Senate Confirms Amupitan as INEC Chairman
The Senate has confirmed President Bola Tinubu’s nominee, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) following his screening during Thursday’s plenary. Amupitan vowed to uphold the commission’s independence and proposed deploying drones to secure election materials.
Nnamdi Kanu Fit to Stand Trial – NMA
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has declared that the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, is fit to stand trial, stating that his ailment is not life-threatening. The report, submitted to the Federal High Court in Abuja, followed an independent health assessment ordered by Justice James Omotosho amid conflicting medical claims from both sides.
FCTA Demolishes 11 Illegal Duplexes in Abuja
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has demolished 11 duplexes in the Dutse District of Abuja for violating city planning regulations. The authorities warned that developers who build under high-tension cables and across drainage channels risk losing their investments and facing legal sanctions.
Eight Security Operatives Killed in Zamfara Ambush
At least eight security personnel, including members of the Zamfara State Community Protection Guards, were killed in an ambush along the Gusau–Funtua highway on Thursday. The operatives were responding to a distress call at Tungawa village in Tsafe Local Government Area when gunmen opened fire.
FG Denies Abolishing JAMB for Admissions
The Federal Government has dismissed reports claiming that the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) is no longer required for university admissions. The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, described the reports as false and clarified that JAMB remains the sole body authorized to conduct entrance examinations and regulate tertiary admissions in Nigeria.
Joint Task Force Arrests Bandits, Destroys Camps in Kogi
A combined team of the Joint Task Force, hunters, and vigilantes has arrested two injured bandits and their doctors in the Aherin-Bunu community, Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State. The team also destroyed several bandit camps during the operation, according to State Security Adviser, Cdr Jerry Omodara (rtd).
Man Arrested for Setting Ex-Lover on Fire in Ibadan
Police in Oyo State have arrested a man identified as Lawal Faruq for allegedly setting his ex-lover ablaze at a military barracks in Ibadan. A counterinsurgency analyst, Zagazola Makama, revealed that the suspect confessed they had taken an oath never to separate before the relationship turned sour.
Court Convicts 59 Foreigners for Cybercrime in Abuja
The Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted 59 foreign nationals from China and Malaysia for involvement in a major cybercrime syndicate busted by the Nigeria Police National Cybercrime Centre. The convicts were part of 130 suspects arrested in a raid on a property in the Jahi area of the capital.
Three Killed as Trailer Crushes Tricycles in Onitsha
At least three people were feared dead and others trapped when a trailer carrying a 40-foot container overturned and crushed three tricycles near Upper Iweka, Onitsha, on Thursday. Angry residents later staged a protest, decrying the government’s failure to repair the dilapidated road.
Senator Konbowei Defects to APC
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on Thursday gained another lawmaker as Senator Friday Konbowei, representing Bayelsa Central, defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). His defection letter was read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during plenary.
FG Reviewing Tinubu’s Presidential Pardon
The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), says no inmate granted presidential pardon has been released, as the process remains under final administrative review. He said the verification aims to ensure full compliance with legal procedures before issuing any release documents.
DHQ Explains Delay in Soldiers’ Feeding Allowance
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has attributed the delay in paying Ration Cash Allowance to some soldiers to a system glitch. The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Magnus Kangye, assured that the issue is being resolved and emphasized that commanders are not withholding funds meant for troops.
Rivers Govt Cancels ₦134bn Secretariat Contract
Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has cancelled a ₦134 billion contract awarded for the reconstruction of the State Secretariat by former Sole Administrator Vice Admiral Ikot Ete Ibas (rtd). The council ordered CCECC to refund ₦20 billion already paid as mobilisation and set up a committee to reassess the project.
AY Makun Warns Against Social Media Pressure
Comedian Ayo Makun (AY) has cautioned Nigerians against being deceived by the lavish lifestyles displayed on social media, saying most celebrities live fake lives. In an Instagram video, he advised fans to focus on authenticity and self-growth rather than unhealthy comparisons.
Uche Ogbodo’s Husband Backs Cosmetic Surgery
Actor Bobby Maris, husband of actress Uche Ogbodo, has encouraged women to undergo cosmetic surgery if they can afford it, saying it can boost confidence and help retain their partners’ attention. His comments came after his wife announced plans for another Brazilian Butt Lift procedure.
Semi Ajayi Suspended for Gabon Clash
Super Eagles defender Semi Ajayi will miss Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup qualifier against Gabon after receiving his second yellow card of the campaign. Former striker Brown Ideye also warned against overreliance on Victor Osimhen for goals, urging the team to diversify its attack.
India Beats Nigeria to Host 2030 Commonwealth Games
India has been awarded the hosting rights for the 2030 Commonwealth Games, defeating Nigeria’s Abuja bid. Ahmedabad, Gujarat, was chosen for its advanced infrastructure, including the 132,000-capacity Narendra Modi Stadium, marking India’s first hosting since 2010.