Nigerian News: Morning Headlines – 17 July 2026

Nigerian News: Morning Headlines – 17 July 2026

Controversial PFIPC Boss Adeyemi Held At Ex-SARS Headquarters, Grilled By Police

The controversial Director-General of the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), Adeniyi Adeyemi, is currently being detained at the headquarters of the defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in Abuja.

It was gathered that Adeyemi was flown to the Federal Capital Territory after his arrest by operatives of the police Intelligence Response Team, led by Chief Superintendent of Police Moses Lohor.

Since his arrival in Abuja, the detained official has reportedly been undergoing a series of interrogations by investigators, though authorities are yet to disclose the specific charges being investigated.


Appeal Court Restores INEC’s 2027 Election Timetable, Dashes Hopes For Extension

Hopes that political parties could secure more time to conduct their primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections were dashed on Thursday after the Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja upheld the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) guidelines for the electoral process.

A three-member panel of the appellate court unanimously set aside a Federal High Court judgment that had earlier nullified some of the timelines issued by INEC, ruling that the commission acted within its statutory powers when it released the Revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the elections.

The court held that the Federal High Court failed to follow binding judicial precedents in its May 20 judgment, and ruled that INEC’s revised timetable amounted to subsidiary legislation made pursuant to the Electoral Act, 2026, and therefore had the force of law. According to the court, all the deadlines contained in the timetable fell within the provisions of the Act.

INEC had filed a nine-ground notice of appeal dated May 25, asking the appellate court to set aside the judgment delivered by Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court. The ruling restores the commission’s timetable and effectively closes the door on calls for an extension of the primaries deadline.


Court Declares FRSC’s Operations On Kano State, Local Government Roads Unlawful

The Federal High Court sitting in Kano has ruled that the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) lacks the authority to operate on state and local government roads.

The court declared the agency’s enforcement actions within Kano metropolis unlawful and a violation of citizens’ fundamental rights, in a judgment that could have wide implications for the FRSC’s operations across the country.


Court Orders Final Forfeiture Of Aisha Achimugu’s ₦8.9bn Jewellery, Exotic Cars To FG

A Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Apo, Abuja, on Thursday ordered the final and permanent forfeiture of exotic properties linked to socialite, businesswoman and oil mogul Aisha Achimugu to the Federal Government.

Justice Jude Onwugbuzie granted the order while delivering judgment on an application filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which had sought the court’s approval for the final forfeiture of the properties.

The assets affected include jewellery valued at ₦4.645 billion, 11 exotic vehicles estimated at ₦4.293 billion, $50,000, and an additional ₦30 million in cash — a combined naira value of more than ₦8.9 billion, excluding the dollar component.

The EFCC had maintained that the assets, which were previously the subject of legal proceedings, should no longer remain in Achimugu’s possession. After reviewing the application and supporting materials, Justice Onwugbuzie granted the request for final forfeiture.


Kogi Govt Rescues Four Persons Kidnapped In Attack On Dekina Exam Centre

The Kogi State Government says it has successfully rescued the four persons kidnapped during a recent attack on an examination centre in Olowa, Dekina Local Government Area of the state.

Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday, though further details of the rescue operation were not immediately provided.


Panic As Suspected Herdsmen Invade Benue Community, Shoot Resident, Loot Shops

Residents of Ankpechi community in Oglewu Ward, along the Otukpo-Ogobia Road in Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State, were thrown into panic on Thursday morning after suspected armed herdsmen reportedly invaded the area.

According to sources in the community, the attackers stormed the area between 8am and 9am, shooting a resident and looting several provision stores. The assailants fired sporadically, forcing residents, including traders and customers, to flee for safety.


Umahi Breaks Silence On Death Of Aide Mary Habila, Reveals Conversation With Boyfriend

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has denied any involvement in the death of Mary Habila, a staff member who died at the minister’s residence in Uburu, Ebonyi State, describing her as “like a daughter” to him.

Habila, a nurse with the David Umahi Federal University of Medical Sciences, Uburu, died on June 27, 2026, in a guest house located within the minister’s residence in Umunaga, Uburu.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, Umahi described attempts to link him to the incident as “politics taken too far.” He said the late Habila had worked closely with him for years and had a history of medical challenges for which he personally funded treatment.

The minister disclosed that his aide complained of bleeding from her nose during a phone conversation with her boyfriend shortly before she was found dead, insisting there was no evidence of foul play. He said the deceased had lived and worked with him for about three years and enjoyed a close relationship with his family.

Umahi appealed to the deceased’s family to permit an autopsy to establish the exact cause of death, revealing that he had directed that the body should not be released for burial until the procedure was conducted.


Atiku Demands Umahi’s Suspension, Makes Four Demands From Tinubu Govt Over Habila’s Death

The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has demanded the immediate suspension of the Minister of Works, David Umahi, over links to the death of 26-year-old Mary Habila, who died within the minister’s private residence in Uburu, Ebonyi State, on June 27.

In a personally signed statement on Thursday, Atiku expressed sadness over the death and sympathy for the family of the deceased, but insisted that sympathy alone was insufficient given the unanswered questions surrounding the case.

