CKN News

NDC Faction Dissociates Itself From 59-member Obi Presidential Campaign Council

2026-09-20T07:49:40.299+01:00

The leadership of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has distanced itself from the 59-member presidential campaign council constituted by OK Movement, a support group for Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the party, and his running mate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

In a statement on Saturday, Cleopas Moses, NDC national chairman, said the list did not emanate from the party and should be disregarded.

EFCC Hands Over Recovered N140m To Loan Firm In Lagos

2026-09-20T07:46:03.845+01:00

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, Okotie-Eboh, Ikoyi, Lagos, on Thursday, September 17, 2026, handed over the sum of N140,000,000.00 (One Hundred and Forty Million Naira) to an investment and money-lending company, B4 Sail Limited.

The recovery of the funds, handed over in bank drafts by the Acting Zonal Director, Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE I Bawa Usman Kaltungo, followed investigations into an alleged case of obtaining money by false pretence and diversion of funds involving one Jacob Oyebola Esan and companies linked to him.

In a petition submitted on April 20, 2026, B4 Sail Limited alleged that Esan, on behalf of his company, Geo Fields Plc, had approached the company in August 2025 for a N500,000,000.00 (Five Hundred Million Naira) loan facility to boost his business.

The loan facility, according to the petitioner, attracted an interest rate of 15 per cent per month and had a tenor of one month.

Investigation revealed that Esan, who is the first suspect, had previously obtained other loan facilities from the company, bringing his total loan exposure to N1,065,000,000.00 (One Billion, Sixty-Five Million Naira).

It was also revealed that Esan pledged shares held by him as collateral for the facilities through Calyx Securities Limited, the clearing house for the stocks, with the understanding that the shares would be subject to a lien in favour of B4 Sail Limited and that the company would have the first right of payment upon the sale of the shares.

The lien, investigation revealed, was communicated to B4 Sail Limited through a letter signed by the second suspect, Gbolahan Azeez Bello, Managing Director, Calyx Securities Limited.

Further investigation, however, revealed that the shares pledged as collateral had been sold without the knowledge of the petitioner, resulting in the suspect's alleged default in repaying the facilities.

Consequently, the outstanding loan and accrued interest had risen to N2,250,500,000.00 (Two Billion, Two Hundred and Fifty Million, Five Hundred Thousand Naira).

Speaking during the handover ceremony, Kaltungo stated that the recovery “represents a further step in the Commission's efforts to ensure that funds and assets recovered in the course of its investigations are appropriately returned to legitimate owners and victims in accordance with due process.

Ease Visa Challenges For Nigerians , Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Ojukwu Urges Embassies

2026-09-20T07:40:04.477+01:00

Minister of Foreign Affairs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu has called on foreign embassies, consulates and high commissions in Nigeria to review their visa processes and reduce lengthy waiting periods for Nigerian applicants. She made the appeal on Saturday, September 19, 2026, while speaking on the outcome of her first formal briefing with members of the diplomatic corps and heads of international organisations in Abuja.

The minister said prolonged visa delays create difficulties for legitimate travellers, students, businesspeople and families. While acknowledging that every country has the sovereign right to determine its own visa policies, she urged foreign missions to promote greater efficiency, transparency and responsiveness in processing applications submitted by Nigerians.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu said the meeting also focused on strengthening Nigeria’s diplomatic and bilateral relationships, including cooperation in trade, investment, fintech, agriculture, security, education and capacity building. She said the Federal Government plans to revitalise inactive joint and bi-national commissions to achieve more tangible outcomes from Nigeria’s international partnerships.

The minister further stressed the importance of effective communication between Nigeria and foreign missions, urging diplomats to route official communications through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. She said the ministry would continue working with diplomatic missions to address consular concerns and ensure that Nigeria’s foreign relations produce practical benefits for Nigerians.

Oga Charles, When You Sell Your Brother Cheap, No One Will Trust You By CKN

2026-09-19T12:33:09.409+01:00

When I look back at every attempts made by Governor Charles Soludo to demarket one of his predecessors in office, Peter Obi, the question I've asked, is it for the genuine interest and love of Anambarians or mere jealousy ?

I don't know the genesis of their problems but the much i can recollect is that Charles Soludo prior to the 2023 Presidential election came out to say his kinsman Peter Obi was not fit to be President of Nigeria , that he will not win any State in the Federation ( but Peter Obi went on to win 12 States ) although he lost the election

Since then Soludo has seized every opportunities he got wash Obi down in public

In all these , I've not seen Peter Obi replying him except when he needed to put the records straight

Although Charles Soludo slowed down for a while , he has resurfaced again as preparations hot up for the 2027 General election

His attacks have become very furious and vicious

If I may ask , what is Charles Soludo's agenda and whose interest is he trying to serve

It is a known fact that Soludo has declared his support for incumbent President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu ( just as he did in 2023 ) , it is his legitimate right which he is entitled to

But trying to bring down your kinsman just for a pot of porridge in my recogning is distasteful

You can still give your candidate your full support without dragging your predecessor in the mud

There'll always be a tomorrow ( if Charles Soludo is in doubt, he can ask Nasir El-Rufai)

The PULL ME DOWN syndrome amongst Igbos ( especially) politicians is something I don't understand, it didn't start today and this is why people from other parts of Nigeria don't trust us with leadership, if not ask yourself why an Igbo has not be Nigeria President since 1979 even when minority region like South South have had a shot at it

If you cannot trust yourselves, how will others trust you

The notion Soludo is giving Nigerians is that nothing good can come out of Anambra nay South East

No matter what Soludo does , he can never be accepted as a member of the inner caucus of the current government ( if in doubt , he can ask Nyesom Wike)

Don't get me wrong, this is not a post to defend Peter Obi of the allegations made against him by the State government over debts

Peter Obi shouid reply in full details the latest allegations made by Charles Soludo's government for transparency and accountability

That issue should be treated on its merits

But by describing your brother as incompetent, useless , untrustworthy, you are indirectly referring to yourself as same

Peter Obi was governor of Anambra State for eight years , I guess it is not for Charles Soludo to judge how well or noble he performed , that role shouid be left for the people of Anambra to decide

Soludo shouid focus more on giving the people of Anambra State a lasting legacies worthy of mention when he leaves office in 3 years

He will be judged by his performance and not on how many times he tried to bring Peter Obi down

Someone told me that Soludo is positioning himself to be a Vice Presidential Candidate in 2031 ( that I cannot confirm ) ,but he has forgotten that when you sell your brother cheap, no one will trust you

Take it from me , Charles Soludo will be used and dumped by the same people he is working so hard to impress

Chris Kehinde Nwandu is a journalist based in Lagos

Minna Deaths : FG Publish Names Of 20 Suspended NSCDC Officers , Sets Up Independent Investigative Panel

2026-09-19T09:39:32.587+01:00

FG constitutes independent committee to investigate reported deaths of 37 people in NSCDC custody, releases full list of suspended officers

The Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has constituted a ten-member independent committee to investigate the reported deaths of 37 people held by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Niger State Command, on suspicion of illegal mining.

The action follows a directive by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for a comprehensive, transparent and unhindered investigation into the incident, which occurred on Thursday, 17 September 2026.

