Nigerian News: Morning Headlines – 07 September 2026

September 7, 2026

Nigeria’s UN Envoy: Tinubu Cannot Be Arrested In United States

Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim, has dismissed claims that President Bola Tinubu and members of his family could be arrested or restricted while attending the 81st session of the UN General Assembly in New York.

In a statement issued by the Office of the Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the United Nations, Ibrahim, who also chairs the UN Committee on Budget and Administration, said Tinubu and his family enjoy unimpeded transit in the United States and cannot be arrested while attending UNGA.

He said the Nigerian Mission to the UN had not received any communication from the US government indicating that the President would be subjected to restrictions during the General Assembly, addressing renewed discussion over allegations relating to Tinubu’s past in America.

Ibrahim explained that the protections enjoyed by representatives of UN member states are provided for under Section 11 of the 1947 UN-US Headquarters Agreement, which shields representatives of member states and their families from impediments while travelling to and from the UN headquarters district.

Bandit Kingpin Allegations: Senator Shehu Buba Reacts To Viral Videos

Senator Shehu Buba, representing Bauchi South Senatorial District, has dismissed allegations and viral videos linking him to alleged bandit kingpins operating in the North.

Buba, who chairs the Senate Committee on Livestock and Animal Husbandry and is the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) governorship candidate in Bauchi State, has in recent times faced repeated accusations of aiding bandits.

The lawmaker has continued to reject the claims, insisting the videos and allegations circulating online do not reflect the truth about his activities or associations.

He is yet to fully respond in detail to the specific claims contained in the viral clips, but has maintained his denial of any links to banditry as the controversy trails his political career and governorship ambition in Bauchi State.

Falana Petitions EFCC Over Missing N33.75bn Meant For Vulnerable Nigerians

Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the alleged failure to account for N33.75 billion in cash transfers meant for vulnerable Nigerians.

Falana urged the anti-graft agency to get to the root of how the funds, designated for cash transfer palliatives, were disbursed and whether they reached their intended beneficiaries.

He further asked the EFCC to collaborate with the Auditor-General for the Federation (AuGF) to recover the money if investigations establish that the funds were diverted from their intended purpose.

The senior lawyer’s call adds to growing scrutiny of palliative disbursements meant to cushion the effects of economic hardship on low-income Nigerians.

Jonathan Sees Off Ex-Sierra Leone President Koroma After Treason Case Dropped

Former President Goodluck Jonathan on Sunday saw off ex-Sierra Leone President Ernest Koroma as he returned to his home country after Sierra Leone discontinued criminal proceedings against him.

Jonathan disclosed this in a post on his X handle on Sunday, describing Koroma as his “dear friend and brother.”

Koroma had been facing a treason case in Sierra Leone before the charges were dropped, allowing him to return home after a period in Nigeria.

Jonathan’s gesture in seeing off his counterpart underscores the personal relationship between the two former West African leaders.

Jigawa Governor Approves New Emir For Gumel Emirate

Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi, has approved the appointment of Dr Lawan Ahmed Muhammad Sani as the 17th Emir of Gumel Emirate, three days after the death of his father.

The announcement was made by the Secretary to the State Government, Bala Ibrahim, during a press briefing at the Nigeria Union of Journalists Secretariat in Dutse, the state capital, on Sunday.

The new emir takes over the stool following the demise of his father, whose death preceded the governor’s approval by just three days.

Details of the turbaning ceremony and other formalities for the new monarch are expected to be announced in the coming days.

NDLEA Arrests Convicted Cocaine Trafficker Disguised As Herbal Tea Merchant

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a convicted cocaine trafficker who disguised himself as an herbal tea businessman while masterminding fresh drug shipments, including a tanker fitted with a concealed compartment used to move over two tonnes of cannabis.

The agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, saying the suspect, identified as 34-year-old Dunu Bethel Ebubechukwu, was arrested in a sting operation at Article Market, opposite Trade Fair Market, Ojo, Lagos, on Friday, September 4, 2026.

