The United States government has declared Nigerian man Ezechukwu Joshua Ohaka, 57, wanted over an alleged Medicare fra¥d scheme in which he and his co-conspirators reportedly obtained $1.08 million in illicit proceeds. According to a statement by the US Department of Health and Human Services, Ohaka, through his Houston-based company, Luant & Odera, Inc., allegedly submitted more than $3.1 million in fra¥dulent Medicare claims for durable medical equipment, including power wheelchairs, motorised scooters and wheelchair accessories. The equipment was allegedly either medically unnecessary or never provided to beneficiaries. Investigators also found that some beneficiaries received cheaper, inferior wheelchairs compared to the more expensive equipment billed to the government. Authorities said some of the beneficiaries had not consulted doctors, lacked the prescriptions required by Medicare or failed to meet the programme’s medical necessity criteria. The alleged scheme t...

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has described Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), as stingy and unfit to govern Nigeria. Speaking at a town hall meeting in Bonny, Rivers State, Wike mocked Obi for carrying his own bags. “As a former governor, you cannot be stingy not to have employed a personal assistant who will carry your bag. You want to show you carry your bag. We don’t want such a stingy person as a president,” he said. Wike called Obi the “president of social media,” arguing that online popularity does not equal governing ability. “If you were to vote who will be president of social media, I will vote for him. But if it is to govern Nigeria, it is capital no!” he said. He questioned Obi’s record as Anambra governor, citing incumbent Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s performance. Wike also criticised politicians who abandon parties during crises, saying, “Did you see when there was a problem in PDP? Did I run? I defeated them.” He questioned t...

Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo has urged the South-East to support President Bola Tinubu’s second-term bid in the 2027 presidential election, saying it could help secure support for an Igbo president when power eventually returns to the South.  Soludo made the statement in a video circulating on X on Friday, where he spoke in Igbo about the need for political discussions and cooperation between regions.  He argued that since a southerner currently holds the presidency, the South-East should support Tinubu for another four years to encourage other regions to back an Igbo presidential candidate in the future.  “You have to engage in discussions. Now that it is a southerner holding the power, it’s remaining four years. It is now left for us (Igbos) to support him so that when it goes to the North and comes back, we can now trust that every southerner and northerner will support us,” he said.  The governor also spoke about the need to give different g...

Minister of Works, David Umahi, has warned that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway may not be completed if President Bola Tinubu fails to secure a second term in the 2027 presidential election.  Umahi made this statement on Friday during an exclusive interview on Arise Television, describing the 750-kilometre highway as a personal initiative of the President that requires continuity to be completed.  According to the minister, Tinubu’s return to power is crucial to the completion of the coastal highway and other major road projects across the country.  He said, “If President Tinubu does not come back in 2027 (God forbid), the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway will be gone.  “The 750-kilometre coastal highway is intact and cannot be changed, and nobody has the powers to change it, because it’s already designed and it’s ongoing.”  Umahi also dismissed reports that the coastal highway had been abandoned in favour of the East-West Road.  He explained tha...

Alwan Hassan Alwan Hassan, a spokesperson for the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council, has alleged that some ministers pay billions of naira to secure appointments and then focus on recovering the money after assuming office.  Hassan made the allegation during an interview with Charles Aniagolu on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme on Thursday night while defending President Bola Tinubu’s approach to managing government revenue and expenditure.  When asked how the government intended to fund its budget amid concerns about revenue shortfalls, Hassan questioned the need for ministers to control government spending, arguing that Tinubu’s direct involvement in expenditure decisions was preferable.  “Whatever it is a budget is supposed to do in this country in the last three and a half years, Asiwaju (President Bola Tinubu) has done it by himself. Why do we need ministers? Why do we need budget to be given to ministers?” he asked....

A young lady identified as Umuora Mmesoma has reportedly been found de@d after she went missing on Friday, October 16, 2026, in Uga, Anambra State, according to a report by Chuks on X. According to the report, her ex-boyfriend, identified as Chima, allegedly k+lled her after she ended their relationship. The suspect reportedly confessed to the act, stating that the breakup was the reason behind his alleged actions. “I k+lled her because she broke up with me. I k+lled her in my house in Uga, put her inside a bag and dumped her somewhere,” he reportedly said. The disturbing report has sparked concerns over relationship-related vi%lence, with the incident highlighting the dangers of possessiveness and the need to take threats in relationships seriously.

