INEC restores NDC portal access amid court battle over party status

Amid its legal challenge to a Federal High Court ruling, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) says it has been cleared to continue its candidate nomination process after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) restored access to the party’s submission portal.

According to the party leader Seriake Dickson, the restoration of access followed the filing of a notice of appeal and an application for a stay of execution against last week’s judgment of the Federal High Court in Lokoja.

He explained that copies of the appeal and related court applications had already been served on INEC together with a letter requesting the commission to act in line with the law.

Dickson insisted that the NDC remains a validly registered political party and that its primary elections, conducted under INEC’s supervision, produced candidates for various elective offices.

“Today, the NDC has filed an appeal against the ruling as well as a stay of execution/injunction, which has been served with a covering letter to the INEC chairman and his team to do what is right according to law and what is legally sensible.

“The Nigeria Democratic Congress has come to stay and remains a duly registered party in Nigeria which has participated in all the political processes so far.

“Nomination processes have already been concluded and, in the eyes of the law, candidates have already emerged from the party for all offices across the country in primaries observed, monitored and recorded by INEC.

“What is left is the administrative process of submitting the names to INEC, and we have been granted access to the portal to upload our qualified candidates.”

He disclosed that the names of both himself and the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, had already been uploaded to the portal.

“My name and that of the presidential candidate have been uploaded to the INEC portal, while that of the vice presidential candidate will be done tomorrow upon completion of the deposition. The process is also ongoing for other candidates.”

Dickson appealed to party members to remain calm, stressing that there was still ample time to complete the submission of candidates before the deadlines set by the electoral commission.

“In accordance with the INEC timetable, which we have religiously abided by, we have between now and the 11th of next month to upload all National Assembly candidates, while those of governors and State Houses of Assembly will end on the 17th of July.

“So there is enough time for all candidates’ names to be submitted to INEC and there is no reason for anyone to panic.”

The former Bayelsa State governor also called on aspirants who were unsuccessful during the party’s primaries to unite behind the NDC, revealing that reconciliation efforts were already underway.

“The reconciliation processes have started and we expect them to reach everyone. We assure them that all those who expressed interest will be carried along in the party’s campaigns, committees and structures because they constitute the grassroots strength and the backbone of our party.”

Dickson further commended INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, for what he described as the commission’s professional conduct and expressed confidence that the courts would determine the appeal in accordance with the law.

“We thank INEC, led by Professor Joash Amupitan, for their professionalism so far, and we expect them to continue on this path.

“Having filed and served our appeal and the accompanying applications, the ball is now in the court of the judiciary, and we expect the judiciary to do what is right under the law.”

The announcement comes only days after the NDC challenged the Lokoja Federal High Court judgment at the Court of Appeal, maintaining that the ruling neither dissolved nor deregistered the party. The party has continued to insist that it remains legally recognised pending the outcome of the appeal.

NRC grants Lagos permanent Rail operating licence

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

The Lagos State Government has become the first sub-national government in Nigeria to receive a permanent railway operating licence, following the approval by the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) to operate rail services under a regulated national framework.

The landmark approval, announced on Tuesday, authorises the Lagos State Government, through the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), to operate the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Red Line under the existing Track Sharing Agreement with the NRC.

Beyond the Red Line, the licence empowers Lagos to operate a full complement of passenger and freight rail services, making it the first state in the country to secure such regulatory approval.

Presenting the licence, the Managing Director of the NRC, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, described the development as a watershed moment in Nigeria’s railway industry, signalling the transition from the corporation’s long-standing monopoly to a modern, multi-operator rail system governed by international standards.

He said the permanent licence followed the successful completion of operational assessments after Lagos had initially been granted a temporary operating licence to facilitate implementation of the Track Sharing Agreement.

According to Opeifa, the approval reflects the state’s compliance with the operational, safety and technical requirements for rail services.

“This licence authorises LAMATA to continue operating services on the shared corridor under the Track Sharing Agreement while also positioning Lagos State to operate additional rail systems in line with global best practices,” he said.

The NRC boss recalled that the foundation for the Red Line project was laid in April 2012 when former President Goodluck Jonathan approved the transfer of two federal rail tracks to the Lagos State Government for the development of the urban rail corridor.

He noted that the Red Line commenced commercial passenger operations on October 15, 2024, following its inauguration by President Bola Tinubu, with the NRC providing technical support and personnel training throughout the implementation process.