According to the statement, operatives of the Directorate of Operations and General Investigation (DOGI) tracked the mastermind through intelligence-led operations after intercepting a 1.2kg cocaine consignment concealed in phone chargers and destined for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, at a courier company in Lagos on July 31, 2026.

In his statement, the suspect admitted being the mastermind of some illicit drug shipments in the past and said he discarded his phone SIM card once he learnt his latest consignment had been intercepted by the NDLEA.

Further investigation revealed he is no stranger to the agency: he was first arrested in 2011 at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, after ingesting 900 grams of cocaine and 130 grams of heroin in an attempt to fly to Austria under the name Dunu Chukwuyenre Enoch. He was prosecuted, convicted and sentenced to five years in jail, after which he changed his name to Dunu Bethel Ebubechukwu and returned to the criminal trade.

NOUN Bursar, Nasiru Marafa, Shot Dead In Gusau

The Bursar of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Nasiru Marafa, has reportedly been shot dead in Gusau, the Zamfara State capital.

The university disclosed this in an official notice signed by its Registrar and Secretary to Council, Oladipo Ajayi, on Sunday.

Details surrounding the circumstances of his death, including the identity of his attackers and a possible motive, remain unclear as of the time of the notice.

The university is yet to announce further details regarding funeral arrangements or an interim replacement for the late bursar.

Bauchi Police Foil Armed Robbery Along Kajala-Kere Road, Recover Stolen Motorcycles

The Bauchi State Police Command has foiled an armed robbery attempt along the Kajala-Kere Road and recovered two stolen motorcycles after suspected hoodlums fled the scene.

The command also arrested a suspect in connection with the death of a 13-year-old boy who was allegedly shot after pulling the trigger of a loaded Dane gun in the Gamawa Local Government Area of the state.

Police operatives are said to have moved swiftly to the scene of the robbery attempt, forcing the assailants to abandon the motorcycles and flee.

Investigations into both incidents are ongoing, with the command yet to release further details on possible charges against the suspect held over the boy’s death.

2027: Makinde Will Be Made To Refund Public Funds Wasted On Presidential Ambition – Oyo APC

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has again described the presidential ambition of Governor Seyi Makinde as a political drama script designed to entertain and distract the people.

In a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Wasiu Sadare, the party warned that all those behind the ambition would be made to refund every kobo of state funds being wasted on it at the appropriate time.

The APC said Makinde, the presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), does not possess the personal quality, experience or strategy required to be Nigeria’s next president in 2027.

Describing the governor’s presidential ambition as a mere charade, the party said Makinde would be asked to account for all state resources spent pursuing it.

Mob Beats Man To Death Over Alleged Hit-And-Run In Lagos Island

A man identified simply as Basit, who had just returned to Nigeria from abroad for his wedding, has been beaten to death by a mob following an alleged hit-and-run incident in the Lagos Island area of Lagos State.

It was learnt on Sunday that the incident occurred on Wednesday night, when Basit allegedly hit a male resident with his car in the Patey area of the community.

The angry mob reportedly descended on him following the incident, leading to his death before the situation could be brought under control.

Details of any arrests or police action in connection with the killing were not immediately available as of the time of filing this report.

I Could No Longer Help Him – Datti Reveals How Peter Obi Ignored His Advice

Former Labour Party vice presidential candidate, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, has revealed that he advised the former Anambra State governor against joining the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Baba-Ahmed made this known during an interview on the MIC ON Podcast, saying he had concerns about Peter Obi’s decision to move away from the political arrangement he was previously associated with.

According to him, he warned Obi that the ADC was not the right platform for his political ambitions, recalling that he met Obi at the Yar’Adua Centre before the former governor proceeded with the move.

Baba-Ahmed said he deliberately sought a private conversation with Obi so he could explain his concerns and give him his personal advice.

Buhari Failed Because Of Corruption – Datti Baba-Ahmed

Former vice presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, has described the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari as the most corrupt government Nigeria has ever experienced.

