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Veteran Journalist and Former Nigerian Ambassador Dele Cole Dies at 86 Prominent Nigerian diplomat and veteran media executive Ambassador Dele Cole has passed away at the age of 86. Family sources confirmed that the elder statesman died on Thursday morning. A Distinguished Career in Journalism Cole built an influential career that bridged the worlds of media and public service. He notably served as the Managing Director of the Daily Times, steering one of Nigeria's most historical and prominent national newspapers at the height of its reach. Diplomatic Engagements in South America Beyond his contributions to Nigerian journalism, Cole was appointed by the federal government to serve as Nigeria's ambassador to two major South American nations, Argentina and Brazil. His diplomatic postings reflected the high regard he commanded within Nigerian foreign affairs and governance. His passing marks the loss of a key figure who made significant contributions to both the freedom of the pr...

  ‎‎Gov. Soludo Moves to End Umuoba Anam–Aguleri Communal Feud, Constitutes Commission of Inquiry ‎ ‎By Ifeyinwa Ogwo ‎ ‎As part of his commitment to achieving a lasting and peaceful resolution to the communal dispute between the Umuoba Anam and Aguleri communities, Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo has constituted a Commission of Inquiry that will thoroughly investigate the remote and immediate causes of the conflict and ensure that all lawful avenues for lasting peace are explored. ‎ ‎The Commission members are: ‎Hon. Justice Nkemdilim Izuakor (Rtd), Chairman; Hon. Ekenechukwu Okoye, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Boundary Matters, Secretary; Ven. Onyinye Ilione, member; Rev. Fr. Cyril Elochukwu Mokwe, member; C.P. Ndianefo Esq., member; HRH Peter Chukwuma Anigbogu, member; and HRH Peter Ezeamama, member. ‎ ‎This was announced in a press release signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Chiamaka Nnake, on October 16. ‎ ‎The governor mandated t...

 *ARTMA REPORT* By Maureen Ugwukah  ONE-WAY DRIVING IN ANAMBRA STATE!  The message is simple: *NEVER DRIVE AGAINST TRAFFIC IN ANAMBRA STATE!* Driving against traffic is a reckless act that endangers lives. It is not just a traffic violation; it is a dangerous gamble with the lives of other road users. ARTMA is intensifying its war against one-way driving and will not take this violation lightly. We urge parents, friends, and other stakeholders to educate their loved ones against this dangerous practice so they dont feel embarrassed when the agency declines to assist them release loved ones when impounded-  *ARTMA will not compromise on enforcement!* ⚠️ *PENALTIES FOR ONE-WAY DRIVING ON DUAL CARRIAGEWAYS*(where road signs are not required for one way): * Three months' vehicle impoundment. * Psychiatric evaluation and certificate. * Strict fines of not less than ₦300,000 *DRIVE RIGHT. SAVE LIVES. OBEY TRAFFIC RULES.* *SOLUTION IS HERE!* Maureen is of the Ministry of In...

  Buhari Supported Osinbajo's Presidential Ambition Four Times, Says Former Spokesman Laolu Akande Laolu Akande, the former spokesperson to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, has rejected claims made by former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal regarding former President Muhammadu Buhari's stance on Osinbajo's 2022 presidential run. Responding to a recent interview in which Lawal asserted that Buhari viewed Osinbajo's bid as highly immoral due to his political relationship with Bola Tinubu, Akande stated that the narrative is entirely false. He revealed that Buhari personally offered to back Osinbajo on at least four occasions. Buhari's Words and Actions Supported Osinbajo Akande explained that he witnessed key discussions regarding the former Vice President's office and recalled Buhari repeatedly reassuring Osinbajo by asking who else he would support if not his deputy. He noted that Buhari consistently displayed an encouraging and supporti...