The Minister also directed the suspension of all officers involved in the incident pending the conclusion of the independent committee’s investigation.

Describing the deaths as deeply disturbing, the Minister said the government owes the families of the deceased and the Nigerian public a transparent account of the events leading to the incident.

The independent committee is expected to establish the identities of the deceased, and investigate their arrests, detention and the cause and circumstances of their deaths.

The Minister directed the committee to determine responsibility, complicity, negligence, and misconduct, and to recommend appropriate action, compensation where applicable, and measures to prevent a recurrence.

The Minister also directed the NSCDC leadership and all relevant officers to cooperate fully with the Committee, while further directing that all records and material evidence connected to the incident be preserved and made available to the investigators.

“Any attempt to destroy or conceal evidence, intimidate witnesses or obstruct the investigation will be treated as a serious offence,” he warned.

The members of the Committee are:

1. Mr Jonathan Kure, mni, retired Deputy Director-General, Department of State Services, as Chairman

2. Prof. Isa Hayatu Chiroma (SAN), former Director-General of the Nigeria Law School, as Secretary

3. AIG Hosea Hassan Karma (retired)

4. Prof. Olayinka Buhari, Professor of Histopathology and former Chief Medical Director of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital

5. Representative of the Minna Emirate Council

6. Representative of the Niger State Government

7. Alhaji Liman Sulaiman, National Secretary, Miners Association of Nigeria

8. Mr Deji Adeyanju, lawyer and human rights activist

9. Mrs Zainab Suleiman Okino of Blueprint Newspaper

10. Dr. George Agbakahi, Public Affairs Analyst.

The Committee may co-opt relevant experts, access all necessary facilities and documents, visit relevant locations and request memoranda from members of the public. It has two weeks to complete its work and submit its report to the Minister.

The following officers have been suspended, in addition to the Niger State Commandant of the Corps:

1. O/C Station Guard, SC Usman Isah Ndamaka

2. Station Guard, ASCI Hassan Mohammed

3. Station Guard, CCA Bala Mohammed

4. Arresting Officer/O/C Investigation, CSC Oluwadare Sunday

5. Arresting Officer, DCC Obafemi Elvis

6. Arresting Officer, CSC Annas Shitto Lamino

7. HOD INT/INV, DCC Philip Ajayi

8. O/C Legal, ACC Barr. Stephen Tsado

9. Day/Night Duty Officer, ASCI Alhassan Mohammed

10. Guard Duty, IC Abdullahi Sale

11. Guard Duty, IC Mohammed Sonfada

12. Guard Duty, CAI Liman Abubakar

13. Guard Duty, CAI Bala Usman

14. Guard Duty, IC Mohammed Jiya

15. Guard Duty, DSC Isah Suleiman

16. Guard Duty, CAI Ahmed Wushishi

17. Guard Duty, IC Sale Adamu

18. Guard Duty, IC Haruna Mohammed

19. Guard Duty, ASCI Aliyu Sallah

20. Guard Duty, CAI Isah Sanusi

The Minister extends his condolences to the families of the deceased and appeals for calm while the investigation continues.

Signed:

Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo

Honourable Minister of Interior

Federal Republic of Nigeria

September 19, 2026

Singapore Airways Bags "World’s Best Airline " For 2026 ( Full List )

2026-09-19T08:41:27.683+01:00

Wars. Climate chaos. Soaring fuel prices. Disruptive passengers duct-taped to their seats. It’s not getting any easier to run an airline in these turbulent times, but some are clearly doing it better than others.

In recognition of that, the annual Skytrax Awards — known as the aviation industry’s Oscars for their glitzy celebration of the global and regional airlines that mostly get us to where we want to go — has once again convened to crown one as the world’s best.

For 2026 the winner is Singapore Airlines. The Asian carrier was presented with the award at a ceremony on Friday at London’s posh Langham Hotel, where fiercely competitive airline bosses briefly gathered under a mutual truce for handshakes, canapés and a slew of other trophies recognizing everything from onboard Wi-Fi to cabin cleanliness.

It was the sixth time Singapore has picked up the top prize in the awards’ 25-year history, adding to previous wins in 2023, 2018 and a clutch in the noughties. It reclaimed it from last year’s victor, Qatar Airways, which has won nine times in the past 15 years.

In fact, as Skytrax CEO Edward Plaisted noted, the award has almost exclusively remained in the possession of an elite cadre of seven airlines, most of which still managed to place in this year’s top 20.

In the final rundown, Qatar dropped down to second place, with Cathay Pacific Airways, Japan’s All Nippon Airways, Turkish Airlines and Emirates rounding out the top six.

Only past winner British Airways was missing from this year’s list. US carriers were completely absent — a frequent state of affairs on the Skytrax list — with Air Canada the sole North American representative.

The big prize, said Goh Choon Phong, Singapore’s CEO, in a pre-prepared statement, was a “testament to the dedication and professionalism of our people.” Some of those people were among the many flight crews attending the event in full uniform — a dash of color in a room dominated by dark blue suits. A lucky few got to perform dance routines on stage for the gathered crowd.

Singapore also picked up trophies for its economy class and economy class catering.

Qatar was named best carrier in the Middle East, and also won prizes for its business class, onboard Wi-Fi and business-class lounge.

Cathay Pacific picked up prizes for its cabin crew and first-class airline lounge.

All the glad-handing couldn’t quite cast off the numerous shadows facing the aviation industry right now, with the Iran conflict, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the rising cost of oil, new aircraft delays and souring US international relations among the topics discussed on the sidelines.

‘A bit of a bad year’

Perhaps acknowledging a recent UK air traffic meltdown that heavily disrupted flights in and out of the country, the event’s emcee — announcing that one award was being presented early to allow its recipient to dash for a flight departing in under three hours — remarked: “Good luck with that.”

Yet, said Skytrax’s Plaisted, the quality being offered by airlines to flyers continues to grow each — even in “a bit of a bad year.”

“The passenger experience, mainly driven by the industry’s increasingly fierce competition, is always getting better,” he told CNN. “It takes a big event — a 9/11 event — to really cause a problem.”

Other notable awards included recognition of emerging Taiwanese carrier STARLUX’s ascendancy to Skytrax’s five-star rating category. Importantly, in the post-Covid age, it also took home the award for cleanest cabin.

Meanwhile, Air France won best first class and EVA Air, another Taiwanese carrier, won best premium economy. The top five budget airlines were named as: AirAsia, Scoot, Vueling, Eurowings and Iberia Express.

Bangkok Airways was named best airline in Asia — and best regional airline globally. Ethiopian Airlines was the best in Africa, Chilean multinational carrier LATAM led in South America, while Turkish Airlines was the best in Europe.

In North America, Air Canada was declared the winner. It also picked up the trophy for best business class lounge dining.

Fight for premium
Mark Nasr, Air Canada’s executive vice president, said the Skytrax awards — which come as the airline is looking to expand its role as a global carrier, not just serving routes to and from Canada — are crucial for survival as carriers increasingly look to big spenders to keep them afloat.

