Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga has disputed widespread claims of severe economic hardship in Nigeria, asserting that critics are overlooking the positive impacts of President Bola Tinubu’s policies. Speaking on Arise Television, Onanuga argued that several state interventions have yielded tangible benefits for citizens. He specifically cited major infrastructure projects, the interest-free federal student loan scheme, and single-digit credit facilities for civil servants. To illustrate his point, the presidential aide recounted his recent travel experiences, noting that the newly paved concrete road along the Ijebu-Ode axis and progress on the coastal highway have significantly cut down commuting times. "Is that not beneficial? What are people talking about really?" Onanuga asked, adding that public discourse has been unfairly "pigeonholed into certain assumptions" about the economy. While acknowledging the country`s current economic adjustments, Onanuga stated that his personal interactions do not match the scale of desperation often reported. He noted that feedback from his private employees suggests a different reality on the ground. The spokesman`s comments arrive amid intense national debate over the administration`s bold economic reforms. The removal of the petrol subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange window have triggered a surge in the cost of living, though the government maintains these decisions are critical for long-term economic stability.

Popular Yoruba gospel musician Kehinde Adegbodu, the surviving half of the renowned Adegbodu Twins musical duo, has formally debunked widespread social media speculations claiming he is battling a critical or life-threatening illness. Addressing his fans, colleagues, and the public in a recent update, the singer clarified that visible injuries on his face and hands were not the result of an ongoing health crisis, but rather the aftermath of a minor domestic fire accident. Following the tragic and sudden passing of his twin brother, Taiwo Adegbodu, earlier this year, public attention on Kehinde’s well-being has remained exceptionally high. The rumor mill went into overdrive recently when online videos and public appearances showed the singer with noticeable marks and burns on his face and hands. Speculation quickly spread across various social media platforms, with some reports falsely suggesting the artist was suffering from a severe, underlying medical condition,THENEWSCREDIT reports. Setting the record straight, Adegbodu explained that the incident was purely a household mishap. While he did not provide exhaustive details about the exact origin of the flame, he emphasized that it was a localized, non-fatal kitchen or domestic fire accident that was quickly brought under control. He firmly reiterated that he is not hospitalized, nor is he dealing with any terminal sickness. The artist expressed deep appreciation to his global fanbase, ministry partners, and well-wishers who bombarded his management team with calls and messages out of genuine concern for his health status. "I am doing completely fine, and I want to thank everyone who reached out," Adegbodu stated, reassuring the public that his recovery is well underway and that the accident will not deter his ongoing musical engagements or gospel ministry. The clarification brings much-needed relief to the Nigerian gospel music community, which has rallied heavily around the singer following a turbulent year marked by grief and a highly publicized household robbery incident.

Following an internal circular issued on Monday, June 22, 2026, and a formal public briefing on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has banned all members of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) from engaging in unauthorised social media activities. The direct policy response from Force Headquarters follows deep institutional concerns regarding a rising trend of active-duty officers creating videos, hosting live-streaming broadcasts, and posting skits on platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram while in uniform. The policing chief warned that these actions compromise the structural integrity, core professionalism, and public perception of the nation`s primary law enforcement agency. While acknowledging that digital networks remain vital communication channels for public interaction, IGP Disu emphasised that active personnel must strictly conform to the Nigeria Police Force Social Media Policy. Under the freshly reinforced regulations, serving officers are explicitly forbidden from:Producing, uploading, or sharing self-made digital content while wearing the police uniform.Commenting publicly on official police matters or sensitive ongoing security cases.Divulging confidential operational strategies, security logistics, or tactical placements.Leveraging their official state titles and law enforcement authority for personal branding, entertainment, or financial gain. THENEWSCREDIT reports that, the IGP made it clear that regulatory compliance will stretch directly to high-level command structures. Commissioners of Police (CPs), Heads of Departments, and tactical Commanders have been mandated to immediately educate personnel under their direct supervision and enforce zero-tolerance compliance. State commissioners have seven days to disseminate the order across all formations and 14 days to submit full compliance reports to the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations. Supervisory officers will be held personally and professionally responsible if they fail to initiate disciplinary measures against violations occurring within their respective territorial jurisdictions. To track down violators, the IGP has mobilized the Force Intelligence Department (FID) and the Professional Standards Department (X-Squad). Both surveillance arms are directed to increase tracking across all major digital media platforms to identify and apprehend officers engaging in activities that violate professional police standards, with offenders risking dismissal or demotion. The NPF reaffirmed its dedication to institutional discipline and public transparency while assuring citizens of its continued commitment to protecting public trust.

