Bandits have reportedly killed a chief imam in Sokoto state, which has raised renewed concerns about insecurity and violent attacks in northern Nigeria, according to Legit.ng.

Several parts of Sokoto State in northwest Nigeria are increasingly becoming bandit flashpoints, with the latest attacks leaving at least 15 residents dead and about 79 others abducted across six local government areas, Daily Trust reports. The fresh attacks occurred in Rabah, Isa and Dange Shuni local government areas, coming barely days after similar incidents in Bodinga and Kebbe, underscoring a worsening security situation in the state.

Church leaders in Kenya have urged young people and political organizers to forgo planned street demonstrations during the upcoming commemorations of last year's Gen Z protests. Instead, they are advocating for peaceful prayer services in places of worship, expressing concern over the potential for violence based on the nation's history with protests, according to the Siaya Church Leaders Forum.

According to Al Jazeera, several protesters have been sentenced to decades in prison in the United States due to their alleged ties to antifa, following a protest outside the Prairieland Detention Center. Civil liberties advocates have raised concerns regarding the implications of this case for free speech and protest rights.

Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has raised alarms regarding the remand of activist and publisher Omoyele Sowore, labeling it a threat to Nigeria's democracy. His comments came after a ruling by the Federal High Court in Abuja, where Justice Mohammed Umar ordered Sowore's remand in Kuje Prison pending further proceedings.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticized the ongoing detention of former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai, stating that the stringent bail conditions imposed on him undermine the principles of justice. A ruling on El-Rufai's bail is expected on July 1, according to reports.