“The industry is getting more competitive,” he told CNN. “There’s a theme right now around the growth of premium travel and customers that are very discerning. They have large budgets, and airlines are investing to earn that business. With fuel prices increasing so much, the airlines that will be able to sustain themselves will be the ones able to charge a premium to justify their products.”

Air Canada was well-placed to survive the current storms thanks to a healthy balance sheet, loyal customer base and resilient staff, Nasr said. The airline will also endure the recent President Trump-fueled spats between Canada and the United States.

“Relationships ebb and flow over time, but we continue to believe in the core strength of the partnership — economic and social — between the US and Canada and we’ll weather the current circumstances.”

THE WORLD’S TOP 20 AIRLINES IN 2026

1. Singapore Airlines

2. Qatar Airways

3. Cathay Pacific

4. ANA All Nippon Airways

5. Turkish Airlines

6. Emirates

7. Air France

8. Hainan Airlines

9. Japan Airlines

10. Korean Air

11. EVA Air

12. Qantas Airways

13. STARLUX Airlines

14. Lufthansa

15. Saudi Arabian Airlines

16. Iberia

17. Air Canada

18. Virgin Atlantic

19. Swiss Int’l Air Lines

20. Thai Airways

CNN

Nigerian Female Lecturer Dies In South Africa

2026-09-19T08:01:04.776+01:00

A 51-year-old Nigerian lecturer and researcher at the University of Fort Hare in South Africa, Dr Ayodele Temidayo Odularu, has been found dead at her residence in the Eastern Cape Province.

Her brother, Dr Gbadebo Odularu, confirmed her death to Diaspora Tales on Wednesday following the creation of a GoFundMe campaign to support the family.

A family member, who spoke anonymously, said Odularu’s death was not from natural causes, although the circumstances surrounding it remained unclear. The family had also called for an investigation into her death.

Odularu died on August 16, 2026. She was an Independent Senior Researcher within the University of Fort Hare community, where she contributed to academic research and worked on issues including access to knowledge, educational opportunities, sustainable development and solutions aimed at empowering underserved communities.

Nigerian Teenager Jailed For Selling Sexual Abuse Videos

2026-09-19T07:29:47.294+01:00

A Nigerian teenager, Gift Ayoola, has been sentenced to four years’ imprisonment for recording the sexual abuses of children and selling them to paedophiles in the United Kingdom.

He was sentenced at Cardiff Crown Court on Wednesday after pleading guilty to making and distributing indecent images, possessing extreme pornography, and causing and inciting children to engage in sexual activities.

The 19-year-old Nigerian asked young children to engage in online sexual activities, recorded them and sold footage to paedophiles.

According to Wales Online, he was paid £5,000 by one paedophile for sickening images and video, and was found with hundreds of images of child abuse.

The court heard that Ayoola was in contact with a 12-year-old girl online, whom he asked to expose her private parts, telling her to watch him pleasure himself.

On his arrest, he was found with a “library” of videos and pictures involving sexually abused minors.

The report stated, “In another online chat, Ayoola was in contact with a girl aged between 11 and 13-years-old and a girl aged between two and four-years-old.

“During video calls, the defendant told the older child to carry out sick sex acts and to involve the younger child in the sex acts. Ayoola was first arrested in January 2025 at his home in Cardiff and a number of devices were seized, which were found to contain indecent images of children.

“In total there were 455 category A images (four of which had been obtained through recording children), 401 category B images and 389 category C images.There were also extreme pornographic images depicting bestiality.”

According to the report, the defendant was also found to be part of online group chats on Telegram and WhatsApp in which he distributed indecent images of children.

“Paedophiles requested to buy pictures and videos from Ayoola, including 877 in total with transactions made over PayPal. He also acknowledged receipt of £5,000 from one paedophile,” it added.

During his interrogation, Ayoola said he was supplied photos of teenagers between 16 and 18 and admitted to sharing and sending them based on pressure and needs for money.

Sentencing, Judge Vanessa Francis, said, “The children you exploited were much younger than you, some were very young indeed. These children required protection and you were encouraging them to pose for extremely harmful material. This was a grievous form of sexual abuse.

“These were not simply images; they were children whose trust and vulnerability were exploited in order to make sexual material.”

He was arrested the second time on March 5, 2026, and caught with indecent images, including children as young as four-years-old which included 14 Category A images, 15 Category B images and 22 Category C images.

The court heard he was a well-behaved boy as his lawyer, Martha Smith-Higgins said her client was a young man who lost his mother at six-years-old and moved to the UK, insisting he was remorseful for his actions.

The judge dismissed claims that he was not sexually attracted to children and his crimes were not sexually motivated, therefore making him a subject to sex offender notification requirements indefinitely and a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 10 years

Solomon Adeola Is From Ogun State ..Stepmother

2026-09-19T07:25:40.869+01:00

Aminatu Abiola, stepmother of Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun state, has rejected claims that her stepson has any ties to Ekiti state.

Abiola spoke in a viral video on Friday, dismissing insinuations that Yayi is from Ekiti state.

Adeola, the senator representing Ogun west, is the consensus governorship candidate of the ruling party in the state.

However, his claim to Ogun ancestry has been challenged by his opponents.

In separate interviews with Channels TV in August and September, Abayomi Hunye, a suspended APC member, and Folake Marcus-Bello of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) claimed that Adeola is an indigene of Ekiti state.

Marcus-Bello alleged that Adeola’s father was buried in Ekiti, while his mother was buried in Epe, Lagos state.

However, Adeola on Tuesday challenged his opponents to provide evidence within 24 hours to substantiate their claims or face legal action.

In the viral clip, Abiola further dismissed the claims, saying neither Adeola’s father nor his mother hails from Ekiti, contrary to the allegations.

“I’m Alhaja Aminatu Abiola, senior wife of Oteko Ayinde, who gave birth to Yayi. I hail from Iworoko in Ekiti. On these things I’m about to say, if I tell a lie, let the creator of all Ogun people judge me,” she said in Yoruba.

“But anyone that claims Yayi hails from Ekiti, may the creator punish such a person. Yayi is never related to Ekiti.

“I’m the first woman Ayinde (Yayi’s father) married during his lifetime. He first learnt plumbing work during his youth days. Later on, at some point, he married another woman named Mujida from Ijebu as the second wife.

“She was the one that chased me out of our husband’s house. But I gave birth to two children for Ayinde. One is called Ayi, and the second is named Fatima, who is late but left behind some children.

“Ayi, my child, is the first child of Yayi’s father. People also call her Iya Ibeji. So please, anyone that claims he or she knows Yayi’s father’s house in Ekiti should come out and show me.

“Yayi is not related to Ekiti. Neither his father nor his mother hails from Ekiti. Yayi’s mother is from Ogun. Anyone that claims Yayi has any connection with Ekiti other than me, his stepmother, should come out and bring out his proof.”

The woman said, contrary to Marcus-Bello’s claim, Yayi’s father was buried in Lagos, while his grandmother was from Ondo state.

“We buried Ayinde in Lagos, not Ekiti. His company’s name is Oteko,” she said.

“His mother is Alhaja Lamlatu, and she’s from Owo. She has two children: Ayinde and Iya Kudi, who died a long time ago.”

Abiola said Ayinde died at a young age when Yayi had yet to graduate from university.