President Bola Tinubu has questioned why many African professionals are leaving the continent for overseas opportunities, calling for improved conditions that would encourage them to stay and work at home. Tinubu made the remarks on Thursday after being inducted as a Fellow of the West African College of Physicians (WACP). “Why are all our professionals moving overseas? What can we do to improve the conditions that will make them stay back home?” the President asked. He noted that Africa faces significant health challenges and referred to the Ebola outbreak, stressing the need for preventive vaccines to address such threats. “We are more challenged in Africa than anywhere else, you know, and with the outbreak of Ebola now, we are looking for a preventable vaccine that will eliminate all these problems,” he said. Expressing appreciation for the honour, Tinubu said: “It is a very great honour for me to… I have to take an oath of office. To join the college of physicians.” He ...

Actress Regina Daniels has allegedly cut off her mother, siblings and best friend, Cassie, as she begins a detox process, blogger Stella Dimoko Korkus is reporting. According to the report, Regina’s estranged husband, Sen. Ned Nwoko, has been trying to help her overcome substance abuse despite facing criticism during their well-publicized marital crisis. Ned and Regina are not back together as a couple, but he is reportedly not allowing her face the situation alone.  The report also claims the actress has been blaming her mother for several things that went wrong and has also cut off her siblings over undisclosed issues. Her best friend, Cassie, was also not spared.

Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has said civil servants benefiting from his administration’s 13th-month salary package have no reason to vote against the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.  He made the remark on Thursday in Asaba during the inauguration of the state APC Campaign Council, where he unveiled “MORE Plus” as the theme of his re-election campaign.  Oborevwori, who chairs the council, described the additional salary as a significant benefit that should encourage workers to support the continuation of his administration.  “Today civil servants have no choice not to vote us. They have no choice. 13th month (salary) is huge, times two. Some people don’t understand what 13th month,” he said.  Explaining the package, he added, “What you’re receiving now is times two in December. That is the meaning of 13th month. Whether you’re an appointee, whether a public servant, whether a civil servant, you’re receiving your...

Political tensions boiled over at a reconciliation meeting in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area on Thursday as Representative Kingsley Chinda and Chijioke Ihunwo engaged in a heated confrontation over who truly leads Rivers State. The clash erupted when Ihunwo took the floor and openly declared Governor Siminalayi Fubara as his leader. The statement visibly angered Chinda, who rejected the microphone offered to him and instead delivered an immediate, unscripted outburst. Visibly dissatisfied, the lawmaker declared that Fubara is not the leader of the state. Chinda insisted that former Governor Nyesom Wike remains the only person entitled to be called the leader in Rivers State. He directly challenged Ihunwo, asking whether he truly understood that reality. The fiery exchange underscored the deep divisions that continue to shape politics in Rivers State, even as stakeholders gather in efforts to foster reconciliation.

President Bola Tinubu has approved ₦10 billion in emergency funding to strengthen Nigeria’s preparedness for Ebola and other emerging health threats, appointing his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, to lead a presidential task force on the response.  According to a State House statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on June 9, the fund will boost the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention’s (NCDC) operational capacity and improve the country’s ability to detect and contain potential outbreaks.  “The fund will strengthen the operational preparedness of the National Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and support critical national public health emergency response activities,” the statement said.   The intervention follows concerns over Ebola outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, prompting the Federal Government to intensify measures to prevent the disease from enteri...

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has warned Nigerians that refusing to return money mistakenly paid into their bank accounts could attract between five and 10 years’ imprisonment.  CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso issued the warning through Hakama Sidi Ali at a stakeholders’ meeting of the bank’s “CBN Listens Programme,” held at Jogor Event Centre in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Thursday.  He also cautioned bank customers against sharing personal and banking information with fraudsters, stressing that obtaining another person’s account details through fraudulent means attracts severe penalties.  “A customer who fails to refund wrongly deposited money to the rightful owner attracts 5-10 years’ imprisonment,” Cardoso stated.  Speaking on the programme’s importance, he said the initiative allows the apex bank to engage stakeholders, explain its policies, address misconceptions and receive feedback to improve the financial system.  He noted that the CBN had introd...

