The eldest brother of the defunct Afrobeat superstar duo P-Square, Henry Okoye, has cast deep doubt over the possibility of his twin brothers, Peter and Paul Okoye, ever reconciling. Speaking from their father’s residence in Plateau State, Henry revealed that the prolonged, bitter dispute has caused irreparable damage to their relationship. His intervention comes at a time when public interest in the family’s ongoing legal and personal warfare has reached an all-time high. In a shocking twist that has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, Henry questioned the sudden, aggressive change in Paul’s character. He went as far as to wonder if their elder brother and former manager, Jude Okoye, had used spiritual manipulation ("juju") to turn Paul against Peter. Henry noted that Paul used to be the kindest member of the household before the family crisis escalated, making his current hostility highly surprising. Henry commended Peter’s repeated efforts to resolve the lingering disagreement but remained pessimistic about a total family reunion. He also expressed deep personal grievances, alleging that the twins had initially promised him a 20 per cent stake in their earnings during their early days. According to Henry, Jude later intervened, dismissed the agreement, and actively chased foundational family members away from the group. The eldest sibling disclosed that numerous high-profile peace talks have failed, including an intervention by prominent northern figure Shehu Dantata. Henry recalled a time of personal financial distress when Peter directed him to Jude to collect his money, illustrating how centralized the group`s finances were. Despite his own past grievances, Henry made an emotional appeal to Paul to forgive Peter, reminding him of how Peter paid his hospital bills during a critical illness. This latest family intervention unfolds against the backdrop of a massive legal battle that has completely fractured the Okoye dynasty. The rift between the twins initially led to P-Square’s high-profile split in 2017. Although they briefly reunited in 2021 to the delight of global fans, the peace was short-lived, and the brothers fell out permanently again in 2024 over allegations of financial misconduct. The 2024 dispute escalated into a legal nightmare when Peter accused Paul and Jude of secretly diverting P-Square’s royalties into an unapproved company, Northside Music Limited. This company was allegedly linked directly to Jude and his wife. Paul, however, publicly defended Jude and accused Peter of being the sole architect of the legal troubles confronting their older brother. The crisis reached its peak when the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned Jude Okoye over multi-billion naira fraud allegations involving N1.38bn, $1m, and £34,537.59. While Jude pleaded not guilty, Peter actively testified against him in court, alleging that the former manager secretly incorporated the shadow company to siphon group funds. Conversely, Paul maintained his support for Jude, claiming he knew the absolute truth about the matter. The financial warfare has continued to play out intensely within the Nigerian court system. During a cross-examination session, Peter admitted that he was actually a co-signatory to the Northside Entertainment Limited account. This admission directly contradicted his earlier public and legal positions that Jude was the sole signatory operating the accounts. Despite the complex mesh of lawsuits, accusations of black magic, and broken promises, Henry stated that he has personally forgiven his younger brothers for sidelining him over the years. He concluded his remarks with a final plea to Jude to help restore the family to its former glory. He urged his siblings to put the destructive dispute behind them, even as industry experts remain doubtful of a P-Square comeback.

