April 17, 2026 – Standard Focus News

Kidnap of JAMB Candidates: Benue Links Driver Arrested, 13 Passengers Still Missing

April 17, 2026 (updated April 17, 2026) Published by Standard Focus

By Clement Nyam MAKURDI- The management of Benue Links Nigeria Limited has confirmed the arrest of its driver who conveyed passengers, including candidates of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), in a bus attacked by gunmen in Benue State. The company disclosed that the driver violated established operational guidelines by embarking on the trip without authorization, a decision it... Read more

2027: Nigerians Will Decide Your Fate, ADC Tells Tinubu

April 17, 2026 (updated April 17, 2026) Published by Standard Focus

By Micheal John ABUJA — The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has cautioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prepare for a tough electoral battle in 2027, warning that millions of Nigerians grappling with hardship and insecurity could determine his political future. In a strongly worded statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the opposition party said the next general... Read more

FG Cracks Down on Fake Ambassadors, Warns Offenders Face Prosecution

April 17, 2026 (updated April 17, 2026) Published by Standard Focus

By Sarah Mattew ABUJA- The Federal Government has issued a stern warning to Nigerians falsely parading themselves as ambassadors, declaring that the prestigious title is neither for sale nor subject to private conferment, and that offenders will face prosecution. The warning comes amid ongoing preparations for the deployment of a new batch of Nigerian envoys, following significant progress in securing... Read more

April 17, 2026 (updated April 17, 2026) Published by Standard Focus

By Gift ChapiOdekina Abuja The leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) continues as a factional party’s National Chairman, Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe, alongside National Leader and lawmaker, Hon. Leke Joseph Abejide, declared that the Abuja convention organised by a coalition group was illegal and a direct violation of subsisting court orders. Addressing a world press conference on Friday... Read more

FG Graduates 744 from De-radicalisation Programme, Insists Scheme Is Not Amnesty

April 17, 2026 (updated April 17, 2026) Published by Standard Focus

By Abdulahi Musa The Federal Government has graduated 744 individuals from its De-radicalisation, Rehabilitation and Reintegration (DRR) programme under Operation Safe Corridor, stressing that the initiative is a strategic security measure rather than an amnesty for former insurgents. The beneficiarie comprising low-risk former extremists and victims of insurgency completed a six-month rehabilitation exercise at the DRR Camp in Mallam Sidi,... Read more

Reps approve N248.6bn debt relief, 10-Year restructuring plan for Kano, Jos, Ikeja DisCos

April 17, 2026 (updated April 17, 2026) Published by Standard Focus

By Gift Chapi Odekina, Abuja The House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee has approved a comprehensive financial relief package and a 10-year debt restructuring plan for the Kano, Jos, and Ikeja Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos), in a move aimed at stabilising Nigeria’s power sector. The resolution covers accrued interest of N128.57 billion on debts incurred between 2015 and September 2025,... Read more

Anchor Borrowers Scheme: Only 12% insured as Reps deepen N1.12tn probe

April 17, 2026 (updated April 17, 2026) Published by Standard Focus

By Gift Chapi Odekina, Abuja The House of Representatives Committee on Nutrition and Food Security has uncovered that just a fraction of the N1.12 trillion Anchor Borrowers Programme was insured, raising fresh concerns over accountability and risk management in the controversial scheme. At an investigative hearing on Thursday, the committee chaired by Hon. Chike Okafor shifted focus to the role... Read more

Day: April 17, 2026