Approved states so far (24): Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Benue, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Ekiti, Enugu, Gombe, Imo, Kaduna, Kebbi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Ogun, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Taraba, Yobe, Zamfara Scheduled for Plenary (1)
Kano Committee Review (2)
Bauchi, Katsina Received (6)
Abia, Borno, Ebonyi, Kogi, Ondo, Sokoto No Public Update
Jigawa, Lagos, Niger What Happens Next 1. Complete the Constitutional Amendment
With 24 State Houses of Assembly having approved, the resolutions are sent back to the National Assembly. Once confirmed, the amendment proceeds for presidential assent. This creates the constitutional basis for State Police Services alongside a Federal Police Service. 2. Finalise and Pass the National Policing Bill
The draft National Policing Bill (and related consequential amendments) is currently under review by the Ministry of Justice. After validation and presidential consideration, it will go to the National Assembly for passage. This law sets t...

The Emir of Katsina, Abdulmumini Usman, has criticised the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, describing it as “renewed hunger” while accusing politicians of prioritising personal interests over the welfare of citizens. The emir spoke when Abdulaziz Abubakar Yari, Director-General of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council, visited his palace. “ In my days, politics was about community. Now politics is about one man, his son, his wife, and his bank account. You call it ‘renewed hope’, but people in Katsina are in renewed hunger,” he said. He also accused politicians of abandoning traditional rulers and ordinary citizens after elections, only to return when seeking votes. “Every four years you come to my palace with a cap in hand, asking for prayers, asking for support. After the election, you disappear to Abuja, to Lagos. You don’t come back until the next election,” the emir said. He questioned why APC members were fighting over tickets ahe...

An awaiting-trial inmate, Osita Thomas, 28, has escaped from custody during a court appearance in Edo State, prompting the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) to seek public assistance to recapture him. The Edo State Command of the NCoS announced the escape in a statement dated October 21 and signed by its Public Relations Officer, Aminu Suleman. Thomas was being held at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Auchi and appeared in court last week to face trial for alleged conspiracy and stealing. The statement read, “The Nigerian Correctional Service, Edo State Command, hereby notifies the general public of the escape of an awaiting trial inmate of the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Auchi.” “The incident occurred during his appearance in court for trial for the offence of conspiracy and stealing,” the statement added. The correctional service appealed to members of the public to provide information that could lead to Thomas’s arrest. The command urged anyone with infor...

Nollywood veteran actor Francis Ogide Duru has died at the age of 57 following a brief illness, according to an announcement by his family on his official Instagram page. The family announced his passing in a statement, saying, “We, the family of Francis Duru, regret to announce his passing following a brief illness. “We appreciate your prayers, love, and understanding. May his soul rest in perfect peace. Amen.” The Actors Guild of Nigeria also confirmed the news through its official Instagram page. The guild’s president, Abubakar Sanusi Yakubu, mourned the actor, writing, “Another great thespian gone….Rest in peace Francis Duru!!” Born on July 27, 1969, Duru was a veteran figure in Nollywood, known for his contributions to the Nigerian film industry over the years. May his soul rest in peace.

Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Director of Diaspora Mobilisation for the PBAT/APC 2027 Presidential Campaign Council, has said many foreign nationals are seeking Nigerian passports and expressing interest in staying in the country. She disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja while outlining plans to mobilise Nigerians in the diaspora for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027. Speaking about requests from foreigners seeking Nigerian citizenship, she said, “On my table, you see a lot of people telling us to beg the President to be able to give them Nigerian passports. Ask the Minister of Interior. It’s too much.” She said the development reflected growing interest in Nigeria, including among foreigners seeking to invest in the country. She also cited a woman who recently told her team on camera that she had come to Nigeria and did not intend to return to her previous country of residence. Dabiri-Erewa said Nigerians abroad contribute to national development through remittances, i...

