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  Canoe Capsizes; 47 Bodies Recovered In Gorau, Goronyo LGA Sokoto State Forty-seven bodies have so far been precovered after a canoe capsized at Gorau crossing point in Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State. The victims were reportedly crossing to the other side of the river when the boat capsized throwing the passengers into the water. Among the survivors were the canoe operator and the village head as the recovered bodies have since been buried according to Islamic rites. Rescue and recovery operations teams made up of personnel from the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Sokoto State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), security agencies and the Nigerian Red Cross Society have mobilized to the scene. The teams, supported by local divers, had commenced the search for other missing passengers and their belongings. The SEMA says efforts to to establish the exact number of people who were on board the canoe at the time of...

 Teenager k!lled 'for his testicles' by gang who 'wanted to sell them for £100,000' A gang murd£red a teenager and removed his testicles because they thought they were worth £100,000, police have said. The gang was said to have been motivated by a social media video promoting a false claim about the value of human testicles. The 17-year-old victim, named only as Rehan, was lured to a secluded area where he was stabbed to d£ath by the gang. Police in India said his testicles were kept packed in ice while they tried to find a buyer on the black market prepared to pay a huge sum. Cops probing the sick k!lling have arrested prime suspect – 20-year-old business student Zoheb Khan – alleged accomplice Aamir Qureshi, 18, and detained three minors. Investigators allege Khan recruited the group and convinced them that testicles could fetch about 12 million Indian rupees (around £92,465) on the black market in the Gulf. They claim Khan posed as a doctor to convince his associates...

 EFCC Arraigns Three for Alleged  Visa Fraud in Ibadan The Ibadan Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Wednesday, August 19, 2026 arraigned the trio of Emmanuel Serah Motunrayo,   Awotunde Olugbenga and  Idowu Olugbemi Sunday    before Justices Olusola Adetujoye and Olusola Adetujoye  of the Oyo State High Court, sitting in Ibadan, Oyo State. Motunrayo alongside Olugbenga were arraigned on a forty seven-count charge bordering on forgery, uttering of documents and obtaining money by false pretense to the tune of N23, 404, 600 (Twenty-three Million, Four Hundred and Four Thousand, Six Hundred Naira). Count two of the charges reads: “That you, Emmanuel Serah Motunrayo ‘F’ and Awotunde Olugbenga ‘M’ on or about 1st March, 2025 at Ibadan, Oyo State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud, obtained the sum of N527, 000.00 (Five Hundred and Twenty Seven Thousand Naira) only from Oluw...

 IGP DISU DECLARES OPEN THREE-DAY YOUTH LEADERSHIP AND SECURITY PROGRAMME The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, today, Thursday, 20th August 2026, actively participated in the opening day of the National Youth Leadership and Security Dialogue in Abuja, marking the commencement of a three-day programme organised to commemorate International Youth Day 2026 under the National Youth Security and Peacebuilding Initiative. The three-day programme, scheduled to run from 20th to 22nd August 2026, is themed “Different Contents, Common Aspiration”, is designed to promote youth inclusion, peacebuilding, innovation, and responsible citizenship. Day One focused on Youth Leadership, Security and National Development, with engagements on national security, digital responsibility, civic participation, entrepreneurship, cybersecurity, innovation, and mental health. In his remarks, the IGP urged young Nigerians to reject political violence, criminal manipulation, an...

 STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE Restoring petrol subsidies: Atiku’s volte-face and desperation for power Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President and perennial candidate for the presidency of Nigeria, has finally revealed his economic plans to Nigerians, should he be elected as President by January next year.  Against expectations that he would announce a more creative and ingenious alternative to the programme being executed by the Tinubu administration, Atiku Abubakar behaved like a man from an archaic past who least comprehends the present economic dynamics and suggested that he would restore the much-abused, wasteful, pillaged, corruption-ridden fuel subsidy regime, which the Petroleum Industry Act made illegal from the end of June, 2023. Even though he used to believe that the subsidy regime must be eliminated, a point he canvassed in the run-up to his defeat in the  2023 election,  he has now opportunistically recanted the major plank of his economic doctrine and...

