Nigerian News: Morning Headlines – 08 August 2026

August 8, 2026

EFCC Boss Faces Mounting Calls For Removal Over Osun Account Freeze

Calls for the removal of the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede, intensified on Friday as opposition parties and some Nigerians responded to the freezing of the Osun State Government’s account. They described the action of the anti-graft agency as politically motivated, alleging that the commission had demonstrated partisanship ahead of the August 15 governorship election.

13 Kaiama Captives Died In Six Months Of Terrorist Captivity — Rescued Victims

Some of the rescued victims of the February 3 terrorist attack on Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State have revealed that at least 13 captives died during the nearly six months in captivity, while 12 children were still being held by the terrorists.

Several Feared Killed In Reprisal Attack On Kogi Communities

Several people were feared killed on Thursday when armed men reportedly attacked three communities in Kupa Kingdom — Abugi, Kuchinda and Mikugi — in Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State in an alleged reprisal attack. Residents said the incident began around 8am when a herder, suspected of being a cattle rustler, was shot and killed during a heated altercation with local vigilantes at a checkpoint in the community.

EFCC Arrests Edo Spiritualist Over Nude Video Blackmail

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arrested an Edo-based self-acclaimed spiritualist, Odigie Moses, for allegedly blackmailing a woman into sending him money by threatening to release her nude video. According to a statement shared by the EFCC on its X account on Friday, Moses allegedly demanded $1,100 (N1.5m) before he was arrested in Ekpoma, Edo State.

CDCFIB Disowns Fake Circular On Obi-Kwankwaso 2027 Ticket

The Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board has disowned a purported circular circulating on social media which promoted a presidential ticket involving former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, and former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, ahead of the 2027 elections. CDCFIB, in a statement issued on Friday by its Head of Press and Public Relations, Okeh Juliet, described the circular as false and unauthorised.

X To Scrap Revenue Sharing, Launch Original Content Rewards Programme

X has announced plans to discontinue its Revenue Sharing programme and introduce a new Original Content Rewards programme to reward creators for producing original content on the platform. The social media company announced the changes on Friday in a post on its X Creators handle, saying the new programme would reward creators who contribute original content.

Herder Dies, 11 Cows Killed In Rivers Road Crash

A yet-to-be-identified herder died following a crash involving a Mercedes-Benz car and a herd of cattle at Evekwu in Rumuodogu, along the East-West Road in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State. Eyewitnesses said the cattle were crossing the road when the speeding vehicle struck the herders and the animals, resulting in the death of about 11 cows on Thursday.

Police Launch Search For Two Abducted Farmers In Ondo

Ondo State Police Command on Friday said it had launched a search for two farmers who were abducted at Parubber community in Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State. It was gathered that the victims were kidnapped while working on their farms on Monday and marched into a nearby forest by the armed assailants.

Awka Court Jails Mass Communication Student 25 Years For Raping 10-Year-Old

The Children, Sexual and Gender-based Violence Court sitting at the High Court of Awka, Anambra State, has convicted and sentenced a 27-year-old final-year Mass Communication student, Wisdom Edem, to 25 years, five years and five years imprisonment, respectively for rape, sexual abuse and inflicting injury on a 10-year-old girl. In the Charge No. A/3C/2024, obtained by our correspondent in Awka, the court was presided over by Justice Peace Otti, on Wednesday.

Lagos Arrests 27 Hoodlums Over Vandalism Of Festac-Alakija Bridge

Lagos State Government has arrested 27 suspected hoodlums for allegedly vandalising a newly constructed bridge linking Festac Town to Alakija during a midnight enforcement operation. The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed this in a statement on Friday, saying the arrests followed the discovery of what he described as a “disturbing act of vandalism” beneath the bridge.

You Are Lazy, Do You Expect Tinubu To Give You Yams – Lawmaker Slams Nigerians

The Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, has described Nigerians who rely on markets as lazy. Naija News reports that Nwaebonyi, who represents Ebonyi North Senatorial District, made the statement during an interview on The Mic On Podcast hosted by Seun Okinbaloye. He urged citizens to embrace farming to tackle rising food prices.

Defending the economic policies of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, the lawmaker argued that the government alone could not be held responsible for commodity prices in the market, insisting that citizens also had a role to play.

“Do you expect Tinubu to moderate the prices of garri in the market? Do you expect Tinubu to come and give you yam to feed your family?” he asked.

Nwaebonyi said Nigerians must increase food production instead of depending solely on markets.