The President of the Academy of Medicine Specialties of Nigeria, Professor Oladapo Ashiru, has urged Nigerians to avoid kisses, handshakes, hugs and unnecessary physical contact following the confirmation of an imported Ebola case in Abuja. Ashiru gave the advice on Wednesday during an interview on Arise Television, explaining that Ebola spreads primarily through direct contact with the blood and body fluids of an infected person showing symptoms, rather than through the air. “Ebola is not airborne. But avoid kisses, hugs and handshakes,” he said. Ashiru urged Nigerians to maintain physical distance and observe strict hygiene and infection prevention measures to reduce the risk of transmission. He also called for the immediate activation of high-alert protocols nationwide, including enhanced screening at airports, seaports and land borders, as well as strict infection control measures in health facilities. The professor further urged healthcare workers to maintain a high in...

The Ogun State Government has suspended the Eselu of Iselu Kingdom, Oba Akintunde Akinyemi, pending an investigation into allegations of partisan political activities. Governor Dapo Abiodun’s media aide, Kayode Akinmade, said in a statement on Tuesday that the State Executive Council approved the suspension under Section 52(1) of the Ogun State Obas and Chiefs Law, 2021. Akinmade said the decision was conveyed in a letter dated October 20, 2026, signed by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat. He said, “According to the letter, the council acted following several complaints concerning the traditional ruler’s conduct, particularly his alleged involvement in overtly partisan political activities, some of which were reportedly publicised by him. “The government noted that partisan politics was contrary to customary law and prohibited by statute, warning that such conduct could undermine the dignity of the traditional institution and threa...

Health authorities in Abuja have commenced contact-tracing efforts after the Federal Government confirmed an Ebola infection in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with 44 people identified as potentially exposed to the virus. The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate, announced the development on Tuesday following laboratory confirmation of the case. According to the minister, the identification of the 44 individuals forms part of ongoing efforts by health authorities to determine the extent of possible exposure and prevent further transmission of the virus. Contact tracing is a critical public health measure that involves identifying, monitoring and providing appropriate guidance to people who may have come into contact with an infected person. The exercise is expected to help health officials assess the risk of further spread, identify individuals who may develop symptoms and ensure that necessary preventive measures are implemented. The confirmat...

Nigeria’s passport has reportedly dropped to 181st out of 196 countries in the latest IziVisa Passport Ranking Index, down from 90th position in July 2026. According to data published on IziVisa.com, Nigerians can travel to 24 countries visa-free, obtain visas on arrival in 16 countries and access 43 countries through electronic visas. The report highlights a decline in Nigeria’s visa-free score from 44 destinations in July to 24 in the latest IziVisa ranking. IziVisa explained that passports are ranked according to the number of destinations their holders can access without obtaining a visa beforehand, including visa-free entry, visas on arrival and electronic visas. The United Arab Emirates leads the 2026 ranking, with access to 185 of 198 destinations through the three travel categories, while Switzerland occupies second position. Luxembourg, Malta, Denmark, Spain and Finland also feature prominently. Separately, the July 2026 Henley Passport Index placed Nigeria 90th ou...

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Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised President Bola Tinubu over rising living costs, insecurity and poor police welfare, accusing him of celebrating Nigerians’ hardship. In a statement issued by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Atiku described Tinubu’s removal of petrol subsidy as “like a wicked king recounting the suffering he had inflicted as a triumph.” “Bola, you are the Egypt Nigerians are desperate to escape. You celebrate the day you made fuel more expensive, then lecture families struggling to pay for food and transport about why they must never go back,” he said. He added: “A mother trying to feed her children cannot pay for food with a metaphor. A worker cannot get to work on a story about the Red Sea. Nigerians are asking how you intend to make life affordable. Answer them.” Atiku promised targeted support for verified petroleum products refined and sold locally, excluding imported fuel, w...