 The territorial police in Gulu Central Police Station (CPS), Aswa West Region, have arrested two suspects in connection with the murder of Ocen Bosco Ngire, a 23-year-old student of Gulu University. On the night of 10 October 2026, Ocen John Bosco Ngire, a third-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Education degree, majoring in Literature at Gulu University, was allegedly murdered by unknown assailants. His body was later discovered by the roadside in Agwee Cell, Pece-Laroo Division, Gulu City. Following thorough investigations and acting on intelligence leads, the territorial police in Aswa West Region, in collaboration with other sister security agencies, successfully apprehended two suspects believed to be connected to the murder. The suspects have been identified as Omara Gerald, alias Torach, and Rom Ambrose, alias Geng, both aged 18 and residents of Agwee Cell, Agwee Ward, Pece-Laroo Division, Gulu City.  During the investigations, the suspects,  provided accounts o...

 COAS CHARGES TROOPS IN OPHK TO SUSTAIN OFFENSIVE AGAINST TERRORISTS, ASSURES OF IMPROVED WELFARE The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has charged troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, to sustain the operational momentum against Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists, while maintaining the highest standards of discipline, resilience and professionalism in the ongoing counter-terrorism operations. The COAS gave the charge on Saturday, 17 October 2026, while addressing officers and soldiers at the 212 Tank Battalion Parade Ground, Maiduguri, Borno State, during an operational assessment visit to the North East theatre. Lieutenant General Shaibu commended the troops for their courage, sacrifices and sustained offensive operations, which have significantly degraded terrorist capabilities and contributed to improved security across the region. He urged them to consolidate the gains recorded, maintain ope...

 Nollywood Icon Jide Kosoko Shares 'Frightening' Health Journey, Decades-Long Diabetes Battle Veteran Nollywood actor Jide Kosoko has bravely shared details of his enduring health challenges, revealing a decades-long struggle with diabetes and a profound fear associated with a recurring cancer screening procedure. The respected actor's candid revelations provide a rare glimpse into the personal concerns that accompany managing serious health conditions. Living with Diabetes Since 1996 During a recent interview with African A-List actors, Kosoko disclosed that he has been living with diabetes since 1996. This means the seasoned performer has been actively managing the condition for nearly three decades, a testament to his resilience and commitment to maintaining his well-being amidst a demanding career. While the actor did not elaborate on the specific treatments or daily routines he employs to manage his diabetes, his acknowledgment of the condition highlights a consistent ...

Tension as Woman Is Arrested for Allegedly Attempting to Steal Newborn After Faking Pregnancy With Cloth; Accomplice Escapes Two women were reportedly caught attempting to steal a newborn baby from a hospital. One allegedly faked her pregnancy by stuffing cloth under her clothes, while the other pretended to be her elder sister who had come to help her deliver. However, the accomplice who allegedly pretended to assist with the delivery escaped, while the other suspect was whisked away by the police. Watch video below. 

NNPCL Raises Petrol Price to ₦1,405 Per Litre Amid Fuel Discount Dispute NNPCL has increased its petrol pump price to N1,405 per litre from N1,370, despite the announced fuel discount. Pump attendants said the increase was announced Thursday and implemented Friday. NNPCL has not explained the N35 adjustment. The increase follows Monday's reversion to N1,370 after a sharp rise to N1,405. The development comes amid controversy over the Federal Government's proposed fuel discount, with Finance Minister Taiwo Oyedele announcing a N1,375 per litre gantry price ahead of the 2027 election.

 PRESS RELEASE ABIA POLICE COMMAND RESTORES CALM IN URATTA, ABA; ASSURES ATTACKERS WILL BE BROUGHT TO JUSTICE 1. The Abia State Police Command has restored calm to the Urratta-Eziukwu area of Aba following an attack on the Divisional Police Headquarters by unidentified armed hoodlums in the early hours of  Today, 17/10/2026  2. At about 0226hrs, the hoodlums attacked the division with explosives, resulting in a fire that damaged part of the building and the Divisional patrol van. Sadly, two senior police officers lost their lives, while three Inspectors sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical attention. The Command further clarifies that no firearms or ammunition were carted away by the attackers during the incident. 3. In response, the Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, CP Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi, psc(+), mnips, JP, personally led an operational team comprising tactical units of the Command to the area. The team combed the surrounding environme...

