Adebayo said the system as presently run helps rich criminals and corrupt public officials escape justice while jailing the poor for petty offences.

He spoke on Thursday in Lagos at an annual lecture organised by the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, CDHR, themed “Understanding Human Rights Beyond Emotions and Personal Interests.”

His address, titled “The Counter-Intuitive Architecture of Human Rights,” was delivered on his behalf by his Campaign’s Chief Media Adviser, Comrade Mark Adebayo, at the Airport Hotel, Ikeja.

“It’s just unfortunate that those who administer Nigeria’s criminal justice system are often adjudged, rightly or wrongly, criminals by the society,” Adebayo said.

The SDP Candidate further said, “This diminishes trust in the system and consequently creates a dangerous culture of self-help because the current system helps rich criminals and corrupt public officials to escape justice while the innocent or a petty criminal who steals a one thousand naira bread is sentenced to 10 years in jail. The one who steals trillions from the treasury is taken to and from court in luxury jeeps.

“Our administration will overhaul Nigeria’s criminal system in a way that ensures equal delivery of justice, punishes criminals and protects the innocent and the poor. We cannot have a criminal justice system run by criminals.”

Adebayo argued that human rights must be protected especially when it is unpopular to do so, noting that rights are not rewards for virtue but structural safeguards against arbitrariness.

Citing John Adams’ defence of British soldiers in the 1770 Boston Massacre, Jewish lawyers defending Nazi sympathisers, and defence counsels at the Yugoslavia war crimes tribunal, he argued that defending due process for “monsters” protects the innocent.

“The true metric of a society’s commitment to human rights is not how it treats its saints, but how it treats its perceived monsters,” he said.

He also challenged civil society to move beyond what he called “prebendal activism” and confront out-of-school children, electoral manipulation and clampdown on protests.

“If Chief Gani Fawehinmi were alive today and Babangida were to suffer unjust treatment, Gani would be the first to stand in his defence,” Adebayo said.

He accused the current administration of building a “comprehensive rigging machine” ahead of 2027 because it cannot win on performance.

The post “We Can’t Have Criminal Justice System Run By Criminals – Adebayo appeared first on Information Nigeria.

Technical and regulatory challenges have so far prevented the much-hyped flying car sector from getting off the ground.

Musk revealed his new Roadster sports car during a launch event at a SpaceX test facility in Texas.

During the demo, which was livestreamed on Tesla’s X account, the car launched from a steep ramp and landed on its wheels.
“Flying cars are real,” Musk said during the event.

He added that the vehicle’s “success is not guaranteed” but that “it will probably work.”

Musk said the car was equipped with “ultra high-pressure air tanks” to propel itself into the air.

The tech billionaire described the development as “what happens when you have a collaboration with the world’s best car company and the world’s best rocket company,” referring to Tesla and SpaceX.

The vehicle would go into production in 2028, he said.
American aviation pioneer Glenn Curtiss debuted the first flying car prototype in 1917.

But successful designs have become more seriously contemplated only in recent years as electric motors and high-performance batteries have advanced.

AFP

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The increase was announced during a meeting with stakeholders at the teaching hospital on Thursday, according to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, on Friday.

The statement said, “Governor Makinde approved an increase in the monthly salary of cleaners at the Teaching Hospital from ₦15,000 to ₦80,000, aligning their pay with the national minimum wage.”

The decision followed an appeal by the cleaners, who met the governor during his visit.

Makinde also appealed to striking hospital workers to give his administration the opportunity to address their grievances, stressing the need for dialogue to resolve the dispute.

He said, “Initially, I didn’t want to respond to those who are on strike. But if there are challenges, we must find ways to solve them. You put this government in place. The first step is for you to call off the strike, and once you assure me of that, we can move forward. This is our state; how we lay our bed is how we will lie on it.”

The Commissioner for Health, Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, commended the governor’s support for the health sector and assured workers that the administration was committed to addressing recurring strikes.

The post Makinde Raises LAUTECH Cleaners’ Pay To N80,000 appeared first on Information Nigeria.

The Assemblies of Edo, Osun, Oyo, Rivers and Zamfara have passed the proposed amendment, which seeks to decentralise Nigeria’s policing system and provides a constitutional framework for the establishment and operation of state police services.

However, several other state legislatures are still studying the bill, consulting stakeholders or waiting to begin deliberations, leaving the proposed reform far short of the constitutional requirement for approval by at least 24 state Houses of Assembly.

The bill was transmitted to the state legislatures on September 16, 2026, following its passage by the Senate on June 24 and the House of Representatives on July 23. The 30-day period given to the Assemblies was due to expire on October 16 (today).

Despite the deadline, the leadership of the House of Representatives has yet to make a formal statement on the status of the exercise or explain the next steps following the limited number of approvals.

The development raises questions about the pace of the constitutional amendment process, which requires broad support from state legislatures before the proposed changes can take effect.

Section 9(2) of the 1999 Constitution requires a constitutional alteration to be approved by resolutions of at least two-thirds of all state Houses of Assembly, representing 24 of the 36 states, before it can be presented for presidential assent.

With only five states having approved the proposal, the bill remains a considerable distance from the required threshold.

The establishment of state police has featured prominently in Nigeria’s security debate amid persistent challenges involving banditry, kidnapping, terrorism, communal violence and other criminal activities.

However, supporters argue that decentralised policing would enable states to respond more effectively to local security threats, while concerns have been raised over the possible political misuse of state-controlled security agencies.

The proposed amendment provides for a Federal Police Service alongside state police services, with each state empowered to establish its own service through legislation. It also outlines arrangements for the administration, oversight and accountability of state police personnel.

The post State Police Bill: Five Assemblies Say Yes, 31 Yet To Decide appeared first on Information Nigeria.

Our correspondent learnt that the aircraft, with registration number T7-SEI and flight identification DWC052, was en route to the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, when the incident occurred at about 4:20 pm.

An incident report obtained by our correspondent showed that the crew informed the air traffic control tower that a door had opened in flight, prompting the approach radar controller to direct the aircraft back to Abuja for an emergency landing.

The report further showed that the aircraft took off from Runway 22 at 4:17 pm UTC. It was “about three nautical miles from the airport, climbing through 3,000 feet, when the crew transmitted a distress call: ‘Mayday, Mayday, Mayday.’”

Following the distress call, airport fire and emergency personnel, as well as the medical team, were immediately alerted and placed on standby. Fire and rescue teams were also directed to designated positions to prepare for the aircraft’s return.

The incident report stated that at about 4:29 pm UTC, while in contact with the Abuja control tower, the crew asked whether the controllers could confirm if the door was open.

“The duty air traffic controller attempted to observe the aircraft using binoculars, but could not establish the door’s condition because of the aircraft’s position. The crew was subsequently informed that the controller could not confirm the situation visually,” the report said.

The aircraft eventually landed safely on Runway 22 at approximately 4:34 pm UTC, about 14 minutes after the Mayday call.

Following the landing, the duty controller observed that the aircraft’s door was missing from the fuselage, confirming the seriousness of the incident.

The jet was subsequently taxied to the international apron extension and parked with the assistance of a marshaller.

Meanwhile, a video obtained by The PUNCH showed the missing door, reportedly recovered by farmers from a farm in the Abuja area.

In the video, a man whose identity could not be established said the farmers found the door while returning from their farm.

He said, “This is what we found as we were returning from our farm. It fell from a plane, but we don’t know much about its identity. As I am sending it to you, sir, just check it.”

The number of passengers on board could not be immediately confirmed as of the time of filing this report.

The Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, Michael Achimugu, confirmed the incident but said the agency could not comment, adding that the matter fell under the purview of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau.

Although the NSIB could not immediately provide an official comment to our correspondent, a reliable source in the agency confirmed the seriousness of the incident.

The source said the bureau’s management had deployed investigators and would issue an official statement in due course.

Triton Aviation, the aircraft’s operator, could not be reached for comment as of the time of filing this report.

The post Private Jet Loses Door Mid-air, Makes Emergency Landing In Abuja appeared first on Information Nigeria.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, Muoka defended the government’s economic policies, arguing that the reforms had given Nigeria an opportunity to recover and achieve sustainable prosperity.

“Qualitatively speaking, our country is better. Nigerians are better today than they have ever been. Is there a country that has transited from this depressed economy, like we have had for decades, to that level of prosperity that didn’t go through these stages?” he said.

He added that Tinubu’s policies had given the country “a fighting chance, not just at recovery, but at building the prospects for sustainable prosperity.”

On the APC’s preparations for the 2027 elections, Muoka said the party was working to secure voters’ support and would not take Nigerians’ votes for granted.

He cited the party’s victories in elections since 2023 as evidence of its preparation and electoral strength, insisting that Nigerians had continued to vote for the APC.

“We are a party for a reason. We are in this to compete with other political parties and to win the support of Nigerians,” he said.

Muoka also maintained that the APC had taken its campaign preparations seriously and was determined to secure as many votes as possible in the next general election.

“We will win the election. We are working hard to win the election. I think that Nigerians are going to stand tall, shoulder to shoulder with the APC to win the next election,” he added.

The post “Nigerians Better Today Under Tinubu Than They’ve Ever Been”— APC Spokesman Felix Muoka appeared first on Information Nigeria.

Speaking during an interview, Gbolabo said he received a phone call early in the morning informing him about the singer’s condition and immediately rushed to the hospital.

“From my understanding, there was nothing wrong with him. He has always been fine and in perfect health condition. I was told he just sl¥mped suddenly,” he said.

The PA further disclosed that the singer was rushed to several hospitals, but many allegedly refused to admit him.

“He was rushed to various hospitals and many of them rejected him because some of them claimed they were on strike. In the process of moving him around, he gave up the ghost,” Gbadebo recounted.

He added, “We visited more than 10 hospitals in Ibadan, but alas, we lost him.”

When asked about the next steps following the singer’s death, Gbadebo said the family was at the hospital discussing the arrangements.

“Well, his family members are here now at the hospital, and they are holding a meeting. He hasn’t been emb@lmed yet, but once his family members decide on what to do, more information will be shared with the public,” he stated.

The post “Over 10 Hospitals Rejected Toluwanisings Before He Died; Was In Perfect Health Earlier” — P.A Babadunni Gbolabo appeared first on Information Nigeria.

In the announcement posted on his verified social media pages, the family said he died in the early hours of the day.

“With deep sorrow, the family announces the passing of Minister Olayemi Bayonile Bolaji, Toluwani Gospel Music Ministry (TOGOMM), who passed away in the early hours of 14 October 2026,” the statement read.

“A dearly loved husband, family member, and gospel minister. Please keep his wife, family, and loved ones in your prayers during this difficult time.”

He was 41 and survived by a wife and two children.

Although the cause of his death is unknown, according to the family, funeral arrangements for Toluwanisings would be announced in due course. É

The post Family Confirms Death Of Gospel Singer Toluwanisings appeared first on Information Nigeria.

According to Finnish public broadcaster Yle, the court upheld his conviction for participating in a terrorist organisation and publicly inciting crimes for terrorist purposes.

The charges were linked to his alleged activities aimed at establishing an independent Biafran state in southeastern Nigeria.

The court reduced the sentence after considering the circumstances surrounding his activities, noting that the situation in the region resembled a civil war but did not meet the legal definition of one.

Ekpa had argued that his involvement in the region’s political crisis was not driven by terrorist intent, while the prosecutor had appealed the original sentence, arguing that six years in prison was insufficient given the seriousness of the offences.

The post Finnish Court Reduces Simon Ekpa’s Jail Term From Six Years To Four appeared first on Information Nigeria.

The Brazilian forward broke his silence after he was handed a four-match ban on Wednesday y after being sent off during Saturday’s 1-0 La Liga win over Villarreal for pulling the hair of an opponent.

Speaking to Spanish newspaper Marca, the Brazilian said, “I think the punishment came at a bad time. They had the whole day to announce the decision, but I found out about it when I arrived at the stadium. The rule is new, and La Liga officials always come to explain the new amendments to us, but they did not explain this particular rule to us.”

He added: “I have never committed a violent act against another player. I get kicked a lot, and yet I feel that referees show me cards very easily.”

The 25-year-old also stressed the need for referees to protect players capable of influencing matches, citing Yamal and Álvarez alongside himself.

“The fans have to boo me because I’m here to score goals against their teams, but I don’t understand the referees, because I’ve seen a statistic that says I get 500 fouls for five red cards and I don’t know how many yellow cards, and the yellow cards are always for Vini. I don’t understand. We have to defend the players who do things differently, like Lamine at Barcelona or Julián at Atlético,” he said.

Reflecting on his career at Real Madrid, Vinícius recalled joining the Spanish club at 18 and facing doubts about his ability to score goals.

“Remember, I arrived at 18 years old and many people laughed at me. They said I can’t score, then I had more than 100 goals for Madrid,” he said.

The post “Referees Must Protect Players Like me, Yamal, Álvarez” – Vinicius Jr. appeared first on Information Nigeria.

Momodu stated this during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time on Wednesday, insisting that the opposition was working behind the scenes to challenge Tinubu’s re-election bid.

He declined to disclose the party’s plans, saying the ADC would not make its strategy public.