Baba-Ahmed shared his reservations during an appearance on the MIC On Podcast with Seun Okinbaloye, arguing that corruption was mostly responsible for the failure of Buhari’s administration.

“Why did Buhari fail so spectacularly? It’s because of corruption, I’m sorry. May his soul rest in peace. All of us are on that journey, and we’ll go and account for what we did. There has never been a corrupt government like Buhari’s government, and immoral government like Buhari’s government,” he said.

Baba-Ahmed also linked his criticism of Buhari to the 2023 presidential election, accusing the former administration of failing to deliver on its promise of conducting credible polls, noting that events surrounding the transmission and collation of results did not meet the expectation Buhari had set.

15 Northern States Will Collapse Within Three Months – Ogunyemi Hits Atiku Over Subsidy Return Promise

Professor Tunji Ogunyemi of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has criticised the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, over his pledge to return the fuel subsidy if elected president in 2027.

Speaking on the Open Forum 360 podcast with Dare Adekanmbi, Ogunyemi said 15 states in the northern part of Nigeria would collapse within three months if the subsidy is returned.

The public affairs analyst emphasised that only four states can survive without federal allocation, stressing that Atiku’s promise would lead to major disabilities in the country.

Ogunyemi further urged the former vice president to clarify the implications of his policy proposal and stop playing to the gallery.

You’d Like To Take Poison And Die – Pete Edochie Warns Men Against Depending On Wives

Veteran Nollywood actor Pete Edochie has warned men against becoming financially dependent on their wives, saying such a situation could become deeply troubling for a man.

Edochie gave the warning while speaking with content creator Bae U Barbie on her podcast, Curiosity Made Me Ask.

The actor went further to comment on marriage proposals, questioning the practice of men getting down on one knee to present engagement rings to women, saying he sees the act as more than a romantic gesture.

According to Edochie, kneeling before a woman while proposing could be interpreted as the man giving up his position as head of the family before the marriage even begins.

I Regret Announcing My Relationship With MC Oluomo – Sikiratu Sindodo

Yoruba Nollywood actress, Tayo Odueke, better known as Sikiratu Sindodo, has expressed regret about publicising her romantic relationship with National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) boss, Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo.

Sindodo, during an interview with Oyinmomo TV on YouTube, said sometimes it is better to keep things private.

Asked what led to their breakup, Sindodo said it is a long story and she would rather not speak about it, adding that announcing the relationship online was not worth it.

Defending her earlier decision, Sindodo said MC Oluomo was kind-hearted and treated her nicely, which was why she publicised his name.

Arteta Predicts “Super Hard” Title Race After Arsenal Beat Chelsea

Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta, has predicted that this season’s Premier League title race will be “super hard,” after his side came from behind to beat Chelsea 2-1 at the Emirates on Sunday.

The Gunners fought back after conceding early to take maximum points, with goals from Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard sealing the win.

The result keeps Arsenal joint-top of the table with Manchester City, who lead only on goals scored, as Arteta expressed delight over what he called a “big win” against their London rivals.

“It’s a big win for us and it helps because the league will be super hard this season. Tonight we see we are capable of performing at a higher level than the one in last season,” he said.

LaLiga: Barcelona Go Two Points Clear As Real Madrid Slip To Third

Barcelona have opened a two-point gap at the top of the LaLiga table following their 5-0 thumping of Valencia on Sunday.

The Spanish champions watched on Saturday as rivals Real Madrid lost 1-0 to Real Betis, presenting Barca with an early chance to establish an advantage in the title race, which Hansi Flick’s men took with both hands.

Lamine Yamal opened the scoring as early as the sixth minute, before Fermin Lopez made it 2-0 before the break. In the second half, Raphinha, Pedri and Yamal got on the scoresheet as Barcelona ran riot at the Mestalla.

Barcelona now have 12 points after four fixtures, with Alaves second on 10 points, while Real Madrid sit in third position with nine points.

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