A rescued victim of the February 3 terrorist onslaught on the Woro and Nuku communities in the Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State has shared a harrowing account of survival, resilience, and medical heroism during her six-month ordeal in captivity. Amirah Salihu, a professional nurse and daughter of the traditional chief of Woro community, Umar Salihu, revealed that she single-handedly took delivery of 10 pregnant women using nothing but her bare hands while being held hostage in the forest. Salihu made the shocking disclosures during an exclusive broadcast interview with Channels Television’s Politics Today. Detailing the severe deprivation faced by the hostages, Salihu painted a grim picture of their daily survival under the custody of the insurgents. The captives, primarily women and children, were subjected to extreme weather and starvation. “The kind of food they were giving us was bad," Salihu recounted. "The day we arrived, they just dropped guinea corn for us with salt and Maggi. Every day after that, they gave us one bag of corn without oil, pepper, or anything. There was a day they didn’t even give us Maggi again, just salt.” She added that the abductors briefly provided kuka (a local baobab leaf preparation) before cutting off the supply entirely. Shelter was non-existent, leaving the victims exposed to torrential rains. “They kept us inside a river. The place where we slept was right by the river. Rain fell heavily on us. If we tried to set a fire to stay warm, they ordered us to put it off immediately,” she said. Despite her own suffering, Salihu`s professional instincts kicked in when fellow captives went into labor. Fearing for her safety, she initially hid her medical background when the terrorists began searching for healthcare workers. “They asked, ‘Is there any nurse with us?’ I said no, because I was scared. But as a nurse, I couldn’t watch them suffer. I just started helping the pregnant women deliver. I assisted about 10 women through childbirth without gloves. I used my bare hands to deliver those babies,” Salihu stated. The terrorists eventually discovered her skills and attempted to forcibly recruit her into their ranks. “When they found out, they wanted to keep me. They insisted I should stay back with them permanently, but I refused. I told them I wanted to go home.” When questioned about the attackers` motives, Salihu explained that the insurgents claimed to be executing a divine mandate against democratic governance. “They kept saying they are doing Allah’s work and that we must live strictly by their interpretations. They claimed democracy and the constitution are evils. That is why they invaded our village and killed people,” she said. The invasion hit Salihu`s family directly. Her senior and junior brothers were both executed during the raid. According to her, the killings were a retaliatory measure against her father, the community chief, who had previously resisted the terrorists` encroachment and requested military protection for the area. Unfortunately, the terrorists struck unexpectedly after the deployed soldiers had departed. “They arrived at our house suddenly. Looking at their dressing and appearance, I knew immediately they were Boko Haram,” she stated. She, however, confirmed that despite the brutality, there were no incidents of rape or sexual assault against the female captives during her time in the camp. Salihu was among the 176 women and children abducted during the February 3 raid. The surviving hostages regained their freedom following a coordinated operation. According to official figures released by the Kwara State Government, 13 children tragically lost their lives due to the harsh conditions in captivity, while 12 other individuals remain unaccounted for. Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, officially received the rescued victims in Ilorin. He extended his deepest condolences to the families of those who died in the forest and expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian military hierarchy for securing the release of the citizens. The governor subsequently visited a state general hospital where 14 of the rescued victims—including three women who gave birth while in the forest—are currently undergoing intensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.

The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has accused the Presidency of attempting to whitewash the alleged fake Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC) scandal. In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku argued that the Presidency cannot rely on an interim report from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) as proof of its innocence. Instead, he maintained that the report exposes deeper systemic failures, raising critical questions about how a fraudulent operation was allowed to thrive inside government corridors. According to Atiku, the ICPC report points to severe negligence and potential connivance by public officers. He emphasized that the scandal goes far beyond the actions of a single individual, noting that the prime suspect allegedly forged a presidential appointment letter, set up a fictitious federal agency, operated directly out of government offices, and opened bank accounts using forged legislative documents. “If public officers were negligent, who are they? Who granted access to government offices? Who recognised this supposed Director General? Who enabled him to operate within the machinery of government?” Atiku demanded. The former vice president argued that the ICPC`s own recommendation to sanction negligent public officers proves the scam was not the work of a lone impostor. He insisted that the identities of all complicit officials must be made public so Nigerians can know who authorized the operation and opened the doors for the fraud to take place. Furthermore, Atiku rejected the use of a preliminary text to declare total exoneration, demanding the immediate and full publication of the ICPC report while investigations into financial accounts and collaborators continue. To ensure absolute transparency, the ADC candidate called on the National Assembly to launch a live-broadcast, open investigation. He noted that this public hearing is especially urgent now that the central figure of the controversy, Mr. Adeyemi, has offered to testify openly before lawmakers. “If the Villa is truly clean, it should be the first to welcome live television coverage. Let Nigerians watch, unedited, as the witnesses testify, and the evidence is presented under oath,” Atiku stated. Warning that anything less than a fully transparent probe will look like a cover-up for powerful individuals, Atiku concluded: “Transparency cannot stop where the trail enters the corridors of power. The Presidency cannot investigate itself into innocence.”

