Severe tension has gripped the Ifonyintedo community in the Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun State following the alleged killing of a young man, Owolabi Oniyiku, by police officers attached to the Idiroko Border Patrol Team. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, sparked a violent riot during which aggrieved local youths set a police station ablaze. Local sources revealed that Oniyiku had traveled back to his hometown to celebrate the annual Oro festival with friends and family. The tragedy unfolded on Wednesday morning while he was conveying a friend on his motorcycle to the Ilashe garage to board a vehicle back to Sango-Ota. They encountered a heavily fortified roadblock in the Ifejido area. The police checkpoint had been set up freshly by security forces reacting to an incident the previous night, where unknown persons set a patrol checkpoint on fire. An eyewitness stated that Oniyiku noticed some of his friends arguing with the operatives over their seized motorcycles. He reportedly stopped to plead on their behalf. The situation quickly degenerated into a heated argument, during which an officer allegedly discharged his firearm, hitting Oniyiku directly in the chest. He died on the spot. An 18-second video clip capturing the victim`s lifeless body has since gone viral on social media, triggering widespread condemnation across the state. News of the killing rapidly filtered through the community, provoking an immediate and violent uprising by local youths. The protesters marched through the streets, targeted a police station, and set it on fire. The mob subsequently recovered Oniyiku’s corpse and dumped it at the Idiroko Area Command headquarters, demanding immediate justice and the prosecution of the pulling officer. When contacted, the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, confirmed the tragic incident. He assured the public that the officers involved had already been arrested and placed in custody, adding that a comprehensive investigation into the killing had commenced. Meanwhile, the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Ipokia Chapter, has strongly condemned the killing, describing it as an act of high-handedness. In a joint statement signed by the Coordinator, Gbenasu Johnson, and Secretary, Babarinde Kofoworola, the council lamented the daily extortion and harassment faced by residents at the hands of security operatives along the border axis. "A security checkpoint should provide security; it should not become a source of fear," the statement read in part. The youth council has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Ogun State Commissioner of Police to publish a transparent account of the incident, identify all officers present at the scene, and hold an emergency dialogue with community leaders to restore law and order.

Prominent political analyst and veteran publisher, Dele Momodu, has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s administration, asserting that the government set a negative tone for the nation by announcing the fuel subsidy removal on inauguration day. Speaking during a live appearance on Arise Television’s Prime Time, Momodu argued that the sudden policy announcement on May 29, 2023, delivered an immediate economic shock to citizens during what should have been a celebratory moment. He noted that the country has struggled to recover from the fallout of that decision ever since. The Ovation Magazine publisher raised serious concerns over the lack of transparency surrounding the subsidy termination, describing the entire process as "shrouded in mystery." He stressed that the administration`s failure to provide clear facts, financial data, and verifiable figures has left the policy complicated and confusing for the public. Momodu also questioned the government’s fiscal strategy, pointing out a stark contradiction in its economic approach. He demanded to know why the administration continues to engage in heavy, unprecedented borrowing despite the massive revenues allegedly saved from ending the subsidy regime. Concluding his critique, the former presidential aspirant lamented the weakening of democratic accountability in Nigeria. He warned that the country is sliding into a form of dictatorship where elected leaders are immune to public scrutiny, and where officials react with anger whenever citizens demand basic answers.

The presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has declared that advanced age should not shield former military leader Ibrahim Babangida from legal accountability. Sowore made the demand on Thursday via his verified X handle, coinciding with Babangida’s 85th birthday anniversary. The human rights activist argued that the former military dictator must still face justice for actions taken during his regime. To back his claim, Sowore cited the historical precedent of former Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet. Pinochet faced high-profile arrests and rigorous legal trials well into his 80s, proving that age does not grant immunity from past atrocities. To back his claim, Sowore cited the historical precedent of former Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet. Pinochet faced high-profile arrests and rigorous legal trials well into his 80s, proving that age does not grant immunity from past atrocities. "It is not too late to arrest and prosecute IBB," Sowore stated. "He is 85. His age should not confer immunity from justice. The unresolved killings, abuses, corruption, and other grave violations associated with his regime deserve proper investigation and, where the evidence supports it, prosecution."

