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US Announces $3.5m Religious Freedom Initiative, Questions Nigeria’s Response to Attacks

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The United States Department of State has announced a $3.5m (approximately N5bn) funding opportunity aimed at improving the documentation and reporting of religious freedom abuses in Nigeria.

The initiative, unveiled by the Office of International Religious Freedom under the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labour, seeks applications from organisations capable of strengthening reporting efforts on attacks linked to religion and belief across the country.

According to the notice of funding opportunity released on May 22, 2026, the programme will run for between 24 and 48 months, with one award anticipated under either a grant or cooperative agreement.

The State Department stated that the project aimed to enhance efforts to monitor and document abuses committed by both state and non-state actors in Nigeria.

“The Office of International Religious Freedom announces an open competition for organisations interested in submitting applications for projects that improve documentation and reporting efforts on religious freedom abuses in Nigeria, for accountability, advocacy, and memorialisation,” the notice stated.

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The document referenced violence linked to Boko Haram, Fulani ethnic militias and other armed groups, saying attacks have affected both Christians and Muslims.

“Documenters, human rights and religious freedom advocates, religious leaders and community members, academics, journalists, and survivors have contributed to an evidence base that illustrates the extreme levels of violence perpetrated by Boko Haram, ISIS-West Africa, Fulani ethnic militias, and other armed actors against Christians and Muslims,” the notice said.

The US government also criticised what it described as inadequate responses by Nigerian authorities to attacks on faith communities.

“Civil society reports indicate that authorities regularly fail to respond in a timely or effective manner to violent attacks against civilians and faith communities, and particularly attacks against Christians,” the document stated.

It added, “This leads to widespread impunity for violence which encourages more violence, leading to further abuses and displacements.”

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The notice further alleged that some security personnel had raided places of worship while searching for suspected criminals.

“There are also credible reports of Nigerian security personnel raiding places of worship and injuring clergy and congregants in search of alleged criminals,” it said.

The State Department said the funding initiative followed President Donald Trump’s decision to designate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over religious freedom issues.

“President Trump’s decision to designate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern placed a spotlight on the severity of these longstanding and worsening problems,” the document stated.

The IRF said proposals submitted under the programme should aim to improve accountability for violations through “monitoring, documenting, and reporting of such abuses committed by either state or non-state actors in Nigeria.”

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Applicants are expected to prioritise activities in the Middle Belt and identify at least four states where projects would be implemented.

The funding opportunity is open to foreign and US-based non-profit organisations, public international organisations, higher education institutions and for-profit entities, although the department said it prefers working with non-profit groups.

Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, July 9, 2026.

Trump designated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern in November 2025 over the alleged persecution of Christians.

However, the Federal Government has rejected allegations of religious persecution, maintaining that insecurity affected all citizens regardless of faith, while also stating continued cooperation with the US on counterterrorism and security reforms.

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Crime

Enugu Student Stabbed to Death by Friend Over Phone Dispute

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A tragic incident has occurred in Enugu State after a 16-year-old student, Chibueze Odo, was allegedly stabbed to death by his friend and roommate following a disagreement over a mobile phone.
Chibueze, a Senior Secondary School student of Ugbaike Technical Secondary School, Enugu-Ezike, in Igbo Eze North Local Government Area, was reportedly killed on Saturday evening in Obollo Afor, where he was also serving as a part-time apprentice.
According to reports, the suspect, identified as Arinze, allegedly invited the deceased to a location in Obollo Afor before attacking him. The victim sustained fatal stab wounds to the neck and died at the scene.
The suspect reportedly told police investigators that Chibueze had previously lost his phone, prompting him to lend the deceased a faulty spare phone for repairs and temporary use.

The deceased

He claimed that when he later requested the phone back, Chibueze demanded reimbursement of N14,500, covering repair costs and the purchase of a memory card.
Arinze allegedly told police that an argument ensued when he asked for the phone and Chibueze insisted on receiving the money before returning it.
According to the suspect’s account, he stabbed Chibueze after the disagreement escalated.
Sources close to the victim’s family said Chibueze, who hailed from the Ukwuagbudu area of Ugbaike, had left his workplace after being invited to the meeting where he was attacked.
The sources further disclosed that the suspect is believed to be from the neighbouring Umuogbo Inyi community in Enugu-Ezike.
Family members said the deceased was accompanied by two others, including his elder brother, Nnanna, shortly before the incident occurred.
The body of the victim has been deposited at Dr. Eze Mortuary in Obollo Afor for an autopsy, while police investigations into the incident are ongoing.
The tragic killing has sparked grief and outrage within the community, with residents calling for justice for the deceased student.

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Suspected Terrorists Attack Kebbi Community, Kidnap Resident

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The Kebbi State Police Command has confirmed an attack by suspected terrorists on Tsamiya Town and deployed tactical personnel to the area to restore security and maintain law and order.

In a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, the attackers reportedly invaded the community in the late hours of Saturday, firing sporadically and causing panic among residents.

According to the statement, the assailants set ablaze a makeshift checkpoint belonging to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). They also attacked a local brothel and the residence of one Sule Mai Goge.

During the incident, a resident identified as Alhaji Yusuf Bazamfare was reportedly kidnapped by the attackers.

The police spokesperson disclosed that upon receiving reports of the attack, the Commissioner of Police immediately ordered the deployment of additional security personnel to the affected area to safeguard lives and property.

