Nigerian News: Morning Headlines – 22 August 2026

August 22, 2026

Peter Obi Challenges Tinubu, Other 2027 Contenders To Defend Records

Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has challenged President Bola Tinubu and other 2027 presidential hopefuls to publicly defend their records and subject their programmes to scrutiny. The former Anambra State governor spoke on Friday at a world press conference marking the commencement of the 2027 presidential and National Assembly campaign season. Obi urged all contenders to engage citizens directly on their achievements and policy plans rather than relying on political rhetoric. He maintained that Nigerians deserved transparency from those seeking to lead the country, stressing that public scrutiny should be central to the electoral process ahead of 2027.

FBI Seeks Court Approval To Withhold Records Tied To Tinubu Drug Trafficking Allegations

The United States Federal Bureau of Investigation has asked a federal court for permission to privately explain why it withheld certain records connected to investigations involving President Bola Tinubu. The request, filed on August 20 before the US District Court for the District of Columbia, relates to allegations of drug trafficking involving Tinubu, who has not been found guilty in connection with the records described. The FBI is seeking to submit an ex parte in camera declaration, a private explanation to the judge not placed on the public record, citing exemptions under the US Freedom of Information Act. A copy of the application was shared by Von Batten-Montague-York, a Washington lobbying firm engaged by African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

NIS Osun Parades 55 Illegal Migrants Arrested Across State

The Nigeria Immigration Service, Osun State Command, on Friday paraded 55 illegal migrants arrested at different locations in the state. The service said the migrants, nationals of Cameroon and Congo, had entered Osun without valid documents. Officials noted the arrests followed routine checks aimed at curbing irregular migration within the state. The command reiterated its commitment to enforcing immigration laws and monitoring entry points to prevent unauthorised persons from residing in the state without proper documentation. Further details on the fate of the arrested migrants, including possible deportation proceedings, were not immediately disclosed by the command.

Kaduna Police Rescue 75 Travellers Abducted Near Birnin Gwari

The Kaduna State Police Command has rescued 75 travellers, including men, women and children, who were abducted by armed men near Folwaya village in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area. The victims, who were travelling on commercial buses, were reportedly kidnapped by gunmen wielding AK-47 rifles and other sophisticated weapons and taken into a forest, where they were concealed in a cave. Police operatives tracked the victims’ location and carried out a rescue operation, though details on the number of suspects involved or arrests made were not immediately released. Efforts to apprehend the perpetrators were said to be ongoing.

Two Killed, Two Injured In Awka-Enugu Expressway Crash

Two persons have lost their lives while two others sustained varying degrees of injuries in a road crash opposite Jezco Filling Station along the Awka-Enugu Expressway in Anambra State. The accident occurred late on Thursday and caused a gridlock along the route as the wreckage occupied a large portion of the road, leaving only a small space for motorists. Emergency responders were said to have attended to the scene following the crash. The exact cause of the accident was not immediately confirmed, though the resulting traffic disruption affected commuters travelling along the busy expressway for hours afterward.

Tinubu Govt Declares Tuesday Public Holiday For Eid Ul Mawlid

The Federal Government has declared Tuesday, August 25, 2026, a public holiday to mark this year’s Eid ul Mawlid, commemorating the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad. The declaration was disclosed in a statement by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Magdalene Ajani, on behalf of the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. Tunji-Ojo extended felicitations to Muslims in Nigeria and the diaspora, describing the period as a time for collective prayer for peace and cohesion. He urged citizens to observe the celebration with restraint and mutual respect, and reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property nationwide.

Tinubu Orders Arrest, Suspends Three Permanent Secretaries Over Fake FG Agency

President Bola Tinubu has ordered the arrest of one Prince George Buchi Nwabueze and directed the suspension of three permanent secretaries after the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission uncovered a fake agency operating within the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. ICPC Chairman Musa Adamu Aliyu told State House correspondents in Abuja on Friday that the agency, known as the National Brands Development and Made-in-Nigeria Special Project Office, had allegedly been allocated office space without presidential authorisation. Aliyu said the exposure followed earlier probes into a similarly fake presidential council, and that suspected collaborators within the SGF’s office may have facilitated its operation.

Kwara APC Crisis Deepens As Senator Mustapha Defects To PDP

The political crisis rocking the All Progressives Congress in Kwara State has taken a dramatic turn as Senator Saliu Mustapha, representing Kwara Central, has picked the Peoples Democratic Party ticket to contest the senatorial seat in 2027. The development comes hours after Mustapha announced his resignation from the ruling party following a protracted disagreement with Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq. The senator’s defection deepens the rift within the Kwara APC ahead of the 2027 elections. Details on the circumstances surrounding his disagreement with the governor and the reaction from the state APC leadership were not immediately available.

