According to the itinerary shared by the palace, signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Olubadan, Chief Ayoade Olugbemigbe, on July 22, the Oloolu Masquerade will be out daily from 4:00 p.m. until dawn, moving through designated routes across Ibadan as part of the annual festival.

The schedule is as follows:

Tuesday, July 28

Government House, Agodi

Aliiwo

Yemetu

Oje Market

Olubadan Palace

Isale-Afa

Oke Aremo

Popo-Yemoja

Bode Market

Molete

Isale-Ijebu

Elekuro

Kobomoje

Oranmiyan

Wednesday, July 29

Ojagbo

Alafara Olubadan

Ita-Baale

Ogboriefon

Labo

Kudeti

Ile Tuntun/Oke Odo

Kobomoje

Thursday, July 30

Ile-Aperin

Agugu

Iyana Idi-Iroko

Awotunde Jegede

Itamerin-Gangansi

Babanla

The movement schedule forms part of activities for the 2026 Oloolu Masquerade Festival, which began on Monday, July 27, with Aisun Odun Oloolu (festival eve).

Earlier, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, urged residents and participants to ensure a peaceful celebration in line with the traditions of Ibadanland. The monarch reiterated that women are forbidden from seeing the Oloolu Masquerade in accordance with Ibadan tradition.

He also warned members of the public against taking photographs or recording videos of the masquerade during the festival.

Oba Ladoja further cautioned the Oloolu Masquerade, other Egungun leaders and their followers, adherents of various religions and members of the public against any act capable of causing unrest or a breakdown of law and order during the celebration.

Abubakar stated this during the ongoing player assessment exercise at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium in Bauchi, according to a statement issued on Tuesday.

The coach said every player currently undergoing evaluation has an equal opportunity to earn a place in the team, stressing that only those who demonstrate quality, commitment and readiness would be included in the final squad.

He disclosed that Wikki Tourists had so far played six pre-season friendly matches, winning four and losing two, noting that the fixtures had provided the technical crew with an opportunity to assess players and strengthen the team ahead of the 2026/27 Nigeria National League season.

“Our mission is clear: to return Wikki Tourists to the NPFL. We know what is expected of us, and by the grace of Allah, with the support of our management, government, supporters and all stakeholders, we will achieve that goal,” Abubakar said.

He added that the technical crew remained focused on selecting a team capable of making the people of Bauchi proud throughout the 2026/27 Nigeria National League campaign.

Wikki Tourists were relegated from the NPFL and will compete in the Nigeria National League this season as they seek an immediate return to Nigeria’s top-flight league.

Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, plans to donate one-third of his wealth to charity as part of his succession plan, his daughter, Halima Dangote, has revealed.

Halima, a trustee of the Aliko Dangote Foundation, disclosed the arrangement in an interview with Bloomberg published on Tuesday, saying the billionaire had secured his family’s support to dedicate 33 per cent of his estate to philanthropy.

According to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, Dangote’s net worth is estimated at $35.1 billion, meaning one-third of his current fortune would amount to about $11.7 billion if maintained at that level.

Explaining the decision, Halima said her father considers philanthropy central to his legacy and has embedded it into the family’s long-term succession plans.

He sort of put all the structure in place whereby we focus a lot on health and education. He actually donated 25 per cent to the foundation. If you look at it, it is what we call in Sharia Code in Islam; it means he has donated 33 per cent of his whole inheritance to his foundation,” she said.

“That is how important it is to him because philanthropy needs to be in existence generation after generation.

“So giving back is part and parcel of what we do. We believe we’re here, that our business is successful because of the giving back and because of the philanthropic aspect. That is why the 33 per cent is important.

“And that is why he made an announcement and he asked myself, my two sisters and his mother to sign under that will that he is able to give that 33 per cent to humanity.”

The planned donation builds on Dangote’s existing philanthropic work through the Aliko Dangote Foundation, established in 1994.

According to Halima, the foundation was endowed with $1.25 billion about a decade ago and has since received an additional $700 million in funding.

She said about 70 per cent of the foundation’s spending is directed to Nigeria, while 20 per cent supports projects across Africa and the remainder funds initiatives in other parts of the world.

The foundation’s interventions span health, education, nutrition and humanitarian relief, and include partnerships with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and state governments in northern Nigeria that contributed to the eradication of wild poliovirus in Africa.

Dangote’s planned charitable commitment comes amid growing global attention on billionaire philanthropy. While the proposed 33 per cent allocation falls short of the 50 per cent threshold commonly associated with the Giving Pledge, it would rank among the largest philanthropic commitments ever announced by an African billionaire.

Earlier this year, TIME magazine named Dangote among the world’s most influential philanthropists in its inaugural TIME100 Philanthropy list, recognising his charitable work through the Aliko Dangote Foundation, which spends more than ₦50 billion annually on programmes across Africa.

In a unanimous judgment delivered by a three-member panel of justices led by Justice Abba Mohammed, the appellate court held that the June 15 judgment of the Federal High Court was a nullity, having been delivered without jurisdiction.

The appellate court held that the trial court wrongly assumed jurisdiction and made the order on an incompetent suit filed by a non-juristic entity.

It held that there was no valid suit that could have warranted the consequential order directing INEC to deregister the affected political parties.

The appellate court further held that the trial court failed to properly evaluate the evidence before it, noting that proof showing the parties had won various elective seats in previous elections was ignored.

It also held that the lower court acted in defiance of an order directing it to stay proceedings pending the determination of an interlocutory appeal.

The appellate court consequently held that the Federal High Court ought to have dismissed the substantive suit for want of jurisdiction and merit.

It allowed the separate appeals filed by the political parties, restored their registration, and awarded costs against the National Forum of Former Legislators, which instituted the suit.

The affected parties are the African Democratic Congress, Action Peoples Party, Action Alliance, Accord Party and Zenith Labour Party.

The appellate court declared that all the affected political parties remain duly registered.

The appellate court had, on June 16, stayed the execution of the trial court’s judgment pending the determination of the appeals.

In its decision, the panel faulted the conduct of Justice Peter Lifu for proceeding with the case, despite an earlier order made on May 22 directing him to stay proceedings pending the outcome of the appeal.

The appellate court noted that although Justice Lifu’s attention had been drawn to the stay order, he proceeded to deliver judgment.

It described the action as “a form of judicial impertinence,” adding that the Supreme Court had previously held that a judge who acts in such a manner “is unfit for the bench, as the conduct amounts to judicial rascality.”

The PUNCH reports that Justice Lifu had ordered INEC to deregister the five political parties after holding that they failed to satisfy the constitutional requirements for their continued existence.

He also restrained INEC from recognising the parties, accepting candidates sponsored by them or giving effect to their activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The judgment followed a suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2026, instituted by the National Forum of Former Legislators.

The plaintiff had asked the court to determine whether INEC was constitutionally bound under Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Electoral Act 2022 and its regulations, to deregister political parties that failed to meet prescribed electoral performance thresholds.

The forum argued that the affected parties failed to secure at least 25 per cent of votes in a state during a presidential election, or win at least one elective seat at the national, state or local government levels as required by law.

It further contended that the parties’ poor performance in the 2023 general election and subsequent by-elections rendered their continued registration unconstitutional and detrimental to the integrity of the electoral process.

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), who was joined as a defendant in the suit, supported the plaintiffs’ case, arguing that retaining the affected political parties was inconsistent with the provisions of the Constitution and undermined the country’s electoral integrity.

Dissatisfied with the Federal High Court judgment, the affected political parties and INEC filed separate appeals, urging the Court of Appeal to set it aside.

The appellate court upheld the appeals and vacated the judgment in its entirety.

Senator Adams Oshiomhole has faulted the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, for appearing apologetic over shooting of criminals.

He insisted that security operatives should shoot armed criminals without hesitation.

The Edo North lawmaker spoke on Monday during an interview with TVC News.

“That’s why when this IG was saying he didn’t say “shoot at sight,” Why is he apologetic? Shoot at sight. If you see a criminal, shoot on sight,” Oshiomhole said.

Online reports that the Nigeria Police Force recently clarified that the IGP did not issue a “shoot-on-sight” order, saying he was referring instead to Force Order 237, which governs the legal and operational conditions for the use of firearms by police officers.

It said Disu had told stakeholders that officers had been briefed on the provisions of the order and understood the circumstances under which firearms could be deployed in line with established Rules of Engagement.

Oshiomole commended the Department of State Services for appealing a court judgment that handed life imprisonment instead of death sentences to convicted offenders.

I have said that judges should implement the law, not their personal sentiment. I’m also happy that the DSS is doing its job.

“They have appealed the judgment where people who should have been condemned to death were given life imprisonment,” he said.

Asked what he considered the President’s biggest political risk ahead of next year’s election, Oshiomhole said insecurity remained the only obstacle standing in the way of Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.

He urged the President to give the service chiefs a firm deadline to end insecurity.

“I would tell him to do everything he can to direct the armed forces to ensure that the service chiefs understand that they have a duty to terminate insecurity within the next few months,” he said.

Oshiomhole said there had to be a benchmark to measure what the military was given against the results produced. He insisted the President should hold the service chiefs firmly accountable.

“There has to be a benchmark to measure what we give them and the results that we get, and whether it’s commensurate. It is better he beats down their necks than anything else,” he said.

The former Edo State governor said Tinubu had already put the necessary macroeconomic tools in place, leaving insecurity as the only limiting factor.

“See, the president has put all the necessary macroeconomic tools in place. The only limiting factor is this insecurity. And unfortunately, again, it’s an issue that has reached a certain stage that you cannot terminate overnight. But Nigerians want to see consistent, deliberate effort,” he said.

Oshiomhole said the ongoing recruitment of 20,000 additional personnel into the armed forces, alongside the creation of new army divisions, reflected the President’s resolve to change Nigeria’s security architecture.

He said, “So I think on all fronts, the war is being waged. The DSS is working. We are beginning to see the Air Force more engaged. The Army—we have created more divisions which reflects the fact that the president believes that we can’t continue to do the same thing the same old way.”

On claims that Tinubu has not been visible enough in office, Oshiomhole dismissed the perception, saying he had seen the President address forums, preside over meetings and comment widely on Nigeria’s political economy.

“That the president is not visible enough. I don’t understand what is meant by visibility. Because I see the president addressing various forums. I see him receiving and presiding over meetings.

“I see him commenting on a wide range of issues that have to do with the Nigerian political economy and society,” he said.

He added that the opposition was entitled to criticise the administration, but warned that the ruling party would respond in kind.

“There is nothing the president is going to say that the opposition will not fault. That is the legitimate business of the opposition. I don’t grudge them, provided they understand that if they cast a stone, we have a right to return that stone. So, the day the opposition joins in praising the president, then that is the end of democracy,” he noted.

Oshiomhole said democracy thrived on contestation, adding that Nigerian voters would act rationally in the next election despite attempts by political actors to confuse them.

“Democracy thrives on debate, on contestation. And it is legitimate for actors to try to confuse the voters. But I think the voters are wiser. They will vote rationally,” he said.

He linked the emergence of Peter Obi as a political force to public anger during the last election cycle, which he attributed to the tenure of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari.

“Last time they voted in anger. That is why I brought up the issue of the former president. I’m not blaming him, he’s no more. May his soul rest in peace. But that situation is what produced Obi,” he said.

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, on Tuesday withdrew his bid to subpoena the Director-General of the Department of State Services, Oluwatosin Ajayi, to testify in his alleged criminal defamation trial.

Sowore informed the Federal High Court in Abuja that the evidence he intended to obtain from the DSS Director-General could be produced by another official of the service.

The development followed an objection by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), who appeared for the Federal Government during Tuesday’s proceedings.

Fagbemi argued that the subpoena issued to Ajayi should be set aside because the document the DSS chief was expected to tender was neither authored nor signed by him.

The AGF further submitted that the document—a letter written to Sowore asking him to delete a Facebook post in which he allegedly described President Bola Tinubu as a “criminal”—had already been tendered and admitted in evidence twice by the court.

He added that the author of the letter, Uwen Davis, testified in the matter on July 22 on behalf of the defence, making the appearance of the DSS Director-General unnecessary.

Counsel for Sowore, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika (SAN), initially opposed the AGF’s intervention, arguing that another Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Akinlolu Kehinde, was already the counsel on record for the Federal Government.

Olumide-Fusika also contended that although the Attorney General has the constitutional authority to appear in any matter, due notice ought to have been given to the defence before taking over the prosecution.

Earlier in the proceedings, the court confirmed that the subpoena had been served on the Director of Legal Services of the DSS after the court registrar informed Justice Mohammed Umar that service had been effected.

The Federal Government, however, maintained that Ajayi was unaware of the service and urged the court to vacate the subpoena and direct the defence to proceed with its case.

Following the arguments, Sowore informed the court that he would no longer insist on the appearance of the DSS Director-General, admitting that the evidence sought could be obtained through another official of the service.

Justice Umar subsequently adjourned the matter until August 3 for the continuation of the defence.

Uganda’s Minister of Health on Tuesday declared the country Ebola-free following the East African nation’s latest outbreak of the viral haemorrhagic disease, which infected 20 people and claimed two lives.

Uganda has experienced multiple Ebola outbreaks since 2000, when it recorded its first epidemic.

However, health officials said the country has, over the years, developed the expertise needed to bring recent outbreaks under control quickly with limited community transmission.

Fifteen people in the latest outbreak, which was declared in mid-May, were infected in neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo, the epicentre of the epidemic, where confirmed cases have exceeded 3,000.

The last Ebola patient in Uganda, a Congolese national, was discharged on June 22.

Health Minister Chris Baryomunsi said the declaration followed the successful completion of the mandatory 42-day monitoring period, which began after the discharge of the last Ugandan national infected through local transmission on June 16, 2026.

According to the minister, of the 20 confirmed cases recorded during the outbreak, 18 patients recovered and were discharged, while two died from the virus. Both fatalities were nationals of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Throughout this period, the Ministry of Health maintained intensive surveillance nationwide, and no new Ebola cases have been detected,” Baryomunsi said.

Officials said Uganda’s many tropical forests, which are home to fruit bats—the natural reservoirs of the virus—make the country vulnerable to recurring outbreaks.

The virus is transmitted through contact with infected bodily fluids and tissues. Symptoms include headache, vomiting blood, muscle pain and bleeding.

(Reuters/NAN)

The Lagos State Government has deployed emergency responders and heavy rescue equipment to support ongoing rescue and recovery operations following the collapse of a three-storey building at Baale Road, Ajuwon, in Ogun State.

This is just as officials said three people have so far been confirmed dead.

The building, which collapsed on Monday after a downpour and thunderstorm, comprised two shops on the ground floor and residential apartments on the upper floors.

PUNCH Online had earlier reported that eyewitnesses and emergency responders said the incident occurred at about 2 p.m. on Monday.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, the agency said the intervention followed a request for assistance from the Ogun State Government.

According to the statement, the Lagos State Government approved the deployment in line with efforts to strengthen inter-state emergency response and cooperation.

LASEMA said its rescue team, accompanied by specialised heavy-duty recovery equipment, joined officials of the National Emergency Management Agency, the Nigeria Police Force, the Ogun State Fire Service and other emergency responders at the scene on Tuesday morning.

Giving an update on the operation, the agency said 12 people had been rescued alive, while three others were confirmed dead.

Casualty update as of 11:42 a.m.: 12 adults rescued alive, one adult female recovered dead, one baby girl recovered dead and one elderly man, aged 75, recovered dead,” the statement read.

It added that rescue and recovery operations were ongoing.

Speaking on the intervention, the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Oke-Osanyintolu, said the deployment reflected the Lagos State Government’s commitment to regional emergency collaboration.

“This action reflects the Lagos State Government’s commitment to the principle that ‘disaster knows no boundaries’. By extending operational support beyond state lines, Lagos is setting a benchmark for regional solidarity and integrated emergency management across Western Nigeria and the nation at large,” he said.

Oke-Osanyintolu said the intervention underscored the state’s commitment to supporting neighbouring states during emergencies and aligned with international standards on mutual aid and cooperative disaster governance.

He also extended condolences to the families of the victims, wished the injured a speedy recovery and commended all emergency responders involved in the operation.

Lagos remains committed to partnering with the Federal Government, NEMA and all South-Western states to build a safer, more resilient region for all citizens,” he added.

The Qatar Government Scholarships 2026 is a fully funded study opportunity funded by the Government of Qatar for selected candidates to study in top universities in Qatar and abroad.

The scholarship covers tuition, monthly stipend, travel allowance, departure, and settling allowances. and flight tickets.

This post will provide you with the details of the Qatar Government Scholarships, its requirements, benefits, and step-by-step application guide for interested candidates.

