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Military, police, immigration are unknown gunmen in Nigeria — VeryDarkMan

2026-08-25T19:57:58.859+01:00

Social media critic, Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, has accused Nigerian security operatives of being the ‘unknown gunmen’ causing insecurity in Nigeria.

VeryDarkMan made the allegation on Tuesday while speaking at the 2026 Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Annual General Conference, AGC, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

He alleged that there were no unknown gunmen anywhere, but the military, immigration, and customs officers.

“We have a lot of police checkpoints in Nigeria. When you’re traveling from Lagos to Abuja, along the Lokoja axis. You have a lot of checkpoints there, but then again, a lot of kidnappings happen along that route.

“Do you know why? When you pass with your car, you meet a checkpoint. When you meet the checkpoint, the policemen say, wind down. Open your boots. You open your boots. Believe me, everybody knows who is rich and who is poor, and everybody knows the people that belong to the middle class.

“So when they look at you, and you pass, they make those calls and say ‘that red Corolla coming, somebody is there that can pay. Do you understand? It’s no rocket science.”

“The military men are the unknown gunmen. Immigration and Customs officials are the unknown gunmen. There are no unknown gunmen anywhere; they are the unknown gunmen.”

Remove ‘Excellency’ from politicians’ name, they don’t earn it – Sowore

2026-08-25T19:54:29.262+01:00

The African Action Congress, AAC, presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has called for the removal of the title ‘Excellency’ when addressing Nigerian politicians.

Sowore stated this in a post on his verified X handle on Tuesday.

According to him, Nigerian politicians have not earned the title, stressing that there is nothing excellent about decades of corruption and poverty.

Recall that Sowore on Monday slammed Rotimi Amaechi, Peter Obi and other politicians who supported the removal of fuel subsidy, asking them to apologise to Nigerians.

He challenged them over their records in government, noting that he had remained consistent in opposing the removal of fuel subsidy.

“No Nigerian politician should ever again be addressed as His Excellency or Her Excellency. They don’t earn it.

“There is nothing excellent about decades of corruption, poverty, insecurity, darkness, broken hospitals, collapsing schools, and failed governance,” he said.

Atiku will restore subsidy and remove it later, says aide

2026-08-25T19:35:59.555+01:00

Paul Ibe, spokesperson for Atiku Abubakar, says the former vice-president would restore petrol subsidy if elected president in 2027 and phase it out later.

Speaking on AIT, Ibe said the temporary intervention would give Nigerians and businesses room to recover, stimulate economic activity and improve productivity.

He said the proposal would not revive the old subsidy regime but would instead tie government support to crude oil production and domestic refining.

“We are not returning to Egypt. We are not going back to the old regime that was opaque,” Ibe said.

“What he’s simply saying is that the subsidy that he is advocating will be tied to the barrel, the crude oil barrel.

“This is perhaps the only thing that we have in so much abundance that Nigerians have not yet benefited from.”

According to him, crude oil would be supplied to local refiners at a discounted price to enable them produce petrol and diesel at lower costs.

He said the cheaper production cost would ultimately translate into lower pump prices for consumers.

“The crude oil will be sold at a discounted price, subsidised to refiners, and that will enable refiners to be able to produce fuel and diesel at a cheap cost. And when they produce cheaply, they will sell at the real pump price,” he said.

Ibe said an independent committee would determine the appropriate price at the refinery, taking prevailing market conditions into consideration.

He added that although the downstream petroleum sector had been deregulated, government could still monitor prices to ensure that refiners and marketers operated within the framework of the policy.

“There’ll be a window because, of course, we deregulated. You may not fix the price but you can have price monitoring to ensure that everybody aligns with what government hopes to achieve,” he said.

‘IT WILL BE FOR A PERIOD’

Ibe said the proposed intervention would be implemented for a limited period to stimulate economic activity and improve productivity.

“Yes, if you recall, his argument, even in 2023, was that they’re going to have recourse to having a phased removal,” he said.

He criticised the Tinubu administration for removing petrol subsidy alongside other major economic reforms without allowing the economy to adjust.

“No surgeon, no doctor would carry out two or more serious major surgeries, one after the other. They would do one, allow the patient to recuperate, and then undertake the second, or the third,” Ibe said.

“But what has this administration done? The issue of subsidy, flippant. No cabinet. No advisers. Just in the heat of the moment, it has been removed. No shock absorbers. Nothing. No palliatives. Absolutely nothing.”

He said the simultaneous removal of petrol subsidy, deregulation of foreign exchange and electricity subsidy had compounded the economic difficulties facing Nigerians.

Ibe said the proposed intervention was necessary to give Nigerians and businesses room to recover and increase productivity.

“You need to give Nigerians and give manufacturers an opportunity to ensure that there is productivity,” he said.

“There is little or no productivity in this economy because, I mean, you talk about paying salary, that’s what they are doing there. There is no creativity. They’re simply having plenty of naira as a result of the devaluation.”

He said Atiku’s economic plan would also focus on diversifying the economy beyond dependence on crude oil.

“We also need to start thinking about an economy that is beyond the oil economy. We need to diversify our economy,” Ibe said.

Ibe’s comments come amid an ongoing dispute between Atiku and President Bola Tinubu over the former vice-president’s proposal to restore petrol subsidy.

Tinubu had described Atiku’s proposal as evidence of “serious ignorance on governance and economy”.

Atiku subsequently rejected the criticism, saying his proposal was not a return to the old subsidy regime but a targeted, capped, budgeted and independently audited intervention designed to support domestic production.

Tinubu orders security agencies to rescue Muslim worshippers abducted in Niger state

2026-08-25T19:35:41.148+01:00

President Bola Tinubu has ordered the security and intelligence agencies to intensify efforts to rescue Muslim worshippers abducted in Niger state.

The president gave the directive after gunmen abducted an unspecified number of worshippers in communities across Borgu LGA shortly after Friday’s Juma’at prayer at the central mosque in Dekara.

In a statement by Bayo Onanuga, his special adviser on information and strategy, Tinubu directed the armed forces, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS) and other relevant agencies to mount a coordinated operation to locate and rescue the victims.

He also ordered the service chiefs to provide him with regular updates on the operation until all those abducted are accounted for.

Describing the attackers as “enemies of peace and enemies of humanity”, Tinubu vowed that those responsible would be brought to justice.

“Those who carried out this cowardly attack on defenceless Nigerians are enemies of peace and enemies of humanity, who will not go scot-free,” he said.

The president condoled with the families of those killed in the attack and assured them that the federal government was committed to securing the safe return of their relatives.

“You are not alone. The entire nation shares your anguish. We will not rest until your sons, daughters, mothers and fathers are brought back safely to you,” he said.

Tinubu also assured the people of Niger state of the federal government’s support, saying additional security and other assistance would be provided to the state government.

“The Federal Government stands firmly with the State Government and will provide all necessary support to aid recovery, relief, and security reinforcement,” he said.

The president said the latest attack would not weaken the government’s resolve to confront terrorism and other forms of criminality.