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He added that a comprehensive investigation into the incident has commenced, while efforts are ongoing to rescue the kidnapped victim and apprehend those responsible for the attack.

The Command assured residents of Tsamiya and surrounding communities that security operations would continue until normalcy is fully restored and the perpetrators are brought to justice.

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Anambra Police Arrest Parents After Lifeless Twin Infants Found Dumped in Gutter

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By Okey Maduforo, Awka
The Anambra State Police Command has arrested the suspected parents of twin infants whose lifeless bodies were discovered in a drainage channel in Okpoko, Ogbaru Local Government Area of the state.
The tragic discovery was made on Sunday following information provided by concerned residents who alerted the police about the abandoned bodies.
Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Ikioye Orutugu, described the development as a disturbing act of inhumanity and a gross violation of the sanctity of human life.
He commended officers attached to the Okpoko Divisional Police Headquarters for their swift response and diligent investigation, which led to the arrest of the biological parents of the deceased infants shortly after the report was received.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, operatives received information in the early hours of Sunday, June 21, 2026, about the discovery of two lifeless infant twins abandoned in a drainage channel along Cooperative Street, Nwokedi, Okpoko.
“Following the report, operatives immediately swung into action, secured the scene, gathered vital evidence, and commenced investigations,” Ikenga stated.
He added that preliminary investigations led to the identification and arrest of the infants’ biological parents, who are currently in police custody and assisting investigators in determining the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Condemning the act, CP Orutugu stressed that every child deserves protection, care, and the opportunity to live, reiterating the command’s commitment to ensuring that anyone found culpable faces the full weight of the law.
“The Command remains committed to a thorough investigation of the matter, and further developments will be communicated in due course,” the police spokesperson said.
Investigations into the incident are ongoing.

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Court Grants Anambra Native Doctor N50 Million Bail, One Surety

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By Okey Maduforo Awka

The Anambra State High Court sitting in Awka on Friday granted bail to a Nnewi-based native doctor, Ikechukwu Ezenagu, popularly known as “Mmuo Mmili Afuluanya,” in the sum of N50 million.

Recall that Ezenagu reported slumped during one of the Court sessions which stalled hearing for a period.

The Homeland Security Special Court, presided over by Justice Jude Obiora, granted the defendant bail with one surety in like sum and ordered him to deposit the title documents of his residence with the court as part of the bail conditions.

The court further ruled that the property would be forfeited to the Anambra State Government should the defendant abscond from trial.
Justice Obiora also directed Ezenagu not to grant media interviews or make comments to the press while the matter remains before the court.

The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Anambra State, Mr Tobechukwu Nweke (SAN), who is leading the prosecution, stated that the defendant is facing charges relating to the alleged violation of provisions of the Anambra Homeland Security Law 2025.

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According to the prosecution, the charges stem from allegations that Ezenagu engaged in activities contrary to the provisions of the law, which was enacted to strengthen security and curb criminal activities in the state.
The matter was subsequently adjourned until July 3, 2026, for the continuation of trial.

Ezenagu was arrested by the Anambra State Government on March 12 during a crackdown on traditionalists and native doctors suspected of preparing charms and other spiritual protections for criminals operating within the state.

His arrest formed part of the government’s broader efforts to combat insecurity and dismantle networks allegedly linked to criminal activities across Anambra.

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Crime

26-year-old girl commits suicide after multiple abortions

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By Okey Maduforo, Awka

A 25-year-old woman is suspected to have died by suicide after reportedly undergoing three consecutive abortions in Anambra State.

The deceased, whose identity has not been officially disclosed, was said to have left behind a note in which she mentioned a man identified only as Chigozie, believed to be her boyfriend and the person who allegedly impregnated her on multiple occasions.

The incident, which occurred in Onitsha, has prompted an investigation by the Anambra State Police Command.

Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Ikioye Orutugu, expressed concern over what he described as the growing moral and social challenges confronting society. In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the commissioner called on parents and guardians to play more active roles in the upbringing and emotional well-being of their children and wards.

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“The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Ikioye Orutugu, fwc, mnips, PhD, has expressed deep concern over the increasing level of moral decadence and other disturbing incidents being recorded in society, describing the trend as worrisome and a collective challenge requiring urgent attention from families, communities, religious institutions and relevant stakeholders,” the statement said.

According to the police, the woman was found dead on June 18, 2026, in circumstances suggesting a suspected suicide.

“A note suspected to be a suicide message was also recovered at the scene with a disturbing narrative of a relationship breakup after having three abortions for an unidentified man named Chigozie,” the statement added.

While emphasizing that investigations are ongoing to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the death, the police commissioner said the incident highlights the need for stronger parental guidance, moral upbringing, and emotional support systems for young people.

Orutugu urged parents and guardians to pay closer attention to the emotional well-being, social interactions, and behavioural changes of their children, noting that many societal challenges could be mitigated through effective parenting, open communication, and the promotion of sound moral values.

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He also called on community leaders, educational institutions, faith-based organisations, and civil society groups to intensify mentorship and advocacy programmes aimed at promoting positive values, resilience, and responsible living among youths.

The commissioner further directed the immediate transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Awka, for a thorough and discreet investigation.

The Anambra State Police Command reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property while collaborating with relevant stakeholders to address emerging social issues affecting public safety and societal well-being.

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