Presidency Dismisses Peter Obi’s Claims of Government Targeting as False
The Presidency has debunked allegations by NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi that he is being targeted by the Federal Government, describing the claims as false and misleading. Obi had said he may not be alive to contest the 2027 presidential election, alleging the government was systematically frustrating his activities and targeting opposition figures.
Sultan of Sokoto Calls on Northern Stakeholders to Close Ranks Against Banditry and Terror
The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Northern Traditional Rulers Council, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar II, has called on all northern stakeholders to unite against banditry, terrorism and kidnapping, declaring that security is a collective responsibility. Speaking during the 19th Northern Traditional and Governors meeting in Kaduna on Wednesday, the Sultan said the region could only overcome insecurity through unity and collaboration.
House of Reps Rowdy Session as Lawmakers Clash Over Motion to Summon Tinubu
Proceedings in the House of Representatives descended into a heated session on Wednesday after lawmakers clashed over a motion seeking to summon President Bola Tinubu to explain delays in the implementation of the 2025 Appropriation Act. The disagreement centred on a circular by the Accountant-General of the Federation directing MDAs to stop processing payments for constituency projects without vetting by the Ministry of Special Duties. Speaker Tajudeen Abbas overruled the motion after about 30 minutes of heated exchanges.
Katsina Court Orders Detention of Lecturer, Public Affairs Commentator Bashir Kurfi
A Chief Magistrates’ Court in Katsina has ordered the detention of Dr Bashir Kurfi, a lecturer and public affairs commentator, after the Katsina State Police Command arraigned him over alleged defamation of character and injurious falsehood. Chief Magistrate Zaharaddeen Kofar Soro gave the order on Wednesday.
PFIPC DG Denies Ever Meeting Gbajabiamila, Disowns N1.3bn Budget Allocation
The self-proclaimed Director-General of the controversial Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council, Prince Adeyemi Matthew, has denied ever meeting Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila in person. He also denied any involvement in the N1.3bn budgetary allocation to the disputed agency, saying he was in police detention and knew nothing about it.
Senate Approves Nigeria Customs Service N11.074tn Revenue Target for 2026
The Senate on Wednesday approved the 2026 budget proposal of the Nigerian Customs Service, endorsing a revenue target of N11.074tn and an expenditure estimate of N1.295tn for the fiscal year. The approval followed the consideration and adoption of the report of the Senate Committee on Customs, Excise and Tariffs during plenary.
Lagos Council Proposes N50,000 Fine, Six Months Jail for Homes Without Waste Bins
Residents of Agboyi-Ketu Local Council Development Area in Lagos State who fail to place waste bins or drums in front of their homes may face a N50,000 fine or up to six months’ imprisonment if a proposed environmental bye-law is passed. The proposal is contained in an amendment bill presented during the second day of the council’s Sixth Assembly Legislative Week.
Bayelsa Police Arrest Father and Son Over Unlawful Possession of Four Guns
Operatives of the Bayelsa State Police Command have arrested a 68-year-old man and his son for allegedly being in unlawful possession of four single-barrel guns along the Igbogene-Tombia Expressway in Yenagoa. Police spokesman DSP Musa Mohammed disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.
Tinubu Welcomes Ex-Sokoto Governorship Candidate Ubandoma Back to APC
President Bola Tinubu has welcomed former Sokoto State governorship candidate Sa’idu Umar Ubandoma back to the All Progressives Congress, describing his return as a positive development for the party. Ubandoma was received by the President at the Presidential Villa on Tuesday night after being presented by Sokoto APC leader Senator Aliyu Wamakko.
Lagos Assembly Endorses State Police, Urges Nationwide Constitutional Reforms
The Lagos State House of Assembly on Wednesday endorsed the establishment of state police, urging nationwide constitutional reforms to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture. Lawmakers also called on all 36 State Houses of Assembly to expedite consideration and approval of the Constitution Alteration Bill on state policing.
