Nigerian News: Morning Headlines – 07 August 2026
Tinubu Orders EFCC To Vacate Freezing Of Osun Government Accounts
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday intervened in the face-off between the Osun State Government and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the freezing of the state’s bank accounts.
He directed the anti-graft agency to immediately take steps to vacate the court order that had frozen the accounts, following mounting tension between the state and the commission.
The intervention comes amid growing scrutiny of the EFCC’s action, with the President’s office signalling discomfort with the timing of the move.
Shettima Begins First Leave Since Becoming Vice President
Vice President Kashim Shettima on Thursday commenced a two-week leave, his first since assuming office on May 29, 2023, following approval by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
A statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, said Shettima would use the period for study, reflection and intellectual renewal aimed at strengthening his capacity.
The Presidency described the break as part of efforts to support the Vice President’s continued service to the nation.
Fayose Meets Power Minister Ahead Of REA Board Inauguration
Ahead of his inauguration as Chairman of the Board of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose has met with the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe.
The REA Board is billed to be inaugurated at 10am today at the Ministry of Power office in Maitama, Abuja.
Details of the discussions between Fayose and the minister were not immediately disclosed, but the meeting is seen as part of preparations for the new board’s takeoff.
ICPC Clears Presidency Over Fake PFIPC Appointment Scandal
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has cleared the Presidency of any involvement in the appointment of the purported Director-General of the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), Adeniyi Adeyemi.
The commission said the appointment letter presented by Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew was forged and did not originate from the State House.
The clearance follows weeks of controversy over the existence and legitimacy of the PFIPC, which had been accused of operating without official government backing.
Ex-DSS Officer Remanded Over Alleged IPOB Links
A retired officer of the Department of State Services (DSS), Nwaogu Ihechimere Ezeakolam, has been remanded in the Kuje Custodial Centre for allegedly associating himself with the proscribed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB).
Ezeakolam, who was arraigned by the secret police, was on Thursday, August 6, put on trial at the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on a four-count charge before Justice Mohammed Garba Umar.
The case has been adjourned pending further proceedings.
Customs Intercepts Rifle Parts, Seizes N373.8m Cannabis Products
The Nigeria Customs Service on Thursday recorded another major breakthrough in its anti-smuggling campaign with the interception of a container containing concealed parts of pump-action rifles and the seizure of illicit cannabis-infused products valued at N373.8 million at the Tincan Island Port Command.
Addressing journalists during a press briefing, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, described the seizures as a significant victory against a transnational criminal network.
He said the service would sustain its intelligence-driven operations to curb smuggling activities nationwide.
IGP Approves Deployment Of Commissioners Of Police Nationwide
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, has approved the deployment of Commissioners of Police to State Commands and strategic formations across the country, following approval of his recommendations by the Police Service Commission.
Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Aniete Iniedu, disclosed this in a statement last night.
The redeployment is expected to take immediate effect as part of routine restructuring within the police hierarchy.
Lagos Faces 40,000 Doctor Shortage, Needs N100bn More For Health — Sanwo-Olu
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Thursday said the state faces a deficit of about 40,000 doctors and another 40,000 nurses, while its health sector requires at least N100bn above current budgetary provisions to meet the needs of its growing population.
The governor also disclosed that more than 1.5 million residents had enrolled in the state’s health insurance scheme, Ilera Eko, as the government intensified efforts to build a sustainable healthcare system.
Tinubu, Not Olukoyede, Should Resign Over Osun Accounts Freeze — Adebayo
The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party, Prince Adewole Adebayo, on Thursday said President Bola Tinubu, rather than the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede, should resign over the controversy surrounding the freezing of the Osun State Government’s accounts.
He also claimed that the EFCC chairman should not be blamed for carrying out his statutory responsibilities.
Gombe ADC Publicity Secretary Resigns Membership
The Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress in Gombe State, Abdulrahman Buba Zaune, has resigned his membership of the party with immediate effect.
Zaune conveyed his decision in a resignation letter dated August 5, 2026, addressed to the Chairman of the ADC in Zaune Ward, Dukku Local Government Area of the state.
No reason was immediately given for the resignation.
‘I’m Embarrassed’ — Tinubu Orders EFCC To Vacate Freezing Of Osun Govt Account
President Bola Tinubu has ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to lift the order freezing the account of the Osun State government.
Naija News reports that the President, in a statement on Thursday, said he feels personally embarrassed by the action of the EFCC in freezing the Osun State government account. Tinubu argued that the timing of the action by the anti-graft agency raises several questions.
President Tinubu reiterated that he remains committed to allowing government institutions to function without interference based on their clearly defined powers. He added that while he is yet to be fully briefed on the facts which informed the EFCC’s action, the timing is inauspicious, hence the need for his intervention.
Vice President Shettima Proceeds On First Leave Since Assuming Office
Vice President Kashim Shettima commenced a two-week leave approved by President Bola Tinubu on Thursday.
Naija News reports that the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, disclosed this in a statement, describing the break as Shettima’s first since he was sworn into office on May 29, 2023.
According to the Presidency, the Vice President will use the period for study, reflection and intellectual renewal in preparation for his continued service to the country. Nkwocha said the leave would allow Shettima to review ongoing government programmes and broaden his understanding of emerging policy issues nationally and internationally.
PFIPC: ICPC Submits Probe Report On Adeyemi To President Tinubu
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on Thursday submitted an interim report to President Bola Tinubu on its investigation into the alleged fictitious Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC) and its purported Director-General, Adeniyi Adeyemi.