  Peller and Carter Efe Face Off for Best International Streamer Award Peller and Carter Efe are competing for the same international honour after both Nigerian creators were named among the nominees for Best International Streamer at the 2026 Streamer Awards. The shortlist also includes Ashwag, Young Multi and StarYuuki, according to published nomination lists. For the two Nigerians, the nomination puts their livestreaming work in a category alongside creators serving audiences in other parts of the world. Both have built their public profiles through live broadcasts, entertainment and collaborations. The nominees were announced on Friday, October 16. Its report says public voting will close on October 31, ahead of a ceremony scheduled for November 12 in Los Angeles. The nomination is the current milestone; neither creator has been announced as the winner. With two Nigerian names in one category, their supporters now have a choice to make. Peller or Carter: Whose livestreams keep ...

 Nigerian Government Rejects Policy U-Turn, Stands Firm on Fuel Subsidy Removal and Forex Liberalization The Federal Government has decisively ruled out any possibility of reinstating fuel subsidies or returning to a system of multiple exchange rates. This unwavering commitment to President Bola Tinubu's economic reforms was reiterated by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, in a recent statement. Minister Oyedele's remarks were made on Saturday, responding to increasing concerns about the government's economic trajectory, particularly with the 2027 general elections on the horizon. Speaking from Bangkok, Thailand, on the sidelines of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund meetings, he underscored the administration's resolve to maintain the removal of fuel subsidy and the liberalization of the foreign exchange market. Government Responds to International Scrutiny Oyedele highlighted that inquiries regarding a potentia...

 BRT Driver Rescued as Mob Sets Bus Ablaze After Fatal Ikorodu Crash A BRT driver was rescued from an attacking crowd after a fatal collision involving his bus and a motorcyclist at Ogolonto, Ikorodu, on Friday, October 16. The motorcyclist was reported killed, while a mob subsequently set the bus ablaze. Police officers and Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps personnel intervened to bring the driver to safety. Confirming the fire response to PUNCH, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson Amodu Shakiru said a distress call was received at about 10:21am. Responders found the bus burning and extinguished the flames. Shakiru said the driver survived the attack and received medical attention. He could not provide further details about the collision itself. The motorcyclist’s identity and the precise cause of the crash were not confirmed in the reporting reviewed.

 Egypt's Sisi seeks parliament's backing to help defend Saudi Arabia if asked Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said on Saturday Egypt would take any measures necessary to defend Saudi Arabia if asked, amid escalating Houthi attacks on the kingdom, and parliament announced ‌an emergency session on Sunday. "It is inconceivable that we would allow Saudi Arabia, its security or stability to be harmed," Sisi said at a graduation ceremony at the Egyptian Military Academy. He said Egypt was not seeking to attack anyone, but was prepared to act in ⁠defence. Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis have in recent days attacked Riyadh's international airport and the state oil giant Saudi Aramco, amid renewed fighting with the Saudi-backed forces of the internationally recognised government following the collapse of a truce. Sisi said Egypt would act in accordance with guidance from Saudi King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who visited Sisi on September 15, afte...

OONI CELEBRATES 52ND BIRTHDAY;  SEEKS PEACE AND PROGRESS FOR NIGERIA  The Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja- II, has celebrated his 52nd birthday, calls for sustained peace, unity and progress in Nigeria. In a statement by the  the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare, the Ooni, who clocked 52  reaffirmed his commitment to promoting Yoruba cultural heritage, fostering national unity and supporting initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of Nigerians. Ooni also called on Nigerians, irrespective of their ethnic, religious and political differences, to embrace peaceful coexistence, mutual  understanding and collective responsibility as essential ingredients for national development. The Monarch emphasised the need for citizens to work together towards building a country where peace, justice, economic prosperity and equal opportunities remain priorities. He described his birthday as an opportunity to reflect on ...

 Toluwanisings’ Death: UCH Says It Has No Record of Singer Being Brought In University College Hospital, Ibadan, says its management has no record of gospel singer Toluwanisings being brought to the facility, following allegations that he struggled to receive emergency treatment before his death. The hospital’s response leaves an important question unresolved: which facilities received the singer, and what happened at each one? His personal assistant, Babadunni Olayemi, told PUNCH that the singer was taken to about seven or eight hospitals after collapsing. He alleged that some cited a doctors’ strike, while others did not admit him. UCH spokesperson Funmilayo Enitan said services had resumed after a local resident doctors’ strike was suspended. She said management had not been officially informed that the singer was brought there. The aide’s account has not established that UCH rejected him. No medically confirmed cause of death was established in the reporting reviewed. Speaking ...

