Nigerian News: Morning Headlines – 21 August, 2026

August 21, 2026

Tinubu Receives Adeleke At State House Barely Five Days After Osun Re-Election

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday received Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke at the State House, Abuja, five days after Adeleke secured a second term in a keenly contested governorship election. The governor arrived at the State House at about 5:20pm and was driven through the forecourt directly to the President’s office, where he went into a closed-door meeting with Tinubu. Details of the meeting had not been disclosed as of the time of filing this report. The visit comes as Adeleke continues to receive congratulatory messages following his re-election victory in the August 15 poll.

Wike Faults Atiku’s ‘Inconsistent’ Position On Fuel Subsidy

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has criticised African Democratic Congress presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar over his position on fuel subsidy, describing his economic proposals as inconsistent. Wike faulted Atiku’s recent criticism of the Federal Government’s economic policies, particularly his stance on subsidy, arguing that the former Vice President had taken different positions on the issue at different times. The minister’s comments add to a growing list of criticisms from government officials against Atiku’s recent economic policy pronouncements ahead of the 2027 general election.

83 More Nigerians Return From South Africa Amid Xenophobic Attacks

Another 83 Nigerians have voluntarily returned home from South Africa following reported xenophobic attacks in the country. The latest return brings the total number of Nigerians repatriated under the voluntary return exercise to about 1,573. Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday. The exercise has continued in phases as concerns persist over the safety of Nigerians living in South Africa amid recurring reports of attacks targeting foreign nationals.

52 Buried After Boat Capsizes In Sokoto, Killing 11 Family Members

At least 52 bodies, including those of 11 members of one family, have been buried following a boat accident in Gorau town, Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State. The boat, which was conveying farmers and workers to their rice farms, capsized at about 8:30am on Wednesday while crossing a waterway. Details of the rescue and burial operations were still emerging as of the time of filing this report, with authorities yet to disclose the full circumstances surrounding the accident.

EFCC, ICPC Probe N12bn NFF Intervention Fund Over Players’ Wages

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission are investigating the utilisation of the N12 billion Federal Government intervention fund released to the Nigeria Football Federation to settle outstanding players’ wages, bonuses and other national team obligations. The development was disclosed by the NFF in a letter dated August 18, 2026. The probe comes amid scrutiny over how the funds, meant to clear longstanding debts owed to the Super Eagles and other national teams, were disbursed.

Lagos Police Detain Six Over Viral Video Of Motorists Being Harassed

The Police Command in Lagos State has detained six suspects following a viral video showing miscreants allegedly harassing motorists on the road. The command’s spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi, disclosed this in a post on her X handle on Thursday while reacting to the video, which showed miscreants allegedly attempting to damage a vehicle’s side mirror. The suspects are currently in custody as police continue investigations into the incident.

Dare Slams Atiku’s Fuel Subsidy Restoration Pledge As Deceptive

The Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, has criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over his pledge to restore petrol subsidy if elected president in 2027. Dare described the proposal as deceptive and capable of undermining the country’s economic recovery. He stated this in a statement on Thursday, reacting to Atiku’s declaration that he would reverse the subsidy removal if elected.

NDLEA Opposes Bail For 10 Suspects Arrested Over Ogun Meth Lab

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has opposed the bail application filed by 10 defendants arrested during a raid on an alleged clandestine methamphetamine laboratory in a forest in Ogun State. The agency said the defendants are part of an alleged organised network involved in the production and trafficking of methamphetamine, as well as the acquisition and transportation of precursor chemicals. The case is ongoing in court.

Tinubu Has Rewarded Kano With Over 40 Appointments — Jibrin

The member representing Kiru/Bebeji Federal Constituency of Kano State, Abdulmumin Jibrin, says President Tinubu has performed excellently and rewarded Kano with more than 40 key political appointments in the Federal Government. Jibrin argued that the appointments demonstrate the President’s commitment to the state and provide a strong reason for the people of Kano to support him in the 2027 election.

Troops Rescue 10 Abducted Persons Across Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara

No fewer than 10 abducted persons were rescued by troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, across Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states. According to a statement by the Media Information Officer of the operation, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, the victims were rescued in separate operations across the three states. Further details on the operations were not immediately disclosed.

‘How I Saved Obasanjo From Injection Meant To Kill Him’ — Atiku

The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Atiku Abubakar, has claimed he played a role in saving former President Olusegun Obasanjo from a potentially fatal injection while the ex-military ruler was in prison. Atiku made the claim during an interview with journalists, reflecting on his long and often strained relationship with Obasanjo. He alleged he received information about a plan to administer the injection and warned Obasanjo against accepting it, noting a similar incident had earlier involved the late General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, who died in custody in 1997.