Opeifa commended the Lagos State Government for its sustained investment in rail infrastructure, rolling stock and integrated transportation, describing the achievement as evidence of visionary leadership, long-term planning and political commitment.

He urged other state governments to emulate Lagos by investing in rail transportation, stressing that an expanded rail network would ease traffic congestion, lower logistics costs, improve passenger mobility and stimulate economic growth.

“Rail transportation remains the backbone of efficient mass transit in major cities around the world. Greater investment in rail infrastructure will complement the Federal Government’s efforts to expand Nigeria’s railway network and accelerate national development,” he said.

The NRC managing director also applauded members of the assessment team whose evaluations culminated in the issuance of the permanent operating licence, reaffirming the corporation’s commitment to building a safe, integrated and sustainable railway system through partnerships with state governments and private operators.

In her response, the Managing Director of LAMATA, Engr. Abimbola Akinajo, described the approval as a historic milestone for Lagos and a testament to years of collaboration between the state government and the NRC.

She praised the corporation for guiding Lagos through the rigorous certification process required to become Nigeria’s first sub-national government licensed to operate the full spectrum of rail services.

“The NRC has demonstrated that its over 100 years of existence is not by chance. We have gained tremendously from the partnership and collaboration, and we will continue to rely on the corporation’s guidance as we expand rail transportation in Lagos,” she said.

Akinajo disclosed that the Lagos State Government had already procured three additional train sets in anticipation of the permanent licence, a move expected to increase daily Red Line services from the current nine trips to 24.

She said the expansion would significantly boost passenger capacity, with the Red Line projected to transport more than 200,000 commuters daily when fully operational.

According to her, the state government remains committed to deepening rail transportation as a key component of its integrated transport strategy under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES Plus Agenda, aimed at delivering safer, faster and more efficient mobility for residents.

20 States win $27m World Bank-backed performance incentives

By Oyintutu Oyinkolade

The World Bank-supported HOPE Governance Programme, will disburse 27 million dollars as performance-based incentives to 20 states that achieved the Year Zero Disbursement-Linked Results (DLRs).

The National Coordinator of the HOPE Governance Programme, Dr Assad Hassan, disclosed this in Abuja on Tuesday during a retreat for Commissioners, Permanent Secretaries, and Directors of Budget and Planning.

A statement on the outcome of the retreat was made available to newsmen by Mr Joe Mutah, Communications Officer HOPE Governance Programme.

The HOPE Governance Programme is a 500-million-dollar World Bank-supported initiative domiciled in the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning

It aims to improve financing for basic education and primary healthcare, promote transparency and accountability, and strengthen the recruitment, deployment and performance management of teachers and healthcare workers.

In the statement, Hassan said the disbursement followed recommendations of the Interim Independent Verification Agent (IVA), which assessed states’ performance against the Year Zero Disbursement-Linked Indicators (DLIs).

He said DLR 2.1 covers adoption of comprehensive guidelines for preparing and submitting consolidated Basic Education work plans by March 31, 2025.

Hassan said DLR 2.2 relates to adoption of comprehensive guidelines for preparing and submitting consolidated Primary Health Care work plans by March 31, 2025.

According to him, DLR 2.3 requires local governments to adopt harmonised budget guidelines and a chart of accounts.

The coordinator added that DLR 4.1 focuses on publication of the 2025 Citizens Budget for Basic Education and Primary Health Care by Feb. 28, 2025.

Hassan said Bayelsa, Borno, Kano, Kebbi and Yobe would receive 1.5 million dollars each for achieving DLR 2.1.

He said the same five states would also receive 1.5 million dollars each for meeting DLR 2.2.

According to him, Adamawa, Bayelsa, Borno, Delta, Gombe, Kano, Plateau, Taraba and Yobe will receive 500,000 dollars each for achieving DLR 2.3.

He said Abia, Plateau, Bayelsa, Borno, Edo, Ekiti, Enugu, Imo, Jigawa, Kano, Kebbi, Kogi, Nasarawa, Ondo and Yobe would receive 500,000 dollars each for DLR 4.1.

Hassan said other participating states were ineligible because they missed deadlines, failed to meet required criteria or did not publish results on official state websites.

