‎NIMC database helped arrest seven Boko Haram, ISWAP commanders returning from Hajj – Minister

‎The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, said on Friday that Nigeria’s integrated identity management system led to the arrest of seven suspected Boko Haram and ISWAP commanders returning from the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage.

‎Tunji-Ojo disclosed this at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, shortly after President Bola Tinubu signed the National Identity Management Commission Act 2026 into law, as contained in a statement signed by the President’s aide, Bayo Onanuga.

‎According to the minister, the suspects were arrested last Thursday at the Katsina airport after returning from Mecca and were subsequently handed over to the Department of State Services.

‎He said the arrests were made possible through the integration of the National Identity Management Commission database with the Nigeria Immigration Service database and its connection to Interpol.

‎”I know, sometime ago, the Senate President was alarmed by how some terrorists went on pilgrimage, wondering how they crossed our borders. We inherited a fractured system.

‎”But I’m happy to tell you that even last week, Thursday, seven of the known commanders of Boko Haram and ISWAP at the point of coming back from Mecca were arrested in Katsina at the airport and were handed over to the DSS.

‎”This is only possible because NIMC’s ID is already connected with the immigration database, and it’s already speaking to even the Interpol 24/7, and we have been able to automate this,” the minister said.

Tinubu signs NIMC Act into law
‎Tunji-Ojo said the newly signed NIMC Act would further strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture by accelerating the harmonisation of identity databases and improving inter-agency collaboration.

‎According to him, the law will enhance the integrity of the National Identity Number system while boosting the country’s capacity to combat identity theft, terrorism, financial crimes and other security threats.

‎He said that before the current administration, identity management systems were fragmented, noting that services such as passport issuance and driver’s licence processing were disconnected from the national identity database.

‎”When Mr President came on board, we had a disconnected system within our identity data management system. At that time, getting a passport and getting a driving permit were completely disconnected from our identity database.

‎”But today, you can’t get a Nigerian passport without pulling data from NIMC,” he stated.

‎Tinubu signed the NIMC Act 2026 on Friday in the presence of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu and other senior government officials.

• 

  ZenithBankPlcreaffirmeditscommitmenttoadvancingtrade,investmentandeconomiccooperation

  betweenCanadaandAfricaastheHeadlineConferenceSponsorofthe6thCanada-AfricaBusiness

  Conference, held on Wednesday, 24 June 2026 at Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

  OrganisedbytheCanada-AfricaChamberofBusiness,theconferencebroughttogetherahigh-level

  Canadian business delegation representing 31 companies, alongside senior government officials, business

  leaders, investors, policymakers, diplomats and development partners. The gathering set out to strengthen

  commercial relations between Canada and Africa and to position Nigeria as a strategic gateway for Canadian

  businesses seeking opportunities across the continent.

  The Canadian delegation comprised companies and institutions operating across financial services, security,

  mining andcritical minerals,legal andprofessional services, infrastructure, technology, healthcare, education

  and clean energy. Among those present were GardaWorld, Dentons, Baywood Group, Element, Trilliant and

  other leading Canadian enterprises exploring commercial opportunities and strategic partnerships in Nigeria.

  The Executive Director of Zenith Bank Plc, Mr. Akin Ogunranti, who delivered the keynote address on behalf

  of the Group Managing Director/CEO, Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON, described the conference as a timely

  platform for deepening commercial partnerships between Canada and Africa amid shifting global economic

  realities. He underscored Africa’s readiness to lead the next phase of global economic growth, stressing that

  thecontinent now possessestheinstitutions,policy frameworks andpartnershipsrequiredtoturn its immense

  potential into shared prosperity.

  “The question is not whether Africa is rich in potential. It is whether we can turn that potential into prosperity

  our people can feel. For the first time, the answer is yes, because of the machinery we are now building,” he

  said.

  RepresentingtheGovernorofLagosState,HisExcellencyMr.BabajideSanwo-Olu,thePermanent

  Secretary, Ministryof Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade andInvestment, Mr. Babatunde Onigbanjo,reaffirmed

  the State Government’s commitment to fostering an enabling environment for investment and international

  partnerships, and highlighted Lagos’ position as Nigeria’s commercial hub and gateway to African markets.

  “Canada bringstothe tableconsiderable expertise,capital, innovation,and astrong traditionof institution

  building.Africa,andindeedLagos,offerscale.Weoffertalent,creativity,marketopportunitiesandan

  increasingly sophisticated business environment. Together, these strengths create a compelling foundation

  for transformative partnership,” he said.

  Speaking at the event, the Deputy High Commissioner of Canada to Nigeria, Mr. Carlos Rojas-Arbulú, noted

  thattheconferencereflectsthegrowingmomentuminbilateralcommercialcollaborationbetweenboth

  countries. He said: “The relationship between Canada and Nigeria is not new. It is rooted in diplomacy, trade,

  education,culture,migration,andshareddemocraticvalues.Buttoday,Ibelieveweareenteringanew

  chapter: one that is more ambitious, more practical, and more human.”
• TheChairoftheBoardoftheCanada-AfricaChamberofBusiness,PaulaCaldwellSt-Onge,highlighted

  Nigeria’sgrowing economic significance,saying: “Nigeria’s growth isnot theoretical.It is alreadybeing built by

  Nigerian entrepreneurs, investors, financial institutions, innovators and companies whose ambition reaches

  across Africa and around the world.”

