Saturday, July 25

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Abacha’s Death: Abdulsalami reveals succession schemes by inner caucus
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Abacha’s Death: Abdulsalami reveals succession schemes by inner caucus

A Former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), has revealed the power play that followed the death of Gen. Sani Abacha on June 8, 1998.Abubakar said all the scheming left him with a lingering sense that “something was fishy.” He disclosed that he and the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Ishaya Bamaiyi, were mysteriously locked inside a waiting room at the Presidential Villa for nearly an hour before being informed that the Head of State had died. The revelations are contained in Chapter 19 of Abubakar’s 264-page, 27-chapter autobiography titled ‘Call of Duty,’ at the public presentation of the book and two others at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja. The presentation was held to mark the former Head of State’s 84th birthday and was attended by President Bola Tinubu who w...
My wife stopped cooking, beats me during argument – divorce seeking Husband
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My wife stopped cooking, beats me during argument – divorce seeking Husband

A man, known simply as Sylvester, has asked the court to dissolve his marriage. Semester told a Grade A Customary Court sitting in Mapo, Ibadan, Oyo State, that he wants the marriage between him and his wife, Kudirat, be dissolved over allegations of physical assault, constant quarrels and threats to his life. The petitioner told the court that his wife had made their relationship unbearable through repeated acts of aggression and hostility, leaving him with no option but to seek the dissolution of the union. Sylvester alleged that Kudirat frequently picked quarrels with him and often resorted to physical violence whenever disagreements arose between them. He further claimed that she harboured grudges for long periods, citing an occasion when she allegedly refused to speak...
Kidnapped retired General dies in captivity
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Kidnapped retired General dies in captivity

A retired Major General, Abubakar Rabe, who was abducted alongside his wife in Katsina State, is feared dead. Rabe, who was abducted two weeks ago, died while in the custody of his captors,according to reports. Rabe and his wife were kidnapped around the Matazu area of the state while travelling to attend a wedding ceremony. The retired military officer was last seen in a video circulated on social media in which he and his wife relayed demands made by the kidnappers for their release. In the footage, the abductors reportedly demanded the release of three individuals identified as Sani, Aminu and Nasiru. The general’s wife stated that two of the men were arrested in Jikamshi, while the third was apprehended in Kano State. She appealed to the Katsina State Government and...
Obi vows to release Nnamdi Kanu, engage separatist agitators if elected
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Obi vows to release Nnamdi Kanu, engage separatist agitators if elected

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress for the 2027 election, Peter Obi, has pledged to secure the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, if elected president. Obi stated that he did not believe Kanu should remain in custody over comments made during his broadcasts. He stressed that freedom of expression should not attract prolonged detention. Speaking during an interaction with Nigerians in Washington, the former Anambra State governor said dialogue, rather than force, remained the most effective way of addressing agitation and separatist movements across the country. According to him, every aggrieved group deserves an opportunity to be heard, noting that meaningful engagement could help the government better...
Oborevwori Mourns Former Delta Health Commissioner, Dr. Joseph Otumara
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Oborevwori Mourns Former Delta Health Commissioner, Dr. Joseph Otumara

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Sisanmi Otumara, who passed away on Friday, June 12, 2026. He was 65. In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, Governor Oborevwori described the late Otumara as an accomplished medical practitioner, distinguished administrator, astute politician and committed public servant whose contributions to the development of Delta State would remain indelible. The Governor said the death of Dr. Otumara was a painful loss not only to his family and the Itsekiri nation but also to Delta State and the All Progressives Congress (APC), where he played several strategic roles. According to the Governor, Otumara’s remarkable care...
DSS Intercepts Arms Shipment Bound For Bandit Kingpin, Nabs Suspect
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DSS Intercepts Arms Shipment Bound For Bandit Kingpin, Nabs Suspect

A suspected arms courier in Kano State allegedly transporting weapons intended for delivery to a notorious bandit leader operating in Zamfara has been arrested.The courier was intercepted by Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS). An operational report made available in Abuja on Saturday said the suspect was apprehended on Friday in Gezawa Local Government Area following actionable intelligence. According to the report, the suspect was intercepted while moving a cache of arms and ammunition from Maigatari Local Government Area of Jigawa to Funtua in Katsina State for onward delivery to criminal elements. “Items recovered from the suspect include three AK-47 rifles, four rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) tubes and warheads, as well as two empty magazines. The rep...
Why 75-year-old Pilot Flew Aircraft That Landed On Delta Road — NCAA
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Why 75-year-old Pilot Flew Aircraft That Landed On Delta Road — NCAA

The private aircraft with registration number N989BC, which landed on a road in the Ogwashi-Uku area of Delta State, was flown by a 75 years old pilot NewsSpecng learnt. According to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, the co-pilot is 70. Director of Operations, Licensing and Training, Capt. Don Spiff, said both pilots held American licences and operated under United States aviation regulations, adding that neither of them was considered overaged under the applicable rules and the aircraft was American-registered. Speaking on News Night, an Arise TV programme, Spiff, however, said while the current age limit for commercial pilots in Nigeria was 65, the country’s regulations were under review. He also faulted the pilot’s decision to take off from the road after the...
Abubakar Tried To Secure MKO Abiola’s Release- Obasanjo
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Abubakar Tried To Secure MKO Abiola’s Release- Obasanjo

