, brought together government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and community leaders to chart a path toward ending the abuse of vulnerable children.

The workshop served as a rallying point for stakeholders to synchronize efforts in protecting the rights of child domestic workers, ensuring that perpetrators of exploitation are held accountable under the law.

Mr. Samuel Esuola, the project team lead for 3HF, emphasized the organization's commitment to humanitarian service and the empowerment of vulnerable populations. “3HF is a humanitarian organization providing livelihood support and empowerment for vulnerable women and men, protection for children and other marginalized groups across different states in Nigeria,” 

“This project is to reduce to the barest minimum the exploitation of child domestic workers in Lagos. We expect all the stakeholders to take the messages to their places of work and communities. Every child deserves a childhood, and their rights should be protected. They should not be exposed to any form of exploitation, as they are our future.”

The keynote address by Mrs. Odimba Gloria of the Office of the Public Defender, who spoke on the complexities of securing justice for child domestic workers. She defined a child domestic worker as any individual under 18 performing household tasks, often in isolated settings that hide abuse from public view.

“The question before us is therefore not merely whether the law protects child domestic workers; it is whether these children can actually access justice when those protections are violated,” 

Mrs. Odimba noted. She highlighted systemic barriers such as a lack of legal awareness, fear of retaliation, and the normalization of child labor in various communities. To bridge this gap, she advocated for child-friendly reporting mechanisms, free legal aid, and stronger inter-agency coordination.

Mrs. Agboko Comfort, Lagos Zonal Commander Representing the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), delivered a stern warning to those who exploit children. “When we see any children in our neighborhood being exploited, we should say something. 

All forms of insecurity today can be linked to not taking proper care of these children. Those who have domestic workers should treat them well because if they are caught, they will be investigated and prosecuted,” she stated.

Adding the perspective of the Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Popola Elizabeth of the Directorate of Citizens Rights pointed to the socio-economic roots of the problem. “The major factor causing child exploitation is poverty, as parents who cannot afford to take care of their kids sometimes give them out to others,” she explained. 

“The law is totally against giving a child work that is above their age, and anyone found guilty of that will face the law.”

The workshop also featured participation from other key advocates, including Damilola Adenusi, Head of Programs at the Cece Yara Child Advocacy Centre, and Eduvielawhe Olutimayin, COO of the Street Project Foundation, signaling a unified front in the fight for the safety and dignity of Nigerian children.

Lagos Police Intercept Truckload of Military Camouflage and Illicit Drugs

By: Manoah Kikekon 

IKEJA, LAGOS – In a significant intelligence-led operation, the Lagos State Police Command has intercepted an unregistered MAN diesel truck laden with 47 sacks of military camouflage uniforms and 80 cartons of substances suspected to be illicit drugs.

The operation, which took place over the weekend, led to the arrest of four suspects as the truck was being transported out of Lagos toward the South-Eastern region of Nigeria. The breakthrough comes amidst heightened concerns regarding the proliferation of military-grade gear, which has been increasingly linked to criminal elements and bandits across the country.

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, addressed the press on Tuesday at the Command Headquarters in Ikeja, detailing the precision of the operation. He confirmed that the Anti-Kidnapping Unit tracked the vehicle from the Lekki-Epe axis before intercepting it at a critical exit point.

“You can see the large quantity here. These bags contain Army military camouflage,” Commissioner Fatai stated while showcasing the recovered items. “We received information and swung into action. The vehicle conveying the sacks was intercepted while moving out of Lagos State, and those carrying them were arrested.”

The police have confirmed the arrest of four primary suspects, including the logistics manager, Ifeanyi Ogbeanyi (45); the truck driver, Ezugu Chukwuma (38); the motor-boy, Chinedu David (29); and a delivery agent, Ndidiamaka Emeka (43). Preliminary investigations suggest that a fifth individual, identified as "Anthony," who allegedly organized the shipment, is currently being sought by authorities.

According to reports, the syndicate allegedly attempted to influence the operation by offering a substantial bribe to the officers, which was categorically rejected.

While the Commissioner allayed fears of an immediate threat to residents within Lagos, he acknowledged the wider national security implications. “It does not pose any form of threat to Lagos State because the items were being moved out. However, considering the trend of events in the country where we have seen bandits wear military uniforms, who knows what they want to do with this? Nobody could tell,” he noted.

The Command has confirmed that investigations are ongoing to determine the source of the uniforms, the exact nature of the suspected narcotics, and the intended recipients. Detectives are also working to unmask the broader network behind the illegal shipment, emphasizing that the command remains committed to intelligence-led policing to curb the influx of contraband.