“Terror will not cow Nigeria. We will defend our people, protect our communities, and uphold the sanctity of human life,” Tinubu said.

He also expressed sympathy to the people of Niger state over the attack and prayed for the families of those killed.

“My prayers are with the people of Niger State at this difficult time,” the president added.

UK Court Confirms Poco Lee’s September Hearing Over Alleged A$sault Case

2026-08-25T19:22:58.926+01:00

The Snaresbrook Crown Court in the United Kingdom has confirmed that Nigerian dancer and entertainer Iweh Pascal Odinaka, popularly known as Poco Lee, is scheduled to appear before the court over an alleged a$sault case.

The London-based court confirmed the development in a correspondence issued on Tuesday, August 25, 2026.

The court’s Admin Team Lead, James Baker, confirmed that the case has been listed for plea and trial preparation on September 15, 2026.

However, Baker said the exact time and courtroom would only be made available on the day before the hearing.

He stated that the hearing would be open to members of the public.

The development follows claims by the founder of the Community of Nigerians in the United Kingdom, Benjamin Kuti, popularly known as Oluomo of Derby, that Poco Lee was currently in a UK prison and would appear before Snaresbrook Crown Court on September 15.

Kuti had said he became aware of the case through his regular involvement in supporting Nigerians attending court proceedings in the UK.

The latest court confirmation establishes that a case involving Poco Lee is listed for hearing, although details of the specific allegations have not been publicly disclosed in the court correspondence.

Arrest perpetrators of Osun post-election killings - Oyetola tells police

2026-08-25T19:22:45.406+01:00

Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, has asked security operatives to arrest and prosecute perpetrators of killings trailing the governorship election in Osun state.

In a Tuesday post on X, the former governor of Osun expressed concerns over the “escalating post-election violence and tragic loss of lives across parts of the state”.

Oyetola backed Bola Oyebamiji, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the August 15 governorship election, which was won by Ademola Adeleke, the Accord candidate and incumbent governor of the state.

However, since the conclusion of the poll, the state has reportedly continued to witness cases of violence and killings said to be politically motivated.

While condoling families who have lost loved ones in the mindless killings, Oyetola “urged the Osun State Police Command and all other security agencies to act swiftly and decisively to restore order and protect our people”.

“Adequate security personnel should be deployed to volatile areas, public spaces reclaimed from hoodlums, and everyone found responsible for killings and other acts of violence promptly apprehended and brought to justice,” he wrote.

The minister argued that politics must never be a vehicle for bloodshed, as no political ambition is worth a human life.

“I am deeply concerned by the escalating post-election violence and the tragic loss of lives across parts of Osun State,” he said.

“I condemn these attacks in the strongest terms. Violence against our people is a grave assault on the peace, heritage and democratic values that define our state.

“No political ambition, localised transition or commercial interest can ever justify the taking of a human life. Politics must be a vehicle for development, not a catalyst for bloodshed.”

Oyetola appealed to all stakeholders and citizens of the state to exercise restraint, reject violence and embrace dialogue in resolving disputes.

“The progress and prosperity of Osun must never be sacrificed for political or commercial interests,” he added.

APC begins membership registration ahead of 2027 elections

2026-08-25T19:00:21.071+01:00

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced the reopening of its electronic membership registration exercise nationwide ahead of the 2027 general election.

The exercise will resume on Monday, August 31, according to a statement issued on Tuesday by Felix Morka, APC national publicity secretary.

The party urged its stakeholders, supporters and members, including new and intending members, to participate in the exercise, which will be conducted across wards nationwide.

“We invite all Party stakeholders, supporters and members, old and new, to participate in the APC Membership Electronic-Registration Exercise,” the statement reads.

“The exercise will be conducted in all wards nationwide. Existing members are expected to validate their membership, while new and intending members are encouraged to register and join the progressive family.”

The party stated that registrants must be at least 18 years old and possess a valid National Identification Number (NIN).

The party said the exercise is designed to digitise its membership register and improve the integrity and accessibility of membership data.

According to the APC, the digital register will provide more efficient access to membership information for planning and management decisions, while promoting internal democracy and strengthening its adoption of technology in party administration.

The latest exercise follows the APC’s nationwide electronic membership registration and revalidation exercise earlier in 2026.

In January, the party commenced the exercise and subsequently extended the registration deadline from January 31 to February 8 following requests from stakeholders for more time to register and validate their membership.

Ajibola Basiru, APC national secretary, had said in January that the party expected its digitally verified membership to rise to between eight million and nine million within two weeks of the exercise.

Nentawe Yilwatda, APC national chairman, also said in March that the technology-based membership system had strengthened the party’s organisation and mobilisation by providing accurate and verifiable data on members.

TG Omori, Rahman Jago react to Poco Lee’s rumoured arrest for s^xual assau!t in UK

2026-08-25T18:57:20.331+01:00

TG Omori, the Nigerian music video director, and socialite Rahman Jago have reacted to the rumoured arrest of Poco Lee, the dancer, over s*xual assault allegations.

Recently, reports have circulated that the Nigerian dancer was remanded in London over an alleged rape. However, the London Metropolitan Police has yet to confirm the reports.

In separate posts via X on Monday, Omori and Jago, two associates of Poco Lee, reacted to the reports, seemingly giving credence to the rumours.

Omori expressed sadness over Poco Lee’s situation, describing him as one of the kindest people he had ever met.

“It breaks my heart to hear Poco Lee in this sort of mess. That’s the purest soul I have ever met. The devil really works overtime,” he wrote.

In his post, Jago described the situation as “serious and painful”, saying he believes “there is more to this situation than what people may have heard”.

He described Poco Lee as a cheerful person who needs support during this difficult period, while praying that God knows the truth.

“Seeing my brother go through such a serious and painful situation is heartbreaking. I know the person he is, and I truly believe there is more to this situation than what people may have heard, this is not the time to chase clout, we all know Poco to be a joy giver and this is when he needs us the most. May we never be in a situation where only God is our witness,” the post reads.

'Nigerians Don’t Need People Who are Too Big to Talk to Them' – NDC Hits Atiku, Tinubu

2026-08-25T18:24:05.736+01:00

Ahead of the 2027 presidential election, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has criticized President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Atiku Abubakar of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for failing to attend the Peace Accord signing organized by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Port Harcourt.

Theo Abu Agada, NDC’s Director of New Media and Strategic Communications, said Nigerians do not need leaders who are “too big to talk to them.”

He noted that only the NDC’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has consistently engaged with citizens and participated in key national events.Posting on X, Agada wrote:

“The presidential candidates of the APC and the ADC, President Bola Tinubu and Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, were conspicuously absent from the Peace Accord signing and the NBA event in Port Harcourt.

"Only our candidate, His Excellency Mr Peter Obi, has been attending these important events. Nigerians do not need people who are too big to talk to them.”

Agada emphasized that Obi’s accessibility and willingness to interact with Nigerians set him apart from other contenders, reinforcing the NDC’s message of inclusive leadership.