Qatar Government Scholarship Summary

• Host Country: Qatar
• Study Abroad: Study in Asia 
• Category: Undergraduate Scholarships | Postgraduate Scholarships | Masters Scholarships | PhD Scholarships 
• Eligible Countries: Qatar
• Reward: Full Scholarship | $5,500 Living & Travel Allowances | Flight Tickets
• No IELTS Required 
• Deadline: August 31, 2026
  

Qatar Government Scholarship 2026/27 Details:

The Qatar Government Scholarships for 2026/27 is officially now open.

The Qatar Government Scholarship aims to increase the number and percentage of individuals obtaining diplomas, bachelor’s degrees, and postgraduate studies in various fields, enhancing indicators related to the knowledge economy.

The scholarship seeks to provide opportunities for Qatari youths to study in top and high-ranking universities in Qatar, USA, UK, Canada, and other top countries abroad. 

The program includes multiple pathways such as the

• Amiri Scholarship,
• Abroad Scholarship, and
• Local Scholarship Program (including Tomouh), each designed to cater to different academic needs, talents, and future goals.

Eligibility Requirements for Qatar Government Scholarships 2026

To be considered for the Qatar Government Scholarships 2025, you must:

• Hold a valid high school diploma or equivalent
• The top 10 achievers in science, humanities, or specialized tracks are prioritized
• Have acceptance from one of the approved universities
• Commit to academic excellence and comply with follow-up procedures
• Be a Qatari national

Benefits of Qatar Government Scholarships 2026/27

Amiri Scholarship (Top 24 Global + 5 Local Universities):

• QAR 8,000 monthly basic scholarship salary
• QAR 12,000 monthly travel allowance
• Two business-class air tickets per year
• QAR 40,000 one-time pre-travel allowance
• Study duration counted toward government service

Medical Abroad Scholarships:

• QAR 8,000 monthly (Years 1–4)
• QAR 10,000 monthly travel allowance (Years 1–4)
• Two economy class tickets per year (Years 1–4)
• QAR 30,000 monthly salary (Year 5+)
• Two business class tickets annually (Year 5+)
• QAR 30,000 one-time pre-travel grant
• Study years count as part of the official service

Allowances for scholarship programs abroad

• Q.R 8,000 monthly: basic scholarship stipend
• Q.R 6,000: monthly allowance as a travel allowance.
• An economy class ticket annually
• Q.R 25,000: Pre-departure preparation, issued once.

Allowances for in-country scholarship programs

• Allowance 1: Q.R 10,000 monthly for medical and educational for disciplines.
• Allowance 2: Q.R 8,000 monthly for engineering and computer science disciplines.
• Allowance 3: Q.R 6,000 monthly for disciplines in applied and health sciences and arts.
• Allowance 4: Q.R 4,000 monthly for professional diploma disciplines.

Required Documents for Qatar Scholarship 2026/27

To apply, candidates must be ready to submit the following documents;

• Completed application form
• Qatari National ID Card
• High school diploma or equivalent certificate
• Academic transcripts
• University admission letter
• Passport-sized photo
• Updated CV
• Personal statement or motivation letter
• Recommendation letters (if applicable)

How to Apply for Qatar Government Scholarship 2026/27 (Step by Step)

To apply for the Qatar Government Scholarships, interested and qualified candidates should;

• Visit the Official Website: Click the green button below.
• Create an Account: Register using your email and national ID.
• Select Scholarship Track: Choose from Amiri, Abroad, or Local Programs.
• Fill Out the Application: Enter personal, academic, and scholarship-related details.
• Upload Required Documents: Ensure all documents are submitted in PDF or acceptable formats.
• Submit Before Deadline: Review your application and submit before 30 September 2025.
• Await Notification: Selected candidates will be contacted for further instructions.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

Deadline: August 31, 2026

Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, said the new platform marked a major milestone in the government’s drive to build a modern, efficient and technology-driven public service in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Speaking at the official IPPIS Go-Live Ceremony in Abuja on Monday, Walson-Jack said the platform would replace manual human resource processes with an integrated digital system covering the entire workforce lifecycle.

She said, “We are not just unveiling a digital platform, but institutionalising a better way of managing our most important resource, which is our people, our employees.”

The Head of Service explained that the platform would handle biometric enrolment, onboarding, payroll administration, employee mobility, human resource processes, reporting and data analytics across the 508 ministries, extra-ministerial departments and agencies currently on the IPPIS platform.

Announcing the end of manual influence over staff deployments, she declared, “Post me here, post me there. I want a juicy posting, no more. It is now digitalised. No more lobbying for posting.”

According to her, integrating all personnel functions into a single platform would eliminate duplication, improve personnel records, reduce errors and delays, while strengthening transparency and accountability through automated approvals, standardised workflows and reliable audit trails.

Walson-Jack said the employee self-service module would enable officers to securely access and update their records, thus reducing paperwork and administrative bottlenecks.

“This is the true value of digital transformation. Simpler processes, faster services, better information and greater accountability. Technology must make the work of civil servants easier and strengthen the capacity of government to serve Nigerians,” she said.

She noted that the transition from the Oracle Electronic Business Suite to the new platform followed extensive testing and technical evaluations, adding that the software was developed entirely by Nigerians.

“Significantly, this solution was built by Nigerians for Nigerians,” she said.

She described it as a practical expression of the Nigeria First policy.

The Head of Service urged ministries, departments and agencies to fully adopt the platform, stressing that technology alone could not deliver reforms without users embracing the new system

We cannot adopt new technology while retaining inefficient practices. The platform must not become an electronic version of old bureaucracy. Processes must be simplified, responsibilities clearly defined and unnecessary delays eliminated,” she said.

Also speaking, the Accountant-General of the Federation, Shamseldeen Ogunjimi, disclosed that the IPPIS, which commenced in 2007 with seven pilot MDAs, now covers 508 MDAs with over 1,008,800 employee records.

He said the introduction of the HR modules represented “a natural progression of the reform journey, moving from payroll administration to comprehensive digital human capital development.

According to Ogunjimi, integrating human resource management with payroll administration would strengthen fiscal discipline, improve workforce planning and enhance transparency in public financial management.

Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission, Prof Tunji Olaopa, described IPPIS as one of Nigeria’s most successful public sector reforms, noting that it had eliminated ghost workers and centralised personnel records.

He said the newly introduced HR modules would enable civil servants to manage their records, apply for annual leave online, track promotions and disciplinary processes, and support data-driven workforce planning.

The Permanent Secretary, Career Management Office, Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Nkiruka Jones-Nebo, described the launch as another milestone in the government’s efforts to modernise and strengthen human resource management through technology-driven reforms.

She said the successful implementation of the new modules would depend on the commitment of permanent secretaries and other accounting officers to drive their adoption across ministries and extra-ministerial departments.

Jones-Nebo urged directors of human resource management, IPPIS desk officers, information technology officers and other stakeholders to serve as “key implementers, change champions, and advocates for the effective utilisation of these modules.”

She also called for continued collaboration among government institutions to ensure a seamless transition and the optimal deployment of the platform, saying the initiative was aimed at building “a modern, digital, and efficient federal civil service.”

Managing Director of SoftAlliance and Resources Limited, Dr Bisi Aina, whose company developed the platform, said the launch completed a 15-year digital transformation journey that had evolved IPPIS from a payroll-focused system into a comprehensive human capital management platform.

He said the indigenous solution would reduce dependence on foreign software, shield government from foreign exchange volatility and ensure that sensitive personnel data remained under Nigerian control.

The government said the platform would serve as the foundation for future integration with other government systems, advanced analytics and predictive workforce planning, as part of efforts to build a more efficient, transparent and globally competitive Federal Civil Service.

Justice Amina  Mohammed, who presided over the matter at the Federal High Court No. 1, delivered the judgment after finding out that the respondents violated the provisions of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, 2011 by failing to respond to the applicant’s request within the period prescribed by law.

The court granted Reliefs 1, 2, 3 and 4 sought by the applicant, but declined Reliefs 5 and 6, except for awarding N200,000 as costs.

The suit, filed on January 8, 2026 by the applicant’s counsel, Barrister M. U. Faruk, was brought pursuant to Sections 1, 2, 4, 7 and 20 of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011.

Barrister Musa Adamu Kumo represented the respondents.

The applicant had asked the court to determine whether, under the FOI Act, he was entitled to access public documents relating to the award of the contract for the redesign of the Shehu Abubakar District Layout.

Among the documents sought were the list of companies that expressed interest in the project, copies of advertisements or calls for expressions of interest, bids submitted, the name of the successful contractor, contract value, evidence of payment, letters of award and acceptance, and the project profile.

The applicant also sought declarations that GOGIS’ failure to provide the information within seven days violated Sections 4 and 7 of the FOI Act and that the agency was legally bound to release the requested documents or provide written reasons for any refusal.

In her judgment, the court held that the applicant made a valid Freedom of Information request which was received by the respondents on December 9, 2025.

Justice Mohammed stated, “The court finds that the applicant made a valid Freedom of Information request which was duly received by the respondents on 9 December 2025.”

The judge further held that the respondents failed to prove they had responded to the request within the statutory period.

According to the judgment, “The respondents failed to establish that Exhibit R1 was ever served on the applicant and, in any event, failed to respond within the statutory period prescribed by the Act. Consequently, the respondents failed to discharge their statutory obligation under Sections 4 and 7 of the Freedom of Information Act and are deemed, by operation of law, to have refused the applicant’s request.”

The court answered all three questions raised in the originating summons in favour of the applicant.

Thus, Justice Mohammed declared, “The applicant is entitled to access the information and documents requested in his Freedom of Information request dated 9 November 2025 and served on the respondents on 9 December 2025.”

The court also ruled that the respondents’ failure to either provide the requested information or communicate lawful reasons for refusing access within the prescribed period amounted to a breach of the FOI Act.

The judge, consequently, ordered GOGIS and its Director-General to release all relevant information and documents within 14 days from the date of the judgment.

The court said, “An order is hereby made directing the respondents to provide to the applicant, within fourteen (14) days from the date of this judgment, all information and documents in their custody relevant to the request. Where any of the requested information is unavailable or exempt from disclosure under the Act, the respondents shall furnish the applicant with written reasons specifying the basis for such non-disclosure in accordance with Section 7 of the Freedom of Information Act.”

However, the court declined the applicant’s claim for N100 million in general damages and N5 million as the cost of the action.

While explaining the decision, Justice Mohammed held that the objective of the FOI Act is to promote transparency and public accountability rather than award punitive damages.

The judge stated further, “The primary purpose of the Freedom of Information Act is to secure access to information and promote accountability in public institutions, not to provide a basis for punitive enrichment. In this instant case, the applicant has not placed before the court sufficient material establishing any special injury, pecuniary loss, or exceptional circumstances warranting such an award.”

The court relied on the Supreme Court’ decision in Iyere v. Bendel Feed and Flour Mill Ltd. (2008) in refusing the claim for general damages while awarding N200,000 as costs in favour of the applicant.

The equipment was officially presented at a ceremony attended by officials of the Sokoto State Government, UNFPA, development partners and health professionals.

Representing the Sokoto State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Faruk Umar Abubakar, the Director of Nursing Services, Abubakar Shehu, described the intervention as another milestone in the state’s efforts to strengthen maternal and reproductive healthcare services.

He said the donation would enhance the hospital’s capacity to provide quality, safe and dignified care to women living with obstetric fistula.

This equipment will strengthen maternal and reproductive healthcare and ensure that women affected by obstetric fistula have access to quality, safe and dignified care,” Shehu said.

He expressed appreciation to UNFPA for its continued partnership with the state government in advancing healthcare delivery and urged the management of the hospital to ensure proper utilisation and maintenance of the equipment.

“I sincerely appreciate UNFPA for its invaluable partnership and support in advancing healthcare in Sokoto State. I urge the management of the hospital to make effective use of this equipment and ensure proper maintenance for the benefit of our people,” he added.

Speaking during the handover, the Team Lead of the UNFPA Sokoto Field Office, Dr. Rabi Sagir, said the agency’s ultimate goal is to eliminate obstetric fistula in Sokoto State through prevention while ensuring quality treatment for existing cases.

“Our ultimate goal in UNFPA is not to keep providing surgical equipment. Our ultimate goal is to have zero obstetric fistula in Sokoto State,” she said.

Dr. Sagir described obstetric fistula as a devastating but preventable condition that reflects deeper social 21 affecting women and girls.

“Obstetric fistula is devastating, but it is also preventable. It is a reminder of the inequality that exists in society. It speaks to lack of empowerment, minimal education and limited financial access for many women,” she noted.

The Team Lead stressed that UNFPA views obstetric fistula not only as a health challenge but also as a social and development issue.

“For us in UNFPA, obstetric fistula is not only a health issue; it is also a social issue. It is about women who have been left behind, and we cannot achieve the Sustainable Development Goals if we leave anyone behind.”

The medic explained  that the UNFPA has supported the facility for many years through funding from development partners, including the European Union under the SARA Health Project and the Government of Canada.

She thus urged the hospital to maintain the equipment to ensure that more women benefit from the intervention.

“We look forward to this facility making good use of this equipment, and we encourage continued investment in its maintenance so that many more women can benefit, Dr. Sagir pleaded.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Sokoto State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Alhaji Muhammad Buhari Umar, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to working with development partners to improve healthcare delivery.

He said the administration of Governor Ahmed Aliyu was focused on building synergy and aligning development interventions with the state’s priorities under its nine-point agenda.

“The focus of this administration is to ensure that synergy and convergence are established. We appreciate UNFPA for aligning its interventions with the needs of Sokoto State, and we look forward to stronger collaboration with other development partners,” he said.

The permanent secretary, who said he was impressed by the level of improvement at the hospital during a recent visit, challenged the management to translate the new equipment into better health outcomes.

“The price of doing a good job is doing better. It is one thing to hold a ceremony, it is another thing to produce results from it. After this equipment, we want to see improved service delivery in this facility,” he maintained.

He assured stakeholders that the state government would continue to support initiatives that improve healthcare services and deliver measurable results for the residents of Sokoto State.

Senator Adams Oshiomhole has faulted the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, for appearing apologetic over shooting of criminals.

He insisted that security operatives should shoot armed criminals without hesitation.

The Edo North lawmaker spoke on Monday during an interview with TVC News.

“That’s why when this IG was saying he didn’t say “shoot at sight,” Why is he apologetic? Shoot at sight. If you see a criminal, shoot on sight,” Oshiomhole said.

Online reports that the Nigeria Police Force recently clarified that the IGP did not issue a “shoot-on-sight” order, saying he was referring instead to Force Order 237, which governs the legal and operational conditions for the use of firearms by police officers.

It said Disu had told stakeholders that officers had been briefed on the provisions of the order and understood the circumstances under which firearms could be deployed in line with established Rules of Engagement.

Oshiomole commended the Department of State Services for appealing a court judgment that handed life imprisonment instead of death sentences to convicted offenders.

I have said that judges should implement the law, not their personal sentiment. I’m also happy that the DSS is doing its job.

“They have appealed the judgment where people who should have been condemned to death were given life imprisonment,” he said.

Asked what he considered the President’s biggest political risk ahead of next year’s election, Oshiomhole said insecurity remained the only obstacle standing in the way of Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.

He urged the President to give the service chiefs a firm deadline to end insecurity.

“I would tell him to do everything he can to direct the armed forces to ensure that the service chiefs understand that they have a duty to terminate insecurity within the next few months,” he said.

Oshiomhole said there had to be a benchmark to measure what the military was given against the results produced. He insisted the President should hold the service chiefs firmly accountable.

“There has to be a benchmark to measure what we give them and the results that we get, and whether it’s commensurate. It is better he beats down their necks than anything else,” he said.

The former Edo State governor said Tinubu had already put the necessary macroeconomic tools in place, leaving insecurity as the only limiting factor.

“See, the president has put all the necessary macroeconomic tools in place. The only limiting factor is this insecurity. And unfortunately, again, it’s an issue that has reached a certain stage that you cannot terminate overnight. But Nigerians want to see consistent, deliberate effort,” he said.

Oshiomhole said the ongoing recruitment of 20,000 additional personnel into the armed forces, alongside the creation of new army divisions, reflected the President’s resolve to change Nigeria’s security architecture.

He said, “So I think on all fronts, the war is being waged. The DSS is working. We are beginning to see the Air Force more engaged. The Army—we have created more divisions which reflects the fact that the president believes that we can’t continue to do the same thing the same old way.”

On claims that Tinubu has not been visible enough in office, Oshiomhole dismissed the perception, saying he had seen the President address forums, preside over meetings and comment widely on Nigeria’s political economy.

“That the president is not visible enough. I don’t understand what is meant by visibility. Because I see the president addressing various forums. I see him receiving and presiding over meetings.

“I see him commenting on a wide range of issues that have to do with the Nigerian political economy and society,” he said.

He added that the opposition was entitled to criticise the administration, but warned that the ruling party would respond in kind.

“There is nothing the president is going to say that the opposition will not fault. That is the legitimate business of the opposition. I don’t grudge them, provided they understand that if they cast a stone, we have a right to return that stone. So, the day the opposition joins in praising the president, then that is the end of democracy,” he noted.

