EFCC Recovers N5bn, $10m in Refinery Fraud Probe
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has recovered over N5 billion and $10 million from contractors and government officials indicted in the fraud surrounding the turnaround maintenance of Nigeria’s refineries in Port Harcourt, Kaduna, and Warri. Sources disclosed that the anti-graft agency is intensifying efforts to recover an additional N10 billion and $13 million allegedly siphoned through contractors engaged in the projects.
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Security Agents Arrest Ansaru Leaders in Nigeria
Security agents have arrested two top leaders of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan (Ansaru), an Al-Qaeda affiliate in Nigeria. Those in custody are Mahmud Muhammad Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a, Abbas or Mukhtar, identified as the self-styled Emir of Ansaru, and his deputy, Mahmud al-Nigeri, popularly called Mallam Mamuda.
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Kano Police Arrest 288 Thugs in Bye-Election Violence
The Kano State Police Command has arrested no fewer than 288 suspected thugs armed with dangerous weapons during Saturday’s bye-election in four local government areas. The Command’s spokesperson, SP Abdullahi Haruna, confirmed the arrests in a telephone interview, stating that security operatives acted to prevent widespread violence and disruption of the electoral process.
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PDP Condemns Violence in Kano Bye-Election
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kano State has strongly condemned the violence that disrupted Saturday’s bye-election for the Shanono/Bagwai State Assembly seat. In a statement, state chairman Yusuf Ado Kibiya denounced the use of violence or threats to influence voters and the outcome of the election, calling it unacceptable and urging stakeholders to uphold democratic principles.
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Kaduna Govt, PDP Clash Over Vote-Buying Allegations
Kaduna State Commissioner for Information, Alhaji Ahmed Maiyaki, and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have clashed over allegations of vote-buying during Saturday’s bye-election. The election, held across 16 constituencies in 12 states including Kaduna, witnessed heated exchanges as both sides accused each other of attempts to compromise the integrity of the process.
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Elder Statesman Isyaku Ibrahim Dies at 88
Prominent businessman and elder statesman, Alhaji Isyaku Ibrahim, a close associate of late President Shehu Shagari, has died at the age of 88. He passed away in the early hours of Saturday at a private hospital in Abuja, sparking tributes from political and business circles across the country.
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Housing Ministry Warns Against Fraud Over Seized Units
The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development (FMHUD) has warned the public against falling victim to fraudsters over the 753 housing units seized by the EFCC and forfeited to the Federal Government. In a statement on Saturday, the ministry clarified that it had not appointed any individual or corporate body to handle the sale of the properties.
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Tinubu Approves N16.7bn for Mokwa Bridge Reconstruction
President Bola Tinubu has approved the immediate release of N16.7 billion for the reconstruction of Mokwa Bridge in Niger State, which was destroyed by flooding in May. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, announced the approval in Abakaliki after a meeting with the Minister of Works, Dr. Dave Umahi, on Saturday.
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PDP Candidate Wins Ibadan North Bye-Election
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Fola Oyekunle, has emerged winner of the Ibadan North Federal Constituency bye-election. The Returning Officer, Prof. Abiodun Oluwadare, declared Oyekunle the winner in the early hours of Sunday, bringing an end to a closely contested race in Oyo State.
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Ogun Security Agents Arrest Suspected INEC Staff With Cash
Security operatives in Ogun State on Saturday arrested individuals suspected to be Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) staff in possession of a large amount of cash ahead of the state bye-election. They were apprehended alongside a politician allegedly plotting to buy votes, sparking concerns of electoral malpractice.
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Security Forces Arrest Most Wanted Ansaru Leader Abu Baraa
Nigeria’s security forces have captured Abu Baraa, the most wanted leader of the Ansaru terrorist group, after months of surveillance. The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, confirmed the arrest at a briefing in Abuja alongside service chiefs, describing it as a major breakthrough in the fight against terrorism.