Corruption Part of Requirements to Secure Appointment Under Tinubu- Dalung

2026-08-25T18:19:41.575+01:00

Former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Solomon Dalung, has alleged that corruption appears to be a prerequisite for appointments under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Dalung made the remarks during an interview on Arise Television, reacting to the recently unveiled list of members of Tinubu’s 2027 Presidential Campaign Council.

The council is chaired by former Zamfara State Governor Abdul’aziz Abubakar Yari, who has faced multiple corruption-related forfeitures to the federal government.

According to Dalung, the credibility of Nigeria’s democratic transition is undermined when individuals with corruption allegations are entrusted with campaign responsibilities.

He pointed to figures such as Yari, suspended Minister Betta Edu, and former NSITF Director-General Ngozi Olejeme as examples of controversial appointments.

“If you have a campaign council list made up of persons who have corruption allegations hanging on their necks, then you have to question what the future holds for Nigerians if President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is re-elected in 2027,” Dalung said.

He stressed that the nomination of such personalities raises serious concerns about governance and the integrity of Nigeria’s political process.

Amnesty Int'l Condemns Kuje Chairman Over Threats to Non-APC Voters

2026-08-25T18:14:52.143+01:00

Amnesty International Nigeria has strongly criticised Samuel Danjuma Shekwolo, Chairman of Kuje Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory, following remarks allegedly threatening residents who refuse to support the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The backlash stems from a circulating video in which Shekwolo reportedly declared that residents must either back the APC or leave the council.

He is said to have warned against opposition to the ruling party and President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Amnesty International described the statement as “a direct attack on citizens’ fundamental rights,” stressing that no Nigerian should be compelled to support a political party as a condition for living in any part of the country.

The rights group added: “Authoritatively saying those who will not vote for the APC must leave the Kuje Area Council is a call to violence and direct attack on freedom of association and liberty of persons.”

Calling Shekwolo “a danger to society,” Amnesty urged the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to act swiftly to prevent intimidation of residents over their political choices.

The organisation emphasised that every Nigerian has the constitutional right to freely associate with any political party without fear of persecution.

Atiku, Peter Obi, Kwankwaso Grandstanding, Contributed to Nigeria’s Problems – APC

2026-08-25T18:13:22.560+01:00

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticised opposition figures Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rabiu Kwankwaso, accusing them of contributing to Nigeria’s current problems while engaging in political grandstanding ahead of the 2027 elections.

Felix Morka, APC’s National Publicity Secretary, made the remarks during an interview on TVC’s Beyond The Headlines.

He argued that Kwankwaso, a former Kano State governor, remains part of the political establishment responsible for the nation’s difficulties.

“Kwankwaso, a new direction to where? A new direction to nowhere,” Morka said, dismissing the opposition’s rhetoric as empty slogans.

He insisted that Nigerians are aware of the misgovernance that has plagued the country over generations, not only under military rule but also under democratic leaders.Morka further claimed that Atiku, Obi, and Kwankwaso were “frontline contributors” to Nigeria’s challenges, stressing that their attempts to present themselves as agents of change amounted to mere political theatrics.

According to him, “Simply throwing around buzzwords means nothing. Nigerians know that this country was severely misgoverned by those who wielded authority, and they did not serve the nation well.”

Why Nigerian Bettors Are Choosing Ease Over Loyalty

2026-08-25T17:44:34.530+01:00

Ask any regular sports bettor in Lagos or Port Harcourt why they use a particular platform, and the answer rarely has anything to do with loyalty. It has to do with what happened the last time they tried to withdraw money, load a page during a match, or log in on a phone with patchy data. In 2026, Nigerian users are behaving less like fans of a brand and more like pragmatic customers who follow whichever service removes friction fastest.

This shift matters because it upends an old assumption in the gambling industry: that trust is built slowly, through years of association with one name. That may still be true for banks or telecom providers, but online betting behaves differently. A bettor might use three or four apps in a single week, switching based on network speed, odds availability, or which platform loads without freezing during halftime. Brand names still carry weight, but platforms operating in this space, including options such as Dubibet, are increasingly judged on immediate usability rather than historical reputation. The moment an app forces a user through five extra steps or crashes during a live match, loyalty evaporates.

The pattern is not unique to Nigeria, but local conditions intensify it. Data costs remain a real constraint for many users outside major cities, and mobile networks fluctuate depending on time of day and location. When bandwidth is unpredictable, the platform that loads a betslip in two seconds wins the moment, regardless of which brand a user swore by the week before.

The Real Cost of a Slow Interface

Convenience in online betting isn't an abstract concept. It shows up in concrete, measurable friction points that determine whether someone finishes a transaction or abandons it halfway.

Consider the typical obstacles users face:

Registration forms requiring documents that are hard to upload on a weak connection
Withdrawal processes that take days rather than minutes
Apps that don't function properly on older Android devices, still common across much of the country
Customer support that only operates during limited hours, missing the peak betting windows around weekend fixtures
Payment gateways that don't support local bank transfers or mobile money reliably

Each of these seems minor in isolation. Together, they shape whether a user stays on a platform for six months or six days. A bettor who loses a stake because a page failed to load during a crucial live update doesn't file a formal complaint - they simply download a different app the next day. That quiet, low-drama migration is happening constantly, largely invisible to anyone outside the industry, but it's the real force reshaping user numbers.

How Habits Form Around Ease, Not Emotion

Loyalty programs, bonus structures, and marketing campaigns assume that users make emotional decisions about which platform to support. Increasingly, they don't. Behavioral patterns among mobile-first users suggest habits form around whichever action requires the least cognitive effort.

This explains why so many bettors gravitate toward apps that:

Remember login details without repeated verification steps
Display odds and match data without unnecessary menus
Process withdrawals within the same day
Offer customer service through channels people already use, like WhatsApp
Function smoothly even on 3G connections

None of these features are glamorous. They don't appear in flashy advertising campaigns. But they are the quiet determinants of retention. A platform can have excellent odds and an attractive welcome offer, yet still lose users if the checkout process for a withdrawal takes three extra steps compared to a competitor.

The Cultural Shift Away from Single-Brand Loyalty

There's also a generational element to this. Younger Nigerian users, particularly those under 30, grew up comparing services constantly - data plans, ride-hailing apps, food delivery platforms. Switching between providers based on immediate value has become second nature, not a sign of disloyalty but simply how digital consumption works now.

This mirrors what happened with mobile money years earlier. Users didn't commit to one provider out of sentiment; they used whichever app processed a transfer fastest at that moment, often keeping two or three installed simultaneously. Betting platforms are following the same trajectory. A user might have accounts on multiple sites, opening whichever one offers the smoothest experience for a specific match or promotion that day.

This behavior also reflects a broader distrust of exclusivity. Committing entirely to one platform, in the eyes of many users, means accepting whatever inconvenience that platform introduces, whether it's a server outage during a big match or a delayed payout during a busy weekend. Spreading activity across multiple options acts as a hedge against those risks.

