General news

• US Supreme Court backs gun ownership by marijuana users

  18-06-2026 18:19 via vanguardngr.com
  The US Supreme Court ruled unanimously Thursday that a habitual user of marijuana cannot be barred from owning a gun.The 9-0 ruling is a victory for supporters of the Second Amendment to the US Constitution, which says Americans have the right to keep and bear arms.The case before the court involved Ali Hemani, a Texas man who was indicted for being unlawfully in possession of a Glock pistol after admitting that he used marijuana about every other day.An appeals court ruled that barring Hemani,
  
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• We won’t participate – Oyo APC rejects December LG election

  18-06-2026 19:29 via vanguardngr.com
  …alleges bid to install Makinde’s loyalistsBy Adeola BadruThe Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has declared that it will not participate in the proposed local government election scheduled for December, 2026, describing the exercise as illegal, ill-conceived and designed to serve the political interests of Governor Seyi Makinde.The party accused the governor of attempting to install loyalists in local government councils ahead of the end of his tenure, insis
  
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• Afenifere warns rising insecurity threatens Nigeria’s democracy

  18-06-2026 19:24 via vanguardngr.com
  By Adeola BadruThe pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has warned that worsening insecurity across the country is undermining Nigeria’s democratic gains, urging federal and state governments to adopt a more coordinated and decisive response to banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes.In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Jare Ajayi, the group said the growing wave of insecurity cast a shadow over the country’s celebration of 27 years
  
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• APC chieftain, 8,000 supporters defect to PDP over alleged marginalisation of Egbaland

  18-06-2026 19:20 via vanguardngr.com
  By James OgunnaikeABEOKUTA — A former chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Chairman of the Egba Agenda Forum, High Chief Mustapha Abdulhakeem Owolabi, has defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing what he described as the continued political marginalisation of Egbaland in Ogun State.Owolabi announced his defection alongside more than 8,000 supporters from Ogun Central and other parts of the state during the 2026 Egba Agenda Convention held in Abeokuta on Thurs
  
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• Bye Election: Ondo South cannot lower the bar — Aiyedatiwa drums support for Faduyile

  18-06-2026 19:10 via vanguardngr.com
  By Dayo Johnson AkureOndo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has drummed up support for the All Progressives Congress candidate in Saturday’s Ondo South senatorial bye-election, Prof. Dayo Faduyile, describing him as the most qualified to represent the district in the Senate.The bye-election was called to fill the vacancy created by the appointment of former senator Jimoh Ibrahim as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations by President Bola Tinubu.Speaking at the APC
  
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• INEC begins distribution of sensitive materials for Nasarawa North by-election

  18-06-2026 19:08 via vanguardngr.com
  The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Thursday commenced the distribution of sensitive election materials for the June 20 Nasarawa North Senatorial District bye-election.Mallam Mohammed Abubakar-Sadiq, Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Nasarawa State, disclosed this while addressing newsmen at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in Lafia during the distribution exercise.Abubakar-Sadiq described the sensitive materials as critical to the conduct of the election, noting tha
  
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• Five things to know about blockbuster GTA games

  18-06-2026 19:04 via vanguardngr.com
  Pre-orders for “Grand Theft Auto VI,” one of the most anticipated entertainment releases in years, will open on June 25, developer Rockstar Games said Thursday, the latest milestone in the rollout of a title widely expected to be the biggest game of the decade.The announcement, which came alongside the reveal of the game’s official cover art, follows years of feverish anticipation and speculation among fans.GTA VI is set to launch November 19 after two delays, capping a wait o
  
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• FG launches ₦200bn Capital drive for proposed cooperative bank

  18-06-2026 19:00 via vanguardngr.com
  By Gabriel EwepuABUJA — The Federal Government on Thursday launched a ₦200 billion share capital mobilisation campaign for the proposed Cooperative Bank of Nigeria under the Renewed Hope Cooperative Reform and Revamp Programme (RH-CRRP), aimed at strengthening cooperative-driven economic growth across the country.The initiative was unveiled by the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security and Supervising Minister of Cooperative Affairs, Dr. Aliyu Abdullahi, during the Nort
  
