Benue Assembly Elects Emberga as New Speaker
The Benue State House of Assembly has elected Hon. Berg Afled Emberga, representing Makurdi North Constituency, as its new Speaker.
Emberga emerged at an emergency plenary session on Sunday following the resignation of Hon. Aondona Dajoh amid a week-long leadership crisis. He was immediately sworn in after taking the oath of office administered by the Clerk of the House, John Hwande.
The Assembly also lifted Emberga’s suspension, along with that of three other lawmakers, to allow his emergence. Emberga, who enjoys the backing of Governor Hyacinth Alia, pledged to work with members to advance the state’s development agenda.
Army Destroys 9 Illegal Refineries, Arrests 69 Suspected Oil Thieves
Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 6 Division have destroyed nine illegal refineries and arrested 69 suspected oil thieves in the Niger Delta region.
The Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, said in a statement that troops also confiscated 32,000 litres of stolen petroleum products. Two trucks conveying more than 15,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil were intercepted in Delta State.
Six Killed, Three Missing in Sokoto Boat Mishap
At least six people have died, while three others are missing following a boat accident in Garin Faji, Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
Residents said the incident occurred on Thursday morning, August 21, as villagers fled an attack by suspected bandits. This is the second boat tragedy in the area in less than a week.
Military Jets Kill Over 30 Terrorists at Cameroon Border
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have killed more than 30 terrorists attempting to cross into Nigeria from Cameroon.
Security sources said the terrorists had gathered near Kumshe in Borno State early Saturday to attack ground troops and infiltrate Nigeria. Airstrikes were launched on their location, neutralising dozens of fighters.
Falana Demands EFCC Transfers ₦32.7bn Loot to NSIPA
Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Femi Falana has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to remit ₦32.7 billion and $445,000 recovered from officials of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA).
Falana, in a statement, said the funds must be redirected to the agency for the benefit of Nigerians instead of remaining idle.
NiMet Predicts Thunderstorms Nationwide
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has forecast thunderstorms and moderate rainfall across parts of the country between Monday and Wednesday.
According to the agency, Jigawa, Zamfara, Kano, Kaduna, Bauchi, Yobe, and Katsina will experience thunderstorms on Monday morning, with Kebbi, Adamawa, and Taraba expected to see rains by afternoon.
Petrol Depot Price Rises to ₦823 Per Litre
Three major operators – Dangote Petroleum Refinery, Aiteo and AA Rano – have adjusted the depot price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to ₦823 per litre, up from ₦821.
The hike follows a rise in crude oil prices from $65 to $67 per barrel in the international market.
ADC Demands State of Emergency in Zamfara, Katsina
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has urged President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Zamfara and Katsina States following recent attacks that have left over 140 people dead in two months.
In a statement by its spokesman, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party described the killings as proof of a collapsed security system and faulted PDP governors for holding a meeting in Zamfara shortly after the massacres.
Police Arrest Notorious Kidnapper in Nasarawa
The Nasarawa State Police Command has arrested a notorious kidnap kingpin, Mohammed Bammi, also known as Zomo, in Yelwa village.
Command spokesman, SP Ramhan Nansel, confirmed the arrest in a statement on Sunday, noting that the suspect was apprehended by operatives attached to the Doma Division.
Akwa Ibom Police Nab Four Suspected Drug Dealers
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested four suspected drug dealers during raids on black spots in Uyo.
Command spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, said in a statement that the operation took place on August 18 following credible intelligence. The suspects are to be charged in court.
Labour Rejects Plan to Raise Politicians’ Salaries
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has rejected plans by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) to raise the salaries of political office holders.
NLC President, Joe Ajaero, described the move as “insensitive and inequitable,” warning it could trigger unrest given stagnant workers’ wages and rising living costs.
Atiku Pledges Support for ADC’s 2027 Presidential Candidate
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has promised to back whoever emerges as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the 2027 election.
Speaking through Prof. Ola Olateju at a Lagos event welcoming new defectors, Atiku said the party would provide a level playing field for aspirants, stressing that the choice of candidate would be determined through free and fair primaries.
Nigeria Repatriates Wanted Chinese Gang Leader
The Nigeria Police Force has repatriated Dai Qisheng, a notorious Chinese gang leader, to Beijing.
Force spokesman DCP Muyiwa Adejobi said the fugitive was tracked and arrested in Abuja on August 8 by INTERPOL operatives before being extradited on August 15 in collaboration with Chinese authorities.
Ohanaeze Rules Out Igbo Presidency in 2027
Ohanaeze Ndigbo has declared that no Igbo candidate will contest the 2027 presidential election against President Bola Tinubu.
In a statement signed by Okechukwu Isiguzoro and Thompson Ohia, the group said the earliest realistic chance for a Southeast presidency is 2035, identifying Minister of Works David Umahi as the region’s strongest future contender.
SERAP Urges Tinubu to Halt Politicians’ Pay Rise
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has asked President Bola Tinubu to stop the proposed increase in salaries of political and public office holders.
In a letter signed by Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP argued that the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission lacks the constitutional power to arbitrarily adjust politicians’ pay.
Jemima Osunde Advises Women to Earn Their Own Money
Actress Jemima Osunde has urged women to stop relying on wealthy partners and instead focus on building their own financial independence.
She argued that depending solely on rich husbands is unrealistic and encouraged women to pursue work, develop skills, and create opportunities for themselves.
Veekee James Says Rumours Nearly Drove Her to Depression
Celebrity fashion designer Veekee James has said false reports about her marriage almost pushed her into depression.
Appearing on The Nancy Isime Show, she denied rumours that she had been romantically involved with her husband, Femi Atere, while he was dating her friend. She said the allegations caused emotional distress but her faith helped her overcome the situation.
Mohbad’s Father Insists Naira Marley Bullied His Son
Joseph Aloba, father of the late singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, has accused Naira Marley of bullying his son while he was alive.
In an interview, Aloba said Mohbad suffered harassment despite Marley’s public denials, adding that even Marley’s close associates had confirmed cases of assault.