Rifnote
Loading your desk
Nigerian News: Morning Headlines – 19 September 2026
Mother, Four Children Burnt To Death In Rivers Fire Outbreak
A mother and her four children were burnt to death on Friday morning in a fire outbreak at their residence in the Okochiri community, Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Although the cause of the inferno could not be immediately established, a source who spoke on condition of anonymity said the incident occurred when an individual attempted to discharge petrol into a jerrycan, causing the product to ignite.
Tinubu To Address Nigerians October 1 As FG Plans Low-Key Independence Anniversary
The Federal Government has opted for a low-key celebration of Nigeria’s 66th Independence Day anniversary, with President Bola Tinubu scheduled to address the nation on October 1.
An Inter-Ministerial Committee set up to coordinate the anniversary held its inaugural meeting on Thursday and unveiled the programme of activities. The Head of the Information and Public Relations Department in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), Chris Ugwuegbulam, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja.
The meeting was chaired by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Political and Economic Affairs Office, Mrs Bekearedebo Augusta Warrens.
According to the SGF, activities begin with a World Press Conference on Thursday, September 24, followed by a Juma’at Service on September 25, a Church Service on September 27, an Independence Day Public Lecture on September 30, and Tinubu’s nationwide broadcast on October 1.
Akume said the anniversary would provide an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the sacrifices of the nation’s founding fathers, adding that the celebration would also allow the administration to highlight its reform achievements amid ongoing socio-economic challenges.
NDC, APC Supporters Clash In Delta’s Effurun, Govt Orders Investigation
Suspected supporters of the Nigeria Democratic Congress and the All Progressives Congress clashed in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State, on Friday, prompting the state government to direct security agencies to investigate the incident and prosecute anyone found culpable.
While condemning the reported political violence, the Delta State Government said political rivalry must not be allowed to degenerate into violence, thuggery or intimidation.
Politician Prince Ikechukwu Oloto Killed In Nsukka
The Enugu State Police Command has confirmed the killing of a prominent politician, Prince Ikechukwu Oloto, popularly known as “Okanga Mo,” in Nsukka.
Responding to inquiries on Friday, the command’s spokesperson, SP Daniel Ndukwe, said Oloto was found in a pool of blood with deep suspected machete cuts to his head and stomach.
Unity Colleges Teachers To Resume As ASCSN Suspends Strike Over King’s College Concession
Teachers in Nigeria’s 117 Federal Unity Colleges are expected to return to classrooms following the suspension of industrial action by the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) over the proposed concession of King’s College, Lagos.
The development followed an agreement between the Federal Ministry of Education and organised labour to suspend the proposed concession.
Over 17,000 Boko Haram-Displaced Persons Still Missing — ICRC
Over 17,000 people displaced by the activities of Boko Haram terrorists across North-East Nigeria are still missing, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has revealed.
The ICRC spokesperson, Aliyu Dawobe, disclosed this in Lagos at the end of a two-day training for journalists on humanitarian reporting.
Bayelsa APC Dismisses Relevance Of Wike’s Rainbow Coalition
The All Progressives Congress in Bayelsa State has dismissed the relevance of the emerging “Rainbow Coalition” in the state, saying it has the structures and grassroots support to campaign for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the party’s candidates in the 2027 elections.
The state APC chairman, Warman Weri Ogoriba, stated this in a statement, saying the party remained united and firmly rooted across the eight local government areas and political wards in the state.
APC Council Urges Atiku To Withdraw From 2027 Race Over ICC Arbitration Revelations
The All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council has urged African Democratic Congress presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar to withdraw from the 2027 presidential race over ICC arbitration revelations.
The council alleged that proceedings before an International Chamber of Commerce tribunal in Paris had raised serious questions about the former Vice-President’s role in the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project controversy.
Benue Police Rescue Nine Kidnapped Passengers Along Ankpenchi-Ogobia Road
The Benue State Police Command on Friday rescued nine passengers who were earlier kidnapped along the Ankpenchi-Ogobia Road in Ohimini Local Government Area of the state.
The State Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, revealed this during a press conference held at the state headquarters in Makurdi.
Bayelsa Police Charge Eight Suspects Over Disappearance Of Toddler From Church
The Bayelsa State Police Command has charged eight suspects to court over the disappearance of a one-year, 10-month-old girl, Amarachi Blessing Ogbonna, from a church premises in the state.
The child reportedly disappeared from the church premises on June 21, 2026, prompting an investigation by the police command.
‘Just Take The Idea, Rename It’ — Atiku Urges Tinubu To Lower Fuel Prices With Opposition Ideas
African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has urged President Bola Tinubu to use his proposed ideas to crash petrol prices in Nigeria.
Atiku made this known on Friday during a press conference at his residence in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The former Vice President urged Tinubu to use the remaining eight months of his administration to ease the burden on households, workers and businesses.
While reiterating his call for Tinubu to reverse the fuel subsidy to alleviate the suffering of the poor masses, Atiku stressed that a sensible idea does not become a bad idea because it came from the opposition.
‘More Of Peter Obi’s Records Will Be Out In Coming Days’ — Presidency
Special Adviser on Policy Communication to President Bola Tinubu, Daniel Bwala, has said Nigerians should expect more records of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in the coming days.
Bwala made this known amid Anambra State’s allegation of unpaid debts and salaries owed during Peter Obi’s tenure as governor of the state.
In a post via his 𝕏 handle on Friday, Bwala insisted that Peter Obi collected loans while he was governor of Anambra State and lied about it.
While accusing Obi of making fake promises, Bwala added that the Presidency would respond with his past record only, without insults or hate speech.
Mambilla Arbitration: ‘Show Where I Manipulated The Process’ — Atiku Fires APC Campaign Council
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has accused the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council of misrepresenting the outcome of the Mambilla arbitration, alleging that the ruling party turned the tribunal’s findings into what he described as a corruption verdict against him.
Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, made the allegation in a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, on Friday, responding to an earlier statement by the APC PCC linking him to the Mambilla power project controversy.
Atiku said the APC had taken parts of the arbitration award, removed them from their legal context and filled what remained with political claims, describing the party’s argument as based on “a false and intellectually lazy assumption” that every decision taken during former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration should be attributed to him because he served as Vice-President at the time.
He argued that his position in the administration did not mean he participated in every government process, citing his opposition to the controversial third-term bid as an example, and said the same principle applied to Mambilla, insisting he was not involved in the technical evaluation or procurement process that recommended Sunrise Power.
Atiku challenged the APC to identify the specific portion of the arbitration award where the tribunal found that he received a $500,000 bribe, instructed former Power Minister Olu Agunloye to award the contract to Sunrise, abused his office or participated in a corrupt scheme.
‘Tinubu Govt Has Made Insecurity Profitable’ — ADC Demands Probe Into Deaths Of Niger Miners
The African Democratic Congress has called for an independent investigation into the deaths of 37 miners in Niger State, demanding that the identities of the deceased be established and their families compensated.
The opposition party also called for autopsies and the prosecution of any government officials found culpable in the deaths.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, on Friday, the ADC said the circumstances surrounding the deaths required a transparent investigation, and demanded the release of the victims’ detention records to establish what happened to the miners after their arrest.
The party said the miners were alive when taken into government custody but were later returned to their families as corpses, and argued that the miners retained their constitutional rights despite being arrested during raids on mining sites. The party expressed condolences to the victims’ families.
‘I’m Surprised Wike Is Fighting With APC Governors, It’s Not Necessary’ — Orji Uzor Kalu
The lawmaker representing the Abia North senatorial district, Orji Uzor Kalu, has reacted to the ongoing political disagreement between Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress.
Governors in the APC coalition rejected Wike’s Rainbow Coalition, arguing that its plan to field candidates across several states conflicts with their political objective. Wike maintained that his coalition is aimed at supporting President Bola Tinubu’s re-election while allowing him to work with politicians from different parties in other elections, and said he never approached the APC Governors’ Forum to seek an alliance.
Reacting in a video on his Facebook page on Friday, Kalu said the current confrontation was unnecessary, urging politicians involved to focus on issues affecting Nigerians and the country’s development, and to put aside their differences and concentrate on improving citizens’ living conditions.
‘I Cannot Take Care Of Another Man’s Child’ — Portable Demands DNA Test For Ashabi’s Children
Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has requested DNA tests for the two children he has with actress Akinyanju Omobolarinde, also known as Ashabi Simple.
The singer made the demand amid a fresh disagreement between him and Ashabi over the care and financial support of their children. In a post on his Instagram page, Portable said he wanted the children’s paternity established through DNA testing before continuing to provide money for their upkeep.
The development followed complaints from Ashabi about Portable’s alleged failure to adequately support the children. She claimed he had provided only ₦200,000 for the two children between January and September, and that she had been responsible for their school fees for three terms as well as their food and clothing.
She said she had given Portable enough time to take responsibility but did not want to continue repeatedly asking him for financial assistance, and expected him to meet his responsibilities toward the children.
Portable, in response, questioned the paternity of the children, saying their physical resemblance to him could not be used as proof that he was their biological father.
‘I Was Offered ₦500m, $200k To Sleep With A Man’ — BBNaija’s Cross
Former Big Brother Naija housemate Ikechukwu Okonkwo, popularly known as Cross, has disclosed that he turned down offers worth ₦500 million and $200,000 from men who wanted to have sex with him.
Cross made the disclosure on 𝕏 while defending fellow reality TV star Whitemoney, who recently spoke about receiving an unwanted advance from a man through his direct messages after being called “papi” and told of romantic interest.
Reacting to the controversy, Cross said a man displaying feminine traits should not automatically lead people to assume he is attracted to men, adding that a person’s appearance, mannerisms or energy does not determine their sexual orientation.
He then revealed that he had personally received financial offers from men in the past but rejected them despite the large amounts involved, saying he could not be persuaded by money or material possessions because of the values he was taught while growing up.
Michael Carrick Dismisses Manchester United Sack Fears Amid Poor Run
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has dismissed suggestions that his position is under threat following a difficult run of results, insisting it would be “ridiculous” to start worrying about his future after “two or three” defeats.
United travel to Fulham on Sunday after a disappointing week that saw them lose 2-0 at home to Manchester City despite their opponents playing with 10 men for more than an hour.
Brighton then became the first team in 50 years to come from two goals down to win at Old Trafford after beating United in their Carabao Cup tie, a result that prompted boos from supporters and chants directed at the team.
Speaking ahead of the Fulham match, Carrick said he was not concerned about the pressure surrounding his position.
You Have To Play For Real Madrid To Be Part Of Football History — Mbappe
Kylian Mbappe has opened up about his life in Spain, saying he has enjoyed more peace since leaving France for Real Madrid.
The France captain made the revelation in an extensive interview with Diario AS while reflecting on his time at the Spanish club.
Mbappe joined Real Madrid in June 2024 after deciding not to renew his contract with Paris Saint-Germain, where he spent seven years. Since moving to Madrid, the 27-year-old forward has scored 94 goals and provided 14 assists in 110 appearances for the club, and has started the new season in strong form with eight goals and two assists in seven matches.
Speaking about what it means to play for Real Madrid, Mbappe said, “I believe that if you want to be part of football history, you have to play for Real Madrid.”
The Frenchman described his time at the club as a privilege, adding that becoming a Real Madrid player takes a footballer to a different level, a higher level, and that adapting to life in Spain has been a positive experience for him.