What This Means for the Platforms Themselves

For companies operating in this space, the implication is straightforward but demanding: consistency in performance now outweighs consistency in branding. A recognizable logo or years of market presence provides less protection than it once did. What keeps users engaged is uninterrupted function - fast loading times, reliable payment processing, and support that responds when needed rather than during fixed business hours.

This also changes how platforms should think about infrastructure investment. Spending on advertising campaigns yields diminishing returns if the underlying technical experience doesn't hold up. Users increasingly compare platforms the way they compare grocery delivery apps - not by which one they've used longest, but by which one worked best the last time they needed it.

The broader lesson for Nigeria's betting market in 2026 is that convenience has become the real currency of loyalty. Brand recognition still opens the door, but it's the frictionless experience behind that door which determines whether a user stays, returns, or quietly moves on to the next option available on their home screen.

FULL LIST: Fola leads 2026 Headies nominations, vies for ‘Next Rated’ against Mavo, Shoday

2026-08-25T17:14:58.452+01:00

The organisers of the Headies have released the nomination list for this year’s award show.

In a statement sent on Tuesday, the organisers said the nominations recognise songs and artistes who “defined African music between August 1, 2024 and April 30, 2026”.

The list features 213 nominations spread across 35 categories, with Fola leading the nomination list with 10 nods, followed by Omah Lay with eight, while Mavo and Wizkid received seven nominations each.

Ayra Starr and Tiwa Savage have the most nominations among female artistes, with five each.

In the ‘Next Rated’ category, Fido, Fola, Llona, Mavo, Shoday and Zaylevelten will compete for the award, while Amma, Danpapa GTA, FirstKlaz, Kidd Carder, NO11, Priesst and OG Abbah will battle for Rookie of the Year.

Awilo Longomba, the veteran Congolese singer, will receive the Headies Hall of Fame award, while Cecil Hammond, the Nigerian entertainment executive, will be honoured with the Special Recognition Award “for his lasting contributions to African entertainment”.

The 2026 Headies, themed “Africa to the World,” will take place on October 25 in Toronto, Canada.

See the full nominations list below:

Song of the Year
Arike — Kunmie
Hey Jago — Poco Lee, Shoday & Rahman Jago
Hot Body — Ayra Starr
Joy Is Coming — Fido
MMS — Asake & Wizkid
With You — Davido & Omah Lay

Afrobeats Single of the Year
Fun — Rema
Jogodo — Asake & Wizkid
Laho — Shallipopi
With You — Davido & Omah Lay
You — Fola
Bundle by Bundle — Burna Boy

Best Performer (Live)
Adekunle Gold — Live at the National Theatre, Lagos
Asake — Red Bull Symphonic
Ayra Starr — Global Citizen Festival 2025
Johnny Drille — Johnny’s Room Live 6
Ruger — Live at Indigo at The O2, London (2025)

Best R&B Album
Before We Became Strangers — Kunmie
Catharsis — Fola
I Am the Blueprint — Qing Madi
Love Is a Kingdom — Tems
Reflection Station — Tay Iwar
This One Is Personal — Tiwa Savage

Best Recording of the Year
Arike — Kunmie
How Do You? — Amaeya
Baby (Is It a Crime) — Rema
Coping Mechanism — Omah Lay & Elmah
With You — Davido & Omah Lay
You — Fola

Best Alternative Album
Afrika Magik — SDC
Detox — Sewa
Duplicity — BOJ
Healers Chapel — Wizard Chan
Olorin Pack — Scottyolorin
Then 1t Got Crazy — Zaylevelten

Digital Artiste of the Year
Asake
Ayra Starr
BNXN
Chella
Fola
Mavo
Seyi Vibez
Wizkid

Next Rated
Fido
Fola
Llona
Mavo
Shoday

Afrobeats Album of the Year
5ive — Davido
Captain — BNXN
Clarity of Mind — Omah Lay
Fuji — Adekunle Gold
Morayo — Wizkid
No Sign of Weakness — Burna Boy

Music Video of the Year
Director Pink — 10 Kilo — Davido
Dammy Twitch — With You — Davido
TG Omori — Afroculture — Flavour ft Baaba Maal
Jyde Ajala — Wizard Chan
DK — Bundle by Bundle — Burna Boy

Best Female Artiste
Ayra Starr
Qing Madi
Sewa
Tems
Teni
Tiwa Savage

Best Male Artiste
Adekunle Gold
Asake
Fola
Mavo
Rema
Wizkid
Burna Boy

Rookie of the Year
Amma
Danpapa Gta
Firstklaz
Kidd Carder
No11
Priesst
OG Abbah

Best Inspirational Single
Amioluwa — Sunmisola Agbebi ft Yinka Okeleye
Favour — Lawrence Oyor
Idinma (You Are Good) — Sinach
Korin Iyin (I Will Praise You) — EmmaOMG
No Turning Back 2 — Gaise Baba ft Lawrence Oyor
We Move — Mercy Chinwo

Best Vocal Performance (Male)
Adekunle Gold — I’m Not Done
Flavour — Orente
Magixx — Winter and Summer
Odeal — Patience
Syemca — Love Egbugomo
Tay Iwar — Bad Belle

Best Vocal Performance (Female)
Layefa — 6:35
Amaeya — How Do You?
Sewa — Lagos Lovin
Qing Madi — Scum Bag
Liya — Skin to Skin
Tiwa Savage — You4Me

Best Street-Hop Artiste
Famous Pluto — Na Scra
Kashcoming — All My Money
Poco Lee — Hey Jago ft Shoday and Rahman Jago
Seyi Vibez — Shaolin
Shallipopi — Laho
Tuff King — Nkemakonam
Rybeena — Gaddem ft Shoday

International Artiste of the Year
Ciara
Dave
Gunna
Jazmine Sullivan
Shenseea
Tiakola

NAFDAC orders recall of sachet alcohol, threatens violators with ‘heavy’ fines, business closure

2026-08-25T17:14:54.880+01:00

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has ordered manufacturers of alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and plastic bottles below 200ml to recall and destroy the affected products.

In a statement on Monday, Mojisola Adeyeye, NAFDAC director-general, said the directive followed the expiration of the transition period given to manufacturers to comply with the federal government’s ban on the sale and production of alcoholic drinks in the prohibited pack sizes.

The ban took effect on January 1, 2026, following concerns over the accessibility of high-alcohol-content beverages in small, inexpensive and easily concealed packages.

Adeyeye said manufacturers found violating the ban must commence nationwide recalls of the affected products and submit periodic compliance reports to NAFDAC.

She said the recalled products would be inventoried and destroyed under the agency’s supervision, with manufacturers bearing the cost.

NAFDAC said it has commenced phased enforcement of the ban, beginning with manufacturers and extending to markets, motor parks, retail outlets, bars and distribution centres nationwide.

The agency said affected manufacturers would also be required to sign irrevocable enforcement undertakings through the Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria (DIBAN) and the Association of Food, Beverage and Tobacco Employers (AFBTE).

