RWGBLOG NEWS - Keeping You Informed

Arise TV journalist Rufai Oseni has claimed that President Bola Tinubu only congratulated Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re-election after “everything failed,” while commending the governor and his supporters for standing firm during the election. Speaking on Arise TV, Oseni said Adeleke’s resilience and the support of Osun residents played a major role in the outcome, noting that replicating such resistance to electoral inducements across Nigeria would be difficult. “It was after everything failed, President Tinubu congratulated,” Oseni said. He added, “This Adeleke is very strong. His head is a bulldozer. Adeleke’s head is strong and the people loved him and they stood with him.” However, Oseni pointed to vote buying as one of the major challenges undermining Nigeria’s electoral process, despite the rejection of inducements by some voters. “Osun people can sing Ojutowoo, Ojutowoo, but they still collected the money. Those are the problems in our election proce...

Tragedy struck in Akuku-Toru as the official vehicle of the Councillor representing Ward 14, Hon. Chidinma Ekere of Obonoma, was reportedly burnt to ashes under mysterious circumstances. The vehicle, which was presented to the councillor by the Council Chairman just over two weeks ago, was allegedly destroyed between Sunday night, following her birthday thanksgiving celebration, and the early hours of Monday, when the wreckage was discovered. An anonymous source familiar with the situation alleged that the councillor had an issue with her boyfriend on Sunday night, shortly before the incident. However, the claim has not been independently verified, and it remains unclear whether the reported disagreement is connected to the burning of the vehicle. As of the time of filing this report, the motive behind the incident and the identity of those responsible remain unknown. Authorities have yet to publicly establish the circumstances surrounding the incident. ...

The divorce battle between billionaire hedge fund manager John Overdeck and his wife, Laura Overdeck, has begun in a Newark courtroom, with Laura seeking a multibillion-dollar share of his fortune.  Laura is asking for 35% of her husband’s stake in Two Sigma Investments, which her lawyer values at about $6.2 billion, along with hundreds of millions of dollars in bonds and equal control of the family foundation.  Her legal team claims John offered her about $633 million, describing it as an attempt to give her as little as possible. However, John’s lawyer disputed this, saying he offered a $723 million tax-free equitable settlement.  The major issue in the case is whether John’s stake in Two Sigma should be considered a marital asset. John’s lawyers argue that the hedge fund was founded two years before the couple married in 2002 and had already become an established business.  Laura’s lawyers, however, contend that Two Sigma had little tangible value when...

Georgina Rodriguez has revealed why she and football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo opted for a private wedding at home instead of the lavish ceremony many expected.  The couple announced their marriage in a joint Instagram post on Tuesday, August 11, after exchanging vows in the living room of their mansion in Cascais, Portugal.  Speaking to Vogue, Rodriguez said her idea of a dream wedding had changed over the years. She recalled how, as a child, she imagined an extravagant celebration but now prefers something more personal and meaningful.  “As a little girl, I envisioned the grandest castle, the most magnificent carriage, the longest gown and a crown adorned with diamonds,” she said.  “Now, I find myself saying: no. I desire something intimate, shared with my partner and our children, in the comfort of our home.  “We have access to castles, houses, islands, horses, and cars every day. However, an intimate gathering is something more unique for us,” ...

The Ogoni Oil and Gas Host Communities Youths Association, in collaboration with the Ogoni National Youth Congress (ONYC), has called for greater unity among Ogoni youths and their meaningful participation in discussions concerning the possible resumption of oil and gas activities in Ogoniland. The groups made the call in a joint statement on youth unity, collaboration, peacebuilding and participation in oil and gas discussions, stressing that Ogoni youths must not remain spectators in decisions capable of affecting the future of their communities. The statement said the initiative was aimed at promoting dialogue, understanding, unity, peace and collective action among Ogoni youths and other stakeholders. The groups urged Ogoni youths to put the collective interest of the region above individual, political and organisational interests. They noted that differences in political affiliations, communities, opinions and personal interests should not become sources of division, b...

