Nigerian News: Morning Headlines – 09 August 2026

August 9, 2026

Police Arrest Osun Commissioner Over Alleged Gun Attack on APC Members

The Osun State Police Command has arrested the state Commissioner for Environment, Mayowa Anjorin, over an alleged gun attack on members of the All Progressives Congress amid renewed violence in the state ahead of Saturday’s off-cycle governorship election. An operative of the Amotekun Corps has also been detained in connection with the incident. The arrests come as tension continues to rise across Osun in the lead-up to the poll, with security agencies stepping up efforts to contain politically linked violence. Further details on the circumstances of the attack and the suspects’ roles are expected as investigations continue.

Benue Police Arrest Five Pakistani Nationals With 35 Phones

The Benue State Police Command has arrested five Pakistani nationals found in possession of 35 mobile phones during separate intelligence-led operations in Otukpo and Ugbokolo. Command spokesperson, DSP Aondongu Orchia, disclosed this in a statement issued in Makurdi on Saturday. The operations were carried out based on credible intelligence, though details on the source of the phones and possible charges against the suspects were not immediately provided. Investigations are said to be ongoing as police work to establish the origin of the devices and whether the suspects are linked to any wider criminal network.

DSS Arrests Three More Suspects Linked to Kidnap of Nasarawa Varsity Don

Operatives of the Department of State Services have arrested three additional suspects believed to be members of the gang that kidnapped the Dean of Agriculture at Nasarawa State University, Prof. Samuel Avengbe Okunsebor. The professor was rescued by DSS operatives two days after gunmen abducted him on July 15, 2026, at Mile Uku, a border community between Lafia and Nasarawa-Eggon council areas. The new arrests bring the security agency closer to unravelling the kidnapping ring’s full network, as investigations continue into the identities and roles of those still being sought in connection with the abduction.

Grief in Benue as Community Buries 16 Killed by Suspected Herdsmen

Residents of Efeyi community in Ugboju District, Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State, held a mass burial on Saturday for 16 people allegedly killed by suspected armed herdsmen. The victims were reportedly killed when attackers invaded the community in the early hours of July 28, sparking panic and forcing many residents to flee for safety. The burial drew an outpouring of grief from community members still coming to terms with the scale of the attack. Security agencies have yet to announce arrests in connection with the killings as tension persists in the area.

PDP Slams Wike Over Remarks on Chief Olabode George

The Peoples Democratic Party has criticised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over his remarks targeting former PDP Deputy National Chairman, Chief Olabode George. In a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Dr Christopher Odianarewo, the party said Wike’s comments raised more questions than they answered and further exposed what it described as his fixation on Chief George. The PDP’s statement adds to a string of public exchanges between Wike and members of the party he formerly belonged to, as political tensions within Nigeria’s opposition landscape continue to play out.

13 Rescued as Building Collapses in Kano’s Fagge LGA

Thirteen people were rescued after a residential building collapsed early Saturday in the Dan Dishe area of Kwanar Yashi, Fagge Local Government Area of Kano State. Sixteen others were injured in the incident. The Kano State Fire Service said its Emergency Response Unit received a distress call at about 4:32am and immediately deployed personnel from its headquarters to the scene. Rescue operations were carried out swiftly to pull survivors from the rubble, though the cause of the collapse has not yet been officially determined. Authorities are expected to investigate further in the coming days.

Accord Party Accuses Osun APC of Harbouring Election Result Hackers

The Osun State chapter of the Accord Party has accused the leadership of the All Progressives Congress in the state of importing and sheltering alleged election result hackers at a hotel in Osogbo. The party called on security agencies to act swiftly to apprehend those involved in the alleged illegal operation. The allegation comes amid heightened political tension ahead of Saturday’s governorship election in the state. The APC is yet to respond publicly to the claims, which add to a series of accusations traded between parties in the build-up to the poll.

Family Fixes Oct. 9 for Burial of Rev. William Okoye

The family of Rev. William Okoye, founder and General Overseer of All Christians Fellowship Mission, has announced October 9 as the burial date, with the ceremony holding in Agulau, Anambra State. Okoye served as Chaplain of the Aso Villa Chapel during the administrations of former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan. He was widely known for his decades of ministry and his close ties to the seat of government during his tenure as chaplain. Further details of funeral arrangements are expected to be released by the family and church leadership in the coming weeks.

85-Year-Old Community Leader Shot Dead in Edo

An 85-year-old community leader, Reuben Owie, has been shot dead by unidentified gunmen at his residence in Iguosa, near Okhunmwun, Benin City. Owie, who served as Secretary of Iyowa Community, was reportedly attacked by two men at about 8:15pm on Sunday, August 2, according to the Edo State Police Command. The motive for the killing remains unclear, and no arrests have been announced so far. The incident has added to growing concern over attacks targeting community leaders in parts of Edo State, with residents calling for improved security in the area.

Navy Recovers 24,000 Litres of Suspected Stolen Crude in Rivers

The Nigerian Navy has recovered approximately 24,000 litres of product suspected to be stolen crude oil in the Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State. This was disclosed in an operational report by the Director of Naval Information, Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho, made available on Saturday in Abuja. The recovery forms part of ongoing efforts by the Navy to clamp down on illegal oil bunkering and crude theft across the Niger Delta. Further details on arrests or the estimated value of the recovered product were not immediately disclosed in the report.