The proliferation of illegal small arms and light weapons remains the primary driver of terrorism, banditry, and communal clashes across Nigeria. National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, disclosed this during a specialized security workshop in Abuja on Thursday. He warned that the unchecked flow of these weapons continues to undermine national security and destroy local economies. Ribadu stated that illicit firearms directly sustain the violent crimes plaguing different regions of the country. He specifically linked the weapons influx to North-West banditry, North-Central farmer-herder conflicts, and North-East insurgency. The NSA emphasized that illegal arms circulation is a direct, deadly threat to human lives rather than a mere policy issue. The security chief stressed that Nigeria cannot successfully combat this menace by relying on outdated statistics or vague estimates. He noted that the country requires precise, verified data to map out effective counter-terrorism strategies. According to Ribadu, accurate data is the most critical weapon needed to dismantle trafficking networks permanently. Reviewing past initiatives, Ribadu credited Nigeria’s 2016 National Baseline Survey with shaping vital security updates. The previous data led to the creation of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons. However, he insisted that a strict, honest review of past failures must happen before launching a new survey. A updated, credible baseline survey will allow security forces to track illicit arms across national borders. The upcoming data collection aims to improve disarmament strategies and strengthen border surveillance systems. Ribadu called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, and civil society groups to actively support the exercise. Corroborating the NSA`s stance, the Director-General of the arms control centre, DIG Johnson Kokumo (retd), noted major security shifts since 2016. Kokumo explained that criminal networks have developed new trafficking routes and sophisticated operational methods over the decade. He stated that the upcoming survey must pinpoint the exact sources and distribution networks of these illegal arms. International experts also backed the federal government`s decision to overhaul its national security data infrastructure. UNODA Director, Dr. Adedeji Ebo, warned that designing security interventions with obsolete 2016 data is highly risky. Ebo stated that outdated information forces law enforcement to deploy resources blindly to the wrong regions. The United Nations representative urged the Nigerian government to make the new survey highly inclusive. He recommended gathering firsthand intelligence from local farmers, artisans, women groups, and survivors of gun violence. This grassroots approach ensures that the resulting national security policy addresses the actual realities on the ground.

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, on Thursday, officially presented his Certificate of Return to President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, marking their first official meeting since Adeleke’s victory in last Saturday’s governorship election. The governor arrived at the Aso Villa at exactly 5:25 pm in the company of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu. Dressed in a navy blue traditional attire and wielding his signature walking stick, the newly re-elected governor alighted from a black Toyota Land Cruiser SUV before heading into a closed-door meeting with the President. Confirming the visit, the Special Assistant on Digital Media to the Governor, Olalekan Badmus, shared images online showing Governor Adeleke exchanging a warm handshake with President Tinubu. "Governor Ademola Adeleke presented his certificate of return to President Tinubu following a closed-door meeting at Aso Villa," Badmus stated. The high-profile visit comes less than 24 hours after Adeleke received the official document from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). During the presentation ceremony on Wednesday, the governor announced a N500 million endowment fund dedicated to victims of election violence in Osun State. The certificate was handed over by the INEC National Commissioner for the South-West, Prof. Kunle Ajayi, at an event attended by top cabinet members and political associates. Adeleke’s victory marks a significant political shift in the state. Contesting on the platform of the Accord Party (AP), Adeleke secured his second term by polling 511,067 votes. He defeated his closest rival, Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who garnered 444,815 votes. The official results were validated on Sunday by the INEC State Returning Officer, Prof. Joshua Ogunwole. This election marks a stark transition from 2022, when Adeleke—then running under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)—initially unseated the former governor and current Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola.