“I can’t tell you about strategy in public. What we know is that once upon a time, Tinubu fought for himself to survive the second term as governor of Lagos State. So others are also working very hard behind the scenes,” he said.

“We are not going to come in public and say this, but we know what to do to make sure that he does not get that second term,” Momodu added.

The publisher of Ovation Magazine also questioned the credibility of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) under Tinubu’s administration, alleging that the president had appointed too many people from the South-West to the electoral body.

He claimed that many Nigerians, including some of Tinubu’s supporters, doubted whether the president would ensure a free and fair election in 2027.

“If you ask an average Nigerian today about Tinubu, do you trust Tinubu to conduct a free and fair election? I can tell you, 90 per cent of them will say no,” Momodu said.

“Nobody trusts Tinubu to run a free and fair election, including his own supporters,” he added.

Momodu also dismissed suggestions that Tinubu would refuse to accept defeat if he lost the election, arguing that Nigerians’ determination could shape the outcome of the contest.

“Look, you do not know the determination of Nigerians, and now I’m not resting my confidence on just my party. I’m talking about the ordinary man on the street who cannot imagine Tinubu coming back again,” he said.

The ADC chieftain further alleged that fear had weakened checks on the president among governors, judges and legislators.

He claimed that some people publicly supporting Tinubu were privately hoping he would lose the election because they were uncomfortable with what he described as the president’s dominance over political office holders.

“Governors are scared, judges are scared, legislators are scared. So, Tinubu has become a god that nobody is ready to face and say, ‘Oga, you’ve done your best. Please go home,’” Momodu said.

His remarks come as political parties and their leaders intensify preparations for the 2027 general election.

The post 2027: “We Know How To Stop Tinubu From Getting Second Term”  -  Dele Momodu appeared first on Information Nigeria.

The military is planning for the potential use of the GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast (MOAB) bomb — better known by its nickname, the “Mother Of All Bombs” — to target Iranian energy infrastructure and nuclear sites, according to the news outlet, which quoted officials familiar with the matter.

Trump is trying to boost his low approval ratings ahead of November’s midterm elections, with polls showing the unpopular war in Iran and fuel and other price rises it has caused are hurting his Republican Party.

Diplomatic efforts to end the conflict, which erupted with US-Israeli strikes on Iran in February, have been at an impasse since the summer.

But officials have raised doubts over the efficacy of the bomb if it were deployed, particularly its ability to destroy suspected underground nuclear sites in the Islamic republic.

“The MOAB is a massive information operation type weapon that is great for huge area clearance but not much else,” a source familiar with the plans told CNN.

“It is definitely not designed as a deep penetration warhead.”

The United States and Israel have said the war was necessary to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons — a goal Tehran has long denied pursuing.

There are also concerns over the possibility of civilian casualties from such a huge weapon.

Washington has in recent weeks dialled back military operations in favour of economic pressure.

AFP

The post US Considers Hitting Iran With ‘Mother Of All Bombs’ – Report appeared first on Information Nigeria.

Since Trump returned to power, Washington’s support for Ukraine has fluctuated alongside his unexpected social media remarks, which have often taken Moscow and Kyiv by surprise.

Trump last week unilaterally announced an “energy ceasefire” that was never publicly confirmed, and Moscow continued striking Ukrainian energy infrastructure.

But after a wave of renewed Russian strikes on facilities on Wednesday, Zelensky told the FT: “The block (on attacking refineries) is out. We’re done.”

Russia on Thursday said Ukraine had attacked an oil refinery in Ryazan, south of the capital, Moscow.

Since Russia launched its invasion in 2022, Ukraine has faced repeated strikes on its power infrastructure and gradually expanded what it says are retaliatory strikes into Russian territory, including on refineries.

Trump criticised the attacks, especially after he struck a surprise diesel deal with Moscow and ordered Ukraine to stop targeting Russian refineries.

Zelensky said Ukraine paused the strikes for several days, despite Russian claims — denied by Kyiv — that Ukraine attempted to target refineries during that period.

Despite complying, Zelensky said Ukraine saw its access to key US military capabilities and intelligence restricted.

Starshield, the satellite network built on Starlink and used by militaries, was slowed over Wednesday.

“It was not a technical problem; it was the will,” Zelensky told the FT.
He also warned of a “dangerous” cutting off of intelligence sharing with Kyiv, which relies heavily on early warnings to protect its cities from Russian air attacks.

Fears that Washington could curb intelligence cooperation had already surfaced after a public clash between Trump and Zelensky early in Trump’s presidency.

The Ukrainian presidency has since worked to smooth relations with Washington, trying to adapt to Trump’s fluctuating stances.

In the interview, Zelensky made a pointed comment about the relationship between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Trump “speaks about it openly and loudly that he loves such people and he respects such people. Because for him people who can be leaders 20 years, 30 years, 40 years, it means they can be very strong”, he said.

AFP

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Speaking at a campaign rally in Bullhead City, Arizona, on Wednesday, October 14, Trump said, “Canada treats us very badly. They always have. Not anymore. It’s a whole different ball game now that Trump is in town.”

He criticised Canadian tariffs on milk and other goods, as well as companies moving their factories to the U.S.

“They’ll end up being the 51st state, because that’s the only way it works,” Trump said. “We don’t need them, but they need us.”

He also questioned why the U.S. should lose billions of dollars supporting Canada, adding that the country’s territory “just adds to our beautiful plate,” in an apparent reference to his remarks about Greenland.

The comments came amid renewed trade tensions. U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra had suggested that remarks by Canadian politicians about retaliatory tariffs could be interpreted as “election interference” ahead of the U.S. midterm elections in November.

Canada has repeatedly rejected the idea of becoming part of the United States. In September, British Columbia Premier David Eby announced plans for border signs declaring the province “never the 51st state.”

Ontario Premier Doug Ford also rejected Trump’s earlier remarks, insisting that Canada’s sovereignty was not for sale.

“I can tell President Trump that will never, ever happen,” Ford said.

The post “Canada Will Become 51st State Of U.S.” — President Trump appeared first on Information Nigeria.

Speaking on the development, Agbonayinma said the EFCC had acknowledged his petition, dated August 27, 2026, and received on September 1. Filed through his lawyer, Chief Hannibal Egbe Uwaifo, SAN, the petition asks the commission to reactivate its earlier report and act on the allegations.

The former lawmaker appeared at the EFCC headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, where he adopted the petition and answered questions from investigators.

Agbonayinma said the matter should not be allowed to remain unresolved.

“I want to thank Nigerians, the EFCC, and those praying for me in this struggle. The laws are meant for both the rich and the poor. After the EFCC has done a fantastic job, it should not be kept under the table,” he said.

In the petition, Agbonayinma urged the EFCC to revisit its September 2006 report on Atiku and a February 4, 2010, report by the US Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, arguing that both documents should form the basis for renewed action.

The petition alleged that the EFCC had previously indicated that Atiku could face prosecution after leaving office as vice-president, when his constitutional immunity ceased to apply, but that no prosecution followed.

Agbonayinma described the alleged failure to act as a dereliction of duty and argued that pursuing the matter would demonstrate the commission’s resolve to hold politically influential figures accountable.

He also disclosed that he had petitioned US President Donald Trump over the allegations.

The EFCC spokesman, Dele Oyewale, had yet to respond to messages seeking an update on the investigation as of the time of filing this report.

The post Ex-Lawmaker Petitions EFCC To Reopen Case Against Atiku Over 2006 Corruption Report appeared first on Information Nigeria.

Adeleke made the declaration on Wednesday at the inauguration of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu/All Progressives Congress Campaign Council, where he called on Nigerians to support Tinubu and pray for his administration’s success.

“I am the light, and the light is here. We will sing and dance back to Aso Rock after President Bola Tinubu’s re-election.

“I am here to throw my weight behind Tinubu’s return to Aso Rock. Let us rise from every nook and corner to support the President. Let him come and complete the good work he has begun.

“I want you to continue to pray for Mr. President because if he succeeds, we all succeed. I know we will get there,” the governor said.

Following his speech, Adeleke, popularly known for his energetic dance moves, joined Tinubu in dancing, while singing, drawing admiration and cheers from the crowd at the event.

The governor’s performance added a lively moment to the inauguration as attendees watched him show his trademark dancing style after publicly backing the president’s re-election bid.

Adeleke’s declaration came after the APC named him and Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo as state campaign coordinators in its revised Presidential Campaign Council for the 2027 general election.

The Osun governor, who belongs to the Accord Party, was appointed to coordinate the president’s campaign in Osun State, while Soludo, a member of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), was assigned to coordinate campaign activities in Anambra State.

Their inclusion in the council highlights the APC’s efforts to secure support from political figures outside its ranks ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

See video below:

https://t.co/cyLKN8XLa0

The post Adeleke Dances At APC Inauguration After Declaring Support For Tinubu’s Re-election appeared first on Information Nigeria.

He assured Nigerians that police would ensure professionalism during the forthcoming poll.

Disu stated this while fielding questions from newsmen after the Launch of a book, “The Origin of Women in Nigeria Police Force”, written by 96-year-old Dame Stella Okuyiga, DCP (rted), one of the first 20 pioneer female Officers to join the NPF.

Responding to questions about the police stance on the 2027 election, the IGP said the Force had organized a meeting with police commissioners across the country to ensure professionalism during the polls.

“I want to let you know that we just finished a conference of all commissioners of police and other senior officers. We have had two or three elections recently, and you can see the police did very well, and we did too.

“We have now brought all these experiences together, where we did well and where we did not do well, so that we can perform better in this big election that everybody is looking up to.

“I give you my word. Nigeria Police will do so well, and we will make Nigeria Police so proud, and we will make Nigerians proud.”

The post “Nigerians Will Be Proud Of Police In 2027 Polls” – IGP Disu Assures appeared first on Information Nigeria.

Judge Carli Kierny delivered the judgement on Tuesday, condemning the murder of the iconic rapper.

“You don’t get to take a man from his family,” Judge Kierny said. “You don’t get to take his very life, his whole future from him, and just walk away from it. Especially when that man is Tupac Shakur.”

The judge added, “The world never forgot about him and his death, and neither did Las Vegas. Took us 30 years, but at this time, you are going to face justice for what you did on September 7, 1996.”

A jury in Clark County, Nevada, on August 31, found Keffe D guilty of one count of first-degree murder with a deadly weapon after about three hours of deliberation in a trial that ran for 11 days.

During the trial, the prosecutor, Binu Palal, accused Keffe D of ordering the drive-by shooting that killed Shakur, hours after members of the rapper’s team beat his nephew at a Las Vegas casino.

“Duane Davis, in the culture of gangs, could not let that stand. So what did he do? He acquired a firearm, got his group together and went hunting for Mr Shakur,” Mr Palal said as he played clips from Keffe D’s alleged confessions to close his argument.

However, Michael Sanft, Keffe D’s defence attorney, dismissed the confessions as lies crafted to promote his client’s book.

“You’re reading a book that is fiction and not fact,” Mr Sanft said. “But the state wants you to believe that this is somehow a confession, that he was there and present at the time of the shooting.”

Shakur was killed in a drive-by shooting in Las Vegas while he visited the city to see a Mike Tyson boxing bout.

Rated one of the all-time best rappers, Shakur’s killing remains one of the unresolved murders in America’s music industry.

In his lifetime, Shakur released hit songs including “All Eyez on Me,” “Hit ’Em Up,” “Changes,” “Dear Mama,” “California Love,” and others.

The post 63-year-old Duane ‘Keffe D’ Davis Jailed 40 Yars For Killing Tupac appeared first on Information Nigeria.

IMF said blanket petrol subsidies were expensive, often benefited higher-income consumers disproportionately and could worsen fiscal pressures amid rising borrowing costs.

Rodrigo Valdés, director of the IMF’s fiscal affairs department, spoke during a press briefing on the fund’s fiscal monitor at the 2026 annual meetings of the IMF and World Bank in Bangkok, Thailand, on Wednesday.

His comments followed a question on how the fund could recommend allowing energy prices to reflect scarcity when higher fuel prices in Nigeria could raise transport costs, worsen inflation and deepen poverty, particularly when the government was facing calls to restore petrol subsidy ahead of an election year.

“Protecting people is not the same as protecting the price of fuels,” Valdés said.

He said fuel subsidies or measures preventing prices from adjusting fully to an energy shock had cost countries between 1 percent and 1.5 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2026.

“It’s first fiscally very costly, and second, if you look at the pattern of consumption, it’s easy to see that that subsidy is readily regressive in many places,” he said.

Valdés said governments should instead use social safety nets and household data to identify people who need assistance.

“There are better tools to deal with this,” he said.

The federal government recently announced a 30-day petrol discount at Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited retail stations, with priority for public transport operators, to cushion the impact of rising fuel prices.

Taiwo Oyedele, minister of finance, said NNPC retail would sell petrol at cost by foregoing its retail profit margin, describing the measure as temporary relief rather than a return to petrol subsidy.

The government also proposed negotiating a ceiling of N1,350 per litre on petrol’s ex-gantry or landing cost, subject to monthly reviews.