He identified poor institutional coordination as a major challenge affecting states’ performance and undermining programme ownership and sustainability.

Hassan said the Interim Verification Agent was concluding the second phase of Year Zero verification, expected to be completed by July 2026.

He said the programme aims to improve utilisation of federal and state funds for Primary Health Care and Basic Education.

According to him, it also seeks to strengthen transparency, accountability and monitoring of intergovernmental transfers and expenditure in both sectors.

He said the programme would enhance implementation of coordinated annual plans and address staffing gaps through recruitment and deployment of teachers and health workers.

Hassan said preparations had begun for a capacity-building action plan to provide technical support to states and improve programme performance.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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SPAHR sets new benchmark for executive education, leadership development in Africa

In an era where strong institutions and effective leadership are increasingly recognised as the foundation of sustainable development, the School of Public Administration and Human Resources (SPAHR) is emerging as one of Africa’s most ambitious institutions for executive education, professional certification, and leadership development.

From its growing portfolio of executive programmes to its expanding network of professionals across government, business, academia, and the development sector, SPAHR is steadily building a reputation as a centre of excellence committed to developing leaders capable of transforming organisations and strengthening institutions.

Industry experts say the institution’s focus extends beyond conventional learning. By combining executive education with professional recognition, research, policy engagement, and international collaboration, SPAHR is creating a platform that prepares leaders to respond to the complex challenges of governance, organisational management, and economic development.

Its programmes span public administration, governance, leadership, human resource management, public policy, institutional development, project management, and strategic leadership, attracting participants from across Africa and the international community.

One of the institution’s defining features is its professional recognition framework, through which accomplished professionals are admitted into various membership categories, including Associate Member, Member, Fellow, Distinguished Fellow, Grand Fellow, Honorary Doctoral Fellow, and Honorary Professorial Fellow. The initiative is designed to celebrate excellence, encourage continuous professional development, and promote ethical leadership across sectors.

SPAHR has also signalled its ambition to strengthen Africa’s voice in global leadership conversations through executive seminars, international conferences, policy forums, and strategic partnerships that connect professionals with world-class knowledge, innovation, and best practices.

Education and governance stakeholders believe institutions such as SPAHR are becoming increasingly important as organisations seek leaders who possess not only academic qualifications but also the practical competence, strategic vision, and ethical values required to deliver lasting impact.

With a clear focus on developing human capital, promoting institutional excellence, and fostering transformational leadership, SPAHR is positioning itself as more than a professional institute. It is becoming a movement dedicated to shaping Africa’s next generation of leaders.

As the institution continues to expand its reach and influence, many observers believe SPAHR is well on its way to becoming one of the continent’s most respected names in executive education, professional development, and leadership excellence–contributing to a future where stronger leaders build stronger institutions, and stronger institutions build a stronger Africa.

Fall of a Tycoon: Guo Wengui jailed 30 years in $1bn U.S. fraud scandal

Self-exiled Chinese businessman Guo Wengui, also known as Miles Guo, Miles Kwok and Ho Wan Kwok, has been sentenced to 30 years in a United States federal prison after being convicted of orchestrating a massive fraud scheme that prosecutors said defrauded thousands of followers of more than $1 billion.

The sentence was handed down on Monday by U.S. District Judge Analisa Torres in a federal court in Manhattan, New York, nearly two years after Guo was convicted on multiple fraud-related charges.

The judge also ordered the forfeiture of approximately $889 million, describing the case as one of extraordinary financial deception that caused devastating losses to victims around the world.

Guo, once regarded as one of China’s wealthiest businessmen, fled China and settled in the United States in 2017, where he built a large following as a vocal critic of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Prosecutors said he exploited that reputation to persuade supporters to invest in a series of fraudulent ventures, including GTV Media Group, the Himalaya Exchange cryptocurrency platform and membership programmes that promised lucrative returns. Instead, investigators said the money was diverted to finance an extravagant lifestyle.

Court documents showed that Guo spent investors’ funds on luxury properties, a superyacht, expensive vehicles and designer items while thousands of supporters lost substantial portions of their savings. Prosecutors argued that many victims invested because they believed they were supporting pro-democracy causes and Guo’s campaign against the Chinese government.

During sentencing, Judge Torres criticised Guo for exploiting the hopes and trust of people who believed in his political message, saying his actions inflicted enormous financial and emotional harm on victims. Federal prosecutors had sought a sentence of at least 30 years, comparing the scale of the fraud to some of the biggest financial crimes in recent U.S. history.

