Here is a summary of Nigerian news this morning, 18 JULY 2025

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Tinubu Renames UNIMAID After Late Muhammadu Buhari

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has renamed the University of Maiduguri after former President Muhammadu Buhari. The announcement was made at the close of a special Federal Executive Council (FEC) session held in Abuja to honour Buhari, who passed away on July 13.

Tinubu praised Buhari as โ€œa man of discipline, moral fortitude, and unwavering patriotism,โ€ describing the late leaderโ€™s legacy as one built on transparency and quiet courage.

He noted that Buhariโ€™s tenure, though austere, was principled and incorruptible, adding that renaming the institution as Muhammadu Buhari University, Maiduguri, was a fitting tribute.


Ijebu-Odeโ€™s Fusengbuwa Ruling House Begins Process to Install New Awujale

The Fusengbuwa Ruling House of Ijebu-Ode has formally signaled its readiness to fill the vacant Awujale throne following the death of Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona.

The ruling house, next in line, initiated the traditional succession process by unveiling the Gbedu drumsโ€”an ancestral rite symbolizing their claim to the stool.

This marks the beginning of what is expected to be a traditional and administrative selection process to determine the next paramount ruler of Ijebuland.


Speaker Abbas Recalls Buhariโ€™s Leadership Advice

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, on Thursday revealed that former President Muhammadu Buhariโ€™s advice has shaped his leadership approach since assuming office.

โ€œHe told me to lead as a servant, not a master,โ€ Abbas stated during a tribute session in honour of the late president.

Abbas noted that Buhariโ€™s guidance helped him remain people-focused and committed to public service throughout his tenure as Speaker of the 10th Assembly.


ADC Demands Full Audit of Nigeriaโ€™s Refineries

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called for an immediate and comprehensive audit of Nigeriaโ€™s refineries amid reports that nearly $18 billion has been spent on their rehabilitation.

In a statement on Thursday, the party questioned the transparency of such spending and raised concerns over the refineriesโ€™ planned privatisation.

ADC spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi accused the government of misleading Nigerians by previously declaring some refineries operational, only to now declare them moribund.


Troops Reject โ‚ฆ13.7 Million Bribe From Terrorists in Plateau

Troops of Operation Safe Haven rejected a โ‚ฆ13.7 million bribe offered by terrorists during an operation along Josโ€“Sanga Road in Plateau State, the Defence Headquarters disclosed on Thursday.

Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye said the suspects tried to evade arrest after being intercepted by troops responding to a distress call.

The military recovered weapons, cash, and a vehicle. The suspects are now in custody, and investigations are ongoing.


Customs Seize Millions Worth of Pangolin Scales in Kano

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in Kano/Jigawa Area Command has intercepted a large consignment of Pangolin scales and arrested a suspected trafficker.

Area Controller Comptroller Dalhatu Abubakar disclosed this during a press briefing, stating that the seized items were worth several millions of naira.

The interception, Abubakar said, is part of intensified efforts to combat wildlife trafficking in the region.


Ondo Police Arrest Landlord, Others Over Murder of AAUA Students

Ondo State Police Command has arrested three suspects, including a landlord, in connection with the kidnapping and murder of two students of Adekunle Ajasin University.

Commissioner of Police Abiodun Lawal confirmed that the landlord of one of the victims, Oladele Femi, confessed to masterminding the crime.

The victimsโ€”Abah John Friday and Okah Andrel Elohoโ€”were abducted and later found dead, prompting outrage and grief in the Akoko community.


Yakubu Gowon University Denies Land Grabbing Allegation

Acting Vice Chancellor of Yakubu Gowon University, Prof. Lar Patricia Manko, has denied allegations of land encroachment leveled by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.

Manko stated that the 11,000 hectares of land were allocated by the Federal Government and remain a legacy asset.

She argued that the university is operating within its legally assigned boundaries and that all expansion has followed due process.


Plateau Governor Blames Insecurity on Lack of Prosecution

Governor Caleb Mutfwang has decried the lack of arrests following deadly attacks in Riyom LGA of Plateau State, saying โ€œthose who killed our people are not spirits.โ€

During a visit to the affected Tahos community, Mutfwang praised the militaryโ€™s efforts but questioned why no attackers have been apprehended despite their proximity to security outposts.