Governor Seyi Makinde has declared a 16-hour curfew across 10 local government areas in Oyo State following the recent abduction of 39 students and seven teachers. The security measure targets municipalities surrounding the Old Oyo National Park, a vast reserve where bandits are reportedly holding the hostages. The affected educators and students were seized last month from various communities within the Oriire Local Government Area. The restriction was announced late Tuesday in a statement by the Secretary to the Oyo State Government, Professor Musibau Babatunde, and distributed by the Governor`s Chief Press Secretary, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju and available to THENEWSCREDIT The directive takes effect today, Wednesday, June 24, 2026. Residents must remain indoors between 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. daily. State officials confirmed that the curfew will last for an initial 48 hours while security agencies conduct tactical operations. THENEWSCREDIT reports that,the containment zone spans the following council areas:Oriire (Ikoyi-Ile)Orelope (Igboho)Irepo (Kisi)Saki West (Saki)Saki East (Ago-Amodu)Atisbo (Tede/Ago-Are)Itesiwaju (Otu)Iseyin (Iseyin)Olorunsogo (Igbeti)Atiba (Offa-Meta) Local leaders have long voiced concerns regarding the porous boundaries of the national park. Security forces have now sealed the perimeters of these locations to restrict bandit mobility and facilitate rescue efforts.

A major security coalition was formed at the weekend as sixty-five traditional rulers from the Orire Local Government Traditional Council converged on the Soun Palace to deliberate on critical security issues affecting Ogbomosoland. The high-level meeting, hosted by the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye Orumogege III, brought together frontline Obas and Baales. The traditional rulers engaged in frank, constructive, and strategic discussions aimed at designing immediate, practical measures to combat rising security challenges and protect lives and property across local towns and villages. Addressing the council, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye Orumogege III emphasized that absolute unity among the royal fathers is the most effective weapon against regional instability. He noted that the true strength of Ogbomosoland lies in a cohesive leadership structure where all traditional custodians speak with a single, unwavering voice,THENEWSCREDIT reports. "When our royal fathers stand together, speak with one voice, and pursue a common vision, we are better equipped to address challenges, preserve peace, and promote sustainable development within our communities," the frontline monarch stated. He reminded the traditional rulers that security remains a continuous, shared responsibility that demands high vigilance, mutual cooperation, and proactive leadership at the grassroots level. To ensure total stability, the council adopted a comprehensive resolution focused on three key areas of cooperation: Enhancing local surveillance networks within all towns, borders, and villages to spot potential threats early.Deepening operational ties and information sharing with statutory law enforcement and local security forces.Collaborating directly with state and local government authorities to attract critical infrastructure and rapid response teams. THENEWSCREDIT reports that,Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye Orumogege III expressed profound appreciation to the sixty-five Obas and Baales who attended the session. He described the impressive, historic turnout as an undeniable testament to their collective resolve to protect their people and uphold long-term regional peace. Moving forward, the Soun urged the traditional council to remain steadfast, vigilant, and unified. He expressed absolute confidence that with sustained collective determination, Ogbomosoland will successfully overcome its present security hurdles and build a much safer, stronger, and more prosperous domain for future generations.

