Nigerian News: Morning Headlines – 23 October 2026

CDCFIB Fixes October 28 for Oral Interview Status Check

The Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board, CDCFIB, has asked candidates who reached the oral interview stage of its ongoing recruitment exercise to check its portal on October 28 to know their status. The board said the portal will remain open until November 13.

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Idris Orders Agencies to Step Up Ebola Awareness After FCT Case

Information Minister Mohammed Idris has directed agencies under his ministry to intensify public education and awareness campaigns after an Ebola Virus Disease, EVD, case was confirmed in the FCT. The agencies include the National Orientation Agency, NTA, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria and Voice of Nigeria.

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Obasanjo Says Tinubu’s Naira Devaluation Worsened Poverty

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has said President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, including the naira’s devaluation, worsened poverty in Nigeria. Speaking Wednesday at the Financial Times Africa Summit 2026 in London, he said the naira’s fall from about ₦500 to around ₦1,500 per dollar cut purchasing power, made essentials costlier and contributed to Nigeria’s position as the world’s poverty capital.

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Six Dead in Sokoto Road Crash

At least six people, including three members of one family, have died in a crash on the Tambuwal-Sokoto road in Sokoto State. A wagon carrying about nine passengers from Tambuwal to Sokoto collided with a trailer, according to people familiar with the incident.

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Nollywood Actor Francis Duru Dies at 57

Veteran Nollywood actor Francis Duru has died at 57 after a brief illness, his family has announced. The family made the announcement in a statement on his official Instagram page in the early hours of Friday, thanking fans and well-wishers for their prayers and support.

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Atiku Demands Publication of Preliminary Voters’ Register

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has demanded immediate publication of the preliminary voters’ register, saying INEC’s failure to display it online could undermine confidence in the 2027 election. In a Thursday statement, he said Nigerians are entitled to inspect the list, challenge questionable entries and correct omissions. He cited Section 19(1) of the Electoral Act 2026 and questioned why the register was inaccessible during the October 9 to 15 inspection period.

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Interpol Arrests Two Nigeria Suspects in Cybercrime Probe

The International Criminal Police Organisation has arrested two suspects in Nigeria in separate cybercrime investigations, including an international investment fraud scheme linked to over $2.4m in suspected criminal proceeds. The arrests were disclosed in a statement on Operation Serengeti III, a cybercrime enforcement operation.

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Edo Demolishes Buildings Linked to Rituals, Cultism

The Edo State Government has demolished buildings allegedly used for ritual activities and cult-related crimes after arresting two suspects in its renewed crackdown. A bungalow and four boys’ quarters at Uwalor-Oke, Uromi, allegedly used by suspected ritualist Ebhata Eromosele, were pulled down. Another building linked to cultism in Ewatto was also demolished.

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Sowore Explains AAC’s Request to Use Presidential Villa

AAC presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore says his party asked to use the Presidential Villa, Abuja, for its campaign council inauguration because the ruling APC held political events there. Speaking Thursday at an ICAN event, he said the AAC wanted opposition parties to enjoy the same access to the facility as the APC.

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NEC Endorses 90-Day Emergency Economic Plan

The National Economic Council has endorsed a 90-day emergency economic action plan to cut living costs, make food more affordable and speed up projects that directly improve citizens’ welfare. NEC also approved a national dashboard to monitor government projects nationwide and ensure transparency in the use of proceeds from the removal of petrol subsidy.

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Adeleke: Our Alliance With Tinubu Ends at Presidential Poll

Osun Governor Ademola Adeleke has assured coalition members backing President Bola Tinubu’s re-election that the arrangement will not affect their parties’ chances in National Assembly and state Assembly polls. Speaking Thursday in Osogbo at the Osun Presidential Campaign Council inauguration, he set a target of over 1.5 million votes for Tinubu in the state.

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APC Tackles Atiku Over Ebola Fund Criticism

The APC Presidential Campaign Council has accused Atiku Abubakar of politicising a public health emergency. In a Thursday statement, spokesperson Dele Alake said the ₦10bn approved in June for Ebola preparedness remains unspent, and agencies used other resources for surveillance. Atiku had demanded details of disbursements, contracts and recipients, or an explanation if the money was not released.

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Omo-Agege Warns 2027 Election Riggers

Former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege has warned those planning to manipulate the 2027 elections. The NDC candidate for Delta Central said at a campaign event that electoral fraud would deny Nigerians their future and voters would not accept it. He threatened that anyone caught rigging could be killed at the scene.

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Otubanjo: Tinubu’s Campaign Excuse ‘Not Convincing’

Femi Otubanjo, research professor at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, has linked President Bola Tinubu’s limited 2027 campaign activities to old age. Speaking Thursday on Arise Morning Show, he called Tinubu’s excuse of focusing on governance rather than visiting all 36 states unconvincing, adding it was understandable if the president lacked the physical strength.

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Rema Explains Why He Hides His Wealth

Singer Divine Ikubor, known as Rema, says he avoids flaunting his wealth online so young people do not feel pressured by his success. The 26-year-old told Jam FM that many admire him and could feel they are falling behind if he constantly displays his riches. He does not want anyone comparing their progress with his.

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Burna Boy’s Mum Names Her Favourite ‘Child’

Bose Ogulu, mother and manager of Burna Boy, has named MD Emmanuel as her favourite among her son’s team. She first said a good mother would not openly pick one child over others. She later chose Emmanuel Abiola-Jacobs, saying she naturally expected more of him because he grew up and worked with Burna Boy.

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FIFA Appoints Normalisation Committee for NFF

FIFA has approved a normalisation committee to run the Nigeria Football Federation until fresh elections. The NFF announced the Bureau of the FIFA Council’s decision Thursday, October 22. FIFA will appoint members jointly with CAF. The committee’s tenure ends May 31, 2027, and its members cannot contest any position in the forthcoming NFF elections.

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Osimhen Hits Back at Critics After Galatasaray Beat Lille

Victor Osimhen has dismissed criticism of his recent form after scoring in Galatasaray’s 4-2 win over former club Lille on Wednesday, earning Man of the Match. He had faced scrutiny after a 4-1 loss to Barcelona and a 1-0 win over Gençlerbirliği. The 27-year-old said he is used to overcoming challenges and remains confident.