“It’s been over 30 years. Yayi had nothing at that time and had not even joined politics,” she said.

“His birth name is Sule; he was born a Muslim. But he changed his name to Olamilekan when he became a Christian. He is not from Ekiti.”

Abiola also said she would defend her claims if the matter got to court.

“I can’t be as old as this and still be lying. He (Yayi) is not related to Ekiti. He doesn’t have a wife in Ekiti nor school there,” she said.

“Anyone that claims to know his father’s house in Ekiti should come out and prove it to me.

“You that claimed you’re heading to court, anytime you do so, I will bear witness for Yayi. You will tell me who he is and where he hails from in Ekiti.”

She appealed to residents of Yewa to support Adeola, describing him as a “true son of the soil”.

“People of Yewa, please support me. God will support you. You know what Yayi has done since he came among you. He is not a bastard,” she said.

“It was early death that made Yayi’s father not take all his children home in Ogun state. Yayi is a son of Yewa, while his mother is from Abeokuta.”

NDC Wins At Court Of Appeal, Sets Aside High Court Judgment

2026-09-19T07:18:06.408+01:00

The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has set aside the Federal High Court judgment in Lokoja that had affected the legal status of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), clearing the way for the party to continue its political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.

NDC National Leader Henry Seriake Dickson said the appellate court ruled in favour of the party’s appeal against the decision delivered by Justice Isah Dashen.

He said the judgment restores the NDC’s registration and its ability to participate in elections as a registered political party.

The Lokoja Federal High Court had in June set aside its earlier December 2025 judgment that compelled INEC to recognise and register the NDC. Justice Dashen ruled that the Peace Movement Party, which claimed its rights were affected by the earlier judgment, should have been joined in the case.

Dickson thanked the judiciary, party members and Nigerians who supported the NDC during the legal dispute. He said the party would now focus on its campaigns and preparations for the 2027 elections, while stressing that the NDC’s registration remains valid following the Court of Appeal decision.

2027”: Wike Is A Danger To Tinubu’s Victory...APC Chieftain

2026-09-19T07:13:31.308+01:00

APC chieftain, Farouk Aliyu, says that the Minister of the FCT, Nyeosm Wike, is in some way a danger to the re-election of President Tinubu in 2027.

His comments come days after Wike and the APC governors had a spat online.

Shortly after having a closed-door meeting in Abuja on Tuesday, the APC Governors’ Forum, led by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, openly kicked against Wike’s Rainbow Coalition group. They stated that they will not support or engage in any political arrangement that is not wholeheartedly in support of all APC candidates.

Wike, in his response, dismissed their position, accusing them of being ‘’Smart but lazy’’. He argued that he never promised to work for APC candidates at the subnational levels. Wike, who is a member of the PDP, said his promise is to work for the re-election of Tinubu but will work for the election of his party members. He described the APC governors as ‘’Smart but lazy’ politicians.

Reacting to the political tension, Garba who appeared on Channels TV last night, accused Wike of being arrogant and one who fails to remember that power and life in itself is transient. He said in some ways, Wike, by his position, poses a danger to Tinubu’s re-election.

2027: Tinubu Planning To Organize Fake Protest To Return Fuel Subsidy

2026-09-19T07:06:12.949+01:00

The 2027 Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has on Friday, alleged President Bola Tinubu's very deceptive election campaign strategy, in a desperate attempt to win the 2027 Presidential election, by using the Lagos State Transporters to stage a fake protest for the return of fuel subsidy, only for him to announce the removal again, on May 29, 2027.

Atiku spoke during a World Press Conference, at his Abuja residence, which was attended by Party Chieftains, members of the Media and Supporters.

Addressing Journalists, the ADC Presidential Flagbearer alleged that there is an underground plan to use an impending protest by Transporters in Lagos State, as a pretext to temporarily restore fuel subsidy.

He stated: "I am aware that Lagos Transporters are planning a protest that will provide Bola Tinubu the excuse to temporarily bring back fuel subsidy, and after being re-elected, go back to remove it."

Atiku further stated that the move is only politically motivated, and aimed at easing public discontent, ahead of the 2027 general elections, especially the Presidential election.

According to him, the temporary return of subsidy would be presented as a pro-people intervention, only for it to be removed again after the elections.

Atiku, however, declared that when elected President, in 2027, his administration has resolved to return the fuel production subsidy, under a more transparent, accountable and properly structured framework, designed to cushion the hardship on ordinary Nigerians, and stabilise the downstream sector.

ADDRESS ON FUEL PRICES, PALLIATIVES AND THE COST OF LIVING

By His Excellency Atiku Abubakar, GCON

Fellow Nigerians,

Since May 29, 2023, Nigerians have lived with the consequences of the removal of petrol subsidy without adequate protection for families, workers, farmers and businesses during the transition.

For more than three years, that burden has travelled from the petrol station to the bus stop, from the bus stop to the market, and from the market to the family dining table.

When petrol becomes expensive, transportation becomes expensive. When transportation becomes expensive, food becomes expensive. Farmers pay more to move produce. Traders pay more to stock their shops. Workers pay more to get to work. Businesses pay more for logistics and energy.

In the end, the Nigerian family receives the bill.

When government makes energy expensive, it makes life expensive.

This is no longer an argument between economists. It is the daily reality of millions of Nigerians.

These are the real tests of an economic policy.

When I first argued that government should review its approach to the withdrawal of petrol subsidy and consider responsible intervention to bring down the cost of fuel, Mr. Bola Tinubu dismissed my proposal as demonstrating “serious ignorance” of governance and the economy.

My dear Bola, events since then have raised a simple question.

Is the Nigeria Labour Congress also ignorant when it calls for urgent intervention to cushion workers from rising petrol prices?

Are petroleum marketers ignorant when they call for policies that strengthen domestic refining and help moderate pump prices?

Are Nigerian manufacturers ignorant when they warn that power-related expenses now consume more than half of operating costs?

And are the millions of Nigerians crying out because they can no longer afford transportation, food and other basic necessities also ignorant?

When workers, producers, marketers and ordinary families are all raising the alarm, government must listen.

If everybody who questions your policy is ignorant, while only the President is presumed to be wise, then we have a leadership problem on our hands.

Leadership requires the humility to confront the consequences of policy and the courage to change course.

Across our factories, production costs are rising while unsold goods pile up in warehouses. Manufacturers struggle to keep producing; families struggle to afford what they produce.

The goods are there. The need is there. What is missing is the purchasing power.

Government celebrates GDP growth, higher revenues and bigger allocations. But Nigerians judge the economy by what their money can buy.

If government receives more naira while the citizen’s naira buys less food, less fuel, less electricity and less transportation, then bigger government revenues mean little to the family struggling to survive.

Economic growth must enter the home.

It must enter the market basket.

It must show up in the purchasing power of the worker.

A government collecting more money while its citizens can afford less cannot declare victory on the strength of bigger numbers alone.

Reform must ultimately be judged by what it does to the lives of the people. It should expand production, create opportunity and improve living standards. It cannot become an endless explanation for hardship.

That is why I am calling on Mr. Bola Tinubu to act now.

He has approximately eight months remaining in office.