As political activities gather momentum across the country, no fewer than 146 candidates contesting the upcoming presidential and governorship elections could collectively deploy up to ₦571bn under campaign spending thresholds established by Section 92 of the Electoral Act 2026. The total permissible figure includes 19 presidential candidates permitted to spend up to ₦10bn each, representing a combined limit of ₦190bn. At the state level, 127 governorship candidates across 28 states are permitted to spend up to ₦3bn each, bringing their potential total spending limit to ₦381bn. The official publishing of personal credentials and particulars for candidates by electoral authorities has set the stage for official campaign activities. Electoral administrators emphasized that the ₦571bn combined sum reflects a statutory statutory upper limit rather than funds provided to or guaranteed for any political candidate. Section 92 of the Electoral Act 2026 establishes expenditure limits across all elective categories: ​Presidential: ₦10bn ceiling per candidate ​Governorship: ₦3bn ceiling per candidate ​Senatorial: ₦500m ceiling per candidate ​House of Representatives: ₦250m ceiling per candidate ​State House of Assembly / Area Council Chairmanship: ₦100m ceiling per candidate ​Area Council Councillorship: ₦10m ceiling per candidate. The statute also limits single individual donations to any single candidate at ₦500m. Candidates who knowingly exceed these limits face potential statutory penalties, including fines set at one percent of the permitted threshold, up to 12 months imprisonment, or both. The published presidential candidate list features 19 contenders, including incumbent President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), alongside candidates representing 16 other political parties. At the state level, 127 governorship candidates represent 18 political parties across 28 states holding elections. Party representation includes 28 candidates each for the APC and PDP, 21 for the ADC, 16 for the Labour Party, nine for the NDC, six for the SDP, and various numbers across remaining registered parties. Civil society groups and anti-corruption organizations have highlighted that monitoring candidate spending will require close cooperation between electoral officials, media outlets, and civil society observers. Concurrently, media regulators have issued guidelines directing broadcasting organizations and digital media publishers to maintain balanced coverage, verify political assertions before publication, and strictly observe broadcasting regulations throughout the election period. For official details regarding political parties, election guidelines, and statutory announcements, voters and stakeholders can visit the official Independent National Electoral Commission portal or review regulatory standards issued by the National Broadcasting Commission.

Public health experts have issued a strong warning to Nigerians against using domestic cooking oils, including palm oil and vegetable oil, as sexual lubricants. A Senior Manager for Prevention Programmes at the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), Taofeek Adeleye, gave the warning during a national media training on HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP). He emphasized that oil-based substances degrade condoms rapidly, making water-based lubricants the only safe option for sexual health. The crucial health advisory was delivered in Lagos at a specialized workshop organized for media personnel by the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) in partnership with the World Health Organisation (WHO). The initiative aims to equip journalists with accurate knowledge to combat misinformation regarding HIV transmission. Organizers stressed that the media plays a pivotal role in educating the public on safe sexual practices and modern prevention methods. Beyond the dangers of oil-based lubricants, the AHF official urged citizens to prioritize proper condom sizing to ensure maximum protection. Adeleye explained that mismatched condom sizes frequently lead to breakage or slippage during intercourse, thereby increasing exposure to infections. He advised individuals to experiment safely with different options to discover the specific fit that guarantees their personal safety before engaging in sexual activity. In his address, Adeleye also touched upon the common practice of using saliva as an alternative lubricant when commercial options are unavailable. He strictly cautioned against using saliva from a sexual partner due to the potential risk of transmitting oral infections or pathogens. Instead, he recommended that if saliva must be used, women should use their own fluid to eliminate the introduction of foreign biological risks into their bodies. The expert further admonished men to remain highly conscious of their immediate sexual environments and avoid taking spontaneous, unnecessary risks. Drawing a comparison to surveying a room before entering it, Adeleye stated that individuals must always evaluate their circumstances and prepare protection beforehand. This proactive mindset, he noted, is essential for reducing the high rate of unplanned exposures to sexually transmitted infections across the country. This intensive training comes at a time when Nigeria is actively scaling up its combination HIV prevention interventions to reduce national infection statistics. These comprehensive strategies combine the distribution of condoms, widespread HIV testing, immediate retroviral treatment, and the expanding deployment of PrEP. Public health agencies are working together to ensure these preventive resources are easily accessible to vulnerable populations nationwide. Medical experts at the event highlighted that PrEP is a highly effective prevention method involving daily antiretroviral medications for HIV-negative individuals at high risk of exposure. When taken consistently as prescribed by a doctor, PrEP significantly lowers the chances of contracting the virus. However, health officials reminded the public that PrEP does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections, meaning condom use remains indispensable. Nigeria currently carries one of the largest HIV burdens globally, making expanded prevention services an urgent national priority. Through joint efforts by NACA, the Federal Government, and international partners like the WHO, the country is striving to dismantle the stigma surrounding HIV. By driving accurate information through national newspapers, stakeholders hope to foster a healthier, more informed society.