Actress Hayden Panettiere has d+ed at the age of 36, with her representative confirming her d+ath to CNN. Her father, Skip Panettiere, described her as an “incredible light” who brought love and joy to those around her.  The circumstances surrounding her d+ath have not been disclosed.  Panettiere became widely known for playing cheerleader Claire Bennet in the hit TV series Heroes and country music star Juliette Barnes in Nashville. She also appeared in films including Scream 4, I Love You, Beth Cooper and Remember the Titans.  Beyond acting, she openly discussed her struggles with addiction, postpartum d+pression and recovery. She also advocated for mental health awareness, animal rights and environmental causes.  Panettiere had an 11-year-old daughter, Kaya, with her former partner, Ukrainian boxer Wladimir Klitschko. She previously spoke about the difficult decision to relinquish custody of her daughter to Klitschko in 2018 while focusing on her recove...

The Kogi State Police Command has arrested a 33-year-old man identified as Jacob Irewa for allegedly setting his wife, Berida Irawo, on f+re following a domestic disagreement in Lokoja.  The incident occurred on Friday, August 14, 2026, at Oworo Estate, Felele, Lokoja. According to the police, the suspect allegedly att@cked his wife after she b¥rnt some of his clothes which she believed he no longer used, without his permission.  The police said Irewa subsequently threatened her, fetched petrol from his motorcycle and allegedly set her abl@ze.  The victim survived the att@ck and is currently receiving treatment at Honey Gold Hospital, Felele. The suspect was arrested by the B Division Surveillance Team after the incident was reported.  According to the police, Irewa admitted during interrogation to setting his wife on f+re. The command has commenced further investigation into the incident. The suspect is expected to be charged to court after the completio...

The people of Bodo City in Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State have expressed strong dissatisfaction over the exclusion of their traditional ruler, His Royal Majesty, King John Bari-Iyiedum Bebor Gberedeela VIII, from the Dialogue Committee established to discuss the proposed resumption of oil production in Ogoniland. In a statement issued on August 2, 2026, under the banner of the Concerned People of Bodo City, the group described the omission of the paramount ruler as unfair and disrespectful to the traditional institution and the people of Bodo. According to the statement, the exclusion undermines the significant role Bodo City has played in the history of the Ogoni environmental struggle and ignores the sacrifices the community has made over the years as one of the major oil-producing areas in Ogoniland. The group recalled that Bodo suffered severe environmental degradation caused by oil spills, which devastated rivers, mangrove forests, farmlands and fishing a...

LEKEH DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION PAYS FAMILIARIZATION VISIT TO THE SECRETARY OF COUNCIL, KHANA LGA. The Director of Lekeh Development Foundation, Comr. Friday B. Nbani, alongside the National Coordinator, GEF-SGP UNDP Nigeria, Dr. Ibironke Olubamise, today paid a familiarization visit to the Secretary of Council, Khana Local Government Area, Pst. Claudius Yeekpa Israel, at the Khana Council Secretary’s Lodge. The visit was aimed at fostering stronger relationships and exploring opportunities for partnership and collaboration with Khana Local Government Area in areas of mutual interest, sustainable development, and community empowerment. The Lekeh Development Foundation has already demonstrated its commitment to community development in Khana, including the distribution of over 200 household solar panels to residents of Bua Kaani community and other communities, helping to improve access to clean and reliable household energy. The Secretary of Council warmly received the delegat...

Former Kogi West senator Dino Melaye has opened up on his wealth, rejecting claims that his lifestyle was funded by public office. Speaking on the KaaTruths podcast, Melaye said he was “comfortable” rather than extremely wealthy and attributed his finances to investments. He said, “If my wealth were ill-gotten, if I had stolen government money, I would not be criticising the government, because they would have long come after me. I’ve never been invited by the EFCC, the ICPC, or any of the anti-corruption agencies in this country, because I’ve never handled government contracts, whether at the federal or state level. When I was 12, I bought a goat, and this goat would give birth, and I would sell its offspring to pay my school fees in secondary school. From the offspring of that goat, I paid for my WAEC, JAMB, and my first and second years at Ahmadu Bello University. My school fees were paid through that investment. At 18, I was already investing internationally, though not...

