The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) says 59,786 of the 80,879 inmates across custodial centres nationwide now have national identity numbers (NIN).

In a statement issued on Sunday, Umar Abubakar, spokesperson of the NCoS, said the figure represents 74 percent of the total inmate population now captured in the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) database.

Abubakar dismissed reports that the NIN registration exercise had not commenced in all custodial centres across the country.

“This report is misleading and inaccurate and does not reflect the current state of affairs within our custodial facilities,” the statement reads.

“A majority of inmates across various custodial centres nationwide have already been successfully enrolled into the national identity database through the collaborative efforts of the service and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).

“Available data show that as of 7th June, 2025, out of the total of 80,879 inmates’ population, 59,786 inmates, approximately 74%, have been captured into the NIMC platform.

“The registration of the remaining inmates is actively in progress, and mechanisms have been put in place to ensure its seamless completion.

“The claim that the registration has ‘yet to commence’ in custodial centres is factually incorrect and fails to acknowledge the substantial work already done.

“The service remains committed to the full integration of inmates into national data systems, including the NIN, as part of broader efforts to promote rehabilitation, reintegration, and the digital inclusion of all persons in custody.

“The service therefore urges members of the media to verify information with relevant authorities before publication in order to avoid spreading misinformation that may mislead the public and undermine ongoing institutional efforts

The Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, has cautioned Nigerians against investing in a cryptocurrency called Punisher Coin, also known by the symbol $PUN.

In a statement issued on Sunday in Lagos, the SEC said the presale was unauthorised and lacked regulatory approval, resembling a Ponzi scheme. It added that the promoters of $PUN are not registered to operate in any capacity within Nigeria’s capital market.

“Our attention has been drawn to online promotions of an unauthorised presale for a cryptocurrency called PUNISHER COIN, also known as $PUN.

“Of particular concern is an article by Daily Trust E-Paper titled, “Cryptos to Buy: Why Punisher Coin Could Join Avalanche and Chainlink”,” the statement explained.

According to SEC, Punisher Coin and its promoters are neither registered nor approved to promote, launch, trade, or solicit investment from the Nigerian public.

It further noted that findings confirm $PUN is indeed a meme coin, typically without real-world value, purpose, or a technical foundation backing its existence.

According to the statement, the value of such coins is usually driven by hype, social media trends, or promotional efforts by its creators and community.

This makes them vulnerable to ‘pump and dump’ schemes, fraudulent tactics used to inflate and then crash a coin’s market price

The Senator representing Borno South, Ali Ndume, has insisted that he is not part of those who have endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term in office.

Ndume stated this on Sunday, while speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics programme.

The lawmaker was keen to remind Tinubu that former President Goodluck Jonathan was endorsed by 22 governors of his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in the 2015 election but lost his re-election bid to Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Last month, 22 governors elected on the platform of the APC, unanimously adopted Tinubu as their candidate for the 2027 election.

Ndume claimed to have stormed out of the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa in Abuja, after the governors endorsed the president for re-election.

“I was there but that was not why I was there.

“I was there for a summit and when I realised that it was not a summit and voice vote was put about the endorsement of Mr President, I just left, and that does not mean I am not an APC member.

“The majority had its way but few of us felt that was not right,” Ndume said.

He added: “It happened before, not once, not twice. It happened during Jonathan. That does not mean anything.

“Politicians are decamping but the people who are the voters are not decamping.

“Jonathan had 22 governors then endorsing him like was done now. And what happened? Jonathan lost woefully. A lot of money was spent. Even the election was shifted but we are not learning our lessons. I pity Mr President.”

Prince Ugochukwu Orji, the immigration officer who arrested the fleeing Enugu State native doctor accused of killing people for rituals, has been rewarded with N5 million.

Foremost industrialist and philanthropist Chief Ebuka Onunkwo, who is also a senatorial aspirant for the Anambra South senatorial district by-election on the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, made the gesture.

Onunkwo hosted the immigration officer at his residence in Ihembosi, Ekwusigo Local Government Area, Anambra State.