Adeyeye noted that facilities found producing the prohibited products would remain closed until NAFDAC verifies that the relevant production lines have been dismantled, permanently disabled or reconfigured.

She warned that defaulting manufacturers could face continued closure, placement on NAFDAC’s regulatory watchlist, suspension or revocation of product registrations and other regulatory or legal sanctions.

“If you are a manufacturer of alcoholic beverages in sachets and PET bottles less than 200ml and we find your product in the market, you will be fined heavily,” the statement reads.

“And the manufacturing facility will be closed down permanently. We will use POCA, Proceeds of Crime Law, to deal with such manufacturing.”

Adeyeye said industry groups had indicated their readiness to comply with the ban, adding that manufacturers had previously proposed reconfiguring their production lines to meet the new requirements.

Manufacturers were initially given a five-year moratorium under a December 2018 memorandum of understanding to reconfigure their production lines and transition to larger pack sizes.

Following further consultations with stakeholders, the deadline was extended to December 31, 2025.

NAFDAC said the enforcement is aimed at reducing the accessibility of high-alcohol-content products to children and young people and curbing alcohol-related harm.

The agency urged members of the public to report the manufacture, distribution or sale of alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets or PET/plastic bottles below 200ml to the nearest NAFDAC office or through its official communication channels.

Nigeria Will Change if Adeleke Becomes President – B-Red

2026-08-25T16:35:50.174+01:00

Nigerian singer Adebayo Adeleke, popularly known as B-Red, has expressed confidence that the country would undergo major changes if his father, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, were to become President.

The remark, made during a 2023 interview on the Echoroom podcast, resurfaced on social media shortly after Adeleke secured a second term as governor on August 15, 2026, under the Accord Party. He defeated APC candidate Bola Oyebamiji with 511,067 votes to 444,815.

In the interview, B-Red admitted he would prefer his father not to pursue the presidency due to the stress it could bring to the family.

However, he emphasized Adeleke’s kind-hearted nature and commitment to serving Nigerians.“But I know my dad, he has such a good heart, but if he does become the president, this country go change oh,” he said.

B-Red added that Adeleke would focus on improving the lives of citizens rather than using public office for personal gain. “We’re not coming here to steal money, bro. I’m coming here to help people, you understand?” he said.

Shinkafi Pushes Ahead With Campaign Despite Zamfara Primary Court Case

2026-08-25T16:28:28.041+01:00

Dr. Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Zamfara North senatorial aspirant, has vowed to continue his campaign despite a pending court case challenging the party’s primary election.

Speaking to journalists in Gusau on Monday, Shinkafi said his campaign and mobilisation teams would be set up in line with the official schedule, stressing that the legal dispute would not deter him.

“Nobody can intimidate me. I have every right to campaign for the APC and for my candidature. I am confident that, based on what we have presented before the court, we will win the case,” he declared.

Beyond politics, Shinkafi urged the Zamfara State Government to prioritize security, human capital development, and the welfare of residents.

He argued that improved security in Zamfara would positively affect neighbouring states such as Sokoto, Katsina, Kaduna, Kebbi, and Niger.

He advised Governor Dauda Lawal to redirect resources from new projects toward tackling insecurity and improving living conditions, insisting that addressing insecurity must remain the state’s top priority.

2027: Atiku Challenges Tinubu to Presidential Debate

2026-08-25T15:13:25.115+01:00

Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has thrown down the gauntlet to President Bola Tinubu, insisting that his participation in presidential debates ahead of the 2027 elections will only happen if the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) also takes part.

Atiku’s stance was conveyed in a statement by his spokesperson, Kenneth Okonkwo, who argued that debates should serve as platforms for both ruling and opposition parties to present their policies to Nigerians.

He condemned the practice of hosting debates exclusively among opposition candidates, describing it as a tactic by the APC government to sow division while evading public scrutiny.

“The situation in Nigeria today, where presidential debates are organised among opposition parties only, is untenable,” the statement read.

“This has become a strategy that the failed, incompetent, and corrupt APC government under Tinubu has been using to instigate the opposition to attack each other while shielding itself from scrutiny.”

Atiku emphasized that he remains open to engaging Nigerians through interviews, town halls, and press conferences, but will not participate in debates that exclude the ruling party.

He challenged Tinubu to a national presidential debate, stressing that such a forum would allow Nigerians to compare policies and make informed choices in 2027.

Bandits Kill Three, Abduct Ten in Fresh Zamfara Attack

2026-08-25T15:08:51.417+01:00

Armed bandits have launched another violent assault in Zamfara State, killing three residents and abducting at least ten others in Taketsaba village, Talata Mafara Local Government Area.

Conflict analyst Bakastine, who reported the incident on his X handle, revealed that the victims included women and infants.

Among those killed was Aliyu M. Taketsaba, a Civil Defence officer serving in Mafara Division. A primary school teacher, Tanimu Aliyu Takatsaba, was also confirmed to be among the abducted.

The attack has intensified fears in communities around Talata Mafara, where armed groups continue to terrorize residents. Bakastine had earlier raised alarms about the growing insecurity in the area, calling for urgent intervention.

As of press time, the Zamfara State Police Command has not issued an official statement, and the fate of the abducted victims remains uncertain.

How I mobilised Ogun people to protest subsidy removal under Obasanjo - Oshiomhole

2026-08-25T15:00:24.258+01:00

Adams Oshiomhole, senator representing Edo north, has recounted how he mobilised Ogun residents to protest the removal of petrol subsidy under former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

The former Edo governor spoke on Sunday during the seventh national discourse organised by The Companion, an association of Muslim men in business and the professions, at the University of Lagos (UNILAG).

The programme, themed ‘Nigeria’s Political Landscape and The Ethno-Religious Divides’, was chaired by Ibrahim Shekarau, former governor of Kano, with Obafemi Hazmat, deputy governor of Lagos, as special guest of honour.

Obasanjo served as president of Nigeria between 1999 and 2007, during which Oshiomhole was president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

In June 2020, Atiku Abubakar, who was vice-president to Obasanjo at the time, said he was the one assigned to negotiate with the NLC chairman, but his efforts were frustrated.

During the conference, Oshiomhole recalled how he visited Abeokuta and got people including Afolabi Salisu, chairman of senate committee on ICT and cyber security, to canvass against petrol subsidy removal under Obasanjo.

Oshiomhole said he rejected the removal because he believed the Obasanjo’s administration at the time lacked the enabling capacity to distribute the subsidy gains equitably to all Nigerians.

“All I tried to do when I was NLC President, for example, was to go to Abeokuta and say to Abeokuta people… this subsidy Baba want to take, he can take it, but he cannot return it to the poor because they claim it is wasteful they will take it and do something for the poor,” Oshiomhole said.

“All I tried to do when I was NLC President, for example, was to go to Abeokuta and say to Abeokuta people, ‘This subsidy Baba wants to take, he can take it, but he cannot return it to the poor because they claim it is wasteful. They will take it and do something for the poor.’” Oshiomhole said.