The factional Accord Party’s presidential candidate and National Chairman, Prof. Christopher Imumolen, has formally withdrawn from the 2027 presidential race to endorse President Bola Tinubu’s reelection bid. Speaking in Lagos, Imumolen emphasized that the decision followed consultations, prioritizing national interest over personal ambition. Imumolen asserted that Tinubu is best positioned to win in 2027 due to bold reforms and growing support, arguing that continuity is essential for long-term economic benefits. The Accord Party leader praised the administration for its progressive governance, youth empowerment initiatives, and the appointment of competent officials. Having previously been a critic, Imumolen stated that witnessing the administration`s progress prompted this shift in perspective. He argued that no other opposition candidate possesses stronger prospects for success. Dismissing claims of weak party structure, Imumolen clarified the decision was based on performance to ensure political stability. He confirmed that while supporting the President, the Accord Party will continue to compete in governorship and legislative elections.

Popular Arise Television anchor Rufai Oseni has stated that the recent decision to unfreeze the Osun State Government`s bank accounts is a futile attempt at damage control, as the anti-graft agency has already achieved its core objective of destroying the state`s reputation. Speaking on The Morning Show on Friday, Oseni argued that the controversy surrounding the initial freezing had successfully weaponised a corruption narrative against the state government. He maintained that no subsequent reversal by the Federal Government or the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) could undo the severe political and public relations damage already inflicted. Oseni strongly criticised the handling of the situation, warning that it reflects deeply rooted systemic issues within Nigeria`s public institutions. He drew a direct parallel to international political history, comparing the EFCC`s actions to former FBI Director James Comey’s controversial handling of the Hillary Clinton email investigation just days before the 2016 U.S. presidential election. "I was telling [EFCC spokesperson] Wilson Uwujaren yesterday that the EFCC has already achieved its aim. Even if the President reverses this, the damage stands," Oseni asserted. "They have already blackmailed the state government. This is exactly what happened between James Comey and Hillary Clinton leading up to the 2016 elections." The broadcaster further emphasised that the psychological impact on the electorate and the general public cannot be erased by simply unlocking the state`s funds. According to Oseni, the political opposition and institutional actors have already achieved their goal by shaping permanent public perception. To back his claim, Oseni pointed out that digital data and internet search algorithms have already been heavily skewed against the state. A simple search linking Osun State with "frozen account" and "corruption allegations" yields widespread results, proving that the negative narrative has firmly taken root in the public consciousness. "This reversal is a little too late because you had already blackmailed the candidates," Oseni concluded, noting that the institutional stigma will linger long after the administrative correction.

