NBA Presidential Poll: Badejo-Okusanya Takes Early Lead in Vote Count
Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), has taken an early lead in the ongoing Presidential election of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
According to results released as of 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Badejo-Okusanya polled 10,554 votes out of the 22,863 ballots cast at the time, putting her ahead of other candidates in the race.
Collation of results was continuing at press time, with final figures expected to determine the association’s next president.
Gunmen Abduct Three Siblings Escorting Mother’s Corpse in Benue
Three siblings travelling from Abuja to Benue State with the corpse of their late mother have reportedly been abducted by suspected gunmen in Ohimini Local Government Area of the state.
The victims were said to have been intercepted around rural communities along the Ogobia–Otukpo Road, between Omutele and Ankpechi villages in Oglewu District, an area where armed invaders had reportedly launched an attack days earlier.
Details of the abduction, including the identities of the victims and the circumstances of their release or captivity, remained sketchy as at press time.
ADC Tells Tinubu to Drop ‘Neoliberal’ Policies or Quit
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to abandon what it described as his “neoliberal economic policies” that have “ruined the lives of almost the entire country,” or resign from office.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the party said Nigerians could no longer continue on the current economic path.
The ADC said it was deeply concerned by recent World Bank reports indicating that 139 million Nigerians now live below the poverty line.
Presidency Hints at Foreign Hand in Nigeria’s Security Crisis
The Presidency has suggested that Nigeria’s lingering security crisis may have been influenced by external forces, citing international claims and developments it says point to possible foreign involvement in the country’s terrorism challenges.
The Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communications, Daniel Bwala, made the assertion while speaking on The Link Up Podcast, a panel discussion hosted by EchoRoom and published on Friday.
Bwala did not name specific countries or actors allegedly involved, but insisted that developments on the international stage warranted closer scrutiny of outside influence on Nigeria’s insecurity.
Anambra: Woman Accused of Flogging Student to Death Surrenders to Police
A 47-year-old woman accused of flogging a 12-year-old student to death in a school in Adazi-Ani, Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State, has turned herself in to the police.
Police spokesperson Tochukwu Ikenga disclosed this on Saturday, saying the suspect, identified as Mrs. Dim Ebere, voluntarily presented herself at the Neni Police Station.
Further details on the circumstances of the child’s death and possible charges against the suspect were not immediately available.
Christian Bodies Kick Against Bill to Criminalise Preaching in Commercial Vehicles
Christian organisations have opposed a proposed amendment to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Bill that seeks to criminalise preaching in commercial vehicles.
The groups, including the Christian Council of Nigeria and the Organisation of African Instituted Churches, warned that the proposed legislation could infringe on Nigerians’ constitutional rights and worsen the plight of vulnerable citizens.
They called on lawmakers to reconsider the provision before further legislative action is taken on the bill.
Niger Police Arrest Fake Pastor Over Abduction of Four-Week-Old Baby
The Niger State Police Command says it has arrested a fake pastor and an alleged accomplice in connection with the abduction of a four-week-old baby in Minna.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday in Minna.
Further details on the recovery of the baby and the circumstances of the arrest were not immediately provided.
Anambra Court Sentences Two Men to Death for Rape, Murder of Teenager
The High Court of Anambra State, Ogidi Judicial Division, presided over by Justice U.I. Ndigwe, has convicted and sentenced two men, Elochukwu Belonwu and Chukwuebuka Ofokwu, to death by hanging for conspiracy, rape and the murder of a 17-year-old girl, Jennifer Anene.
According to the charge sheet, Suit No. HID/23C/2021, obtained by our correspondent on Saturday, the defendants were tried on a three-count charge.
The court held that the prosecution had proved all three counts against the defendants beyond reasonable doubt.
Bayelsa Police Arrest Three Ministry Staff Over N500 Million Equipment Theft
The Bayelsa State Police Command has arrested three staff members of the state Ministry of Labour, Empowerment and Productivity over the alleged theft of government equipment valued at about N500 million.
The suspects were alleged to have conspired to steal several government-owned assets, including a 110 KVA Perkins generator, a forklift, lathe machines, electric filling machines and other equipment kept in the ministry’s store.