  She also acknowledged Zenith Bank’s role in advancing the conference’s objectives, stating: “Zenith Bank is

  not only oneof Africa’s leadingfinancial institutions, it isthe capital behindwhat you seehere today, and it

  represents the skill, ambition, discipline, innovation and excellence that this conference seeks to showcase.”

  Theconferencefeaturedhigh-levelpaneldiscussionsonCanada-Africacommercialrelations,investment

  opportunitiesacrossprioritysectors,andtheimplementationoftheAfricanContinentalFreeTrade Area

  (AfCFTA). The sessions brought together policymakers, business executives and industry experts to identify

  practicalpathwaysforstrengtheningcommercialpartnershipsandacceleratingsustainableeconomic

  development.

  The conference is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s attractiveness as a destination for Canadian investment,

  while opening new opportunities for technology transfer, private sector collaboration, job creation and long-

  termeconomicgrowth.ItalsoreinforcesNigeria’spositionasastrategichubforbusinessesseekingto

  access opportunities across Africa under the AfCFTA, supporting the country’s ambition to expand its role in

  regional and global trade.

Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mike Ozekhome, has been barred by the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) from further parading or referring to himself with that title pending the conclusion of ongoing disciplinary proceedings and other cases involving him.

“This action was taken pursuant to Paragraph 26(6) of the Guidelines for the Conferment of the Rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria and All Matters Pertaining to the rank, pending the final determination of the disciplinary proceedings, presently before the Disciplinary and Ethics Sub-Committee of the LPPC and other proceedings.

“Accordingly, Chief Mike Ozekhome shall refrain from parading himself, presenting himself, or otherwise holding himself out as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria pending the final determination of the disciplinary proceedings,” the LPPC said in a statement issued on Wednesday evening by its Secretary, Kabir Akanbi.

Besides the “disciplinary proceedings” which the LPPC said are pending before its Disciplinary and Ethics Sub-Committee, Ozekhome and another defendant, Ponfa Useni, are currently being prosecuted before a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Maitama.

Ozekhome and Useni are being prosecuted by the office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) for, among others, allegedly forging documents, including an international passport and an irrevocable power of attorney, and engaging in impersonation to lay claim to a property in London allegedly acquired unlawfully by the late Jeremiah Useni, former Minister of the FCT.

Alleged forgery: Court AGF takes over Ozekhome’s case from ICPC
Fed Govt charges Ozekhome with forgery over UK property
The statement by Akanbi read, “The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC), at its 173rd general meeting held on 23rd June 2026, approved the suspension of Chief Mike Ozekhome, from the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria.

“This action was taken pursuant to Paragraph 26(6) of the Guidelines for the Conferment of the Rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria and All Matters Pertaining to the rank, pending the final determination of the disciplinary proceedings, presently before the Disciplinary and Ethics Sub-Committee of the LPPC and other proceedings.

“The suspension is intended to safeguard the integrity, dignity, and prestige of the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, while due consideration is given to the matters under review.

“Accordingly, Chief Mike Ozekhome shall refrain from parading himself, presenting himself, or otherwise holding himself out as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria pending the final determination of the disciplinary proceedings.

“The LPPC remains committed to upholding the highest standards of professional ethics, integrity, and discipline within the legal profession and to ensuring that the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria continues to command public confidence and respect.”

‎NIMC database helped arrest seven Boko Haram, ISWAP commanders returning from Hajj – Minister

‎The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, said on Friday that Nigeria’s integrated identity management system led to the arrest of seven suspected Boko Haram and ISWAP commanders returning from the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage.

‎Tunji-Ojo disclosed this at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, shortly after President Bola Tinubu signed the National Identity Management Commission Act 2026 into law, as contained in a statement signed by the President’s aide, Bayo Onanuga.

‎According to the minister, the suspects were arrested last Thursday at the Katsina airport after returning from Mecca and were subsequently handed over to the Department of State Services.

‎He said the arrests were made possible through the integration of the National Identity Management Commission database with the Nigeria Immigration Service database and its connection to Interpol.

‎”I know, sometime ago, the Senate President was alarmed by how some terrorists went on pilgrimage, wondering how they crossed our borders. We inherited a fractured system.

‎”But I’m happy to tell you that even last week, Thursday, seven of the known commanders of Boko Haram and ISWAP at the point of coming back from Mecca were arrested in Katsina at the airport and were handed over to the DSS.

‎”This is only possible because NIMC’s ID is already connected with the immigration database, and it’s already speaking to even the Interpol 24/7, and we have been able to automate this,” the minister said.

Tinubu signs NIMC Act into law
‎Tunji-Ojo said the newly signed NIMC Act would further strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture by accelerating the harmonisation of identity databases and improving inter-agency collaboration.

‎According to him, the law will enhance the integrity of the National Identity Number system while boosting the country’s capacity to combat identity theft, terrorism, financial crimes and other security threats.

‎He said that before the current administration, identity management systems were fragmented, noting that services such as passport issuance and driver’s licence processing were disconnected from the national identity database.

‎”When Mr President came on board, we had a disconnected system within our identity data management system. At that time, getting a passport and getting a driving permit were completely disconnected from our identity database.

‎”But today, you can’t get a Nigerian passport without pulling data from NIMC,” he stated.

‎Tinubu signed the NIMC Act 2026 on Friday in the presence of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu and other senior government officials.