Adeleke Presents Certificate Of Return To Tinubu

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has presented his certificate of return to President Bola Tinubu after winning the August 15 governorship election in Osun State. Adeleke presented the certificate during a visit to the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday. According to presidential media aide Dada Olusegun, Adeleke led a delegation to appreciate Tinubu over the outcome of the election, writing on X that the governor “gives gratitude for success at the just concluded August 15 governorship election in Osun State.”

Fuel Subsidy: Atiku Behaving Like A Man From An Archaic Past — Presidency

The presidency has described Atiku Abubakar’s disclosure that he would restore fuel subsidies if elected in 2027 as the act of a man desperate for power. The presidency, in a statement on Thursday by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said Atiku’s words show him as a man who lives in the past and does not understand current economic dynamics. Onanuga described the fuel subsidy regime as much-abused, wasteful, pillaged and corruption-ridden, adding that Atiku’s plan remains unclear and reeks of a plan to hoodwink Nigerians.

We Will Not Publish How We Will Spend It — Oyedele On $5bn Abu Dhabi Loan

Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, has turned down calls for the Federal Government to publish details of how it plans to spend funds from its $5billion financing facility with First Abu Dhabi Bank. The government recently drew about $1.5billion, the first tranche of the facility, despite concerns from the IMF and Fitch Ratings. Speaking on Wednesday at a media briefing in Abuja, Oyedele said the transaction had been subjected to unnecessary scrutiny and was approved by the National Assembly to help refinance more expensive debt.

‘I Stand By My Position That There Was Forgery In Tinubu’s Certificates’ — Atiku

ADC 2027 presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has insisted that President Tinubu’s academic certificates are forged. Atiku made this known during a Facebook live session, maintaining that Nigeria’s president should not have questions of forgery surrounding his academic credentials. He said, “I was the one who raised the issue surrounding President Bola Tinubu’s academic certificates, and I stand by my position that there was forgery. It is unacceptable for the President of Nigeria to have such questions surrounding his academic credentials.” Atiku also declared that 2027 will be his last presidential run, whether he wins or not.

‘This One Cannot Rule Nigeria’ — IBB Warns Obasanjo About Atiku

Former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke has recounted how former Head of State Ibrahim Babangida privately warned former President Olusegun Obasanjo against trusting his then deputy, Atiku Abubakar. Duke’s account is contained in a new book by Seun Oloketuyi, “How to Win Elections in Nigeria.” Duke described a tense encounter involving Babangida, Abdulsalami Abubakar, Obasanjo and Atiku at the Villa, saying the relationship between Obasanjo and Atiku had deteriorated as Obasanjo prepared for his second term. He recalled that 10 governors, including himself, held talks with then PDP chairman Solomon Lar over possible replacements for Atiku as running mate.

People Said I Was Dirty — Kamsy Breaks Silence On BBNaija Dressing Controversy

Former Big Brother Naija Season 11 housemate Kamsy Uzoma has spoken on the reactions to her appearance during her time on the reality show. The 24-year-old said many viewers formed the wrong opinion about her based on how she dressed in the house. She was evicted from the Show Ya Sef edition on Sunday, August 16, after three weeks in the house, having been placed up for possible eviction during week three. Speaking to PM News, Kamsy said she entered the house without a carefully planned strategy, choosing instead to behave naturally and let viewers decide if they liked her personality.

He’s Now In Operating Theatre — Toyosi Adesanya Gives Update On Ogogo’s Cancer Battle

Nigerian actress Toyosi Adesanya has announced that veteran actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, has been taken into the operating theatre as he continues treatment for stage four cancer. Adesanya gave the update on Wednesday on Instagram while sharing details of efforts to secure medical care for the actor. Ogogo’s daughter, Kira, had earlier disclosed that the family discovered the illness about three weeks ago and that it had affected his abdomen, with some hospitals ruling out chemotherapy. Senator Solomon Adeola, representing Ogun West, has been assisting with his medical expenses.

Mourinho Rules Out Real Madrid Move For Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal

Real Madrid coach José Mourinho has ruled out a move for Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal despite admitting he rates the teenager highly. Mourinho described Yamal as “a very good player” but made clear Madrid have no plans to pursue him. Fabrizio Romano quoted Mourinho on X on Thursday as saying, “I won’t sign him. We already have the best players.” Yamal has continued to draw praise for his performances for club and country since breaking into Barcelona’s first team, but Mourinho believes Madrid already have the players needed to compete at the highest level.

Van Dijk Demands Liverpool Response After ‘Unacceptable’ Season

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has challenged his teammates to put last season’s disappointment behind them and respond with a stronger campaign under new manager Andoni Iraola. Liverpool endured a miserable second season under Arne Slot, finishing fifth in the Premier League without a trophy after losing 19 of 56 matches in all competitions, including 12 league games, before Slot lost his job. The Reds also exited the Champions League and FA Cup at the quarter-final stage and left the League Cup in the fourth round. Van Dijk labelled the campaign “unacceptable” and urged his teammates to show greater hunger and commitment.

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