Oshiomhole said democracy thrived on contestation, adding that Nigerian voters would act rationally in the next election despite attempts by political actors to confuse them.

“Democracy thrives on debate, on contestation. And it is legitimate for actors to try to confuse the voters. But I think the voters are wiser. They will vote rationally,” he said.

He linked the emergence of Peter Obi as a political force to public anger during the last election cycle, which he attributed to the tenure of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari.

“Last time they voted in anger. That is why I brought up the issue of the former president. I’m not blaming him, he’s no more. May his soul rest in peace. But that situation is what produced Obi,” he said.

The Sokoto State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the accounting profession by supporting more indigenes to become members of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria.

The Deputy Accountant-General of the state, Alhaji Junaidu Usman, gave the assurance on Saturday in Sokoto after receiving an Award of Excellence during the investiture of the new executive committee of the ICAN Sokoto and District Society.

At the ceremony, Mr Oluwakayode Adeboye was inaugurated as the seventh Chairman of the society alongside other executive members who will steer its affairs for the next one year.

Speaking with journalists shortly after the event, Usman noted that Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s administration remained committed to developing competent professionals capable of strengthening public financial management in the state.

“By the grace of Allah, Governor Ahmed Aliyu will do everything possible to ensure that more people from Sokoto State are enrolled as members of ICAN. We believe professional accountants are critical to promoting transparency, accountability and effective service delivery,” he said.

The Deputy Accountant-General described the Award of Excellence as both an honour and a challenge to continue serving with integrity.

“This recognition is a motivation for me to do more. It is a reminder that we must continue to uphold the highest standards of accountability and transparency in the management of public resources,” Usman added.

He maintained that professional competence among accountants would play a vital role in the successful implementation of the state’s Nine-Point Smart Agenda, thus urging young accountants to take advantage of government support to acquire professional qualifications.

The 62nd President of ICAN, Mrs Queensley Sofuratu, represented by the Institute’s North-West District Coordinator, Mallam Babayo Shehu, described the investiture as another milestone in strengthening the institute and advancing professionalism across the country.

“This seamless transition reflects the commitment of our members to transparency, unity and dedicated service. ICAN will continue to promote sound professional standards and good governance that will strengthen the institute and contribute to national development,” she assured the team.

Also speaking, the Zonal Head, North-West 4, Zenith Bank Plc, Alhaji Abdulkadir Farid, remarked that the inauguration marked a significant milestone for the Sokoto and District Society.

He expressed confidence that the new executive committee would advance the objectives of the institute and further strengthen the accounting profession.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Investiture Committee, Mr Matthew Ayinla, said the occasion celebrated the achievements of the outgoing leadership while ushering in a new era of purposeful service.

He urged members to remain committed to the institute’s ideals of accountability, transparency, excellence and service to humanity.

In his valedictory address, the outgoing Chairman, Alhaji Ganiyu Mustapha, appreciated members for their loyalty and support throughout his tenure.

“I thank every member for the confidence reposed in my administration. I urge you to continue supporting the new leadership as we uphold the core values of integrity, accountability, excellence and service,” he stressed.

In his acceptance speech, the newly inaugurated Chairman, Mr Oluwakayode Adeboye, pledged to build a vibrant, innovative and globally competitive district society.

“Our vision is to build a district society that is vibrant, ethical, innovative and capable of producing world-class professionals. We will operate an inclusive, consultative and responsive administration while positioning our members for emerging global opportunities,” Adeboye vowed.

He thanked members and stakeholders for their confidence, expressing optimism that the society would attain greater heights through collective commitment.

The investiture was held under the theme, “Accounting Beyond Borders: Strengthening Professional Leadership in an Era of Geopolitics and Regional Integration.”

Other officials inaugurated included, Matthew Ayinla (Vice Chairman), Bello Ganiyu (General Secretary), Hajiya Latifat Alagbada (Financial Secretary), Abednego Leo (Treasurer), Dr Mary Ezeji (Assistant Secretary), Taiwo Atanda (Technical Secretary), Aki Akabom (Welfare/Publicity Secretary), Mrs Ayinka Obatoye (SWAN Representative), Ganiyu Mustapha (Ex-Officio I), Ismaeel Sulaiman (Ex-Officio II), and Yusuf Olatunji (Ex-Officio III).

Family members have launched a fundraising campaign to repatriate the remains of a Nigerian woman, Christiana Nwosu, who reportedly died of cardiac arrest while visiting the United Kingdom.

PUNCH Metro learnt this on Monday from a GoFundMe appeal signed by Chijioke Metuka on behalf of the Nwosu family.

According to Metuka, Nwosu died on July 19, 2026, leaving her children and loved ones devastated by the sudden loss.

Metuka described the deceased as “a beacon of light, love and warmth” whose passing had created an irreplaceable void in the lives of those who knew her.

The family said its greatest wish was to honour her memory by returning her body to Nigeria for burial, where she would be laid to rest among her extended family and ancestral roots.

The appeal read, “During this time of immense grief, Izuchukwu and his family’s deepest wish is to honour her memory by laying her to rest in her homeland of Nigeria, surrounded by her extended family and roots.

“Repatriating a loved one from the UK to Nigeria comes with significant and unexpected financial burdens.”

However, the family noted that repatriating her remains from the UK would cost about £10,000, covering funeral director fees, specialist repatriation services and documentation, air freight charges, transportation, and funeral and burial expenses in Nigeria.

We have set up this fund to support Izuchukwu and his family during this incredibly difficult time. Every single donation, no matter the size, will go directly towards covering these repatriation and funeral expenses to help ease the financial strain on the family,” the appeal read.

The organisers appealed to members of the public to support the family through donations or by sharing the fundraising campaign with others.

“If you are unable to donate, please consider sharing this page with others and keeping Izuchukwu and his family in your thoughts and prayers.

“Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your kindness, generosity and support,” the statement added.

As of the time of filing this report, a sum of £7,941 had been raised out of the £10,000 target.

PUNCH Metro reported in February that a Nigerian woman, Oluranti Akinyemi, died in the UK shortly after arriving in the country for her son’s graduation ceremony.

Her family had launched a fundraising campaign on JustGiving to raise £20,000 to repatriate her remains to Nigeria and cover related expenses.

Two persons have been confirmed dead, while three others were rescued after a three-storey hostel building, known as Elite Five Star Lodge, collapsed in Amaokpala, near the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The building, which had about 60 rooms, caved in on Sunday night, throwing residents and passers-by into panic as an unknown number of occupants, mostly students, were trapped beneath the rubble for hours before emergency responders arrived.

Eyewitnesses said the building collapsed while occupants were inside.

One resident, Ifeoma, who witnessed the incident, told PUNCH Metro that a loud noise preceded the collapse.

We heard a very loud noise before the building collapsed. The noise attracted many residents and students, who rushed to the area to see what had happened.

“Within moments after the loud noise, people started shouting for help as the building came crashing down,” she said.

Videos and photographs circulating online showed a large crowd gathered at the scene as rescue workers, security personnel and volunteers searched through the debris for trapped victims.

PUNCH Metro gathered that a joint rescue team comprising the Nigerian Red Cross Society, the National Emergency Management Agency, the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency, the Anambra State Fire Service, the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies arrived at the scene in the early hours of Monday and immediately commenced rescue operations.

Using heavy-duty excavators and other specialised equipment, emergency workers carefully removed debris in a coordinated effort to locate survivors while ensuring the safety of the rescue personnel.

The atmosphere remained tense as anxious residents, students and sympathisers watched the operation, while security operatives cordoned off the area to prevent interference and allow emergency responders unrestricted access.

As of 6:55 p.m., rescue workers recovered the body of another male victim, bringing the total number of fatalities to two.

The acting Executive Secretary of the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency, Ndidi Omega, confirmed the recovery of the female victim’s body and said three injured persons had earlier been rescued and taken to hospital.

She said, “One female body was recovered, while three persons were rescued and taken to the hospital. The rescue operation will continue until every section of the debris has been thoroughly searched.”

The Head of Media and Publicity of the Anambra State Fire Service, Chukwudi Chiketa, also confirmed the development

Upon arrival at the scene, fire service personnel immediately commenced search and rescue operations in collaboration with other emergency responders.

“Regrettably, one female victim was recovered from the rubble. She was confirmed dead at the scene, and her body was evacuated and handed over to the appropriate authorities for deposition in a morgue.

“Search and rescue operations are still ongoing to determine whether any other persons remain trapped beneath the debris.

“The cause of the building collapse was yet to be determined and remains under investigation,” Chiketa said.

He urged members of the public to stay away from the area to enable emergency officers to carry out their duties safely.

However, the spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, Tochukwu Ikenga, has appealed for calm, saying officers had secured the scene immediately after receiving the distress call.

“On receipt of the distress report, the police, in collaboration with other security agencies, immediately mobilised to the scene, secured the area to prevent further danger and coordinated rescue efforts,” Ikenga said.

He added that rescue operations were ongoing to determine whether more victims remained trapped, noting that the total number of casualties could not yet be confirmed.

“Some injured victims have been rescued from the debris and taken to a hospital in Oko, where they are receiving treatment.

“Residents are advised to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information and stay away from the scene to allow emergency responders unrestricted access,” he added.

Meanwhile, the National Emergency Management Agency has sealed off the premises of the collapsed building.

A NEMA official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the action was necessary to facilitate uninterrupted rescue operations and enable investigators to determine the cause of the collapse.

“The building has been sealed with red tape and barricaded to restrict movement around the premises. Before now, some students and residents were loitering around the site, thereby distracting rescue workers,” the official said.

The Emir of Potiskum, His Royal Highness Alhaji Umaru Bubaram Ibn Wuriwa Bauya, has urged Nigerian leaders to adopt a more inclusive approach to addressing insecurity, insisting that military operations alone cannot end the country’s security challenges.

The monarch also called on governments at all levels to tackle poverty, injustice and other socio-economic factors fuelling conflicts across the country.

Speaking on the state of the nation, the Emir described Nigeria’s diversity as one of its greatest assets.

“Nigeria is a complex and beautifully diverse country, blessed with over three hundred ethnic groups, each with its own customs and languages. Diversity should never be viewed as a weakness. It is our greatest strength. Every Nigerian deserves to feel a sense of belonging, which inherently inspires public cooperation for national development,” he said.

Concerning the current security challenges being experienced across the country, he maintained that the government must look beyond the use of force if lasting peace is to be achieved.

Insecurity cannot be solved by force alone. Leaders must address the underlying socioeconomic causes of conflict with sincerity and justice,” the monarch said.

According to him, national leaders must see themselves as parents to every citizen regardless of ethnic, religious or political differences.

“A national leader must act like a good parent, listening to every child without discrimination, correcting mistakes with wisdom and ensuring everyone feels valued. When leaders put the welfare of the citizenry above personal interests, the nation will make meaningful progress,” he stated.

The Emir of Potiskum who also emphasised the importance of traditional institutions in promoting peace and preventing communal conflicts, stressed, “Because we live among the people, we understand their challenges firsthand. This uniquely positions us to advise the government, facilitate peaceful dialogue and resolve local issues before they escalate. Traditional rulers must champion community development, promote education, support economic activities and foster peace,” he insisted.

Ibn Wuriwa Bauya thus urged both political and traditional leaders to govern with a sense of justice, accountability, and sincerity, saying history would ultimately judge leaders by the positive impact they leave on their people rather than the offices they occupy.

The Kaiama Development Association and the Batombu Unity and Development Initiative have urged both the federal government and the Kwara State Government to urgently rescue the 176 persons abducted during the February 3 attack on Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State.

The groups warned that the worsening insecurity across Kaiama and Baruten LGAs could degenerate into a full-scale insurgency if urgent action is not taken.

Speaking on behalf of the groups during a press conference in Abuja on Saturday, the President of the KDA Abuja Branch, Alhaji Umar Gunu, observed that the security situation in the two local government areas had reached a critical stage, with more than 500 people reportedly killed since the beginning of 2026, thousands displaced and several communities repeatedly attacked by terrorists and armed bandits.

Gunu said the press conference became necessary because the communities could no longer remain silent while residents continued to suffer attacks, displacement and neglect.

We have chosen to address you directly because our communities can no longer afford to remain silent and invisible. Today, however, we speak not only of neglect but of an unfolding humanitarian and security catastrophe that has devastated our communities,” he said.

Gunu noted that although Kaiama and Baruten account for more than half of Kwara State’s landmass and remain one of its most productive agricultural belts, the communities had suffered decades of neglect and remained the only two local government areas without direct road access to Ilorin, the state capital.

According to him, the poor road network has further compounded the security crisis by slowing the movement of security personnel while providing armed groups with opportunities to launch attacks and retreat into surrounding forests.

“Our poor road infrastructure has compounded this crisis. The deplorable condition of the roads isolates our communities and creates a significant operational advantage for terrorists,” he said.

“While security forces struggle to reach affected areas quickly, armed groups navigate the difficult terrain with relative ease, enabling them to strike repeatedly and retreat into the forests before help can arrive. Better roads are no longer simply a development issue; they are an urgent security imperative.”

The group’s spokesperson recalled that terrorists attacked Woro and neighbouring Nuku communities on February 3, killing more than 200 residents and abducting over 170 others, including women, nursing mothers and children.

He lamented that nearly six months after the incident, families of the victims had yet to receive any meaningful information about their loved ones or evidence of sustained rescue efforts.

“The attack on Woro remains one of the darkest chapters in our recent history. On the night of February 3, 2026, terrorists descended on Woro and neighbouring Nuku, killing well over 200 people and abducting more than 170 others, among them women, nursing mothers, and children.

“Since then, we have received no meaningful update on their condition or whereabouts, and we have seen no evidence that any sustained operation has been mounted to bring them home. Nearly six months on, their families still wait, uncertain whether their loved ones are alive or dead, while the trail to their rescue appears to have gone cold.”

He lamented that the violence has spread to several other communities, including Tungan Maje, Kemanji, Tungan Aboki, Karonji, Sekugbe, Kenugbe and Yashikira, where armed men reportedly invaded the Emir’s palace and abducted his wives and children

According to him, the persistent attacks had displaced thousands of residents, crippled economic activities and forced many farmers to abandon their farmlands.

As we speak, hardly a day or two now passes without our communities suffering one attack or another.

“The consequences are devastating. Communities now live under the constant fear of spontaneous attacks.

“Economic activities have been severely disrupted: markets have collapsed, businesses have closed, children have lost access to education, and healthcare has become increasingly difficult to obtain.

“The socio-economic fabric of our communities is steadily unravelling,” he bemoaned.

The KDA president who also warned that the crisis had evolved beyond ordinary banditry into a dangerous combination of organised terrorism and criminal violence, stressed that intelligence reports from local communities suggested links between some of the attackers and jihadist groups operating across Nigeria and the wider Sahel region.

“We are deeply concerned that the violence confronting our communities has evolved beyond ordinary criminality. What our people are living through today is a hybrid threat: the calculated, ideologically driven violence of jihadist networks operating side by side with the opportunistic criminality of armed bandits,” he disclosed.

Our situation can no longer be treated as an isolated local security problem. It bears disturbing similarities to the early stages of the insurgency that engulfed North-East Nigeria and banditry in the North-West. Unless urgent, coordinated, and decisive action is taken, there is a real danger that this region could become another entrenched theatre of violent extremism,” Gunu pointed out.

He expressed fears that political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections could overshadow the worsening security situation, alleging that some elected representatives had remained silent over the crisis.

“We are also deeply worried that, as campaigns and electioneering for the 2027 general elections gather pace, our people risk being entirely forgotten.

“We say clearly: no election cycle, and no political calculation, should be allowed to bury the crisis unfolding in Kaiama and Baruten.”

As a result, Gunu urged the federal government, the Kwara State Government, the National Assembly, security agencies and humanitarian organisations to act urgently by rescuing the 176 Woro abductees, securing the release of the wives and children of the Emir of Yashikira, dismantling terrorist camps around the Borgu Game Reserve, providing humanitarian support for displaced persons, rebuilding destroyed communities and rehabilitating strategic roads linking Kaiama and Baruten with Ilorin.

“We therefore call on the federal government, the Government of Kwara State, the National Assembly, the security services, humanitarian agencies, and the international community to act with urgency,” he pleaded.

Gunu maintained, “The people of Kaiama and Baruten are not asking for special treatment. We are asking for what every Nigerian is entitled to: security, dignity, equal citizenship, and the protection guaranteed by our Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Our communities should not remain invisible because they are remote. Our suffering should not be ignored because we are minorities. The time to act is now, before more lives are lost, more communities disappear, and more of our people are forgotten.”

A British funeral director faced prison Monday over a scandal that saw bodies left uncremated while relatives were handed other people’s ashes, sparking calls for better regulation of the industry.

An ex-employee described Robert Bush’s funeral parlour as “something from a horror scene”, prosecutor Chris Paxton said at the start of a five-day sentencing hearing.