• 

  ZenithBankPlcreaffirmeditscommitmenttoadvancingtrade,investmentandeconomiccooperation

  betweenCanadaandAfricaastheHeadlineConferenceSponsorofthe6thCanada-AfricaBusiness

  Conference, held on Wednesday, 24 June 2026 at Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

  OrganisedbytheCanada-AfricaChamberofBusiness,theconferencebroughttogetherahigh-level

  Canadian business delegation representing 31 companies, alongside senior government officials, business

  leaders, investors, policymakers, diplomats and development partners. The gathering set out to strengthen

  commercial relations between Canada and Africa and to position Nigeria as a strategic gateway for Canadian

  businesses seeking opportunities across the continent.

  The Canadian delegation comprised companies and institutions operating across financial services, security,

  mining andcritical minerals,legal andprofessional services, infrastructure, technology, healthcare, education

  and clean energy. Among those present were GardaWorld, Dentons, Baywood Group, Element, Trilliant and

  other leading Canadian enterprises exploring commercial opportunities and strategic partnerships in Nigeria.

  The Executive Director of Zenith Bank Plc, Mr. Akin Ogunranti, who delivered the keynote address on behalf

  of the Group Managing Director/CEO, Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON, described the conference as a timely

  platform for deepening commercial partnerships between Canada and Africa amid shifting global economic

  realities. He underscored Africa’s readiness to lead the next phase of global economic growth, stressing that

  thecontinent now possessestheinstitutions,policy frameworks andpartnershipsrequiredtoturn its immense

  potential into shared prosperity.

  “The question is not whether Africa is rich in potential. It is whether we can turn that potential into prosperity

  our people can feel. For the first time, the answer is yes, because of the machinery we are now building,” he

  said.

  RepresentingtheGovernorofLagosState,HisExcellencyMr.BabajideSanwo-Olu,thePermanent

  Secretary, Ministryof Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade andInvestment, Mr. Babatunde Onigbanjo,reaffirmed

  the State Government’s commitment to fostering an enabling environment for investment and international

  partnerships, and highlighted Lagos’ position as Nigeria’s commercial hub and gateway to African markets.

  “Canada bringstothe tableconsiderable expertise,capital, innovation,and astrong traditionof institution

  building.Africa,andindeedLagos,offerscale.Weoffertalent,creativity,marketopportunitiesandan

  increasingly sophisticated business environment. Together, these strengths create a compelling foundation

  for transformative partnership,” he said.

  Speaking at the event, the Deputy High Commissioner of Canada to Nigeria, Mr. Carlos Rojas-Arbulú, noted

  thattheconferencereflectsthegrowingmomentuminbilateralcommercialcollaborationbetweenboth

  countries. He said: “The relationship between Canada and Nigeria is not new. It is rooted in diplomacy, trade,

  education,culture,migration,andshareddemocraticvalues.Buttoday,Ibelieveweareenteringanew

  chapter: one that is more ambitious, more practical, and more human.”
• TheChairoftheBoardoftheCanada-AfricaChamberofBusiness,PaulaCaldwellSt-Onge,highlighted

  Nigeria’sgrowing economic significance,saying: “Nigeria’s growth isnot theoretical.It is alreadybeing built by

  Nigerian entrepreneurs, investors, financial institutions, innovators and companies whose ambition reaches

  across Africa and around the world.”

  She also acknowledged Zenith Bank’s role in advancing the conference’s objectives, stating: “Zenith Bank is

  not only oneof Africa’s leadingfinancial institutions, it isthe capital behindwhat you seehere today, and it

  represents the skill, ambition, discipline, innovation and excellence that this conference seeks to showcase.”

  Theconferencefeaturedhigh-levelpaneldiscussionsonCanada-Africacommercialrelations,investment

  opportunitiesacrossprioritysectors,andtheimplementationoftheAfricanContinentalFreeTrade Area

  (AfCFTA). The sessions brought together policymakers, business executives and industry experts to identify

  practicalpathwaysforstrengtheningcommercialpartnershipsandacceleratingsustainableeconomic

  development.

  The conference is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s attractiveness as a destination for Canadian investment,

  while opening new opportunities for technology transfer, private sector collaboration, job creation and long-

  termeconomicgrowth.ItalsoreinforcesNigeria’spositionasastrategichubforbusinessesseekingto

  access opportunities across Africa under the AfCFTA, supporting the country’s ambition to expand its role in

  regional and global trade.

Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mike Ozekhome, has been barred by the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) from further parading or referring to himself with that title pending the conclusion of ongoing disciplinary proceedings and other cases involving him.

“This action was taken pursuant to Paragraph 26(6) of the Guidelines for the Conferment of the Rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria and All Matters Pertaining to the rank, pending the final determination of the disciplinary proceedings, presently before the Disciplinary and Ethics Sub-Committee of the LPPC and other proceedings.

“Accordingly, Chief Mike Ozekhome shall refrain from parading himself, presenting himself, or otherwise holding himself out as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria pending the final determination of the disciplinary proceedings,” the LPPC said in a statement issued on Wednesday evening by its Secretary, Kabir Akanbi.

Besides the “disciplinary proceedings” which the LPPC said are pending before its Disciplinary and Ethics Sub-Committee, Ozekhome and another defendant, Ponfa Useni, are currently being prosecuted before a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Maitama.

Ozekhome and Useni are being prosecuted by the office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) for, among others, allegedly forging documents, including an international passport and an irrevocable power of attorney, and engaging in impersonation to lay claim to a property in London allegedly acquired unlawfully by the late Jeremiah Useni, former Minister of the FCT.