The IMF also recommended targeted interventions to cushion the effect of higher fuel prices on transportation costs.

Davide Furceri, a division chief in the fund’s fiscal affairs department, said governments could redirect some of the resources spent on blanket subsidies towards vulnerable consumers.

“For example, you mentioned transportation costs. Yeah, gasoline could go up, and perhaps bus fees may be subsidised in a way that is a much better policy at the end of the day than just a blanket subsidy for everybody,” Furceri said.

He also suggested alternatives such as school feeding programmes, geographical targeting and assistance for vulnerable farmers.

Furceri acknowledged that some countries lacked household registries and digital payment systems needed to deliver targeted support effectively.

However, he said governments could adopt alternative approaches in the short term while developing stronger systems.

He recommended that assistance should be limited, targeted and temporary.

Valdés explained that fuel subsidies could worsen global energy pressures by preventing demand from adjusting when supplies were constrained.

“When you subsidise, you don’t allow, at the end of the day, demand to adjust,” he said.

“And reality is that we have less fuels in the world economy. That means that someone else has to adjust more, and the market produces a higher price for that.”

The IMF official said subsidies were not only costly and regressive but could also have spillover effects on the global economy.l

The post IMF Warns Nigeria Against Restoring Petrol Subsidy appeared first on Information Nigeria.

Alausa stated this during the unveiling of a new agreement for non-academic staff in tertiary institutions, where he defended the President’s record and accused opposition figures of spreading misinformation about the government’s performance.

He cited the resolution of longstanding disputes with tertiary institution unions as evidence of Tinubu’s commitment to education, noting that the Federal Government had negotiated agreements with academic and non-academic unions after years of disagreements that disrupted academic activities.

“You have a President who has your back. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has your back,” Alausa told union leaders, urging them to engage the government through established channels instead of threatening industrial action through the media.

The minister disclosed that the government plans to expand the existing implementation committee for the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to monitor agreements with academic and non-academic unions.
He added that the agreement provides for renegotiation every three years and assured that the government would honour its commitments. He also urged union leaders to consider the country’s financial capacity when making demands.

Alausa said industrial harmony was essential to educational development, allowing institutions to plan effectively and students to study without recurring strikes.

He said the government remained committed to improved staff welfare and uninterrupted academic activities, adding, “A four-year programme must be a four-year programme. A promise made is a promise kept.”

The post 2027: “Tinubu Fulfilled 90% Of His Campaign Promises, Deserves To Be Re-elected” — Education Minister Tunji Alausa appeared first on Information Nigeria.

According to reports, Abidakun who recently resumed her primary assignment at the Assembly, was returning home on a motorcycle with another corps member, when the truck rammed into them around Agodi Gardens, in Ibadan North Local Government Area.

While Abidakun died on the spot, the other corps member sustained injuries and is receiving treatment at the University College Hospital, Ibadan.

In a statement on Tuesday, Ogundoyin described the incident as “a painful and devastating loss,” saying the young corps member’s death was heartbreaking because she had only just begun her national service with hopes and aspirations for the future.

He extended his condolences to her family, friends and colleagues, while praying for the surviving corps member’s speedy recovery.

Meanwhile, eyewitnesses revealed that the truck driver had allegedly hit several vehicles around Sango before proceeding towards Agodi Gardens, where the fatal crash occurred.

One eyewitness alleged that the driver was attempting to escape after the earlier collisions, prompting drivers whose vehicles were hit to pursue him.

The Oyo State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Kehinde Dahunsi, confirmed the incident, saying the female corps member died while the injured motorcycle rider was evacuated to the University College Hospital for treatment.

The post Truck Crushes NYSC Member To Death, Days In Oyo, Days After Resuming Place Of Primary Assignment appeared first on Information Nigeria.

In its 2026 Nigeria Development Update, titled Beyond the Federal Purse: How Higher Revenues Reshaped State Priorities, the bank said interest payments rose from N5.6 trillion in the first half of 2025 to N7.7 trillion in the corresponding period of 2026, amid high domestic borrowing costs.

The payments gulped 124.19 per cent of federal revenue and increased from 2.5 per cent to 3.1 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP).

According to the report, federal revenue improved to N6.2 trillion, or 2.5 per cent of GDP, from N3.6 trillion, or 1.6 per cent of GDP, in the first half of 2025.

The World Bank attributed the increase to a recovery in oil receipts, stronger corporate tax collections and higher independent revenues. Customs revenue remained stable, while value-added tax (VAT) collections stayed comparatively flat.

Despite the revenue increase, reported capital spending fell to N700 billion, or 0.3 per cent of GDP, from N2.2 trillion, or 1 per cent of GDP, in the same period of 2025.

Total federal expenditure rose to N16.1 trillion, equivalent to 6.5 per cent of GDP, from N14.6 trillion, or 6.6 per cent of GDP, a year earlier.

Meanwhile, personnel costs increased to N4.2 trillion from N3.7 trillion following wage adjustments, although they remained at 1.7 per cent of GDP.

The post “Nigeria Spends ₦7.7 trn Service Debt In Six Months As Interest Payments Exceed FG’s Total Revenue” — World Bank appeared first on Information Nigeria.

“If you attempt suicide, make sure you die. Anyone who attempts and fails will go to jail,” Akpabio said, arguing that removing the penalties could encourage the act.

He added that the Criminal Code and Penal Code required input from State Houses of Assembly.

Sponsored by Senator Ekpenyong Asuquo, the bill passed its second reading on Tuesday and was referred to the Senate Committees on Health and Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters.

Asuquo said the bill seeks to resolve the conflict between laws criminalising attempted suicide and the National Mental Health Act, which recognises it as a psychiatric emergency requiring medical intervention.

“Our law presently speaks with two voices,” he said, noting that Sections 327 of the Criminal Code and 231 of the Penal Code still punish attempted suicide.

“The police station or correctional facility should not be the default destination for a person who requires urgent clinical care,” he added.

Asuquo warned that criminalisation could discourage people from seeking help, encourage families to conceal incidents and deepen mental health stigma. The bill proposes crisis response services, medical referrals, psychological support and public education.

Supporting the bill, Senator Dayo Faduyile said attempted suicide should be treated as a medical emergency.

“The best way to treat anybody who did not succumb to a suicide attempt is actually not to criminalise it. They need help,” he said.

Senator Abdul Ningi also backed further consideration of the bill, while Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele raised concerns about whether the proposed amendment would apply nationwide, given differences in states’ legal frameworks.

The post Akpabio Insists Anyone Attempting To Commit Suicide Must Be Jailed appeared first on Information Nigeria.

Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, made this known on Friday at an energy conference organised by the Harvard Business School Association of Nigeria in Lagos, where industry experts discussed the challenges facing the country’s power sector.

According to the minister, several issues continue to undermine electricity supply in Nigeria, including poor revenue collection, inadequate metering, mounting debts owed to power generation companies and weaknesses in the electricity market.

Tegbe stressed that setting electricity tariffs at commercially sustainable rates would make little difference if power providers could not collect payments from customers.

“Commercially viable pricing will work where the supplier can actually collect his money and get paid. There’s no sense in commercially viable pricing if you don’t collect money,” he said.

The minister also revealed that the government was reviewing the structure of the electricity market and the assumptions guiding electricity tariffs in collaboration with the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

He further questioned the continued relevance of the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading (NBET) model, under which the government-owned company purchases electricity in bulk from generation companies before selling it to distribution companies.

Tegbe argued that the arrangement had outlived its usefulness and disclosed that his plan was to move the country away from the model.

“NBET ought to have been sunset about five years ago, and I’m telling you my own plan, at the end of the day, is to move from that model. That model will not help Nigeria. We can’t keep covering tariff shortfalls and think we’ll give power to every Nigerian,” he stated.

As part of the proposed reforms, the government is considering a shift towards bilateral electricity agreements.

Under this arrangement, power generation companies could enter into direct commercial agreements with customers or distribution companies under mutually agreed terms.

The proposed changes are expected to reshape how electricity is bought and sold in Nigeria, as the government seeks a more financially sustainable power market and improved electricity supply across the country.

The post “FG Can No Longer Keep Paying Electricity Subsidy” – Power Minister Tegbe appeared first on Information Nigeria.

Videos circulating online captured the moment officers dressed in yellow vests entered the beautifully decorated hall and instructed guests to leave.

The wedding guests, many dressed in colourful traditional Nigerian outfits and elegant formal wear, were seen filing out of the venue, with some visibly upset by the sudden interruption.

The incident quickly became tense, as some guests appeared to challenge the officers’ actions.

In the background, a voice accused the police of racial discrimination, alleging that the wedding was being disrupted because the guests were Black.

“It is because we are blacks; you’re treating us like animals,” the individual was heard saying, while expressing frustration over the way the officers handled the situation.

The speaker also questioned the need to interrupt such a special occasion, stressing that it was someone’s wedding and that the situation could have been handled differently.

In the Netherlands, public and private events are subject to local rules on noise levels, permits and operating hours.

However, it is still unclear whether the wedding organisers violated any specific regulations or exceeded the venue’s permitted hours.

The post Dutch Police Shut Down Nigerian Wedding In Netherlands Over Noise Pollution appeared first on Information Nigeria.

Okorocha, who was arrested at REIZ Continental Hotel in central Abuja, was, however, released on bail by the NPF following an hour of interrogation over allegations of criminal conspiracy, forgery and impersonation.

CSP Iniedu, who confirmed the arrest and subsequent release on bail to our correspondent, noted that the former governor was asked to return to the Force Headquarters on Tuesday for further interrogation as investigations into the allegations continue.

The arrest reportedly followed Okorocha’s failure to honour previous police invitations in connection with the ongoing investigation.

He was initially invited to the Force Headquarters on September 2, but the appointment was rescheduled to September 8 at the request of his lawyers, a date he reportedly failed to honour.

The post Rochas Okorocha Arrested, Released After One-Hour Interrogation appeared first on Information Nigeria.

The Imole Campaign Council (TICC) welcomes the appointment of Governor Ademola Adeleke as the Osun State Coordinator, PBAT Presidential Campaign Council by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The council described the appointment as well deserved, pledging that President Tinubu’s confidence in Governor Adeleke’s ability to deliver Osun in the forthcoming presidential election would not be misplaced. It assured the President that the trust reposed in the governor would be justified through unwavering commitment and a strong electoral performance.

In a statement signed by its Director General Senator Olalere Oyewumi, the council promised to deliver 1.5million votes for the President in Osun adding that all the structures of Accord in Osun will work for the re-election of the President.

The council thereafter called on the people of Osun State to give their support to Governor Adeleke just as they did in the Governorship election stressing that Governor Adeleke will continue to deliver on his campaign promises. It noted that a vote for President Tinubu is a support for Governor Ademola Adeleke.

The statement reads,” The Imole Campaign Council welcomes the appointment of Governor Adeleke as State Coordinator of PBAT Presidential Campaign Council in Osun.

“The appointment is a well deserved one. We assure the President that his confidence in the ability of Governor Adeleke to deliver Osun in the Presidential election will not be misplaced.

“We promise the President, just like Governor Adeleke had said sometimes ago that we will deliver 1.5million votes to ensure his victory in the coming Presidential election.

“Our message to the people of Osun State is to keep trusting and supporting Governor Adeleke as he continues to deliver on his campaign promises. A vote for President Tinubu is a support for Governor Adeleke”.

Signed
Senator Olalere Oyewumi
Director General
The Imole Campaign Council

https://x.com/O_basslet/status/2109917404151058802

The post 2027 Election: Imole Campaign Welcomes Appointment Of Adeleke By Tinubu, Promises Him 1.5m Votes appeared first on Information Nigeria.

Speaking on the African A-List programme, the actor explained that their support goes beyond personal interests, pointing to what he described as Tinubu’s longstanding financial support for entertainers dating back to his time as governor of Lagos State.

According to Quadri, many people misunderstand the reason behind the actors’ support for the president.

“It is not about what we want to eat. He has been taking care of those of us in the industry since he was the governor of Lagos,” he said.

The veteran actor recalled how Tinubu allegedly stepped in to pay the medical bills of late Nollywood actor Babatunde Omidina, popularly known as Baba Suwe, when he was battling health challenges.

Quadri also shared details of how the president reportedly provided $25,000 to help bring the remains of actress Moji Olaiya back to Nigeria following her death in Canada in 2017.

He explained that he, actress Fathia Balogun, filmmaker Yomi Fabiyi and others had visited Tinubu’s residence in Bourdillon, Lagos, to seek financial assistance for the repatriation.

“When Moji Olaiya died, we were trying to bring her back from abroad. We went to Bourdillon to seek financial support. He asked us for the cost and paid it. It was a total of $25,000,” Quadri recounted.

Beyond the assistance he said Tinubu had offered members of the entertainment industry, Quadri also praised infrastructure projects in the South-West, particularly the Papalanto-Sagamu road and the Sagamu-Ijebu-Ode route.

While acknowledging that more work still needs to be done, the actor said he appreciated the administration’s efforts in that regard.

