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 49.70kg heroin: Fugitive drug kingpin, Festus Ibewuike, arrested after years on the run - NDLEA won’t relent until all fleeing suspects are brought to book, Marwa vows  The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has successfully secured the arrest and repatriation of Festus Ibewuike, alias Chidibest Ibewuike, a fugitive drug kingpin who had evaded arrest for over two years following the interception of the single largest heroin consignment ever recorded at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos. Ibewuike, who relocated to Mozambique where he ran a hotel business as a front, was one of three suspects declared wanted and charged in absentia after operatives of the Agency's MMIA Strategic Command, in a coordinated 12-day operation in February 2024, intercepted 49.70kg of heroin concealed in cartons of metal-cutting machines at the Import Shed of the airport's cargo terminal. The operation, which led to the arrest of key members of the syndicate, including...

 NIGERIA POLICE FORCE CRACKS DOWN ON JAMB  FRAUD SYNDICATE, TRACES ACTIVITIES TO LATE NEPHEW Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force Intelligence, Operations, and Investigation Unit attached to the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) National Headquarters have uncovered a fraud syndicate, arresting one suspect while efforts remain underway to apprehend the principal culprit. The operation originated from a petition submitted on 10th August, 2026, by the Registrar of JAMB, Professor Segun Aina, alleging criminal conspiracy, impersonation, identity theft, and fraud. Following approval of the Inspector-General of police, Police, operatives launched an immediate investigation that extended to Nasarawa and Katsina States to track down those involved. However, individuals initially tracked in those states were discovered to be victims who had been defrauded by the syndicate while the criminals impersonated the Registrar. Investigators revealed that the syndicate created f...

 Kunle Afolayan Warns Nollywood Producers Will Flee YouTube If Naira Recovers Prominent Nigerian filmmaker Kunle Afolayan has expressed skepticism over the sustainability of Nollywood's current migration to YouTube, attributing the trend strictly to the nation's volatile foreign exchange rate. Speaking during an insightful interview with Kemi Adeosun, Nigeria's former Minister of Finance, the acclaimed director argued that while YouTube serves as an accessible launchpad for emerging creators, it cannot compete with global streaming giants like Netflix and Prime Video in the long run. The Dollar Factor: Why YouTube is Currently Lucrative According to Afolayan, the primary catalyst driving local filmmakers to self-publish on YouTube is the weakness of the Nigerian Naira against the US dollar. With the exchange rate hovering around ₦1,400 to $1, monetization payouts from Google in foreign currency translate into substantial local earnings. Afolayan explained that reaching one ...

 Nigerian Petrol Stations Keep Prices High Above N1,300 Despite Falling Depot Rates Fuel consumers across Nigeria are raising concerns over why retail petrol prices remain stubbornly high despite a noticeable drop in wholesale depot rates. While distribution hubs have trimmed their prices, filling stations in major cities continue to sell Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) at elevated rates, sparking debates over potential profiteering in the downstream supply chain. The Growing Gap Between Depot and Pump Rates Recent market intelligence reveals that wholesale PMS prices at major Lagos depots have dropped to between N1,266 and N1,280 per litre. Notably, both the Dangote Refinery and Pinnacle priced their product at N1,266 per litre, while MRS offered N1,267. Other key players, including Aiteo, Integrated, and Sahara, hovered around N1,270 per litre. Despite these lower wholesale margins some sitting N44 below previous benchmarks retail pumps in Lagos and Abuja are still selling petrol for ...

 Iyabo Ojo Reacts to Claims of 'Fake' Court Order Against Lizzy Anjorin: 'You Can Verify' Nollywood actress and businesswoman Iyabo Ojo has publicly dismissed allegations that a recent court injunction obtained by her daughter, Priscilla Ojo, against Lizzy Anjorin is fraudulent. Taking to social media, the screen diva urged critics and doubting Thomases to verify the document's authenticity themselves, emphasizing that court records are public properties. The Controversy Surrounding the Court Injunction The dispute stems from an interim injunction issued by a Lagos High Court on September 2. The legal order restrains Lizzy Anjorin Lawal from publishing, sharing, or broadcasting any images or content related to Priscilla Ojo, her husband Juma Mussa Mkambala, and their young son, Rakeem Mkambala, across all social media platforms. Following Priscilla's public sharing of the legal document, Lizzy Anjorin countered by claiming the court order was fake. This assertio...

