Nigerian News: Morning Headlines – 06 August 2026

August 6, 2026

EFCC Explains Freezing Of Osun Govt Account Over N11bn Fraud Allegations

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has explained why it froze the Osun State Government’s bank account with First Bank, insisting the action has nothing to do with the August 15 governorship election. In a statement issued on Wednesday night titled “Why EFCC Froze Osun State Government Account,” the commission’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, said the move is tied to an ongoing investigation into the alleged fraudulent handling of about N11 billion in Ecology Funds, Intervention Funds and Federal Account Allocation Committee allocations. The EFCC said it had been probing the state government since March 2026, during which some officials, including the Accountant-General, appeared for questioning. While the investigation would not ordinarily have warranted a Post No Debit order, the agency alleged that funds began moving rapidly to suspicious destinations from August 2, prompting the freeze.

176 Kidnapped Kwara Residents Regain Freedom After Six Months

No fewer than 176 residents abducted during the February 3 terrorist invasion of Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State have regained their freedom, bringing to an end nearly six months of anguish for their families and communities. The mass abduction had left the affected communities in prolonged distress, with relatives holding out hope for their loved ones’ return throughout the period. Details of the circumstances surrounding their release were still emerging as of Wednesday.

Tinubu Reveals How 308 Kwara, Niger Abduction Victims Were Rescued

President Bola Tinubu has confirmed the rescue of 308 Nigerians abducted by gunmen in Kwara and Niger States, describing it as the largest rescue operation ever carried out on the same day by the country’s security forces. In a statement on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President said 163 of those freed were abducted from Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, while 145 were rescued from Niger State. The victims were recovered from the Kainji Lake National Park Forest in New Bussa Local Government Area of Niger State, following a coordinated, intelligence-driven operation by the National Counter-Terrorism Centre involving the Armed Forces, the Department of State Services and the Nigeria Police Force.

Naira Depreciates To N1,410/$ At Parallel Market

The naira on Wednesday depreciated to N1,410 per dollar at the parallel market, from N1,406 per dollar recorded on Tuesday. It also weakened in the official market, trading at N1,368.5 per dollar on the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market, NFEM. The continued slide reflects ongoing pressure on the local currency amid demand for the greenback across both segments of the market.

Dangote Refinery Cuts Petrol To N1,165, Diesel To N1,570 Per Litre

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has reduced the ex-depot prices of Premium Motor Spirit, popularly known as petrol, and Automotive Gas Oil, or diesel, in a move the company says is aimed at making petroleum products more affordable. Under the new pricing structure announced on Wednesday, petrol now sells for N1,165 per litre, down from N1,215, representing a N50 cut. Diesel dropped from N1,650 to N1,570 per litre, a reduction of N80. The Dangote Group said the price review was part of efforts to improve access to refined products across the country and support wider economic activity.

Nigerian Army Places Bounty On ISWAP Leaders Al-Mangawi, Jidda

The Nigerian Army has placed a bounty on several high-profile ISWAP/ISIS terrorists operating around the Lake Chad Basin in Borno State, following their identification from technical devices recovered during a recent offensive. In a statement on Wednesday, the Acting Military Information Officer for Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Mohammed Goni, named the Governor of ISIS West Africa Province, Abu Musa Al-Mangawi Baa Shuwa, alongside his deputy, Muhammad Jidda, and Hamad Abu Hanifa as wanted. Al-Mangawi remains the most wanted terrorist leader in the Lake Chad Basin, the Army said, promising a substantial financial reward for credible, actionable information leading to his arrest.

Presidential Investment Council’s Purported DG Rejects Secret Interrogation By Reps

The purported Director-General of the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council, Adeniyi Adeyemi, has rejected a decision by the House of Representatives ad hoc committee to interrogate him at an undisclosed location while he remains in police custody. He insisted that any appearance before lawmakers should be conducted publicly, arguing that a closed-door session would deny transparency around the process.

Three Children Found Dead At Anambra Native Doctor’s Residence

Three children have been found dead at the residence of a female native doctor, popularly known as “Ezenwanyi,” in Umuoduba Village, Ideani, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State. A fourth child discovered unconscious alongside the others was rescued and rushed to hospital, where police say the victim remains in critical condition. Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the deaths are ongoing.

Abia Police Arrest 13 Suspected Armed Robbers

The Abia State Police Command says it has arrested 13 male suspects aged between 20 and 27 over armed robbery, vandalism of government property and unlawful possession of firearms. The Police Public Relations Officer, Maureen Chinaka, said in a statement on Wednesday that exhibits recovered from the suspects include a locally made pistol, a locally made single-barrel gun, two live cartridges, a Beretta pistol and a pump-action gun.