Watch video here: https://x.com/fattylincorn_01/status/2109565462803894752?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E2109565462803894752%7Ctwgr%5E3e33675be803b1655c3924a99ad98fc38f901c64%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gistmania.com%2Ftalk%2Ftopic653987.0.html

The post Yinka Quadri On Why He, Other Nollywood Actors Are Backing Tinubu’s 2027 Re-election Bid appeared first on Information Nigeria.

“We are very ignorant. We don’t read. We don’t understand,” Adeyeye said, stressing concerns about public awareness of food safety.

However, her remarks come at a time when Nigerians are increasingly raising concerns over fake, substandard and potentially unsafe products circulating in the market.

Many citizens are now questioning whether the focus should be on blaming consumers for their lack of awareness or on addressing how such products find their way into the hands of the public in the first place.

While educating consumers about food safety is important, Nigerians also expect NAFDAC to explain what it is doing to identify fake products, strengthen enforcement and protect the public from harmful goods.

The growing concern is simple: if consumers are expected to know what is safe, who is responsible for ensuring that unsafe products do not reach them?

For many Nigerians, the issue goes beyond reading labels or understanding food safety guidelines. It is also about accountability, effective regulation and confidence in the agencies entrusted with protecting public health.

As questions continue to mount, Nigerians are looking for clear answers and concrete action, not just explanations of what consumers do not know.

Watch video here: https://x.com/gistwithmeeky/status/2109750689324740980?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E2109750689324740980%7Ctwgr%5E4a79b64469d84352281798517dea33ab6489587e%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gistmania.com%2Ftalk%2Ftopic653988.0.html

The post NAFDAC DG Blames Nigerians’ Ignorance For Spread Of Fake Products In Nigeria appeared first on Information Nigeria.

Wike made the declaration at a Rainbow Coalition stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja, where he unveiled a cross-party mobilisation strategy involving members of the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party to secure Tinubu’s re-election.

The meeting also saw PDP National Assembly candidates in the FCT declare support for their APC counterparts, with Wike saying the coalition had agreed to work together for Tinubu’s re-election and the success of APC candidates in the National Assembly elections.

“For the Presidency, all of us have agreed that it is Bola Ahmed Tinubu. I will coordinate the FCT and Rivers State. So you can imagine how important it is.

“I am in charge of the FCT election. I am the commander of field operations as far as the FCT election is concerned,” the minister said.

The meeting was attended by APC and PDP stakeholders, including party chairmen, serving and former senators, National Assembly candidates and political leaders from the FCT’s six area councils.

Wike said the gathering was intended to establish a common political front ahead of the elections, regardless of the parties to which the participants might belong.

“I want to let all of you know that we are going to work together. Nobody should say, ‘I am PDP’ or ‘I am APC.’ For the purpose of this election, we are together,” he said.

The former Rivers State governor cited the 2024 Edo State governorship election as an example of how political alliances could influence electoral outcomes.

He claimed that cooperation between elements of the APC and PDP had helped prevent the incumbent governor from installing a successor, arguing that political differences could be set aside when stakeholders shared a common objective.

Wike, however, clarified that the coalition’s arrangement was primarily focused on the presidential election, leaving participating parties to determine their positions on other contests.

Making a case for Tinubu’s re-election, the minister challenged political leaders to identify any of the FCT’s six area councils that had not benefited from infrastructure projects and institutional reforms under the current administration.

He cited the establishment of the FCT Civil Service Commission, the appointment of a Head of the Civil Service from within the territory’s workforce and the creation of the Women Affairs and Youth Development secretariats as evidence of the administration’s achievements.

According to Wike, the reforms had created opportunities for career progression among FCT civil servants and expanded participation in governance.

He also listed road construction and rehabilitation, school renovations, police stations and other public facilities among projects being executed across the territory.

The minister expressed confidence that the administration’s performance would provide a basis for mobilising FCT residents to support Tinubu in 2027.

Wike also defended the President’s economic reforms, acknowledging that some policies had imposed hardship but arguing that difficult decisions were necessary to address longstanding economic challenges.

“Changing the economy of a country is not like a prayer,” he said, adding that the benefits of economic reforms might not be immediate.

He further expressed support for the proposed establishment of state police, describing it as an important measure for addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.

The post 2027: Wike Declares Self Tinubu FCT ‘Campaign Commander’ appeared first on Information Nigeria.

This came after the State Department’s 2026 Trafficking in Persons Report cited the continued recruitment and use of children by Boko Haram and ISIS-West Africa on Nigerian soil.

The report, published on October 11 and obtained by The PUNCH on Monday, covers April 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026 and is the latest available assessment of Nigeria’s anti-trafficking performance by the US State Department.

It placed Nigeria on a list of 14 nations, including Russia, Iran, South Sudan, and Somalia, that are accused of recruiting or using child soldiers.

The report also revealed that the country’s anti-trafficking performance failed to meet minimum standards for the 15th consecutive year.

“Governments identified on the list are subject to restrictions, in the following fiscal year, on certain security assistance and commercial licensing of military equipment.

“The CSPA prohibits assistance to governments that are identified in the list under the following authorities: International Military Education and Training, Foreign Military Financing, Excess Defence Articles, and Peacekeeping Operations, with exceptions for some programs undertaken pursuant to the Peacekeeping Operations authority.

“The CSPA also prohibits the issuance of licenses for direct commercial sales of military equipment to such governments. Beginning October 1, 2026, and effective throughout Fiscal Year 2026, these restrictions will apply to the listed countries, absent a presidential waiver, applicable exception, or reinstatement of assistance pursuant to the terms of the CSPA,” the report read.

It said the determination to include a government in the CSPA list is “informed by a range of sources, including first-hand observation by U.S. government personnel and research and credible reporting from various UN entities, international organisations, local and international NGOs, and international and domestic media outlets.”

The blacklisting comes amid an ongoing US-Nigeria security partnership after the Trump administration deployed Navy SEAL Team 6 alongside Nigerian forces for joint counterterrorism operations in the northeast and formalised the bilateral 2026 Defence Cooperation Roadmap.

According to the report, not a single government official was prosecuted for state complicity in trafficking despite acknowledged corruption, even as the number of trafficking victims who received government assistance collapsed from 2,058 the previous year to just 675.

The CSPA listing, if not waived by a sitting US president, could restrict International Military Education and Training, Foreign Military Financing, Excess Defence Articles, peacekeeping assistance, and licences for direct commercial sales of military equipment to Nigeria, the document said.

It stated, “The government did not report any investigations, prosecutions, or convictions of government employees allegedly complicit in trafficking crimes or provide details or other actions taken against complicit officials from previous years,” adding that “corruption and official complicity in trafficking crimes remained significant concerns.”

The report further noted that “observers reported some law enforcement, military, and other government officials reportedly committed trafficking crimes, accepted bribes to facilitate trafficking, or obstructed justice by interfering with investigations.”

On law enforcement, it said Nigerian authorities investigated 1,341 trafficking cases, comprising 589 sex trafficking cases, 301 forced labour cases, and 451 unspecified cases, involving 1,367 suspects. Of those, 94 were prosecuted and 97 traffickers convicted.

The US acknowledged that “the majority of those convicted received prison sentences of at least one year” and that “officials increased collaboration with foreign governments on international trafficking investigations,” resulting in operations across West Africa and Southeast Asia in partnership with INTERPOL.

It said although 2,004 people were identified as trafficking victims, comprising 893 sex trafficking and 1,111 forced labour, only 675 received government-supported assistance during the year, against 2,058 the prior period.

The report criticised shelter conditions at the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, noting that NAPTIP’s closed-shelter policy meant “residents were not allowed freedom of movement, including children’s access to school,” and that “access to some protection services was tied to victims’ willingness to cooperate with law enforcement proceedings.”

It noted that adult victims who declined shelter were not provided alternative services, and that “only one dedicated NGO shelter was available for adult male trafficking survivors.”

On the Child Soldiers Prevention Act listing, the report identified Boko Haram and ISIS-West Africa as the entities responsible for child recruitment.

“Boko Haram and ISIS-West Africa continue recruiting, abducting, and using—including through force, fraud, and coercion—child soldiers as young as 12 years old as cooks, domestic workers, spies, porters, messengers, bodyguards or guards at checkpoints, “morality police,” armed combatants, and suicide bombers in attacks in Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad, and Niger; these children are subjected to physical and sexual abuse and forced drug use.

“These non-state armed groups continue to abduct women and girls in the northern regions of Nigeria, many of whom they exploit in forced labour, including in domestic servitude, and in sexual slavery. Boko Haram has kidnapped and subjected thousands of women and girls to forced marriage, including for sexual slavery and forced labour; Boko Haram punishes girls, including for refusing to marry, by forcing them to be suicide bombers.

“In many cases, the government coerces victims of forced marriage, including trafficking victims, to return to their Boko Haram husbands in Borno State demobilisation centres. Criminal gangs in the south recruit and use children in forced criminality, including kidnappings and robberies, and exploit them in sex trafficking. Criminal gangs in the northwest also exploit victims in forced labour in agriculture and mining,” the report stated.

It said the CSPA listing, under US law, could restrict International Military Education and Training, Foreign Military Financing, Excess Defence Articles, peacekeeping assistance, and licences for direct commercial sales of military equipment, restrictions effective from October 1, subject to a presidential waiver.

On labour trafficking, the report said the government “did not prohibit worker-paid recruitment fees…did not report holding labour recruiters liable civilly and criminally for fraudulent recruitment,” and “did not provide specialised training on child labour and human trafficking to labour inspectors.”
It added that “the government did not provide anti-trafficking training to its diplomatic personnel.”

The report also cited international criminal networks using Nigeria as an arena, saying “highly organised foreign criminal syndicates fraudulently recruit foreigners to Nigeria with promises of employment, confine them in leased properties and compel them to participate in organised online scams.”

The TIP report also alleged that “Russian authorities fraudulently recruit and use Nigerians to fight in the Russia-Ukraine war” and that Nigeria’s Ministry of Education “helped promote” Russia’s Alabuga Start programme “despite warning signs.”

It raised concern that “North Korean nationals working in Nigeria may be operating under exploitative conditions displaying indicators of forced labour.”

On baby factories, which are criminal enterprises disguised as orphanages, maternity homes, or religious centres where women are held against their will, raped, and forced to deliver children who are subsequently sold, the report described the operations as a documented feature of Nigeria’s trafficking landscape, concentrated predominantly in the south.

Despite the concerns, the US government acknowledged Nigeria’s increased allocations, including victim service funding, which rose from N128m to N233m, while prevention spending jumped from N58.8m to N245m.

It also noted that the government coordinated the repatriation of 428 Nigerians exploited abroad, secured restitution for 14 victims as part of criminal sentences, and maintained anti-trafficking task forces in 23 states.

Nigeria, a source, transit, and destination country for trafficking, last attained the top Tier 1 ranking in 2011.

Its status has fluctuated between Tier 1, Tier 2, and the lower Tier 2 Watch List over the annual report’s 25-year history.
Countries in the 2026 CSPA listing include Afghanistan, Myanmar, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Iran, Russia, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Venezuela, Yemen, and two others in a group the US considers the most consequential offenders in child soldier recruitment globally.

When contacted for comments, NAPTIP’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Vincent Adekoye, said the agency would make its response to the report public.

Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, did not respond to calls to his mobile line and a text message seeking the Presidency’s comments.

The post U.S. Threatens To Cut Military Aid To Nigeria Over Recruitment Of Children By Boko Haram, ISIS appeared first on Information Nigeria.

The witness gave the testimony on Monday, October 12, 2026, before Justice R. A. Oshodi during the continuation of Blessing CEO’s trial.

Blessing CEO was arraigned by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on June 9, 2026, on a two-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and stealing involving ₦69,150,000. She pleaded not guilty to the charges.

According to the witness, the transaction involved a property located at No. 1 Tunbosun Osobu Street, Lekki, Lagos, which was allegedly leased to Hope Chiropractic Health Clinic Limited for five years.

Dr. Okeiqwe told the court that he contacted Blessing CEO after concerns arose over the property’s ownership. He alleged that she dismissed his concerns and maintained that she was the owner of the building.

He further testified that a man identified as Mr Tom later arrived at the property with police officers and arrested some of the workers. The witness said he paid ₦100,000 to secure their release.

The witness also identified WhatsApp messages in which Blessing CEO allegedly sent photographs of the building as evidence of her ownership. He added that he paid additional charges, including agency, legal and caution fees.

He maintained that the alleged misrepresentation was that Blessing CEO was not the actual owner of the property despite collecting ₦69,150,000 from him. He further alleged that she collected money from another person for the same property.

The case is ongoing, and the allegations remain before the court.

The post “How Blessing CEO Deceived Me Into Paying ₦69m For Property Not Owned By Her” – Witness Testifies In Court appeared first on Information Nigeria.

Okpebholo gave the warning in Benin City during a mass voluntary renunciation and denunciation of cultism ceremony organised by the Edo State Special Security Squad (ESSS), where more than 500 members of various cult groups publicly renounced their membership.

The governor commended the youths for renouncing cultism, saying they had chosen the right path to save their lives and spare their families further pain.

