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Nigerian News: Morning Headlines – 21 October 2026
FG Confirms Imported Ebola Case in Abuja
The Federal Government has confirmed one imported case of Bundibugyo Ebola virus in the FCT. Health Minister Prof. Muhammad Pate announced this in Abuja on Tuesday after laboratory confirmation on October 20. The patient, a woman who arrived from Uganda, is in isolation. Officials have identified 44 possible contacts and begun contact tracing and surveillance.
APC Denies Plot to Kill Atiku
The APC Presidential Campaign Council has denied plotting to assassinate ADC presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar. Spokesman Dele Alake said Atiku’s security has not been withdrawn, adding that Tinubu ordered tighter protection for all candidates. He was responding to Timi Frank, who had petitioned US President Donald Trump over alleged threats to Atiku’s life.
Police Tear-Gas #EndSARS Memorial at Lekki
Police fired tear gas on Tuesday to disperse an #EndSARS memorial at the Lekki tollgate in Lagos. Those present included ADC governorship candidate Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour and NDC candidate Funso Doherty. Organised by the Enough is Enough movement, the event was disrupted before participants could lay wreaths.
Pa Reuben Fasoranti Dies at 100
Pa Reuben Fasoranti, educationist and former Afenifere leader, died on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, aged 100. He devoted much of his life to advancing the political ideals of Chief Obafemi Awolowo and led Afenifere through one of its most consequential internal crises. Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa announced his death.
EFCC Arrests Businessman Over $120m Fraud
The EFCC has arrested Abuja-based businessman Innocent Ezuma, 57, over allegations of defrauding a Ukrainian investor of more than $120m. He was picked up at his residence on Monday, October 19, and remained in custody on Tuesday. EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale confirmed the arrest but declined to give further details.
Troops Rescue 27 Kidnap Victims in Katsina
Troops of Operation Fansan Yamma have rescued 27 kidnapped victims in Sabuwa Local Government Area of Katsina State after a gun battle with terrorists. The victims, 15 males and 12 females, were abducted from Gamji community. Troops responded to a distress call on October 16, 2026.
Police Rescue 11 Ghanaians Held Hostage in Sagamu
Ogun State Police have rescued 11 Ghanaians allegedly held hostage in Sagamu after being lured with promises of Canadian and Spanish visas. Each victim reportedly paid GHC40,000. The seven males and four females were freed by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit following intelligence received on October 19, 2026.
Three Electrocuted in Onitsha
Three men were electrocuted in Fegge, Onitsha, Anambra State, when an iron pole they were erecting for a water tank fell on an 11kV power line. The incident happened on Monday at No. 123, Old Port Harcourt Road. The building owner had engaged a contractor to sink a borehole.
NDC Reacts to Defections: “Good Riddance to Bad Rubbish”
The Nigeria Democratic Congress has described the defection of some members to the APC as “good riddance to bad rubbish”. In a statement yesterday, National Publicity Secretary Osa Director alleged that some of its candidates were bribed by the APC to defect to the ruling party.
North Will Resist Vote-Buying, PRP Warns Tinubu
PRP National Chairman Hakeem Baba-Ahmed has warned President Bola Tinubu and the APC that the North will resist their vote-buying plot in the 2027 elections. He spoke on Tuesday during an interview on Channels Television’s “Politics Today”.
Wike: “I Won’t Go Empty-Handed” After Backing Tinubu
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has urged PDP and other opposition members to back President Tinubu’s second-term bid. Speaking to stakeholders in Rivers State, he sought the support of Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s camp. He said contributors to victory can make demands afterwards, but added that he won’t let the APC win every elective position in Rivers.
Obi: My Message Has Been Twisted
NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi has denied asking Nigerians in the diaspora to stop sending money home. He said his remarks at a UK town hall, urging them to advise relatives to vote for good governance, were distorted. His media office said the video was edited, and Obi signed a personal statement on Tuesday.
Atiku: Tinubu Is the Egypt Nigerians Want to Escape
ADC presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has said President Tinubu is the Egypt Nigerians are desperate to escape in 2027. He was reacting to Tinubu’s comparison of fuel subsidy relief to asking Moses to return to Egypt. In a statement by Phrank Shaibu, Atiku accused Tinubu of governing like King Pharaoh.
Eniola Badmus Apologises to Laide Bakare
Nollywood actress Eniola Badmus has apologised to colleague Laide Bakare over her reaction when Bakare’s name came up during an interview on Isbae U’s show. In an Instagram post, she admitted it may have appeared dismissive. She called for peace between them and wished Bakare well.
Broda Shaggi Shares Glimpse of Near-Death Escape
Skit maker Broda Shaggi, real name Samuel Animashaun Perry, has shared a video of himself being rushed to hospital with gunshot injuries. He was shot in March 2026 while filming at Sango Ota Bridge, Ogun State. He said the incident happened on March 9 and promised to share details on Wednesday.
Super Falcons Fall Seven Places in FIFA Ranking
The Super Falcons have dropped from 36th to 43rd in the latest FIFA Women’s World Rankings after a poor 2026 WAFCON in Morocco. They lost to Malawi and Cameroon, then 2-1 to South Africa in the play-offs, missing the 2027 World Cup. They remain Africa’s top-ranked side, ahead of South Africa (52nd).
Kompany Doubtful for Bayern’s Clash With Arsenal
Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany is doubtful for Wednesday’s Champions League match against Arsenal while recovering from a virus. He missed training and Tuesday’s press conference. Assistant coach Aaron Danks said: “Getting Vincent to rest is a difficult challenge. But yeah, so he’s at home, he’s resting. We take it day by day, so I’m still unsure of his involvement tomorrow.”