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Saturday revealed the role of former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar’s role in managing the confusion and uncertainty following General Sani Abacha’s death. Obasanjo also disclosed that the former military leader was facilitating the release of the June 12, 1993 presidential election winner, MKO Abiola before his unfortunate death. Chief Obasanjo made the disclosure at the public presentation of three books in honour of General Abubakar’s 84th birthday, titled “The Legacy of a Statesman @84”, at the Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja. Obasanjo described General Abubakar as a great military leader, an officer and a gentleman, a patriot, a nationalist and a peacemaker. According to him, Abubakar’s actions — such as relea...
June 12: Democracy Must Be Felt Beyond the Ballot Box — IHRC Nigeria
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June 12: Democracy Must Be Felt Beyond the Ballot Box — IHRC Nigeria

By Fidelis Onakpoma Head of Media and Strategic Communications, IHRC Abuja, June 12, 2026 (NAN) – The International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) Nigeria says democracy must be felt beyond the ballot box through improved security, economic opportunities, human rights protection and better living conditions for citizens. The call is contained in a Democracy Day message by the Head of IHRC Diplomatic Mission in Nigeria, Amb. Duru Hezekiah. He said June 12 should be a period for celebrating political freedom and assessing democracy's impact on citizens' welfare. “Democracy must be felt beyond the ballot box. It must reflect in security, affordable food, economic growth, human rights protection and citizens’ dignity,” Hezekiah said. The commission congratulated Presiden...
Chief Abiola Ogundokun adds more feather to his crown
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Chief Abiola Ogundokun adds more feather to his crown

High Chief Abiola Ogundokun, the Obanla of Iwoland and a veteran publisher of CONSCIENCE International Magazine, was recently bestowed title of the Grand Order of Eburu Iba by His Highness Oba , Prof. Adekunle Adeogun Okunoye Oyedeji 11 , the Royal Majesty of Eburu Iba in Osun State.,for his immense contribution to the community. The event took place at the 10th coronation anniversary of the revered Osun Monarch in Iba, Osun State. The event marked a decade since the monarch—a distinguished computer science professor—ascended the throne on June 4, 2016. The anniversary became a major cultural milestone for the community, drawing respected figures, community leaders, and royal fathers from across Nigeria. The Context of the Celebration of Oba Adekunle Okunoye’s decade-long rei...
Reps Pass State Police Bill
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Reps Pass State Police Bill

The House Representatives have passed the State Police Bill, with 289 lawmakers in favour of state police during Thursday’s plenary session presided over by the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas. This is to pave the way for the decentralisation of the Nigerian policing architecture. The House of Reps Thursday’s plenary was primarily to vote on the State Police Bill following the spike in killings, kidnappings, and banditry across the country. The Speaker took members through the clauses, voices shouting “Point of Order” could be heard, but the presiding officer ignored them. Before the voting began, Abbas announced that the electronic voting system was faulty, noting that the exercise would be conducted based on attendance. Out of the 290 members in attendance, 289 voted in favou...
Text of President Tinubu’s 2026 Democracy Day Address
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Text of President Tinubu’s 2026 Democracy Day Address

Today, we celebrate democracy and the enduring Nigerian spirit. For 27 unbroken years, since May 29, 1999, Nigerians have chosen their leaders through the ballot, witnessed peaceful transitions of power, and resolved disagreements in courtrooms and legislative chambers—not through violence. We have experienced the longest stretch of civilian rule in our history. Our democracy is not perfect, but it is ours, and we must continue to defend and strengthen it. In the coming days, Ekiti and Osun States will hold elections. I urge INEC, security agencies, and all parties to ensure these polls are peaceful and credible. Democracy fails when citizens doubt the process. To our National Assembly, Judiciary, the Press, and Civil Society: you are the guardrails of our republic. Criticise me, d...
Democracy Day: Mese Urges Nigerians to Uphold Unity, Rule of Law
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Democracy Day: Mese Urges Nigerians to Uphold Unity, Rule of Law

By Victor Okoye Deacon Shola Mese (JP), Chairman/Managing Director of Focus Guard Security Limited/FBI Security, has congratulated Nigerians on the 2026 Democracy Day celebration. Mese said the occasion symbolised the enduring values of freedom, justice, unity, and democratic governance that continue to shape Nigeria's development. He urged citizens to support democratic institutions, promote peace, and contribute meaningfully to nation-building through responsible civic engagement. "Democracy flourishes when citizens uphold accountability, inclusiveness, respect for the rule of law and active participation in governance," he said. According to him, Democracy Day offers Nigerians an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices of the nation's heroes and recommit to national...
EFCC Arraigns Blessing CEO For Alleged N13m Cancer Fraud In Lagos
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EFCC Arraigns Blessing CEO For Alleged N13m Cancer Fraud In Lagos