“My job is clear. I swore an oath to protect Edo people, and I will do that without fear or favour. Even if my own son is involved in cultism or kidnapping, I will not spare him. There is no hiding place for criminals in Edo State,” he warned.

“On our part, we are not afraid to go after cultists and criminal elements in the state. Please take the message back to those who have not changed. They still have the opportunity to renounce cultism because if they are caught, there will be no mercy,” he said.

The governor said Edo recorded more than 300 cult-related killings annually when his administration assumed office, noting that the figure had since dropped to almost zero.

“Through stronger laws, better security operations, improved intelligence and tougher enforcement, these killings have been reduced to almost zero,” he said.

Also speaking, the Edo State Commissioner of Police, Patrick Daaor, likened cultism to a deceptive path that leads to destruction.

He noted that many youths had lost their lives and futures to cultism, describing it as a path that might appear attractive at first but ultimately ends in death.

The police commissioner commended Okpebholo for the amnesty initiative, saying it showed that the governor valued the future of Edo youths and was determined to protect it.

“What you are doing today is unfolding one of the bundles of God’s mercies. Grab this opportunity with both hands. Don’t trifle with it,” Daaor told the repentant cultists.

The Commissioner for Public Safety and Security, Festus Ebea, described the exercise as a step in the right direction towards achieving the security component of the governor’s SHINE Agenda.

He said the administration had zero tolerance for kidnapping, cultism and other criminal activities.

The post Edo Governor Grants Amnesty To Over 500 Cultists appeared first on Information Nigeria.

Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), counsel to the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), told Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court that a new case was filed at the FCT High Court.

Mr Oyedepo, the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, applied to have the instant charge struck out.

He told the judge that the AGF reviewed Mr Adeyemi’s case file and the charge filed by the Inspector-General of Police and found some loopholes.

The lawyer submitted that the documents allegedly forged by Mr Adeyemi during his operations of the agency, said to be fake, were those that could be prosecuted by the High Court of the FCT and not the Federal High Court.

He said that a new charge had been filed at the High Court of the FCT and that Mr Adeyemi would be expeditiously arraigned afresh. He urged the judge to strike out the charge as required by law.

Since the defence lawyer, Ibrahim Angulu, SAN, did not oppose the request, Mr Umar struck out the case.

Mr Adeyemi and his co-defendants, whose whereabouts are currently unknown, are being prosecuted on an eight-count charge preferred against them by the police.

In the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/562/2025, the police accused the defendants of allegations bordering on forgery and impersonation, among others.

While the Federal Republic of Nigeria is listed as the complainant, Mr Adeyemi, 38, “Femi Surname Unknown”, and “Anu Surname Unknown” are named as the first to third defendants, respectively.

Wisdom Madaki, a police prosecutor, filed the charge on November 27, 2025.

On September 30, the AGF took over the case from the police.
And after the defendant was arraigned, Mr Umar ordered Mr Adeyemi’s remand at Kuje Correctional Centre.

According to the court documents, witnesses listed in the case include the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Paul Emmanuel; Jeremiah Imoukhede; and Ituah Sylvester.

Others are civil servants working in the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (AGoF); Akimbo Shola and Adamu Balongu were on the list.

Also listed as witnesses are Ojo Victor, Omeh Amarachukwu, and Wakili Saidu, all of whom were allegedly posted to work with Mr Adeyemi at the non-existent agency.

Others are Joy Ngwoke, the owner of Kachi Hotel in Abuja, and Ven Okoriko, the pastor of St Matthew’s Anglican Church, Maitama.

The documentary evidence expected to be tendered by the police includes the police investigation report, Mr Gbajabiamila’s petition dated October 17, 2025, and Mr Adeyemi’s fake presidential appointment letter dated March 8, 2024.

These also include the request for a note verbally sent by Mr Adeyemi to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the approvals he got to open accounts with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the request for approval of self-accounting Mr Adeyemi sent to the AGoF and the conveyance of approval for take-off of the PFIPC.

Other documents listed by the prosecution include a letter requesting collaboration with the ministry on land acquisition and offices across the 36 states of the federation; statements from all witnesses and the defendants; and pictures.

The police stated in the court document, “The prosecution shall during the trial call any other related witness or witnesses to prove its case.”

Mr Adeyemi was alleged to have operated the fictitious agency from the second floor of the Federal Secretariat Complex in Abuja, Phase III, before his arrest.

Mr Tinubu directed the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on July 7 to conduct a thorough investigation into the activities of the fictitious agency.

The ICPC, which was given 30 days to complete the investigation, had since concluded its investigation.

(NAN)

The post FG Files Fresh Charges Against ‘Phantom’ Agency DG At FCT High Court, After Federal High Court Struck Out Case appeared first on Information Nigeria.

The APC PCC spokesperson and Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, said in a statement on Monday that Atiku, the African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, had failed to demonstrate the decorum and respect expected of a former vice-president and an aspirant to the nation’s highest office.

Atiku has repeatedly addressed the President simply as ‘Bola’ rather than President Tinubu, while describing his administration as a “Yahoo Yahoo” government and accusing it of lying.

He has also insinuated that the President did not attend school.

Reacting, Alake said the council had urged its party leaders, spokespersons, members and support groups to continue accord Atiku the respect due to him as a former vice-president and presidential candidate, despite the controversy.

He added that the APC campaign would focus on issues affecting Nigerians, Tinubu’s achievements and the administration’s efforts to move the country from reforms to prosperity.

The statement partly read, “We have followed the furore and public reactions to the self-imposed indiscretion and disrespect for the office of the President of Nigeria and Commander-in-Chief by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the ADC.

“While a higher standard of decorum, decency and deference to constituted authorities is expected from a former Vice President of Nigeria and an aspirant to the highest office in the country, we are concerned that the ADC presidential candidate has not lived up to those expectations by his unbecoming decision to address the President of Nigeria on a first-name basis as ‘Bola’.

“Since Alhaji Atiku lost the last presidential election, he has allowed political animosity and uncontrollable ambition to rob him of the statesmanship that should guide his public conduct and utterances.

“Alhaji Atiku, for reasons best known to him alone, chose, rather than being a good example of decency in political behaviour, to set himself up as a model of politician the younger generation of political actors should never aspire to be like.”

The APC PCC urged its leaders and spokespersons to accord Atiku the respect due to a former vice-president, stressing that its campaign would focus on issues affecting Nigerians, the party’s programmes, Tinubu’s achievements and the administration’s efforts to translate reforms into prosperity.

It continued, “Without any regard to his personal choice to disrespect the office he is aspiring to occupy, the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council has implored all party leaders, spokespersons, party members and support groups to accord all the respect, courtesies and regard due to Alhaji Atiku Abubakar as former Vice President of Nigeria and a presidential candidate.

“As a party grounded in progressive ideals and African traditional values of respect, our campaign council will not follow Alhaji Atiku’s path. Our campaign will focus on issues important to Nigerians. We will sell our party programmes, President Bola Tinubu’s achievements in office, and how the administration is moving Nigeria from reforms to prosperity as the President seeks a second-term mandate from Nigerians.”

The post APC Slams Atiku For Calling Tinubu ‘Bola’ appeared first on Information Nigeria.

PUNCH Online reported that the swearing-in took place during the ceremony marking the new legal year.

The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee had approved the elevation of the 68 legal practitioners at its 174th plenary session held in Abuja in July.

According to PUNCH’s earlier report, the appointees comprise 67 advocates and one academic, Professor Nnamdi Onyeka Obiaraeri.

The names of the 67 advocates, listed according to their seniority at the Bar, are:

1. Ibrahim Gamdeh Adamu

2. Jude Chukwuemeka Okafor

3. Godwill Achibong Umoh

4. Sunday Samuel Obende

5. Adebayo Olugbenga Adaralegbe

6. Jimson Ejovi Okodaso

7. Olalekan Lawrence Bade-John

8. Olaotan Thomas Olusegun

9. Philemeon Audu Daffi

10. Adenrele David Adegborioye

11. James Eromosele Agbonhese

12. Alexander Nduka Muoka

13. Onome Okodiya

14. Emmanuel Akunke Akomaye

15. Ikhide Ehighelua

16. Mas’ud Mobolaji Alabelewe

17. Ogunmuyiwa Olayinka Balogun

18. Anthony Auditz Iroagalachi

19. Mohammed Tajudeen Mohammed

20. Odion Peter Odia

21. Gbemiga Adaramola

22. Moses Okoh Onyilokwu

23. Charles Azubuike Obodozie

24. Hakeem Obafemi Agaba

25. Bimbo Felix Atilola

26. Okechukwu Steve Emelieze

27. Joshua Demilade Olaniyan

28. Igonikon Abiola Adekunle

29. Christian Nnadozie Nwokorie

30. Sadiku Momoh Ilegieuno

31. Sarafa Kolawole Idowu

32. Olujoke Enitan Aliu

33. Oliver Onyenucheya Amuzie

34. Adebisi Emmanuel Adeniyi

35. Faruk Abdullah

36. Sagir Gezawa Suleiman

37. Ifeanyi Godwin Ezeuko

38. Adebayo Folorunsho Ologe

39. Sabiu Gumba Adamu

40. Eric Keme-Egolukumor Omare

41. Soibi Ideriah Ovia

42. Somina Peter Johnbull

43. Chinedum Ikenna Umeche

44. Emmanuel Eghiegba Ekhasemomhe

45. Mohammed El-Hassan Sheriff

46. Junaidu Bello Marshall

47. Olawale Sunday Fapohunda

48. Adebiyi Alaba Adetoboye

49. Senior Sulyman Ibrahim

50. Agba Eimunjeze

51. Ayobamidele Oyekunle Akande

52. Adetunji Taiwo Adedoyin Adeniyi

53. Olamide Moigbotoluwa Adekunle

54. Umaru Yunusa

55. Akorede Habeeb Lawal

56. Darlington Nnabuike Ozurumba

57. Nnaemeka Francis Patrick Egonu

58. Kayode Orire Omosehin

59. Mitchel Akinrinsola Aribisala

60. Bolu Agbaje Akadri

61. Oluwaseun Asimiyu Alao

62. Olugbenga Olusanya Ajala

63. Mustapha Olayinka Ajenifuja

64. Afees Hassan Adebayo

65. Mohammed Abiodun Adelodun

66. Jonathan Akintola Makinde

67. Olajide Salami

The sole academic recipient is Professor Nnamdi Onyeka Obiaraeri.

The elevation recognises the recipients’ contributions to legal practice and scholarship.

The post FULL LIST: Names Of 68 New SANs Sworn In By CJN appeared first on Information Nigeria.

Makinde made this disclosure on Sunday during a media chat with Fresh FM in Ibadan, where he also discussed the G5 governors’ alliance with Tinubu ahead of the 2023 presidential election.

The governor said Tinubu had initially asked him to recommend a development economist for the budget and economic planning portfolio. He said he nominated Adekanmbi because he believed the former commissioner had played a significant role in stabilising the administration of former Oyo State governor Abiola Ajimobi.

Makinde said Tinubu later informed him that he had decided to appoint Adelabu, whom he contested against in the 2019 Oyo governorship election.

Recounting the conversation, Makinde said, “I said, ‘Okay, I know Bayo.’ I contested against Bayo in 2019. He is a first-class material.’

“And then the president eventually said, ‘Well, since I’ve taken this decision to appoint Bayo, you should go and take ownership of him, like go out and say it was your choice.’”

The governor said he rejected the suggestion, insisting that the appointment should be acknowledged as Tinubu’s decision.

“So I said, ‘No, sir. Bayo is your choice, and let it be known to the people that it is your choice.

“‘I’m supposed to help you by nominating people who can add value to your administration. If you’ve seen somebody who can do that, that’s good.’”

Makinde said he later discovered that other governors had also been asked to adopt ministerial nominees selected by Tinubu.

“The point I’m trying to make is that most of my colleagues, not just those in the G5, my governor colleagues, right, were given people and asked to adopt those people as theirs,” he said.

Makinde also said most members of the G5, a group of five governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), did not receive ministerial appointments under Tinubu’s administration.

“The G5, minus, of course, Wike, was not given ministerial appointments,” he said.

The G5 comprised Makinde, Nyesom Wike, Samuel Ortom, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and Okezie Ikpeazu.

The post “Tinubu Asked Me To Claim Adelabu As My Ministerial Choice But I Refused” — Makinde appeared first on Information Nigeria.

Speaking in their wedding documentary teaser, Davita recalled how Zlatan went about getting her number, saying, “To get my number, he asked somebody.”

“He is very shy. People will not believe him,” she added, as Zlatan laughed and covered his face.

In the documentary, the singer also opened up about how he knew Davita was the one for him, describing her as “too perfect” and saying she completed the story he believed God was writing in his life.

“She was the final thing that I saw that I knew that that story that said God was writing,” he said, explaining that meeting her made the story complete.

The teaser also featured a fun couple quiz in which Davita pointed to Zlatan when asked who spent more money, while both pointed at each other when asked who was more stubborn.

The emotional clip ended with the couple praying: “May we always find our way back to you and to each other, in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

The post “Zlatan Is Very Shy; Sent Someone To Collect My Number When We Met” — Fiancée, Davita, Opens Up About Their Relationship Journey appeared first on Information Nigeria.