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Abure Insists He Remains Labour Party Chairman
Factional Labour Party National Chairman, Julius Abure, has dismissed claims that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) no longer recognises him, blaming the Senator Nenadi Usman-led faction for spreading what he described as false narratives. In a statement on Saturday, his faction’s spokesman Obiora Ifoh insisted that court rulings had been misinterpreted and stressed that the Labour Party remained intact under Abure’s leadership.
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Security Agencies Arrest Suspected Vote-Buyer With ₦25.9m in Kaduna
A suspected vote-buyer, Shehu Aliyu Patangi, was arrested by security agencies in Kaduna with over ₦25.9 million allegedly intended to influence Saturday’s bye-election. Police spokesman DSP Mansir Hassan confirmed the arrest, saying the suspect admitted the funds were for bribing voters in Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency, while the state Commissioner of Police warned that electoral offenders would face the full weight of the law.
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PDP Alleges Abduction of Candidate, 25 Supporters in Kaduna
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kaduna has accused security operatives of abducting its House of Representatives candidate, Esther Ashivelli Dawaki, along with 25 supporters during Saturday’s bye-election. State chairman Sir Edward Percy Masha condemned the action, alleging intimidation by the ruling APC and urging President Bola Tinubu and security chiefs to intervene and ensure their immediate release.
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APC Chieftain Sani Shinkafi Survives Assassination Attempt
Former Zamfara governorship candidate and APC stalwart, Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, has survived an assassination attempt in Abuja. He said heavily armed gunmen attacked him after Juma’at prayers on Friday, August 15, before fleeing the scene, and linked the incident to his outspoken criticism of insecurity in Zamfara, urging police and DSS to investigate and bring the perpetrators to justice.
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Abure Faction Blasts Obi, Otti Over Labour Party Crisis
The Julius Abure-led faction of the Labour Party has said that Peter Obi and Governor Alex Otti are the real losers in the party’s leadership tussle following INEC’s withdrawal of recognition from Abure. Spokesman Obiora Ifoh alleged manipulation by the Senator Nenadi Usman-led camp, insisting that the party remained under Abure’s control despite court rulings, and accusing the rival faction of seeking to destroy the party.
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CAC Accepts Fatoyinbo’s Apology Over Apostle Babalola Remarks
The Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) has accepted the apology of Commonwealth of Zion Assembly Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo over his controversial comments on Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola. The church described Fatoyinbo’s remarks equating anointing with wealth as biblically flawed but said his apology showed remorse, while Babalola’s daughter, Deaconess Eunice Ogini, maintained that her father left a strong spiritual and family legacy.
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Delta Aide Explains Offer of ₦500,000 Job to Comfort Emmason
Special Adviser to the Delta State Governor on Media, Success Ossai, has clarified why he offered a ₦500,000 monthly job package to Comfort Emmason, the passenger banned by Ibom Air for unruly behaviour. Speaking to journalists, Ossai said the gesture was personal and not from the state government, stressing he acted out of compassion and dismissed speculations of romantic interest, noting that Delta State does not discriminate in offering help.
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Bella Shmurda Says Mohbad’s Death Changed His Life
Nigerian singer Bella Shmurda has revealed that the death of his close friend and collaborator, Mohbad, has completely changed his outlook on life. Speaking in a livestream with TikToker Joblaq, Shmurda said Mohbad’s passing “reset” his brain, making him more reflective and clearer about life, adding that he now understands lessons his parents once tried to teach him.
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Ebonyi Governor Rewards D’Tigress Star With ₦30m and Duplex
Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has rewarded Nigerian basketball star Munachi Ejiofor with ₦30 million and a duplex in Abakaliki for her role in D’Tigress’ victory at the 2025 Women’s AfroBasket. Ejiofor, who helped Nigeria clinch a fifth consecutive title in Côte d’Ivoire, was also inducted into the Ebonyi State Hall of Fame, days after President Bola Tinubu honoured the team with national awards and cash gifts.