Two Feared Dead in Sokoto Boat Accident
Two people are feared dead in a boat mishap in Sokoto State, the third such incident in August 2025.
The accident occurred around 8 p.m. on Thursday as villagers were returning from a weekly market in Yabo Local Government Area.
A source at the Sokoto State Emergency Management Agency confirmed that the boat, carrying 11 passengers, capsized mid-journey.
Rescue operations were ongoing as of press time.
Minister Alausa Admits Federal Government Signed 2009 ASUU Agreement
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has acknowledged that the Federal Government formally signed an agreement with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in 2009, reversing his earlier denial.
Speaking in Abuja on Thursday, Alausa had claimed no such pact existed.
But in a statement on Friday, the ministry clarified that while the 2009 agreement remains binding, the 2021 Nimi Briggs draft was never signed.
Senator Marafa Resigns from APC with Supporters
Former Zamfara Central Senator, Kabiru Garba Marafa, has announced his resignation from the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Marafa, who served in the Senate from 2011 to 2019, confirmed his exit alongside supporters after a two-day meeting in Kaduna.
The communiqué cited grievances over internal party divisions and alleged betrayals within the APC.
Lagos APC Says Jonathan Cannot Defeat Tinubu in 2027
The Lagos chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed suggestions that former President Goodluck Jonathan could defeat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election.
In a statement on Friday, APC spokesperson Seye Oladejo argued that Jonathan’s political relevance has waned and that Nigeria had “moved beyond his type of politics.”
396,000 Students Benefit from Tinubu’s Education Loan Scheme
The Federal Government has disclosed that no fewer than 396,000 students have benefitted from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The revelation came Friday during a town hall meeting in Lokoja highlighting the government’s achievements in the past two years.
Army Intercepts 242 Bags of Fertiliser Suspected for IEDs in Borno
Troops of the Nigerian Army have intercepted 242 bags of NPK fertiliser suspected to be diverted for terrorist use in Borno State.
A senior military source confirmed the seizure on Friday, noting the fertiliser was likely intended for the production of improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
Bishop Francis Okobo, First Nsukka Bishop, Dies at 89
Bishop Francis Okobo, the first Catholic Bishop of Nsukka Diocese, has died at the age of 89.
A statement by Rev. Fr. Greg Nnamani, Vicar General of Nsukka Diocese, said Okobo passed away on Friday in an Enugu hospital after a brief illness.
Professors Demand N2.5m Monthly Salary, Stage Protests
Some Nigerian university professors have demanded that their salaries be raised to at least N2.5 million per month.
The demand came on Tuesday amid nationwide protests by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), which faulted the Federal Government’s failure to implement the renegotiated 2009 FGN–ASUU agreement.
EFCC Benin Office Tops Cybercrime Arrests in 2025 Crackdown
The Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has recorded the highest number of arrests in its first-half 2025 cybercrime crackdown.
According to The EFCC Alert magazine, the office conducted 12 sting operations between January and June, arresting 327 suspects.
NDLEA Arrests 1,315 Suspected Drug Peddlers in Seven Months
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested 1,315 suspected drug dealers in the past seven months, seizing 1.38 million kilograms of narcotics and destroying 43 cannabis farms covering 320 hectares.
The agency disclosed the figures on Friday as part of its intensified anti-drug operations.
Tinubu Declares National Youth Games Open in Asaba
President Bola Tinubu on Friday declared open the 9th National Youth Games in Asaba, urging Nigerians to embrace sports as a tool for unity and development.
Represented by his media adviser Sunday Dare, Tinubu described the Games as “a factory of talent,” with over 6,000 athletes under 15 competing in different sports.
Lagos APC Says Nigeria Has Moved Beyond Jonathan’s Politics
The Lagos APC has reiterated that former President Goodluck Jonathan cannot defeat President Bola Tinubu in 2027, insisting his style of governance is outdated.
Spokesman Seye Oladejo said Nigeria’s current challenges require “bold, forward-thinking leadership” rather than “nostalgia and symbolism.”
Nigerians to Pay $80 on Shipments to US, Says Presidency
The Presidency has clarified that Nigerians sending parcels to the United States will pay a mandatory prepaid customs duty of $80 under a new U.S. policy.
Special Assistant on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, explained Friday that the charge stems from an American executive order ending de minimis exemptions worldwide, not a Nigerian government policy.
Jonathan’s Cousin Dismisses Claims He Will Not Contest 2027 Election
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has not ruled out contesting the 2027 presidential election, his cousin Azibaola Robert has said.
In a Facebook post Friday, Robert dismissed a report that Jonathan had opted out of the race, insisting such claims were false and politically motivated.
Senator Marafa Dumps APC, Cites Betrayal in Zamfara
Former Zamfara Central Senator Kabiru Marafa has formally quit the APC, accusing the ruling party of betrayal and division.
In a video address, Marafa said unresolved factional struggles among APC leaders had deepened the party’s crisis, particularly in Zamfara State.
Lagos NLC Demands ₦150,000 Minimum Wage
The Lagos chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has demanded a new minimum wage of ₦150,000 for state workers.
Chairperson Funmi Sesi argued Friday that the current ₦85,000 wage no longer reflects Lagos’ high cost of living.
Adeyanju Calls Obi ‘Political Fraud’
Activist Deji Adeyanju has branded Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi a “political fraud,” accusing him of inconsistency and opportunism.
Speaking on Channels TV, Adeyanju also criticised Obi’s supporters, alleging toxicity and intolerance during the last election cycle.
Aisha Yesufu Challenges Adeyanju to Present Evidence Against Obi
Activist Aisha Yesufu has urged Deji Adeyanju to present evidence to back his claims against Peter Obi.
Reacting on X Friday, Yesufu said while she remains a supporter of Obi, she would reconsider her stance if credible evidence of wrongdoing is produced.
Speed Darlington Urges Tinubu to Reform Police
Singer Speed Darlington has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to prioritise police reform before leaving office.
In a video message Friday, the artist alleged abuse of power by security operatives and urged reforms to ensure evidence-based arrests rather than harassment.
Manchester United Coach Amorim Admits Frustration After Cup Exit
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has admitted frustration after his team’s shock EFL Cup exit to fourth-tier Grimsby Town, but insisted he is not resigning.
“Sometimes I want to quit, sometimes I want to be here for 20 years,” he told reporters Friday, stressing he remains focused on United’s next game.
Vance says Trump in “incredibly good health,” ready to step up if needed
Vice President JD Vance has assured Americans that President Donald Trump remains in “incredibly good health,” while acknowledging his own readiness to assume leadership if necessary.