 NNPC Activates Emergency Response To Eleme Pipeline Incident An explosion on a gas pipeline in Aleto community, Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, has left residents injured and damaged homes and businesses. NNPC Limited says the blast involved a pipeline belonging to its subsidiary, NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company. The company has activated its emergency response procedures and isolated the affected pipeline segment to limit further impact. NNPCLIMITED Spokesperson says it is working with the midstream regulator, NMDPRA, and security agencies to assess the damage to people, property and the environment. NNPC is also meeting community leaders to determine immediate needs. The cause of the explosion is still being investigated. Residents are urged to stay clear of the area and follow instructions from emergency responders.

 Court Jails Five for Naira Abuse in Asaba Justice F. A. Olubanjo of the Federal High Court sitting in Asaba, Delta State on Thursday, October 15,  2026, convicted and sentenced five persons to jail for abuse of naira notes. The convicts are Ekweozor Divine, Udumeluo Godwin Chukwuebuka, Kennedy Uwadia, Godstime Ogie Eghosa and Bright Barry Imade. They   Were convicted on one count charge for offence bordering on spraying of naira note which is contrary to section 21(3) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act 2007 and punishable under Section 21(1) of the Act.

 BAUCHI STATE POLICE COMMAND PRESS RELEASE THUGGERY: COURT CONVICTS EIGHT SUSPECTS IN UNGUWAR DIM, AS POLICE SECURES 8 YEARS IMPRISONMENT OR N370,000 FINE The Bauchi State Police Command has secured the conviction of eight suspects arrested in connection with thuggery and disturbance of public peace in Unguwar Dim, Bauchi. It will be recalled that on 14th October, 2026, the Command received a complaint from the Peace and Security Committee, Unguwar Dim, over resurgence of thuggery activities in the area. Consequently, in the early hours of 15th October, 2026, a combined team of operatives from the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), 'D' Division's Patrol Team and members of the Peace and Security Committee stormed the hoodlums' hideout. During the operation, nine suspects were arrested and dangerous weapons including Rangy, machetes, cutlasses, knives, sticks and illicit substances were recovered. Upon completion of diligent investigation, eight of the suspects were cha...

South African Pastor And Wife Arrested After 200 People Found Chained In Illegal Rehabilitation Centre Police in South Africa have arrested a pastor and his wife after raiding a church-run illegal rehabilitation centre in Mpumalanga province where about 200 people were found in shocking conditions. The raid was carried out on Thursday, October 15, at a church in Waterval B, Siyabuswa. Victims included children and adults believed to be receiving treatment for drug addiction. Some were reportedly chained together, while others had untreated sores on their bodies. Inspectors found overcrowded rooms with 37 people sharing one room, broken toilets, locked water taps and no running water. Authorities said the centre was operating without registration or authorisation. The pastor and his wife had told officials they were housing just 60 people, but inspection revealed over 200 residents, including at least 30 women, an 11-year-old boy and a 16-year-old girl sharing accommodation with adult m...

 ‘Training Day' Actress Charlotte Ayanna Arrested For Allegedly Kicking Cop And Spreading Ashes Actress Charlotte Ayanna has been charged with three misdemeanours following her arrest during a welfare check at a West Hollywood residence, according to TMZ. Law enforcement sources told the outlet that deputies responded to the property on October 8 after receiving a request to check on someone's welfare. A man at the residence allegedly told officers that Ayanna had threatened his life, physically assaulted him and scattered cremated human remains inside the home. Authorities also alleged that she kicked a deputy during the investigation. Ayanna, born Charlotte Lopez, was initially arrested on suspicion of criminal threats, elder abuse, battery on a peace officer and depositing human remains outside a cemetery. Prosecutors filed three misdemeanor charges on Monday: battery, elder or dependent adult abuse, and battery on a peace officer. Ayanna disputed the circumstances of her ar...