 Olukoyede Charges Oyo State Govt On Enacting Law  Against Terrorism Financing The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr.  Ola Olukoyede has charged the Oyo State Government to enact a registration law empowering  Non-profit Organisations,  NPOs,  in the state to tackle terrorism financing.   By enacting the law, the Commission says,   regulatory requirements  will be followed and proper monitoring mechanisms ensued to guide the operations and activities of the NPOs, such that the sector will not be used as conduit pipe for terrorism financing in Oyo State and Nigeria at large.  Olukoyede gave the charge through the Lagos Zonal Coordinator for Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering,  SCUML,   of the EFCC and  Team Lead for the 2026 National Terrorism Financing Risk Assessment delegation for the Non-profit Organisation Sector in South-West, Nigeria, Assistant Commander...

 NUJ Thrashes FRSC 7-1 in Anambra 2026 Press Week Novelty Match ‎ ‎By Ngozika Omenankiti ‎ ‎The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council, on Sept. 7,  defeated the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) 7-1 in a novelty football match held at the Paul University Football Field, Awka. The match formed part of activities marking the 2026 Anambra NUJ Press Week, Coral Anniversary and Man of the Year Award Ceremony. ‎ ‎The NUJ side dominated proceedings, finding the back of the net seven times, while the FRSC team managed a consolation goal in the encounter.  ‎ ‎Beyond the competition on the field, the match provided an opportunity for journalists and FRSC personnel to interact in a friendly sporting atmosphere, strengthening bonds of unity, friendship and cooperation between the two organisations. ‎ ‎The 2026 Anambra NUJ Press Week is a weeklong programme featuring various activities aimed at celebrating journalists and their contributions to society, as well as r...

 INFORMATION MINISTRY, NDLEA TO PARTNER ON ANTI-DRUG CAMPAIGN, VALUE REFORMATION   By Rose Oranye/Ogochukwu Eze The Anambra State Ministry of Information and Value Reformation and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have agreed to deepen collaboration to tackle drug abuse and promote value reorientation among youths in the state. The agreement was reached on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, during a courtesy visit by the Principal Training Officer, Training/Media & Advocacy of NDLEA, Mrs Priscilla Onyema, to the Commissioner for Information and Value Reformation, Dr Law Mefor, at his office in Awka. Dr Mefor said the renaming of the ministry to include value reformation by Mr Governor was deliberate, given the growing moral decay as seen in the rising cases of drug abuse, especially crystal meth, locally known as mkpuru mmiri, among youths in Anambra, describing the trend as a clear and present danger to society. “The drug is synthetic, it is cheap, and it is ...

 ANAMBRA PILGRIMAGE SEEKS CHURCH PARTNERSHIP, UNVEILS NEW INITIATIVES  By Ikem Ngozi  The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Pilgrims Affairs, Hon. Barr. Odira Ezeh, has called for stronger collaboration between government and Christian organisations to reposition pilgrimage administration in Anambra.  He made the call during a courtesy visit with his delegation to the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria in Amawbia on September 8, 2026, seeking stronger government church relations and cooperation.  Ezeh said the engagement would promote inclusive, transparent and accessible Christian pilgrimage, stressing that the Soludo administration remains committed to creating opportunities that benefit ordinary citizens across Anambra State today.  He disclosed that Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, supports efforts to reposition pilgrimage administration, including a proposed Pilgrimage Exchange Programme to promote religious tourism, economic activiti...

