Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana (SAN), has stated that state governors in Nigeria do not possess the constitutional or legal authority to grant pardons to convicted or suspected bandits and terrorists. Falana made this known on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, while presenting a paper at the Amnesty International Second Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2026 held in Abuja, where he addressed concerns over the growing trend of negotiations and amnesty deals involving violent criminal groups across parts of the country.

Morocco booked their place in the last 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating the Netherlands in a dramatic penalty shootout following a fiercely contested match in Monterrey, Mexico. The North African side delivered a disciplined and energetic performance, overcoming one of Europe’s strongest teams to continue their impressive tournament run and underline their growing reputation as a major force in world football.

Aliko Dangote, President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, has held high-level talks with Samia Suluhu Hassan aimed at expanding the company’s investments in Tanzania, in a move seen as a boost to economic cooperation between Nigeria and the East African nation.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced Alkali Yarima, also known as La’ari, a member of the terrorist group Boko Haram, to death by hanging for his role in the deadly attacks on Maiduguri in 2015. The judgment marks a significant development in Nigeria’s ongoing prosecution of terrorism-related cases.

Nigeria’s Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said the Nigeria national football team have been forgiven by Nigerians after receiving assurances that the team remains committed to returning to football’s biggest stage.

Armed groups suspected to be bandits have reportedly set fire to a primary school in Dekara town, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, in a fresh attack that has heightened fears over persistent insecurity in parts of north-central Nigeria.

Calls have intensified across Nigeria for a reduction in petrol prices following a recent decline in global crude oil prices, with consumers, transport operators and civil society groups urging both the Federal Government and fuel marketers to reflect international market trends in domestic pump rates.

Nigerian actor-turned-lawmaker Desmond Elliot has drawn renewed public attention after reiterating his position on political ethics, stating that his personal standard for leadership excludes involvement in the misappropriation of public funds.

The Oba Ewuare II has directed traditional and community leaders across Edo South to establish structured local security groups as part of renewed efforts to strengthen grassroots safety within the Benin Kingdom.

The Lagos State Police Command has dismissed fears that the recent explosion in Mushin was caused by a bomb, terrorism, or any deliberate criminal attack, saying forensic investigations showed the incident resulted from a mechanical failure involving a vehicle.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has intensified its crackdown on drug trafficking and substance abuse in Ekiti State, announcing that it destroyed more than 51 hectares of cannabis sativa plantations and arrested 281 suspects involved in drug-related offences over the past year. The figures underline the scale of the narcotics challenge confronting the state and the growing concern among authorities over the link between drug abuse and insecurity.

Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has said Nigeria’s insecurity cannot be solved by policing reforms alone, arguing that the country must address unemployment, poverty, and weak social protection if it hopes to reduce crime and violence.