Media entrepreneur and entertainment executive, Tambari Steve, has urged young entrepreneurs to embrace consistency, patience, and dedication as essential ingredients for achieving sustainable business success. Steve, who is the Chief Executive Officer of RwGBlog News and the driving force behind Resolution Wall Group (RwG), gave the advice while reflecting on the journey of RwG from its early beginnings to its emergence as a global brand. According to him, the growth of Resolution Wall Group demonstrates the importance of remaining committed to a vision, even when progress appears slow and immediate results are not forthcoming. He noted that the organisation has remained focused on its vision for over 25 years, gradually building its presence and expanding its operations across different sectors. The media entrepreneur stressed that many aspiring business owners become discouraged when their efforts do not produce immediate results, urging them to remain focused and persis...

A 78-year-old retired University of Pennsylvania professor, Carolyn Marvin, has been arrested for allegedly blocking an Uber Eats delivery robot in Philadelphia, United States, as part of her protest against machines replacing human workers.  Marvin was reportedly taken into custody on Wednesday after refusing to move from the autonomous robot’s path despite police repeatedly asking her to let it pass, according to Philly Voice.  She was subsequently charged with disorderly conduct.  The former professor, who taught a course on freedom of expression at Penn, said she had been confronting delivery robots for months because she believes companies are deploying them at the expense of human workers to “enrich their own bottom line.”  “I know they’re taking the jobs of human delivery workers and, so, I have been protesting them whenever I saw them by standing in front of them and preventing them from going forward,” she said.  Marvin maintained that her a...

Prophet Chukwuemeka Ohanemere, popularly known as Odumeje, has stirred reactions after declaring that he would not d+e but would disappear when he had completed his assignment on earth.  Speaking during a lively moment with his congregation, the controversial cleric questioned how people would celebrate him after his de@th, insisting that he would not be available for a conventional b¥rial.  “You can never celebrate me when I am de@d. Who would go and put their foot in my b¥rial?” he asked, repeatedly calling on his followers and asking whether they could see him.  Odumeje went on to declare, “Don’t come and plan a b¥rial for me,” before making his bold claim: “I can never d+e. The only thing I will do when I’m done with my job, I will disappear.”  His remarks were met with enthusiastic reactions from the congregation, who responded with shouts and chants as the cleric continued his energetic performance.  He also described himself with grandiose exp...

The body of Christ is being ridiculed by many who parade themselves as men of God — Kanayo O. Kanayo drags men of God ridiculing the body of Christ, mentions Pastor Arome Osayi, tells Christians to be more spiritual Veteran Nollywood actor Kanayo O. Kanayo has criticised individuals who parade themselves as men of God, accusing them of ridiculing the body of Christ. He also questioned Pastor Arome Osayi’s claim of having been to heaven and urged Christians to be more discerning about the religious leaders they follow. “If you’re a follower of Christ, what happened to Jesus? He died and ascended into heaven. Pastor Arome is still alive and telling you people that he went to heaven, and then his members are there clapping. Many are going to h£ll with their eyes open. “Beware of whose voice you’re under because this is too embarrassing,” he said.

President Bola Tinubu has dismissed his political opponents' promises to bring back subsidy, saying the country cannot return to what it left behind. "I listen to my political opponents promising the return of subsidy," he said, before turning to scripture to make his point. Recalling his scripture studies, which he said were "in either the Bible or the Holy Quran," Tinubu said that when Moses left Egypt, "they faced the challenge, the Red Sea parted and gave way." He then added: "You cannot ask Moses to go back to Egypt."

Former Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, has reportedly passed away at the age of 71. Uduaghan, who led Delta State for two terms between 2007 and 2015, reportedly d+ed on the morning of Monday, October 19, 2026. His de@th was announced in a statement issued by the family and signed by Toju Anire Uduaghan on their behalf. The family described his passing as a painful loss, noting that his contributions and years of service left a lasting impact on individuals and communities across Delta State and Nigeria. “He was a source of strength, a father figure, a beloved brother and uncle, and a respected elder. We will deeply miss his presence and forever cherish the memories and legacy he leaves behind,” the statement read. Before becoming governor, Uduaghan served as Delta State Commissioner for Health from 1999 to 2003 and later held the position of Secretary to the State Government from 2003 to 2007. He assumed office as governor in 2007 and spent eight years le...