 Haaland Makes Bizarre Claim After Heated Champions League Clash With Porto Star Erling Haaland has revealed a bizarre detail from Manchester City’s fiery Champions League victory over Porto, claiming the Portuguese club’s midfielder Pablo Rosario “grabbed my bottom” during a late confrontation. Haaland scored twice as Manchester City secured a 2–0 victory in Porto, but tempers flared in stoppage time when he and Rosario became involved in a physical tussle. Both players were shown yellow cards after the incident. Speaking after the match, Haaland joked that Rosario appeared determined to stop him from completing a hat-trick. The confrontation was one of several tense moments during a highly physical encounter, with another heated altercation involving players and staff taking place near the tunnel at half-time. Despite the drama, Haaland remained the central figure on the night, scoring both of City’s goals and giving his side a winning start to their Champions League campaign.

  ‘Barrow Must Go’: Gambia Erupts As Power Crisis Triggers Angry Street Protests The Gambia has been rocked by angry protests over prolonged electricity blackouts, with residents taking to the streets and chanting “Barrow must go” as frustration over the worsening power crisis spills into open unrest. Protests erupted across parts of the capital, Banjul, and surrounding areas after some residents endured power cuts lasting up to 48 hours. Demonstrators burned tyres and erected road barricades, while police used tear gas to disperse crowds. In Farato, protesters gathered near the residence of Vice-President Mohammed B.S. Jallow, while banners belonging to President Adama Barrow’s ruling National People’s Party were damaged. The unrest comes just months before a presidential election expected in December, in which Barrow is seeking a third term. Addressing the nation, Barrow acknowledged the severe hardship caused by the outages, saying families were struggling with extreme heat, chi...

 Uganda Pulls Out Of Prince Harry’s Invictus Games In Shock Move Over King Charles Uganda has withdrawn from next year’s Invictus Games, just two months after announcing plans to participate in the international sporting event founded by Prince Harry for wounded, injured and sick military veterans. The decision was announced by General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda’s chief of defence and son of President Yoweri Museveni, who said the country was pulling out to avoid being seen as opposing King Charles III. “In order not to be construed as being opposed to His Majesty King Charles III of the United Kingdom, whom we deeply revere, Uganda hereby withdraws from the Invictus Games,” Kainerugaba said in a post on X. He added that Uganda would not participate in activities that did not have the King’s approval. Ugandan government spokesman Alan Kasujja confirmed the decision, saying Kainerugaba had authority over whether the Uganda People’s Defence Force would participate. The move comes sh...

 British Actor Noel Clarke Charged With Six Sexual Offences Involving Five Women British actor and filmmaker Noel Clarke, 50, has been charged with six sexual offences involving five women following an investigation by London’s Metropolitan Police. The Crown Prosecution Service authorised the charges on Wednesday after detectives submitted a file of evidence for a charging decision. Clarke faces two counts of sexual assault, three counts of voyeurism and one count of exposure. The alleged offences are said to have occurred between 2007 and 2016. Police said the investigation began in September 2025, with Clarke arrested on September 25 before detectives continued gathering evidence for prosecutors. Detective Superintendent Mike Cagney, who is leading the investigation, said the women connected to the charges were receiving support from specially trained officers. He also urged anyone who believes they have been a victim of sexual assault to contact police. The CPS said prosecutors ...

Benue police arrest suspects over blockade of Obi’s convoy The Benue State Police Command says it has arrested some persons in connection with Tuesday, September 8 blockade of the convoy of the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi. Disclosing this to newsmen, the state Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, said the police officers filmed during the blockade were deployed for Obi’s visit and acted in a professional and tactical manner to avoid an escalation that could have resulted in loss of lives and destruction of property. “Unfortunately, Mr. Obi’s movement was obstructed by a group of persons, creating tension and a situation that could have degenerated into violence. At that point, the Police took a professional and tactical decision to avoid an escalation that could have resulted in loss of lives and destruction of property. Mr. Obi was subsequently safely escorted back to the airport and departed the state peacefully. The Command has commenced...