Guo maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings and told the court he intends to appeal the conviction. His lawyers argued that he had been targeted because of his political activism against Beijing and maintained that his activities were motivated by a desire to promote democracy in China.

Prosecutors rejected that argument, insisting the case was based entirely on overwhelming evidence of fraud rather than politics.

The businessman was arrested by the FBI in March 2023 and, in July 2024, was convicted on nine criminal counts, including securities fraud, wire fraud, racketeering and money laundering. His former chief of staff, Yvette Wang, was previously sentenced to 10 years in prison for her role in the scheme.

History made as Pope Leo appoints two Nigerians to key offices

Pope Leo has appointed two prominent Nigerian Catholic leaders to important positions within the Vatican, a move seen as a recognition of the growing influence of the Church in Africa.

According to a report by Fides News Agency, Archbishop Alfred Adewale Martins of the Archdiocese of Lagos has been named a member of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Evangelization. The department is one of the Holy See’s major offices and is responsible for coordinating missionary activities and supporting the growth of new Catholic communities across the world.

Also appointed is Father Wenceslaus C. Madu, Vice-Chancellor of the Claretian University of Nigeria in Nekede, Imo State. He will serve as a consultor to the same Dicastery, providing expert advice and support on matters relating to evangelization and Church development.

The appointments were announced alongside those of other senior African Catholic leaders. Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, Archbishop of Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Archbishop Andrew Nkea Fuanya of Bamenda, Cameroon, were appointed as members of the Dicastery. Archbishop Franaois Sylla of Conakry, Guinea, was also named a consultor.

The Dicastery for Evangelization plays a central role in the Catholic Church’s mission of spreading the Christian faith, especially in regions where the Church is still developing. It also assists in the establishment and administration of new local Churches around the world.

The selection of Archbishop Martins and Father Madu is being viewed as a significant achievement for the Nigerian Catholic community and a reflection of the country’s growing contribution to the global Church. Their new responsibilities will give them opportunities to participate more directly in shaping policies and initiatives related to evangelization and missionary work.

Observers say the appointments highlight the Vatican’s increasing recognition of Africa’s importance in the future of Catholicism. With the continent experiencing rapid growth in its Catholic population, African Church leaders are taking on more prominent roles in the governance and mission of the universal Church.

The appointments are expected to strengthen African representation within the Vatican and further support efforts aimed at spreading the Gospel and developing new Catholic communities worldwide.

Trump suffers major defeat as Supreme Court upholds Birthright Citizenship

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

The United States Supreme Court has dealt a major legal setback to President Donald Trump, striking down his executive order seeking to end automatic birthright citizenship for children born in the U.S. to undocumented immigrants and parents on temporary visas.

In a 6-3 ruling delivered on Friday, the nation’s highest court upheld the long-standing constitutional guarantee of birthright citizenship, reaffirming that children born on American soil are citizens at birth regardless of their parents’ immigration status.

The ruling marks one of the most significant judicial defeats for Trump since returning to the White House and preserves a constitutional principle that has existed for more than 150 years.

Writing for the majority, Chief Justice John Roberts said the 14th Amendment guarantees citizenship to every child born in the United States, noting that the amendment was adopted after the American Civil War to settle the citizenship status of formerly enslaved people.

“Citizenship, then and now, was the right to have rights,” Roberts wrote, adding that the framers of the amendment extended that promise to “every free-born person in this land.”

Trump had signed the executive order on his first day back in office in January 2025, arguing that ending automatic citizenship would help curb illegal immigration. The order immediately faced multiple legal challenges from Democratic-led states, civil rights organisations and immigration advocates, who argued it violated the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

Lower federal courts blocked the order before the case reached the Supreme Court.

The decision also reaffirmed the court’s landmark 1898 ruling in United States v. Wong Kim Ark, which established that children born in the United States are citizens irrespective of their parents’ nationality or immigration status, except in limited circumstances such as children of foreign diplomats.

Reacting to the judgment, legal analysts described the ruling as a decisive rejection of attempts to reinterpret one of the country’s most established constitutional protections.

The court’s decision is expected to frustrate the Trump administration’s immigration agenda, forcing it to pursue alternative measures to tighten border controls rather than relying on executive action to redefine citizenship.