THE Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has declared that he would implement a total nationwide ban on tinted vehicles if he had the sole authority to do so. Disu stated that heavily tinted windows pose severe security risks, serving as operational tools for kidnappers, armed robbers, and "one-chance" criminal syndicates. The police boss spoke in Abuja in response to concerns raised by the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Afam Osigwe (SAN), regarding the management of tinted glass permits. NBA kicks against fees While supporting police oversight, Osigwe strongly opposed turning the permit process into a commercial, revenue-generating venture. The NBA president questioned the necessity of periodic renewals, arguing that vehicle details only need to be captured once in a central database. He also condemned outsourcing permit administration to private entities for fee collection. Osigwe, however, clarified that the NBA fully backs enforcement against vehicles that completely conceal occupants from security agencies. Rising security threats Rejecting the NBA`s stance on renewals, the IGP cited the country`s prevailing security challenges as justification for strict measures. "I have a different view about it entirely. We have a security situation in the country now. If I have my way, there would be no vehicle that would be tinted in the country," Disu stated. Drawing from his tenure as Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Commissioner of Police, Disu revealed that investigations into "one-chance" syndicates showed a direct link to tinted cars. He noted that out of 27 vehicles recently impounded from criminal syndicates, the vast majority had heavily darkened windows. Impending nationwide crackdown The IGP criticized the growing trend of tinting windscreens and rear windows, calling it a direct threat to the lives of officers during stop-and-search operations. He reiterated that only individuals with verifiable medical or security justifications are legally permitted to use tints, which must still maintain baseline visibility. Disu warned that the Nigeria Police Force will soon launch a massive, nationwide enforcement campaign to clear illegally tinted vehicles off the roads.

Following an intensive field operation on Monday, 22 June 2026, the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, has initiated a sweeping crackdown against unauthorized road blockades, extortion, and indiscipline within the ranks of the command. The police boss personally led a high-powered team of senior officers on a statewide monitoring and inspection tour of major highways. The operation covered strategic transit corridors, including the busy East-West Road spanning Ikwerre and Emohua Local Government Areas, as well as critical boundary points near the Rivers-Imo border. The crackdown aligns strictly with the national directives issued by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, aimed at reforming highway policing, eradicating motorist harassment, and restoring public confidence in law enforcement. During the tour, THENEWSCREDIT reports that CP Adepoju directly confronted several operatives found obstructing traffic and operating unapproved checkpoints. The Commissioner ordered the immediate dismantling of the illegal structures and directed that the identities, ranks, and commands of the violating officers be documented for immediate disciplinary action at the state headquarters. "We have directed that nobody should block the road," Adepoju stated while addressing journalists at the Rivers-Imo boundary. "Our men are deployed on the highways primarily to ensure the safety and security of citizens, not to disrupt the free flow of traffic or bring the image of the Nigeria Police Force into disrepute." The command has warned that supervisors, including Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) and tactical unit commanders, will be held accountable for infractions committed by personnel under their watch. Moving forward, highway patrol officers must carry out professional stop-and-search operations without creating blockades or gridlocks. Furthermore, any officer caught on duty improperly dressed or without a clearly visible official name tag will face severe administrative sanctions. While noting that compliance has significantly improved and illegal checkpoints have dropped along key corridors, the CP assured residents that the monitoring exercises will remain continuous and unscheduled. The enforcement drive on 22 June 2026 has drawn widespread reactions from the motoring public and transport unions, who have long complained about man-hours lost to illegal highway shakedowns. Representatives of local transport unions lauded the CP`s physical presence on the highways. They noted that removing extortion bottlenecks along the Port Harcourt-Aba and East-West corridors will significantly lower transport costs and prevent artificial gridlocks. Several interstate drivers expressed relief, stating that the reduction of illegal checkpoints will safeguard them against aggressive roadside intimidation. However, they urged the command to sustain the unscheduled visits, noting that errant personnel often return to the roads once monitoring teams leave the area. The Rivers State Police Command has assured residents that these oversight inspections will remain continuous and unannounced to ensure permanent compliance across all local government areas.