Osun: It Is Insulting To Pretend Ignorance, Nigerians Are Not Fools – Lawmakers Slam Tinubu

The House of Representatives Minority Caucus has stated that President Bola Tinubu’s directive to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Osun State’s account has exposed deep contradictions within the Federal Government. Naija News reports that the lawmakers shared their reservations in a statement jointly signed by the Minority Leader, Hon. Fredrick Agbedi, and the Caucus Spokesman, Hon. Afam Victor Ogene.

They accused Tinubu of issuing what they described as a “panicky, belated afterthought” directive to the EFCC. The legislators pointed out that the President’s directive instructing the EFCC to vacate the court order freezing Osun State’s accounts came only after “massive public outcry” and not out of respect for the rule of law.

According to the Caucus, the development demonstrates “a government at war with itself,” citing what it described as conflicting positions within the Tinubu administration over the legality of the EFCC’s actions. The lawmakers noted that while EFCC spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren, reportedly stated on national television on Thursday that the freezing of Osun State’s accounts was carried out “without a valid court order,” the President later directed the anti-graft agency to return to court to “vacate the order.”

Nigerian Workers Deserve National Minimum Wage Of ₦500,000 – Sowore

The African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has called for an increase in the salary of Nigerian workers, asserting that workers should be paid ₦500,000 monthly. Naija News reports that he shared his thoughts in a statement posted on his verified X handle on Friday.

The human rights activist charged Nigerians to vote for leaders who genuinely want the betterment of Nigerian workers, not those who have consistently treated workers as enemies. His remark stems from the ₦500,000 new minimum wage demand by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), made at the Nigeria Rights of Workers Summit held on Thursday in Birnin Kebbi, the capital of Kebbi State.

Reacting, Sowore said, “Oh finally! It is encouraging that the leadership of the NLC and TUC have finally arrived at the same position the African Action Congress adopted long ago. Nigerian workers deserve a national minimum wage of no less than N500,000. The demand is both necessary and long overdue in the face of the country’s economic realities and soaring cost of living. Now that there is consensus, the focus must shift from declarations to action. Let’s unite and fight until Nigerian workers receive a living wage of at least ₦500,000.”

Kwara Governor Meets Rescued Woro Kidnapped Victims

Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq of Kwara State has met with rescued abductees from Woro in the Kaiama Local Government Area of the state. Naija News understands that the governor met with the freed victims on Friday in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.

The abductees, who are still receiving medical attention at the Nigerian Army Barracks in Sobi, Ilorin, were rescued on Wednesday after spending six months in captivity. Of the 176 persons originally abducted, 163 were rescued, along with another 145 persons from Niger State. They reportedly spent the night of Wednesday at a military facility in Niger State before being brought back to the Kwara State capital, Ilorin, on Thursday night.

How Nollywood Actor Got Involved In Alleged Coup Against Tinubu

Veteran Nollywood actor and filmmaker, Stanley Amandi, has been linked to an alleged plot to mobilise public support in the South-East for a proposed military takeover of President Bola Tinubu’s government. According to Premium Times, investigation records reportedly filed as part of the prosecution’s evidence in ongoing coup-related trials alleged that Amandi was assigned to coordinate propaganda, social media messaging and public celebrations in the region if the planned takeover succeeded, and that he later prepared a ₦50 million mobilisation budget after meetings with soldiers in Enugu and Abuja.

Amandi, a former Chairman of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) in Enugu State, reportedly gave investigators an account of how his relationship with a soldier developed into meetings at which the alleged plan to remove the government through unconstitutional means was discussed. Security operatives arrested Amandi on November 11, 2025, while defendants at the Federal High Court and court-martial denied charges and challenged the admissibility of interrogation statements.

His statement forms part of the evidence connected to the trials before the General Court Martial and the Federal High Court in Abuja. The allegations against the actor have not been tested in court, and it was unclear whether criminal charges had been filed against him as of the time of filing this report.

How ₦40 Million Theft Resulted In Deadly ISWAP, Boko Haram Battle In Borno

Fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have reportedly seized a major stronghold belonging to the rival Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) faction of Boko Haram following a fierce battle in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State. The confrontation was reportedly triggered by the theft of about ₦40m from ISWAP logisticians operating around the Gazwa-Kwaltafarji axis.

Security analyst Zagazola Makama reported that details of the confrontation emerged from intelligence gathered during the debriefing of recently surrendered JAS fighters. According to intelligence sources, the confrontation began when a JAS commander identified as Munzir allegedly ambushed ISWAP logisticians transporting money and supplies around the corridor. One ISWAP logistic operative was reportedly killed during the attack, while the JAS fighters allegedly seized an AK-pattern rifle and approximately ₦40m.