Daniel’s death has sparked concerns among students, with troubling allegations emerging about the circumstances surrounding his final moments at the camp.

According to a statement shared by BABTEE, the former student leader reportedly complained of a headache and was given medication. However, his condition allegedly worsened after taking the drugs.

The statement claimed that Daniel later requested to be taken to a hospital as his health deteriorated. Unfortunately, the approval reportedly needed for his transfer was delayed, and he allegedly died before he could receive the medical attention he needed.

Adding to the concerns, the statement further alleged that a doctor subsequently identified the medication administered to him as fake. This claim has raised serious questions about the treatment he received and the events leading up to his death.

Reacting to the incident, the statement described the development as disturbing and called for a thorough investigation to uncover the circumstances surrounding Daniel’s death. It also stressed the need to establish whether negligence or any form of wrongdoing contributed to the tragedy.

The incident has since drawn attention to concerns about medical care at NYSC orientation camps, particularly the response to emergencies and the procedures corps members must follow to access treatment outside camp facilities.

As calls for answers grow, many will be looking to the relevant authorities to investigate the allegations, clarify what happened, and ensure that any identified lapses are properly addressed.

For now, the circumstances surrounding Etimbuk Daniel’s death remain a source of concern, with calls for transparency and accountability taking centre stage.

The post Ex-Akwa Ibom Varsity SUG President Dies At NYSC Camp After Fake Medication appeared first on Information Nigeria.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.

According to the statement, the returnees arrived in Lagos on Thursday, October 8, 2026, aboard South African Airways Flight SA060.

“The group consisted of 44 men, 23 women and 44 children. Officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, NiDCOM, NAPTIP, NEMA and other relevant government agencies received them on arrival.”

The ministry said the evacuation was fully funded by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), which donated $265,854 to support the return of 500 distressed Nigerians from South Africa.

According to the statement, the latest exercise brought the number of consular evacuations from South Africa to 15 since the operation began on June 10, 2026.

It added that a total of 2,037 Nigerians had been evacuated from the country, with the Federal Government covering the repatriation costs of 1,388 of them.

The ministry said 318 Nigerians had so far benefited from one-way tickets funded by the RCCG, leaving another 182 tickets to be covered under the church’s commitment.

The Federal Government also expressed appreciation to the church, led by Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, for its financial support towards the evacuation of distressed Nigerians.

The ministry said the government would continue to engage relevant stakeholders, including South African authorities, to address xenophobia and Afrophobia and promote the safety and welfare of Nigerians living in the country.

It advised Nigerians in South Africa to obey local laws, remain vigilant and take the necessary precautions to protect themselves.

“The ministry advised Nigerians in South Africa to stay in touch with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and the Consulate General in Johannesburg for assistance whenever the need arises,” the statement said.

The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to providing timely support to Nigerians living abroad and protecting their welfare and well-being.

The post Xenophobia: FG Repatriates 111 Nigerians From South Africa appeared first on Information Nigeria.

The pontiff shared the news after the Angelus prayer, explaining that the nodule was detected at a very early stage and remains well-contained. Following medical advice, he said he had decided to proceed with surgery to have it removed.

Speaking about his health, Pope Leo XIV reassured the faithful that the condition had been identified early and that doctors believe surgical intervention is the best course of action.

“Recently, during some check-ups, doctors discovered a localized nodule on my lung. It was detected at a very early stage and is well-contained,” he said.

The Pope added that the procedure had already been scheduled for the coming days, expressing gratitude to those who have continued to support him through their prayers and spiritual closeness.

“The doctors believe intervention is advisable, so, following their advice, I have decided to undergo surgery to have it removed. The procedure is already scheduled for the coming days. I thank you for your spiritual closeness and entrust myself to your prayers,” he stated.

His announcement is expected to draw prayers and messages of support from Catholics and well-wishers around the world as he prepares for the medical procedure.

Although the pontiff did not provide further details about the planned surgery, his statement made clear that the nodule was discovered early and that he is following the advice of his medical team.

As the world awaits further updates, many faithful will be hoping for a successful operation and a smooth recovery for Pope Leo XIV.

The post Pope Leo XIV To Undergo Surgery To Remove Nodule In His Lungs appeared first on Information Nigeria.

PUNCH Metro learnt that the incident occurred on Saturday evening while the victim was riding a motorcycle in the area.

A community source, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the incident, said the assailants crossed the victim’s path before opening fire on him.

“The incident happened in the evening, and the attack was sudden. He was on a motorcycle when two masked men emerged from nowhere, shot him and fled the scene,” the source said.

A police source told our correspondent on Sunday that an investigation had commenced to establish the circumstances surrounding the killing and identify those responsible.

“We received information about the incident and are working to establish what happened and identify those responsible. Although there are indications that the shooting is cult-related,” the source said.

The police source added that the deceased’s remains had been deposited in a morgue.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Adebisi, said she was not aware of the incident but promised to provide an update.

However, she had yet to do so as of the time this report was filed.

The post Motorcycle Rider Shot Dead Near YABATECH appeared first on Information Nigeria.

The suspects reportedly told investigators that the assault on Godstime Umukoro was part of the initiation process they had also undergone before joining the internet fraud business.

According to a statement issued by the Bono Regional Police Command on October 9, 2026, the suspects were arrested by the Regional Operations Unit after officers responded to a distress call on October 4.

The police said the patrol team received the call at about 4:30 p.m. that a group of people were attacking a man at Kotokrom.

Officers rushed to the scene and found Umukoro with multiple marks of assault on his body. The eight suspects were arrested at the scene.

They have been identified as Peter Mbam, 24; Godwin Moses, 26; Humble Oweifah, 18; Osas Ogbemudia, 30; Samuel Aisosa, 22; Ashile Godbess, 24; Alexander Uyuo, 30; and Patrick Romans, 25.

Preliminary investigations, according to the police, have also uncovered details of an alleged internet fraud operation involving the suspects and a man identified as Nwachukwu King Augustine, described as their chairman.

The police said the suspects were brought to Ghana by Augustine and allegedly used ed photographs of foreign military personnel to deceive unsuspecting victims online.

They reportedly posed as military personnel stationed at the war front in Yemen and engaged their targets in conversations under that pretense before collecting money from them.

The money obtained from the alleged victims was subsequently paid into the account of their purported boss, the police said.

The Bono Regional Police Command has commended members of the public for their swift intervention and assured residents of its continued collaboration with the public to combat crime in the region.

The police have not indicated whether the eight suspects have been formally charged in court.

The post Ghana Nabs Eight Nigerians For Allegedly Beating 21-Year-Old Man In ‘Yahoo’ Initiation Ritual appeared first on Information Nigeria.

The figures indicate that interest payments alone exceeded the government’s revenue by N1.5tn between January and June 2026, raising concerns about Nigeria’s debt burden despite improved revenue collections.

The findings were contained in the World Bank’s October 2026 Nigeria Development Update, titled Beyond the Federal Purse: How Higher Revenues Shaped State Priorities, obtained by The PUNCH.

The report showed that interest payments increased by N2.1tn, or 37.5 per cent, from N5.6tn recorded in the corresponding period of 2025, largely due to elevated domestic borrowing costs.

The World Bank stated, “Interest payments increased to 3.1 per cent of GDP (N7.7tn) from 2.5 per cent (N5.6tn) amid high domestic borrowing costs.”

An analysis of the figures showed that the interest-to-revenue ratio declined from approximately 155.6 per cent in the first half of 2025 to 124.2 per cent in the corresponding period of 2026, representing an improvement of 31.4 percentage points.

Despite the improvement, interest obligations continued to exceed the government’s total revenue, leaving limited resources for infrastructure, public services and other expenditure commitments.

According to the report, Federal Government revenue increased by N2.6tn, or 72.2 per cent, from N3.6tn in the first half of 2025 to N6.2tn in the corresponding period of 2026.

The World Bank stated, “Federal revenues rose to about 2.5 per cent of GDP (N6.2tn), from 1.6 per cent of GDP (N3.6tn) a year earlier, supported by a recovery in oil receipts, stronger corporate tax collections, and higher independent revenues, while customs revenues held stable and VAT collections stayed comparatively flat.”

However, the increase in revenue was accompanied by rising expenditure obligations, with total federal spending climbing from N14.6tn in the first half of 2025 to N16.1tn in the corresponding period of 2026, representing an increase of N1.5tn, or 10.3 per cent.

Personnel expenditure also rose from N3.7tn to N4.2tn following wage adjustments, while reported capital expenditure declined sharply. Capital spending fell from one per cent of GDP in the first half of 2025 to 0.3 per cent, equivalent to N700bn, in the corresponding period of 2026.

This means the Federal Government spent 11 times more on interest payments than on reported capital projects during the six-month period.

Combined interest and personnel expenditure amounted to N11.9tn, representing approximately 73.9 per cent of total federal expenditure and nearly twice the government’s revenue.

Despite the rising expenditure pressures, the World Bank reported an improvement in the Federal Government’s fiscal balance, with the deficit narrowing from N11tn, or five per cent of GDP, in the first half of 2025 to N9.9tn, or four per cent of GDP, in the corresponding period of 2026.

However, the institution cautioned that the improvement was partly driven by subdued capital expenditure rather than a significant reduction in recurrent obligations.

“The improved early-year fiscal outturn should be interpreted cautiously given the low reported federal capital spending,” the report stated.

It added, “Personnel and interest costs continue to absorb a large share of fiscal space, and a pickup in capital execution later in the year, alongside recurrent and pre-election spending, is expected to add to pressures.”

The World Bank also identified overlapping budget cycles, weak expenditure planning and poor alignment between approved allocations and implementation capacity as persistent challenges affecting fiscal management.

On the broader public debt position, the report estimated Nigeria’s debt stock at approximately N177tn in 2025, equivalent to 40 per cent of GDP, compared with N67tn, or 27.6 per cent of GDP, in 2021.

It explained that exchange-rate valuation effects and the recognition of previously accumulated liabilities, including securitised Ways and Means advances, contributed significantly to the increase.

The report noted that domestic debt accounted for 57.9 per cent of the country’s debt stock but generated 72.6 per cent of interest payments in 2025, reflecting the relatively high cost of domestic borrowing.

It recommended limiting expensive borrowing, prioritising concessional financing and extending debt maturities to reduce refinancing risks.

The World Bank further projected that Nigeria’s consolidated fiscal deficit would widen from 3.1 per cent of GDP in 2025 to 3.5 per cent in 2026, driven partly by rising federal interest, personnel and pre-election spending.

It urged the government to strengthen revenue mobilisation, improve budget credibility and maintain fiscal discipline to prevent debt obligations from further constraining development spending.

The post Nigeria’s Debt Interest Soars 124% Above Revenue appeared first on Information Nigeria.

Minaj made the call while speaking at the X Takeover event held at Tesla’s Giga Texas facility in Austin, Texas.

The rapper said her personal connection to Nigeria, through her pastor and Nigerian fans known as Barbs, had drawn her attention to reports of violence against Christians in the country.

She said, “For Nigeria personally, my pastor is from Nigeria, so I have a link to Nigeria because of him and of course, I have a lot of Nigerian barbs but what I started seeing was the brutality in which Christians are being treated there just for being Christians and I thought why isn’t anyone making a big deal out of this?

“You know and sometimes when things aren’t cool like to talk about, people don’t just talk about it so right now.

“Actually I’m hoping that more celebrities or people, influencers, I’m hoping that they come onboards the train to start speaking out about what’s happening to Christians in Nigeria and I look forward to doing more to help in that way in that cause.”

The post Nicki Minaj Sounds Alarm Over Killings Of Christians In Nigeria appeared first on Information Nigeria.

The human rights organisation disclosed this in a post on its X platform on Sunday, saying heavily armed police officers blocked both ends of the road leading to the venue of the event.

Amnesty described the action as an unlawful restriction on peaceful political activities and called on the Nigeria Police Force to desist from what it termed a reckless violation of human rights.

“The Nigeria Police must desist from such reckless violation of human rights. It is perfectly within the rights of supporters of all candidates and all political parties to carry out peaceful political activities,” the organisation said.

It maintained that the police had a responsibility to facilitate peaceful political gatherings, regardless of the political party or candidate being supported or opposed.

“The duty of the police is to facilitate peaceful conduct of such political gatherings — no matter the political party or candidate being supported or opposed,” Amnesty said.

The organisation stressed that freedom of association and peaceful assembly was not exclusive to any political party or its supporters.

It further described the Kano incident as part of what it called a troubling pattern of police repression targeting opposition members in different parts of the country.

According to Amnesty, repeated attacks and intimidation against opposition supporters could undermine their ability to associate freely and organise peaceful public gatherings.

The organisation did not provide further details about the event or the police operation in its post.

The post Amnesty Condemns Police Blockade Of ‘Tinubu-Must-Go’ Event In Kano appeared first on Information Nigeria.

Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, stated this in a statement signed and released on Sunday titled ‘Atiku’s Demagoguery in the Face of Tinubu’s Logical Policies.’