He urged security agencies to act swiftly to deliver justice and prevent further bloodshed.


Bode George: PDP Is Still an Iroko Despite Exit of Big Names

PDP chieftain and elder statesman, Chief Olabode George, has dismissed fears over the partyโ€™s future, saying it remains an Iroko tree despite the exit of prominent members like Atiku Abubakar.

Speaking in an interview, George said, โ€œAn Iroko can lose branches, but it remains standing.โ€ He stressed that no single individual defines a political party.

George called for unity and reforms within the PDP to reclaim its national influence.


Kachikwu Warns Obi: Atiku Not Serious About Southern Presidency

ADCโ€™s 2023 presidential candidate, Dumebi Kachikwu, has accused former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of deceiving Peter Obi and sabotaging plans for a Southern presidency.

Kachikwu said Atiku โ€œdoesnโ€™t believe in a Southern presidencyโ€ and is manipulating coalitions to advance his own ambition for 2027.

Speaking during a press briefing, Kachikwu urged Obi and other leaders to remain vigilant, warning that Atiku seeks to dominate the political space again.


ADC Alleges โ‚ฆ20 Million Bribe to Force State Chairmen Resignations

ADC presidential candidate Dumebi Kachikwu has accused Atiku Abubakar and his allies of offering up to โ‚ฆ20 million to bribe ADC state chairmen into resigning.

Speaking at a press conference, Kachikwu described the opposition coalition as a โ€œgangโ€ focused on power grabs, not national progress.

He reiterated that the ADC โ€œis not for sale,โ€ vowing to resist all attempts to hijack the partyโ€™s structure.


Bucknor-Akerele Criticises Tinubuโ€™s Second-Term Bid

Former Lagos Deputy Governor Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele has said President Bola Tinubu should not be focused on a second term amid Nigeriaโ€™s current challenges.

Speaking on Channels TV, she described Tinubuโ€™s re-election ambitions as โ€œunfortunateโ€ and โ€œmisplaced,โ€ urging the president to prioritize resolving economic and security issues.

She warned that public frustration with the governmentโ€™s performance is rising and that continued neglect could lead to disaster.


Kimoprah Laments Advances From Taxi Drivers, Immigration Officers

BBNaija star Kimoprah has expressed her displeasure at being approached by taxi drivers and immigration officers during her international travels.

Speaking on The BTS Reality podcast, Kimoprah said their actions were audacious and unwelcome, noting that many people abroad seem indifferent to social class boundaries.

She added that while freedom of speech exists, it shouldn’t be mistaken for inappropriate behavior.


Rudeboy: โ€œThey Call You Bad Once You Stop Givingโ€

Nigerian music star Paul Okoye, aka Rudeboy, has reflected on how people quickly turn on benefactors when the handouts stop.

In an Instagram post, he wrote: โ€œThe people you suffer for and carry cross for no go send youโ€ฆ until you stop giving. Then you become the bad person.โ€

His message resonated widely, highlighting the emotional toll of one-sided generosity.


Toni Payne: No Regrets Choosing Nigeria Over the USA

Super Falcons midfielder Toni Payne says she has no regrets about ditching the United States to represent Nigeria.

Speaking ahead of Nigeriaโ€™s WAFCON quarter-final clash, Payne said choosing Nigeria was a decision rooted in cultural pride and emotional connection.

โ€œI love being part of something bigger than myself,โ€ she said. โ€œI love to represent my family and heritage.โ€


Olivia Smith Joins Arsenal in Record ยฃ1 Million Womenโ€™s Transfer

Canadian international Olivia Smith has joined Arsenal Women from Liverpool in a record-breaking ยฃ1 million deal.

The 20-year-old midfielder becomes the most expensive womenโ€™s footballer, surpassing Naomi Girmaโ€™s ยฃ900,000 move to Chelsea.

Smith, who scored seven goals in 20 appearances last season, signed a four-year deal with the Gunners and is expected to play a key role in their European and domestic campaigns.

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