 LAGOS BEGINS Y2027 BUDGET CONSULTATION AS RESIDENTS SEEK MORE INCLUSIVE DEVELOPMENT … Records About 80% Budget Performance, IGR The Lagos State Government has begun consultations with residents across the state's five divisions as part of preparations for the 2027 budget, with stakeholders commending the process for giving residents a chance to influence government priorities and provide feedback on previous interventions. Speaking at the Y2027 Budget Consultative Forum held today at the Multipurpose Hall, Radio Lagos, Agidingbi, Ikeja, Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mr. Ope George, said the annual consultation provides the government with an opportunity to listen to residents, understand their priorities and incorporate their needs into the budget preparation process. According to him, the Ikeja Division forum marked the first consultation for the 2027 budget cycle.  “Every year, we go around our IBILE Divisions to listen to our citizens and hear what they wa...

 Keke riders protest in Awka after flood swept away a keke rider A commercial tricycle rider had di£d after being swept away by flood in Anambra State. The keke rider was working on Monday, September 7, in Awka when he was said to have noticed a woman who had fallen into a gutter during heavy rainfall. He rushed to help her but, sadly, also fell into the gutter and was swept away by the floodwater around Book Foundation, Ifite Awka. His remains were found Tuesday morning, September 8, around Miracle Junction, near Nnamdi Azikiwe University, and deposited at Ebenebe Mortuary. The incident has fury among keke riders and they took to the streets to protest. Some of the protesters held leaves as they walked and sang protest songs while their colleagues rode in their keke behind them and honked loudly. The keke riders who picked up customers were forced to discharge their passengers and join the protest.

Nigerian businessesman had five penis enlargement procedures before death — Clinic Nigerian-British businessman and social media influencer, Igho "Tiny" Ubiribo, had undergone five penis enlargement procedures at a Bangkok clinic before his de@th, Thai health authorities have revealed. He also reportedly ignored doctor's advice to split his final procedure into two sessions, the report claims. The Department of Health Service Support, under Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, September 8, after inspecting the clinic where the 43-year-old received his final procedure. Ubiribo di£d in March after undergoing a penile filler procedure while on holiday in Thailand with his wife. The Thai authorities said on Tuesday that the clinic told investigators Ubiribo had been a regular patient since 2024 and, during that period, had received five injections to enlarge his penis. The day an ambulance rushed Ubiribo to hospital on March 5, 2026,...

 13-year-old student swept away by flood in Abuja A 13- year-old Junior Secondary School (JSS) student of Ihyau El -Burhan Academy, Phase 3, Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Alhassan Jamil, has d!ed after he was swept away by flood on Wednesday, September 9.  Father of the deceased, Jamil Maikasuwa, while narrating the incident to DailyTrust, said he picked his son up on his motorcycle to drop him off at the school, but while crossing a double-cell culvert, his son seated at the back, fell into flood water. “Upon discovering that the flood water was coming on high speed, I applied brake but my son, out of fear, jumped from the bike and suddenly fell into the flood water. And immediately when I discovered he jumped down from the bike, I quickly pushed the bike aside and tried to grab his hand in order to save him but unfortunately, the flood water swept him away, ” he said. Maikasuwa, who is the Special Assistant to the Chairman of the council on ...

 FRSC RECOVERS 81 VEHICLES IN JUST 2 YEARS The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) says it has recovered 81 stolen vehicles in just two years through the National Vehicle Identification Scheme (NVIS) portal in the last two years. In a statement by the Corps Public Education Officer Osondo Ohaeri, the recovery followed a clue from red vehicle by a towing truck team of the RS7.1 FCT Sector Command at Wuye, along the expressway leading to Area 1. Reacting to this development, the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed stressed that the Corps would continue to strengthen its vehicle identification and intelligence capabilities while maintaining close collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies whenever operational circumstances demand.