“Treat Soldiers Who Refuse to Shoot Bandits Like Bandits” — Defence Minister Musa
Defence Minister General Christopher Musa (retd.) has declared that any security operative who fails to neutralise criminals under the excuse of awaiting orders would be treated as collaborating with them. Musa made the remark on Wednesday in Sokoto State while commissioning 62 operational vehicles and security equipment worth ₦27.127 billion procured by the state government, directing security personnel not to hesitate when confronting armed bandits and terrorists.
“I May Not Be Alive to Contest 2027” — Peter Obi Raises Alarm Over Government Pressure
NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi has expressed concern over challenges he claims to be facing ahead of the 2027 election, saying he may not be alive to contest the race. Speaking in an interview with Chude Jideonwo, Obi alleged that the current administration had made his daily activities difficult, affected his livelihood, and that he recently faced an incident involving his vehicle at an airport.
Northern Governors Establish Security Trust Fund, Pledge N1bn Monthly to Fight Insecurity
Governors of the Northern region have established a Security Trust Fund Board and pledged N1 billion monthly to combat insecurity. The decision was taken on Wednesday at a joint security meeting with traditional rulers in Kaduna. Northern Governors’ Forum Chairman and Gombe Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya said the fund would be a transparent and results-oriented mechanism for improving security coordination across the region.
“I Was a Victim” — Deputy Speaker Kalu Recounts Encounter With PFIPC Fake DG
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu has described himself as a victim of the PFIPC scandal, recounting his encounter with disputed DG Adeniyi Adeyemi. Speaking on the House floor during plenary on Wednesday, Kalu said his pictures were circulating in the news alongside Adeyemi’s, adding that information about the organisation “never looked credible” to him.
Diesel Price Jumps to N1,450 Per Litre as Global Oil Prices Surge on Renewed Tensions
Depot owners and fuel marketers in Nigeria have increased the price of diesel to N1,450 per litre from N1,410, a roughly three per cent rise within 24 hours. Dealers blamed the hike on rising global crude oil prices driven by renewed geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Brent crude traded at $78.36 per barrel on Wednesday, up 5.66 per cent, while West Texas Intermediate rose to $74.30 per barrel, up 5.48 per cent.
Alexx Ekubo’s Sister Chioma Speaks Out in Grief After Actor’s Death
The sister of late Nollywood actor Alexx Ekubo, Chioma, has expressed deep grief over her brother’s death in an Instagram post on Wednesday. Chioma said Alexx’s passing had left her shattered and recalled memories of the two siblings looking forward to growing old together.
“Entertainment Industry Predominantly Created for Satanism” — Jim Iyke
Veteran Nollywood actor Jim Iyke has claimed that the Nigerian entertainment industry is predominantly created for satanism. Speaking in an interview with media personality Joey Akan, Iyke said most people in the industry serve and extol themselves as demigods, which he described as a virtue of satanism, adding that it takes conscious effort for those in the industry to remain connected to God.
Egypt Demand Referee Removal After Argentina World Cup Defeat, File FIFA Complaint
The Egyptian Football Association has called on FIFA to remove the officials who oversaw Egypt’s 3-2 World Cup defeat to Argentina, accusing the refereeing team of costly errors and demanding a formal investigation. Egypt’s complaint centres on a disallowed Mostafa Zico goal following a VAR review, and the failure to award a penalty after Mohamed Salah appeared to be fouled inside the box moments before Argentina’s stoppage-time winner sealed the comeback.
Portugal Confirm Roberto Martinez Exit After World Cup Elimination by Spain
The Portuguese Football Federation has confirmed that Roberto Martinez has officially stepped down as Portugal head coach following the country’s 1-0 defeat to Spain in the World Cup last 16. The FPF announced the end of the contractual relationship with Martinez and his coaching staff on Wednesday, confirming what the Spaniard had already indicated after the match.
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