Alleged forgery: Court AGF takes over Ozekhome’s case from ICPC
Fed Govt charges Ozekhome with forgery over UK property
The statement by Akanbi read, “The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC), at its 173rd general meeting held on 23rd June 2026, approved the suspension of Chief Mike Ozekhome, from the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria.

“This action was taken pursuant to Paragraph 26(6) of the Guidelines for the Conferment of the Rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria and All Matters Pertaining to the rank, pending the final determination of the disciplinary proceedings, presently before the Disciplinary and Ethics Sub-Committee of the LPPC and other proceedings.

“The suspension is intended to safeguard the integrity, dignity, and prestige of the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, while due consideration is given to the matters under review.

“Accordingly, Chief Mike Ozekhome shall refrain from parading himself, presenting himself, or otherwise holding himself out as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria pending the final determination of the disciplinary proceedings.

“The LPPC remains committed to upholding the highest standards of professional ethics, integrity, and discipline within the legal profession and to ensuring that the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria continues to command public confidence and respect.”

‎NIMC database helped arrest seven Boko Haram, ISWAP commanders returning from Hajj – Minister

‎The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, said on Friday that Nigeria’s integrated identity management system led to the arrest of seven suspected Boko Haram and ISWAP commanders returning from the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage.

‎Tunji-Ojo disclosed this at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, shortly after President Bola Tinubu signed the National Identity Management Commission Act 2026 into law, as contained in a statement signed by the President’s aide, Bayo Onanuga.

‎According to the minister, the suspects were arrested last Thursday at the Katsina airport after returning from Mecca and were subsequently handed over to the Department of State Services.

‎He said the arrests were made possible through the integration of the National Identity Management Commission database with the Nigeria Immigration Service database and its connection to Interpol.

‎”I know, sometime ago, the Senate President was alarmed by how some terrorists went on pilgrimage, wondering how they crossed our borders. We inherited a fractured system.

‎”But I’m happy to tell you that even last week, Thursday, seven of the known commanders of Boko Haram and ISWAP at the point of coming back from Mecca were arrested in Katsina at the airport and were handed over to the DSS.

‎”This is only possible because NIMC’s ID is already connected with the immigration database, and it’s already speaking to even the Interpol 24/7, and we have been able to automate this,” the minister said.

Tinubu signs NIMC Act into law
‎Tunji-Ojo said the newly signed NIMC Act would further strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture by accelerating the harmonisation of identity databases and improving inter-agency collaboration.

‎According to him, the law will enhance the integrity of the National Identity Number system while boosting the country’s capacity to combat identity theft, terrorism, financial crimes and other security threats.

‎He said that before the current administration, identity management systems were fragmented, noting that services such as passport issuance and driver’s licence processing were disconnected from the national identity database.

‎”When Mr President came on board, we had a disconnected system within our identity data management system. At that time, getting a passport and getting a driving permit were completely disconnected from our identity database.

‎”But today, you can’t get a Nigerian passport without pulling data from NIMC,” he stated.

‎Tinubu signed the NIMC Act 2026 on Friday in the presence of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu and other senior government officials.

• 

  ZenithBankPlcreaffirmeditscommitmenttoadvancingtrade,investmentandeconomiccooperation

  betweenCanadaandAfricaastheHeadlineConferenceSponsorofthe6thCanada-AfricaBusiness

  Conference, held on Wednesday, 24 June 2026 at Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

  OrganisedbytheCanada-AfricaChamberofBusiness,theconferencebroughttogetherahigh-level

  Canadian business delegation representing 31 companies, alongside senior government officials, business

  leaders, investors, policymakers, diplomats and development partners. The gathering set out to strengthen

  commercial relations between Canada and Africa and to position Nigeria as a strategic gateway for Canadian

  businesses seeking opportunities across the continent.

  The Canadian delegation comprised companies and institutions operating across financial services, security,

  mining andcritical minerals,legal andprofessional services, infrastructure, technology, healthcare, education

  and clean energy. Among those present were GardaWorld, Dentons, Baywood Group, Element, Trilliant and

  other leading Canadian enterprises exploring commercial opportunities and strategic partnerships in Nigeria.

  The Executive Director of Zenith Bank Plc, Mr. Akin Ogunranti, who delivered the keynote address on behalf

  of the Group Managing Director/CEO, Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON, described the conference as a timely

  platform for deepening commercial partnerships between Canada and Africa amid shifting global economic

  realities. He underscored Africa’s readiness to lead the next phase of global economic growth, stressing that

  thecontinent now possessestheinstitutions,policy frameworks andpartnershipsrequiredtoturn its immense

  potential into shared prosperity.

  “The question is not whether Africa is rich in potential. It is whether we can turn that potential into prosperity

  our people can feel. For the first time, the answer is yes, because of the machinery we are now building,” he

  said.

  RepresentingtheGovernorofLagosState,HisExcellencyMr.BabajideSanwo-Olu,thePermanent

  Secretary, Ministryof Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade andInvestment, Mr. Babatunde Onigbanjo,reaffirmed

  the State Government’s commitment to fostering an enabling environment for investment and international

  partnerships, and highlighted Lagos’ position as Nigeria’s commercial hub and gateway to African markets.