Prince Orji, an immigration officer, was at his duty post last month when the alleged ritualist and fake native doctor, Ichie Billion, attempted to use a motorcycle to cross into the Republic of Benin from Nigeria at the Seme Border. Having recognised his face from the internet, Orji swiftly intercepted him.

Onunkwo, an industrialist and Chairman/CEO of Seahorse Lubricant Industries Ltd., while presenting a cheque of N5,000,000 to the officer, stated that it was part of Seahorse Lubricant Industries’ corporate social responsibility and a gesture of encouragement for moral renaissance in society.

“Nigeria still has men of honour. Ugochukwu stood in the gap when it mattered. In a system where many are tempted to sell their conscience, he chose to uphold the law.

“Seahorse is giving him N5 million not just to appreciate his bravery but to encourage a culture of truth and accountability in our nation.

“I urge the Nigerian Immigration Service to look into this case and consider rewarding Ugochukwu officially. Let this be an example to others — that honesty is not only possible in this country, but it also pays. Our system must start celebrating people who choose integrity over impunity,” he said.

Narrating what transpired on the day of the arrest, Orji recounted: “I stopped him and confronted him with his photo. He denied it at first, saying it was his brother. But I insisted. He then tried to bribe me with N3 million, then N7 million, N10 million, and eventually N15 million, with his wife promising to send the money.

“I pretended to cooperate just to detain him without raising an alarm. When I confirmed from my superior that he was indeed the wanted man, I handcuffed him and recovered voice notes from his phone that revealed attempts to erase his tracks.”

President Bola Tinubu has reportedly reconciled with Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, declaring that any past grievances between them have been put to rest.

The reconciliation reportedly took place during a meeting in Lagos with members of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), who had gathered to appeal on behalf of Sanwo-Olu and others who may have fallen out of favour with the president.

According to ThisDay, the GAC chairman, Alhaji Tajudeen Olusi, acknowledged Tinubu’s recent discontent with some individuals in Lagos, particularly the governor, and appealed for forgiveness.

In response, Tinubu reportedly told the gathering that all is forgiven.

“It’s all over now. All is forgiven,” the publication said, citing multiple sources.

Following the president’s statement, Sanwo-Olu and several GAC members reportedly prostrated before him in a gesture of respect and reconciliation.

Sources noted that the meeting focused solely on seeking and granting forgiveness, without delving into the specific issues that may have caused the rift.

President Bola Tinubu’s reforms are steadily preparing Nigeria’s economy for lasting recovery and growth, despite current hardships, Senator Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, has said.

His remarks, made after a visit to President Tinubu’s Lagos home, were echoed by Aminu Suleiman, a member of the recently launched North West Development Commission, who urged Nigerians to be patient, suggesting Tinubu’s two years in office have been more effective than the preceding administration’s entire eight-year term.

Bagudu emphasised that Nigeria is beginning to see positive outcomes from long-overdue economic changes.

“We’re not where we want to be, but these steps have turned the economy in the right direction,” he stated.

He highlighted the administration’s pivotal decision to end costly subsidies on fuel, foreign exchange, and electricity.

Decades of underinvestment brought Nigeria to a point where even paying salaries was difficult.

“By cutting these subsidies, we freed up resources. Today, subnational governments, states and local governments have nearly tripled the funds they had before. That’s transformative,” he said.

The minister noted that these freed-up funds are being channelled into critical sectors such as infrastructure, agriculture, consumer credit, digital innovation, and human capital development.

He added, “These are not abstract promises. We are seeing real allocations going to security, education, and economic empowerment.”

Bagudu also reported a resurgence of investor confidence, both domestic and international.

“There is a visible return of private capital. Investors are taking Nigeria seriously again. They see a government that’s making tough but necessary choices,” he added.

He likened the reforms to “filling the hole under a house”, explaining that while visible progress might not yet be apparent, crucial foundational work is underway.

Bagudu also commented on the growing number of opposition politicians joining the All Progressives Congress (APC), including governors from Delta and Akwa Ibom states, describing it as a reflection of faith in Tinubu’s leadership and the direction of the country.

He concluded that as Nigerians celebrate Eid and the second anniversary of the Tinubu administration, “the administration’s reforms are working, and investments are rising, despite challenges besetting the country.”