FG Not Seeking One-Party State — Akume

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, has assured Nigerians that the administration of President Bola Tinubu is neither seeking nor supportive of a one-party state, stressing the government’s commitment to political pluralism and democratic competition. He added that the administration would continue deepening consultations with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, other faith-based organisations and relevant stakeholders on issues affecting the country.

Super Falcons Thrash Egypt 6-2, Reach WAFCON Quarter-Finals

Nigeria’s Super Falcons booked their place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after a convincing 6-2 victory over Egypt in their final Group C match on Wednesday. The Super Falcons had entered the game needing to win by at least a three-goal margin to stand a chance of progressing, in a tight three-way battle for qualification involving Nigeria, Zambia and Malawi.

WAEC Releases 2026 WASSCE Results, Withholds Results Of 167,486 Candidates

The West African Examinations Council has released results for the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination for School Candidates. WAEC announced the release in a post on its official X handle on Wednesday, directing candidates to generate their PIN on waec.org and check results via waecdirect.org. Speaking at a press conference in Lagos, the Head of WAEC Nigeria National Office, Dr Amos Dangut, said results of 167,486 candidates, representing 8.59 per cent of those who sat the Computer-Based examination, were withheld over alleged malpractice. A total of 1,959,668 candidates from 24,207 schools registered across Nigeria, Benin Republic, Côte d’Ivoire and Equatorial Guinea, with 1,950,726 eventually sitting the exam. Of these, 1,200,514 candidates, or 61.54 per cent, obtained credits in at least five subjects including English and Mathematics.

‘They Want To Delete Evidence’ — VDM Explains Refusal To Honour Police Invite

Controversial activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan or VDM, has alleged that a police invitation to appear in Lagos over allegations he made against Assistant Inspector-General of Police Moshood Jimoh could be an attempt to seize his phone and delete related evidence. This follows confirmation by the Nigeria Police Force that VDM was invited by the Force Criminal Investigation Department in Abuja to substantiate his claims against the AIG. Speaking on Arise 360 News on Wednesday, VDM described the invitation as malicious, arguing there was no reason for him to travel to Lagos when he resides in Abuja, where the Force Headquarters is located, and maintained he should be allowed to respond there instead.

Nollywood Actress Temitope Osoba Dies After Cancer Battle

Nollywood actress Temitope Osoba has died after a prolonged battle with cancer, barely two years after she solicited financial assistance for a second surgery in November 2024. Her death was announced on Wednesday by fellow actor Alesh Ola Sanni via Instagram, who said she passed away on Tuesday evening and shared tributes recalling their time together.

‘I’m A Die-Hard Fan’ — Davido Opens Up On Chats With Ronaldo

Nigerian singer David Adeleke, known as Davido, has described himself as a devoted fan of Cristiano Ronaldo, revealing he communicates regularly with the football icon. Speaking during a livestream with content creator Carter Efe, Davido said his support for Portugal stems not only from his admiration for Ronaldo but also from close friendships with players in the national team. “Because I have a lot of friends in the Portuguese team. I want Portugal to win,” he said, affirming his admiration for the five-time Ballon d’Or winner when Carter Efe suggested Ronaldo was his main motivation.

Arsenal Agree £75m Deal To Sign Newcastle Captain Bruno Guimarães

Arsenal have agreed a £75 million deal with Newcastle United to sign captain Bruno Guimarães, with the Brazil midfielder now closing in on a move to the Emirates Stadium. According to Sky Sports, the 28-year-old has been given permission to travel for a medical before the transfer is completed. Guimarães has been a driving force for Newcastle since arriving from Lyon in January 2022, later taking over the captaincy and playing a leading role in the club’s return to European competition.

Real Madrid Agree €140m Deal With RB Leipzig For Yan Diomande

Real Madrid have reached an agreement with RB Leipzig to sign winger Yan Diomande in a deal worth up to €140 million, ending lengthy negotiations between the clubs. According to The Athletic, Madrid will pay an initial €125 million, with a further €15 million in performance-related add-ons. Leipzig’s board has approved the agreement, clearing the way for the Ivory Coast international to travel to Madrid for his medical. Diomande had rejoined Leipzig’s pre-season camp in Austria on Monday following his return from the World Cup, after missing the club’s initial departure due to illness.

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