Tinubu Withdraws Clemency for 175 Convicts After Public Outcry
President Bola Tinubu has withdrawn the pardon earlier granted to 175 convicts, including drug traffickers, kidnappers, and fraudsters, following public backlash over the clemency list released on October 11. The decision came after Tinubu ordered a review of the National Council of State’s recommendation during its October 9 meeting.
New Service Chiefs Pledge Security Reforms Through Strategic Partnerships
Nigeria’s newly appointed Service Chiefs on Wednesday vowed to reform the country’s security architecture through foreign collaborations, local arms production, and improved welfare for personnel. They made the pledge during their joint screening before the Senate and House of Representatives.
Pastor Re-Arraigned for Alleged Indecent Treatment of 14-Year-Old
A pastor and legal practitioner, Aka-Bashorun Olawale Akanni, was re-arraigned on Wednesday before Justice Hakeem Oshodi of the Lagos State High Court, Ikeja, for allegedly molesting a 14-year-old girl. The Lagos State Government re-filed a one-count charge of indecent treatment of a child.
EFCC Arraigns Vessel, Crew Over ₦12bn Fuel Theft
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday arraigned a vessel, MT Ostria, and three individuals before the Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos, for allegedly stealing 13 million litres of petrol worth ₦12 billion belonging to NNPC Retail Limited.
Court Orders Forfeiture of $49,700 From Former INEC Official
The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the permanent forfeiture of $49,700 recovered from Dr Nura Ali, a former INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in Sokoto State. Justice Emeka Nwite gave the order after hearing a motion filed by ICPC counsel, Osuobeni Akponimisingha.
Reps Approve Tinubu’s $2.35bn Loan Request for 2025 Budget Deficit
The House of Representatives has approved President Bola Tinubu’s request to borrow $2.35 billion to finance part of the 2025 budget deficit. Lawmakers also endorsed plans to issue a $500 million sovereign sukuk for infrastructure development and financing diversification.
Senator Agadaga Dumps PDP for APC Over Party Crisis
Senator Benson Agadaga (Bayelsa East) has resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and joined the All Progressives Congress (APC). Agadaga cited internal conflict and lack of discipline within the PDP as reasons for his defection.
FG Releases ₦2.3bn to Clear University Staff Salary Arrears
The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, announced on Wednesday that the Federal Government has released ₦2.3 billion to settle salary and promotion arrears for academic and non-academic university staff nationwide.
Court Jails Man Four Years for Drug Trafficking in Ibadan
A Federal High Court in Ibadan has sentenced Sunday Akande to four years’ imprisonment for peddling 360g of cannabis and 2g of methamphetamine. Justice Nkeonye Maha convicted him based on evidence provided by the NDLEA.
Lawmakers Order Arrest of JAMB Officials After Walkout
There was chaos in the House of Representatives on Wednesday when lawmakers ordered the arrest of Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) officials after they staged a walkout during an investigative hearing before the Committee on Basic Education.
Tinubu Removes Maryam Sanda, Criminals From Pardon List
President Bola Tinubu has ordered the removal of Maryam Sanda and other convicts, including kidnappers and drug traffickers, from the presidential pardon list. The review followed nationwide outrage and consultations with the Council of State.
FG Dismisses US Lawmakers’ Christian Genocide Claims as Misleading
Minister of Information Mohammed Idris has dismissed claims by some US lawmakers alleging genocide against Christians in Nigeria, saying their assertions were based on “faulty data” and failed to reflect the nation’s complex security realities.
Senate Confirms Tinubu’s Service Chiefs
The Senate has confirmed President Bola Tinubu’s nominees as new Service Chiefs, including General Olufemi Oluyede (Defence), Major General Waheedi Shaibu (Army), Rear Admiral Idi Abbas (Navy), and Air Vice Marshal Kennedy Aneke (Air Force). Senate President Godswill Akpabio lauded the appointments as “timely and strategic.”
Reps Approve Tinubu’s Borrowing Plan, Eurobond Refinancing
The House of Representatives has approved President Bola Tinubu’s plan to borrow ₦1.84 trillion to fund the 2025 budget deficit and refinance a $1.12 billion Eurobond maturing in November 2025 to ease debt pressure and ensure fiscal stability.
Sylva’s Aide Denies Coup Allegations, Confirms Raid on Residence
Timipre Sylva’s media aide, Julius Bokoru, has denied reports linking the former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources to a coup plot, describing them as “false and politically motivated.” He confirmed that Sylva’s Abuja home was recently raided while the ex-minister was abroad.
FG Pays ₦2.3bn Arrears to Varsity Lecturers, Promises Timely Salaries
The Federal Government has disbursed ₦2.3 billion to settle outstanding salaries and promotion arrears owed to university lecturers. Education Minister Tunji Alausa said the move is part of Tinubu’s commitment to stable and fair university funding.
Rapper Oladips Accuses EFCC of Extortion
Nigerian rapper Oladips has alleged that officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) extorted ₦10 million from him before his release from custody in 2024. He claimed “Nigeria just happened to me” during a recent interview.
Tiwa Savage Says She Once Felt Ashamed of Her African Heritage
Singer Tiwa Savage has revealed that growing up in London made her feel unhappy about her African identity but noted that Afrobeats’ global success has restored her pride. She maintained that “Afrobeats is unstoppable” despite criticism of its current performance.
Amaju Pinnick Denies Mismanaging FIFA Project Funds in Kebbi
Former NFF President Amaju Pinnick has denied allegations of mismanaging FIFA Goal Project funds in Kebbi State, insisting the project followed due process under FIFA supervision. He described the accusations as “completely misconstrued.”
Guardiola Warns of Set-Piece Threats in Premier League
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola says set-pieces are becoming decisive again in the Premier League, noting a rise in goals from corners and throw-ins. “People use every throw-in like a corner,” he said, citing Brentford’s tactics as an example.