Kalu Urges Tinubu to Pardon Looters, Cites ‘₦50bn To ₦60bn Lying in Abuja Houses’

Senator representing Abia North, Orji Uzor Kalu, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to create a window allowing individuals who allegedly stole public funds to return the money voluntarily without facing prosecution. Speaking on News Central TV’s 60 Minutes With Mr Kay, the former Abia State governor suggested a two-year amnesty window for ex-officials accused of looting. Kalu claimed billions of naira remain stashed in homes across Abuja, arguing that such funds sit outside the banking system and contribute nothing to the economy. He said returning the money would help boost Nigeria’s economic fortunes.

Coup Probe: Suspects Allegedly Used Encrypted App Zangi for Communication

Military investigators probing the alleged September 2025 coup plot say suspects used WhatsApp and the encrypted messaging app Zangi to coordinate communications. Retired Navy Captain Erasmus Victor told investigators that Army Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji introduced him to Zangi to communicate with Ma’aji and Lt Col Shamsuddeen Bappah. According to Premium Times, documents filed as part of the case’s proof of evidence show electronic communications are central to reconstructing the alleged conspiracy. Zangi promotes end-to-end encryption and allows registration without a phone number. Victor and five others face 13 charges, including treason, at the Federal High Court, Abuja.

ADC Rejects ICPC’s PFIPC Interim Report, Calls It ‘Damage Control’

The African Democratic Congress has rejected the interim report by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission on the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, describing it as inadequate and focused on limiting political damage. In a statement by National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said the report failed to explain how the council allegedly secured office space, civil servants and a ₦1.3 billion provision in the 2026 budget. The ADC renewed its call for an independent probe and criticised the recommendation to prosecute the council’s purported Director-General, Adeniyi Adeyemi, calling it premature.

‘After 7pm Everybody Is Engaging Their Wives’ — Fayose Links Lack of Electricity to Population Growth

Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has linked the absence of electricity in rural communities to increased population growth and early bedtimes. Speaking on ARISE Television on Friday following his inauguration as Chairman of the Rural Electrification Agency board, Fayose said the lack of nightlife alternatives left couples with little to do but stay home at night. He argued that rural electrification would encourage nightlife and alternative recreation, reducing reliance on what he described as the only available activity after dark. Fayose said addressing the electricity deficit could help curb the trend he described.

Reps Member Ojogo Escapes Death in Ondo Road Accident

A two-vehicle convoy belonging to Donland Ojogo, lawmaker representing Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency, was involved in a road accident on Saturday along the Ore-Ondo Road. The crash reportedly occurred after a commercial bus dangerously overtook the lawmaker’s vehicle and collided with an oncoming car, causing panic among road users. Ojogo was en route to Arogbo in Ese-Odo council area for a political engagement at the time. He escaped without serious injury, though some members of his entourage were affected and have since been taken to hospital for treatment. He blamed the bus driver for reckless driving.

‘Your Voice No Dey Shake Again’ — Davido Mocks Gov. Okpebholo Over Adeleke Jibe

Nigerian singer Davido has continued to criticise Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo after the governor mocked Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke’s dancing lifestyle at a political rally. Okpebholo had urged supporters to reject Adeleke in the Osun governorship election despite any financial inducements, saying his dancing suggested he was disconnected from governance. Responding at a rally in Osun, Davido said Okpebholo’s financial circumstances had changed and questioned what was wrong with his uncle dancing at public events. The exchange adds to tensions ahead of Saturday’s keenly contested governorship poll in Osun State.

Jarvis Denies Pregnancy Rumours, Says Facial Change Linked to Surgery

Nigerian content creator Elizabeth Amadou, known as Jarvis, has denied pregnancy speculation involving her and her husband, Peller, after social media users noted changes in her facial appearance. Addressing the rumours during a livestream, Jarvis explained that the change followed a previous jawline surgery rather than pregnancy. She revealed she may undergo another procedure to improve her appearance after her upcoming white wedding to Peller. Jarvis previously had surgery in November 2024 to remove a painful tumour from her jawline, a condition that had caused significant discomfort before the corrective procedure.

‘They Shot His Chest’ — Daddy Showkey Recounts Surviving Assassination Attempt

Veteran musician John Asiemo, known as Daddy Showkey, has recounted surviving an alleged assassination attempt in which armed men opened fire on his car. Speaking on The Podcast Network, he said the attack occurred months after gunmen invaded his home and killed one of his workers. Showkey said he noticed four men on motorcycles trailing him before they opened fire at a filling station. He pretended to be dead before pushing his car door into one attacker, knocking him down, and fighting him until he fell. Showkey said the ordeal marked a harrowing chapter in a string of threats against him.

Lionel Messi Loses Father, Jorge, at 68

Jorge Messi, father and longtime representative of Argentina captain Lionel Messi, has died at the age of 68. His death was reported Saturday by Spanish outlet MARCA, citing Argentine media. Jorge reportedly died at about 10pm on Friday at a medical facility in Rosario following a prolonged illness. He was married to Celia Cuccittini and had four children, including Lionel. Jorge played a central role in his son’s career from childhood, helping facilitate his move to Barcelona at age 13 for treatment of a growth-related condition, and remained with him in Spain during the early years of his career.

Maikaba Eyes Revenge as Flying Eagles Face Burkina Faso in WAFU B U-20 Final

Flying Eagles head coach Abdu Maikaba says Nigeria are determined to avenge their group-stage defeat to Burkina Faso when both sides clash in the WAFU B U-20 Championship final on Sunday. The final will be played at the Stade Charles Konan Banny in Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast, with kick-off at 7pm Nigerian time. Burkina Faso beat the Flying Eagles 2-0 in the group stage, a result Maikaba’s side hopes to overturn with the title on the line. Victory would also secure qualification for the 2027 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations, with Ghana having already booked their slot.

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