The Federal Government has reportedly paid ₦658.9bn in direct cash transfers to 10.46 million poor and vulnerable households as of September 2026, but the World Bank has called for improvements to ensure the programme provides more effective and sustained relief. The recommendation was contained in the bank’s latest Nigeria Development Update, titled ‘Beyond the Federal Purse: How Higher Revenues Shaped State Priorities’, which examined economic conditions and measures to cushion Nigerians against financial hardship. According to the report, the government deployed biometric and digital verification systems to identify eligible beneficiaries and facilitate payments under the cash transfer programme. While acknowledging the reported disbursement, the World Bank stressed that the programme’s impact would depend on reaching more households, providing sufficient financial assistance and ensuring payments are made consistently. “Social protection and service delivery can help cu...

Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic   Congress (NDC), has firmly rejected claims that the party’s Obi-Kwankwaso (OK) ticket will withdraw from the 2027 presidential race in favour of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and its candidate, Atiku Abubakar. In a strongly worded statement, Kwankwaso expressed deep concern over the conduct of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council. He accused it of launching unnecessary attacks on him, the NDC’s presidential candidate Peter Obi, and the party itself. He said the ADC campaign team was creating mischief by suggesting that the OK ticket was working for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or that it might step down at the last minute for the ADC candidate. Kwankwaso described such claims as unfounded and unhelpful. “Let me state clearly and unequivocally: we will not withdraw our candidature for the ADC or any other party,” he declared. “We remain confident in our capacity, com...

The European Union (EU) Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, has said Nigeria probably has the world’s highest number of people living below the poverty threshold. “Today, Nigeria is probably the country in the world with the highest number of people living under the poverty threshold,” Mignot said in Abuja during the 2026 International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. He cited figures showing that 133 million Nigerians lived in multidimensional poverty in 2022, adding that estimates from different sources suggested the situation had worsened. The ambassador disclosed that the EU had committed nearly €45 million in humanitarian assistance to Nigeria in 2026, particularly to support conflict-affected and crisis-prone communities. He said the EU was working with the Nigerian government, humanitarian organisations and local communities to connect emergency relief with long-term development solutions. Mignot acknowledged government social protection initiatives,...

Media personality Chude Jideonwo has opened up about setting boundaries, protecting his peace and learning to separate himself emotionally from people he loves. Speaking on Beyond With Ezinne, Chude revealed that he has been intentional about the people and opportunities he allows into his life since 2016. “For at least since 2016, I’ve been clear who I am. I don’t do anything I don’t enjoy doing. I don’t do any business I don’t enjoy doing. I don’t do any speaking engagement. I don’t like doing panels, for instance, unless it’s Bill Gates that’s inviting me or Joe Biden. I’m not doing it,” he said. He disclosed that he had fired clients because he did not like their energy, adding that he had turned down a million dollars because he anticipated the stress of working with the person. “It’s not that, oh, it was a potential million dollars, because I’m like, this person, I’m going to suffer. I’m going to have to navigate,” he explained. According to Chude, while he had learne...

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, has said domestic and international markets have largely dismissed Nigeria’s opposition parties as unserious, with investors expecting President Bola Tinubu to secure a second term and sustain his economic reforms. Speaking at the closing briefing of the IMF/World Bank Annual Meetings in Bangkok, Thailand, Oyedele said investors had repeatedly questioned whether the government would reverse its policies ahead of the next election. “In all the meetings I have had, I came to a conclusion that the markets, including the domestic market and the international market, have largely written off the opposition in Nigeria as being unserious,” he said. He ruled out a return to fuel subsidies and multiple exchange rates, warning that reversing the reforms could trigger capital flight and weaken the naira. “Let me be clear: there will be no return to fuel subsidies or multiple exchange rates,” he stated. Oy...