“He has the capacity to take, but he doesn’t have the enabling capacity to distribute it because certain infrastructure you need for such distribution are absent.

“To prove [this to] the people, I got Ogun people, including Afolabi, to go on strike against Obasanjo. When we organised those protests, even the University of Lagos (UNILAG) workers and the students joined us. Only the vice-chancellor and the HODs pretended to be neutral, but in private, they agreed that if the battles succeed, they too will benefit for four years.”

He said some of the people who opposed his move at the time have in recent times decried the high cost of petrol, but he told them the struggle is over.

“Now, everybody is saying, ‘I can’t pay N100,000 for one litre, how much is my salary. I have seen those who used to lecture me about wastage, diversion, better deployment of resources, I have seen them now speaking my language. But I told, no, we’ve moved on, forward ever, backward never,” the senator said.

‘NOTHING LIKE ETHNIC RIGHTS’

Speaking on the theme of the conference, Oshiomhole said ethnicity should have no place in a democracy, arguing that poor Nigerians across the country face the same challenges.

“In rejecting feudal rulership and opting for democracy, ethnicity should have no place, because the poor man from the west, north and south all have the same federal character. And there is no difference between the hunger in the Yoruba man’s stomach and that of the one in Urhobo or in Auchi,” he said.

“In my view, there is no such thing as ethnic right because within every ethnic group, you have the oppressor and the oppressed. You have the good, the bad and the ugly. And you also have people of diverse religions. It is so in the north and south.”

Oshiomhole noted that democracy is expected to amplify the rights and privileges of an individual, not of an ethnic group.

“But ethnic champions and religious elites manipulate ethnic privileges to provide a false basis for electioneering and means to acquire power,” he said.

“My summary is this: we own Nigeria. The challenge we have now is how to demystify the ethnic thing, remove that shield, let everybody bear his father’s name. Let’s compete for power not on the basis of where you come but on the basis of the ideas and values you bring. That way, we will build a united country.”

BACKGROUND

The senator’s remarks came amid growing public debate over the impact of the petrol subsidy removal since the beginning of the current administration.

Opposition presidential candidates, including Atiku of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Peter Obi, have in recent weeks criticised the current administration over the poor utilisation of the subsidy gains.

On Monday, Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), reiterated his support for the subsidy removal, arguing that the mismanagement of its proceeds isn’t enough reasons to bring back the policy.

Also, Atiku, who had reportedly vowed to remove the subsidy if elected president in the build-up to the 2023 election, however, made a U-turn last Wednesday.

Speaking during an interview with an ADC media group, Atiku said he would restore the petrol subsidy if elected president in 2027.

According to him, President Bola Tinubu’s administration has failed to account for the funds saved from the removal of the petrol subsidy.

Reacting, Tinubu said Atiku’s proposal showed “serious ignorance of governance and economy”, noting that before he assumed office, some states struggled to pay salaries and pensions.

The controversy followed a disclosure by Taiwo Oyedele, minister of finance and coordinating minister of the economy, that the removal of the petrol subsidy mobilised N15.8 trillion in resources for the federation between June 2023 and December 2025.

Tunji Disu orders CPs to treat mob action as homicide

2026-08-25T14:58:24.210+01:00

Tunji Disu, the inspector-general of police, has ordered a nationwide crackdown on jungle justice and mob action.

Speaking in a video posted on the X handle of the Nigeria Police Force, Disu directed police commissioners in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to treat every case of mob violence as homicide.

The IGP said no Nigerian community, vigilante group or association had the legal authority to arrest, try, convict or execute a person based on suspicion, accusation, rumour or social media evidence.

“Jungle justice is murder. It is not justice. It is a crime, and the Nigeria Police Force will treat it as such. It is illegal. Nigeria operates under the rule of law, not mob rule. No citizen, no community, no group has the right to try, sentence or execute another person,” Disu said.

“Sections 33, 34 and 36 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, have guarantees for every Nigerian, even a suspect, the right to life, dignity and fair hearing. Mob action violates the victim’s right to life, to dignity and to a fair hearing.”

The IGP said the law presumes every person innocent until proven guilty in a court of law, noting that suspicion, allegations, photographs or videos cannot replace proper investigation and judicial proceedings.

He warned that those who kill suspected criminals could face murder charges and severe punishment under Nigerian law.

“The punishment is severe, and it will be enforced. Anybody who assaults or summarily executes a suspected criminal is guilty of murder, which is punishable by death,” he said.

“Section 319 of the Criminal Code and section 221 of the Penal Code are very clear about this. Any person who unlawfully kills another person is guilty of murder or manslaughter, depending on the circumstances.

“Anybody who plans, incites or encourages the mob by giving them support, even without laying a hand on the victim, is criminally liable.

“Those who merely share, who support the acts, can be charged with conspiracy or will be charged with conspiracy to murder, and this carries 14 years’ imprisonment.”

Disu cited the March 2025 killing of 16 travellers in Uromi, Edo state, as a reminder of the consequences of mob justice.

He said similar incidents had resulted in people being killed over unverified allegations, including students accused of stealing phones, travellers mistaken for criminals, and young people attacked over allegations of blasphemy or ritual activities.

“I have directed all commissioners of police across the 36 states of Nigeria and the FCT to treat every case of mob action as homicide, and they should investigate it like that,” Disu said.

“Full forensic and intelligence follow-up, no exception. We will identify, listen, arrest and prosecute not just the ringleaders but everybody available, everybody we can identify who took part in it.”

He said investigators would rely on video recordings, eyewitness accounts, community intelligence and forensic evidence to identify perpetrators.

Disu said recording mob attacks, circulating videos, mobilising crowds or preventing security personnel from rescuing suspects could attract criminal consequences where such conduct amounts to an offence.

The IGP added that police officers could be held accountable for failing to intervene in mob action.

Tinubu afflicting Nigerians with poverty, practicing voodoo economics – Kenneth Okonkwo

2026-08-25T14:58:20.527+01:00

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Kenneth Okonkwo, on Sunday accused President Bola Tinubu of afflicting Nigerians with poverty using dubious statistics.

Featuring on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Okonkwo accused Tinubu’s administration of practising voodoo economics.

He lamented the prices of food and transportation costs.

According to Okonkwo: “George Sylvester made it clear that when a nation’s growth rises on paper but the people sink in hunger, that is not progress, but polished poverty wearing the mask of statistics.

“So what Tinubu is doing is afflicting Nigerians with poverty, and they are dubiously using statistics. You can see how food prices are rising, transport prices are rising, and everything is rising while inflation is going down.

“The definition of inflation is when the prices of goods are rising, so if the prices of goods are rising and you are telling us that the inflation figure is going down, that is voodoo economics.”

Agbebaku Rejects Impeachment Claim, Insists He Resigned as Edo Speaker

2026-08-25T14:52:17.425+01:00

Former Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, has dismissed reports of his impeachment, maintaining that he voluntarily resigned from the position.