Police who searched his premises after a tip-off found 31 bodies in a cold storage area that should have been cremated months earlier, including a stillborn baby that had been there for almost two years.

They also found more than 100 sets of ashes.

“There were bodies stored on the racks on both sides of the room,” the lawyer said at Hull Crown Court in northeast England.

“The vast majority were uncovered and in varying states of decomposition,” he added.

The 48-year-old previously pleaded guilty to 67 offences spanning 12 years and affecting hundreds of victims.

Jasmine Beverley, whose son Sunny was stillborn in May 2022, said Bush appeared “lovely” and presented himself as “very respectful”.

“It was a shock to learn what had actually been going on behind the closed doors,” she told BBC radio, adding Sunny’s remains were found in an brown envelope on the floor even though she believed he had been cremated.

“I discovered that he was still in there almost two years after we’d had the funeral,” she said, describing the discovery as “distressing”.

Beverley and her husband and a number of other families are campaigning for changes to funeral parlour regulation.

Bush, who ran Legacy Independent Funeral Directors in Hull, was trusted by bereaved families but mistreated them on an “almost industrial scale”, Paxton said.

Police began investigating in March 2024 after being contacted by someone over concerns for “the deceased” at the business.

The sentencing hearing is to hear statements from over 100 victims.

Bush has admitted dozens of charges including preventing lawful and decent burial, theft, and fraud.

Four of the fraud charges involved falsely presenting ashes to women as the remains of their unborn children.

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has declared Tuesday, July 28, 2026, a public holiday to enable civil servants and other public workers to collect their Permanent Voter’s Cards, PVCs.

The governor, in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, on Monday, said the work-free day is to allow public servants to participate in the electoral process by picking up their PVC before the closure of the exercise.

The directive, which was conveyed in a circular across the public service, said the work-free day approval was to enable public servants to perform their civic obligation during the forthcoming gubernatorial and future elections in the state.

According to the circular, those on essential duties, like medical workers, security staff, etc., are, however, advised to make necessary arrangements among themselves in this regard so as not to have negative consequences on the lives of the citizenry.

Governor Adeleke urges public servants and other informal workers to collect their voter cards as urgently as possible, reminding the public of how critical next month’s election is to the state and her future.

“I encourage all registered voters to reach all the collection points without delay. Your vote is your power. Your voter’s card is your licence to the ballot paper and, by extension, to the ballot box,” the statement added.

A British funeral director faced prison on Monday over a scandal that saw bodies left uncremated while relatives were handed other people’s ashes, sparking calls for better regulation of the industry.

An ex-employee described Robert Bush’s funeral parlour as “something from a horror scene”, prosecutor Chris Paxton said at the start of a five-day sentencing hearing.

Police who searched his premises after a tip-off found 31 bodies in a cold storage area that should have been cremated months earlier, including a stillborn baby that had been there for almost two years.

They also found more than 100 sets of ashes.

“There were bodies stored on the racks on both sides of the room,” the lawyer said at Hull Crown Court in northeast England.

“The vast majority were uncovered and in varying states of decomposition,” he added.

The 48-year-old previously pleaded guilty to 67 offences spanning 12 years and affecting hundreds of victims.

Jasmine Beverley, whose son Sunny was stillborn in May 2022, said Bush appeared “lovely” and presented himself as “very respectful”.

“It was a shock to learn what had actually been going on behind the closed doors,” she told BBC radio, adding Sunny’s remains were found in an brown envelope on the floor even though she believed he had been cremated.

I discovered that he was still in there almost two years after we’d had the funeral,” she said, describing the discovery as “distressing”.

Beverley and her husband and a number of other families are campaigning for changes to funeral parlour regulation.

Bush, who ran Legacy Independent Funeral Directors in Hull, was trusted by bereaved families but mistreated them on an “almost industrial scale”, Paxton said.

Police began investigating in March 2024 after being contacted by someone over concerns for “the deceased” at the business.

The sentencing hearing is to hear statements from over 100 victims.

Bush has admitted dozens of charges including preventing lawful and decent burial, theft, and fraud.

Four of the fraud charges involved falsely presenting ashes to women as the remains of their unborn children.

AFP

A former international footballer, Segun Hunkarin, and a fugitive drug kingpin, Ntoruka Chinedu, have been sentenced to a combined 24 years’ imprisonment by the Federal High Court in Lagos for importing cocaine into Nigeria.

Justice Musa Kakaki handed down the sentences after finding the duo guilty of offences relating to the unlawful importation of 7.05 kilograms of cocaine.

According to a statement on Monday by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency’s spokesman, Femi Babafemi, Chinedu was first arraigned in September 2015 over the importation of 6.25kg of cocaine but absconded after being granted bail, remaining at large for nearly 10 years.

The agency said he was re-arrested on June 24, 2025, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, while attempting to smuggle another 800 grams of cocaine into the country aboard an Ethiopian Airlines flight from Addis Ababa.

NDLEA said investigations revealed that Chinedu had travelled from Turkey and transited through Ethiopia, where he allegedly collected the cocaine-laden luggage before arriving in Nigeria.

The agency added that Hunkarin, who had previously played professional football in Brazil, was arrested at the airport car park while waiting to receive the consignment.

According to the NDLEA, Hunkarin admitted in his statement that he had trafficked drugs twice from Brazil to Ethiopia during his football career in South America.

Investigation showed that the convict was coming from Turkey on Ethiopian Airlines flight but transited through Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where he collected the luggage from another person before heading to Nigeria.

“Further checks revealed that an accomplice who turned out to be a former professional footballer, Segun George Hunkarin, was waiting for Chinedu at the airport carpark to collect the consignment from him. Hunkarin, who had stayed for years in Brazil playing for football clubs, was promptly tracked and arrested at the carpark, ” the statement said.

Both men were subsequently arraigned on a three-count charge of conspiracy and unlawful importation of 800 grams of cocaine.

Delivering judgment on Friday, Justice Kakaki sentenced Chinedu to 20 years imprisonment without an option of fine for the 2015 cocaine importation case and an additional two years for conspiring with Hunkarin to import the 800 grams of cocaine, bringing his total sentence to 22 years.

Hunkarin was sentenced to two years imprisonment for conspiracy, bringing the combined jail terms to 24 years.

During the trial, NDLEA prosecutor Adekunle Adebajo reminded the court that Chinedu had earlier been arraigned before Justice Salihu Saudi in 2015 but jumped bail before the conclusion of his trial. He urged the court to convict the defendants in line with the provisions of the NDLEA Act.

Counsel for the convicts pleaded for leniency and asked the court to impose fines instead of custodial sentences, but the court rejected the request.

Reacting to the judgment, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), described the conviction as a reaffirmation of the judiciary’s commitment to combating drug trafficking.

Marwa said, “The eventual re-arrest of Chinedu after nearly 10 years on the run demonstrated the doggedness, patience and thoroughness of NDLEA operatives in tracking down fugitives and ensuring that no drug trafficker escapes the long arm of the law.”

He also commended officers involved in the arrest, investigation and prosecution of the case, reiterating the agency’s commitment to working with the judiciary and other stakeholders to ensure that drug traffickers are brought to justice regardless of their status or how long they evade arrest.

The Delta State Police Command has arrested four suspected members of a phone theft syndicate allegedly responsible for stealing brand-new mobile phones from retail shops in Asaba and its environs, recovering nine Android phones believed to have been stolen during the operation.

The police said the suspects were apprehended following intelligence-led operations targeting a series of reported phone thefts from shops across the Delta State capital.

The spokesperson for the command, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, saying the suspects were arrested on July 25, 2026, at their hideout along St. Brigid’s Road, Asaba.

Phone theft remains one of the common property crimes reported in major urban centres, with criminal syndicates increasingly deploying sophisticated methods to steal, reprogram and resell mobile devices, making recovery difficult for owners and investigators.

According to the statement, the suspects were identified as Johna Omarocha, Kelvin Onogho, Nkechi Nnaji and Ufuoma Joshua.

Edafe said a search of the hideout led to the recovery of nine brand-new Android phones still in their cartons.

He said preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects belonged to a syndicate specialising in stealing new phones from retail outlets in Asaba and neighbouring communities.

The police spokesperson said the suspects had confessed to the crime, while efforts were ongoing to arrest other fleeing members of the gang and identify the owners of the recovered phones.

He said, “Following a series of reported stealing of mobile phones from shops in Asaba and its environs, operatives of the command, acting on credible intelligence and technical intelligence analysis, on 25 July 2026, arrested four suspects at their hideout along St. Brigid’s Road, Asaba. The suspects are Johna Omarocha (m), Kelvin Onogho (m), Nkechi Nnaji (f), and Ufuoma Joshua (m).

A search of the hideout led to the recovery of nine brand new Android phones still in their cartons. Preliminary investigation indicates that the suspects are members of a syndicate specialising in stealing brand new phones from retail shops within Asaba and its environs.

“The suspects have reportedly confessed to the crime, while efforts are ongoing to arrest other fleeing members of the syndicate and identify the owners of the recovered phones.”

Edafe explained that the syndicate allegedly employed a coordinated method of operation to evade detection.

According to him, the suspects disguised themselves as genuine customers visiting shops and supermarkets before concealing mobile phones with newspapers and walking away with them unnoticed.

He added, “Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects, in the guise of buying items from shops and supermarkets, use newspapers to cover phones in the shop and cart away with the phones when leaving the shops.

The syndicate engages the female suspect among them, who then waybills the phones to Lagos, where the IMEI numbers of the phones are altered and then sell the phones. The four suspects are in custody and will be charged to court as soon as investigation is concluded.”

Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, Yemi Oyeniyi, commended the operatives for the successful operation and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to tackling robbery and other property-related crimes across the state.

He also urged members of the public, particularly shop owners and business operators, to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons or activities to the police.

The management of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State, has insisted that none of its students died in the collapse of the Elite Five Star Hostel in Amaokpala, near the institution, in Orumba North Local Government Area of the state on Sunday night.

In a statement issued on Monday, the institution’s Public Relations Officer, Dr Oguegbu Udoka, clarified that the building, located in Amaokpala and not within the polytechnic, was a privately owned lodge occupied by both students and non-students.

Udoka said, “No Federal Polytechnic, Oko, student has been confirmed dead in the collapsed building. The two persons believed to be trapped in the rubble are reportedly not students of our institution.

“Most students had already left campus after completing their second-semester examinations before the incident occurred.

The Rector of the institution, Dr Chioma Awuzie, visited the scene on Monday morning alongside school officials to assess the situation, while state government officials also joined the rescue efforts.”

The institution urged the public to disregard contrary reports, assuring all that it would continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as rescue operations continue.

Meanwhile, the National Emergency Management Agency has sealed off the premises of the collapsed building.

This is just as the lifeless body of a female victim has been recovered from the rubble, while three rescued victims are receiving medical attention at a nearby hospital.

The atmosphere at the scene remained tense as anxious residents, students and sympathisers watched the operation with growing concern.

Using heavy-duty excavators and other rescue equipment, emergency workers were seen carefully removing debris in a coordinated effort to locate anyone who might still be trapped while ensuring the safety of rescue personnel.

Security personnel cordoned off the area to prevent interference and ensure emergency responders had unrestricted access, while officials continued to account for all occupants of the collapsed structure.

The Acting Executive Secretary of the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency, Ndidi Omega, who confirmed the recovery of the female victim’s body, said the body of a young man was still trapped beneath the rubble.

Omega added that three injured persons had earlier been taken to the hospital for treatment.

She said the rescue operation would continue until every section of the debris had been thoroughly searched.

India’s youth-led “cockroach” movement, whose nationwide protests forced the resignation of the education minister, urged authorities on Monday to release all detained demonstrators.

The online Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which organised protests over exam paper leaks and other irregularities, said they had received reports of students held in detention, particularly in the states of Assam, West Bengal and Bihar.

The CJP accused the government of backtracking after authorities had assured them that no punitive action would be taken against protesters.

“If the government does not honour the agreement and release everyone detained or arrested, we will be compelled to resume the protest,” Ashutosh Ranka, a spokesperson of the CJP told reporters.

The Indian government have not issued an official statement on the issue.

It comes two days after Dharmendra Pradhan resigned as education minister over repeated failures in the conduct of competitive exams that have fuelled anger among millions of young Indians.

At least 100 people have been arrested, many of them on stringent non-bailable charges, across the country, according to the group.

The CJP has set up a legal fund to help meet the expenses of protesters implicated in criminal cases by the police, Saurav Das, another spokesperson for the youth-led movement, said.

The movement has won millions of followers on social media since it was launched in May by 30-year-old public relations graduate Abhijeet Dipke.

Tens of thousands of protesters, mainly students, rallied last week in New Delhi and other cities, demanding Pradhan’s resignation and broader reforms of the examination system.

– ‘One of the gravest assaults on democracy’ –

Demonstrations in the Indian capital turned violent on July 20 when huge crowds attempted to march towards parliament from the Jantar Mantar protest site.

Police fired tear gas and used batons to disperse the protest, triggering clashes and a wave of detentions.

In the eastern state of Bihar, a police official was suspended for using an assault rifle to disperse student protesters in Siwan district on Saturday.

He has been suspended, and the three people injured in the incident are undergoing treatment,” police superintendent Puran Kumar Jha told AFP on Monday.

The Chief Justice of India called for an independent investigation after a petition was filed in the Supreme Court alleging police brutality.

The “right to peaceful, lawful protest is absolutely guaranteed” under the Indian constitution,” local media reports quoted Surya Kant as saying.

“If there is excess committed, it should be independently examined… discipline is integral to democratic process.”

The issue also reverberated in parliament on Monday, with repeated disruptions as opposition lawmakers demanded a response from the government over last week’s police crackdown.

“It is one of the gravest assaults on democracy in our history,” opposition Congress party chief Mallikarjun Kharge said on X.

“Never before have students been beaten, dragged, and treated like criminals for raising their voices.”

Despite the disruptions, the government introduced legislation in the lower house seeking tougher penalties for examination paper leaks.

AFP

Speaking on Sunday during a thanksgiving service at Antioch Baptist Church, Ogbomoso, Mrs Alamu said the seventh week of captivity was the most difficult as military operations against the kidnappers intensified.

“Just one instance, apart from seeing the hand of God right from the beginning, the seventh week was the hardest for us all. That was when the troops increased their air raids. It was so intense and persistent that at a point the fear of the bandits became secondary. We were just praying that missiles would not be accidentally dropped on us. But God kept us because we were so exposed, only covered with polythene bags and grasses,” she said.

She recalled that the kidnappers became enraged after hearing that the government had promised the hostages would be released before the end of the week.

They had told us the previous week that the governor said that before Friday, the next week, we would be released. So we were calm. But when the air raids started on Tuesday, they became so furious,” she said.

According to her, the camp commander later summoned her and threatened to kill one of the captives.

“He said, ‘Principal, come.’ I was already shaking because I knew what that could mean. Immediately, he said, ‘See what your government has done. I’m going to kill one of you today.’ I just fell down, rolling on the ground,” she recounted.

Mrs Alamu said she pleaded with the commander to reduce his ransom demands rather than carry out the threat.

“I said, ‘What your heart is asking for is beyond any of the victims’ families. Just ask for what we can run around for.’ He said, ‘Okay, I will send you a message.'”

She added that later that night, the captives feared another hostage was about to be executed after hearing the kidnappers digging.

“Later in the night, we started hearing shovels working. The two men with us were shouting and pleading. We all knew what that meant. They were about to bury another person. But to the glory of God, they only asked us to move because they could no longer stay in that place,” she said.

The principal also described the harsh conditions in the forest, saying hunger became a daily reality because the kidnappers were afraid smoke from cooking fires would expose their location.

They would say, ‘Mama Principal, tell them we are ready to sacrifice any one of them if they make noise. They cannot kill all of us.’ How do you tell a one-year, three-month-old baby not to cry? How do you tell a two-year-old that you must not ask for food? They were not free to prepare food because they were afraid the smoke would give them away. So we went hungry most of the time,” she said.

Mrs Alamu said she also battled illness during the final days of captivity but believed divine intervention preserved her life.

I specifically asked God for two things. One, I prayed that I would not meet an empty house. I knew how fragile my husband’s health was. The other thing I specifically asked was for my health. I told God my grave should not be numbered in the forest.”

She recalled breaking down with a high fever during the last week and requesting medication from one of the kidnappers.

“I just called one of them, the camp commander. I said, ‘Can I have two tablets of paracetamol?’ He said, ‘No problem.’ The woman sitting next to me said, ‘Mommy, this is not paracetamol.’ I said, ‘God will work with it.’ I used it and, to the glory of God, it was as if I never had the symptoms of malaria.”

Reflecting on her rescue, Mrs Alamu described her release as miraculous.