  Tinubu, Adeleke in closed-door meeting at Aso Rock Villa President Bola Tinubu is receiving Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja. Adeleke arrived at the forecourt of the Villa at exactly 5:25 pm on Thursday, in a navy blue traditional attire, brandishing a walking stick and alighting from a black Toyota Land Cruiser SUV. The governor arrived alongside the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu. It is his first meeting with the President since his re-election in last Saturday’s governorship poll. Adeleke’s visit comes days after President Tinubu personally called to congratulate him on his re-election victory, describing the outcome as “a fitting assurance that democracy will continue to flourish in our country” and urging the governor to unite Osun residents regardless of their political choices in the election. Four other officials from Osun State were spotted arriving at the premises through the corridors at about 05:40 pm local time. ...

 LBS STRENGTHENS DATA-DRIVEN RESPONSE TO DOMESTIC, SEXUAL VIOLENCE IN LAGOS The Lagos Bureau of Statistics (LBS) has intensified efforts to strengthen evidence-based responses to domestic and sexual violence in Lagos State through a stakeholders’ engagement on the Survey on Domestic Violence and Sexual Harassment/Rape, Incidence Rate, Response Time and Government Policy. The engagement, organised by LBS in conjunction with the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), was aimed at generating reliable data on residents’ experiences of domestic and sexual violence, their awareness of available support services and reporting mechanisms, as well as the effectiveness of government interventions. Speaking at the engagement held at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Ikeja, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget (MEPB), Mrs. Olayinka Ojo, said the survey was critical to strengthening evidence-based policymaking and ensuring that government ...

 WORLD PHOTOGRAPHY DAY: LASG INSPIRES NEXT GENERATION THROUGH LENS The Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board (LSFVCB) joined the world in commemorating World Photography Day by introducing children to the fascinating world of photography, visual storytelling and creative expression. In collaboration with public and private institutions, as well as independent professional photographers who generously volunteered their time and expertise, LSFVCB created an enriching and memorable experience for the children. The Public Service Staff Development Centre (PSSDC) and Lagos State Records and Archives Bureau (LASRAB) opened their doors to the young participants, who enjoyed an exciting studio experience and an insightful tour of the archival museum. The children also received hands-on camera training from professional photographers and dedicated volunteers who shared their knowledge and passion for the art of photography. The programme further featured an educational visit to Racomic P...

 EFCC Arraigns Maryam Shehu,  Abubakar Shuraim Abdulhamad for Alleged False Information The Economic and Financial  Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arraigned  Maryam Isah Shehu and  Abubakar Shuraim Abdulhamad before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja for alleged cybercrime and peddling malicious information against the Commission. While Shehu was arraigned on Thursday, August 20, 2026, on amended one-count charge, bordering on cybercrime  and wilful character assassination of the Commission via her Instagram handle. Abdulhamad was arraigned on one-count charge bordering on cybercrime and criminal fabrication of the identity of the EFCC. The charge Shehu reads: “That you Maryam Isah Shehu on or about the 21st June 2026, at Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, intentionally sent a message by means of a social network service via your Instagram account (@maryamshehu) containing a message which was intended to tarnish th...

FBI arrests woman accused of plotting ISIS-inspired attack on New York State Capitol building  The FBI arrested a 35-year-old woman Thursday who is accused of plotting an attack on the New York State Capitol in Albany. Investigators allege that Jessica Bowie expressed allegiance to ISIS in online communications and began planning the potential attack in July. According to a federal criminal complaint, the investigation uncovered communications and other activity that led authorities to believe Bowie was developing plans to target the Capitol building. Bowie was taken into custody as the investigation continued. The allegations against her are contained in the criminal complaint, and the case remains ongoing.

 Chidimma Adetshina Speaks Out Over 'Unfair' Deportation Battle: 'I Was Born in South Africa' Beauty queen Chidimma Adetshina has broken her silence following a major court postponement in her ongoing South African immigration and citizenship dispute. The former Miss South Africa contestant and reigning Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 expressed frustration over her treatment, claiming she has been unfairly targeted and singled out by authorities. On Wednesday, the Cape Town Regional Court deferred her case to February 27, 2027. The magistrate ruled that the court could not make a determination on her potential detention or deportation while a separate review application challenging her citizenship status remains unresolved before the Western Cape High Court. 'I Have Been Treated Unfairly' Addressing reporters outside the courtroom, Adetshina maintained her innocence and reminded the public of her deep roots in the country. 'Firstly, I would like to say that I am ...

