Trump Redesignates Nigeria as ‘Country of Particular Concern’ Over Alleged Genocide Against Christians
The United States, under President Donald Trump’s administration, has redesignated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” over allegations of genocide against Christians. In a post on social media Friday, Trump said Christianity was facing an existential threat in Nigeria, sparking international reactions over religious freedom and human rights concerns.
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PDP Vows to Proceed with Ibadan Convention Despite Court Order
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has vowed to go ahead with its planned National Convention slated for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan, Oyo State, despite a Federal High Court order in Abuja restraining it. The court had halted the exercise, citing alleged breaches of the party’s constitution, but PDP leadership insists the convention will hold as scheduled.
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JAMB Flags 2,658 Admissions as Illegal in 17 Institutions
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has flagged a total of 2,658 illegal admissions conducted during the 2024/2025 academic session across 17 universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. The revelation followed an institutional analysis by the board in Abuja on Friday, highlighting widespread violations in Nigeria’s tertiary admission processes.
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Neurosurgeon Kidnapped in Anambra State
A consultant neurosurgeon, identified simply as Dr. Mbanugo T., has been abducted by kidnappers in Uruagu Nnewi, Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State. The medical practitioner was reportedly kidnapped along the New Nnewi-Oba road late Thursday, raising fresh concerns about insecurity in the Southeast region.
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Kogi Polytechnic Investigates Certificate Racketeering Syndicate
Kogi State Polytechnic has launched an investigation into a nine-member syndicate accused of certificate racketeering and document falsification. Rector of the institution, Prof. Salisu Ogbo, disclosed this at a press briefing in Lokoja on Friday, vowing that those involved would face disciplinary and legal actions.
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Police Rescue 23 Foreign Hostages in Nasarawa State
Police operatives have rescued 23 foreign nationals from a kidnapping and human trafficking syndicate in Nasarawa State. The victims, comprising 14 males, eight females, and a child, were freed unhurt at Angwan Adamu Ruga Fulani Zone B, Mararaba, around 8 p.m. on October 22, according to police authorities.
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Two Brothers Killed, 27 Arrested in Enugu Community Clash
Two brothers have been confirmed dead following a violent clash in the Umuchigbo-Nike community, Enugu East Local Government Area of Enugu State. Several houses and vehicles were set ablaze in the incident, while police confirmed the arrest of 27 suspects connected to the crisis.
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ADC Urges Tinubu to Withdraw 15% Import Duty on Fuel
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has urged President Bola Tinubu to reverse the newly approved 15 per cent import duty on petrol and diesel, describing the move as “insensitive” and economically harmful. The party’s spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, said in a Friday statement that the decision would worsen hardship for Nigerians.
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APC Confident of Victory in Anambra Governorship Election
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed confidence in winning the November 8 governorship election in Anambra State. National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, made the declaration during a campaign rally in Onitsha, saying the party’s candidate, Nicholas Ukachukwu, and his running mate, Senator Uche Ekwunife, represent a strong ticket for victory.
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Naira Appreciates Against Dollar in Parallel and Official Markets
The Naira appreciated to ₦1,475 per dollar in the parallel market on Friday, up from ₦1,489 recorded on Thursday. In the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM), the currency further strengthened to ₦1,427.5 per dollar, reflecting renewed optimism over the government’s foreign exchange reforms.
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Presidency Defends Tinubu’s 15% Fuel Import Tariff as Boost for Local Refining
The Presidency has defended President Bola Tinubu’s approval of a 15 per cent import duty on petrol and diesel, describing it as a strategic step to boost local refining and reduce dependence on imports. Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, said on Friday that the move would create jobs and strengthen energy independence.
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FG Launches ₦10m Tax Reform Challenge for Students, NYSC Members
The Federal Government has unveiled a ₦10 million Tax Reform Challenge for students and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members to promote awareness of new tax laws. Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, Taiwo Oyedele, announced the initiative on Friday, calling it “big news for Nigerian students.”
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Court Halts PDP National Convention Over Constitutional Breach
A Federal High Court in Abuja has stopped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from proceeding with its planned National Convention in Ibadan. Justice James Omotosho, in a ruling Friday, said the party violated its constitution and failed to comply with due process, ordering it to issue the statutory 21-day notice before rescheduling the exercise.
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PDP Vows to Appeal Court Ruling Halting Convention
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed disappointment over the Federal High Court ruling suspending its planned national convention, describing it as an assault on democracy. In a statement by its spokesperson, Debo Ologunagba, the party vowed to appeal the judgment, insisting that the decision undermines internal party autonomy affirmed by the Supreme Court.
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Bayelsa Governor Douye Diri to Defect to APC on Monday
Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, is set to formally join the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday, in what sources describe as a major political shift in the South-South. President Bola Tinubu and APC governors are expected to welcome him at an Abuja ceremony, according to reports from TheCable.
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Agba Jalingo Accuses Prison Officials of Selling Cell Spaces to Rich Inmates
Activist and journalist Agba Jalingo has alleged that some Nigerian Correctional Service officials sell cell spaces to wealthy inmates for up to ₦300,000. Speaking at a journalism masterclass in Calabar, Jalingo said the practice reflects deep-rooted corruption and inequality within Nigeria’s prison system.
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MC Oluomo Claims He Spent ₦756 Million on Tinubu’s 2023 Campaign
National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) President, Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, has claimed he spent ₦756 million of his personal funds during President Bola Tinubu’s 2023 campaign. In a viral video, he said he funded hotel accommodation, logistics, and stipends for supporters without receiving help from Abuja.
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Burna Boy Says Only Fela Kuti Is Greater Than Him in Africa
Grammy-winning singer Burna Boy has declared that Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti is the only African artist greater than him. Speaking in a recent livestream with Australian streamer Playboymax, Burna Boy described Fela as “the king,” asserting that no other African artist surpasses him.
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Okoronkwo Confident Super Falcons Will Win 11th WAFCON Title
Super Falcons striker Esther Okoronkwo has expressed optimism that Nigeria will clinch its 11th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title in 2026. Speaking to Channels Television, Okoronkwo said the team is fully motivated to defend its crown and qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
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Premier League Cuts 2025 Boxing Day Fixtures to One Match
The Premier League has confirmed that only one fixture—Manchester United vs Newcastle United—will be played on Boxing Day 2025. The decision, announced Friday, stems from fixture congestion caused by expanded European competitions, marking the first time in history the traditional lineup has been reduced to a single game.