“The release was miraculous. I cannot say this is what happened. But like the man in the Book of Luke who said, ‘I was blind, but now I can see,’ I know that I was incarcerated for a period of time, and at the right time God rescued me and brought me back to my people. So I give glory unto the Lord,” she said.

A woman living with hirsutism, Dora Semanu, has opened up about the stigma and discrimination that comes with excessive facial hair, saying that she stopped shaving so she can be different.

Hirsutism is a condition that causes women to develop excessive, coarse hair in areas where men typically grow hair, including the face, chest and back.

Speaking in an interview with BBC Pidgin, Semanu said her appearance has made her the subject of constant public scrutiny, with many people staring, whispering and making insensitive remarks whenever they see her.

“Anytime people meet me, they will say, ‘Hey, is she a man or a woman?’ And you will see that I have a big breast. Even with all this, I don’t resemble a man,” she said.

According to her, although people frequently mock and judge her, she has chosen not to let their opinions define her.

“I saw many people looking at me. Some people will be talking about me anyhow they like. They look down on me like I’m nothing. But me, I don’t care. I am me. I just want to look natural. That’s all.”

Semanu explained that she first noticed the unusual hair growth when only a few strands appeared on her face before it gradually increased.

The first time I saw this hair, only one hair like this. We have this kind of thing in our family. They don’t have plenty. It’s only me who has it like this,” she said.

Rather than continue shaving it off, she decided to embrace her appearance.

“The reason why I stopped shaving it, I just want to look different,” she said.

“I want to be like this so that if you don’t have anything to say in your house, when you see me at any place, you will have something to talk about. The two of you can raise my topic.

“I met a lady at this place. Oh, she looks like this. Even when you are not fully happy, so far as you raise some topic about me, you can forget some of your problems.”

Despite her confidence, Semanu admitted that some comments have deeply hurt her, especially those questioning whether anyone could love or accept her.

“The most painful thing that somebody has said to me before was that, the way I look, she didn’t think that any man could approach me,” she said.

She stressed, however, that such remarks would never make her change who she is.

“It doesn’t make me shave. I asked myself, that person is judging me because of this thing. But this thing doesn’t change my lifestyle to be a good person or a bad person.”

Encouraging others living with visible differences to embrace themselves, Semanu urged people not to be discouraged by public opinion.

“Don’t mind anyone. You are on your own. If you listen to people, you can’t keep it.

“And it’s nothing wrong. We are not thieves, we don’t kill, we don’t do anything. We are like you people, so please accept us like this,” she said.

Alausa, who spoke in a statement signed and released by his Special Adviser on Media, Ikharo Attah, on Monday, said the administration had implemented difficult but necessary reforms that were beginning to strengthen Nigeria’s economy, improve macroeconomic indicators and lay the foundation for sustainable growth.

He argued that the country’s economic progress was being validated by both domestic and international institutions rather than political narratives.

“Nigeria’s economic progress is no longer a matter of political rhetoric but one supported by credible data and independent assessments,” the minister said.

He added that reports by the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, Bloomberg and the National Bureau of Statistics indicated that the country’s economic reforms were producing measurable results and strengthening confidence in the economy.

According to Alausa, key economic indicators are showing positive signs, with inflation gradually easing, economic activities expanding and other macroeconomic indices recording steady improvements.

“The President is focused on building a stronger Nigeria for generations to come. These reforms are not designed for short-term gains but to create lasting prosperity. There is no value in making difficult decisions if they cannot stand the test of time,” he said.

The minister said the administration remained committed to ensuring that the reforms were sustainable and continued to benefit Nigerians beyond the current tenure.

He said the government’s emphasis on fiscal discipline, structural reforms and long-term economic stability was already yielding positive outcomes across several sectors of the economy.

According to him, the reforms are positioning Nigeria on a stronger path towards inclusive economic growth, increased productivity and national development.

Alausa maintained that as Nigerians continue to experience the impact of the reforms, the administration’s record would speak for itself ahead of the next general election.

He also reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to implementing policies aimed at strengthening the economy, improving citizens’ welfare and advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“The gains of the current reforms will continue to deliver lasting prosperity for all Nigerians,” he said.

President Tinubu’s administration has undertaken a series of major economic reforms since assuming office in May 2023, including the removal of petrol subsidy, the unification of foreign exchange windows, tax and fiscal reforms, and measures aimed at boosting domestic revenue and attracting investment.

While the reforms have been commended by international financial institutions such as the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank for addressing longstanding structural distortions, they have also triggered significant economic hardship, with soaring inflation, high food prices and rising cost of living prompting widespread concerns among Nigerians.

The Federal Government has consistently defended the policies, arguing that the short-term pains are necessary to restore macroeconomic stability, strengthen public finances and place the economy on a path of sustainable growth. The administration has also introduced a range of social intervention programmes and economic support measures to cushion the impact of the reforms on vulnerable households and businesses.

As Big Brother Naija returns for its 11th season, the reality television show has once again opened the door to a new generation of housemates hoping to emerge as Nigeria’s next winner.

Season 11 premiered on Sunday, July 26, 2026, and PUNCH Online had earlier reported the profile and profession of all the contestants.

The new season comes nearly two decades after Katung Aduwak became the first winner of the original Big Brother Nigeria in 2006.

Since then, the franchise has produced a succession of winners whose victories have made them household names and, in several cases, launched careers in entertainment, business and others

From Katung’s historic triumph to Imisi Ayanwale’s victory in Season 10, each edition has produced its own defining personality and memorable story.

As the latest batch of housemates begins its journey in the house, here is a look at all the previous winners of the show, from the first season in 2006 to the most recent champion before the commencement of Season 11.

Full list of BBNaija winners from 2006 to 2025

1. Katung Aduwak — Season 1 (2006)

Katung Aduwak made history as the first winner of the reality show, then known as Big Brother Nigeria.

He defeated Francisca Owumi in the final.

2. Efe Ejeba — Season 2, See Gobe (2017)

Michael Efe Ejeba won the show’s return season in 2017, defeating Bisola Aiyeola.

His catchphrase, “Based on logistics,” became strongly associated with his campaign.

3. Miracle Igbokwe — Season 3, Double Wahala (2018)

Pilot and model Miracle Igbokwe won the third season, with Cynthia “Cee-C” Nwadiora finishing as runner-up.

4. Mercy Eke — Season 4, Pepper Dem (2019)

Mercy Eke became the first female winner of the modern BBNaija era when she won the Pepper Dem season in 2019. Mike Edwards was the runner-up.

5. Laycon — Season 5, Lockdown (2020)

Olamilekan “Laycon Agbeleshe won the Lockdown season.

His victory remains one of the most dominant in the show’s history, with 60 per cent of the final votes, according to reports based on the official finale results.

6. Whitemoney — Season 6, Shine Ya Eye (2021)

Hazel Oyeye Onou, popularly known as whitemoney won the sixth season, defeating Liquorose in the final.

7. Phyna — Season 7, Level Up (2022)

Ijeoma Josephina Otabor, popularly known as Phyna emerged as the winner of the Level Up season, with Bryann finishing as runner-up.

8. Ilebaye — Season 8, All Stars (2023)

Ilebaye Odiniya won the All Stars edition, defeating former winner Mercy Eke in the final.

9. Kellyrae — Season 9, No Loose Guard (2024)

Kingsley Kellyrae Sule won the No Loose Guard season, with Wanni Danbaki finishing as runner-up.

10. Imisi — Season 10, 10/10 (2025)

Opeyemi Imisi Ayanwale became the 10th BBNaija winner after emerging victorious in the 10/10 season.

Precious “Dede” Ashiogwu finished as runner-up.

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, will distribute 1,800 bags of rice and other relief items to vulnerable residents under the Renewed Hope Initiative Social Investment Programme of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

The beneficiaries include widows, persons with disabilities, women and other vulnerable groups across the state.

The state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr Seun Osamaye, disclosed this during a media briefing in Akure, the state capital, on Monday.

The commissioner said the intervention formed part of two empowerment programmes approved by the governor, noting that the present administration remained committed to the welfare and prosperity of the people of the state.

Osamaye said, “The first programme is the Food Outreach and Empowerment Programme for specific gender and vulnerable groups, targeting widows, persons with disabilities, senior citizens and other vulnerable members of our society. The prevailing economic realities have undoubtedly placed enormous pressure on many households.

“As a responsive and compassionate government, we remain committed to cushioning these challenges by implementing targeted interventions that directly improve the living conditions of our most vulnerable citizens. A total of 1,800 bags of rice will be distributed to the groups.

“Through this programme, deserving beneficiaries across the state will receive food items and essential support aimed at alleviating hardship, restoring dignity and improving household welfare.

Beyond the distribution of relief materials, this intervention reflects the compassionate and inclusive leadership of Governor Aiyedatiwa, whose administration remains committed to ensuring that no citizen is left behind in the state’s development journey.”

The commissioner explained that the programme would provide immediate relief to vulnerable households, promote social inclusion and improve the quality of life of beneficiaries, “as well as strengthen public confidence in government-driven social intervention programmes.”

“It will also encourage self-reliance and restore hope and dignity among widows, persons with disabilities, the elderly and other vulnerable groups,” she said.

According to her, the second programme is the Sensitisation and Empowerment of Women on Gender Equality and Adequate Representation in Governance, also known as the Project 774 Explode Initiative.

“This initiative is designed to inspire, educate, enlighten and empower women on the importance of participating actively in governance and decision-making processes. Despite the invaluable contributions of women to nation-building, their representation in elective and appointive positions remains below expectation.

“It is therefore imperative to continue creating platforms that prepare women to occupy leadership positions with confidence and competence. Through this programme, participants will benefit from intensive sessions on gender equality, leadership development, political participation, advocacy, mentorship, networking opportunities and capacity building that will equip them with the knowledge, skills and confidence required to aspire and excel in leadership responsibilities at all levels.”

She added that the programmes were strategic interventions and investments in human capital development, social inclusion and sustainable community development, noting that they reaffirm the commitment of the state government to building an inclusive society where every woman is empowered to contribute meaningfully to governance and where vulnerable citizens receive the care, protection and support they deserve.

The opposition’s plan to unite behind a single presidential candidate against President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election may be losing momentum, with key opposition factions and parties adopting different positions on the proposed arrangement.

Although the Tanimu Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party keeps the possibility open, the Nyesom Wike-backed PDP faction ruled out any alliance.

Also, the camp of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar affirmed that opposition parties have already produced their candidates but remain committed to working together.

However, the APC dismissed the proposal by the opposition parties as incapable of stopping the President’s re-election bid.

On April 25, opposition political leaders gathered at a summit in Ibadan, Oyo State, where they resolved to work together ahead of the 2027 general election and explore the possibility of presenting a single presidential candidate to challenge Tinubu.

Among the party leaders said to have signed the communique were former Senate President David Mark of the African Democratic Congress, Tanimu Turaki (SAN) of the PDP, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed of the Peoples Redemption Party, Ajuji Ahmed of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, Cleopas Moses of the Nigeria Democratic Coalition, Uche Nnadi of the Action Peoples Party and Mgbudem Maxwell of Accord.

Others were Yusuf Dantalle of the Allied People’s Movement, Adekunle Omoaje of the Action Alliance, Samuel Memeh, Abdulrahman Abubakar of the Young Progressives Party, Yabagi Sani of the Action Democratic Party and Dan Nwanyanwu of the Zenith Labour Party.

The summit was attended by prominent opposition figures, including Atiku, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, Peter Obi, former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, former transport minister Rotimi Amaechi, former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, former Cross River State Governor Liyel Imoke and former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal.

However, about three months after the Ibadan summit, several of the leaders who attended the meeting have emerged as presidential or vice-presidential candidates of different opposition parties.

Atiku and Amaechi have emerged as the presidential and vice-presidential candidates of the ADC, respectively, while Makinde emerged as the presidential candidate of the APM.

Similarly, Obi and Kwankwaso emerged as the presidential and vice-presidential candidates of the NDC, respectively, while other participants at the summit have also secured presidential or vice-presidential tickets on various opposition platforms.

Following the May 30 deadline set by the Independent National Electoral Commission for political parties to conduct their primaries and elect candidates, the parties have since concluded the exercise and uploaded the names of their candidates on the INEC portal.

Speaking on the development, the National Publicity Secretary of the Turaki-led Interim National Working Committee of the PDP, Ini Ememobong, disclosed in an exclusive interview with our correspondent that the opposition’s proposal to present a single presidential candidate against Tinubu remained a viable strategy and possibility.

He said the proposal was still on the table, stressing that no single opposition party could win the election alone.

Ememobong stated, “The simple answer is that the end justifies the means. The ultimate objective is to defeat the incumbent, and every strategy that can help achieve that objective remains under consideration.

“The principle was adopted as part of the broader strategy to bring opposition forces together and provide a stronger platform capable of challenging the ruling party.

“Therefore, the issue is still under review, and discussions are ongoing. It remains a possibility that the final decision will be determined by what best serves the collective interest and increases the chances of achieving the desired outcome.

“The PDP is engaging in conversations with other opposition political parties and stakeholders as part of efforts to explore the possibility of working together.

“The reality is that the opposition understands the importance of unity and collaboration. No single opposition party can afford to operate in isolation if the goal is to present a formidable challenge to the incumbent.

“All opposition political parties are therefore disposed to discussions and negotiations that could lead to greater cooperation.

“Ultimately, what matters is finding a workable strategy that can unite the opposition, strengthen its chances and provide Nigerians with a credible alternative in the next election. So, the end justifies the means.”

The Wike-backed faction of the PDP, however, dismissed reports of an alliance with any political party ahead of the general election, insisting that the party was preparing to contest the polls with its own presidential, governorship and other candidates.

The National Publicity Secretary of the Abdulrahman Mohammed-led NWC, Jungudo Mohammed, in an exclusive interview with our correspondent, said the PDP remained focused on winning elections, not an alliance.

He stated, “We have said this time and again that the PDP, the one and only authentic Peoples Democratic Party, is not in alliance with any political party.

“We are not fielding any candidate with anybody. We have our own presidential candidate, governorship candidates, and other candidates. So, we are not in any alliance with anybody.

“The party is focused and determined. We are focused on the next election, and we are preparing for it.

“Nigerians are waiting for us, and we are optimistic that they will give us all the necessary support.

“The PDP, under the leadership of Abdulrahman Mohammed, is rebuilding and gradually gathering momentum ahead of the next election. So, we are not party to any alliance with anybody or any political party.”

Atiku’s camp on Wednesday appeared to downplay the likelihood of a single opposition presidential candidate emerging.

Speaking exclusively with The PUNCH on Wednesday, Senior Special Assistant to Atiku on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, said opposition parties had already concluded their internal processes and produced candidates in line with their respective constitutions and the Electoral Act.

Shaibu, however, maintained that the commitment among opposition leaders to work together remained intact, stressing that discussions on possible areas of collaboration would continue ahead of the election.

“The African Democratic Congress has already concluded its presidential primaries and produced His Excellency Atiku Abubakar as its presidential candidate.

“Other opposition parties have equally produced their candidates in accordance with their respective constitutions and the Electoral Act.

That said, the resolve of opposition leaders to work together in the national interest remains as strong as ever.

“There is a shared understanding that Nigeria deserves a competent, accountable and people-centred government, and that objective will continue to guide engagements among democratic forces.

“As the election draws closer, discussions on areas of cooperation and collaboration aimed at ensuring the defeat of the APC and the emergence of a government that truly reflects the aspirations of Nigerians will continue within the framework of the law and mutual respect among all stakeholders,” he said.

Also, key opposition leaders and political parties distanced themselves from a proposal to field a single presidential candidate in the 2027 election.

The NDC, PRP, Labour Party, Accord and a faction of the ADC said no such arrangement had been agreed, with some insisting they would field their own candidates.

The National Leader of the NDC, Seriake Dickson, ruled out discussions on a consensus candidate after the party announced the Obi-Kwankwaso joint ticket.

“We are not ready to discuss anything on the opposition fielding a single presidential candidate for the 2027 election for now. When the time is right, the media will be one of the first to know about it,” he told our correspondent at his residence in Abuja.

Also, the National Chairman of the PRP, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, said while opposition parties remained open to alliances, their immediate focus was ending the APC administration.

“When we know who is in the team, we will devise ways in which we can either on our own or together collaborate. The key issue, the only goal in mind of the opposition, all of them, is to change this administration because it needs to go. Nigeria cannot survive another four years under this administration.

Whatever we have to do legally, whatever we have to do to win this election either as a party or an alliance of parties, we will do. We will do it not because we want to take up offices but because we have to salvage this country and we’re very serious about this.

“So we are willing to enter into any arrangement that reinforces the strength of the opposition and so that we can change this government and make sure that President Tinubu and his government don’t come back and destroy this country,” he stated.

The Accord rejected claims linking it to any coalition plan for a single presidential candidate, distancing itself from a recent political summit in Ibadan where the proposal reportedly featured.