Investigations into the matter were said to be ongoing.
Three Killed, Four Injured in Anambra Road Crash — FRSC
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Anambra Sector Command, has confirmed the death of three persons, while four others sustained injuries, in a lone road crash along the Nnobi–Agulu–Awka Road.
The Sector Commander, Mrs. Bridget Asekhauno, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday in Awka.
Details of the cause of the crash and the identities of the victims were not immediately disclosed.
‘You Know I Won That Election, It Was Rigged’ – Peter Obi
The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has said the 2027 general election will be a contest between Nigerians and the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
Obi also restated his claim that he won the 2023 presidential election but was denied victory through electoral manipulation, in a video circulating online, arguing that the country’s major challenge was the absence of effective leadership.
“You know that I won that election and it was rigged, but that is not a problem,” he said, adding that the next election would give Nigerians another opportunity to determine the direction of the country.
“It’s my belief that the next election is between Nigerians and the government in office because the public has had enough and they are determined that things have to change,” he said.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Tinubu winner of the 2023 election, and Obi’s legal challenge against the outcome was unsuccessful. Obi argued that sacrifices made by Nigerians had failed to yield improved living conditions, and expressed confidence that voters would make their choices count in 2027.
‘Judge Us After Elections’ – Bwala Defends Tinubu’s Fight Against Insecurity
The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Daniel Bwala, has outlined measures being implemented by the Federal Government to tackle insurgency, banditry and kidnapping across the country.
Speaking during a panel discussion on The Link Up Podcast, hosted by EchoRoom and published on Friday, Bwala said the Tinubu administration is expanding security personnel, deploying technology and strengthening international partnerships to improve national security.
He said the government recognises that the current number of security operatives is inadequate to police Nigeria’s vast population and territory, adding that recruitment and retraining of personnel is a priority. He said the government is also working with paramilitary bodies and licensing selected private security firms, while strengthening community-based policing.
Bwala argued that insecurity often intensifies ahead of elections because criminal elements are allegedly recruited and armed by political interests, and urged Nigerians to judge the government’s security performance after the election cycle.
“Please do your judgment by after election, because they also consider this as part of the election, because more people will need market, recruit them or arm them,” he said.
Tinubu Has Stubbornly Refused to Let Go of Ruinous Economic Policies – ADC
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has again asked President Bola Tinubu to either abandon what it described as his “neoliberal economic policies” or resign.
In a statement issued on Saturday by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said Nigerians can no longer continue under the current economic situation, citing a World Bank report that 139 million Nigerians now live below the poverty line and a World Food Programme report indicating 17 million are facing severe hunger.
The party said the reports were clear evidence that the administration’s economic policies had failed and could worsen if Tinubu remains in office beyond 2027.
“This catastrophic situation is the inevitable consequence of economic policies that have favoured money over people and statistics over survival,” the ADC said.
Peter Obi Visits ADC Presidential Running Mate, Amaechi
The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has paid a condolence visit to the ADC’s presidential running mate, Rotimi Amaechi, following the death of his mother, Mary Oduah Amaechi.
Obi visited the former Minister of Transportation and his wife, Dame Judith Amaechi, in a gesture of sympathy over the family’s bereavement. The visit comes days after the death of Amaechi’s mother, who passed away on Thursday at the age of 89.
Though details of the meeting were not disclosed, the visit was widely seen as an expression of solidarity across political lines despite the parties’ differing affiliations.
₦210 Billion Budget Duplication Exposes Tinubu’s Fiscal Recklessness — Atiku
Former Vice President and ADC presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has accused the Tinubu administration of fiscal recklessness, alleging the discovery of more than ₦210 billion in duplicated and overlapping allocations in the 2026 federal budget.
Atiku made the allegation in a statement issued Saturday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu.
He said the alleged irregularities, along with Nigeria’s poor performance on global prosperity indicators, had stripped away the “propaganda” surrounding the administration’s economic reforms, arguing that the country’s challenges stem from poor leadership rather than lack of resources. He said a government asking citizens to sacrifice must first show prudence and accountability in managing public resources.