The United States remains one of about 30 countries worldwide that grant automatic citizenship based on birthplace, a principle known as jus soli. In contrast, many countries in Europe, Asia and parts of Africa determine citizenship primarily through descent from parents.

Xenophobia: FG demands compensation for Nigerians’ abandoned businesses in South Africa

The Federal Government has vowed to press South Africa for compensation over businesses, vehicles and properties abandoned by Nigerians returning home under its voluntary evacuation programme.

Nigeria’s Acting High Commissioner to South Africa, Alexander Ajayi, said the evacuation of Nigerians would not end with flying them back home, insisting that the government would pursue the value of assets and investments they were forced to leave behind.

Ajayi spoke on Tuesday during an appearance on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, as another batch of Nigerians was expected to arrive in Lagos aboard an evacuation flight organised by the Federal Government.

He said many of the returnees voluntarily opted to come back to Nigeria ahead of planned anti-immigrant protests in South Africa.

According to him, the Nigerian mission has already asked affected citizens to accurately document their businesses, shops, cars and other movable and immovable properties before leaving South Africa.

Ajayi said the records would be presented to the South African government as part of efforts to secure possible compensation for Nigerians who had built businesses and investments over the years.

“In terms of the businesses, just three days ago, myself and the South African Deputy Minister of Finance were together, and we were discussing this,” Ajayi said.

“I took up the discussion with her, and we have agreed that we are going to ask our people who are returning to begin to document what they are leaving behind, and that was the message yesterday before this set that is due to land in Lagos.

“I have asked them before they left yesterday to document very accurately those things they were leaving behind in terms of businesses, in terms of even cars, movable and immovable properties.

“We can now take it up with the South African government. That is the next step we are going to take.”

The envoy said Nigeria would not allow the labour and investments of its citizens in South Africa to be lost or taken over without diplomatic follow-up.

He stressed that the Federal Government would work with South African authorities to trace the affected businesses and properties before making a formal case for compensation.

“This repatriation will not end with just taking people to Nigeria,” Ajayi said.

“We are going to systematically follow up on the information given to us, and I told them to be very accurate with what they are going to give because we are going to work with the South African government to get to the exact locations of all these businesses, shops and properties and present them to the South African government for possible compensation.

“We will not allow the labour people have suffered to build over the years to just go down the drain or be taken over by people.”

Ajayi also dismissed claims that most Nigerians living in South Africa were undocumented.

He said many of them entered the country legally but became trapped in delays caused by South Africa’s immigration renewal system.

According to him, the South African Home Office had been unable to process a huge number of applications in the last three to four years, leaving many foreign nationals, including Nigerians, with expired or delayed documents.

“In the last three or four years, there has been a deluge of applications at the South African Home Office which were not attended to due to systemic issues,” he said.

“So, because of this, many, not only Nigerian nationals, were caught in this web of delay, so you cannot rightly claim that these were undocumented because most of them came to the country legally in terms of how somebody should migrate.

“So, it is on the basis of now wanting to renew their papers and get them when one expires that they were caught up in the unnecessary delays.”

Ajayi said some Nigerians had waited for years for their papers to be processed, making it unfair to label them as illegal migrants.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, an aircraft operated by Air Peace departed Nigeria on Monday and was expected to return to Lagos on Tuesday morning with another batch of Nigerians who opted for voluntary evacuation.

The evacuation comes as anti-immigration groups in South Africa prepare to stage demonstrations from June 30, prompting the Nigerian government to intensify efforts to assist citizens willing to return home.

Former Nigerian ambassador to Switzerland, Joseph Ayalogu, also backed calls for compensation for Nigerians whose businesses and livelihoods have been affected in South Africa.

Speaking on the same programme, Ayalogu condemned repeated attacks on foreign-owned businesses and urged Nigeria and other African countries to take a firmer diplomatic position with Pretoria.

He said the South African government must enforce its laws, protect migrants and consider compensation for people whose investments had been destroyed, abandoned or taken over.

“It’s unfortunate that they are targeting people’s businesses,” Ayalogu said.

He added that African governments must insist that South Africa protect foreign nationals and their investments from recurring xenophobic hostility.