Bola, I want you to use those 8months to give Nigerians relief.

And let me say this plainly:

Bola Tinubu should not be ashamed to do what is necessary to lower the price of petrol simply because Atiku Abubakar proposed a government intervention.

He should just take the idea.

Rename it if he wishes, and even take the credit.

What matters to me is that, Nigerians pay less.

A sensible idea does not become a bad idea because it came from your opponent.

If responsible intervention can lower prices, intervene.

If changing course can help Nigerian families, change course.

And Nigerians do not need another elaborate palliative ceremony.

Do not make life unbearable and then distribute bags of rice as evidence of compassion.

Do not break a man’s legs, hand him crutches and demand applause for providing mobility.

Emergency assistance has its place, but palliatives cannot substitute for sound economic policy.

A bag of rice cannot repair an economy in which transportation costs outrun salaries.

A cash transfer cannot permanently compensate a worker whose income is continuously eroded by energy costs.

Palliatives manage pain. Good policy addresses the source of the pain.

And as if the pressure on families were not enough, Nigerians are now being told that electricity subsidies will be phased out from 2027.

Electricity is already expensive.

Families are calculating how long their units will last.

Small businesses are struggling to keep the lights on.

Manufacturers are spending enormous amounts on electricity, diesel and alternative power simply to keep factories running.

How much more can the Nigerian family carry?

The barber needs electricity for his clippers.

The tailor needs it for her machines.

The frozen-food seller needs it to preserve her stock.

The welder needs it for his equipment.

The manufacturer needs it to keep the factory alive.

The lesson of petrol must not be repeated with electricity.

Do not remove first and think later. Do not impose the pain first and search for palliatives afterwards.

When energy becomes unaffordable, everything becomes unaffordable.

The President should know that, eight months may sound short inside Aso Rock.

But eight months is a very long time when you are living from hand to mouth.

Use that time to reduce the burden on Nigerians.

And if your government requires policy ideas or technical input on how to bring relief, I am prepared to make mine available.

Nigerians do not have to wait for another administration before they benefit from an idea that can help them today.

If you need the framework, I will provide it.

Implement it under your government.

Give it whatever name you choose.

Take the credit.

I ask for only one thing:

Let Nigerians breathe.

I am prepared to compete with you politically. But I will never compete with the welfare of the Nigerian people.

The presidency may be contested. The wellbeing of Nigerians should never be.

If elected, from May 29, 2027, I will introduce a transparent production subsidy for petroleum products refined in Nigeria and sold to Nigerians.

Think of a Nigerian rice miller. Government helps lower the cost of milling so the rice can sell for less. More families can afford it. As sales grow, the miller buys more rice from Nigerian farmers and employs more Nigerians to process, package and transport it.

That means cheaper rice for families, more business for farmers and more jobs for Nigerians.

Our production subsidy will work the same way: government support must bring prices down. Only products confirmed to be refined in Nigeria will qualify. Imported products will not.

The programme will have a fixed spending limit, National Assembly approval and independent audits.

For the remaining eight months, President Tinubu should use every responsible instrument available to reduce the burden on Nigerians.

Bola Tinubu should not be ashamed to do it because Atiku Abubakar proposed it.

And if elected, I will work to build an economy in which growth is not merely announced in Abuja but felt in Nigerian homes.

An economy where more production means more jobs.

Where more revenue means better lives.

Where economic growth means greater purchasing power.

And where the Nigerian family can once again afford the basic necessities of life.

Because ultimately, Nigerians do not live on statistics.

They live on what their hard-earned money can buy.

Thank you.

God bless you.

And God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. -AA

Nollywood Actress Toyin Abraham Rejects Inclusion in Lagos APC Campaign Council for 2027 Election

2026-09-18T14:21:12.998+01:00

Nollywood actress Toyin Abraham has publicly rejected her reported inclusion in the Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Campaign Council.

Abraham was listed alongside entertainment personalities, including veteran actor Jide Kosoko, actress Eniola Badmus and Fuji musician Pasuma, under the party’s Entertainment and Creative Economy Directorate.

However, the actress clarified on Thursday, September 17, that she is not a member of the campaign council and has no intention of participating in any campaign committee.

Reacting to the published list on X, Abraham urged members of the public to disregard her inclusion.

“I’m not a member of any campaign council. I have said it recently, I am staying out of politics,” she wrote.

Lagos Reporters will continue to monitor developments surrounding the 2027 political activities in Lagos and report verified updates.

Alawuba: Improvement In Economic Indicators Point To Nigeria's Growth Path

2026-09-18T05:50:34.988+01:00

Group Managing Director of United Bank for Africa and Chairman of the Body of Bank CEOs in Nigeria, Oliver Alawuba, has outlined a blueprint for building a resilient Nigerian economy, calling for deliberate policies and stronger collaboration across the public and private sectors to transform economic stability into inclusive prosperity.

Alawuba made the call while delivering his goodwill speech at the 19th Annual Banking and Finance Conference of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), held in Abuja on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.

Speaking on the theme of the conference, “Building a Resilient Economy in an Era of Disruptions: Imperatives for the Banking and Financial Services Industry,” Alawuba said resilience must be deliberately designed into Nigeria’s policies, institutions, infrastructure, supply chains, energy systems, financial architecture and human capital.

According to him, a resilient economy is not one that never encounters shocks, but one that can absorb, adapt and advance without transferring the full cost of every disruption to its most vulnerable citizens.

He noted that the global economy continues to face structural disruptions, from geopolitical conflicts and volatility in energy and shipping markets to inflationary pressures, making it imperative for Nigeria to build systems capable of withstanding future shocks rather than responding only after they occur.

Alawuba commended the Federal Government and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for the increasingly effective coordination between fiscal and monetary policy, noting that recent improvements in key economic indicators provide important milestones in Nigeria’s stabilisation journey.

He also stressed that these gains must now be translated into broader economic opportunities and improved living standards and further highlighted the critical role of the banking industry in Nigeria’s resilience agenda, describing banks as the country’s “financial shock absorbers and growth partners.”

The UBA boss, pointed to the ₦4.65 trillion mobilised by 33 banks during the recent recapitalisation exercise as a significant step towards strengthening capital adequacy, asset quality, balance-sheet transparency and investor confidence, while expanding the industry’s capacity to absorb shocks and finance larger projects.

According to Alawuba, the banking sector’s resilience is being reinforced by accelerated investment in digital infrastructure, cybersecurity and operational resilience, citing technology investments of over ₦119 billion by four leading banks in the first quarter of 2026, representing a 43.2 per cent year-on-year increase.

During the event, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, challenged the banking industry to move beyond balance-sheet expansion and profitability to financing productive businesses that can drive investment, job creation and economic growth.

The President said the next phase of Nigeria’s reform journey must focus on moving from financial intermediation to economic transformation, with affordable credit, financial inclusion, technology and long-term capital identified as key drivers of a more resilient financial system.