Dare described the recent press conference in Abuja by Atiku, the African Democratic Congress presidential candidate as “a seminal example of shallow, election-laced demagoguery.”

Atiku had criticised the 30-day discount on petrol by NNPC Retail and a price modulation framework, which he described as a “panic-driven gimmick,” according to Dare, and had claimed that President Bola Tinubu copied his economic homework without the production subsidy that made it work.

Dare cited the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, as saying on Channels Television that Nigeria produces about 1.8 million barrels of crude per day for a population of over 200 million.

However, the presidency said the Federal Government does not directly own all of that oil.

It argued that under joint ventures and production sharing contracts signed over decades, production costs, royalties and profit-oil sharing ratios “severely reduce the equity crude available to the state,” leaving fewer than 700,000 barrels per day of unencumbered free crude.

“To propose a blanket ‘targeted production subsidy’ on crude without the physical, unencumbered volume to back it up is pure economic illiteracy,” Dare said, adding that, “It invites the very opacity, fraudulent round-tripping, and fiscal haemorrhage that crippled Nigeria for decades under the old subsidy regime.”

The presidency noted that refineries such as the Dangote Petroleum Refinery need more feedstock than the state can freely supply without breaching international supply contracts, which is why Dangote and other domestic refiners also import crude.

It rejected a comparison of crude allocation with farm produce like garri or cassava, saying it misrepresented commodity markets.

It also pointed to the United States, which it said produces over 10 million barrels per day for 330 million people but sells petroleum at market prices, and to Qatar, which it said had to cut energy subsidies significantly despite its large gas reserves and a population of under 500,000.

The presidency also rejected Atiku’s claim that the NNPC Retail discount amounted to a return to subsidy.

It said NNPC had offered the discount to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary and had now offered to extend it by another 30 days.

“When NNPC Retail agrees to sell fuel at landing cost for 30 days during an unprecedented global crude price spike, it is not writing checks to opaque import cartels.

“It is leveraging its corporate balance sheet to absorb short-term global volatility, backed directly by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Dare stated.

He said the negotiated interim ceiling of N1,350 per litre on ex-gantry costs was “a structural shock absorber, not price control.”

Under it, refiners and importers absorb short-term cost spikes above the ceiling and recover them later when crude prices cool or the exchange rate adjusts.
The ceiling is reviewed monthly based on published cost audits, the statement noted.

“N1,400 today and N1,400 tomorrow provides far greater economic stability than N1,500 today and N1,300 tomorrow,” Dare said, adding that erratic fuel prices trigger transport fare hikes that rarely fall back.

The presidency further listed other measures the administration had taken, including a state-backed strategic energy reserve; a rapid rollout of compressed natural gas, which he said is 60 to 70 per cent cheaper than petrol; naira-for-crude supply to domestic refineries; windfall taxes on energy operators who gouge consumers, with the proceeds earmarked for transport vouchers and minimum-wage support; and enforcement of the 2025 tax reform laws to dismantle illegal road levies.

Dare said the removal of the petrol subsidy and the unification of the exchange rate had ended a multi-trillion-naira drain on public funds, which he said now flows to the 36 states and local governments through FAAC allocations.

He added that fuel queues had been eliminated and the gap between the official and parallel exchange rates closed.

Referring to Atiku’s reported description of Tinubu as a “dull student,” the presidency said, “It is sheer absurdity that a man who graduated from a school of hygiene dares to call a first-class accounting graduate a dull student.”

It added that “the Nigerian electorate is far too sophisticated to trade long-term national economic security for Atiku’s shallow, short-term demagoguery.”

The post “Atiku’s Fuel Subsidy Plan Is Unrealistic” – Presidency appeared first on Information Nigeria.

Kanu, currently serving life imprisonment in Sokoto, made his position known in an address to the American Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID) at its 2026 annual convention held in Duluth, Georgia, United States, from October 9 to 11.

In the address, titled “An Address to the American Veterans of Igbo Descent,” Kanu declared that he would not negotiate the existence of the Igbo people or accept political arrangements that fail to provide for a referendum on Biafran sovereignty.

“Referendum, or the unilateral pursuit of Biafran sovereignty. There is no middle ground,” he stated.

“I will not negotiate the existence of my people. I will not bargain our homeland into a committee. I will discuss the referendum and nothing else.”

The IPOB leader dismissed proposals centred on political appointments, restructuring or another conference, arguing that such discussions would not address what he described as the fundamental right of Biafrans to decide their future through a free vote.

“My subject is one subject: the right of Biafrans to say, in a free vote, whether they will live as a people under their own roof,” he said.

Kanu’s address was delivered to AVID under the theme, “Maka Odi Nma Ndi Igbo,” which translates to “For the Good and Benefit of the Igbo People.”

He commended AVID for its support for his release and its efforts to draw international attention to his detention.

Kanu urged AVID and other pro-Biafra organisations to sustain their campaign for his release and that of other Biafrans he described as being unjustly detained.

He specifically acknowledged the efforts of AVID President, Dr Sylvester Onyia, whom he credited with repeatedly travelling to Abuja to attend court proceedings during his detention.

According to Kanu, Onyia also visited him in hospital and continued advocating for his release when his case appeared to be losing public attention.

“You did not advocate from a safe distance. You travelled to Abuja again and again while I was held in solitary confinement,” Kanu said.

He added that Onyia had attended court proceedings and supported him during what he described as a difficult period of confinement.

Kanu also recognised the contributions of Rising Sun and Ambassadors for Self-Determination, describing the groups as important sources of support for his welfare and the wider Biafran movement.

“I expect you to continue that unflinching support for my release and for the release of every Biafran locked up unjustly. Do not grow weary. The work is not finished,” he stated.

The separatist leader also urged members of the diaspora organisation to continue advocating for the rights of Biafrans through lawful and honourable means.

In the address, Kanu alleged that the Nigerian government had interfered with IPOB’s internal leadership structure and attempted to create divisions within the organisation.

He claimed that the group’s Third Administration of the Directorate of State had been penetrated by the government and subsequently dissolved.

Kanu further alleged that individuals he accused of betraying the movement had been removed from the organisation.

He praised AVID for maintaining its allegiance to his leadership during the period of internal tensions, saying the organisation had publicly committed to engaging only with officials appointed by him.

“When the Nigerian government succeeded in penetrating the Third Administration of our Directorate of State, many who once spoke loudly fell silent, or worse, became instruments of confusion,” he said.

“That administration has been dissolved. Those who betrayed the family have been sacked and expelled from the IPOB worldwide family.”

Kanu maintained that discipline and unity were essential to the continuation of the Biafran self-determination campaign.

The IPOB leader also praised AVID for writing to British officials, including the Prime Minister, the Foreign Secretary and the United Kingdom High Commission in Nigeria, to raise concerns about his detention.

Kanu, who holds British citizenship, described AVID’s advocacy as an attempt to hold the British government accountable over his treatment and legal circumstances.

He reiterated his allegation that he was abducted in Kenya and unlawfully transferred to Nigeria, where he was subsequently detained and prosecuted.

“You put the United Kingdom on the record. History will remember who wrote and who looked away,” he said.

Kanu also criticised the judicial handling of his case, describing the proceedings and the outcome as unjust.

He argued that his conviction was based on repealed laws and what he characterised as the disregard of an earlier acquittal.

Kanu recalled previous encounters with Nigerian authorities, claiming that he was first arrested in 2005 at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, arrested again in Lagos in 2015, and later taken from Kenya to Nigeria.

According to him, the successive arrests and prosecution were part of efforts to prevent the Biafran people from asserting their identity and political aspirations.

He said his prolonged detention and solitary confinement had failed to weaken his determination to pursue Biafran independence.

He described his imprisonment as an attempt to break both him and the movement, insisting that he remained committed to his political objective.

“I have spent eight years of my life in detention in pursuit of the only goal that matters to me, and indeed to all of us: a peaceful homeland called Biafra,” Kanu said.

The IPOB leader added that his vision was not driven by revenge or disorder but by what he described as the establishment of a country where Biafrans could live under their own laws.

“Not a slogan. A country. Not revenge. Safety. Not chaos. Order under our own law,” he stated.

Kanu urged members of AVID to use their position as veterans of the United States armed forces to advocate for self-determination and the rights of marginalized people.
He specifically referenced Igbo Landing, a historic site in Georgia associated with an 1803 incident in which enslaved Igbo captives resisted their enslavement.

He noted that the site holds symbolic significance in African American and Igbo historical memory and has become a reference point in discussions about resistance, freedom and identity.

Kanu said AVID members should draw inspiration from the history associated with the site and remain committed to advocating for the Igbo people.

“You will stand at Igbo Landing, where our ancestors walked into the water rather than live as property. That shore is not a picnic ground. It is a verdict. The spirit of the Igbo cannot be enslaved,” he said.

He urged the veterans to apply the principle of self-determination, which he said was central to the ideals of the United States, to the political aspirations of the Igbo people.

Kanu urged AVID, Rising Sun, Ambassadors for Self-Determination and other supporters of the Biafran cause to sustain their efforts, insisting that the demand for a referendum remained non-negotiable.

The post Nnamdi Kanu Rejects Any Negotiation Without Biafra Independence Referendum appeared first on Information Nigeria.

The list published by the department identifies the Nigerian nationals, the offences associated with their cases and the locations where they were arrested.

1. Emmanuel Omowaiye — Mail fraud; Richmond, Texas.

2. Laurene Onwuka — Fraud and impersonation; Chantilly, Virginia.

3. Olusegun Shonekan — Wire fraud; Newark, New Jersey.

4. Olusegun Olaseni — Amphetamine sale; Greencastle, Indiana.

5. Peter Ude — Wire fraud; Atlanta, Georgia.

6. Newton Jemide — Wire fraud, conspiracy and mail fraud; Fort Dix, New Jersey.

7. Shedrack Umukoro — Money laundering; Yazoo City, Mississippi.

8. Olasoji Akinbode — Fraud and impersonation; Kearny, New Jersey.

9. Oluwatosin Afolabi — Fraud; Conroe, Texas.

10. Alameen Adetunji Tokosi — Drug possession; Chicago, Illinois.

11. Joshua Ipoade — Wire fraud; Atlanta, Georgia.

12. Michael Orji — Weapons violation, fraud, identity theft, wire fraud, false citizenship and money laundering; Oxford, Wisconsin.

13. Ahmadu Apooyin — Drug-related offence; Baltimore, Maryland.

14. Teslim Kiriji — Money laundering; Yazoo City, Mississippi.

15. Onomen Uduebor — Identity theft; Seattle, Washington.

16. Charles Ochi — Money laundering; White Deer, Pennsylvania.

17. Daniel Eta — Wire fraud; White Deer, Pennsylvania.

18. Ifeanyi Ibennah — Cruelty towards a child; Tampa, Florida.

19. Kazeem Runsewe — Wire fraud; Thomson, Illinois.

20. Fatiu Lawal — Wire fraud; Lompoc, California.

21. Justin Akubueze — Money laundering; Orem, Utah.

22. Moyinoluwaseun Okeowo — Larceny, forgery and concealing stolen property; Orlando, Florida.

23. Babajide Oluwaseun Faseyi — Assault; Alden, New York.

24. Bright Eigbedion — Money laundering; Lompoc, California.

DHS said the announcement was part of the US government’s broader immigration enforcement drive, with ICE carrying out arrests across the country.

The post U.S. Releases Names Of 24 Nigerian Nationals Nabbed For Various Crimes appeared first on Information Nigeria.

Abba Hikima, a lawyer and one of the conveners of the movement, raised the alarm that policemen were preventing them from accessing the venue.

According to the movement, the TMG is a non-partisan platform for creating public enlightenment aimed at mobilising Nigerians to vote out President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.

The group hinged its action on the administration’s economic policies which it said had inflicted hardship on citizens.

Speaking in a Live video posted on his verified Facebook page on Sunday, Hikima, wearing a shirt and fez cap bearing the inscription ‘Tinubu Must Go’, alleged that about 10 mobile police vehicles had been stationed at the venue of their planned meeting.

Some policemen were seen in the background of the video.

“Today, the 11th of October 2026, we gathered here in Kano State in order to exercise our fundamental human rights and to associate freely in order to exchange ideas and educate ourselves on the need to send away the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Nigeria.”

“It is clear to Nigerians that Tinubu has failed. It is clear to all Nigerians that Tinubu has failed and there is need for Nigerians to come out and chase him away. But today as usual and as part of the entrenched and systemic corruption, insecurity and recklessness and injustice of this country, you can see already that over 10 vehicles of mobile police have been stationed.

“They have been stationed here in order to prevent us from accessing the private venue which we paid for; we are to gather here to exercise our civic rights… This is even the more reason why Tinubu must go.” Hikima said.

He stated that he had a telephone conversation with the Commissioner of Police in Kano who told him that there was the need to inform the security agency about the meeting, but Hikima assured him that the gathering would be civil and operated within the legal boundaries.

“We are not criminals, we are not thugs, we are not hooligans and we have not committed any offence. And there is nothing wrong with what we are doing right now.