A faction of the ADC led by Nafiu Bala Gombe said it was not part of the initiative to field a sole presidential flag bearer to contest against Tinubu in 2027.

In an exclusive phone chat with The PUNCH, Gombe’s Chief of Staff, Bala Kumo, kicked against the proposition, saying the idea was unacceptable to them.

He said, “We are not in support of it as the authentic members of the African Democratic Congress. So whatever resolution was taken in that place, we are not in support of it.

“The ADC is an existing party. It didn’t exist yesterday, the day before yesterday, last week or last month. ADC has been in existence for almost 20 years now. We are fielding a candidate, and Insha Allah, all the elective offices at all levels will support it.

In my view, the Ibadan summit can best be described as the reunion of former members of the Peoples Democratic Party, aligning with aggrieved or disgruntled individuals who have been ignored by the party.

“So, for the record, I want to assure you that the African Democratic Congress was not involved in the summit, and should not be linked to any outcome or resolution coming from that summit.”

The Labour Party also dismissed reports suggesting it was part of the proposed arrangement.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ken Asogwa, said, “As it stands today, we are not part of the Ibadan summit arrangement. That is the position of the party for now.

“If there is a need for us in future to be in coalition with other political parties, we will inform Nigerians.”

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, who is a leading figure in the Labour Party, had expressed a similar position.

He said, “Unfortunately, we are not part of that arrangement. We held our national convention. So, we are not bound by whatever happened at that summit.”

Reacting, APC Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, dismissed the possibility of opposition parties defeating Tinubu in 2027, even if they unite behind a single presidential candidate.

Ibrahim said none of the opposition candidates listed on the INEC portal possessed Tinubu’s qualities, expressing confidence that the APC would retain power whether the opposition contests the election separately or collectively.

He stated, “We are not worried about the possibility of the opposition presenting a single candidate against our candidate. We are not worried because we know it is an issue that is dead on arrival.

“None of the candidates so far on the INEC portal has the qualities our candidate has, so we are not bothered.

“Whatever is going to happen is not going to be a problem for us. We are confident that we will win.

“Since we were able to defeat them individually, defeating them collectively will not be a problem. It is not going to be a problem at all.”

He added that even the opposition knew that the reforms Tinubu carried out were necessary for the country’s sustenance.

“The fear in the minds of the people because of the reforms that were introduced is no longer there, because they are beginning to see that the reforms were necessary.

“There was no way the country would have survived without the introduction of these reforms, and the reforms are beginning to yield results. Despite the pains, the people are courageous,” he said.

The German creator of the controversial “Body Worlds” exhibitions of dissected human and animal bodies, Gunther von Hagens, has died at age 81, his family said Monday.

They added in a statement that “it was Gunther von Hagens’ own wish to make his body available for plastination after his death”, referring to his technique of preserving human remains.

“His family will respect and carry out this wish.”

Von Hagens, an anatomist, lecturer and entrepreneur nicknamed “Dr Death,” in the 1970s invented the plastination process, which involves removing water and fat from human and animal tissue and replacing them with chemical compounds.

He would then display the bodies in lifelike poses, revealing their muscles, skeletons and internal organs in exhibitions that drew millions worldwide but also occasionally faced calls for bans.

He faced charges of voyeurism and profiting commercially from death. Controversies such as a 2002 autopsy performed in London — on camera and before an audience —- further fuelled his notoriety.

The Body Worlds exhibit featured in a scene of the 2006 James Bond film “Casino Royale”.

Von Hagens was born on January 10, 1945, in what was Nazi-occupied Poland and grew up in communist East Germany.

He was jailed after an attempt to flee communist Germany but later made his way to West Germany where, following his medical studies, he invented the process to preserve biological specimens in 1977.

Von Hagens died on Friday, according to his his team who praised him as “a pioneer, a researcher, an inventor” and an “iconoclastic and sometimes controversial thinker” who through his work made “anatomy accessible to the general public”.

His wife and collaborator Angelina Whalley wrote that “Gunther wanted to give people a look beneath the skin -— not out of a desire for sensationalism, but out of the deep conviction that knowledge of one’s own body can contribute to a more conscious, healthy and responsible life.

“His work was scientific, educational and deeply humanistic. He led millions of people to see their own bodies in a new light,” she said.

AFP

The House of Representatives Committee investigating the operations of the controversial Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council has directed the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to produce the self-acclaimed Director-General of the organisation, Adeyemi Adeniyi, before it on Wednesday.

The directive was issued on Monday during the resumed investigative hearing at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja.

Representing the IG, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Bashir Abdullahi, appeared before the committee and was instructed to ensure Adeyemi’s appearance by noon on Wednesday to assist lawmakers in their ongoing investigation into the activities of the organisation.

The committee is probing the circumstances under which the PFIPC, despite not being legally established, allegedly secured office accommodation in Phase III of the Federal Secretariat Complex in Abuja and received a budgetary allocation of ₦1.32bn in the 2026 Appropriation Act.

The directive followed the Nigeria Police Force’s confirmation of key aspects of its criminal investigation, including petitions from the Office of the Chief of Staff to the President alleging that Adeyemi fraudulently presented himself as the Director-General of both the Presidential Economic Advisory Council and the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council.

The Committee Chairman, Yusuf Gagdi, said Adeyemi’s appearance had become imperative given the seriousness of the allegations and the institutions implicated in the matter.

“This committee clearly needs the suspected DG to appear before this committee. People’s names are involved. People’s integrity are involved. Institutional names are involved. Institutional integrity is involved.

It is not an option now. We will need him here to confirm some documents to us in such a way that will not undermine our investigation to enable us to submit our report on time,” Gagdi said.

The committee subsequently directed its clerk to formally communicate its resolution to the Inspector-General of Police.

“The committee hereby resolves that the Inspector-General of Police of the Federal Republic of Nigeria do kindly present Mr Adeyemi on Wednesday by 12 noon. That is the ruling of the committee,” Gagdi declared.

Earlier, ACP Abdullahi informed lawmakers that although investigations were ongoing, the police had already filed an eight-count charge against Adeyemi before the Federal High Court.

“The Nigerian Police Force investigated part of this case late last year and filed eight-count charges before a Federal High Court. The case is ongoing,” he said.

He disclosed that the suspect had been arrested and arraigned, but cautioned against making public disclosures that could prejudice the ongoing investigation or judicial proceedings.

“We don’t want to say things that are under investigation. It is definitely going to prejudice the ongoing investigation and make people have opinions that may prejudge the outcome of an investigation or judicial decision,” Abdullahi stated.

Despite the police’s reservations, the committee sought confirmation of documentary evidence already in its possession.

The police confirmed that on October 17, 2025, the Office of the Chief of Staff to the President petitioned security agencies over allegations against Adeyemi, prompting investigations that culminated in criminal charges bordering on conspiracy and fraud.

Investigators also confirmed receiving another petition alleging that Adeyemi falsely presented himself as the Director-General of both the Presidential Economic Advisory Council and the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council.

According to the police, the petition alleged that Adeyemi used the purported office to obtain accommodation within the Federal Secretariat, sought approval to recruit about 300 personnel, attempted to secure a $1.3 billion allocation in the 2026 Appropriation Act for the non-existent agency, and planned to organise a World Investment Summit under the platform of the purported council.

One of the highlights of the hearing came when the committee compared signatures on documents allegedly issued from the Office of the Chief of Staff to the President with signatures on authentic official correspondence obtained by the police.

When asked whether the signatures matched, the police witness responded unequivocally,”They are not the same.”

The committee said the discrepancy reinforced concerns that official State House documents may have been forged.

Gagdi further asked, “So, it is not only a letter that was suspected to be forged? We are dealing with documents that include what is said to be a forged Act of the National Assembly in an attempt to establish a fake agency,” he added.

Gagdi disclosed that investigators had identified about 29 allegedly forged documents, including purported approvals from the State House, the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Ministry of Finance and several other government institutions.

According to him, representatives of many of the affected agencies had already appeared before the committee and disowned the documents attributed to their offices.

Gagdi, however, stressed that the committee had deliberately avoided compelling the police to disclose information that could compromise ongoing criminal investigations.

“We are avoiding a situation whereby they will be pushed to make statements that will undermine their ongoing investigation,” he added.

He assured that the House investigation would continue independently and that its final report could recommend further action by relevant security agencies.

The Bayelsa State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party has unveiled a N20m palace project for the traditional ruler of Elebele Community in Ogbia Local Government Area as it moves to consolidate support in the home community of former President Goodluck Jonathan ahead of the 2028 governorship election.

The State Chairman of the PDP, George Turnah, announced the project on Sunday during a reception organised for a former chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Gabriel Claudius, popularly known as “One Million Man,” and his supporters, who defected to the PDP.

Turnah said the intervention became necessary after party leaders visited the community and found the traditional ruler’s palace in a deplorable condition.

He disclosed that the party had already approved N20m for the project and directed that construction should begin immediately rather than waiting until election campaigns.

According to him, the project demonstrates the PDP’s commitment to rewarding communities that have remained loyal to the party over the years.

He noted that although Elebele is one of the largest and most politically active communities in Ogbia, it had for years received little political recognition until the PDP facilitated the appointment and election of several of its sons and daughters into public offices.

Turnah recalled that the party produced the community’s first Secretary of Ogbia Local Government Area, secured the election of its representative in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, who later became Chief Whip, and appointed other indigenes into strategic positions.

He assured the people that more development initiatives would be unveiled for the community when electioneering activities officially commence.

The PDP chairman said the event was not a campaign rally but a homecoming for Claudius and his supporters, adding that the party remained committed to restoring political and economic prosperity in the state.

“We are not going to wait until after the election. We have seen the condition of the palace, and it is not befitting of Elebele. Our leaders have already provided N20m, and work will commence immediately.

“This is not a campaign rally. We are here to receive our brother and his supporters back to the PDP.

“Elebele has remained loyal to the PDP, and the community will continue to benefit from that loyalty.

“The PDP has the structure, the people and the experience to return to Government House in 2028.”

Speaking at the event, a PDP leader, Great Joshua Maciver, expressed confidence that the party would return to Government House in 2028.

Maciver urged members to remain united and intensify grassroots mobilisation, saying the PDP possessed the structure, experience and capacity to reclaim key elective positions across Bayelsa.

He also described Turnah as a courageous leader who had kept the party united despite recent political realignments.

Earlier, Claudius pledged to work with his supporters to strengthen the PDP and ensure its victory in future elections.

The event was attended by PDP candidates for the National Assembly, state House of Assembly candidates, party leaders and supporters from across Bayelsa State.

Canada-based Nigerian woman, Prophetess Ezinne Nwanorue, has stirred reactions on social media after celebrating the death of her mother-in-law, describing the deceased as a “wicked witch” in a Facebook post.

Ezinne shared the funeral poster of her late mother-in-law, Comfort Nwanorue, on Facebook on Monday.

She wrote, “One wicked witch is down: my dead mother-in-law, Comfort Chika Nwanorue, rest in pieces in hell with other dead witches; your members will soon join you. I am the weapon fashioned against all the witches and wizards and all the evil people in the world; you all shall go down in my hands. Very wicked beings

You people should repent now and accept Christ; if not, you won’t escape the judgment of de@th from my hands, in Jesus’ name. Amen. These people have dealt with me in this life; they found out about my destiny, and they did everything within their power to bring me down, but I thank God for helping me discover who I am and coming through for my destiny; I am now in my season of manifestation, and no one can stop it.

They will all go down in my hands as God empowers and permits me, in the name of Jesus. Amen. I am talking from the place of my office as a prophetess of God Almighty. Prophetess Ezinne Maryjane Nwanorue.”

The post has since attracted mixed reactions, with many social media users criticising her for celebrating the death of a family member.

PUNCH Online earlier reported that Ezinne and her husband, Franklin Chimaobim Nwanorue, went viral after she made his relocation to Canada conditional on him publicly swearing an oath that he would never be unfaithful to her.

According to the report, she insisted that her husband record and publish a video declaring that if he cheated on her after arriving in Canada, he should die, saying the instruction was from God.

In the viral video, Franklin accepted the condition, declaring, “I confess, and I promise that if I come to Canada and cheat on you, let me die in the name of Jesus.”

He also pledged to remain faithful to his wife and be a good husband and father to their children.

Ezinne later claimed her husband had been involved with another woman despite taking the public oath, alleging in a Facebook post that he had “still slept with one of his side chicks” after making the declaration.

Her latest Facebook post celebrating the death of her mother-in-law has brought renewed public attention to the family’s ongoing dispute.

Neither Franklin Nwanorue nor other members of the family had publicly responded to Ezinne’s latest post as of the time of filing this report.

The Government of Slovak Republic annually invites applications for the National Scholarship Programme from interested international candidates.

The Government of Slovak Republic National Scholarship Program offers fully-funded study opportunities for international students. These scholarships are available for Masters and PhD studies covering up to €1,470 monthly.

This post is a detailed insight into the details of the scholarship opportunity and how to apply for it.

Government of Slovak Republic National Scholarship Summary

• Host Country: Slovakia
• Study Abroad: Study in Europe 
• Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | Masters Scholarships | PhD Scholarships 
• Eligible Countries: All Countries
• Reward: Full Scholarship | €620 –  €1,470 Monthly Living Allowance | Accommodation | Travel allowance
• Deadline: October 31, 2026
  

Government of Slovak Republic National Scholarship Details:

 The National Scholarship Programme of the Slovak Republic (NSP) is financed by the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic from the state budget of the Slovak Republic.

The provision of government scholarships of the Slovak Republic is a long-term part of the development cooperation of the Slovak Republic.

In 2026, the Ministry of Education, Research, Development and Youth of the Slovak Republic will implement bilateral development cooperation through the government scholarship program

Eligibility Requirements for Government of Slovak Republic National Scholarship Program 2026

To be considered for the 2026 Government of Slovak Republic National Scholarship Program, you must:

• Be a citizen of a foreign country
• Be students who:
• are university students at universities outside Slovakia;
• are students of the second level of higher education (master’s students), or are students who at the time of the application deadline have already completed at least 2.5 years of their university studies in the same/similar study programme;
• will be on a study stay in Slovakia during their higher education outside Slovakia and who will be accepted by a public, private, or state higher education institution in Slovakia for academic mobility to study in Slovakia.
• Be enrolling to study a postgraduate degree in a Slovakian institution
• Be PhD students whose higher education or scientific training takes place outside Slovakia and who are accepted by a public, private or state higher education institution or a research institution in Slovakia eligible to carry out a doctoral study programme.
• Be international university teachers, researchers and artists who are invited to a teaching/research/artistic stay in Slovakia by an institution with a valid certificate of eligibility to carry out research and development, which is not a business company.
• Meet the Language requirements of the country (English, French, Slovak or Spanish)

Benefits of 2026 Government of Slovak Republic National Scholarship Program:

• The scholarship is intended to cover international scholarship holders’ living costs, i.e. the costs related to staying in Slovakia (food, accommodation, etc.), during their study, research/artistic or teaching stay at universities, and in research organizations in Slovakia.
• The scholarship holder can ask for assistance concerning accommodation and formalities related to entering and staying in the territory of the Slovak Republic either his/her host institution, or he/she can handle all the necessities him-/herself.
• Amount of the monthly scholarship
• university students of the second level of higher education 620€
• PhD student 1025€
• university teacher/researcher/artist: 1470€

Required Documents for Government of Slovakia Scholarship Program:

Required documents that must be attached to online application as listed below:

• curriculum vitae;
• motivation letter;
• detailed study programme
• two recommendation letters issued by applicant’s university teachers 
• confirmation issued by the applicant’s home university confirming that the applicant is a regular student of the respective university at the time of applying 
• scan of applicant’s bachelor’s diploma, diploma supplement and state examination certificate (if applicable);
• admission/invitation letter issued by applicant’s host university in Slovakia indicating the period of stay. 

How to Apply to 2026 Government of Slovak Republic National Scholarship

To apply for the 2026 Government of Slovak Republic National Scholarship, interested and qualified applicants should;

• Use the link created below to proceed to the application page.
• Download the scholarship application form and fill it out.
• To apply for the provision of Slovak governmental scholarship, you have to meet the conditions, which can be found on the website –  (only select your country). 
• Once you have met the requirements, register on the website and verify your account.

Best Wishes.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

Deadline: October 31, 2026

Some people suspected to be hoodlums reportedly stormed a ward collation centre located at Oyinlola DC School, Okuku, Osun State, where officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission were distributing Permanent Voters Cards, and carted away some of the items.

The incident, which occurred on Sunday, was learnt to have disrupted the exercise, as those at the scene reportedly ran in different directions.

A resident of Okuku, identified simply as Gbadebo, told our correspondent that the perpetrators entered the premises without drawing the attention of people around and shot into the air as they made for some packs of PVCs placed close to the chairs of the INEC staff members attending to those waiting to collect their cards.

“The incident occurred at Oyinlola DC School, Ward 2, Okuku, Osun State, on Sunday. Some of us were around to collect our PVCs, and I can’t say when those hoodlums got into the premises.