The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has declared Thursday, August 20, 2026, a work-free day across the state to commemorate Isese Day, a annual celebration dedicated to honoring the rich cultural and traditional heritage of the Yoruba people. The declaration was officially communicated through a memo signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Musibau Babatunde. The directive was made public on Wednesday via a statement issued by the Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, in Ibadan, the state capital. In the official memo, Governor Makinde extended his warmest felicitations to all adherents of African Traditional Religion within Oyo State, throughout Nigeria, and across the globe, wishing them a spiritually rewarding and successful celebration. Reaffirming his administration`s unwavering commitment to fairness and inclusivity among all religious groups, Makinde expressed deep gratitude to traditional worshippers for their steadfast support of his government over the last seven years. "The work-free day will enable workers and residents to fully participate in the celebration of the state’s cultural heritage and pray for the peace, unity, and stability of the state in particular, and the country in general," the statement read. The Isese Day holiday was originally institutionalized by Governor Makinde as part of a visionary effort to formally recognize traditional religion practitioners. Beyond its religious significance, the administration has consistently highlighted the festival as a strategic tool to boost cultural tourism, positioning it as an economic growth driver and one of Oyo State`s most prominent institutional strengths.

A horrific tragedy shook Ojuah community in Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State on Friday, August 14, 2026, when a man identified as Emmanuel Etim allegedly set his biological mother, Mrs. Atim Eyo, on fire after accusing her of killing his daughter through witchcraft. The suspect, who reportedly blamed his mother for the sudden death of his child earlier that day, traveled to her residence armed with a four-litre jerrycan of fuel and a cigarette lighter. According to an eyewitness who spoke on the condition of anonymity, Etim confronted his mother immediately upon arrival, demanding to know why she targeted his daughter. "The situation rapidly escalated when Etim stood up from his chair and attempted to strangle his mother," the eyewitness stated. "The elderly woman managed to break free and tried to run for her life, but he chased her, poured petrol on her, and set her ablaze." Terrified neighbors rushed to the scene, successfully extinguished the flames, and hurried the severely injured matriarch to a nearby hospital, where she is currently receiving emergency medical treatment. The Cross River State Police Command has officially launched a manhunt for the suspect. In a statement released to journalists in Calabar on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, the State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, confirmed the incident and declared that the suspect remains at large. "The unfortunate incident did occur as alleged in the report," ASP Eitokpah stated. "However, the Police Command is currently making concerted efforts to apprehend the suspect, who is presently at large, to enable him to answer to the allegations against him." The police spokesperson added that further updates will be communicated to the public as soon as the suspect is in custody and a full investigation is concluded.

Chaos broke out in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, on Wednesday afternoon when heavily armed hoodlums ambushed the convoy of Governor Ademola Adeleke. The attack occurred just as the governor was departing the palace of the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji. Governor Adeleke had visited the traditional ruler to present his newly received Certificate of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), following his recent re-election victory. According toTHENEWSCREDIT, the governor arrived at the royal palace around 3:15 pm in a 20-vehicle motorcade straight from the INEC state headquarters. Shortly after royal blessings were concluded and the governor boarded his official vehicle, attackers arriving in an unregistered Toyota Sienna opened fire. An eyewitness near the scene described the terrifying moments:"The shooting lasted for about 12 to 15 minutes before the governor’s convoy could safely pull out. The governor`s security team engaged the hoodlums in a fierce shootout before the attackers eventually retreated." The assault caused widespread panic, forcing nearby traders, residents, and passersby to flee for their lives. The hoodlums also reportedly destroyed the main gate of the Ataoja’s palace and extended their gunfire exchange with security forces down to the Osogbo Central Mosque before escaping through the Ita Olokan axis along the Osogbo-Ilesa Road. Reacting to the incident, the Osun State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, confirmed the ambush but assured the public that the governor was unharmed. "They are hoodlums, and the governor’s security details successfully repelled them. The attack happened at the Ataoja’s palace. Thankfully, no casualty was recorded," Alimi stated. Despite the security team successfully clearing the path for the governor`s exit, sporadic gunshots were heard in the area up until late afternoon, forcing business owners to hurriedly lock up their shops over fears of reprisal attacks. Security agencies have commenced an investigation to track down the fleeing perpetrators.