The surviving ISWAP members reportedly escaped and informed their commanders of the attack. Sources said the seized money was handed over to a senior JAS commander in Gazwa identified as Baafu, who was said to have subsequently transferred the funds to another senior insurgent leader, Ali Ngulde, believed to operate from the Mandara Mountains. Information reportedly obtained from surrendered fighters indicated that the money was later shared among JAS commanders and fighters.

Military intelligence suggested that ISWAP considered the incident not merely a theft but an attack on its authority and logistics network. The account of the clash and the reported casualty figures had yet to be independently confirmed by the military as of the time of filing this report.

My Mother Had Three Other Boys After Me, But I Think I Killed All Of Them – Charly Boy

Veteran Nigerian musician Charly Boy has spoken on the unusual circumstances surrounding his birth, revealing that his mother later had three other sons who died. Charly Boy made the disclosure during an interview with News Central TV on Friday, while discussing his childhood, family history and personal experiences contained in his memoir.

Naija News reports that the entertainer recalled that his birth was difficult for his mother, who reportedly carried the pregnancy for about 11 months before eventually giving birth to him. According to Charly Boy, his mother was advised to undergo a Caesarean section but refused, choosing instead to have him through natural delivery. He said the circumstances surrounding his birth became one of the stories that shaped how he later viewed his family history.

He further revealed that after his birth, his mother had three more boys, none of whom survived. While reflecting on the deaths, Charly Boy described himself as having a connection to the unfortunate events, saying he believed he had killed the three boys.

Don’t Give My Wife Kissing Roles – Peller Warns Nollywood Producers

TikTok star Peller has warned Nollywood producers and filmmakers against giving his wife, content creator Jarvis, movie roles that involve kissing or other romantic scenes with male actors. Naija News reports that Peller made his position known during a livestream while speaking about his marriage to Jarvis, saying producers should respect their relationship and avoid offering her roles requiring intimate scenes with other actors.

Peller also spoke about his relationship with people in the entertainment industry, saying he remains cautious about working with some industry figures. He recalled advice he claimed to have received from singer Tiwa Savage about the nature of relationships within the entertainment business, saying he was warned that some people in the industry may not always have good intentions. Peller said his rise to fame did not depend entirely on the entertainment industry, as he built his audience through other activities before becoming widely known.

2026/2027 NPFL Season Opener Fixtures Confirmed

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has unveiled the fixtures for the opening weekend of the 2026/27 season, with defending champions Rangers set to begin their title defence at home against Katsina United. Rangers, who lifted a record-extending ninth NPFL title last season, will welcome Katsina United to the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, popularly known as the Cathedral, in Enugu on Sunday, 30 August.

The new campaign gets underway on Friday, 28 August, with former champions Shooting Stars hosting newly promoted Inter Lagos at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan, marking Inter Lagos’ first appearance in the top flight after promotion from the Nigeria National League.

Among the standout fixtures, Kwara United will entertain four-time champions Kano Pillars in Ilorin, while Rivers United begin their campaign at home against Plateau United. Former champions Enyimba travel to face Niger Tornadoes in Minna, Bendel Insurance host regional rivals Warri Wolves, and Doma United welcome Sporting Lagos. Elsewhere, Ikorodu City take on Ranchers Bees, Abia Warriors face Kun Khalifat FC in Umuahia, while newly promoted Barau FC start life in the NPFL with a home clash against Nasarawa United.

The 2026/27 NPFL season will run from 28 August 2026 until 30 May 2027, with clubs hoping to make an early statement in the race for the title, continental qualification places and survival.

Maradona’s ‘Hand Of God’ Ball To Sell For $10 Million

The football used by Argentine legend, Diego Maradona, to score his controversial “Hand of God” goal against England at the 1986 FIFA World Cup is expected to sell for about $10m at an auction in the United States this month. Naija News reports that the ball, which became part of football history after Maradona illegally punched it into the net during Argentina’s quarter-final clash with England, will be auctioned by Heritage Auctions in Texas.

The auction house expects the historic football to attract a bid of eight figures, with bidding set to open at $2.5m. The auction is scheduled to take place from August 21 to 23.

Maradona’s first goal in the match remains one of the most controversial moments in World Cup history. The Argentine forward appeared to use his hand to beat England goalkeeper Peter Shilton to the ball before sending it into the net, but the referee failed to spot the handball and allowed the goal to stand. After the match, Maradona famously described the goal by saying it was scored “a little with the head of Maradona and a little with the hand of God.”

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