They shot into the air and disrupted the exercise. Some of us around fled in different directions, and they went straight to where those INEC staff put the PVCs and made away with some packs.

The hoodlums involved are about eight in number,” Gbadebo said.

Confirming the incident in a statement, Osun Police Command Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, said the Police Commissioner, Ibrahim Gotan, condemned the act.

Ojelabi also said that Gotan had directed a comprehensive investigation with a view to identifying, arresting, and prosecuting those involved.

He also said tactical and intelligence assets of the command had been deployed, adding that efforts had been intensified to apprehend the perpetrators and recover the stolen PVCs.

“Some officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Osun State, who were peacefully distributing Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) at Oyinlola DC Primary School, Ward 2, Odo-Otin Local Government Area, were attacked by about 10 armed thugs.

“The hoodlums reportedly fired sporadically into the air and carted away with three packs of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).

“The Commissioner of Police, Osun State Command, has condemned the incident in its entirety and has directed a comprehensive investigation with a view to identifying, arresting, and prosecuting all those responsible.

“The command reiterates its unwavering commitment to professionalism and strict adherence to the rule of law in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities.

“Members of the public are urged to remain calm, law-abiding, and refrain from any action capable of causing further breach of the peace,” Ojelabi said.

He appealed to residents and eyewitnesses with credible information that may assist police investigation to promptly report to the nearest police station or contact the Command through its emergency lines.

The Army, in a statement on Sunday, said he was arrested by troops of 7 Provost Group, Operation Hadin Kai, at Jidari Bus Stop, Maiduguri, while allegedly attempting to flee to the Republic of Cameroon.

The acting Military Information Officer, Northeast Joint Taskforce Operation Hadin Kai, Capt Muhammed Goni, said preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect absconded from his unit on July 7, 2026, and subsequently relocated to Maiduguri, where he reportedly went into hiding.

The statement read: “Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested a soldier recently declared wanted by the Nigerian Army for his alleged involvement in the illegal supply of military accoutrements to terrorist and other criminal elements, in a sustained effort to dismantle criminal support network

According to Goni, the suspect, 23NA/84/1939 Private Mohammed Yusuf of the Nigerian Army Ordnance Kits Factory, Lagos, was arrested at about 6:30 pm on 25 July 2026 by troops of 7 Provost Group, following credible human intelligence.

“He had been declared wanted by the Nigerian Army on 23 July 2026 over the same allegations. The suspect was apprehended at Jidari Bus Stop, Maiduguri, while allegedly attempting to flee to the Republic of Cameroon,” he stated.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect absconded from his unit on 7 July 2026 and subsequently relocated to Maiduguri, where he reportedly went into hiding in the Gomari Costain area of Jere Local Government Area with the assistance of an associate,” he added.

The Army spokesman said his arrest underscored the effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations and the Nigerian Army’s unwavering commitment to holding personnel accountable for actions that undermined military ethics, discipline and national security.

“The suspect is currently in the custody of 7 Provost Group, where further investigation is ongoing to establish the full extent of his activities and identify other individuals who may have been involved,” he noted.

Goni emphasised that there was no safe haven for individuals who supported terrorism or any form of criminality, irrespective of their status.

“The military remains resolute in upholding professionalism, accountability and the highest standards of integrity in the conduct of ongoing counter-insurgency operations,” he stressed.

He called on members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, saying their cooperation remains critical to the restoration of lasting peace and security across the theatre.

The recognition places Ogun among the states implementing Project 220145 Component 2, which is designed to advance Nigeria’s green and just transition to net-zero emissions through circular economy initiatives.

Announcing the development on Thursday while declaring open a UNIDO workshop on the State-Level Implementation Plan and Guidelines on Data Collection and Management under the Used Off-Grid Renewable Energy Equipment Waste Management Project in Abeokuta, the Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, described the recognition as an endorsement of the state’s environmental policies.

He said, “The UNIDO recognition of the state as one of the core states under Project 220145 Component 2… adds to the various achievements in climate change programmes and circular economy projects.”

According to Oresanya, the latest recognition follows a series of environmental interventions by the state government, including the distribution of biomass smokeless stoves to more than 3,000 residents in partnership with the Federal Government to reduce carbon emissions and cushion the rising cost of cooking gas.

He said Ogun was also among the first states to deploy electric motorcycles and compressed natural gas buses as cleaner alternatives to fossil fuel-powered transportation.

The state government was one of the first in the country to adopt and launch thousands of electric bikes and compressed natural gas buses, which offered eco-friendly alternatives to traditional vehicles’ over-reliance on fossil fuel, thereby reducing carbon emissions,” Oresanya said.

The commissioner added that the state’s environmental initiatives also include the Blue Box waste segregation scheme, the Plastic for Cash recycling programme, community recycling projects, cement industry decarbonisation initiatives and senatorial material recovery centres, all aimed at promoting resource recovery, reducing pollution and creating green jobs.

He urged participants at the workshop, drawn from government agencies, academia, the private sector and civil society, to contribute meaningfully to the development of a robust implementation framework for the renewable energy waste management project.

Responding, the National Field Coordinator of the UNIDO Nigeria Office, Emem Umana, commended Ogun State for its commitment to circular economy initiatives.

She urged the state government to sustain its environmental and socio-economic reforms, saying its achievements had earned it international recognition and positioned it as a model for other states pursuing green development initiatives.

The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has condoled with victims of the recent terrorist attacks in Zamfara State and directed the military to intensify ongoing counter-terrorism operations across the North-West.

The minister expressed his condolences to the people of Bungudu Local Government Area and other affected communities following the recent wave of attacks by terrorists.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Ahmad Dan-Wudil, on Sunday, Matawalle reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to restoring peace and improving security despite the recent escalation of attacks in parts of the North-West.

He directed the leadership of Operation Fansan Yamma to “remain resolute and sustain the offensive against terrorists in collaboration with other security agencies operating in the affected areas.”

Matawalle also instructed Operation Fansan Yamma and all military formations engaged in counter-terrorism operations across Zamfara, Kebbi, Katsina, Sokoto and Kaduna states to intensify their operations by deploying every lawful and necessary measure to eliminate terrorist activities through targeted military operations.

The minister further appealed to the public, particularly traditional rulers and community leaders, to support security agencies by providing timely and credible intelligence on individuals collaborating with terrorists or supplying information used to carry out attacks on rural communities,” the statement read.

He also directed senior military commanders in the most volatile operational areas to strengthen surveillance and increase patrols aimed at identifying and destroying terrorist hideouts, camps and safe havens before they could be used to launch further attacks.

Matawalle commended the gallantry, professionalism and sacrifices of the Armed Forces and other security personnel, praising their recent successes in neutralising several high-profile and low-level terrorists in Gummi, Bukkuyum, Anka, Tsafe, Faskari and other locations.

He urged the troops to “sustain the momentum and continue applying decisive pressure until terrorism is completely defeated across all affected parts of the country.”

As reported by Fabrizio Romano on X on Monday, in a statement, Pirlo said he had deliberately refrained from commenting in recent days out of respect for the Italian Football Federation and those involved in the ongoing process.

“I chose to remain silent in recent days out of respect for the Italian Football Federation and everyone involved,” Pirlo said.

The former midfielder stressed that throughout his playing and coaching career, he has always acted in accordance with the laws of the countries where he has worked and the contractual obligations he accepted

Throughout my career, both as a player and as a coach, I have always worked in full compliance with the laws of the countries in which I have been employed and with the contracts I have signed,” he said.

Addressing the partnership at the centre of the controversy, Pirlo explained that the agreement originated during his coaching spell in the United Arab Emirates and insisted it was “exclusively commercial and sporting in nature.”

He also dismissed claims that the collaboration reflected his political views.

To attribute a political meaning to this agreement is to attribute opinions to me that I have never expressed and that do not belong to me,” Pirlo said.

Pirlo also thanked Paolo Maldini and Leonardo for the confidence and respect they have shown him over the years.

“I thank Paolo Maldini and Leonardo for the trust and respect they have always shown me, as well as for their professionalism and dedication to Italian football,” he said.

Concluding his statement, the 2006 FIFA World Cup winner said he was disappointed that what he considers a purely sporting and commercial matter had become the subject of public debate.

“I regret that a matter which is purely sporting and commercial has become the subject of public controversy. My love for Italy is part of my history and my identity, and it does not depend on whether I hold the position of national team head coach,” Pirlo said.

Fresh controversy has erupted over former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s political role ahead of the 2027 general election, with the Yoruba Ronu Leadership Forum accusing him of secretly working to secure President Bola Tinubu’s re-election.

Obasanjo’s former Political Adviser, Dr Akin Osuntokun, however, insisted the ex-President is the architect of the Peter Obi-Rabiu Kwankwaso presidential alliance on the platform of the Nigeria Democratic Congress.

The conflicting positions come amid growing political realignments and intensified coalition-building by opposition parties seeking to unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress in the next presidential election.

In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by its President, Akin Malaolu, the Yoruba Ronu Leadership Forum alleged that Obasanjo’s recent political interventions were carefully designed to weaken the opposition rather than strengthen it.

The group pointed to Obasanjo’s recent letter to former Ogun State Governor, Segun Osoba, in which the former president alleged that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar had mobilised the late Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ghali Umar Na’Abba, in an attempt to impeach him during his administration.

According to the forum, the letter was not merely a personal attack on Atiku but part of a broader strategy to destabilise the opposition ahead of the 2027 polls.

“What many perceive as an attack on Atiku is, in reality, a deliberate assault on the opposition parties in Nigeria,” Malaolu said.

The group also criticised Obasanjo for invoking the name of the late Na’Abba, arguing that the former Speaker could no longer defend himself against the allegation.

“By dragging the name of Ghali Umar Na’Abba into his allegation, Obasanjo knows too well that the late Speaker is incapable of a right of reply.

“To respond to Obasanjo, he has to be resurrected from the dead, which the former President knows is impossible,” the statement further read.

The forum further alleged that Obasanjo’s public support for the presidential aspirations of Nigeria Democratic Congress candidate, Peter Obi and former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, was merely a political smokescreen intended to conceal his alleged support for President Tinubu’s second-term bid.

“By this letter, Obasanjo has only confirmed speculations that he is working for his kinsman, President Bola Tinubu, to actualise his second-term ambition,” Malaolu stated.

The group claimed that before the opposition coalition settled on its political platform, consultations were held with several national leaders, including Obasanjo, but alleged that the former President was determined to ensure Obi emerged as the coalition’s presidential candidate.

It further alleged that when those efforts failed, Obasanjo facilitated political realignments that ultimately resulted in Obi and Kwankwaso contesting on the NDC platform.

The forum also alleged, without providing evidence, that Obasanjo was collaborating with a member of Tinubu’s family to build political structures that would aid the President’s re-election.

Osuntokun, however, dismissed the allegations as unfounded, insisting that Obasanjo remains one of the principal forces behind the opposition alliance.

Speaking during an interview on ARISE Television on Sunday, the former presidential adviser said Obasanjo personally brokered the alliance between Obi and Kwankwaso and continues to support their joint presidential ticket.

“If you can say that Obasanjo is supporting any ticket, it is the Peter Obi–Kwankwaso ticket. As a matter of fact, he is the principal sponsor of that ticket,” Osuntokun declared.

Rejecting claims that the former president was secretly backing Tinubu, he described the allegation as illogical.

“How do you then suggest that he is secretly working for Tinubu? It does not make sense to me.

“I think that claim is absolute bunkum. The evidence is in the public domain. Obasanjo is playing a major role in supporting the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket. He was the one who brought the two men together,” he said

When pressed on whether Obasanjo directly negotiated the alliance, Osuntokun maintained that there was no ambiguity about the former president’s role.

“Yes, of course. That’s what I said. He brokered the ticket between Obi and Kwankwaso. Both of them are quite close to him. It is a ticket that makes sense and has the potential to make a significant impact in the 2027 election.

“I can tell you for free that he was the one who brought the ticket together,” he added.

Osuntokun also disclosed that discussions on a possible Obi-Kwankwaso partnership predated the current political arrangement.

“Kwankwaso could have teamed up with Obi four years ago. I remember him saying that if they had agreed then, they would probably have had an arrangement in which they would each spend one term in office, and Kwankwaso would now have been the beneficiary,” he added.

The latest disagreement over Obasanjo’s political positioning comes only days after the former president reignited his long-running feud with Atiku by alleging in a public letter that the former vice president supported attempts to remove him from office while he served as president.

Atiku, through his media aide, Phrank Shaibu, rejected the allegation, insisting that his opposition to Obasanjo’s failed third-term bid remains one of the defining moments of Nigeria’s democratic history.

As political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general election, major opposition figures have intensified consultations and alliance-building efforts aimed at presenting a formidable challenge to the APC.

Obasanjo, who has maintained close relationships with several leading opposition politicians, has increasingly become the subject of speculation over his preferred political direction, with Sunday’s conflicting claims further highlighting the intense political manoeuvring already shaping the race for Nigeria’s highest office.

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery reverted to the sale of petrol in naira because importers were allegedly holding back their stocks, a management official of the company has told The PU 

The official, who pleaded for anonymity because he was not authorised to speak to the media, told our correspondent that the refinery’s decision to halt dollar-denominated fuel sales was not because the issue of crude oil shortage had been resolved.

He said the reversal was taken in the interest of the country to prevent fuel scarcity and further increases in petrol prices. According to him, the importers were deliberately holding back their stocks in anticipation of higher fuel prices.

“We took a decision in the interest of the country to start selling Premium Motor Spirit in naira, since we saw that the importers were holding back their goods, looking for a price rise,” the source said.

The Dangote refinery recently resumed the sale of petrol in naira, ending its brief dollar-denominated pricing regime. A notice issued by the refinery’s commercial department on Wednesday informed customers that the gantry price of petrol was N1,215 per litre, while the coastal price was N1,602,495 per metric tonne.

The development marked a reversal of the refinery’s decision to sell petrol in United States dollars, a move that triggered anxiety across the downstream petroleum sector and prompted emergency intervention by the Federal Government.

The PUNCH had earlier reported that independent marketers suspended the loading of petrol from the refinery after it commenced dollar-denominated sales, saying they could not source the foreign exchange required for the transactions.

The refinery had defended the decision, explaining that it was compelled to adopt dollar sales because it was no longer receiving adequate crude oil under the Federal Government’s naira-for-crude initiative and had to source additional crude from the international market in dollars.

Speaking further, the source disclosed that the Dangote Group was still in talks with the Federal Government, expressing hope that the government would act in good faith once an agreement was reached. “We are still in talks with the government, but I hope that they will be sincere,” he noted.

The Dangote official also regretted that some people in government preferred exporting crude oil and importing refined petroleum products into the country. “As you know, they like to sell the crude to the traders outside the country and import the petroleum products,” he stated.

Before the Dangote refinery began operations in 2024, Nigeria had for years depended on imported petrol despite being one of Africa’s leading oil-producing countries.

The country’s refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna were non-functional, leaving Nigerians at the mercy of fuel importers. The period was marked by persistent fuel shortages and the controversial fuel subsidy regime.

With the commencement of operations at the Dangote refinery, the downstream sector became more decentralised. The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited also ended the payment of implicit fuel subsidies, bringing an end to the long queues at filling stations.

It will be recalled that some depot owners last week raised petrol gantry prices to as high as N1,275 per litre after the Dangote refinery temporarily halted loading at its gantry.

Following the refinery’s announcement of a gantry price of N1,215 per litre, many depots reduced their prices to remain competitive. According to Petroleumprice.ng, depot prices ranged between N1,215 and N1,220 per litre on Sunday.

Similarly, pump prices of petrol are now hovering between N1,260 and N1,300 per litre, depending on the location. The PUNCH reports that the rise in petrol prices resulted from renewed tensions in the Middle East, which pushed up global oil prices.

Before closing at $96 per barrel on Friday, global oil prices climbed above $100 per barrel on Thursday for the first time in nearly two months after escalating attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea heightened fears of prolonged supply disruptions across key global energy routes.

The  reports that the latest price surge could have mixed implications for Nigeria. While higher crude prices may increase the country’s export earnings and boost government revenues, they could also raise the cost of imported refined petroleum products, worsen inflationary pressures and increase the burden on consumers if domestic supply remains insufficient.

A suspect has reportedly been arrested and confessed to stealing cash belonging to several Super Falcons players at the Marriott Hotel in Casablanca, Morocco, just days before Nigeria’s opening match at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations

The suspect is expected to return all the stolen money while criminal proceedings are set to follow.

The incident occurred on the final day of the team’s training camp in Casablanca before the Super Falcons relocated to Rabat for their Group C matches.

Nigeria opened their WAFCON 2026 camp on July 15 in Mohammedia, a coastal city in Morocco, before moving to Rabat on Saturday, where they will be based throughout the group stage.