He demanded that President Bola Tinubu suspend Umahi pending the conclusion of investigations, and called on the Inspector-General of Police to transfer the investigation from the Ebonyi State Command to the Force Headquarters in Abuja.

Atiku further demanded that a full, independent and internationally credible autopsy be conducted without delay, with the findings made public, and that Mary Habila’s family be protected from any pressure, inducement or intimidation, with guaranteed unfettered access to the facts of their daughter’s death.


PFIPC Scandal: Gbajabiamila Sues Adeyemi Adeniyi, Demands ₦15 Billion Over Kickback Claims

The Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, has filed a ₦15 billion defamation suit against the self-styled Director-General of the controversial Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

The suit followed Adeyemi’s allegations that Gbajabiamila demanded a 48 per cent kickback from a purported ₦27.3 billion take-off grant approved for the disputed federal agency.

Gbajabiamila is seeking ₦10 billion in general damages, ₦5 billion in aggravated damages, and ₦200 million as the cost of prosecuting the action, over what he described as false, malicious and defamatory allegations.

The claimant has asked the court to order Adeyemi to publish a full retraction and unconditional apology in five national newspapers, and to have the apology pinned for 30 days across all social media platforms and online channels where the disputed statements were circulated.


Salihu Lukman Suspends ADC Membership, Accuses El-Rufai Of Political Marginalisation

One of the leading figures in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition and former All Progressives Congress chieftain, Salihu Lukman, has suspended his membership of the party and the opposition coalition.

He accused former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, of orchestrating the hostile treatment and political marginalisation that forced him to quit.


Sokoto Police Say They’ve Foiled Bandit Attacks, Neutralised Scores Of Criminals

The Sokoto State Police Command says it has foiled several bandit attacks, neutralised scores of criminals and recorded significant successes against violent crimes across the state.

Commissioner of Police, Hayatu Hassan-Shaffa, confirmed this on Thursday during a press briefing in Sokoto, highlighting sustained operations against banditry, kidnapping, cattle rustling and drug trafficking.


Senate Passes Bill Imposing ₦50,000 Fine For Hawking, Preaching In Commercial Buses

The Senate has passed the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) (Amendment) Bill, 2026, proposing stiffer penalties for a wide range of traffic offences, including a ₦50,000 fine for anyone caught hawking, trading or preaching inside commercial vehicles.

The bill, which now awaits presidential assent, also introduces tougher sanctions for motorists who violate road safety regulations, with penalties for several offences increased by up to 300 per cent.

The proposed legislation, titled Federal Road Safety Corps Act (Amendment), 2026 (HBs. 1401 & 1604 – For Concurrence), was first read in the Senate on July 1, 2026. Lawmakers said the measure was introduced to minimise distractions inside public transport vehicles and improve passenger safety, a move expected to affect common practices in many urban centres where traders and religious preachers regularly board commercial buses.


‘I’m A Reckless Spender, Chioma Is My Life Coordinator’ – Davido

Nigerian singer, Davido Adeleke, better known as Davido, has revealed that his wife, Chioma Adeleke, manages his finances because of his reckless spending.

In a viral video, Davido was seen calling Chioma while stranded, asking her to transfer $4,000 to his personal assistant, Lati. “Hello, hello baby, good morning my wife, my love. Help me send Lati $4,000. I can’t login, I don’t know why,” he said, adding that he was about to travel back to Nigeria.

Asked by his official streamer whether his wife has been managing his money, Davido replied that Chioma is his “life coordinator,” describing himself as a reckless spender who relies on her to arrange everything.


Don’t Let Babymama Drama Be Part Of Your Life – Ubi Franklin Shares Regrets

Nigerian music executive, Ubi Franklin, has said having children with different women is the worst decision he has ever made in life.

In a recent video posted on his Instagram page, Ubi expressed regret over the choices that led to his current family situation, saying he wished he had taken a different path.

He advised younger men to avoid making the same mistakes, regardless of their financial status, stressing that taking care of children is not the challenge but managing the emotions of their mothers is. He urged young people not to let “baby mama drama” become part of their lives.


World Cup Final: Injury Scare For Spain As Lamine Yamal Misses Training

Spain has been dealt a potential injury setback ahead of Sunday’s FIFA World Cup final after teenage sensation Lamine Yamal missed training due to discomfort.

The Barcelona winger was absent from the team’s latest training session, raising concerns over his fitness just days before Spain’s highly anticipated showdown with defending champions Argentina.

The Spanish Football Federation has yet to disclose the nature or severity of the problem, leaving uncertainty over whether the 19-year-old will be fit to feature in the final. Team officials only indicated that he was managing “some discomfort,” without providing further details on whether his absence was precautionary or a sign of a more serious concern.


Osimhen Set For Galatasaray Captaincy Following Icardi’s Departure

Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen is on course to become Galatasaray’s new captain following the departure of Mauro Icardi.

Icardi left the Turkish Super Lig champions after his contract expired, ending a successful four-year spell at RAMS Park during which the 33-year-old Argentine won four league titles.

Osimhen served as the club’s deputy captain last season and is now expected to inherit the armband. The Nigeria international has played a key role in Okan Buruk’s side winning back-to-back league titles and is set to take on an even bigger leadership role ahead of the new campaign.

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