President Bola Tinubu has ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to immediately lift the restriction placed on an Osun State Government statutory allocation account. The President`s intervention follows intense political controversy and public outrage just days before the state’s August 15 gubernatorial election. Tinubu expressed deep embarrassment over the timing of the anti-graft agency`s action, warning that federal institutions must not appear to be interfering with democratic processes. The controversy began on Wednesday when the EFCC directed First Bank of Nigeria Limited to freeze the state`s account. According to the commission, the action was triggered by the sudden, suspicious movement of funds. The agency revealed that the restriction was part of an active investigation into the alleged fraudulent handling and laundering of approximately ₦11 billion in Ecology Funds, Intervention Funds, and Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) allocations. Defending its actions, the EFCC stated that it operated strictly within its legal mandate. The commission’s Director of Public Affairs, Wilson Uwujaren, explained that the agency acted under Section 34 of the EFCC Act and Section 7(6) of the Money Laundering Act, 2022. These provisions allow a temporary 72-hour restriction on suspicious accounts before securing a formal court order. Uwujaren emphasized that the move was purely driven by intelligence gathered on August 2 to preserve public funds, noting that a similar non-political intervention was successfully executed in Edo State prior to its recent election. However, the timing of the freeze sparked immediate resistance from the Osun State Government. Led by Governor Ademola Adeleke, the state authorities swiftly filed a lawsuit against the commission at the Federal High Court in Abuja. In the suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1762/2026, the state is demanding ₦2 billion in exemplary damages. The plaintiffs argue that the EFCC and First Bank restricted the statutory account without a subsisting court order, leaving the state`s financial operations paralyzed on the eve of a critical election. In its originating summons, the Osun State Government strongly condemned the bank directive as an act of executive lawlessness and a flagrant abuse of statutory powers. The state`s legal team has asked the court to determine whether the freeze constitutes an unlawful suppression of the constitutional functions of a federating unit. They contend that the agency`s actions directly threaten the financial autonomy of the state and infringe upon the democratic rights of the people of Osun. The situation has also ignited a fierce wave of public fury across Nigeria, particularly on social media. Citizens and opposition groups have heavily criticized the anti-graft agency, with many demanding the immediate resignation or removal of the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede. While some civil society groups and legal experts have backed President Tinubu`s decision to maintain regional stability, opposition parties remain skeptical, openly questioning the presidency`s explanation of the events. In a personally signed statement, President Tinubu clarified that while he supports the independent mandate of anti-corruption agencies, preserving public confidence in election credibility remains paramount. "Osun State is only a few days away from its gubernatorial election," Tinubu stated. "Therefore, nothing ought to be done to give an impression that the EFCC or indeed any other agency of the Federal Government is being used to interfere with the election." Following the presidential directive, the EFCC is expected to approach the federal court immediately to vacate the restriction order and discontinue its current proceedings against the state account. The development leaves the ₦11 billion corruption investigation in a delicate balance as political actors refocus their attention entirely on the upcoming August 15 polls.

Operatives of the Oyo State Police Command, in a joint security operation, have successfully rescued a 17-year-old boy who was kidnapped near a government forest reserve in the state. THENEWSCREDIT reports that the victim, identified as Daneri Alhaji Yaro, was abducted by gunmen in the early hours of Wednesday, 5 August 2026, at Aladere Village, located via Ikoyi-Ile in the Oriire Local Government Area of Ogbomoso. Following the sudden abduction, the Divisional Police Officer in charge of the area immediately activated an emergency response protocol and mobilized a high-powered tactical team to storm the axis. The rescue squad comprised a combined team of regular police operatives, members of the Western Nigeria Security Network popularly known as the Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes, and hunter associations. The security forces launched a coordinated search-and-rescue mission inside the dense terrain surrounding the Government Reserve Forest, forcing the criminal elements to abandon their captive. In a statement available to THENEWSCREDIT on Thursday evening, the State Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed the total success of the joint security operation. Ayanlade stated that the victim was rescued entirely unhurt from the forest and has since been reunited with his family, while security forces maintain a presence in the area to track down the fleeing suspects.

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has uncovered two additional fake federal agencies set up by a syndicate inside the government. The phantom bodies, named the FCT Investment Promotion Agency and the Foreign Investment Promotion Agency, were created using forged legislative documents to run illegal operations. This discovery emerged during an ongoing probe into Adeniyi Matthew Adeyemi, the self-proclaimed Director-General of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC). ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, disclosed the fresh details on Thursday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja after presenting an interim report to President Bola Tinubu. Investigators established that the entire PFIPC operation was a fraud, as Adeyemi was never appointed by the Federal Government. The council itself had no legal backing, having never been created by an Act of the National Assembly or any executive order. Armed with a forged appointment letter, Adeyemi and his syndicate unlawfully took over the offices and official instruments of the defunct Presidential Economic Advisory Council (PEAC). Operating directly from the former PEAC headquarters, the group engaged in impersonation and false representation by exploiting weak verification links between government organs. To expand their reach, Adeyemi later altered the name of the illegal body from the Foreign Investment Promotion Council to the Foreign Intervention Promotion Council. The ICPC revealed that this tactical name change was specifically aimed at widening the fake agency`s scope to include illegal revenue generation. Despite the sophistication of the operation, the ICPC confirmed that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and State House financial networks remained secure. The interim findings showed that no public funds were approved or disbursed to the fake PFIPC or PEAC accounts, ruling out systemic financial breaches. However, the probe exposed deep institutional rot, naming key officials across major government offices as active collaborators. The implicated workers span the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation. Other accomplices were traced to the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, the Budget Office, and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA). The anti-graft agency has now recommended the immediate prosecution of Adeyemi and strict disciplinary action against all compromised civil servants. Dr. Aliyu stressed that the investigation is still ongoing and more details are being gathered to file comprehensive criminal charges against the suspects. Receiving the report, President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transparency and vowed to ensure absolute accountability in resolving the matter.