Also speaking at the conference, CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, represented by the Deputy Governor, Economic Policy Directorate, Philip Ikeazor, reaffirmed the importance of a strong banking sector to sustaining Nigeria’s economic recovery, while World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Mathew Verghis, called on banks to redirect more capital towards businesses capable of creating jobs

President/Chairman of Council of CIBN, Dr. Dele Alabi, also stressed that the ultimate test of Nigeria’s economic reforms would be whether improved macroeconomic indicators translate into lower living costs, more jobs, higher incomes and affordable credit for citizens and businesses.

In his concluding remarks, Alawuba reaffirmed the banking industry’s readiness to work with the Federal Government and urged stakeholders to ensure that the resilience being built within the financial sector ultimately translates into tangible economic opportunities and a more prosperous future for Nigerians.

Nigeria Wins $2.35bn Arbitration Case Against Sunrise Power At ICC Paris

2026-09-18T05:46:27.107+01:00

The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in Paris, France, has ruled in favour of Nigeria in the $2.35 billion award sought by Sunrise Power over the Mambilla hydropower project.

The tribunal also directed Sunrise and its promoter to refund Nigeria’s legal fees of $11.8 million.

The award was issued on Thursday

In the decision signed by the three panellists, the tribunal dismissed Sunrise’s claim for a declaration that Nigeria breached its contractual obligations under the settlement agreement and the addendum.

It also rejected Sunrise’s claim for an order that Nigeria should pay the company $400 million in satisfaction of the settlement sum of $200 million and the default sum of $200 million.

They further declared that Leno Adesanya, the promoter of Sunrise, is bound by the arbitration agreement with Nigeria pursuant to the settlement agreement and the addendum, and that the tribunal has jurisdiction over Nigeria’s counterclaim against him and his firm.

The tribunal ordered Sunrise and Adesanya to reimburse to Nigeria 75 percent of the legal fees and expenses incurred by the country in this arbitration.

The legal fees were given as $11,819,506.51, out of which $2,500,000 will be covered directly from the amount held in escrow by the ICC that will be released upon the notification of the final award.

Sunrise and Adesanya were ordered to pay Nigeria the remaining $9,319,506.51 plus interest at an annual rate of 10 percent, “compounded annually, from the date of the notification of this Final Award until such amount is paid in full”.

The arbitration cost is to be shared by Sunrise and Adesanya (75 percent) and Nigeria (25 percent).

The cost was fixed at $1,656,500.

The panel was presided over by Melaine van Leeuwen, with Stavros Brekoulakis and Simon Nesbitt as co-arbitrators.

Nigeria was represented by a team of lawyers led by Elizabeth Oger-Gross and Tolu Obamuroh, now of Paul Hastings LLP.

Sunrise had, on October 10, 2017, started arbitration against Nigeria at the ICC International Court of Arbitration seeking a $2.354 billion award for “breach of contract” in relation to a 2003 agreement to construct the 3,050MW plant in Mambilla, Taraba state, on a “build, operate and transfer” basis valued at $6 billion.

In the second arbitration, the company is asking for a $400 million settlement being the terms of the Nigerian government failing to honour the settlement agreement both parties entered into in 2020 to end the arbitration.

In an interview in 2023, Obasanjo challenged his former minister of power, Olu Agunloye, to tell Nigerians where he derived the authority to award the contract to Sunrise in 2003.

“When I was president, no minister had the power to approve more than N25 million without express presidential consent. It was impossible for Agunloye to commit my government to a $6 billion project without my permission and I did not give him any permission,” Obasanjo told TheCable.

“If a commission of inquiry is set up today to investigate the matter, I am ready to testify. I do not even need to testify because all the records are there. I never approved it.

“When he presented his memo to the federal executive council (on May 21, 2003), I was surprised because he had previously discussed it with me and I had told him to jettison the idea, that I had other ideas on how the power sector would be restructured and funded.

“I told him as much at the council meeting and directed him to step down the memo. I find it surprising that Agunloye is now claiming he acted on behalf of Nigeria. If I knew he issued such a letter to Sunrise, I would have sacked him as minister during my second term. He would not have spent a day longer in office.”

Buhari, on his part, denied authorising the settlement agreement of 2020.

“While I understood that my ministers of justice, power and water resources were approached by Sunrise and were engaging with various stakeholders that were involved in the project to resolve the issues blocking the project’s implementation, at no time did I specifically instruct them to enter into and conclude any settlement agreement with Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited,” he wrote to Fagbemi.

“Indeed, when the proposed settlement agreement and addendum were presented to me for my consideration and approval on 20th April 2020, I refused to approve the settlement deal because I was convinced that there was no basis for Sunrise’s claim.

“I hope the above clarifications will assist you in your defence of our country from these ‘invisible contractors who all too often quietly take Nigeria for many millions in out-of-court settlements’, as I stated in my recent statement regarding Nigeria’s victory in the P&ID saga.”

The Cable

Nigerian Jailed In UK For Masturbating In Front Of Woman Inside U.K Train

2026-09-18T05:32:40.801+01:00

A 36-year-old Nigerian, Babatunde Odutola, of no fixed address, has been sentenced to a total of 44 weeks in prison after subjecting a woman to a disturbing ordeal on a train travelling through Cheshire towards Manchester Piccadilly in the United Kingdom.

Odutola was sentenced at Manchester Magistrates’ Court on Monday, September 14, after pleading guilty to one count of Outraging Public Decency and breaching a suspended sentence order. The sentence came just three days after the incident.

At about 7pm on Friday, September 11, Odutola approached a woman who was travelling alone. He looked her up and down in an intimidating manner and became aggressive when she refused to engage with him.

He then exposed himself while sitting in a wheelchair, mast¥rbated while looking at the woman and told her to “come over.” A fellow passenger escorted the distressed woman out of the carriage.

CCTV footage showed Odutola continuing to masturbate as other passengers passed through the carriage. Police were called, and British Transport Police officers arrested him after the train arrived at Manchester Piccadilly.

British Transport Police Detective Constable Leonidas Christoforou said: “Odutola is clearly an incredibly dangerous individual and his disturbing behaviour must have been terrifying for the victim, who he singled out when she was travelling on her own.

He said Odutola showed little remorse, denied the allegations during his police interview, but was confronted with strong evidence, including CCTV footage and several witness accounts, leaving him with little option but to plead guilty in court.

Christoforou added that the incident was not an isolated case, noting that Odutola was already a registered sex offender. He warned that such “alarming, predatory behaviour” would not be tolerated on the railway.

According to him, holding offenders accountable is a top priority for the force, which remains committed to bringing perpetrators to justice.

Chisco Transport Chairman Donates Two Buses To Ikoyi Prison

2026-09-18T05:22:39.211+01:00

The CEO of Chisco Transport Company, Dr Chidi Anyaegbu, as part of the celebration of his 70th birthday has donated two buses to Ikoyi Prison Authority to aid movement of prisoners to court.

Anyaegbu made the donation during a visit to the facility in Lagos

Niger State Governor Reacts To Death Of 37 Miners Under NSCDC Custody

2026-09-18T05:14:32.365+01:00

The Niger State government has set up an investigative Committee to ascertain the root cause of the deaths of 37 illegal miners who died under the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Niger State Command.

The executive governor of Niger State, farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago in a press conference also revealed that the Department of State Security, Nigeria Police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps have also set up their Committees to unravel the causes.