  “Canada bringstothe tableconsiderable expertise,capital, innovation,and astrong traditionof institution

  building.Africa,andindeedLagos,offerscale.Weoffertalent,creativity,marketopportunitiesandan

  increasingly sophisticated business environment. Together, these strengths create a compelling foundation

  for transformative partnership,” he said.

  Speaking at the event, the Deputy High Commissioner of Canada to Nigeria, Mr. Carlos Rojas-Arbulú, noted

  thattheconferencereflectsthegrowingmomentuminbilateralcommercialcollaborationbetweenboth

  countries. He said: “The relationship between Canada and Nigeria is not new. It is rooted in diplomacy, trade,

  education,culture,migration,andshareddemocraticvalues.Buttoday,Ibelieveweareenteringanew

  chapter: one that is more ambitious, more practical, and more human.”
• TheChairoftheBoardoftheCanada-AfricaChamberofBusiness,PaulaCaldwellSt-Onge,highlighted

  Nigeria’sgrowing economic significance,saying: “Nigeria’s growth isnot theoretical.It is alreadybeing built by

  Nigerian entrepreneurs, investors, financial institutions, innovators and companies whose ambition reaches

  across Africa and around the world.”

  She also acknowledged Zenith Bank’s role in advancing the conference’s objectives, stating: “Zenith Bank is

  not only oneof Africa’s leadingfinancial institutions, it isthe capital behindwhat you seehere today, and it

  represents the skill, ambition, discipline, innovation and excellence that this conference seeks to showcase.”

  Theconferencefeaturedhigh-levelpaneldiscussionsonCanada-Africacommercialrelations,investment

  opportunitiesacrossprioritysectors,andtheimplementationoftheAfricanContinentalFreeTrade Area

  (AfCFTA). The sessions brought together policymakers, business executives and industry experts to identify

  practicalpathwaysforstrengtheningcommercialpartnershipsandacceleratingsustainableeconomic

  development.

  The conference is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s attractiveness as a destination for Canadian investment,

  while opening new opportunities for technology transfer, private sector collaboration, job creation and long-

  termeconomicgrowth.ItalsoreinforcesNigeria’spositionasastrategichubforbusinessesseekingto

  access opportunities across Africa under the AfCFTA, supporting the country’s ambition to expand its role in

  regional and global trade.

Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mike Ozekhome, has been barred by the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) from further parading or referring to himself with that title pending the conclusion of ongoing disciplinary proceedings and other cases involving him.

“This action was taken pursuant to Paragraph 26(6) of the Guidelines for the Conferment of the Rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria and All Matters Pertaining to the rank, pending the final determination of the disciplinary proceedings, presently before the Disciplinary and Ethics Sub-Committee of the LPPC and other proceedings.

“Accordingly, Chief Mike Ozekhome shall refrain from parading himself, presenting himself, or otherwise holding himself out as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria pending the final determination of the disciplinary proceedings,” the LPPC said in a statement issued on Wednesday evening by its Secretary, Kabir Akanbi.

Besides the “disciplinary proceedings” which the LPPC said are pending before its Disciplinary and Ethics Sub-Committee, Ozekhome and another defendant, Ponfa Useni, are currently being prosecuted before a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Maitama.

Ozekhome and Useni are being prosecuted by the office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) for, among others, allegedly forging documents, including an international passport and an irrevocable power of attorney, and engaging in impersonation to lay claim to a property in London allegedly acquired unlawfully by the late Jeremiah Useni, former Minister of the FCT.

Alleged forgery: Court AGF takes over Ozekhome’s case from ICPC
Fed Govt charges Ozekhome with forgery over UK property
The statement by Akanbi read, “The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC), at its 173rd general meeting held on 23rd June 2026, approved the suspension of Chief Mike Ozekhome, from the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria.

“This action was taken pursuant to Paragraph 26(6) of the Guidelines for the Conferment of the Rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria and All Matters Pertaining to the rank, pending the final determination of the disciplinary proceedings, presently before the Disciplinary and Ethics Sub-Committee of the LPPC and other proceedings.

“The suspension is intended to safeguard the integrity, dignity, and prestige of the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, while due consideration is given to the matters under review.

“Accordingly, Chief Mike Ozekhome shall refrain from parading himself, presenting himself, or otherwise holding himself out as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria pending the final determination of the disciplinary proceedings.

“The LPPC remains committed to upholding the highest standards of professional ethics, integrity, and discipline within the legal profession and to ensuring that the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria continues to command public confidence and respect.”

‎NIMC database helped arrest seven Boko Haram, ISWAP commanders returning from Hajj – Minister

‎The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, said on Friday that Nigeria’s integrated identity management system led to the arrest of seven suspected Boko Haram and ISWAP commanders returning from the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage.

‎Tunji-Ojo disclosed this at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, shortly after President Bola Tinubu signed the National Identity Management Commission Act 2026 into law, as contained in a statement signed by the President’s aide, Bayo Onanuga.

‎According to the minister, the suspects were arrested last Thursday at the Katsina airport after returning from Mecca and were subsequently handed over to the Department of State Services.

‎He said the arrests were made possible through the integration of the National Identity Management Commission database with the Nigeria Immigration Service database and its connection to Interpol.

‎”I know, sometime ago, the Senate President was alarmed by how some terrorists went on pilgrimage, wondering how they crossed our borders. We inherited a fractured system.

‎”But I’m happy to tell you that even last week, Thursday, seven of the known commanders of Boko Haram and ISWAP at the point of coming back from Mecca were arrested in Katsina at the airport and were handed over to the DSS.