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• FG expands support for indigenous airlines, international routes

  18-06-2026 18:51 via vanguardngr.com
  The Federal Government says it is expanding support for indigenous airlines through improved access to aircraft financing and international routes to boost the competitiveness of Nigerian carriers.The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo (SAN), said this on Thursday in Lagos at the unveiling of two newly acquired Next Generation (NG) Boeing 737-800 aircraft by United Nigeria Airlines (UNA).Keyamo said the acquisition reflected the positive impact of reforms introduce
  
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• FG unveils national policy for regional development

  18-06-2026 18:47 via vanguardngr.com
  —Document will guide operations of regional commissions, strengthen development planning across six geopolitical zones — MomohBy Johnbosco AgbakwuruABUJA—THE Federal Government on Thursday unveiled a National Regional Development Policy aimed at providing a strategic framework for the operations of Nigeria’s regional development commissions, ending months of policy uncertainty following their establishment.Minister of Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, disclosed
  
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• DELSUTH consultants begin indefinite strike over chairman’s dismissal

  18-06-2026 18:39 via vanguardngr.com
  By Chioma ObinnaDelta State University Teaching Hospital (DELSUTH), Oghara, was on Thursday thrown into disruption as medical consultants under the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) commenced an indefinite strike over the dismissal of their chairman and alleged government insensitivity to their demands.The industrial action has led to a total shutdown of clinical services, residency training, and academic activities, leaving patients stranded and medical training sus
  
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• World Cup 2026: Youngest players on scoresheet in Round 1

  18-06-2026 18:29 via vanguardngr.com
  By Adegboyega AdeleyeThe opening round of matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup delivered goals, surprises and several breakout performances from the next generation of football superstars.While established stars such as Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane grabbed headlines, a number of young players also announced themselves on the global stage with crucial goals for their countries.Here are the youngest confirmed goalscorers from Round 1 of the World Cup group stage.1. Ibrahim Mbaye (Sene
  
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• NEC okays N83.2bn flood intervention, moves to strengthen regional development framework

  18-06-2026 18:27 via vanguardngr.com
  —Says additional funding possible after assessment of flood threats nationwideBy Johnbosco AgbakwuruABUJA— IN what appears to be a proactive measure, the National Economic Council, NEC, on Thursday approved the release of over N83.2 billion for flood preparedness and climate disaster mitigation across the country.The ₦83.2 billion was half the N166.4 billion intervention proposal, presented by the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning.But the government promised that additi
  
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• ADC Youths petition NJC, demand justice Lifu’s removal

  18-06-2026 18:25 via vanguardngr.com
  By Luminous JannamikeABUJA — The National Youth Wing of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Thursday petitioned the National Judicial Council (NJC), calling for the removal of Justice Peter Odo Lifu from all matters involving the party and seeking his dismissal from the bench over alleged misconduct.The petition follows a Federal High Court judgment directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the ADC and four other political parties, a ruling the yout
  
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• Yiaga Africa, IPC raise alarm over vote buying, journalist safety in Ekiti poll

  18-06-2026 18:23 via vanguardngr.com
  By Rotimi OjomoyelaAdo-Ekiti — Civil society organisations have raised concerns over vote buying, journalists’ safety, and the inclusion of persons with disabilities (PWDs) ahead of Saturday’s Ekiti State governorship election.Yiaga Africa has identified vote buying as one of the major threats to the credibility of the poll, urging security agencies and anti-corruption bodies to take proactive steps to curb the practice.Speaking during a pre-election briefing in Ado-Ekiti, the
  
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• What Cucurella, Silva, Konate add to Mourinho’s project at Real Madrid