Midfielder Esther Okoronkwo revealed on social media that she, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, defender Michelle Alozie and captain Rasheedat Ajibade were among the players who had cash stolen from their hotel rooms.

According to Okoronkwo, more than $1,000 was taken during the incident. She also accused the hotel staff of failing to properly address the matter when the players reported the theft.

We started talking to them and they don’t have answers. They also started being disrespectful,” Okoronkwo said while warning members of the public against patronising the hotel.

Following the players’ public complaints, Nigerian journalist and former Super Eagles media officer, Colin Udoh, disclosed that the case had made significant progress.

“I have been informed that a suspect has been arrested in connection with the theft at the Super Falcons’ Marriott Hotel in Casablanca and has confessed. Full restitution will be made to the players while the law takes its course,” Udoh posted on Sunday.

Despite the unsettling incident, the Super Falcons have now shifted their focus to the tournament, with head coach Justine Madugu’s side set to begin their campaign against Malawi on Tuesday at Al Madina Stadium in Rabat.

They had two training sessions at the AS FAR training ground on Sunday.

Nigeria, the record 10-time African champions, will also face Zambia and Egypt in Group C as they chase a record-extending 11th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title.

The House of Representatives ad hoc committee investigating the controversial establishment and operations of the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council is set to question the Accountant-General of the Federation, Mr Shamseldeen Ogunjimi, today as its high-profile investigation enters the third week.

The committee, chaired by the lawmaker representing Kanke/Kanam/Pankshin Federal Constituency of Plateau State, Yusuf Gagdi, is probing how an organisation the Federal Government has described as non-existent allegedly secured official office accommodation within the Federal Secretariat Complex in Abuja and received a budgetary allocation of more than N1.32bn in the 2026 Appropriation Act.

The investigation has drawn significant public attention following allegations that the agency operated within government structures despite lacking legal recognition, raising concerns about possible lapses in public financial management and institutional oversight.

At today’s hearing, Ogunjimi is expected to explain the processes through which the PFIPC obtained a government budget code, a development that enabled the agency to appear in the national budget despite questions surrounding its legal status.

His testimony is expected to provide further insight into the budgetary and financial procedures that facilitated the agency’s inclusion in the federal government’s expenditure framework.

Since the commencement of the probe, the committee has heard from several top government officials whose testimonies have highlighted apparent gaps in administrative processes that allowed the agency to function as though it had official government approval.

Among those who have appeared before the lawmakers are the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Walson-Jack; the Director of Banking Services at the Central Bank of Nigeria, Abdullahi Hamisu; and the Director-General of the Budget Office of the Federation, Mr Tanimu Yakubu.

Their submissions focused on the sequence of events that enabled the PFIPC to navigate bureaucratic procedures, obtain official documentation and become integrated into aspects of the federal administrative system despite questions over its legitimacy.

The committee’s investigation gathered further momentum following the arrest of Mr Adeyemi Adeniyi, who presented himself as the Director-General of the PFIPC.

Adeniyi was arrested by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force after allegedly claiming that he paid N400m through an intermediary to the Chief of Staff to the President, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, to facilitate his appointment as head of the council.

The allegation generated widespread public interest because of its implications for transparency and accountability within government institutions.

However, both the Presidency and Gbajabiamila have firmly denied any connection to Adeyemi or the claims attributed to him.

The Presidency described him as an impostor, while the Chief of Staff dismissed the allegations as false, maintaining that neither he nor the presidency had any involvement in the establishment or operations of the purported agency.

Government officials have consistently maintained that the PFIPC is not a legally established federal agency, a position that has deepened concerns over how it was able to obtain office space, process official documentation and secure budgetary provisions.

The committee is expected to determine whether administrative failures, institutional negligence or deliberate misconduct enabled the agency to operate within the federal bureaucracy.

Beyond the Accountant-General, several senior government officials are still expected to appear before the panel as the investigation progresses.

Those yet to testify include the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu; the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Taiwo Oyedele; and the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi.

Their testimonies are expected to assist the committee in establishing whether due process was followed at various stages of the agency’s emergence and whether any public officials played a role in facilitating its activities.

The House committee has reiterated its commitment to conducting a thorough, transparent and non-partisan investigation, insisting that anyone found culpable will be held accountable in accordance with the law.

Lawmakers have maintained that the probe is aimed at strengthening public institutions, safeguarding public funds and restoring confidence in government systems by identifying weaknesses that allowed the controversy surrounding the PFIPC to arise.

Rescuers are searching for 17 missing people on Sunday after a Vietnamese cargo ship carrying 62 people sank during stormy weather in the contested South China Sea, Vietnam’s foreign ministry said.

Vietnamese authorities arrived at the scene after the vessel Khoi Nguyen 18 “sank while operating in bad weather conditions in the East Sea”, foreign ministry spokesperson Pham Thu Hang said in a statement to AFP.

Beijing claims the South China Sea, known as the East Sea in Vietnam, in nearly its entirety, despite an international ruling that its assertion has no legal basis.

Vietnam, along with the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia and Taiwan, have competing claims to areas of the strategic waterway, including the Spratly Island chain, which are believed to sit on vast oil and gas resources.

Hang said Vietnamese rescuers, with “the support of Chinese rescue forces, including ships and helicopters”, and other vessels in the area, rescued 45 of the 62 people, as of 12 noon (0500 GMT) on Sunday.

Authorities and fishing vessels were “actively searching for the remaining people”, Hang added.

The Khoi Nguyen 18 encountered trouble near Yongshu Reef, also known as Fiery Cross Reef, in the Spratly archipelago, Chinese state broadcaster CCTV said.

Fiery Cross Reef is controlled by Beijing but also claimed by Hanoi and Manila.

A Chinese rescue vessel first spotted what was believed to be a distress signal from the endangered Vietnamese ship on Saturday evening, China’s state news agency Xinhua said on Sunday.

Six Chinese vessels and a rescue helicopter as well as one Vietnamese vessel were conducting search and rescue operations in the area, according to Xinhua.

The Khoi Nguyen 18 is a Vietnamese-registered cargo ship measuring just under 70 metres in length, according to the Marine Traffic monitoring website.

In a separate incident on Friday, another Vietnamese vessel sank amid rough seas in the area of the Spratly Islands, with 33 fishermen rescued and three missing, Vietnamese state media said on Saturday.

The fishing vessel encountered strong winds, took on water and sank on Friday morning, according to the state-run Tuoi Tre News site, with other fishing vessels in the area mobilised to aid the rescue.

By around 9:00 pm on Friday, 33 fishermen had been rescued about 15 nautical miles west of the location of the sinking, Tuoi Tre said.

They were brought to Da Tay, or West Reef, an atoll under Vietnamese control that is part of the Spratlys, for medical care and were in stable condition.

The three missing fishermen were “clinging to plastic containers” and not wearing life jackets when they left the ship, the report said.

More than 25 per cent of all global trade passed through the vital South China Sea in 2024, according to the Centre for Strategic and International Studies.

Its islands and reefs are coveted by China and Southeast Asian nations situated around the strategic sea.

Beijing has expanded reefs it controls in the Spratlys, and set up air bases, naval facilities and other installations, including landing strips able to accommodate military planes.

Vietnam, the Philippines and Malaysia have asserted their own claims in the area by stationing troops in the Spratlys and building airstrips there since the 1970s.

AFP

The bout, watched online, marked Joshua’s first fight since a car crash in Ogun State, Nigeria, in December claimed the lives of Ghami, his strength and conditioning coach, and Ayodele, his personal trainer.

Joshua entered the ring wearing camouflage attire bearing the names of the deceased coaches in their honour.

Speaking after the fight, the former world heavyweight champion described the victory as a tribute to their memory.

It’s what champions do. We rise, we get knocked down and we stand up and keep going. That’s life.

“It was more than punch power. That was spirit, that was Latz, that was Sina and their families. It still hurts to talk about it. It’s been tough,” he said.

Joshua, who started the contest as the overwhelming favourite, suffered a dramatic opening round after Prenga knocked him down twice within the first three minutes.

However, the British boxer recovered to dominate the contest, eventually stopping the Albanian in the second round to remain on course for a highly anticipated showdown with fellow Briton Tyson Fury.

Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, praised the former champion’s resilience, describing his performance as remarkable given the personal tragedy he had endured.

No one can imagine what Anthony has been through in the last seven months.

“To even step into the ring was astonishing,” Hearn said.

He added that Joshua had used his training camp to remain focused while coping with grief, noting that the fighter had shown exceptional determination after being knocked down twice.

Hearn also confirmed that contracts had been been signed for the long-awaited heavyweight clash between Joshua and Fury, although the date and venue have yet to be announced.

Fury, who defeated 46-year-old Mariusz Wach in Thailand on Friday, did not attend Joshua’s fight as he returned to the Isle of Man after his bout.

Joshua welcomed the prospect of facing Fury, saying he respected his fellow Briton’s achievements but was ready for the contest.

“I respect everything he has achieved, but this is the fight we’ve been calling for and now we’re here.

“I hope the fans will enjoy it.

“I’ve learned that I can’t be stopped, I won’t be denied, and we’re coming.” Joshua added. (NAN)

The Kaduna State Government has said its School Feeding Programme is improving the health of pupils in public boarding schools while reducing the financial burden on parents, as hundreds of residents benefited from a free medical outreach in Kaura Local Government Area.

According to a statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the governor on school feeding, Hajiya Fauziyah Buhari-Ado, the government’s position was made known by the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Uba Sani on the School Feeding Programme, Fauziya Buhari-Ado, during a free medical outreach organised by the Bantex Memorial Foundation in collaboration with the Second Chance Humanitarian Aid Foundation in Manchok, Kaura Local Government Area on Sunday.

The statement partly read, “The outreach provided hundreds of residents with free medical consultations, laboratory tests and treatment for ailments, including cancer, eye diseases and hepatitis.”

Speaking at the event, Buhari-Ado said five public boarding schools in Kaura Local Government Area are currently benefiting from the state government’s School Feeding Programme, with the government fully covering feeding costs and approved school charges.

She said the intervention has significantly reduced the financial burden on families.

“Parents have confirmed they no longer pay for these services,” noting that the development has eased financial pressure on households.

Buhari-Ado added that parents have also reported visible improvements in the health and wellbeing of their children due to regular access to balanced and nutritious meals.

She said the intervention has significantly reduced the financial burden on families.

“Parents have confirmed they no longer pay for these services,” noting that the development has eased financial pressure on households.

Buhari-Ado added that parents have also reported visible improvements in the health and wellbeing of their children due to regular access to balanced and nutritious meals.

She urged parents to sustain healthy feeding practices during school holidays to ensure students return to school in good health and are ready to learn.

The governor’s aide also commended the Bantex Memorial Foundation for sustaining annual humanitarian interventions in memory of the late former Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Bala Bantex.

She described the medical outreach as a valuable complement to the Kaduna State Government’s investments in healthcare, education and social welfare.

Buhari-Ado expressed optimism that the state would continue to strengthen partnerships with humanitarian organisations to expand access to healthcare and education.

She added that the increasing participation of community leaders, traditional rulers and residents in such programmes reflects growing public confidence in grassroots development initiatives.

School feeding has become a key component of Kaduna State’s education reforms under Governor Sani, with the government positioning the initiative as a strategy to improve school enrolment, retention and learning outcomes while reducing the financial burden on vulnerable families.

The programme aligns with broader efforts by governments across Nigeria to tackle child malnutrition, improve educational attainment and strengthen social protection. Alongside education interventions, Kaduna has continued to partner with development and humanitarian organisations to expand access to healthcare through community-based medical outreaches, particularly in underserved rural communities.

She urged parents to sustain healthy feeding practices during school holidays to ensure students return to school in good health and are ready to learn.

The governor’s aide also commended the Bantex Memorial Foundation for sustaining annual humanitarian interventions in memory of the late former Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Bala Bantex.

She described the medical outreach as a valuable complement to the Kaduna State Government’s investments in healthcare, education and social welfare.

Buhari-Ado expressed optimism that the state would continue to strengthen partnerships with humanitarian organisations to expand access to healthcare and education.

She added that the increasing participation of community leaders, traditional rulers and residents in such programmes reflects growing public confidence in grassroots development initiatives.

School feeding has become a key component of Kaduna State’s education reforms under Governor Sani, with the government positioning the initiative as a strategy to improve school enrolment, retention and learning outcomes while reducing the financial burden on vulnerable families.

The programme aligns with broader efforts by governments across Nigeria to tackle child malnutrition, improve educational attainment and strengthen social protection. Alongside education interventions, Kaduna has continued to partner with development and humanitarian organisations to expand access to healthcare through community-based medical outreaches, particularly in underserved rural communities.

Suspected gunmen have abducted a judge of the Kebbi State High Court, Justice Faruku Bunza, from his residence in Bunza Local Government Area of the state.

The incident, which occurred before dawn on Sunday, has triggered a coordinated rescue operation by security agencies as efforts intensify to secure the judge’s release.

A family source told journalists that Justice Bunza had returned home from Sokoto State shortly before the armed men invaded his residence along Zogirma Road and abducted him.

The source said the attackers stormed the house while shouting, alerting residents in the area, but succeeded in abducting the judge without causing physical harm to other occupants or neighbours.

Justice Faruku Hassan Bunza had just returned from Sokoto. Shortly after he arrived at his residence around midnight, armed men invaded the house and abducted him.

“They were shouting during the operation, attracting the attention of people around, but they left with him before anyone could intervene,” the source said.

The incident was immediately reported to the relevant authorities, including the management of the Kebbi State High Court.

The family appealed to security agencies and the state government to intensify efforts to secure the judge’s safe release.

“We are deeply worried about the abduction of our brother. We appeal to Nigerians to pray for his safe return and urge security agencies to act swiftly,” the source added.

A senior official of the Kebbi State High Court, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the incident, describing it as a disturbing setback for the judiciary.

The official said the court management had already begun consultations with security agencies to coordinate efforts to secure Justice Bunza’s release.

“It is indeed a painful moment for the judiciary. We have engaged the heads of security agencies in the state to strategise on securing his immediate release,” the official said.

Confirming the abduction, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Kebbi State Police Command, SP Bashir Usman, said the Commissioner of Police, CP Umar Hadejia, had deployed tactical and intelligence teams to rescue the judge.

“I can confirm that Hon. Justice Faruku Hassan Bunza was abducted from his residence in Bunza around midnight.

Upon receiving the report, the Commissioner of Police immediately deployed tactical and intelligence operatives to ensure his safe rescue,” Usman said.

He added that security operatives had launched a coordinated manhunt for the perpetrators, with teams combing suspected hideouts and surrounding forest areas.

The police spokesperson assured residents that the command was working with other security agencies to rescue the judge unharmed and bring the abductors to justice.

No group had claimed responsibility for the abduction as of the time of filing this report, while investigations into the incident were ongoing.

Nigeria’s youngest chartered accountant, Osasere Okundaye, has said the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination is not excessively difficult to pass, arguing that the quality of education available to students has a greater impact on performance than lowering admission standards.

Okundaye, a 16-year-old, spoke during an interview on ARISE Television on Sunday.

She was commenting on the ongoing debate over JAMB performance, admission cut-off marks, and standard of education in the country.

The teenager, who recently became Nigeria’s youngest chartered accountant after qualifying through the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, said she had written UTME twice and believed students could perform well if they received quality education and adequate support.

“I feel that JAMB is not too difficult to pass,” she said.

She explained that she first sat the examination after finishing secondary school just to gain experience, as she was not planning to seek admission at the time, before taking it again the following year.

Okundaye, however, acknowledged that educational standards differ significantly across the country, making it difficult to compare students’ performances.

I understand that it depends on the quality of education that you are receiving.

“I went to a private school in Lagos. So, there are different standards of education across Nigeria.

“I can’t use my case as a single indicator of the quality across board. I understand that the level of education being provided at different schools would impact how students will be able to perform in those examinations.

And you can’t say JAMB should like create different examinations for everyone, but the cut-off for certain institutions, I believe they exist there for a reason,” she said.

She argued that reducing admission cut-off marks was not the solution to poor performance in JAMB examinations.

“I don’t think bringing the standard down is the solution.

“I believe moves should be made to improve the quality of education that students are receiving in schools to help them perform better.

“I think increasing the resources given to people to reach that standard is the solution instead,” she said.

According to her, Nigerian youths have the ability to excel academically if they are provided with the necessary support.

“I believe young people have the ability; they have the potential, so they would be able to perform if they are given additional resources and additional guidance,” she added.

Okundaye recently made history by becoming Nigerians Youngest chartered accountant at the age of 16 after successfully completing the rigorous ICAN professional examinations.

Her achievement surpassed the previous record set in 2022 by Jonathan Adewale, who qualified as Nigeria’s youngest chartered accountant at the age of 17.

She had earlier disclosed that she failed one of her final professional examination paper rewriting and passing it, describing the setback as part of her three-year journey to qualification.