Year: 2026

’77: The FESTAC Conspiracy’ Wows Audience at Sold-Out Zambia World Premiere

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The much-anticipated political thriller, ’77: The FESTAC Conspiracy’, made a remarkable debut at its world premiere in Lusaka, Zambia, drawing a sold-out audience and reinforcing the growing influence of African cinema on the global stage. The premiere, held at the International Conference Centre in Lusaka on July 1, served as a major highlight of the Africa Creative Market (ACM) 2026, marking the first time the continental creative industry event has been hosted outside Nigeria. The star-studded event featured renowned Nollywood actors Rita Dominic and Ramsey Nouah, whose appearance on the…

MURIC Appeals ISI Hijab Judgment, Seeks Stay of Execution, Urges School to Suspend Ban

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), Oyo State Chapter, has filed a Notice of Appeal against the Court of Appeal judgment on the hijab dispute involving the International School, University of Ibadan (ISI), while also seeking a stay of execution to halt enforcement of the ruling pending the determination of the appeal. In a statement issued on Friday by the General Secretary of the group, Mallam Ibrahim Agunbiade, MURIC expressed concern over a public notice by the ISI management directing that, from Monday, July 6, 2026, female students would no longer…

BAO2BAO: … and God answered! – (2) By abiodun KOMOLAFE

Emporium Reporters

To begin with, the messages that flowed in after last Saturday’s publication reflect widespread public support for Oyebanji’s reelection. Virtually all the readers who flooded my inbox have never met the governor – nor are they even desirous of meeting him.   However, what they clearly espoused is a return to the foundational ethos of public service. They seek a revival of the standards we once had – standards that so positively uplifted the majority of families by creating a society where _“life is more abundant.”_ In their considered opinion…

MURIC Rejects Appeal Court Hijab Verdict, Heads to Supreme Court

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has strongly condemned the judgment of the Court of Appeal overturning an earlier High Court decision that permitted the use of hijab by Muslim students at the International School, University of Ibadan (ISI-UI), describing the ruling as “a travesty of justice.” In a statement issued on Saturday, the Executive Director of MURIC, Professor Ishaq Akintola, said the appellate court’s decision amounted to “a forced abortion in the temple of justice” and vowed that the organisation would challenge the judgment at the Supreme Court. The Court…

NiDCOM Mourns Nigerian Student Killed in Ireland, Seeks Justice

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of 21-year-old Nigerian student, Qayyum Balogun, in Dublin, describing the incident as heartbreaking and a painful loss to Nigeria. In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Commission’s Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Dabiri-Erewa extended her condolences to the bereaved family, saying the untimely death of the young student had left the nation and Nigerians in the diaspora in profound grief. The NiDCOM boss described…

Niger JUSUN Unveils Election Guidelines, Warns Against Vote Buying, Violence

Emporium Reporters

By Uthman Baba-Naseer, Minna     The Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), Niger State Branch, has unveiled the guidelines and code of conduct for its forthcoming branch election, warning aspirants and their supporters against vote buying, violence and other forms of electoral misconduct. The Branch Electoral Committee (BEC) said only financial members of the union who meet the eligibility requirements contained in the JUSUN Constitution and the approved Election Guidelines would be allowed to purchase and submit nomination forms. According to the committee, obtaining and submitting a nomination form…

NYCCN Honours NCCSALW Zonal Director Eneche for Advancing Peace, Security

Lukman Laleye Babalola

By Uthman Baba-Naseer, Minna     The National Youth Council Coalition of Nigeria (NYCCN) has honoured the Zonal Director of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), Dr. Abdul Adamu Eneche, in recognition of his contributions to national security, peacebuilding, institutional leadership and youth protection. The recognition was presented during a courtesy visit by the leadership of the NYCCN, where the Council also reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with the Centre in combating the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons across the…

GBB@20: Galaxy Backbone Honours Obasanjo, Reaffirms Commitment to Nigeria’s Digital Future

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Galaxy Backbone Limited (GBB) has paid a courtesy visit to former President Olusegun Obasanjo in recognition of his visionary role in establishing the organisation 20 years ago, reaffirmed its commitment to advancing Nigeria’s digital transformation. The visit, which took place during week, came as part of activities marking GBB’s 20th anniversary and served as a special tribute to the former President, under whose administration the organisation was established. Led by the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Ibrahim Adeyanju, the Galaxy Backbone delegation reflected on the organisation’s two-decade journey, highlighting its…

IGP Disu Meets CJN, Seeks Criminal Justice Overhaul

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has called for a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s criminal justice system through stronger collaboration between the Nigeria Police Force and the Judiciary. Disu made the call during a courtesy visit to the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, on Thursday, July 2, 2026, where both institutions explored ways to deepen cooperation in advancing the administration of criminal justice and the rule of law. The IGP commended the Judiciary for its commitment to judicial integrity, constitutional governance and justice delivery,…

Police Secure Terrorism Conviction Over Arms Trafficking, Two Jailed 20 Years Each

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigeria Police Force has secured the conviction of two men for terrorism-related offences following their arrest in a major arms trafficking operation in Katsina State, with the Federal High Court sentencing them to 20 years’ imprisonment. The convicts, Abdussalam Muhammad and Aminu Mamman, were arrested by operatives of the Katsina State Police Command in September 2025 along the Ingawa–Karkarku Road while allegedly transporting a cache of prohibited firearms and ammunition intended for criminal elements. Items recovered from the suspects included one PKT machine gun, 230 rounds of PKT ammunition,…