 Hilda Baci Threatens Seyi Vibez with Lawsuit Over Defamatory Social Media Claims Renowned Nigerian culinary star Hilda Baci has officially initiated legal actions against popular street-pop artist Seyi Vibez following highly controversial remarks made online. The legal warning demands an immediate retraction of what her representatives describe as defamatory and malicious statements posted across social media. The Origin of the Dispute The escalation follows a highly publicized digital feud involving former signees of Dapper Music. Artists Seyi Vibez, Shallipopi, and T.I Blaze recently called out the record label's chief executive, Damilola "Dapper" Akinwunmi, over alleged unpaid royalties and a dispute involving approximately N1 billion in missing funds. Targeting Hilda Baci As the online argument intensified on X (formerly Twitter), Seyi Vibez targeted Hilda Baci, who is reportedly in a relationship with the music executive. The singer alleged that Dapper had diverted ...

 Atiku Abubakar Dismisses Obasanjo's Electoral Value, Claims Northern Coalition Secured 1999 Presidency The long-standing political friction between former President Olusegun Obasanjo and his former deputy has flared up once again. Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has asserted that his former boss possesses no real political or electoral influence in Nigeria today. A History of Political Rivalry The fractured relationship between the two leaders traces back to 2007, following the conclusion of their two-term administration as President and Vice President. Over the years, Atiku has maintained that his opposition to Obasanjo's infamous third-term bid was driven by a commitment to protect the Nigerian Constitution and safeguard the nation's democracy, rather than personal animosity. Obasanjo Lacks Electoral Weight, Claims Atiku Speaking to journalists, Atiku made it clear that he remains unbothered by Obasanjo's refusal t...

 Seyi Vibez Deletes Controversial Posts About Hilda Baci Following Defamation Lawsuit Threat Nigerian singer Seyi Vibez has swiftly taken down highly controversial social media posts targeting celebrity chef Hilda Baci. The move comes immediately after Baci’s legal representatives issued a stern warning and threatened to file a defamation lawsuit over what they described as malicious and false claims. The legal intervention was initiated by the prominent law firm Olaniwun Ajayi LP. In a formal cease-and-desist letter dated August 15, 2026, the lawyers accused the Afrobeats artist of publishing damaging and unfounded statements about their client on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). The Controversial Claims and Social Media Backlash The dispute stems from two specific posts shared by Seyi Vibez on August 14, 2026. In one of the updates, the singer made disparaging remarks regarding Baci's physical appearance, linking her body enhancement surgery to the finances of musi...

 Iran Executes Foreign National Linked to Deadly January Protests Iran has executed a foreign national convicted of participating in the deadly protests that swept across several cities in January, state media and judicial sources confirmed. The individual, whose identity and nationality have not been fully disclosed by authorities, was executed following a trial that has once again drawn sharp condemnation from international human rights organizations. Charges and Conviction According to reports from the judiciary’s official news outlet, the defendant was found guilty of "moharebeh" (waging war against God) and direct involvement in violent clashes that resulted in the deaths of security personnel during the unrest. The prosecution alleged that the individual had acted in coordination with foreign intelligence entities to destabilize public order. Concerns Over Due Process Human rights watchdogs have raised serious concerns over the legal proceedings leading to the execution...

 Russian missile and drone barrage on Kyiv kills at least 15, injures more than 40, Zelenskyy says A massive Russian missile and drone barrage struck Kyiv overnight Wednesday, killing at least 15 people and injuring more than 40, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Thursday. Emergency crews spent the night responding to sites hit across the capital as Russian forces launched a combination of ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and drones in one of the largest attacks in recent months. Ukraine’s air force said Russia fired an unspecified number of ballistic missiles, along with 46 cruise and air-to-ground missiles and 168 drones. The Kyiv region was the primary target, according to Ukrainian officials. Ukrainian forces reported shooting down or otherwise neutralizing 41 cruise missiles and 145 drones. The military said strikes or debris were recorded at 28 locations. Officials did not provide a figure for how many ballistic missiles were intercepted. Several areas of Kyiv s...

18-year-old Ohio woman faces murder charge in mother’s fatal shooting, investigators allege deleted texts planned killing A murder charge has been filed against 18-year-old Bryanna Dutcher in connection with the fatal shooting of her mother, 55-year-old Tamela Dutcher, inside their Delaware County, Ohio, home. Bryanna was initially charged with obstruction of justice following her mother’s death on Aug. 14. During a court hearing Monday, prosecutors said investigators later recovered deleted text messages from Bryanna’s phone that allegedly appeared to involve planning the shooting. She now faces both murder and obstruction charges. A judge set bond at $3 million for Bryanna and her two co-defendants, 21-year-old Dajameous Payne and 20-year-old Christian Evans. Payne and Evans are also facing murder charges. Deputies responded shortly after midnight Aug. 14 to a report of gunfire at a home on Bean-Oller Road. The 911 caller reported that his wife had been shot. Responding officers foun...