Portugal won for a 2nd time in its history the UEFA Nations League after a 2-2 draw in regular time against Spain and then by winning after penalties, as the only player that failed to score was Alvaro Morata, and he cost his nation the chance to triumph.

Spain took the lead in the match after 21 minutes when, after a fantastic attack, the ball ended in Martin Zubimendi, who scored 1-0.

However, only 5 minutes later, Portugal tied the result after great individual effort by Nuno Mendes, who scored into the bottom right corner for 1-1.

La Furia scored in the last minute of the regular time of the 1st half to take the lead for a 2nd time in the final as Pedri assisted Mikel Oyarzabal, who made it 2-1 in the 45th minute.

Selecao refused to give up and in the 61st minute, the world’s superstar Cristiano Ronaldo tied the result after the ball ended in his feet after a cross, and he scored 2-2.

However, minutes before the end of the regular time, Ronaldo was forced to leave as Goncalo Ramos entered in his place, while the other star on the pitch, but for the opponent, Lamine Yamal, was also substituted after the end of the 1st extra 15 minutes.

Alvaro Morato missed his penalty, while Portugal were 5 of 5 from the penalties and won the tournament

A 68-year-old man has reportedly fallen into a deep well, on Sunday while trying to recover his lost mobile phone at Mobolorunduro mosque, Molefalafia, Oke-Ado in the Ibadan South-West Local Government Area of Oyo  State.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday.

A resident, Ajadi Olaleye, who spoke with The PUNCH in Ibadan, the state capital, said, “The fire fighters were able to rescue him alive and subsequently handed him over to his family for proper medicare.”

When contacted, the Special Adviser to Governor Seyi Makinde of the state on Fire Service Reform, Adebayo Akiinwande, confirmed the incident in a statement.

He said the agency was intimated of the incident through a phone call that an elderly man has been trapped inside a well at the premises of Mosque located at Molefalafia in Oke-Ado, Ibadan.

“The distressed call was reported at exactly 06:10hrs this morning, Sunday June 8, 2025 through telephone call of someone that fell into a well at Mobolorunduro Mosque, No.30 Ajeigbe Street, Molefalafia, Oke-Ado, Ibadan.

“The fire personnel led by ACFS Adedeji promptly deployed to the scene of the incident. On getting there, it was discovered to be a man of about 68 years of age trapped inside a deep well of Mobolorunduro Mosque while he was solely trying to recover his lost phone in the well. 

“The firemen swiftly swung into action by tying all necessary knots and observing precautionary measures. The man was rescued alive and handed over to his family for proper care.

“The cause of the incident was as a result of ignorance, not knowing the danger associated with entering a well without properly trained.”

Akiinwande, therefore, advised the public to desert from any activity that could pose danger into their valuable lives.

He also reiterated the effort of the present administration in securing the lives and property of entire citizens of the state.

Every year, the town of Ijebu Ode in Ogun State comes alive with colour, culture, music, and heritage as it hosts the Ojude Oba Festival — a century-old celebration that unites the Ijebu people and beyond.

Slated for the third day after Eid al-Kabir (Ileya), this year’s edition, Ojude Oba 2025, promises another vibrant spectacle filled with history, fashion, faith, and fanfare.

Here are 10 things to know about this iconic Yoruba festival.

1. Ojude Oba Is Held in Honour of the King

Ojude Oba literally means “The King’s Forecourt.” The festival is a grand homage paid to the Awujale of Ijebuland, the traditional ruler of Ijebu Ode. It gathers age-grade groups (regberegbe), dignitaries, entertainers, and locals who converge at the palace to show loyalty, appreciation, and solidarity with the monarch.

2. It Holds on the Third Day After Eid al-Kabir

Ojude Oba is tied closely to the Muslim calendar. It is held annually on the third day after Eid al-Adha (Ileya), a major Islamic celebration. This year, 2025, will follow the same pattern — depending on the sighting of the moon.