Psychiatrists have warned Nigerians against taking loans they cannot repay, cautioning that mounting debts and pressure from creditors could trigger anxiety, emotional distress and other mental health problems. The warning follows a Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) report showing that personal loans reached N2.06tn in May 2026, accounting for 64.78 per cent of the N3.18tn in outstanding consumer credit. Total consumer credit rose by N50bn from N3.13tn in April. Professor Taiwo Obindo, a University of Jos psychiatry professor and immediate past president of the Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria, said unpaid debts could disrupt sleep and appetite, cause persistent low moods and potentially develop into mental health conditions. He warned against loan sharks, citing abusive debt recovery practices, including the misuse of borrowers’ personal information and physical abuse of defaulters. He urged those struggling with debt to seek professional help, confide in trusted relati...

A 49-year-old Brazilian bricklayer, Edimar Rocha Martins, travelled more than 1,200 miles to meet a woman he believed was his girlfriend, only to discover that she was an AI-generated persona. Martins said he first came across a social media account belonging to a woman named Jéssica Oliveira, also known as Jessica Fazendeira, in 2020. Believing she was real, he decided to travel from Imperatriz in Maranhão to Belo Horizonte in Minas Gerais to meet her. On October 9, Martins sold all his belongings to fund the bus trip. “I sold all my things, I got rid of everything,” he said. When he arrived in Belo Horizonte on October 11, he searched for the woman but was told at a radio station that she did not exist. “I went to the radio station there, and they said no, that’s fake news, that woman doesn’t exist,” he said. Martins eventually ran out of money and sought help at Belo Horizonte City Hall, where he told a social worker that he had travelled because he was tired of being lo...

Precious, popularly known as Beauty Goddess, a hair vendor who operates a shop in Delta State, has reportedly been found de@d alongside two other girls inside a house in Jeddo this morning.  According to our Edjeba reporter, Precious’ friends had been searching for her for three days after they were unable to reach her. They reportedly shared her pictures on social media in an attempt to locate her. This morning, her friends visited her residence and discovered that the door was locked from the inside. They reportedly forced the door open, only to find three people d+ad inside the house. The circumstances surrounding their d+aths remain unclear.

The Nollywood industry has been thrown into mourning following the d+ath of actress Tenia Abraham Omenogor, who passed away at the age of 32. Tenia’s family confirmed her d+ath in an announcement released on Thursday, October 15, 2026, revealing that the actress d+ed on October 13, 2026. The family identified a kidney infection as the cause of her d+ath. In their statement, her family described her as “a vibrant talent, a loving daughter, sister and friend,” expressing deep sorrow over her passing. Tenia was known for her appearances in several Nollywood productions and was appreciated for her dedication to her craft and warm personality. Her d+ath has left loved ones, colleagues and admirers mourning the loss of a promising actress whose life was cut short at just 32.

The Presidency has accused media organisations of promoting opposition narratives about Nigeria’s economy, insisting that food prices have dropped significantly under President Bola Tinubu. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the President, made the remarks in a post on his official X handle, on Friday. Onanuga urged television presenters to visit markets, claiming that the prices of staple foods, particularly rice, had crashed. His words: “TV anchors keep pushing the opposition’s narrative that nothing has changed, positively, indeed, massively, since 2023. Their position has become so ridiculous that they keep parroting the old narrative, and now they question the NBS data on receding inflation. I will advise them to revisit the markets. Food prices are crashing. “The favourite rice that at a time was selling for N120k a bag has crashed below N50k. In my hometown, a bag now sells for N45K.” The presidential aide also highlighted other economic dev...

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has taken a swipe at former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi over their political ambitions. Wike made the remarks during his induction into the Idoma Hall of Fame, on Thursday in Abuja where he criticised politicians who, according to him, portray themselves as humble and identify with ordinary Nigerians for political gain. “You know politicians can tell lies. Yes! A man who, as a governor, never celebrated his birthday in IDP camps, now wants to do it there because he wants to be president. And you’ll say he’s humble. Which humility is that?” he said. He also questioned politicians who buy roadside corn and groundnuts to portray themselves as people who relate with the poor. “You see a man who has never eaten corn by the roadside. He goes, buys corn and groundnuts, and says he relates with poor people. Who ar...