Deputy Governor of Niger State, Comrade Yakubu Garba is to Chair the Committee with Commissioner for Homeland security, Maurice Magaji as secretary.

Governor Bago said, forensic audit and autopsy will be carried out on the victims to know the exact cause of death and consequently take necessary action.

Farmer Umaru Bago also disclosed that the Niger State Commandant of the NSCDC, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye and his team have been suspended by the NSCDC Commandant General to pave way for proper investigation.

Farmer Bago who described the incident as unfortunate and tragic condoled with the families of all those who lost their lives and reassured them that government will get to the root of the matter.

He said, his government value the lives of its citizens and as such, will not tolerate any kind of injustice and will make sure that the incident is probed to a logical conclusion.

The governor equally revealed that the State government is taking a register of families of those who lost their lives, and commiserate with them and appeal to them to be patient with the government as his administration will do its best in finding the remote causes.

Governor Bago also declared that all illegal mining activities around M I Wushishi mining site is closed and anyone found flaunting the order will be prosecuted while experts from Abuja will be invited to carry out analysis on the site.

The farmer governor used the medium to appeal to the residents of the state especially the youth to remain calm and not to take laws into their hands and allow authorities concerned to take charge.

Amnesty Intl Condemn Death Of 37 Miners In NSCDC Custody In Minna

2026-09-18T05:09:02.141+01:00

The Nigerian authorities must immediately set up an independent investigation of today’s death of 37 youth — including minors — in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna Niger state. The victims were arrested on September 15 and 16, 2026 at mining sites located at M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Minna. This loss of lives cannot go unanswered.

Government must promptly, thoroughly, independently, impartially, transparently, and effectively, investigate how detention for one to two days descended into a disaster that killed minors. Those who are found to be behind this tragedy must not merely receive internal or administrative sanctions. They must face the full scale of justice.

The circumstances of the arrests of the victims and the condition in which they were detained must be established transparently. Victims and their families must be provided with access to justice and effective remedies.

The authorities must ensure justice for the victims of this horrific yet preventable incident which cost so many people, many believed to be children, their lives.

NSCDC INVESTIGATES DEATHS OF SUSPECTED ILLEGAL MINERS IN NIGER STATE

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has launched an investigation into the deaths of suspected illegal miners arrested during enforcement operations in Niger State.

The suspects were arrested on September 15 and 16, 2026, around the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis, as part of operations against illegal mining.

Following the reported deaths, NSCDC Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, OFR, mni, directed a high-powered investigative team, led by the Deputy Commandant General in charge of Intelligence and Investigation, to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The investigation will examine the condition of the suspects at the time of arrest, their period in custody, detention conditions, medical attention provided and other relevant circumstances.

The remains of the deceased have been deposited at General Hospital, Minna, for medical examination to establish the actual cause of death.

NSCDC also cautioned against speculation, stressing that reports linking the deaths to any specific disease have not been medically confirmed.

While some reports circulating online have claimed that about 30 minors died, the official NSCDC statement does not confirm that the deceased were minors or establish the exact number of deaths.

The Corps expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and assured the public that further updates would be released as verified information becomes available.

Source: Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)

Actor Adekanla Desalu MC Monica Lose Over ₦4m Combined To Scammers Posing As FRSC Officials

2026-09-18T05:01:30.033+01:00

Nigerian actor Adekanla Desalu and comedian MC Monica have separately raised the alarm after losing millions of naira to scammers who allegedly posed as Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) officials.

MC Monica said he received an SMS informing him of a supposed road traffic offence and directing him to a link to pay a ₦5,000 fine.

After making the payment, he woke up the following morning to discover that about ₦1.85 million had been withdrawn from his account. He said his account officer told him nothing could be done at the time.

Desalu, on the other hand, said he received a similar SMS claiming he had exceeded the speed limit and directing him to make a ₦2,500 payment through a link.

He said he entered his details and made the payment, only to later discover that $2,500 had been deducted from his account.

The actor, who said he had worked in the banking industry and was familiar with fraud patterns, admitted that he failed to identify the fake link in this instance.

Both entertainers have since warned Nigerians against clicking on unsolicited links received through SMS or email, particularly those requesting banking or personal information.

Qatar Returnee Passenger Narrates Shoody Encounter With Air Peace

2026-09-17T21:26:45.225+01:00

Bashir Bature Post

THIS IS COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE — AIR PEACE, WHAT KIND OF TREATMENT IS THIS?

Today, we arrived at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja from Doha at about 2:30 PM. We had a confirmed Air Peace flight scheduled for 6:25PM from Abuja to Kano — approximately three and a half hours after our arrival.

To our absolute disbelief, when we went to board our flight, we were told that the flight had already departed by 2:50pm and was already in Kano.

I was like, How is this possible?

How can passengers who have arrived in Abuja hours before their scheduled flight be left behind and then simply told, “Your flight has gone”?

We immediately asked what is next ?They gave us 2 options;

1. We stay in Abuja (at our own expense) for 24 hrs and join their tomorrow 6:25pm flight. OR

2. We request a refund.

We immediately asked for a refund. Instead, we were told that because we booked through Wakanow, Air Peace would not refund us.

Fine. Then what exactly is Air Peace’s responsibility toward passengers who have been left stranded?

We were told:

❌ No refund.

❌ No hotel accommodation.

❌ No food or meal assistance.

❌ No transportation assistance.

The only option offered to us was to reschedule us for tomorrow at 6:25 PM — almost 24 hours later.

HOW IS THIS FAIR?

We are 10 passengers.

Just imagine transporting 10 passengers into Abuja City, paying for their one night stay in a hotel, dinner, breakfast for the next day, transporting them back to Abuja airport with their luggages the next day.

Air Peace expects 10 people to simply remain stranded at the airport for almost 24 hours, with our own money, without accommodation, without food, without transportation, and with absolutely no meaningful assistance from the airline.

Do they expect us to sleep at the airport?

Then we have to pay for:

* Hotel accommodation

* Food for 10 people

* Transportation into Abuja

* Transportation back to the airport tomorrow

* Additional expenses caused entirely by this situation

Who is going to pay for all of this ?

Their staff told me that an email was sent to every passenger at 4:22am notifying them of the change of time. I did NOT receive that email, I showed him my inbox, we were even airborne at the time (JED to DOH), so but even If I received this email, do they have the right to move back our flight without taking responsibility ? Do they even know our plans ? This is not fair at all.

AIR PEACE, THIS IS NOT HOW YOU TREAT PASSENGERS.

Why should 10 passengers bear hundreds of thousands of naira in additional expenses because of this situation?

This is not just about our group anymore. This is about how Nigerian passengers are treated.

We will be sharing this experience across social media and seeking clarification from the relevant consumer and aviation authorities.

Air Peace Nigeria Limited, we need answers. @airpeace

EFCC Commences Investigation Of Suspect Arrested With Counterfeit $212,200 In Kano

2026-09-17T21:21:19.506+01:00

The Kano Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has commenced investigation of a suspect, Usaini Ibrahim, arrested with counterfeit currency totaling $212,200( Two hundred and Twelve Thousand, Two Hundred United States Dollar)

The suspect was arrested on September 3, 2026, by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, along Maiduguri Road in Kano following the discovery of the counterfeit currency. The NDLEA subsequently handed over the suspect and the fake currency to the EFCC for further investigation and possible prosecution.