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has dragged President Bola Tinubu before the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking his disqualification from the 2027 presidential election over an alleged forged National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate. Atiku appeared at the registry on Friday to swear to an affidavit supporting the suit against Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The suit invokes Sections 137(1)(j), 139(1)(a)(i) and 285(14)(c) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended. Section 137(1)(j) provides that a person is not qualified for election as President if he has presented a forged certificate to INEC. According to Atiku’s affidavit, the disputed NYSC discharge certificate allegedly submitted to INEC bears the name “Tinubu Bola Adekunle” rather than “Bola Ahmed Tinubu.” The plaintiffs further allege that the certificate was not obtained by Tinubu and was submitted in connection with the 2027 presidential...

The Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Comrade Nwisabari Bani, has responded to a series of allegations made by Gani Topba, particularly Topba’s description of the Ogoni stakeholders’ meeting hosted by KAGOTE as an illegal gathering. Bani, while reacting to the allegations, accused Gani Topba of being known in Ogoniland for consistently attacking leaders and portraying virtually every Ogoni leader in a negative light. According to him, Topba has no basis for describing the stakeholders’ meeting as illegal, noting that the gathering was attended by prominent leaders across Ogoniland, including political leaders, traditional rulers and opinion leaders. Bani stressed that the absence of Gani Topba from the meeting or the fact that he was not invited does not make the gathering illegal. “If Gani Topba was not invited to the Ogoni stakeholders’ meeting hosted by KAGOTE, that does not make the meeting illegal,” he said. He also urged Gani Topba to stop referring t...

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted an international wildlife trafficking operation at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, rescuing two live lion cubs and arresting three suspects linked to the attempted smuggling. The intelligence-led operation was carried out on August 4, 2026, by the Special Wildlife Office (SWO) of the Customs Intelligence Unit (CIU), in collaboration with the FCT CIU, Customs Police Unit (CPU), FCT Command and conservation partner, Focused Conservation. According to a report released on August 10 by Assistant Comptroller of Customs Anuhu Mani, Officer-in-Charge of the Special Wildlife Office, the suspects allegedly attempted to transport the lion cubs from Kano through Abuja, with Congo-Brazzaville as their intended final destination. Acting on intelligence, Customs operatives mounted surveillance at the airport's Cargo Terminal and identified a black SUV suspected to be involved in the illegal movement. During a physic...

Pastor Olabanjo Felix Gold of the Image of God Evangelical and Prophetic Ministrues has announced his conversion from Christianity to Ìṣẹ̀ṣe (Ifa worship), saying his spiritual journey had led him to the traditional faith. In a video shared online, the cleric expressed gratitude to Ifa and acknowledged the spiritual elders who he said had guided him on his new path. “I am Pastor Olabanjo Felix Gold, who was formerly the founder of Image of God Evangelical Ministries before, but who is now Ifawamiri Aworan Olodumare, Babalawo of Ifá,” he said. The pastor also expressed appreciation to his Oluwo, Baba Aifuwapẹ, Oluṣẹgun Latunji, whom he identified as the Araba of Isararemọ. “I want to use this time to thank my father, my Oluwo, my father, Aifuwapẹ, Oluṣẹgun Latunji, who is the Araba of Isararemọ,” he said. Olabanjo also acknowledged others who, according to him, stood by him throughout the journey, while highlighting the role of elders in the spiritual work. “I want to thank ...

Kidnappers holding the Chairman of Jezco Group, Chief Sir Joseph Ezeokafor, have reportedly increased their ransom demand from N700 million to N1.5 billion. The Anambra businessman was reportedly abducted in the early hours of Tuesday, August 4, after leaving his residence for a prayer ground.  He was said to have gone out without his security personnel. A source close to the family said the abductors initially demanded N700 million for his release, Guardian reports. The family reportedly agreed to the demand as part of efforts to secure his safe return. However, the kidnappers subsequently raised the ransom to N1.5 billion, according to the source, the publication adds. The family is said to have remained open to negotiations, but the abductors have reportedly stopped communicating with them “The family has been willing to negotiate and do whatever is necessary to secure his release, but the kidnappers have suddenly stopped communicating,” the source said, per Guardian...

