Nigerian News: Morning Headlines – 13 August 2026

Presidency Sets August 13 Deadline For Public Input On Policing Bill

The Presidency has announced that public submissions on the proposed National Policing Bill will close by 5pm on Thursday, August 13, 2026. Chief of Staff to the President and Chairman of the Presidential Working Group on the National Policing Bill, Femi Gbajabiamila, disclosed this on Wednesday, urging Nigerians to submit their views before the deadline. The bill proposes the establishment of state police across the federation, a long-debated reform in Nigeria’s security architecture. Gbajabiamila’s announcement signals the administration’s push to fast-track the legislative process, with the working group expected to collate public feedback ahead of further deliberations.

Sokoto Sultanate Council Urges Muslims To Watch For Rabi’ul Awwal Moon

The Sultanate Council, Sokoto, has called on Muslim faithful to watch for the new moon of Rabi’ul Awwal 1448AH on Thursday, August 13, 2026. The council made the call in a statement dated August 12, 2026, signed by Prof. Sambo Wali Junaidu, Wazirin Sokoto and Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council, Sokoto. Sighting of the new moon determines the commencement of the Islamic month, a practice observed across Muslim communities in Nigeria. The council’s announcement is part of its routine religious duty of guiding the Ummah on lunar calendar observances.

ADC Alleges Plot To Arrest Aregbesola Ahead Of Osun Election

The African Democratic Congress has raised alarm over an alleged plan by security agencies to arrest its National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, ahead of Saturday’s governorship election in Osun State. The opposition party said it received credible information about plans to arrest the former Osun governor in the days leading to the poll, warning that such action could heighten political tension. The ADC’s allegation comes amid rising political temperature in Osun as the state prepares for a keenly contested governorship election, with opposition figures accusing the government of using security agencies to intimidate rivals ahead of the vote.

Osun Police Arrest 10 Over Modakeke Violence, Polytechnic Invasion

The Osun State Police Command has arrested 10 suspects in two separate operations linked to alleged violent crimes in Modakeke and an invasion of Osun State Polytechnic, Iree. Four suspects were arrested in Modakeke, Ife East Local Government Area, over alleged conspiracy, attempted murder, assault occasioning harm and unlawful possession of prohibited firearms. The remaining suspects were held in connection with the polytechnic invasion. The arrests come as security agencies intensify operations across the state ahead of Saturday’s governorship election, amid concerns over rising incidents of violence in parts of Osun.

Suspected Cultists Shoot 100-Level Student At Ignatius Ajuru University

A yet-to-be-identified 100-level student of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Rumuolumeni, Rivers State, was reportedly shot on campus on Wednesday by suspected cultists. The incident occurred 48 hours after rival cult groups, said to be locked in a supremacy battle, went on a shooting spree on Monday, causing tension within the campus. The recurring violence has heightened fears among students and staff, raising questions about campus security. Authorities are yet to confirm the identity of the victim or the extent of the injuries sustained in the latest shooting.

Niger Police Recover Nine Bodies On Wawa-Lumma Road

The Niger State Police Command has confirmed the recovery of nine bodies on the Wawa-Lumma road in Borgu Local Government Area of the state. The victims were suspected to have been killed by bandits while travelling on the road. The spokesperson for the state police command, Wasiu Abiodun, disclosed this in Minna on Wednesday. The killings add to the growing toll of bandit attacks along Niger State’s highways, underscoring persistent insecurity in the North Central region despite ongoing security operations targeting armed groups in the area.

Osun Poll Is Tinubu Vs Adeleke, Not APC Vs Adeleke — Dele Momodu

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, Dele Momodu, has said the August 15 Osun State governorship election is not a contest between Governor Ademola Adeleke and the All Progressives Congress, but between the incumbent and President Bola Tinubu. Momodu, who is backing Adeleke despite his ADC membership, said his support for the governor is part of his commitment to the coalition of opposition parties. His remarks reflect the shifting alliances within Nigeria’s opposition landscape ahead of the 2027 general election, as parties navigate complex state-level political calculations.

Police Quiz Senator Fadahunsi Over Alleged Inciting Statement

Senator representing Osun-East, Francis Fadahunsi, was on Wednesday questioned by the Osun State Police Command for about two hours over an alleged inciting statement made ahead of Saturday’s governorship election. Governor Ademola Adeleke had called for his arrest following a viral video in which the senator was allegedly heard saying, “kill any Accord member,” during a protest at the palace of the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland. The incident has stoked political tension in Osun State, with rival camps trading accusations days to the closely watched governorship poll.

Rivers Govt Denies Rift With Assembly Over 2026 Appropriation Bill

Rivers State Government has dismissed reports suggesting disagreement between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the House of Assembly over the state’s 2026 Appropriation Bill. The government, in a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Onwuka Nzeshi, said the governor was working closely with lawmakers in the interest of the people of the state. The denial follows reports of tension between the executive and legislative arms, as the government sought to reassure residents that budget deliberations were proceeding smoothly and without discord.

ASUU Declares Indefinite Strike At Abia State University

The leadership of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, Abia State University chapter, has declared a total and indefinite suspension of academic activities in the institution. It was gathered that the decision was based on the non-implementation of the 2025 agreement between the union and the Federal Government. The strike is expected to disrupt academic activities at the university, adding to a series of industrial actions by ASUU chapters nationwide over unresolved welfare and funding issues affecting Nigeria’s public university system.