Benue Police Rescue 13 More Passengers Abducted By Herdsmen

The Benue State Police Command has rescued 13 more passengers abducted by suspected armed herdsmen along the Otukpo-Adoka Road while travelling from Enugu to Abuja. The victims were among passengers of an 18-seater bus ambushed on August 14, 2026, with five others rescued earlier by police hours after the incident. The latest rescue brings the total number of freed victims closer to the full complement of those abducted in the attack. Police did not immediately disclose details of the rescue operation or whether any suspects had been arrested in connection with the ambush.

Wike Says Adeleke Belongs To Tinubu Camp, Hints At Bigger Coalition

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke’s recent visit confirms his allegiance to President Bola Tinubu’s camp, and predicted that a larger national coalition would soon emerge to back Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid. Speaking Friday during an inspection exercise in Abuja, Wike said, “I told you that the 2027 election would be the most in-depth election. I have told ADC who are talking about, oh, they helped Adeleke to win, they just wanted to go ahead and harvest what they never planted.” He added, “So, Adeleke is fully supporting Mr President,” and said more groups were expected to join the alliance.

Wike Taunts Momodu, Insists 2027 Election Not Yet Settled

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed suggestions that the 2027 election has already been decided, telling journalists in Abuja on Friday, “You will see more. And that’s why I said, the election is not concluded. It’s not concluded.” Wike also took a swipe at former presidential candidate and publisher Dele Momodu over his reported support for the African Democratic Congress and Osun Governor Ademola Adeleke. He reiterated that political realignment ahead of 2027 was still unfolding, and maintained that Adeleke’s loyalty remained with his camp and, by extension, President Tinubu.

Edo Govt Denies Banning Davido From State, Calls Claim Fraudulent

The Edo State Government has dismissed reports that Afrobeats star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has been banned from the state, describing the claim as fraudulent. The denial followed a viral video in which the Senior Special Assistant on Digital Media to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Apostle Kassy Chukwu, warned Davido against performing in Edo, saying, “We don’t want to see you in Edo again.” Reacting on Friday, Edo State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua, maintained that Davido remained welcome in the state and said the government would be willing to partner with him should he plan to perform there in future.

‘Ayra Starr Has Definitely Changed My Life’ – Don Jazzy

Nigerian music executive Michael Collins Ajereh, better known as Don Jazzy, has said singer Ayra Starr made a significant impact on his life. Don Jazzy signed Ayra Starr to his label, Mavin Records, in 2020 after her viral freestyles and song covers on Instagram gained attention. A social media user, @_Fabianszn, shared an old photo of the singer and credited Don Jazzy with helping launch her career, prompting his response. Reacting to the post, Don Jazzy recalled how the pair first connected through an Instagram freestyle, adding that the singer’s success had also changed his own life.

Shaffy Bello Says Younger People Must Address Elders With Titles

Nollywood actress Shaffy Bello has said she does not appreciate being addressed by her first name by people younger than her, arguing that titles should be used when referring to elders. The veteran actress made the remarks on a recent podcast, referencing the viral exchange between UBA Chairman Tony Elumelu and a young woman who addressed him simply as “Tony” at a public event. “When a child calls me by my name, Shaffy, I pull them closer and tell them, ‘You haven’t earned the right, and you never will,'” she said. Bello explained that having children close in age to those addressing her made the practice particularly uncomfortable.

NFF Dismisses Report Of 24-Hour Ultimatum To Resign As Fake News

A Nigeria Football Federation board member, Nse Essien, has denied claims that the Federal Government issued a 24-hour ultimatum for the Ibrahim Gusau-led leadership to resign, describing the report as fake news. The denial comes amid an ongoing investigation into the NFF over a ₦12 billion federal intervention fund released to pay players’ wages and bonuses, being probed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission. The probe reportedly began after the NFF declined a request for expenditure records, saying they had been handed to the anti-corruption agencies. A National Sports Commission directive allegedly asking the NFF board to step down had fuelled the resignation reports, which Essien rejected.

Tyson Fury Casts Fresh Doubt On Joshua Fight Over Venue Row

Tyson Fury has cast fresh doubt on his long-awaited fight against fellow British heavyweight Anthony Joshua, saying the bout “doesn’t look like it’s going to happen” amid an unresolved dispute over venue. The fight had been expected to take place in November, but talks have stalled over disagreement between Joshua’s camp, which wants the bout staged in the United Kingdom in line with an earlier agreement, and Saudi organisers pushing for Madison Square Garden in New York. Speaking on Instagram on Friday, Fury blamed promoter Eddie Hearn and Joshua’s team for the impasse, saying, “Doesn’t look like they’re going to sign the fight and it doesn’t look like it’s going to happen all because Eddie Hearn and Anthony Joshua want more money.”

POPULAR

Leave a Reply Cancel reply