  18-06-2026 18:11 via vanguardngr.com
  Since hiring Jose Mourinho as coach in early June, Real Madrid have moved quickly to reinforce ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.Los Blancos signed Marc Cucurella, Bernardo Silva and Ibrahima Konate to reshape their squad after going two straight seasons without winning a major trophy.AFP Sport looks at what the new additions can add and what might be next for the record 15-time European champions this summer.Cucurella’s intensityReal Madrid signed Chelsea left-back Cucurella for around 55 mi
  
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• Niger airport attack killed 11 soldiers, two civilians – Defence ministry

  18-06-2026 18:04 via vanguardngr.com
  An attack on the international airport in Niger’s capital early Thursday killed at least 11 soldiers and two civilians, while 22 assailants also died, the defence ministry said.A large-scale operation by the army is under way and the “international airport, which is fully secure, remains open to air traffic”, the ministry said in a statement read out on TV.AFP
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• Mexico, Korea eye World Cup knockout berths

  18-06-2026 18:04 via vanguardngr.com
  Mexico and South Korea will aim to punch their ticket to the World Cup knockout rounds on Thursday when they meet in Guadalajara knowing that a win would guarantee a last 32 berth.The Group A rivals head into the fixture at the Estadio Akron fresh from respective victories over South Africa and the Czech Republic in their opening games last week.The expanded 48-team format for this year’s World Cup — and the fact that the eight best-ranked third-placed teams will advance from the gr
  
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• EFCC probes self-styled prophet accused of defrauding church members of N70.3m

  18-06-2026 17:57 via vanguardngr.com
  The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has launched an investigation into a self-acclaimed prophet, Godwin Sunday Ajuluchukwucheya, popularly known as Prophet Sunday Koboko, over allegations that he defrauded members of his ministry of N70.39 million.The anti-graft agency disclosed this in a statement posted on its official X handle on Wednesday, saying operatives of its Enugu Zonal Directorate were investigating multiple petitions against the cleric.According to the EFCC, Ajuluchu
  
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• US backs CNG expansion, urges Nigeria to embrace alternative energy

  18-06-2026 17:52 via vanguardngr.com
  By Ediri Ejoh & Precious EnaikeThe California Secretary of Transportation, Toks Omishakin, yesterday commended efforts to expand Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) infrastructure in Nigeria, describing it as a practical and timely solution to rising fuel costs and global energy challenges. This came as the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Portland Gas Limited, Folajimi Mohammed, calls for maximum utilization of the country’s natural gas reserves.Speaking during a visit to Portlan
  
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• Ekiti 2026: INEC distributes sensitive materials

  18-06-2026 17:49 via vanguardngr.com
  The Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) in Ekiti has commenced the distribution of sensitive election materials ahead of Saturday’s June 20 governorship election.The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the distribution of the materials took place at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) office in Ado-Ekiti.The distribution commenced as early as 8:00a.m. under the supervision of the State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr Bunmi Omoseyindemi, and was witnessed by various security ag
  
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• Ekiti Poll: Mark, Aregbesola bash APC, predict ADC victory

  18-06-2026 17:41 via vanguardngr.com
  By Rotimi OjomoyelaFormer Senate President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) National Chairman, David Mark, and former Osun State Governor and party National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, have criticised the performance of the All Progressives Congress (APC) government in Ekiti State, expressing confidence that the ADC will win the upcoming governorship election.The party leaders made the remarks on Tuesday in Ado-Ekiti during a mega rally ahead of the June 20 off-cycle governorship poll, whe
  
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• Chiwetalu Agu, Uzor Arukwe pay tribute to Alexx Ekubo

  18-06-2026 17:38 via vanguardngr.com
  Veteran Nollywood actor Chiwetalu Agu has expressed deep sorrow over the reported passing of fellow actor Alexx Ekubo, describing him as a passionate performer whose talent and dedication left a lasting mark on the film industry.In a heartfelt message shared on his Facebook page, Agu said he was “deeply saddened” by the news, noting that Ekubo was “young, talented, and full of promise.” He added that the late actor gave his craft “passion, sacrifice, and heart,&rdq
  