Hon. Korne Ngbor, National Secretary-General of the Ogoni Youth Coalition Movement (OYCM) Worldwide, has called for greater unity among youth groups in Ogoniland, stressing that a united youth body is essential for sustainable development in the region. Speaking with Zubby on Rhythm 93.7 FM, Port Harcourt, Ngbor also commended the President of Kagote, Chief Lesi Maol, for urging various youth groups in Ogoniland to unite under one umbrella. According to him, the Ogoni youth need to put aside divisions and work together in the interest of the people. «“NYCOP is the only youth body that speaks for Ogoni youth. Every other youth group falls under NYCOP. The youths need to be united because it is only through the unity of the youth that development can thrive in Ogoniland,” Ngbor said.» He described Chief Lesi Maol’s call for unity as a welcome development, urging well-meaning Ogoni leaders to support the initiative. «“The thought that came to the Kagote President to unite the ...

A man identified as Offei Wilson from Abi Local Government Area of Cross River State has explained why he was caught carrying a locally made p#stol after allegedly attempting to obtain money from people in Calabar. Wilson, who said he is learning aluminium work in Calabar, claimed he acquired the we@pon for personal safety and never intended to sh++t anyone. According to him, his decision to go out with it was triggered after his phone was stolen and he ran out of food, leaving him unable to contact his family for financial assistance. “First of all, I bought it for my own safety. Maybe if I have issues or somebody has done something that has annoyed me, and not just sh++ting him, but showing it to him that I’m capable of doing it, but he should not try my part,” he said. He explained that after discovering that his foodstuff had finished, he remembered he had the locally made p#stol and decided to use it while looking for money. Wilson admitted approaching two people. He s...

Convicted k+ller Christopher Watts has reportedly found love behind bars, with his new partner’s family claiming the pair are already planning a future together. According to Daily Mail, Watts, 41, is in a relationship with 39-year-old Ohio realtor Lizzie Henderson, who reportedly moved to Wisconsin to be closer to him at Dodge Correctional Institution. Henderson’s relatives claimed the couple has applied to marry within the prison system and that she has already started using the name “Lizzie Watts.” Court records reportedly show she has also applied for a legal name change, while prison visit logs indicate she visited Watts 20 times last year and spent Christmas Day with him in 2024. Henderson confirmed the relationship, acknowledging that some people may consider it “weird.” Explaining how the relationship began, she said, “How things began is between me, him and God.” Asked about Watts’ crimes, she said, “How I feel about it? He knows. He knows how I feel,” adding that ...

Aliyu Bala has been sentenced to 13 years in prison and 20 strokes of the cane after being convicted of r@ping his neighbour’s 10-year-old daughter in Minna, Niger State. The court further directed the convict to pay N250,000 as compensation to the victim. Following the judgment, Aliyu Bala was taken to the Hakimi Palace in Bosso by authorities, where he was publicly flogged in the presence of members of the community. The Director-General of the Niger State Child Rights Agency, Barrister Ummul-Kalthume Muhammad, described the development as an unprecedented move, stressing that the government would not tolerate s+xual offences against children . She explained that the public enforcement was aimed at sending a strong message to anyone who believes they can ab¥se children and evade justice. Muhammad further urged communities to desist from shielding or concealing individuals accused of committing such offences. A representative of the Niger State Ministry of Justice, Shafa, ...

Jeremy Tremaine Williams is scheduled to be executed by lethal injection on August 13 for the rape and murder of five-year-old Kamarie Holland in Phenix City, Alabama. According to court records, Kamarie’s mother, Kristy Siple, agreed to allow Williams to sexually abuse her daughter in exchange for $1,300. Williams reportedly took the child to an abandoned house, where he raped and sodomized her, forced her to use methamphetamine, recorded the abuse and ultimately strangled her to death. Authorities said Williams continued to sexually assault Kamarie’s body after her death. Siple later reported her daughter missing. Williams was identified, arrested and subsequently convicted of capital murder and sentenced to death. Kamarie’s mother pleaded guilty to sex trafficking her own child and was sentenced to 20 years in prison. The case has drawn widespread outrage, with critics questioning whether the 20-year sentence imposed on Siple adequately reflects the severity of her role ...

The Aleto community in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State has renewed its call for transparency, accountability and justice over funds allegedly allocated to landowners and host communities connected to Indorama Eleme Petrochemicals, Fertiliser and Super-Packaging companies. Aleto is one of the six host communities to Indorama Eleme. The community says it donated about 159 hectares of land out of approximately 369 hectares used for the development of the company, with the land forming part of the equity arrangement involving the host communities. According to members of the community, families that surrendered their farmlands for the project have, since 2012, continued to demand a clear account of funds and benefits allegedly meant for landowners and other beneficiaries. The renewed call follows a series of protests, letters and appeals by concerned residents, who allege that billions of naira credited to landowners and beneficiaries have not been transparently acc...