3. It Has Over 100 Years of History

The origins of Ojude Oba date back more than a century. One account traces it to Balogun Kuku, a wealthy Muslim convert, who rallied his household to pay homage to the king after the Eid prayers. Another version credits Imam Tunwatoba, who led his companions to thank Oba Fidipote for allowing peaceful Islamic practice in Ijebuland.

4. It Draws a Global Crowd

Though deeply rooted in Yoruba and Ijebu tradition, the festival is now a global affair. Up to a million people, including Nigerians in the diaspora, attend the event annually. Attendees come from across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones and beyond, making it a unifying spectacle.

5. It Features Cultural Age Groups (Regberegbe)

One of the festival’s highlights is the parade of regberegbe — cultural age-grade groups. These groups are known for their dazzling display of fashion, dance, pageantry, and loyalty to the king. The friendly competition among these groups is one of the most anticipated elements of the festival.

6. Fashion Takes Centre Stage

Ojude Oba has become a fashion runway of tradition. The Yoruba people, especially the Ijebu, treat clothing as a mark of status and identity. Each regberegbe appears in new, elaborate outfits every year, often designed months in advance. Rich fabrics like sanyan, indigo-dyed cotton, and deep reds and yellows dominate the scene.

7. It Reflects Religious Tolerance

Despite its Muslim origins, Ojude Oba is a symbol of religious harmony. Christians, traditional worshippers, and even tourists join in the celebration. The spiritual heart of the festival is about gratitude, prayer, and peace — offered for the king, his subjects, and the land.

8. It Has Military and Historical Displays

The event also features cultural warriors, including descendants of ancient warlords and traditional soldiers who march with swords and perform gun salutes. This military symbolism harks back to Ijebu’s precolonial martial heritage, reinforcing the festival’s cultural depth.

9. It Boosts Local Economy and Tourism

Ojude Oba significantly contributes to the Ijebu Ode economy. Hotels get fully booked, artisans and traders enjoy increased patronage, and local businesses thrive. Corporate sponsors also use the festival as a platform for brand visibility and community engagement.

10. It Is Supported by the Awujale and Sponsors

The festival is jointly organized and funded by the Awujale of Ijebuland, the Ijebu people, corporate brands, and notable personalities. Each year, leading companies and individuals sponsor regberegbe groups and entertainment, helping sustain and expand the event’s reach.

The Nigeria Union of Teachers has said that a shift to computer-based examinations by West African Examinations Council and the National Examinations Council will not eliminate malpractices.

The NUT National President, Audu Amba, stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday in Abuja.

Amba was reacting to the recent directive by the Federal Government that WAEC and NECO should fully transit to Computer-Based Testing for their examinations by 2026.

NAN reports that by the directive, both multiple-choice and essay papers by the two bodies would be administered via computer, starting with the May/June 2026 examination cycle.

Specifically, WAEC is expected to begin conducting objective exams via CBT starting in November 2025.

The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, who announced the federal government’s decision, had said that switching to CBT for WAEC and NECO examinations would enhance efficiency and reduce malpractices.

Amba, however, said that the major challenge with the nation’s education system, which is encouraging malpractices, is the priority placed on paper qualifications.

According to him, because the society only recognises certificates and grades, the students will go the extra miles, some times, with the support of their parents to acquire them, even when they cannot be defended.

“We have placed more emphasis on certificate. What is your grade? What is your scores?

“Not minding the intellectual intelligence of that student.

“The students will go out of their ways to make sure that they get the marks that will give them the certificate,” he said

Amba also underscored the need to address the digital literacy gap among students and teachers before implementing such policy, adding that this may require additional training programmes and resources.

“We are talking about CBT exams. Where is the light, manpower and network? You see, we have a long way to go.

“How many of our teachers in our localities are even computer literate? We don’t sit down within the city and give a directive that cannot be implemented.

“In my village, for instance, network ceases. You can’t get it until you get to a particular place, and so it is in many of our villages.

‘There are also some of our students that have not seen a computer before not to talk of operating it,” he said

The NUT president reiterated that many things needed to be addressed first and and in time, before it could get to a level of CBT introduction.

According to him, there is need for relevant stakeholders to work together to improve the education sector for the betterment of the students and the nation.