Lere Olayinka, the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has launched a scathing attack on Chief Bode George, urging the PDP chieftain to retire gracefully from active politics and stop "embarrassing" the Yoruba race. In a strongly-worded statement released on Thursday, Olayinka lambasted the former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), accusing him of lacking the decorum expected of an 81-year-old elder statesman. Olayinka noted that as a former military governor of old Ondo State 38 years ago, George ought to emulate his peers who have maintained a dignified silence in their old age. Instead, he accused the PDP chieftain of hopping from one television station to another to malign younger politicians. "It is becoming an embarrassment the way a man like Chief Bode George, who should be acting like an elder statesman, is jumping from one television station to the other to malign people who are young enough to be his children," Olayinka stated. "Even if a man was over-spoilt, rascally, too playful, and dull as a child, at 81, he should have outgrown those vices." Challenging George’s political relevance, the FCT Minister’s aide pointed out that despite his decades of leadership, the PDP has failed to secure a foothold in Lagos State. He mocked George for failing to deliver his own polling unit since the return of democracy in 1999. "Unlike Lagos State, we have had PDP governors in Ogun, Ondo, Ekiti, Oyo, and Osun states. Methinks rather than doing ‘cho cho cho’ all the time, Bode George needs to tell Nigerians why PDP has remained at the sideline in the politics of Lagos State since 1999," Olayinka argued. Invoking Yoruba traditional values, Olayinka stated that while respect for elders is paramount in the South-West, it is earned through dignified behaviour. He cautioned that George`s current media outings are stripping him of that cultural reverence. "In Yorubaland, respect is conditional, and the major condition is that an elder must avoid disrespecting himself. That is why it is said that an elder who chooses to tie corn to his waist and run around will have fowls chasing and making mockery of him. "Today, who among those eminent Nigerians who served as military governors with Bode George between 1988 and 1990 are doing ‘political we no go gree’ up and down, jumping from one media house to another to lie?" Olayinka questioned. As at the time of filing this report, Chief Bode George has yet to respond to the remarks.

The national leadership of the City Boy Movement has summarily dismissed its Oyo State Coordinator, Ahmed Ajibola, over alleged gross insubordination and derogatory remarks directed at President Bola Tinubu. The decision, announced by the pro-Tinubu support group on Thursday, follows a thorough review of the coordinator`s conduct and public statements over the past two months. According to an official statement signed by the Director-General of the movement, Hon. Francis Oluwatosin Shoga, the executive committee resolved to terminate Ajibola`s appointment to protect the corporate image and integrity of the organization. Trouble began on June 2, 2026, when the national leadership issued a formal query to Ajibola, demanding a written explanation for recurring disciplinary infractions and hostile rhetoric against the group`s hierarchy. The petition filed against the former coordinator detailed specific instances where he allegedly hurled insults at the President, the movement`s national executives, and its grand patron, Seyi Tinubu. Beyond verbal attacks, the management revealed that Ajibola threatened internal stability by openly challenging an apex leader of the movement in Oyo State to a physical confrontation. Despite receiving a 48-hour ultimatum to defend himself against the grievous allegations, the embattled coordinator failed to provide a satisfactory defense to clear his name. The national secretariat has reiterated its zero-tolerance policy for disrespect, affirming that an interim leadership will be announced soon to steer the movement’s affairs in Oyo State.