‎”This is only possible because NIMC’s ID is already connected with the immigration database, and it’s already speaking to even the Interpol 24/7, and we have been able to automate this,” the minister said.

Tinubu signs NIMC Act into law
‎Tunji-Ojo said the newly signed NIMC Act would further strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture by accelerating the harmonisation of identity databases and improving inter-agency collaboration.

‎According to him, the law will enhance the integrity of the National Identity Number system while boosting the country’s capacity to combat identity theft, terrorism, financial crimes and other security threats.

‎He said that before the current administration, identity management systems were fragmented, noting that services such as passport issuance and driver’s licence processing were disconnected from the national identity database.

‎”When Mr President came on board, we had a disconnected system within our identity data management system. At that time, getting a passport and getting a driving permit were completely disconnected from our identity database.

‎”But today, you can’t get a Nigerian passport without pulling data from NIMC,” he stated.

‎Tinubu signed the NIMC Act 2026 on Friday in the presence of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu and other senior government officials.

• 

  ZenithBankPlcreaffirmeditscommitmenttoadvancingtrade,investmentandeconomiccooperation

  betweenCanadaandAfricaastheHeadlineConferenceSponsorofthe6thCanada-AfricaBusiness

  Conference, held on Wednesday, 24 June 2026 at Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

  OrganisedbytheCanada-AfricaChamberofBusiness,theconferencebroughttogetherahigh-level

  Canadian business delegation representing 31 companies, alongside senior government officials, business

  leaders, investors, policymakers, diplomats and development partners. The gathering set out to strengthen

  commercial relations between Canada and Africa and to position Nigeria as a strategic gateway for Canadian

  businesses seeking opportunities across the continent.

  The Canadian delegation comprised companies and institutions operating across financial services, security,

  mining andcritical minerals,legal andprofessional services, infrastructure, technology, healthcare, education

  and clean energy. Among those present were GardaWorld, Dentons, Baywood Group, Element, Trilliant and

  other leading Canadian enterprises exploring commercial opportunities and strategic partnerships in Nigeria.

  The Executive Director of Zenith Bank Plc, Mr. Akin Ogunranti, who delivered the keynote address on behalf

  of the Group Managing Director/CEO, Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON, described the conference as a timely

  platform for deepening commercial partnerships between Canada and Africa amid shifting global economic

  realities. He underscored Africa’s readiness to lead the next phase of global economic growth, stressing that

  thecontinent now possessestheinstitutions,policy frameworks andpartnershipsrequiredtoturn its immense

  potential into shared prosperity.

  “The question is not whether Africa is rich in potential. It is whether we can turn that potential into prosperity

  our people can feel. For the first time, the answer is yes, because of the machinery we are now building,” he

  said.

  RepresentingtheGovernorofLagosState,HisExcellencyMr.BabajideSanwo-Olu,thePermanent

  Secretary, Ministryof Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade andInvestment, Mr. Babatunde Onigbanjo,reaffirmed

  the State Government’s commitment to fostering an enabling environment for investment and international

  partnerships, and highlighted Lagos’ position as Nigeria’s commercial hub and gateway to African markets.

  “Canada bringstothe tableconsiderable expertise,capital, innovation,and astrong traditionof institution

  building.Africa,andindeedLagos,offerscale.Weoffertalent,creativity,marketopportunitiesandan

  increasingly sophisticated business environment. Together, these strengths create a compelling foundation

  for transformative partnership,” he said.

  Speaking at the event, the Deputy High Commissioner of Canada to Nigeria, Mr. Carlos Rojas-Arbulú, noted

  thattheconferencereflectsthegrowingmomentuminbilateralcommercialcollaborationbetweenboth

  countries. He said: “The relationship between Canada and Nigeria is not new. It is rooted in diplomacy, trade,

  education,culture,migration,andshareddemocraticvalues.Buttoday,Ibelieveweareenteringanew

  chapter: one that is more ambitious, more practical, and more human.”
• TheChairoftheBoardoftheCanada-AfricaChamberofBusiness,PaulaCaldwellSt-Onge,highlighted

  Nigeria’sgrowing economic significance,saying: “Nigeria’s growth isnot theoretical.It is alreadybeing built by

  Nigerian entrepreneurs, investors, financial institutions, innovators and companies whose ambition reaches

  across Africa and around the world.”

  She also acknowledged Zenith Bank’s role in advancing the conference’s objectives, stating: “Zenith Bank is

  not only oneof Africa’s leadingfinancial institutions, it isthe capital behindwhat you seehere today, and it

  represents the skill, ambition, discipline, innovation and excellence that this conference seeks to showcase.”

  Theconferencefeaturedhigh-levelpaneldiscussionsonCanada-Africacommercialrelations,investment

  opportunitiesacrossprioritysectors,andtheimplementationoftheAfricanContinentalFreeTrade Area

  (AfCFTA). The sessions brought together policymakers, business executives and industry experts to identify

  practicalpathwaysforstrengtheningcommercialpartnershipsandacceleratingsustainableeconomic

  development.

  The conference is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s attractiveness as a destination for Canadian investment,

  while opening new opportunities for technology transfer, private sector collaboration, job creation and long-

  termeconomicgrowth.ItalsoreinforcesNigeria’spositionasastrategichubforbusinessesseekingto

  access opportunities across Africa under the AfCFTA, supporting the country’s ambition to expand its role in

  regional and global trade.

Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mike Ozekhome, has been barred by the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) from further parading or referring to himself with that title pending the conclusion of ongoing disciplinary proceedings and other cases involving him.

“This action was taken pursuant to Paragraph 26(6) of the Guidelines for the Conferment of the Rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria and All Matters Pertaining to the rank, pending the final determination of the disciplinary proceedings, presently before the Disciplinary and Ethics Sub-Committee of the LPPC and other proceedings.

“Accordingly, Chief Mike Ozekhome shall refrain from parading himself, presenting himself, or otherwise holding himself out as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria pending the final determination of the disciplinary proceedings,” the LPPC said in a statement issued on Wednesday evening by its Secretary, Kabir Akanbi.

Besides the “disciplinary proceedings” which the LPPC said are pending before its Disciplinary and Ethics Sub-Committee, Ozekhome and another defendant, Ponfa Useni, are currently being prosecuted before a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Maitama.

Ozekhome and Useni are being prosecuted by the office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) for, among others, allegedly forging documents, including an international passport and an irrevocable power of attorney, and engaging in impersonation to lay claim to a property in London allegedly acquired unlawfully by the late Jeremiah Useni, former Minister of the FCT.

Alleged forgery: Court AGF takes over Ozekhome’s case from ICPC
Fed Govt charges Ozekhome with forgery over UK property
The statement by Akanbi read, “The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC), at its 173rd general meeting held on 23rd June 2026, approved the suspension of Chief Mike Ozekhome, from the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria.

“This action was taken pursuant to Paragraph 26(6) of the Guidelines for the Conferment of the Rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria and All Matters Pertaining to the rank, pending the final determination of the disciplinary proceedings, presently before the Disciplinary and Ethics Sub-Committee of the LPPC and other proceedings.

“The suspension is intended to safeguard the integrity, dignity, and prestige of the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, while due consideration is given to the matters under review.

“Accordingly, Chief Mike Ozekhome shall refrain from parading himself, presenting himself, or otherwise holding himself out as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria pending the final determination of the disciplinary proceedings.

“The LPPC remains committed to upholding the highest standards of professional ethics, integrity, and discipline within the legal profession and to ensuring that the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria continues to command public confidence and respect.”

‎NIMC database helped arrest seven Boko Haram, ISWAP commanders returning from Hajj – Minister

‎The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, said on Friday that Nigeria’s integrated identity management system led to the arrest of seven suspected Boko Haram and ISWAP commanders returning from the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage.

‎Tunji-Ojo disclosed this at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, shortly after President Bola Tinubu signed the National Identity Management Commission Act 2026 into law, as contained in a statement signed by the President’s aide, Bayo Onanuga.

‎According to the minister, the suspects were arrested last Thursday at the Katsina airport after returning from Mecca and were subsequently handed over to the Department of State Services.

‎He said the arrests were made possible through the integration of the National Identity Management Commission database with the Nigeria Immigration Service database and its connection to Interpol.

‎”I know, sometime ago, the Senate President was alarmed by how some terrorists went on pilgrimage, wondering how they crossed our borders. We inherited a fractured system.

‎”But I’m happy to tell you that even last week, Thursday, seven of the known commanders of Boko Haram and ISWAP at the point of coming back from Mecca were arrested in Katsina at the airport and were handed over to the DSS.

‎”This is only possible because NIMC’s ID is already connected with the immigration database, and it’s already speaking to even the Interpol 24/7, and we have been able to automate this,” the minister said.

Tinubu signs NIMC Act into law
‎Tunji-Ojo said the newly signed NIMC Act would further strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture by accelerating the harmonisation of identity databases and improving inter-agency collaboration.

‎According to him, the law will enhance the integrity of the National Identity Number system while boosting the country’s capacity to combat identity theft, terrorism, financial crimes and other security threats.

‎He said that before the current administration, identity management systems were fragmented, noting that services such as passport issuance and driver’s licence processing were disconnected from the national identity database.

‎”When Mr President came on board, we had a disconnected system within our identity data management system. At that time, getting a passport and getting a driving permit were completely disconnected from our identity database.

‎”But today, you can’t get a Nigerian passport without pulling data from NIMC,” he stated.

‎Tinubu signed the NIMC Act 2026 on Friday in the presence of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu and other senior government officials.

• 

  ZenithBankPlcreaffirmeditscommitmenttoadvancingtrade,investmentandeconomiccooperation

  betweenCanadaandAfricaastheHeadlineConferenceSponsorofthe6thCanada-AfricaBusiness

  Conference, held on Wednesday, 24 June 2026 at Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

  OrganisedbytheCanada-AfricaChamberofBusiness,theconferencebroughttogetherahigh-level

  Canadian business delegation representing 31 companies, alongside senior government officials, business

  leaders, investors, policymakers, diplomats and development partners. The gathering set out to strengthen

  commercial relations between Canada and Africa and to position Nigeria as a strategic gateway for Canadian

  businesses seeking opportunities across the continent.

  The Canadian delegation comprised companies and institutions operating across financial services, security,

  mining andcritical minerals,legal andprofessional services, infrastructure, technology, healthcare, education

  and clean energy. Among those present were GardaWorld, Dentons, Baywood Group, Element, Trilliant and

  other leading Canadian enterprises exploring commercial opportunities and strategic partnerships in Nigeria.