 PRESS BRIEFING Good day, gentlemen of the press. Let me begin by appreciating civil society organisations, human rights groups and the media for their continued interest in policing, particularly in promoting accountability, transparency and respect for human rights. The Command welcomes legitimate scrutiny of its activities. However, we are here today to set the record straight on allegations surrounding the arrest and subsequent release of Miss Jennifer Nwosu, particularly the claim that ₦600,000 was paid for her release. Let me state this clearly: the Anambra State Police Command did not demand or collect ₦600,000, or any money whatsoever, as a condition for Miss Nwosu’s release. WHAT LED TO HER ARREST? The Command is investigating a cult-related murder in Awka. As part of that investigation, the Police are examining individuals and circumstances that may assist in identifying the perpetrators and locating the principal suspect who remains at large. During interrogation, conduc...

 Angola's ANPG, ExxonMobil and Block 15 partners announce new offshore discovery Angola's National Oil, Gas and Biofuels Agency (ANPG), ExxonMobil (XOM.N) and partners in Angola's offshore Block 15 ‌on Wednesday announced a new oil discovery at the Vicango Este-01 exploration well. The new discovery was made in ​Block 15, a deepwater offshore block ​that has been one of Angola's most productive ⁠oil-producing areas. The well, located about 370 km (230 ​miles) northwest of the capital Luanda, was drilled ​to a depth of 940 metres (3,085 ft) and encountered around 25 metres of high-quality sandstone containing hydrocarbons, the ​companies said in a joint statement, Reuters reported. The discovery is ​the 20th in Block 15, which has produced more than ‌2.7 ⁠billion barrels of oil over the past 30 years, the statement said. "Block 15 has been one of Angola's most significant deepwater developments, and ​discoveries like ​this help ⁠increase the value of existing in...

  A 31-year-old serving NYSC member, Arsenal fan and teacher at a private school off Jakpa Road in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State has been arrested and charged to court over the alleged defilement of a 6-year-old girl. According to the child, the NYSC member took her to his apartment within the school premises on three occasions when her mother arrived late to pick her up from school and sexually abused her. She also said he threatened to kill her if she told her mother. According to her, he used a white handkerchief with which he allegedly cleaned her blood to frighten her into keeping silent. A medical examination reportedly confirmed that the child's hymen was broken and her vulva was ruptured. A Delta-based activist who took up the case said the suspect was earlier today arraigned before High Court 1, Effurun, and remanded at the Warri Prison, Okere. The case was adjourned until September 18, 2026, pending the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) advice.

 NDC Deputy Director of New Media and Strategic Communications Brian Dennis Releases Official Letter Confirming Advance Police Notification of Peter Obi’s Benue Visit Brian Dennis, who was appointed Deputy Director of New Media and Strategic Communications of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in June 2026, has publicly shared the formal notification letter from the NDC Benue State Chapter to the Commissioner of Police. The document, stamped as received on 7 September 2026, details Peter Obi’s planned humanitarian visit to Yelwata the following day. One more photo below. 

 ‘Regina Daniels didn’t reconcile with Ned Nwoko’ — Mother clarifies Rita Daniels, mother of Nollywood actress Regina Daniels, has dismissed speculation that her daughter reconciled with her estranged husband, Delta North senator Ned Nwoko, following her recent visit to his residence. Rita said the actress was invited to the residence to see her children, adding that the visit did not indicate that the estranged couple had reunited. Rumours about Regina and Mr Nwoko resurfaced on social media over the weekend after the actress was spotted at his residence, months after their widely publicised marital crisis and separation.

 Kelly Osbourne visits Ozzy's grave to tell him about her son's first day of school amid ongoing grief over dad's death: 'He would've been so proud' Kelly Osbourne recently shared a deeply emotional moment with her late father, Ozzy Osbourne, tied to a milestone in her young son’s life. After three‑year‑old Sidney returned to preschool, Kelly visited Ozzy’s grave in Buckinghamshire to “sit with [her] Dadda” and tell him about his grandson’s big day.  She posted a selfie from the lakeside burial site, writing that Ozzy “would have been so proud.” The visit echoed her earlier tributes, where she described spending quiet mornings at his resting place. Kelly has spoken often about the bond between Sidney and his grandfather, explaining that her son “talks to his Papa every day.” Having lived with her parents during her pregnancy, Sidney was able to spend meaningful time with Ozzy before his passing in July 2025.  Kelly sees her father’s smile, spirit, and mannerisms...