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has raised concerns over the growing role of the judiciary in determining election outcomes in Nigeria, questioning whether democracy is being served when the votes of millions are ultimately decided by a handful of judges. Obasanjo spoke on Tuesday as chairman of the 2026 Goodluck Jonathan Foundation (GJF) Democracy Dialogue at the Ahmadu Bello International Conference Centre, Bauchi. The dialogue, themed, “Beyond Elections: Can Political Parties and Judiciary Save African Democracy?”, brought together political leaders, statesmen, scholars and democracy advocates from Nigeria and other African countries. Obasanjo questioned whether it was democratic for millions of citizens to cast their votes only for a few judges to determine the outcome. “If millions of people have voted and five people would form a decision either in favour or against the decision of millions of people, is that democracy?” he queried. The former president also questi...

Apostle Joshua Aghasedo has sparked debate after sharing his perspective on the use of adult toys within marriage, arguing that such items can be viewed as equipment to assist married couples. Speaking on the subject, Aghasedo compared adult toys to everyday equipment such as cars and phones, asking whether using such devices could inherently be considered sinful. “Is using a s+x toy a sin? Let’s hear the grace. Let’s hear the grace. Is driving a car, is it a sin? A car to drive you from here to Dallas, is it a sin? Using the phone, is it a sin?” he asked. The cleric said he had never personally used one but described it as “an equipment” that could assist married couples. “I have never used a s+x toy. Let me just say. But in this modern day of technology, it’s an equipment. It can help you do the job to 90%, and you finish the remaining 10%. I’m just being real. It can help you,” he said. Aghasedo further disclosed that he had previously suggested such an item to a married...

The National Secretary General of the Ogoni Youth Coalition Movement (OYCM) Worldwide, Hon. Korne Ngbor, has called on leaders and people of Ogoniland to disregard what he described as “frivolous, unfounded and attention-seeking allegations” allegedly made against Chief Lesi Maol by Chief Gani Topba. Ngbor, who described himself as an illustrious son of Ogoniland and spokesperson of the Ogoni Youth Council and Stakeholders, made the appeal in a statement issued on Wednesday, August 12, 2026. He alleged that Gani Topba had over time made controversial statements capable of generating unnecessary public attention, urging Ogoni leaders and members of the public to give such allegations serious consideration only when supported by credible facts and evidence. The youth leader also demanded an unreserved public apology and written undertaking from Topba over what he described as defamatory or reckless statements against Chief Lesi Maol. According to him, failure to receive the d...

The Ogoni Oil and Gas Host Communities Youth Association (OOGHCYA) has called for greater transparency, accountability and immediate engagement with host communities following reports surrounding the award of the Yorla South Oil Field in Ogoniland. The call was made by the association through Comr Teddy Gianen, who urged the relevant government authorities, regulatory agencies, oil industry stakeholders and other parties involved in the process to provide clear and detailed information on the circumstances surrounding the reported award of the oil field. According to OOGHCYA, decisions concerning oil and gas assets located within Ogoni communities should not be taken without adequate consultation with the people directly affected by such activities. The association stressed that host communities have legitimate interests in the management, development and benefits associated with oil resources located within their ancestral territories. Comr Teddy Gianen further called on t...

NDC presidential running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has taken a swipe at those advocating for a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 election, saying President Bola Tinubu has always promoted religious balance in politics. Kwankwaso was reacting to Islamic cleric Sani Jingir’s call for Nigerians to support another Muslim-Muslim ticket in 2027, following the APC’s 2023 presidential pairing. According to Kwankwaso, Tinubu is known for maintaining a balance between Muslims and Christians, particularly during his time as Lagos State governor, when he reportedly chose Christian deputies. He further extended the comparison to Tinubu’s marriage to First Lady Remi Tinubu, using their different religious backgrounds to make his point. “I know His Excellency Bola Tinubu is a man who values balance and fairness. For all the governors he supported in Lagos, he ensured a Muslim/Christian or Christian/Muslim ticket. Even when he was the governor of Lagos, all his deputies were...