Three Children And Teacher Killed In Oregon Elementary School Shooting, 16-Year-Old Suspect Also Shot Three children aged 5, 8 and 11, and a teacher have lost their lives following a shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon on Thursday. Two others, including a 7-year-old child and a 54-year-old teacher, remain in critical condition. Police Chief Mike Krantz said the 16-year-old suspect was shot by a community member who reportedly pursued him inside the school. According to Krantz, police received the first emergency call at 12:59 p.m. from a motorist who reported being shot at by someone carrying a long firearm. Further calls indicated that the suspect had entered the school. Officers arrived shortly after a lockdown was ordered at 1:01 p.m. and found the suspect down. They subsequently searched classrooms and provided emergency assistance to victims. Students were evacuated to Journey Church to reunite with their families, while two critically injured victims were ta...

 FIFA Fines Spain $20,000 For Anti-Muslim Chants At Egypt Game Condemned By Lamine Yamal FIFA has upheld a $20,000 fine and a partial stadium closure against the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) following anti-Muslim chanting by supporters during an international friendly against Egypt in Barcelona. The governing body's appeals panel confirmed the decision following an initial verdict by disciplinary judges. The sanction stems from a 0-0 draw played at RCDE Stadium on March 31, during which sections of the crowd directed discriminatory chants toward Muslim spectators in the 10th and 47th minutes. Spanish winger Lamine Yamal publicly condemned the chants on social media, describing the behavior as ignorant, disrespectful, and racist. In its ruling, FIFA's disciplinary panel noted that harsh sanctions were necessary to deter discriminatory behavior, while acknowledging that Spanish officials acted promptly to condemn the incident, cooperate with match delegates, and ident...

 TROOPS NEUTRALISE TWO TERRORISTS, RECOVER FOUR AK-47 RIFLES AND EIGHT MOTORCYCLES DURING CLEARANCE OPERATIONS IN SOKOTO STATE Troops of Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA have neutralised two terrorists and recovered arms, ammunition and other items during sustained clearance operations in Sokoto State on 15 October 2026. During the operations, troops of Sector 2 made contact with terrorists at Waria Forest and engaged them in a firefight, neutralising one terrorist and recovering two AK-47 rifles, two motorcycles and other items. In a subsequent encounter at Sarma Village, troops engaged another group of terrorists in a firefight, neutralising one and forcing others to flee, abandoning their equipment. Further exploitation of the area led to the recovery of six additional motorcycles, two AK-47 rifles, four magazines, 23 rounds of ammunition, one communication device and other sundry items. These successes underscore the sustained commitment of troops of Operatio...

 LAWMA SPECIAL WASTE COLLECTION INTERVENTION Daily Public Update — 16 October 2026 LAWMA’s special waste collection intervention continued across selected communities in Lagos, combining direct waste evacuation with resident engagement and advocacy to improve collection services and discourage indiscriminate waste disposal. Ramoni Ward, Itire-Ikate LCDA: The intervention covered 42 buildings across three streets: Olaogun Street (17 buildings), Olushola Keku Street (14 buildings) and Gasper Street (11 buildings). The exercise completed the remaining buildings on Olushola Keku and Gasper Streets, which had been partially serviced during the previous intervention. Olu-Odo Community: The intervention also covered 28 houses across Idowu Mabadeje, Thomas Faniyi, Disu Mabadeje, Peace Drive, Valley View Estate, Temitope Adabonyon and Faniyi Road, extending direct collection services to residents in the area. The exercise reflects LAWMA’s continued commitment to addressing collection gaps, ...

 LAGOS PRESENTS PROVISIONAL APPROVAL TO 101 PRIVATE SCHOOLS, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO QUALITY EDUCATION … Warns Against Unqualified Teachers, Concealment of Abuse; Introduces QR Code Verification The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to creating an enabling environment for private schools to thrive while strengthening regulatory oversight to ensure quality education, child safety and compliance with established standards. The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, stated this on Thursday during the presentation of provisional approval letters to 101 private schools at the NUT Pavilion, Alausa, Ikeja. Alli-Balogun described private school proprietors as strategic partners in Lagos's education development, noting that the State Government would continue to promote collaboration and provide the support private educational institutions need to improve operations and deliver quality services. He attributed the sector's progre...