Presidency dismisses bribery allegations against Gbajabiamila
The Presidency has dismissed bribery allegations levelled against Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, describing the claims as false and unfounded. The allegations were made by Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi, who claimed to be the Director-General of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council/Presidential Economic Advisory Council. Adeyemi alleged that Gbajabiamila demanded ₦27.4 billion as a take-off grant and received ₦400 million through proxies. In response, Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said the agency does not exist and accused Adeyemi of spreading falsehoods. The Presidency also disclosed that security agencies, including the DSS and Police, had been alerted to the matter.
Katsina villagers repel bandit attack in Malumfashi
Residents of Dansarai community in Katsina State successfully resisted a bandit attack after gunmen stormed the area on motorcycles armed with sophisticated weapons. Witnesses said the attackers invaded the farming community in Malumfashi Local Government Area on Tuesday but met stiff resistance from villagers. The confrontation reportedly disrupted the attackers’ plans and forced them to retreat. Authorities have yet to release an official casualty figure following the incident.
DSS arraigns aides of ex-minister Timipre Sylva
The Department of State Services has arraigned at least five associates of former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, over allegations of concealing information about his whereabouts. The suspects were brought before a court after authorities claimed Sylva had gone into hiding following his alleged connection to a coup plot investigation. The DSS said the individuals failed to provide information that could assist ongoing inquiries.
ICPC details forgery probe against former minister Nnaji
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has disclosed details of its investigation into former Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji. According to the anti-corruption agency, Nnaji is being investigated over allegations that he submitted forged academic credentials, including a University of Nigeria degree certificate and a fake NYSC discharge certificate during his ministerial screening in 2023. The ICPC also confirmed his arrest at Abuja airport after a court-issued bench warrant.
Naira gains against dollar in parallel and official markets
The naira strengthened against the United States dollar on Wednesday, appreciating to ₦1,385/$ in the parallel market from ₦1,390/$ recorded a day earlier. The local currency also improved in the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market, trading at ₦1,369/$ compared to previous levels. Analysts attributed the gains to improved foreign exchange liquidity and sustained policy measures by monetary authorities.
Vehicle import levy cuts take effect nationwide
The Federal Government’s reduction of vehicle import levies has officially taken effect under the 2026 Fiscal Policy Measures. The levy on new vehicles has been reduced from 20 per cent to 10 per cent, while charges on used vehicles dropped from 15 per cent to five per cent. Industry stakeholders welcomed the development, saying it could lower vehicle prices. However, dealers are seeking further clarification on the implementation of the newly introduced Green Tax before assessing the full impact of the policy.
NDLEA takes custody of 6.7 tonnes of cannabis seized at Apapa Port
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has formally taken possession of 6,778.5 kilograms of Canadian Loud cannabis intercepted at Apapa Seaport in Lagos. The illicit shipment was handed over to the agency after a joint operation involving the NDLEA, Nigeria Customs Service and other security agencies. Officials described the seizure as one of the largest drug interceptions recorded at the port in recent times.
Gunmen abduct pastor and church members in Benue
Gunmen have kidnapped Reverend Dr Samuel Gbinde and two members of his congregation from his residence in Benue State. The abduction was confirmed by the Executive Committee of the NKST Church, which condemned the incident and called for urgent action by security agencies. The victims were reportedly taken away by armed men who invaded the cleric’s home.
Troops destroy illegal refineries, recover stolen crude products
The Defence Headquarters says troops of Operation Delta Safe neutralised six criminal elements and arrested 84 suspects during operations in the Niger Delta. According to military authorities, troops dismantled 12 illegal refining sites and recovered more than 464,000 litres of stolen petroleum products during the second quarter of the year. Defence spokesman Major-General Michael Onoja said the operations formed part of efforts to combat crude oil theft and economic sabotage.
Many feared dead as attackers raid Benue community
Scores of residents were reportedly killed after armed assailants attacked Sai Community in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State. Local sources said the attackers invaded the community around 2 a.m. on Wednesday and opened fire on residents. The exact casualty figure remains unclear, while security agencies are yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
Obasanjo warns civil war triggers still exist in Nigeria
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed concern that many of the issues that contributed to Nigeria’s civil war remain unresolved. Speaking in Abeokuta while receiving historical documentation on the Asaba Massacre, Obasanjo warned that Nigeria must never experience another civil war. He said lingering grievances still exist within institutions and society and called for efforts to address them before they escalate into future conflicts.
INEC chairman promises technology-driven 2027 elections
INEC Chairman Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan has assured Nigerians that ballot box snatching and manual alteration of election results will not define the 2027 general elections. He said the commission has introduced robust technological and legal safeguards to protect the integrity of the electoral process. Amupitan made the remarks during a meeting with National Orientation Agency Director-General Lanre Issa-Onilu in Abuja.
Tinubu explains rationale behind NYSC reforms
President Bola Tinubu says the newly approved reforms to the National Youth Service Corps are aimed at equipping young Nigerians with practical skills for national development. The President described the changes as the most significant reforms since the scheme’s establishment in 1973. He said the new measures would help prepare corps members for a changing economy while preserving the NYSC’s role in promoting national unity.
Akpabio tells Wike to let PDP ‘die’
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has mocked the Peoples Democratic Party, saying he was unsure the opposition party still existed. Speaking at a project inauguration in Abuja, Akpabio jokingly urged FCT Minister Nyesom Wike to stop confusing Nigerians and allow the PDP to fade away. “I didn’t know there was still PDP. Wike stop confusing us, if a party has died allow it to die,” he said.
Peller denies Jarvis pregnancy rumours
Popular TikTok personality Habeeb Hamzat, known as Peller, has dismissed rumours that his fiancée, Jarvis, is pregnant. The social media influencer said speculation arose from online videos and photos that led some fans to believe the couple was expecting a child. Speaking during a livestream, Peller insisted they were not planning to start a family yet, adding that he wanted to achieve greater financial success first.
Portable criticises Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy and Olamide
Controversial singer Portable has criticised some of Nigeria’s biggest music stars, accusing them of focusing too much on luxury lifestyles and women in their songs. The singer singled out Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy and Olamide, arguing that their music no longer inspires listeners or reflects the struggles of ordinary Nigerians. Portable urged fellow artistes to produce more conscious and gospel-themed music that promotes positive values.
Kane double sends England into World Cup knockout stage
England booked a place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 after coming from behind to defeat DR Congo 2-1. Harry Kane scored twice to complete the comeback after Brian Cipenga gave DR Congo an early lead. The victory secured England’s progression to the knockout stage, where they will face Mexico at the Azteca Stadium.
Chelsea complete £47m deal for Marco Palestra
Chelsea have completed the signing of Italian defender Marco Palestra from Atalanta in a deal worth approximately £47 million, including add-ons. The 21-year-old right-back has signed a six-year contract and becomes the first signing under new manager Xabi Alonso. Palestra joins the Premier League club after an impressive season in Serie A, where he earned recognition as one of Italy’s standout young defenders.
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