‘Slap on the Wrist’ – DSS to Appeal Jail Terms for Three Convicted Terror Suspects
The Department of State Services (DSS) is set to challenge two recent court judgments that imposed prison terms on three men convicted in separate terrorism-related cases, insisting the sentences do not reflect the gravity of their offences.
Security sources said the service had resolved to appeal decisions of the Federal High Court in Kano and a Katsina State High Court. The Kano court sentenced Jamilu Ibrahim to 32 years and Rayya Haruna to 10 years, while the Katsina court sentenced 80-year-old village head Audu Adamu Tubali to 10 years.
The DSS said the convicts were arrested during operations that led to the recovery of large caches of arms and ammunition allegedly meant for terrorist and bandit groups, with Ibrahim allegedly arrested while transporting weapons to a suspected bandit leader known as Karami, said to operate in Katsina State.
‘Our Incoming President’ – Fayose Hails Peter Obi
Businessman and social commentator Isaac Fayose has described the presidential candidate of the NDC, Peter Obi, as Nigeria’s “incoming president,” following the latter’s visit to his residence on Saturday.
The meeting came days after Fayose publicly accused Obi of ingratitude and threatened to withdraw his support. Sharing a video of the visit on Instagram, Fayose reaffirmed his loyalty to Obi.
“It’s not every day the President comes to your house. Our incoming president. So shall it be, in Jesus’ name,” he said, adding: “For you others abusing me, you can see now, I am 100 per cent Obidient. So you better be Obidient. We are together, and we are winning.”
Responding, Obi said many of those attacking Fayose online might not be genuine supporters of his movement, suggesting some political actors recruit people to attack perceived opponents under his supporters’ name.
Saka Hits Hat-trick as England Edge France 6-4 to Claim 2026 World Cup Bronze
England produced a devastating attacking display to defeat France 6-4 in a thrilling third-place playoff at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Saturday night in Miami, securing the tournament’s bronze medal.
The Three Lions stormed into a four-goal first-half lead, with Declan Rice opening the scoring before Ezri Konsa doubled the advantage. Bukayo Saka then struck twice to send England into the break with a commanding 4-0 cushion.
France mounted a spirited second-half fightback as Kylian Mbappé scored twice and Bradley Barcola also found the net. Saka completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot before Jude Bellingham added a late sixth goal, and France grabbed a consolation through Ousmane Dembélé, but it was not enough to prevent England’s 6-4 victory.
The result ensured Thomas Tuchel’s side finished third, while France settled for fourth. Mbappé’s brace also took his World Cup tally to 22 goals in 22 appearances, moving him ahead of Lionel Messi’s 21 goals in 33 matches to become the tournament’s all-time leading scorer.
Attention now shifts to Sunday’s final, in which Spain will face Argentina in the championship match of the expanded 48-team tournament.
‘Having 11 Children Won’t Be a Bad Thing’ – Nana Otedola Tells Mr Eazi and Wife, Temi
The wife of Nigerian billionaire Femi Otedola, Nana Otedola, has told her daughter Temi and son-in-law Oluwatosin Ajibade, popularly known as Mr Eazi, that having 11 children would not be a bad thing given the couple’s capacity to cater for them.
Nana made the comment during a joint podcast appearance with the couple. When asked about the challenges of her first pregnancy, Temi said the experience had been “beautiful” and that she might have up to seven children given how smooth the journey has been.
Mr Eazi urged her to raise the number to eleven, “a football team,” a suggestion Nana Otedola supported, saying: “The way you guys are going, I am sure having eleven children won’t be a bad thing because I know you will have a farmhouse somewhere.”
She added that she was surprised to learn the couple were expecting their first child so soon after their wedding, having expected them to enjoy a few years of married life first.
‘Get Ready to Explain Your Escapades to Your Wife’ – DJ Timmy Calls Out Timi Dakolo
Nigerian disc jockey and show promoter DJ Timmy has called out singer Timi Dakolo over an alleged unpaid debt.
In a post on his Instagram page on Friday, Timmy issued an ultimatum to Dakolo, stating that Wednesday marked exactly one month since the singer asked him to hold off on a list of obligations, which had yet to be settled.
Timmy warned that if the money was not paid by Monday the 20th, Dakolo should be prepared to explain his personal conduct in Lagos to his wife.
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