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• 2027: Lagos NDC leaders reject move to alter primary result, back Balogun’s candidacy

  18-06-2026 17:20 via vanguardngr.com
  By Henry ObettaLeaders of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Lagos State have thrown their weight behind Mr. Naheem Balogun as the party’s governorship candidate for the 2027 elections, insisting that the outcome of the party’s direct primary must be respected.The leaders made their position known in a statement issued after a strategic meeting in Lagos by the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos For Naheem Movement, Sunday Efe Forgive.They said there were indications that Ba
  
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• Grand Theft Auto VI presales to begin next week

  18-06-2026 17:19 via vanguardngr.com
  Pre-sales of Grand Theft Auto VI, the feverishly anticipated video game release, will begin on June 25, Rockstar Games said on Thursday.GTA VI, due to be released on November 19 after two delays, is the latest entry in the blockbuster franchise and is set to arrive more than 13 years after GTA V, the second best-selling video game in history.Rockstar Games, owned by New York-based Take-Two Interactive, announced the date in a post on X, saying pre-orders would begin across digital platforms and
  
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• Ekiti Poll: Police vow crackdown on thuggery, vote buying as INEC deploys materials

  18-06-2026 17:16 via vanguardngr.com
  By Rotimi OjomoyelaAdo-Ekiti — The Commissioner of Police in charge of the Ekiti governorship election, Abayomi Shogunle, has vowed that security agencies will clamp down on vote buying, political thuggery and other forms of electoral violence during Saturday’s poll.Shogunle gave the assurance on Thursday in Ado-Ekiti during a media engagement organised by the International Press Centre (IPC), saying a comprehensive security arrangement has been deployed across the state to ensure a
  
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• Tears, tributes as Abia government, Nollywood bid farewell to Alex Ekubo

  18-06-2026 17:06 via vanguardngr.com
  By Steve OkoUMUAHIA — Emotion and grief filled Ujari, Arochukwu Local Government Area of Abia State on Thursday as the state government, family members, friends, and top figures in Nigeria’s entertainment industry gathered to bid farewell to Nollywood actor Alex Ikenna Ekubo Okwaraeke, popularly known as Alex Ekubo.Ekubo, one of Nigeria’s most popular screen actors, died at the age of 40 following complications from advanced kidney cancer after a prolonged illness.The burial a
  
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• Panic as fire guts Polaris Bank tower on Lagos Island

  18-06-2026 17:02 via vanguardngr.com
  By Olasunkanmi AkoniPanic erupted on Thursday when fire gutted part of a multi-storey building housing Polaris Bank Tower at 61/65 Broad Street, Lagos Island, Lagos State.Eyewitness videos circulating on social media showed thick smoke billowing from the building, forcing occupants and business operators to scamper to safety.The incident reportedly occurred around 11:45 a.m., triggering a swift response from emergency services in the area.Personnel of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, al
  
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• Associates of late Maj-Gen Rabe Abubakar demand stronger action on insecurity

  18-06-2026 16:50 via vanguardngr.com
  By Kingsley OmonobiSome coursetmates, colleagues and associates of the late Major General Rabe Abubakar (rtd), former Director of Defence Information, have called for urgent reforms of Nigeria’s security architecture, describing his death in bandits’ captivity as a stark reminder of the country’s worsening insecurity.The group, represented by retired Brigadier General Ismaila Abdullahi, Ambassador A. Mohammed Musawa and retired Air Commodore Yusuf Anas, made the call on Thursd
  
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• Customs arrests three over smuggled rifles, seizes N3.22bn contraband in Oyo/Osun

  18-06-2026 16:45 via vanguardngr.com
  By Adeola BadruThe Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has arrested three suspects in connection with the attempted smuggling of three pump-action rifles, while another suspect was detained over alleged recruitment fraud and public impersonation.The Acting Controller of the Command, Deputy Comptroller Wale Adewole, disclosed this on Thursday during a press briefing at the Command’s headquarters in Ibadan.He said the suspects linked to the firearms case are currently
  
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