The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Monday, June 22, 2026, ordered the immediate remand of human rights activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, at the Kuje Correctional Centre. The decision was handed down by Justice Mohammed Umar, who directed that the Sahara Reporters publisher remain in custody pending the hearing and determination of a motion filed by his defense team. The Department of State Services (DSS) is prosecuting Sowore on a two-count cybercrime charge. The state accuses the activist of: Arising from an August 2025 social media post where he referred to President Bola Tinubu as a "criminal" during the President’s trip to Brazil. Sowore previously declined DSS demands to delete the posts, maintaining they are protected under free speech. In May 2026, the court ruled that the DSS had established a prima facie case, requiring Sowore to open his defense. Shortly after, on June 5, his initial legal team withdrew from the case following a judicial directive for daily trial hearings. Justice Umar had previously revoked Sowore’s bail on June 16, 2026, and issued a bench warrant following his failure to appear for a scheduled hearing. During Monday`s proceedings, the court dismissed a motion filed by Sowore asking Justice Umar to step down (recuse himself) over allegations of bias. Sowore`s newly appointed counsel, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika (SAN), has filed an application for a stay of execution against the bail revocation and the bench warrant. Sowore arrived at the court premises accompanied by supporters holding placards. Following the ruling, mild unrest broke out outside the courtroom as some of his supporters attempted to obstruct security operatives from transporting him into custody. Speaking defiantly to journalists, Sowore stated that he had anticipated the ruling and brought his personal belongings with him, asserting that imprisonment is part of the sacrifice required to liberate the country. He additionally urged prison officers to "let the prisoners breathe" during his transfer. The court has adjourned the matter until Wednesday, June 24, 2026, to hear the defense`s application to restore his bail status. During Monday`s proceedings, the court dismissed a motion filed by Sowore asking Justice Umar to step down (recuse himself) over allegations of bias.

Notorious bandit kingpin Bello Turji has claimed responsibility for a wave of recent assaults targeting security personnel across Sokoto and Zamfara states, while simultaneously offering a conditional truce to federal authorities. The declaration came to light in a newly circulated social media video recorded on June 20, 2026. Speaking in Hausa, a masked figure identified as Turji stood flanked by heavily armed fighters in military camouflage to address the escalating conflict in Nigeria`s North-West region. Allegations of Community Visual Targeting The militant leader justified his group`s violent campaign as a direct retaliation for systemic abuses against his people. He alleged that innocent communities in Shinkafi (Zamfara State) and Sabon Birni (Sokoto State) have faced deadly raids and mass livestock seizures. "People who are chasing away our livestock are killing our innocent brothers and sisters who have done nothing wrong," the speaker asserted, framing their recent operations as a divinely sanctioned defense. "Allah granted us victory over these people who are carrying out these operations." Peace Talks on a Knife-Edge In a direct challenge to Abuja, the commander stated that his faction is open to a negotiated settlement, provided the Nigerian government initiates genuine dialogue. However, the overture was paired with a stark warning of continued bloodshed if the military maintains its offensive. "If the government is ready for negotiation, we are also ready," the speaker declared. "But if they want to continue with force, we are prepared. Our fighters are ready for whatever comes."

Chaos erupted at the vital Iwo Road interchange on Monday as an angry wave of demonstrators completely blocked the highway, paralyzing the Oyo State capital. The strategic transit hub degenerated into total gridlock starting around 10:00 AM. Drivers and commuters trapped in the lockdown watched as activists took over the asphalt. ‘Comfortable Politicians’ Under Fire The Take It Back Movement spearheaded the shutdown. They are demanding the immediate rescue of citizens snatched by terrorists in May from the Orire Local Government Area. Activists claim a staggering 46 students and teachers are currently rotting in hellish kidnappers` dens. They slammed state and federal authorities for abandonment. "Government officials are in the comfort of their rooms and offices while innocent students and teachers are languishing," shouted Juwon Sanyaolu, National Coordinator of the movement. The 2027 Election Backlash Sanyaolu tore into Nigeria`s political elite. He accused them of obsessing over 2027 election strategies while citizens are actively hunted down and stolen. "We will not be sitting until 2027. By that time, we won’t even know how many will be alive," Sanyaolu warned. Threat of Total Shutdown The group declared the Ibadan blockage is just the beginning. They promised to trigger nationwide mass action across the North, South, East, and West. Terrified motorists remained stranded for hours. Meanwhile, leaders vowed the streets will witness relentless civil fury until every single captive is freed.