SROL reaffairms commitment to responsible mining in Africa at AFNIS summit

Segilola Resources Operating Limited (SROL) has reaffirmed its commitment to responsible mining and sustainable development through its participation at the 5th edition of the Africa Natural Resources and Energy Investment Summit (AFNIS), held from June 2325, 2026, at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja.

Hosted by the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, the summit convened ministers, policymakers, investors, industry leaders, and development partners from across Africa to explore strategies for unlocking the continent’s natural resource potential and accelerating sustainable economic growth.

Themed “One Africa, One Resource Vision: Forging a Continental Alliance for Sustainable Development”, AFNIS 2026 provided a platform for critical conversations on investment, resource governance, value addition, energy transition, and the future of Africa’s mining sector.

The panel sessions explored a broad range of themes including geopolitics and global supply chain linkages, gender and resource governance, energy integration and green skills and financial structuring for Pan-African projects and investments.

Returning as a sponsor for AFNIS, SROL reinforced its commitment to advancing mining industry conversations and supporting initiatives that drive collaboration, investment, and sustainable resource development across Africa. As operators of Nigeria’s first large-scale commercial gold mine, the company has practical experience in responsible mining and community development, having implemented numerous initiatives that generate both economic value and lasting community impact.

Representing the company at the summit was Austin Menegbo (Country Manager, SROL), who engaged in strategic conversations with industry stakeholders and other attendees, sharing insights from operating a large-scale commercial gold mine and demonstrating how responsible mining can meaningfully contribute to national development objectives.

Speaking on the company’s sponsorship and participation in the conference, Austin Menegbo, said, “At SROL, responsible mining goes beyond resource extraction. For us, it is about creating shared value for host communities, operating in accordance with international best practices and building partnerships that support sustainable growth. AFNIS 2026 provides an important platform for advancing these conversations and shaping the future of the industry. Nigeria’s mining sector has a critical role to play in driving economic diversification and sustainable development on the continent.”

As Africa continues to unlock the potential of its mineral resources, SROL remains dedicated to promoting responsible mining practices and driving sustainable growth that benefits both the economy and its host communities.

Army orders probe of alleged assault of Osun varsity students

By Ayorinde Oluokun

The Nigerian Army has ordered investigation into claim that some of its newly recruited personnel from Osogbo Depot attacked and assaulted students of Osun State University, Osogbo campus, on Monday night.

Major Yahaya Ibrahim, the spokesperson of Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo, said this in a statement on Tuesday while reacting to a press release by the National Association of Nigerian Students, Southwest Zone D on the alleged misconduct by the army personnel.

“In line with military regulations and the values of the Nigerian Army, the Commandant has ordered an investigation to ascertain the facts of the incident and bring perpetrators to justice,” Ibarahi said in the statement.

The Army also requested NANS Southwest coordinator, Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode to make available all evidence and witness statements of the incident available to enable a thorough investigation into the incident.

“The Depot wishes to reiterate that the Nigerian Army exists to protect all citizens, especially the youth, who are the future of the nation. Any conduct that falls short of that mandate is unacceptable. No student or law abiding citizen should ever feel unsafe or be subjected to harassment, intimidation or assault by those entrusted with the security of lives and property.

“The Depot Nigerian Army Osogbo remains committed to ensuring that its personnel are held to the highest standards at all times. The alleged actions of the personnel do not reflect the training and character development of recruits at the Depot. We therefore give our firm assurance that any personnel found guilty will face the full weight of military law. The Commandant is ready to meet with the NANS leadership at the earliest convenience to agree on the way forward,” the statement indicated.

Students of Osun State University, Osogbo campus alleged that they were attacked by newly recruited personnel of the Nigerian Army on Monday night, with several students reportedly assaulted and robbed.

Reports had indicated that Army recruits who recently graduated from the Nigerian Army Depot harassed young men in the area, demanded money transfers and later moved into students’ hostels.

The Army recruits allegedly invaded about 20 hostels, including Cristalag and Kings and Queens, where they allegedly assaulted male students, molested female students and carted away phones and other valuables.

The Vice-Chancellor of Osun State University, Professor Clement Adebooye, described the incident as disturbing and condemned the alleged actions of the soldiers.

He also urged military authorities to ensure that those responsible for the assault on the students are identified and held accountable.

The Zone D Coordinator of NANS had also urged President Bola Tinubu and the Chief of Army Staff to investigate the allegations and ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice.