In a startling revelation that contradicts official accounts, Zacchaeus Olatunde, one of the schoolteachers recently rescued in Oyo State, has disclosed that their abductors released them voluntarily before security forces arrived to escort them home. Olatunde, who spent 56 grueling days in captivity alongside other teachers and pupils abducted from Oriire Local Government Area, shared his ordeal during a telephone interview with Nigeria Info FM on Friday. According to the rescued teacher, the victims were kept in complete isolation and permanently blindfolded, leaving them entirely disoriented about their location. "It is difficult to say everything on air," Olatunde recounted. "When we were there, we were blind—and not with an ordinary blindfold. We didn’t even know if we were still in Nigeria or another country. We were just there, thinking the government had forgotten us." He noted that the kidnappers were multilingual, communicating fluently in Hausa, Nupe, English, and Yoruba. Crucially, they explicitly identified themselves as insurgents belonging to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). "They said they are not Boko Haram; they insisted they are ISWAP," Olatunde stated, adding that he was both the last person captured at the school and the last to be set free. 56 Days Without a Bath While describing the harsh conditions of their two-month captivity, Olatunde revealed that the terrorists maintained a strict but calculated regime. "In terms of feeding, those people really tried for us, to be sincere," he admitted. "From the day we were abducted, they told us on the way that if we and the government cooperated, there would be no problem." The captives were fed twice daily, strictly on a diet of rice, minimal beans, onions, margarine, and salt. "Throughout our 56-day stay there, we did not taste pepper. We also never bathed or washed our clothes," he added. Banned from Mentioning `Jesus` The terrorists also heavily policed the religious practices of their captives. "When we first arrived, they strictly prohibited us from praying," Olatunde revealed. "After about a month, they allowed us to pray again, but with a stern warning: we must not mention the name of Jesus, and we must never pray aloud." Despite the psychological warfare, Olatunde credited divine intervention and public prayers for their survival and ultimate release. A Near-Fatal Release The end of their captivity came unexpectedly when the insurgent commander approached them laughing, announced their freedom, and ordered them to untie their eyes. However, Olatunde’s release almost took a horrific turn due to a broken handcuff key. Because the key had snapped earlier in their captivity, he was left behind as the other hostages departed. "They told me I couldn`t go home with the handcuffs. One of the terrorists actually suggested they should cut off my hand to get it off," Olatunde revealed. "Thankfully, another one refused. They eventually managed to use a small piece of rope to manipulate and remove the cuffs." The military and state security apparatus have yet to officially respond to Olatunde`s claims regarding the sequence of their rescue.

Major Christian organizations have strongly opposed a proposed amendment to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Act, which seeks to criminalize preaching and hawking inside commercial vehicles. The Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN) and the Organisation of African Instituted Churches (OAIC) warned that the bill violates constitutionally guaranteed rights and punishes vulnerable citizens struggling under economic hardship. The backlash follows the Senate`s passage of the Federal Road Safety Corps (Amendment) Bill, 2026. The legislation proposes a ₦50,000 fine, a six-month jail term, or both for anyone caught preaching, trading, or hawking in commercial transit. While lawmakers argue the ban will prevent driver distraction and boost road safety, the bill now awaits presidential assent to become law. In a statement signed by its General Secretary, Rev. Evans Onyemara, the CCN expressed deep concern over grouping Christian evangelism with commercial ventures. While affirming its support for road safety initiatives, the council maintained that traffic regulations must not override religious freedoms. "The inclusion of preaching alongside hawking and trading raises legitimate concerns about freedom of religion and expression as guaranteed by the Constitution," Onyemara stated, noting that commercial buses have served as spaces for spiritual encouragement for decades. The CCN also criticized the ₦50,000 fine targeted at transit hawkers. The group argued that aggressive penalties address the symptoms of Nigeria`s economic crisis rather than its root causes, such as systemic poverty and unemployment. "Poverty should not be criminalised," the statement read, urging the government to create designated trading zones and empowerment programs instead of punitive sanctions. The council urged President Bola Tinubu to subject the bill to broader public consultation. Echoing these concerns, the OAIC explicitly called on President Tinubu to withhold his assent from the legislation. OAIC President, Israel Akinadewo, described the decision to equate peaceful religious expression with commercial trading as "insensitive." "Preaching is a constitutionally protected exercise," Akinadewo said. "We respectfully call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu not to assent to the Bill in its present form." The OAIC urged the National Assembly to review the provisions alongside religious bodies and civil society groups to balance public safety with democratic freedoms.

The Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye Orumogege III, has ordered the immediate cancellation of the ongoing 2026 Egungun Festival after a violent clash in the Aguodo area of Ogbomoso, Oyo State, left one person dead. The annual cultural festival, which commenced on Wednesday, 8 July 2026, was originally scheduled to run until Sunday, 19 July 2026. THENEWSCREDIT reports that the cancellation was announced in an official palace statement signed by the Palace Secretary, Mr. Toyin Ajamu, on behalf of the monarch. The decisive action follows the fatal shooting during the Aguodo fracas and a series of attacks by hoodlums, which threatened to escalate into widespread violence. The monarch has directed law enforcement agencies to strictly enforce the ban and maintain public peace. According to the palace statement, security operatives have been ordered to arrest and prosecute anyone caught violating the directive, continuing the celebrations, or attempting to instigate further trouble. "We count on your maximum cooperation to ensure strict compliance and maintenance of peace and order," the statement addressed to security agencies read.

A harrowing tale of captivity, cold-blooded executions, and a forced prisoner exchange has emerged following the release of the "Oriire 44" victims. Mr Zaccheus Olatunde, one of the survivors, provided a chilling eyewitness account of the 56 days they spent in the hands of terrorists. He detailed the brutal murders of two captives and how a military strategy ultimately secured the freedom of the remaining hostages. According to Olatunde, the captors operated under strict commands led by two leaders: a "General Commander" and a "Camp Commander." Tragedy struck early during their walk into the forest when Mr Michael Oyedokun, a school teacher, was caught with a hidden mobile phone after hostages were ordered to surrender all devices. "The General Commander said: `If I didn`t kill anyone... I must kill this man for disobeying my order,`" Olatunde recalled. "The following day, Mr Michael Oyedokun was slaughtered. He was shouting as they were dragging him away, begging. Later... no more noise. A terrorist aged 17 or 18 came back dancing and singing to celebrate the teacher`s death." A second hostage, Mr John Olaleye, was executed on June 7. The terrorists claimed his killing was retaliation for military movements near their location. Both victims were taken away to separate locations within the forest to be executed. 56 Days of Torture The survivors endured severe physical and psychological torture. For nearly two months, they were constantly on the move, chained, handcuffed, and blindfolded. Survivors of the Oriire 44 abduction endured 56 days of physical abuse, including beatings with gun butts and restricted freedoms that required begging for toilet access, while being fed a starvation diet of plain white rice and palm oil. The captors subjected Christian hostages to religious persecution, punishing attempts to pray or call on Jesus with severe violence while enforcing their own religious practices. The Military Turning Point The dynamic in the camp shifted dramatically after the Nigerian military launched a targeted counter-operation, tracking down and abducting the family members of the terrorists. The terrorists initially demanded the release of their detained comrades. However, the arrest of their own families forced them to change their tactics. "They started treating us well... they changed their cruelty when they heard that some of their family members had been abducted by the soldiers," Olatunde explained. The Release and Arrests The terrorists eventually granted the hostages a unconditional release to facilitate a swap. They provided the survivors with navigational directions out of the forest, instructing them to cross two streams where security forces were waiting. Olatunde carried the weakened children across the water before they reached safety. Following their rescue, military commanders in Ibadan presented photographic evidence to the survivors for identification. Security forces confirmed that eight terrorists have been arrested and several others neutralized in connection with the abduction. While celebrating their survival, the families and community continue to mourn the tragic loss of Mr Oyedokun and Mr Olaleye.

As part of milestone activities marking its historic first anniversary, Treasure Online Radio is set to launch a multi-million naira ultra-modern broadcasting studio to deepen grassroots development and expand its digital reach across the nation. Ambassador David Oluwayimika Ogunwuyi, the Chief Executive Officer of Yintox Multimedia Concept—the parent company of Treasure Online Radio based in Oremerin, Ogbomoso—disclosed this landmark development in an exclusive media chat with THENEWSCREDIT, charting a new course for digital broadcasting in the region. Ambassador Ogunwuyi, widely recognized as "Yintox," is a seasoned cinematographer and media expert who has spent years establishing a footprint in the communication industry. Reflecting on the birth of the station, he shared an inspiring journey driven by a deep, personal commitment to delivering ethical, community-focused programming. He noted that the station was conceived out of a crucial need to bridge the gap between local grassroots realities and the global audience, using cutting-edge digital technology to amplify voices that are often ignored by mainstream media. Since hitting the digital airwaves, Treasure Online Radio has completely transformed the regional broadcasting landscape by prioritizing sustainable community development. The station has successfully positioned itself as a powerful public watchdog, cultural custodian, and educational hub for the people of Ogbomoso and beyond. Through highly informative programs, the outfit has consistently tackled critical local issues, proving that independent digital media can actively drive civic engagement and social change at the grassroots level. To celebrate one year of impactful operations, the management has officially rolled out a comprehensive, highly inclusive week-long anniversary itinerary designed to unite the diverse community. The celebratory events kicked off today, Friday, July 17, 2026, with a special Islamic Jummah Service at the Alhaja Kelani Central Mosque, Oke-Osuru, Ogbomoso. This will immediately be followed by a traditional `Iwure` (blessings and prayers) at an Ifa traditional service on Saturday, July 18, 2026, demonstrating the station`s deep respect for cultural heritage and inclusivity. THENEWSCREDIT reports that the spiritual celebration continues on Sunday, July 19, 2026, with a grand Christian Thanksgiving Service scheduled at the Christ Zion Prayer Ministry, located at Oke-Anu, Ogbomoso. Taking the celebration directly to the people, the station will move to the streets on Monday, July 20, and Tuesday, July 21, 2026, for special live Outside Broadcasts (OB). These live interactive sessions will take place at the bustling Akande Market and the active Arowomole Junction, allowing the radio team to engage physically with their loyal listeners and market traders. In a bid to foster industry unity, a friendly football match will be played between the Treasure Online Radio squad and other prominent air practitioners from Ogbomoso and neighboring communities. Following the sports event, a mid-week special thanksgiving and networking session will hold at the Imuse Tosbless Studio, Oke-Owode, Ogbomoso, on Wednesday, July 22, 2026. This gathering aims to bring local media professionals together to celebrate collective achievements and brainstorm on strategies to advance the regional communication ecosystem. The entire week-long celebration will reach its peak on Thursday, July 23, 2026, during a highly anticipated grand finale at the Ogbomoso Ise-Oluwani FMCU hall, situated directly opposite the Police Divisional Headquarters in the Sunsun area of Ogbomoso. The main highlight of this momentous occasion will be the official launching of a state-of-the-art, N15 Million Modern Broadcasting Studio. This facility is equipped with top-tier, modern digital infrastructure aimed at upgrading production quality and expanding the station`s transmission capacity globally. Using the anniversary platform to address critical national issues, Amb. Ogunwuyi strictly advised media houses across Nigeria to uphold the highest standards of accuracy and verified reporting. He strongly emphasized that stations must prioritize educational and peace-building content that promotes community stability, especially as political tensions build up ahead of the 2027 general elections. He warned that the media must never become an instrument of misinformation, but rather remain a reliable vehicle for democratic growth, national unity, and societal development.

The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has strongly challenged Nigerian leaders to shift their focus toward people-centric governance. He argued that the true measure of any economic policy lies in its tangible impact on the welfare of ordinary citizens. The monarch made this declaration on Thursday during a national conference held in Kano, where he dissected the country`s pressing socio-economic issues. Representing the Emir, the Danmadamin Kano and Professor of Economics at Bayero University, Abubakar Aliyu Sanusi, described the gathering as highly critical. He noted that the discussion comes at a time when Nigeria is grappling with severe economic hardships and political uncertainties. The royal father insisted that governance must deliver practical benefits to the population to be considered valid. In a blunt assessment of current governance strategies, Sanusi stated that policies must actively reduce poverty, elevate living standards, and drive inclusive growth. He maintained that economic theories and fiscal adjustments mean nothing if they do not translate to food, stability, and security for the masses. "Any economic policy that does not improve the welfare of the people is inherently ineffective," the monarch declared. The traditional ruler also implored political leaders to learn from history, strengthen weak public institutions, and firmly promote justice. He warned that the nation cannot construct a sustainable or prosperous future while continuously ignoring unresolved structural problems from its past. According to him, ignoring historical missteps only dooms the nation to repeating them. Addressing the structural bottlenecks holding the country back, Sanusi explicitly identified insecurity, deep-seated corruption, widespread poverty, and collapsing infrastructure as Nigeria’s greatest contemporary battles. He stressed that these intertwined crises require aggressive, compassionate leadership rather than standard political rhetoric or half-hearted interventions. The Emir further launched a critique against the current political culture, urging politicians to abandon self-serving agendas. He stated that national political discourse has become too obsessed with personal gain and power hoarding. He called on the political class to redirect their ambitions toward genuine, selfless service to the Nigerian public. Weighing in on the ongoing debate surrounding national governance structures, Sanusi argued that leadership selection must evolve. He stated that political power-sharing must transcend mere geographical rotation or zoning formulas. Instead, he emphasized that the system must intentionally produce credible, competent, and deeply compassionate leaders, regardless of their region of origin. Concluding his address, the monarch made a passionate appeal to all citizens to champion national unity and tolerance. He acknowledged that while Nigeria has achieved certain milestones since gaining independence, it remains severely hindered by ethnic tensions, political instability, and economic pain. He urged Nigerians of all faiths and tribes to embrace a sense of shared responsibility to salvage the country.

The Senate has passed the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2026, introducing stringent penalties aimed at curbing traffic violations and improving commuter safety across Nigeria. The legislative framework seeks to thoroughly overhaul road safety enforcement by updating outdated fine structures to match current economic realities. Under the newly passed bill, which now awaits presidential assent, preaching, hawking, or trading inside commercial vehicles has been criminalized. Any individual convicted of these activities inside a transit vehicle faces a ₦50,000 fine. Lawmakers inserted this clause to eliminate unnecessary distractions inside commercial buses and maximize passenger safety. The proposed law also takes a uncompromising stance against motorists who drive under the influence of alcohol or intoxicating drugs. The penalty for drunk driving has skyrocketed from the previous ₦5,000 to ₦100,000. Convicted offenders also risk facing up to two years’ imprisonment alongside or in place of the monetary fine. Furthermore, the amendment introduces strict penalties for motorists who refuse to cooperate with FRSC officials. Drivers who decline to take preliminary roadside breath tests conducted on reasonable suspicion will face severe consequences. The bill prescribes a ₦50,000 fine, six months’ imprisonment, or both for non-compliance. Basic traffic violations will also attract much heavier financial penalties once the bill receives executive approval. Disobeying traffic lights, ignoring road signs, disregarding pavement markings, and flouting other traffic control devices will now attract a flat fine of ₦100,000. In a similar vein, speed limit violations and reckless driving penalties have been significantly upwardly reviewed. Speeding offenses, which previously carried a minor ₦5,000 fine, have been raised to ₦100,000. Drivers convicted of reckless driving will also pay ₦100,000 and face up to two years in prison. In total, the revised schedule under the amended legislation outlines 52 distinct traffic violations and their corresponding penalties. According to the Senate, this comprehensive review is explicitly designed to strengthen the FRSC’s enforcement powers, compel strict motorist compliance, and drastically reduce road crashes nationwide.

In a massive leap toward modernizing civil administration, the National Population Commission (NPC) has officially rolled out the Electronic Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (E-CRVS) system, allowing Nigerians to register births, deaths, and obtain certificates directly online. NPC Chairman, Dr. Aminu Yusuf, announced the immediate commencement of this transformative platform at a briefing in Abuja. The digital system went fully operational across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Dr. Yusuf described the innovation as one of the most significant reforms in the history of Nigeria`s civil registration. By leveraging technology, the commission aims to eliminate the historical bottlenecks that have plagued birth and death documentation. Previously, millions of vital events went undocumented due to geographic and bureaucratic hurdles. Current national estimates indicate that Nigeria records roughly five million births annually, yet birth registration coverage hovers at 57%, while death registration sits below 20%. The new NPC Birth Registration Self-service platform provides Nigerians with round-the-clock online access, eliminating the need to physically visit registration centers for basic procedures. This is expected to drastically reduce wait times, paperwork, and unnecessary travel. To ensure that rural and underserved areas are not left behind, the NPC has established 4,011 functional registration centers across the country`s 774 local government areas. The commission is actively working to expand this network to approximately 8,000 community-level centers. To achieve this decentralization, the NPC has forged strategic partnerships with the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), UNICEF, and Barnksforte Technologies Limited. According to the NPC, the new system is fully integrated into Nigeria’s digital identity ecosystem. Every digitally registered newborn will be automatically assigned a National Identification Number (NIN), while the system will streamline data sharing among authorized agencies . While basic birth registration and notification services remain highly subsidized to encourage universal coverage, certain specialized administrative tasks—such as record modifications, attestations, and certificate reissuance—will attract reviewed fees to sustain the digital infrastructure . Dr. Yusuf strongly urged parents and all relevant stakeholders to ensure prompt registration, emphasizing that credible demographic data is vital for effective national planning. He maintained that accurate records are the bedrock of effective governance and evidence-based development.

President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday declared that Nigeria’s economy is making critical foundational progress, acknowledging the severe pains of recent fiscal adjustments but insisting the reforms are yielding positive long-term results. The President made this assertion at the State House while hosting a high-powered delegation from Deloitte Africa, led by its Africa Chief Executive Officer, Ruwayda Redfearn. The high-level meeting was also attended by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, and the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Zacch Adedeji. `Bitter Medicine` is Working Defending the pace and execution of his administration`s policies over the last three years, President Tinubu compared the structural economic shifts to a necessary medical treatment rather than a seamless commercial transaction. “Yes, reforms are difficult. It has not been a McDonald’s customer relationship but a harvester of good things, if implemented well, and that is what we are about," Tinubu stated. "The reforms on revenue will continue to stimulate growth. And the effect of the reform? Yes, some issues are difficult, taking the bitter medicine, but it is working well. For the economy, Nigeria is making serious foundational progress.” According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, titled ‘Our Economy Is On Steady Growth, Says President Tinubu To Deloitte Africa,’ the President argued that the current policy direction has successfully strengthened the fiscal sector, repositioned financial institutions, and boosted Nigeria`s global competitiveness. Deloitte Pledges Global Support The delegation from Deloitte Africa commended the administration`s financial and fiscal restructuring. Redfearn affirmed that the global professional services firm—which boasts over 500,000 employees globally and recorded $74 billion in revenue in 2025—is fully prepared to deploy its resources to support Nigeria`s economic trajectory. “We are before you to say that we want to serve. We have a local team on the ground that is ready, as well as the global firm, to support you and support your administration as you lead the country,” Redfearn promised. Cascading Gains to Ordinary Citizens While validating the structural framework established by the presidency, the Chief Executive Officer of Deloitte West Africa, Yomi Olugbenro, noted that the immediate priority must shift toward translating macroeconomic statistics into visible relief for citizens. “Where we are at the moment, we believe that the ground has been solidly laid," Olugbenro noted. "There is a need to truly extract more value and deliver the dividends of democracy to ordinary Nigerians on the street. The bigger work is really about how to cascade some of those big reforms further down.” Olugbenro added that Deloitte intends to leverage its global experience in national economic transformations to assist Nigeria in navigating this transition phase. Focus on Youth Capacity Building During the visit, President Tinubu shared a lighthearted moment reflecting on his professional roots, tracing his early career back to his formative accounting years with Deloitte in Chicago. He leveraged this connection to urge the multinational firm to aggressively invest in Nigeria`s massive youth demographic through targeted recruitment and advanced training pipelines. Echoing the President`s sentiment, the Minister of Finance, Taiwo Oyedele, strongly pressed the Deloitte leadership to make youth capacity building their primary area of social impact, describing it as the single most consequential investment required to safeguard Nigeria`s economic future.

The House of Representatives has assured citizens that the proposed state police system will not serve as private armies for state governors. Speaker Tajudeen Abbas gave this assurance on Wednesday during the National Security Roundtable at the 2026 National Assembly Open Week in Abuja. He emphasized that the reform aims to strengthen local security while maintaining national oversight. Abbas described the bill as one of the most critical constitutional reforms currently before the National Assembly. He highlighted that this marks the historic first time a sitting president has formally transmitted an executive bill to establish state policing. The House leader promised that the green chamber will rigorously scrutinize the bill. This process will ensure the new system protects the rule of law and strengthens democratic governance rather than undermining it. "State police will not be private armies for the various state governors," Abbas stated. "For the first time in our history, a sitting president has made state police a central part of national reform. He has done so not with words alone, but with a bill that now sits before the House of Representatives."