Agbebaku, who represents Owan West Constituency, faulted the Assembly’s decision to convert his resignation into an impeachment during plenary on August 24, 2026.

His resignation letter, dated August 17 and addressed to the Office of the Speaker, was shared publicly on his Facebook page.In a statement titled “Setting the Record Straight: I resigned, I was not impeached”, Agbebaku explained that he personally handed his resignation letter to Majority Leader Sunny Ojiezele, who then presented it to Deputy Speaker Atu Osawonyi.

He added that he publicly announced his decision on the floor of the House, with the proceedings covered by television and media outlets.

“There is both documentary and video evidence of exactly what transpired. My resignation was formally submitted and publicly announced. Facts are sacred. History must not be rewritten,” he said.

Agbebaku expressed shock at social media reports portraying his resignation as impeachment, stressing that both processes are constitutionally distinct. He said his decision to step down was made in the interest of peace, progress, and development in Edo State and his constituency.

He reaffirmed his loyalty to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and his commitment to representing the people of Owan West.

“For the avoidance of doubt and for the sake of history and posterity, on 17th August 2026, I voluntarily resigned as Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly. I was not impeached,” he concluded.

Uzor Kalu Names Two Major Problems Crippling Nigeria’s Economy

2026-08-25T13:54:01.746+01:00

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, who represents Abia North Senatorial District, has identified the high price of fuel and the naira’s exchange rate against the dollar as the two major problems crippling Nigeria’s economy.

Kalu made the remarks on Monday during an interview on News Central Television. He argued that Nigeria cannot build a sustainable economy by depending solely on oil while continuing to import basic necessities, and called for a decisive shift toward domestic production across all sectors to achieve long-term stability and growth.

“There are two things crippling this economy … the price of fuel and the price of the dollar,” he said.

“We cannot build a sustainable economy by relying on oil. Sometimes, I also blame government officials who don’t agree to make some sacrifices to see truly how our economy is running.

“And, to be honest with you, the young people are right because anybody will wake up and say, ‘Oh, when will this be over?’“

This economy has been unproductive since 1960. What I do is production, and I continue to say that the economy must be productive. We must produce.

“If we don’t produce, no matter the amount of oil you get out of the Niger Delta or elsewhere, it’s not going to be our solution. Because as we produce oil, we should also be using the proceeds to buy things that we need, especially food.”

Poco Lee to Appear in London Court September 15 Over Assault

2026-08-25T13:39:14.071+01:00

Popular Nigerian dancer and socialite Iweh Odinaka, better known as Poco Lee, is being held on remand in the United Kingdom and is scheduled to appear in a London court next month over an alleged assault offence.

Benjamin Kuti, popularly known as the Oluomo of Derby and founder of the Community of Nigerians in the United Kingdom, confirmed the development in a conversation with our correspondent on Monday.

He said Poco Lee is currently in a UK prison and will appear before Snaresbrook Crown Court on September 15, 2026, at exactly 10 am for a plea hearing.

Kuti, who regularly attends court proceedings and supports Nigerians facing legal issues in the UK, stated: “I can confirm that the reports are true. Poco Lee is currently on remand in a UK prison. His next court date is scheduled for the second week of September, when he is expected to have a plea hearing.”

He explained that a plea hearing typically requires the accused to enter either a guilty or not-guilty plea. Kuti added that he plans to attend the proceedings to offer support.

“I will also be attending the court proceedings as part of my support for the Nigerian community in the UK, to ensure that our fellow Nigerian receives the appropriate support during this difficult period of his life. It is important that we allow the legal process to take its course. Everyone is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. His hearing would be at Snaresbrook Crown Court on September 15, 2026, at exactly 10 am,” he said.

Reports of Poco Lee’s alleged detention first circulated online on August 19. Early accounts did not identify the alleged complainant, provide details of the circumstances, or confirm whether formal charges had been filed.

At the time, neither UK police nor the court had independently verified the arrest. An email sent to the court seeking confirmation of the trial details had not received a response by the time of this report.

Stop inviting African Dictators, Falana Faults NBA Over George Weah Invitation

2026-08-25T13:30:59.372+01:00

Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria Femi Falana has strongly criticised the Nigerian Bar Association for inviting former Liberian President George Weah as a keynote speaker at its annual conference.

Falana accused Weah’s administration of undermining judicial independence in Liberia.

Speaking in a video posted on the NBA’s YouTube channel on Monday, after Weah’s address at the 66th Annual General Conference in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Sunday, Falana was blunt.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I’m delighted to be here. But let me say this, because you know I have to be frank with the audience. And this goes for the leadership of the Bar. I want to appeal that the Bar Association must stop inviting dictators in Africa to come and address us,” he said.

He claimed that under Weah’s rule from 2018 to 2024, the Liberian judiciary was effectively captured, forcing citizens to seek justice outside the country at the ECOWAS Court.

Falana cited a case involving Mandingo people whose land was allegedly seized during the war.

The ECOWAS Court ruled in their favour, he said, but Weah refused to enforce the judgment.

The current Boakai administration has only recently set up a committee to implement it.Falana also referenced the dismissal of an associate justice of Liberia’s Supreme Court.

The ECOWAS Court later nullified the dismissal, ordered the justice’s reinstatement, and awarded $200,000 in compensation yet Weah’s government again failed to comply, according to the senior lawyer.

“Now, that is the man coming here to talk to us about the rule of law and democracy,” Falana remarked.

He further alleged that drug trafficking flourished during Weah’s tenure. Falana noted that on 19 August, Weah’s former vice president, Jewel Howard-Taylor (referred to as Madam Edith in the remarks), was arrested and is standing trial over alleged drug trafficking involving $370 million.

He also criticised Weah for leaving Liberia for nine days during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar to support his son Timothy, who played for the United States, claiming public funds were used for the trip.

Falana urged the NBA to be more selective, pointing to Namibia’s female president, vice president and speaker, as well as Nigeria’s late Obafemi Awolowo, as more suitable figures to invite.

Weah, in his keynote address themed around the conference’s “Beyond Limits” focus, had called on lawyers and judges to remain impartial and stressed the need for an independent judiciary protected by a fearless legal profession.

He warned that democracy is tested daily and cannot survive on “strong men” but on strong institutions, describing corrupt governments that collude with judges to undermine the rule of law as a major threat.

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who declared the conference open, similarly called for a courageous and independent judiciary.The 66th NBA Annual General Conference took place in Port Harcourt.

2027: APC Disowns Abayomi Hunye, Reaffirms Yayi as Ogun Guber Candidate

2026-08-25T13:24:07.495+01:00

The national leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has firmly rejected claims by Abayomi Hunye regarding the party’s governorship ticket in Ogun State, insisting that Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, remains the duly nominated candidate for the 2027 election.

In a statement signed by National Secretary Senator Ajibola Basiru, the party described Hunye as an “impostor” who is currently under suspension and therefore lacks any legal or moral standing to represent the APC.

The suspension, effective April 7, 2026, followed a petition from Tube Ward in Ipokia Local Government Area. It was driven by the ward executives, ratified at the local government level, and approved by the Ogun State Working Committee before being communicated to the national headquarters.

The party cited reasons for the suspension as activities injurious to the APC’s image and actions aimed at causing disaffection and division among members.

Basiru emphasised that Hunye’s recent claims about the 2027 governorship candidacy are “completely false, unauthorised and mischievous.”

The APC reaffirmed that Adeola emerged as the candidate after a validly conducted primary, in which he secured 304,055 votes.

His running mate is Kudirat Balogun (also referred to as Balogun Kudirat Abiodun or Kudirat Abiodun Adegunwa-Balogun).

The names of both candidates have been uploaded to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) portal, and the commission has issued official acknowledgement slips confirming them as the party’s flag bearers for the election scheduled for early 2027.

The party warned that anyone associating or doing political business with Hunye in the name of the APC does so at their own risk. It said it would not be liable for any resulting losses or liabilities and has instructed its legal team to pursue contempt proceedings and file complaints with security agencies over alleged misrepresentation and impersonation.

The Ogun State chapter of the APC, in a separate statement signed by State Chairman Chief Yemi Sanusi, echoed the national position.

It declared Adeola the duly recognised governorship candidate and dissociated the party from any contrary claims by Hunye or others.

Hunye had earlier held a press briefing in Abeokuta in which he faulted the primary process that produced Adeola, stated that he was challenging it in court, and unveiled a running mate.

His media team later clarified that he had not declared himself the APC candidate but maintained that the matter remains before the courts.

A party chieftain and former federal lawmaker, Kayode Oladele, criticised Hunye’s continued activities, describing them as a “one-man show” that does not represent the APC’s position, noting that the nomination process has been concluded and the party has moved on.

The APC urged supporters and the public to disregard Hunye’s claims and rely only on official communications from the party and relevant electoral authorities.

How Cancer Symptoms Can be Mistaken for Ulcer — Aproko Doctor

2026-08-25T13:00:03.091+01:00

The sudden death of veteran Nollywood actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, has raised questions about how someone who seemed healthy in public just weeks earlier could later be diagnosed with advanced cancer.

Hassan, 66, died on Sunday, 23 August 2026, after battling cancer. His family only publicly confirmed his condition days before his passing, sparking widespread discussion about the rapid decline in his health.

Nigerian doctor and health educator Aproko Doctor addressed the issue in a series of posts on X. He stressed that looking well outwardly does not always mean everything is fine inside the body. Some serious illnesses, including certain cancers, can develop quietly and produce symptoms that initially resemble more common, less serious problems.

He specifically tackled the frequent tendency to attribute recurring stomach issues to ulcer. An ulcer does not simply transform into cancer, he clarified. However, some cancers—particularly those of the stomach—can cause symptoms that people commonly describe as ulcer-related.

As a result, individuals may continue treating what they believe is an ulcer while the real underlying cause goes undetected.Aproko Doctor advised people with ongoing stomach problems not to rely indefinitely on previously prescribed ulcer medication.

Persistent symptoms should instead prompt thorough medical investigation to identify the true cause.Warning signs that warrant professional evaluation include persistent stomach pain, unexplained weight loss, repeated vomiting, loss of appetite, difficulty swallowing, or feeling full unusually quickly.

These do not automatically indicate cancer, he noted, but they are reasons to consult a healthcare professional rather than dismiss them.At the same time, he urged against unnecessary panic: most cases of stomach pain are not cancer.

The key message is to avoid spending months or years treating a diagnosis that was never properly confirmed. If symptoms keep returning, find out why.

He also discouraged self-diagnosis and encouraged seeking proper medical advice for lingering issues.Ogogo, whose career spanned more than four decades, was buried in his hometown of Ilaro, Ogun State, on Monday according to Islamic rites.

His death has renewed conversations about the challenges of detecting certain serious illnesses early.

El-Rufai Persecuted Christians, Marginalised Communities in Kaduna – Fani-Kayode

2026-08-25T12:50:05.877+01:00

Nigeria’s Ambassador to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode, has again criticised former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, accusing him of persecuting Christians and marginalising Christian communities during his eight-year tenure.

Fani-Kayode made the claims while meeting the Chairman of the Northern Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Joseph Hayab, and members of the association’s executive council. The discussion also touched on the growing political rift between El-Rufai and his successor, Governor Uba Sani.

According to Fani-Kayode, the treatment of Christians under El-Rufai went beyond ordinary political differences and amounted to discrimination against certain communities in the state.

He alleged that Christians were killed during the former governor’s administration, that some communities in Southern Kaduna were denied development projects and government allocations, and that El-Rufai made derogatory remarks about Christian leaders while treating some Christian officials with contempt.

He noted that many Christians in Kaduna protested what they saw as unfair policies but largely opted for peace and prayer rather than violence.“Barnabas Bala Bantex, who served as El-Rufai’s deputy governor, was subjected to insults because of his Christian faith during cabinet meetings,” Fani-Kayode said.

“El-Rufai is a monster who attempted to weaken Christian communities and undermine their faith. He did not enjoy unanimous support among Muslims during his time in office.“Some of my Muslim associates had contacted me to complain about policies and statements attributed to El-Rufai. My criticism of El-Rufai is not based solely on party politics.”

Police Burst ‘Baby Factory’ in Ogun, Rescue Two Pregnant Women, Four Children

2026-08-25T12:45:31.330+01:00

Operatives of the Mowe Division of the Ogun State Police Command on Monday dismantled an illegal baby factory syndicate operating at Toluwalase Street, Abaren Village, in Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area, arresting six suspects.

The raid, conducted at about 8 a.m. on 24 August 2026 following sustained intelligence, also led to the rescue of two heavily pregnant women and four children. The women were identified as Ilesanmi Foluke, 23, who was seven months pregnant, and Ejekwa Melody, 20, who was eight months pregnant. The four children comprised two boys and two girls.

The suspects in custody are Florence Glory Ogbona, 58; Magdalene Julius, 63 (an attending nurse); Oseni Kusamotu Idaya; Chidike Egwuonwu, 40; Onyechu Chidike, 35; and Stephen Ogbona, 39.According to the Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Oluborode Opeyemi, preliminary investigations showed that human trafficking and illegal adoption activities had been taking place systematically at the facility.

Follow-up operations based on further intelligence took officers to a hospital in the Mowe axis, where another victim, Blessing Bright Effiong, 26, had given birth to a baby boy on 20 August 2026. While the mother was receiving medical care, the whereabouts of the newborn could not be established, prompting the arrest of the attending nurse to aid efforts to locate the infant.

The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) at Eleweran, Abeokuta, for thorough investigation to determine the full scope of the syndicate’s activities, recover the missing newborn, and ensure the prosecution of all those found culpable.

Commissioner of Police Bode Ojajuni commended the operatives and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to eradicating human trafficking, child trading and other violent crimes in Ogun State. He urged residents to remain vigilant and continue supplying timely, credible information to support intelligence-led policing.