 UPDATE ON POLICE ACTION OVER ONITSHA HEAD BRIDGE INCIDENT: CP NNANNA EVALUATES OPERATIONAL STRATEGY OF PERSONNEL IN ONITSHA AS INCIDENT UNDERGOES REVIEW The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, psc, mnips, has continued to review the operational circumstances surrounding the recent incident at the Onitsha Head Bridge, where some persons allegedly resisted arrest, resulting in gunshot injuries. As part of the ongoing review, the Commissioner has been evaluating the operational strategy, conduct and deployment of the personnel involved, with a view to determining whether established operational procedures, rules of engagement and professional standards were fully complied with. CP Nnanna has reiterated that the command will not compromise professionalism, accountability, and respect for human rights in the discharge of police duties. He stressed that officers and men must exercise restraint, sound judgment, and professionalism, particularly during sensit...

UAE suspends trade with Iran after reporting Iranian missile launches toward its waters The United Arab Emirates has suspended all trade and financial transactions with Iran after reporting that two ballistic missiles were launched from Iranian territory toward UAE territorial waters. The missiles fell into the water and caused no reported damage or injuries, according to UAE officials. However, the incident marks a renewed threat from the conflict for the Gulf nation after more than three months of relative calm. Earlier this year, Iran launched weeks of drone and missile attacks against the UAE, most of which were intercepted. The attacks heightened tensions and dealt a significant blow to the country's tourism and aviation industries. The UAE said it would suspend trade with Iran indefinitely because of escalating regional tensions that it said threaten regional and international peace and security. Iran has denied launching a missile toward the UAE. Foreign Ministry spokesman E...

 North Korea fires about 10 ballistic missiles toward sea after US and South Korea scale back military drills  North Korea launched about 10 short-range ballistic missiles toward the sea Thursday, just one day after dismissing the United States' decision to scale back joint military exercises with South Korea. The missiles were launched from the area around the North Korean capital at approximately 5 p.m. local time and traveled about 300 kilometers toward waters off the country's eastern coast. South Korea increased its surveillance efforts and coordinated with the United States and Japan following the launches. South Korea's presidential national security council called on North Korea to stop conducting ballistic missile tests. Japan also detected what it described as a suspected missile launch. The latest launches came after President Donald Trump directed the Pentagon to substantially reduce the Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises shortly before they began Monday. Trump poin...

 Democrats narrow 2028 convention host city finalists to Boston, Denver, and Philadelphia  Democrats have narrowed the list of cities under consideration to host their 2028 presidential convention, selecting Boston, Denver and Philadelphia as finalists. Democratic National Committee Chairman Ken Martin said all three cities submitted strong proposals, with the party planning to choose a host later this year. Republicans have already selected Houston as the site of their 2028 convention. The Democratic convention is scheduled for Aug. 7-10, 2028. The event will formally nominate the party’s presidential candidate, energize supporters and launch the final stretch of the campaign leading into the general election. Atlanta and Chicago, which hosted the Democratic convention in 2024, were eliminated from consideration. Party officials visited all five cities earlier this year and evaluated factors including logistical capabilities and fundraising potential. Boston, Denver, and Phil...

 SANWO-OLU GIFTS N20 MILLION EACH TO BEST GRADUATING STUDENT AT LASU'S COMBINED CONVOCATION CEREMONY •Governor charges graduands to be good ambassadors •Dangote, Kekere-Ekun, Adesola receive honourary doctorate degrees, as VC gives farewell speech     The Governor of Lagos State, and Visitor of the Lagos State University (LASU), Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Wednesday announced a cash gift of N20 million each for the Best Graduating Student of the 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 sessions.   The beneficiaries are Ayilara Lawal Olawale (2024/2025 Session), who graduated with a First Class Honour of CGPA 4.96 in Project Management Technology, and Adebanjo Samuel Oluolamide (2025/2026 Session), who graduated with a First Class Honour with 4.97 CGPA in Aerospace Engineering.   Governor Sanwo-Olu announced the cash gifts during the 29th and 30th Combined Convocation ceremonies of the Lagos State University, held at the Buba Marwa Auditorium, Main Campus, Ojo on Wednesday.  ...