Naija News reports that the ICPC recommended the prosecution of Adeyemi. The ICPC Chairman, Musa Aliyu, disclosed this after meeting President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, adding that preliminary findings revealed Adeyemi was never appointed by the Federal Government and that the documents used to establish the agency were forged.
Aliyu said the syndicate operated from the defunct Presidential Economic Advisory Council’s former office, exploiting gaps in verification procedures. He disclosed that Adeyemi later renamed the outfit and that investigators uncovered two other fictitious agencies linked to his operations.
Adeleke Sues EFCC, First Bank For ₦2 Billion
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has filed a ₦2 billion lawsuit against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the restriction placed on the state’s Federal Statutory Allocation Account.
Naija News reports that the suit, instituted before the Federal High Court in Abuja, challenges the legality of the Post-No-Debit directive issued by the anti-graft agency to First Bank Nigeria Limited. The Attorney-General and Accountant-General of Osun State were listed as co-plaintiffs, while the EFCC, its chairman and First Bank were joined as defendants.
The plaintiffs, led by M. T. Adekilekun (SAN), maintained that the restriction was unlawful and unconstitutional, asking the court to determine whether the EFCC had the legal authority to freeze a state’s statutory allocation account without due process.
No Cause For Panic Over Abuja Tremor — FG Assures Residents
The Federal Government has urged residents of the Federal Capital Territory to remain calm after an earth tremor was recorded in parts of Abuja, assuring the public that there is no immediate threat to lives or property.
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, gave the assurance on Wednesday following reports that several buildings in the capital experienced light shaking on Tuesday, Naija News reports. In a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Lara Owoeye-Wise, the minister directed the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency to provide hourly updates on seismic activities.
Alake, currently in Washington DC for investment talks, said the government had proactive measures in place and urged residents to continue their normal daily activities without fear.
Security Tightened As NCoS Removes Ibara Prison Chief Over Inmate’s TikTok Live
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has removed the Officer-in-Charge of the Ibara Medium Custodial Centre in Abeokuta, Ogun State, and two other principal officers following the unauthorised use of a mobile phone by a death-row inmate, who had appeared in a viral TikTok live stream from inside the facility.
In a statement on Thursday, NCoS spokesperson, Chief Superintendent of Corrections JN Osuji, described the incident as a serious violation of custodial security regulations, adding that the phone was recovered and secured as an exhibit.
The inmate has been transferred to another facility under tighter security, while Controller-General Sylvester Nwakuche ordered immediate administrative action against the officers responsible.
Not A Bad Thing — Jarvis Breaks Silence On Pregnancy Rumours Amid Weight Gain
Popular Nigerian TikTok creator Elizabeth Aminata, better known as Jarvis, has responded to rumours claiming she is expecting a baby just days after her traditional wedding to fellow content creator Peller.
Naija News reports that the rumours spread after photos and videos from the couple’s lavish Lagos wedding showed Jarvis with a fuller figure, prompting widespread speculation online.
Reacting during a TikTok livestream, Jarvis dismissed the claims, explaining that the changes in her body resulted from medication she has been taking to gain weight. She said she was tired of the pregnancy claims and asked people to stop spreading the story.
Your Identity As Gambit Must Remain Secret, Else You May Be Disqualified — Big Brother Warns Flora
Big Brother has instructed one of the Gambits in Big Brother Naija Season 11, Flora, to keep the role hidden from the other housemates, or risk disqualification from the reality TV show.
Naija News recalls that host Ebuka Obi-Uchendu announced last Sunday that viewers had selected Flora and Aikou as the season’s two Gambits. Big Brother informed Aikou of his role during his diary session on Wednesday, while Flora was formally informed on Thursday.
During her diary session, Big Brother outlined the responsibilities attached to the assignment and stressed that her identity must remain confidential. The announcement appeared to overwhelm Flora, who struggled to hold back tears.
Osimhen Explains Why He Turned Down Galatasaray’s Iconic No. 9 Shirt
Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has revealed why he chose to keep his number 45 shirt instead of taking Galatasaray’s famous number nine jersey ahead of the new season.
Osimhen, who completed a permanent move to the Turkish champions after a successful loan spell, has become one of the club’s biggest stars, with his goals making him a fan favourite.
Many expected him to inherit the number nine shirt, previously worn by Mauro Icardi, but the 27-year-old opted to stick with his current number. Speaking about the decision, Osimhen said sentiment outweighed commercial considerations.
Real Madrid Announce Signing Of Yan Diomande From RB Leipzig
Real Madrid have confirmed the signing of highly rated winger Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig in a deal worth up to €140 million, ending one of the biggest transfer sagas of the summer.
The Spanish giants announced on Thursday that the 19-year-old Ivory Coast international has signed a seven-year contract keeping him at the Santiago Bernabeu until June 30, 2033. The club confirmed the agreement with RB Leipzig in an official statement.
Reports indicate Real Madrid will pay an initial €125 million, with performance-related bonuses capable of pushing the total package to €140 million.
POPULAR
- Christa Pike battles blood clot, pneumonia after botched execution, lawyer says
- I could have done ‘very bad things’ to Obama, Biden, Clinton – Trump
- Presidency admits more Nigerians have fallen into poverty under Tinubu
- Video shows commotion aboard Kenya Airways flight after passenger reportedly tried to open cabin door
- Olu of Warri dares Asari Dokubo to prove ₦2.7trn pipeline contract claim
Rifnote
Loading your desk