“It is within the bounds of the law. I want to say it clearly that yesterday the Kano State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Bakori, called me on the phone and told me that courtesy demands that I inform them of this meeting. I said, ‘Sir, our meeting is going to be in an enclosed environment within a perimeter and we are going to be civil, we are lawyers’.

“The provision of the law is clear that you no longer need police permission to have any gathering. The way you do it in your weddings is the way we have the right to gather here in this event centre and hold this programme. This is our understanding and the law has given us the right, under section 39 of the Constitution, to exchange ideas and opinions.

“And we have the right, under section 40, to associate and we have the personal liberty, under section 35, to do this. The police are oppressors. Tinubu must go. It is now clear that you don’t want us to gather and say and chant Tinubu must go. One of them even told me that they have no problem with us but we just shouldn’t wear this insignia; But I say We must wear this.

“It is our right to do this. It is not insulting. It is not oppressive. It is nothing. It is entirely political and the ban on political campaigning is bitter. Therefore, we are going to do this. We are coming back. Yes, next time we are going to do it. We are doing it.

“The Court of Appeal decision stands. I do not need to inform any security agent to hold my rallies. Next time, we are going to protest; Next time we are going to demonstrate; next time we are going to hit the ground.” he added, amid chants of ‘Tinubu Must Go’.

The Kano State Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, did not answer calls or respond to text and WhatsApp messages sent to him to find out why the police barricaded the venue.

The post Protest As Police Barricade Venue Of Anti-Tinubu Meeting In Kano appeared first on Information Nigeria.

The victims were kidnapped on October 1 after g+nmen att@cked two 18-seater buses conveying passengers from Ibadan, Oyo State, to Anambra State. The abd¥ctors initially demanded N1 billion before reportedly reducing the ransom to N5 million per victim, putting the total demand at N100 million.

After seven days in captivity, the 20 prospective corps members were rescued in Amakohia Ubi village, Imo State, during a joint operation involving the police, military and Department of State Services (DSS).

Speaking after her son regained freedom, Alirat Wahab told News Central that her family had paid N6 million toward securing his release.

However, in a subsequent interview, the boy’s father, Obasanjo, said he could not establish whether the community representatives sent to negotiate with the k+dnappers had actually handed over the ransom.

According to him, the families later received refunds of the money they had contributed, including the N6 million his family provided.

“They went to look for the k+dnapped corps members to see whether they would be freed or not,” he said.

“The k+dnappers had asked for representatives to bring the ransom. Since they could no longer hold the corps members hostage, they let them go.”

When asked whether any ransom was eventually paid, Obasanjo replied, “we don’t know.”

He declined to disclose who returned the money or explain exactly how the refund happened, urging everyone to move on from the matter.

“You know what, let’s forget the matter and just appeal to the Imo state government. We should be grateful to them,” he said.

“The money has been returned. We just want to thank Imo for a job well done.”

Alirat also confirmed that the funds were returned to the representatives who had gone on behalf of the affected families.

“They returned it to those who went to represent us. Every parent has received their money back,” she said.

The post Prospective Corps Members’ Abduction: Ransom Money Returned After NYSC Members Regain Freedom, Parents Reveal appeared first on Information Nigeria.

Kenyan presidential candidate Patrick Osoi has urged Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote not to rush the proposed refinery project in Kenya, declaring that he would rely on local investors to undertake the project if elected president next year.

The post ‘Don’t Build Refinery In Our Country; We’ll Do It Ourselves” – Kenyan Presidential Candidate Tells Dangote appeared first on Information Nigeria.

Osele defeated contestants from different countries to clinch the title, while India’s Shreeya Panda finished as first runner up.

The 28 year old medical laboratory scientist, entrepreneur and model from Lagos also won two special awards ahead of the final, taking home the Queen of Africa title for being the highest placed African contestant and the Best National Costume award.

Osele represented Nigeria at the competition after winning EliteGlam Pageant Nigeria 2025.

Her journey to the crown gathered momentum in September when she won the World Premiere Award after topping the global fan vote on Eventista’s 1Vote platform. She finished ahead of India’s Monica Konjengbam and Thailand’s Pornpaya Rianju.

The award came with a media package that included official social media promotion and an Associated Press News press release.

Nigeria also recorded a notable result in the male category, as its representative, Unwana Sambo Essien, finished third runner up at the Mister Continental World 2026 finals held on the same night.

Essien also won the King of Kings title and the Best National Attire award in the male category.

Osele’s victory adds to Nigeria’s recent achievements in international beauty pageants, including Chidimma Adetshina’s first runner up finish at Miss Universe 2024.

She is expected to return to Nigeria in the coming days.

The post Nigeria’s Oma Esele Records Historic Win At Miss Continental World 2026 appeared first on Information Nigeria.

Shaibu said Atiku would gain additional votes from Nigerians dissatisfied with the economic conditions under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

He stated this during an interview on the Mic On Podcast while responding to a question about how Atiku could improve on his performance in the 2023 presidential election, when he secured 29 per cent of the votes, amid Tinubu’s incumbency and political structure.

“The pathway is simple, and this one, it’s going to be one of the easiest elections for Atiku Abubakar,” Shaibu said.

He argued that hunger and poverty would influence voters’ decisions in 2027, expressing confidence that Nigerians seeking relief from economic hardship would support the former vice-president.

“Hungry Nigerians, impoverished Nigerians, who are excited that life will be affordable again, will vote Atiku massively come January 16,” he said.

Shaibu insisted that Atiku’s 8expected votes would come from Nigerians who believe the current administration had failed to improve their living conditions.
He also claimed that Tinubu and members of his family and cabinet were aware of the administration’s shortcomings.

“Tinubu is aware himself that he has failed. His wife is aware that he has failed. His son is aware that he has failed. His ministers are aware that he has failed,” Shaibu said.

The aide also questioned the need for the government to engage thousands of social media influencers to publicise its achievements.

He was reacting to recent remarks by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, about plans to engage 4,000 influencers to showcase the administration’s projects.

Shaibu argued that a government that had made a significant impact on citizens’ lives should be able to demonstrate its achievements without relying heavily on influencers.

“That was why Umahi was on TV the other day, and he told the whole world how he is going to hire 4,000 influencers to showcase what they have done,” he said.

“Influencing means you need to make believe. You need to show people. You don’t need to struggle to show what you have done if you have made impact in the last three and a half years.”

The post “2027 Will Be Atiku’s Easiest Election; Hungry Nigerians Will Vote For Him” — Shaibu appeared first on Information Nigeria.

The monarch, who was 64, was the traditional ruler of Moko-Ama in Sangana, Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

According to TheNewsGuru, tributes began circulating on social media around October 8 and 9, 2026, as mourners remembered the late king for his contributions to peace, unity and development in the Niger Delta.

Beyond his traditional leadership, Kenibara VII served as Chairman of the Akassa Clan Council of Chiefs and Chairman of the Central Zone of the Ijaw National Congress (INC).

He was crowned Amadabo of Moko-Ama in 2016, a position he reportedly regarded as a divine calling.

The late monarch subsequently became Chairman of the Akassa Clan Council of Chiefs, succeeding Chief Newton Igbani-Okuru.

The post Bayelsa Monarch, Moses Kenibara VII, Reportedly Dies After Failed Liposuction Surgery appeared first on Information Nigeria.

Daniels shared the development in a video posted on her Instagram page on Saturday to mark her 25th birthday, while explaining her prolonged absence from social media.

The mother of two said what began as a minor health issue gradually worsened, leaving her struggling to move around and, at times, unable to walk.

“I know many of you may be surprised seeing me in a wheelchair. Well, welcome to another chapter of my life. Let me walk you through what my life has been since many of you have asked questions about my absence,” she said.

The actress explained that she had lost the freedom to move around as she pleased over the past few months, adding that her condition deteriorated after the children’s carnival she hosted.
“For several months now, I have lost my freedom to move around as I please. It started as something minor, very minor, but eventually led to this.

“But things took a major turn after the last public gathering I hosted, my children’s day carnival. One test after another, I jokingly started calling myself elaborate. The pain became excruciating. Sometimes I can walk, and sometimes I can’t move. I cried,” she added.

Daniels, however, expressed gratitude for the progress she said she had made in her recovery, noting that she was gradually getting better.

She said her faith in God had remained a source of strength as she navigated the difficult period, expressing hope for healing and peace.

The actress also spoke about the emotional toll of her condition, particularly her growing dependence on other people for assistance with everyday activities.

The post Regina Daniels Celebrates 25th Birthday In Wheelchair, Reveals Health Challenges appeared first on Information Nigeria.

According to him, God already knew beforehand that marriage would not be an easy journey. He further made a controversial claim that God “created” side chics to help men handle the difficult periods in their homes and help marriages survive.

He said, “One of the reasons the rate of divorce is high is because we humans have left God’s original design for marriage. For instance, God knows marriage would not be easy, that’s why He created side chicks so that when things are hard at home, the man can use the side chick to save the marriage because side chick is very important in every marriage.”

His opinion has sparked a debate online. While some men are in full support of his opinion, women are fighting back, arguing that men should also remember that God created ‘’sugar boys’’ to satisfy stressed-out married women.

https://x.com/yabaleftonline/status/2108590813064368167?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

The post “God Created Side Chics Because Marriage Isn’t Easy” — Actor Charles Inojie appeared first on Information Nigeria.

Tenebe spoke during an interview in which he defended the policies of the Tinubu administration and explained his “AK-47 fire” comment.

He also stated that he would spit in the faces of Obi and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

According to the Edo APC chairman, he would not hesitate to confront opposition figures over their criticism of President Bola Tinubu.

“If I see them, I will spit in their faces,” he said.

He particularly declared his personal hatred for Obi, accusing him of being insincere and questioning his political alliance with Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, who is his running mate under the NDC.

“As for Obi, I hate him, and I maintain that. If I see him, I will spit in his face and bite his nose. I will pretend that I want to tell him something, then bite his ear and chew it. Take it like that. I hate him,” Tenebe said.

According to him, Obi and Kwankwaso held conflicting positions on certain issues. He cited their perceived differences over alcohol consumption to question their ability to govern the country together.

The post “I Hate Peter Obi, I’ll Spit On His Face, Bite His Nose” — Edo APC Chairman, Jarrett Tenebe appeared first on Information Nigeria.

According to Quadri, Saje was already close to his wife before they got married, and the actress has maintained that bond over the years without engaging in gossip.

He explained that Saje even knew about some of his relationships with other women but never took the information to his wife, describing her as someone who could be trusted.

Quadri also recounted how he once considered helping Saje’s husband during a difficult period in their marriage. He said he informed Saje that her husband, Rafiu Balogun, wanted to accompany him to a movie location, expecting her to object because of their misunderstanding.

However, she reportedly welcomed the idea, and Quadri said he felt the need to inform her because of her friendship with his wife.

The actor also weighed in on remuneration in the movie industry, insisting that he would not expect to earn more than younger colleagues simply because of his experience.

Using Funke Akindele and Lateef Adedimeji as examples, he said, “If I’m being called to a job, and Funke Akindele and Lateef Adedimeji are going to be paid the same amount, I’m an enemy of God if I’m expecting that they should pay me more than him.”

Quadri explained that actors have different approaches to negotiating their fees, noting that while some accept whatever they are offered, others insist on the amount they want.

He concluded that such differences are simply part of life.

The post “Madam Saje Knew Some Actresses I Dated But Never Told My Wife Despite Their Friendship” – Actor Yinka Quadri appeared first on Information Nigeria.

According to Vanguard, NIPCO raised its petrol price in Port Harcourt by ₦170, from ₦1,730 to ₦1,900 per litre. African Terminal, Ascon, Eterna, Gulf Treasure, Ibachem and Ibeto also increased their rates from ₦1,750 to ₦1,900.

Duport and Integrated raised their prices by ₦56 to ₦1,806 per litre.

In Lagos, Masters, Sigmund, T.S.L and NIPCO adjusted their prices to ₦1,350 per litre, while Matrix increased its rate to ₦1,360. Matrix also raised its price in Calabar to ₦1,370.

In Warri, Keonamex, Matrix, Nepal and Parker increased their petrol prices to ₦1,360 per litre, while Optima adjusted its rate to the same amount.

At the retail level, NNPC sold petrol for ₦1,360 per litre in Lagos and surrounding areas. MRS Oil charged ₦1,338, while 11 Plc sold at ₦1,338.80. Independent marketers charged between ₦1,368 and ₦1,400, depending on location.

The increases came amid rising international oil prices. Brent crude rose to $104.50 per barrel, while the US benchmark, WTI, climbed to $91.73.

The higher diesel costs could further increase expenses for manufacturers, transport operators and businesses that depend on diesel for electricity and transportation.

Speaking to Vanguard, petroleumpriceng Chief Executive Officer Olatide Jeremiah said,“Despite domestic issues and development in Nigeria, the downstream sector would continue to respond or react to developments at the global oil market.”

However, the mixed movements in global oil benchmarks suggest that crude prices alone may not explain the domestic increases, as supply conditions, transportation costs and marketers’ pricing decisions can also affect pump prices.

The post Petrol Hits ₦1,900 Per Litre At Depots Despite FG’s 30-Day Discount appeared first on Information Nigeria.