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Wednesday, June 10, 2026, arraigned a social media influencer, Okoro Blessing Nkiruka,( a.k.a Blessing CEO) for alleged N13,000,000 (Thirteen Million Naira) Cancer fraud before Justice Yelim Bogoro of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos. The EFCC filed a fresh six-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and retaining the proceeds to the tune of N13,000,000 against her, following the receipt of several petitions from individuals and groups, including the Nigeria Cancer Society. The petitioners allegedly made donations to the defendant after her social media posts claiming that she was battling Stage 4 breast cancer and seeking financial support for treatment She was, however, later discovered to...
Dickson Warns Obi, Kwankwaso Supporters Against Disparaging NDC
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Dickson Warns Obi, Kwankwaso Supporters Against Disparaging NDC

The National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has moved to instill discipline in the party. The leader of the party, Senator Seriake Dickson Wedneday warned supporters of the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, against disparaging the platform and running it down. Speaking on Arise TV’s Prime Time programme, Dickson dismissed rumors of an internal crisis, asserting that the party is doing the candidates a favor by granting them a platform, not the other way around. Addressing overzealous supporters, Dickson emphasised the foundational sacrifices made by the party’s leadership before the political heavyweights joined the fold. “The NDC leadership is intact and there is no crisis whatsoever,” Dickson stated. “Pete...
Democracy Remains Nigeria’s Best Path to Unity, Development, Says Fubara
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Democracy Remains Nigeria’s Best Path to Unity, Development, Says Fubara

The Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has reaffirmed his belief that democracy remains the most effective system of government for Nigeria, stressing that it provides the strongest framework for managing the country’s diverse ethnic, religious and cultural identities while promoting national unity, progress and prosperity. In a goodwill message marking the 2026 Democracy Day celebration, Governor Fubara described June 12 as a defining moment in Nigeria’s political history and a symbol of the sacrifices made by patriots who fought for democratic governance and the rights of citizens. The governor said the annual commemoration goes beyond a historical remembrance, representing the collective struggle, resilience and aspirations of Nigerians for freedom, justice and represe...
FG saves ₦61.6bn from early fertiliser procurement
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FG saves ₦61.6bn from early fertiliser procurement

Early procurement of fertiliser by the Federal Government has saved the country an estimated ₦61.58 billion ahead of the wet farming season, NewsSpecng learnt. The Federal Government Presidential Fertiliser Initiative (PFI), early preparation also saved the country from global shock. Currently, several African countries are facing mounting fertilizer shortages and escalating input costs caused by renewed tensions affecting major international shipping routes. The disruptions have led to increased freight charges and sharp rises in the prices of critical fertiliser raw materials, creating uncertainty for farmers across the continent ahead of the planting season. However, the Federal Government's proactive procurement approach has enabled it to avoid the worst effects of the...
Outrage as Abuja Residents Allege Repeated Abuse of 13-Year-Old Girl by Guardian
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Outrage as Abuja Residents Allege Repeated Abuse of 13-Year-Old Girl by Guardian

A Residents of Dutse Makaranta New Site in Abuja have called for urgent intervention by authorities following allegations of repeated physical abuse against a 13-year-old girl identified as Precious. Community members claim the teenager has endured prolonged maltreatment at the hands of her guardian, prompting growing concern among residents and child rights advocates in the area. According to accounts from residents, the latest incident occurred on Wednesday when the girl was allegedly subjected to severe flogging over accusations that she stole ₦400. Witnesses further alleged that despite sustaining visible injuries, she was made to carry out domestic chores, including fetching water. Residents also claimed that after returning from a police station, the guardian allegedly ...
Ekiti Poll: INEC Identifies High-Risk Areas, Deploys Special Security Measures Against Violence, Vote-Buying
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Ekiti Poll: INEC Identifies High-Risk Areas, Deploys Special Security Measures Against Violence, Vote-Buying

Nine days before the Ekiti State Governorship Election, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, has unveiled an extensive security and risk-management strategy aimed at preventing electoral violence, vote-buying, and other threats capable of undermining the June 20 poll. The disclosure came during a series of engagements with election stakeholders and traditional rulers in Ado-Ekiti, where the Commission detailed the outcome of its pre-election threat assessment and outlined measures being implemented to safeguard voters, election officials, and electoral materials. At the centre of the Commission’s preparations is a comprehensive risk-mapping exercise that identified several local government areas as potential flashpoints for...
WPRF 2026: NIPR partners NTDA to showcase Nigeria’s tourism potential
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WPRF 2026: NIPR partners NTDA to showcase Nigeria’s tourism potential

By Collins Yakubu-Hammer The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) is to collaborate with the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) to showcase tourism potential of the country during the 2026 World Public Relations Forum (WPRF). The President and Chairman of Council of NIPR, Dr Ike Neliaku, gave the assurance when the Director-General of NTDA, Dr Ola Awakan and his team paid him a courtesy visit on Thursday in Abuja.Neliaku further described tourism as a soft power of influence. He explained that the Forum would serve as a great platform for Nigeria to showcase its rich tourism potentials, stressing that it will also bring together professionals from over 126 countries into Abuja, Nigeria. He added that the collaboration would give NIPR the  opportuni...