The formal handover took place at the Kano Directorate of the EFCC, where the Acting Zonal Director, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE1 Friday S. Ebelo, received both the suspect and the exhibits. A representative of the NDLEA, Deputy Superintendent of Narcotics, Yahaya Labaran, while handing over the case, expressed appreciation for the continued strategic collaboration between the two agencies in sanitizing Nigeria's financial system.

Ebelo, acknowledging the handover, reiterated the EFCC's commitment to cleansing the financial ecosystem of counterfeit currencies and fraudulent schemes. He specifically warned members of the public to be wary of "money doubling" scams, which often involves using counterfeit notes as tools to defraud unsuspecting victims.

"Such fake currencies coming into the economy do not paint a good picture of us," he said. He called on the public to remain vigilant and avoid falling victim to individuals offering to "double" money and other financial crimes through questionable means.

The suspect, Usaini Ibrahim, is currently in the custody of the EFCC and will be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of investigations.

Canada Raises Study Permit, Visitor Visa Processing Periods For Nigerians

2026-09-17T19:05:17.810+01:00

Nigerians applying to study or visit Canada are facing longer estimated processing times, following the latest update by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.

The processing time for study permits submitted from Nigeria increased from nine weeks to 10 weeks as of September 16, according to the latest figures released by IRCC.

The estimated processing time for visitor visas also increased from 84 days to 87 days.

The figures, compiled by CIC News, were contained in IRCC’s latest temporary residence processing-time update, published on September 16.

However, the estimated processing time for work permits submitted from Nigeria remained unchanged at 10 weeks.

For super visa applicants in Nigeria, the estimated processing time increased from 44 days to 46 days.

IRCC updates its temporary residence processing estimates weekly. The figures are estimates of how long it may take to process an application and are not fixed deadlines or guarantees.

The department said processing times could vary depending on factors including the type of application, the volume of applications being processed and the complexity of individual cases.

For visitor visa applications, IRCC said processing may also take longer where applicants are asked to provide additional documents, attend an interview, undergo a medical examination or submit a police certificate.

The latest figures show that applicants from some other countries also experienced changes in processing times.

For study permits, the estimate for applicants in Canada increased from seven to eight weeks, while those applying from India, Pakistan, the United States and the Philippines remained unchanged.

For visitor visas, applicants from Pakistan saw an increase from 73 to 75 days, while the estimate for India fell from 31 to 29 days.

The processing time for super visas in Nigeria rose slightly, while the estimate for applicants in the United States increased from 66 to 116 days. Applicants from Pakistan, however, saw their estimate fall from 132 to 95 days.

IRCC said processing times are different from its service standards, which are targets for how quickly it aims to process applications under normal circumstances.

The department also cautioned that individual applications could take either longer or shorter than the published estimates.

IRCC’s processing-time tool is updated regularly and applicants can use it to check the latest estimates for their application type and country.

Police Warns Against Raising Fund To Secure Release Of Mother Accused Of Sexually Abusing Daughter

2026-09-17T07:04:32.684+01:00

The police in Anambra has warned that it would not allow anyone to raise money to secure the release of Anulika Onyeanusia, the 36-year-old woman arrested for allegedly using her 7-year-old daughter to create adult content.

The warning was issued by the command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, who said the police had seen comments indicating that some individuals were contributing money to secure the release of the suspect.

Recall that Delta-based activist, Joe Isreal, had raised alarm over alleged plans by some wealthy Arabian men who purchase child pornography to mobilize massive financial resources to hire a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) to defend Anulika, rewrite the narrative, and pervert justice by influencing the police.

Speaking to some newsmen in the state recently, Ikenga said

“We saw comments that some people are contributing money to look for a way to secure the release of the Nigerian mother who sexually abused her 7-year-old daughter and used her to create adult content. But we assure Nigerians that under our watch, we won’t allow it to happen,” the spokesperson said

Ikenga said the comments about the alleged fundraising had also become part of the police investigation, saying they could provide leads about other people who may be connected to the case.

“These comments also form part of our investigation atleast, it has shown that there are some persons behind what the woman is doing. From the revelation of the woman, you would observe it’s a syndicate crime and if need be, we will partner with our colleagues in the international community.”

Woman Granted Bail After 270 Days In Detention For Allegedly Defaming Akwa Ibom State Governor

2026-09-17T06:34:12.584+01:00

Foremost socio-cultural group, Ekid People's Union has praised Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno for his role in the release of their daughter, Princess Godsown Udoito, who spent 270 days in detention at the Uyo Correctional Centre over defamatory remarks against the Governor.

This follows the bail granted her by an Akwa Ibom State High Court in Uyo.

In a statement issued on Wednesday September 16 and titled "Our Princess is free!", the Union, the apex socio-cultural organisation of the Ekid nation, described Governor Eno's handling of the matter as an act of compassion that turned a bitter dispute into reconciliation.

"We are grateful to the Governor, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno PhD, for his magnanimity, and good heart," the statement read.

"His Excellency has shown compassion and sincerity, such that what looked, at the beginning like a stormy war, ended amicably like a family affair."

The statement, signed by the union's President General, Dr. Samuel Udonsak, and Secretary General, Hon. (Barr.) Bassey Dan-Abia, confirmed that Udoito had regained her freedom and was receiving post-release care.

"The Union can confirm that our Princess Godsown Udoito has regained her freedom after 270 days at the Uyo Correctional Centre," it said.

"In line with international best practices, she is about now receiving the necessary routine medical assistance and counselling post release."

Udoito, from Esit Eket, was arrested on January 14, 2026, for using her Facebook page, which has more than 20,000 followers, to publish "false, misleading, defamatory and threatening statements and videos" against Governor Eno.

She was charged on six counts, including criminal defamation, conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace and publication of false news, tied to her advocacy over the disputed Stubbs Creek Forest Reserve.

She was remanded in correctional custody after pleading not guilty.

Her application for bail had been denied, resulting in prolonged detention.

This drew months of appeals by Ekid women and youths across Eket and Esit Eket local government areas, with demonstrators marching through Eket in June carrying placards appealing directly to the governor.

Beyond the Governor, the union acknowledged the Oku Ibom Ibibio, His Eminence Ntenyin Dr Solomon D. Etuk, CFR, for his role in the resolution, saying his "timely intervention, persistent interest, and commitment to a peaceful resolution bore this fruit today."

It extended appreciation to the Paramount Rulers of Eket and Esit Eket, the Clan Head of Ekid Offiong, Arch Bishop Senator Helen Esuene, sociocultural organisations, women and youth leaders, religious leaders, the press, and the legal team led by Akpadiaha Ebitu Esq, along with other individuals and union members who supported the campaign for Udoito's release "morally and financially."

The union declared the matter closed and urged Akwa Ibom residents to turn their attention to collective development.

The Union called for unity in "the task of building a united and prosperous Akwa Ibom state."

When the matter came up at the State High Court in Uyo on Wednesday, the Court exercised His discretion and granted her bail in light terms.