  The Executive Director of Zenith Bank Plc, Mr. Akin Ogunranti, who delivered the keynote address on behalf

  of the Group Managing Director/CEO, Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON, described the conference as a timely

  platform for deepening commercial partnerships between Canada and Africa amid shifting global economic

  realities. He underscored Africa’s readiness to lead the next phase of global economic growth, stressing that

  thecontinent now possessestheinstitutions,policy frameworks andpartnershipsrequiredtoturn its immense

  potential into shared prosperity.

  “The question is not whether Africa is rich in potential. It is whether we can turn that potential into prosperity

  our people can feel. For the first time, the answer is yes, because of the machinery we are now building,” he

  said.

  RepresentingtheGovernorofLagosState,HisExcellencyMr.BabajideSanwo-Olu,thePermanent

  Secretary, Ministryof Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade andInvestment, Mr. Babatunde Onigbanjo,reaffirmed

  the State Government’s commitment to fostering an enabling environment for investment and international

  partnerships, and highlighted Lagos’ position as Nigeria’s commercial hub and gateway to African markets.

  “Canada bringstothe tableconsiderable expertise,capital, innovation,and astrong traditionof institution

  building.Africa,andindeedLagos,offerscale.Weoffertalent,creativity,marketopportunitiesandan

  increasingly sophisticated business environment. Together, these strengths create a compelling foundation

  for transformative partnership,” he said.

  Speaking at the event, the Deputy High Commissioner of Canada to Nigeria, Mr. Carlos Rojas-Arbulú, noted

  thattheconferencereflectsthegrowingmomentuminbilateralcommercialcollaborationbetweenboth

  countries. He said: “The relationship between Canada and Nigeria is not new. It is rooted in diplomacy, trade,

  education,culture,migration,andshareddemocraticvalues.Buttoday,Ibelieveweareenteringanew

  chapter: one that is more ambitious, more practical, and more human.”
• TheChairoftheBoardoftheCanada-AfricaChamberofBusiness,PaulaCaldwellSt-Onge,highlighted

  Nigeria’sgrowing economic significance,saying: “Nigeria’s growth isnot theoretical.It is alreadybeing built by

  Nigerian entrepreneurs, investors, financial institutions, innovators and companies whose ambition reaches

  across Africa and around the world.”

  She also acknowledged Zenith Bank’s role in advancing the conference’s objectives, stating: “Zenith Bank is

  not only oneof Africa’s leadingfinancial institutions, it isthe capital behindwhat you seehere today, and it

  represents the skill, ambition, discipline, innovation and excellence that this conference seeks to showcase.”

  Theconferencefeaturedhigh-levelpaneldiscussionsonCanada-Africacommercialrelations,investment

  opportunitiesacrossprioritysectors,andtheimplementationoftheAfricanContinentalFreeTrade Area

  (AfCFTA). The sessions brought together policymakers, business executives and industry experts to identify

  practicalpathwaysforstrengtheningcommercialpartnershipsandacceleratingsustainableeconomic

  development.

  The conference is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s attractiveness as a destination for Canadian investment,

  while opening new opportunities for technology transfer, private sector collaboration, job creation and long-

  termeconomicgrowth.ItalsoreinforcesNigeria’spositionasastrategichubforbusinessesseekingto

  access opportunities across Africa under the AfCFTA, supporting the country’s ambition to expand its role in

  regional and global trade.

Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mike Ozekhome, has been barred by the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) from further parading or referring to himself with that title pending the conclusion of ongoing disciplinary proceedings and other cases involving him.

“This action was taken pursuant to Paragraph 26(6) of the Guidelines for the Conferment of the Rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria and All Matters Pertaining to the rank, pending the final determination of the disciplinary proceedings, presently before the Disciplinary and Ethics Sub-Committee of the LPPC and other proceedings.

“Accordingly, Chief Mike Ozekhome shall refrain from parading himself, presenting himself, or otherwise holding himself out as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria pending the final determination of the disciplinary proceedings,” the LPPC said in a statement issued on Wednesday evening by its Secretary, Kabir Akanbi.

Besides the “disciplinary proceedings” which the LPPC said are pending before its Disciplinary and Ethics Sub-Committee, Ozekhome and another defendant, Ponfa Useni, are currently being prosecuted before a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Maitama.

Ozekhome and Useni are being prosecuted by the office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) for, among others, allegedly forging documents, including an international passport and an irrevocable power of attorney, and engaging in impersonation to lay claim to a property in London allegedly acquired unlawfully by the late Jeremiah Useni, former Minister of the FCT.

Alleged forgery: Court AGF takes over Ozekhome’s case from ICPC
Fed Govt charges Ozekhome with forgery over UK property
The statement by Akanbi read, “The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC), at its 173rd general meeting held on 23rd June 2026, approved the suspension of Chief Mike Ozekhome, from the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria.

“This action was taken pursuant to Paragraph 26(6) of the Guidelines for the Conferment of the Rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria and All Matters Pertaining to the rank, pending the final determination of the disciplinary proceedings, presently before the Disciplinary and Ethics Sub-Committee of the LPPC and other proceedings.

“The suspension is intended to safeguard the integrity, dignity, and prestige of the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, while due consideration is given to the matters under review.

“Accordingly, Chief Mike Ozekhome shall refrain from parading himself, presenting himself, or otherwise holding himself out as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria pending the final determination of the disciplinary proceedings.

“The LPPC remains committed to upholding the highest standards of professional ethics, integrity, and discipline within the legal profession and to ensuring that the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria continues to command public confidence and respect.”