 Pamela Anderson opens up about recovering after hepatitis C ‘death sentence’ diagnosis in Venice speech: ‘I’m not a victim, I’m a victor’ Pamela Anderson used her recent appearance at the amfAR Gala Venezia to reflect on one of the most difficult chapters of her life: her hepatitis C diagnosis in 2002. She recalled being told by doctors that she had “around 10 years to live,” a prognosis that she described as a death sentence.  The diagnosis, which she has said came from sharing tattoo needles with ex‑husband Tommy Lee, deeply affected her decisions at the time not out of fear for herself, but for her young sons, Brandon and Dylan. Anderson explained that the financial burden of treatment drained her savings, but she persevered. By 2015, she announced she was free of hepatitis C, thanks to medical advances that had produced a cure in 2011. In her speech, she emphasized her resilience, declaring, “I’m not a victim, I’m a victor.  I am strong and capable, more now than I c...

 Erika Kirk recalls avoiding her bedroom for months after Charlie’s death as she reflects on coping with grief Nearly a year after Charlie Kirk’s tragic death, Erika Kirk has begun to share the painful realities of rebuilding her life without him. In her guest essay for The New York Times, she described the immediate aftermath as feeling “like a fever dream,” struggling to comprehend how she could move forward while raising their children alone.  The shock of those first 24 hours left her uncertain about how to face the future, until Second Lady Usha Vance offered words that became a guiding principle: “Just get through the next 15 minutes.” That advice helped Erika focus on surviving small stretches of time rather than being overwhelmed by the years ahead. Grief followed Erika into the most ordinary corners of her home. Everyday objects Charlie’s toothbrush, his towel, the empty space on his side of the bed became painful reminders of his absence.  For months, she avoide...

 T-Pain Sues Akon’s Konvict Entertainment, Claims ₦647m in Unpaid Royalties American singer T-Pain has filed a fresh lawsuit against Konvict Entertainment, the record label co-founded by Akon, accusing the company of withholding $489,047 (approximately ₦647 million) in unpaid royalties.  According to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the lawsuit was filed at the Fulton County Superior Court. T-Pain alleges that Konvict breached both the recording agreement he signed with the label in 2005 and a settlement reached between both parties in 2025. The dispute centers on more than $1.3 million (about ₦1.7 billion) that Konvict allegedly received from a distributor in late March for sales of T-Pain’s music generated during the second half of 2025. T-Pain and Konvict have previously been involved in a lengthy legal battle. In 2018, the singer sued the label over money he claimed he was owed in connection with his fifth studio album, Oblivion. He sought at least $400,000 for an alleged...

D.C. Man Who Lived in a Tent Under a Bridge for 2 Years Graduates as Valedictorian, Heads to College Michael Jeffery faced severe hardship during the pandemic, living in a tent beneath Washington, D.C.’s Navy Yard bridge for two years. Despite being homeless, Jeffery enrolled at Goodwill Excel Center High School and remained determined to pursue his education. One year later, he graduated as valedictorian, moved into an apartment, and is now preparing for college with dreams of attending law school. His journey has been praised as a powerful example of perseverance, determination and resilience in the face of adversity.

 TROOPS OF OPERATION FANSAN YAMMA FOIL MASSIVE CATTLE RUSTLING IN KADUNA KADUNA STATE Troops of Sector 1, Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, foiled a cattle rustling activity and recovered over 500 cattle during a swift response operation in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State on 8 September 2026. Responding to the distress call from locals on cattle rustling activity at Rugar Mande Kurmin, troops swiftly mobilised to the suspected withdrawal routes of the terrorists and form blocking positions. Troops engaged the terrorists from multiple positions, forcing them to withdraw in disarray and abandon all the rustled cattle.  Troops recovered all the rustled cattle and subsequently handed them over to their respective owners. The successful operation further buttress the unwavering commitment of troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to secure lives and property of the citizenry while disrupting criminal activities and denying criminal elements freedom of actio...