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Hajj 2027: Saudi Arabia Turns Down Nigeria’s Request

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Hajj 2027: Saudi Arabia Turns Down Nigeria’s Request

The Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led federal government’s request for an increase in its allocation for the 2027 Hajj has been rejected by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
It was reported that the rejection leaves Nigeria’s 2027 allocation at 35,000 slots for government pilgrims and 15,000 slots for licensed tour operators, bringing the total to 50,000 pilgrims.

This was disclosed in a statement on Thursday by the management of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).Nigerian business directory

According to NAH ON, it had formally approached the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to request additional slots in response to increasing demand from prospective Nigerian pilgrims.
It said the request was also made in response to appeals from several state pilgrims’ welfare boards seeking increased allocations to enable more Nigerians to perform the pilgrimage.

However, Saudi authorities declined the request, citing capacity limitations, structural constraints at the holy sites and the need to maintain strict adherence to approved country quotas under the existing operational framework.

Speaking on the rejection, NAHCON Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Ismail Yusuf, said the Commission understood the disappointment that the decision could cause among intending pilgrims, state pilgrims’ welfare boards and other stakeholders who had hoped for additional slots.

Read Also: 184.5kg Cocaine Case: Court Rules On KC Luxury’s Challenge To Detention

He said: “We appreciate the deep spiritual desire of many Nigerian Muslims to perform Hajj and understand the expectations of states and stakeholders seeking additional slots.

“While every effort was made to secure an upward review, the Saudi authorities have communicated their final position based on operational realities and capacity consideration.”

The chairman urged state pilgrims’ welfare boards, agencies and licensed tour operators to make judicious and transparent use of their approved allocations and comply strictly with deadlines set by NAHCON and the Saudi Nusuk platform.

“Kindly note that the deadline for uploading prospective pilgrims’ data remains September 26, 2026. We urge all partners, state pilgrimage boards, tour operators and representatives to ensure that all required information is submitted before this date, as no extensions will be granted,” he said.

184.5kg Cocaine Case: Court Rules On KC Luxury’s Challenge To Detention

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184.5kg Cocaine Case: Court Rules On KC Luxury’s Challenge To Detention

A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has dismissed an application by Afolabi Michael Kazeem, also known as KC Luxury, seeking to overturn an order extending his detention for 30 days over alleged involvement in the trafficking of 184.5 Kilogrames of cocaine.
It was understands that the court held that the detention extension order granted on August 20, 2026, was properly issued and backed by the Constitution and relevant drug-control laws.Entertainment News Digest

Kazeem, through his lawyer, Abdulakeem Labi-lawal (SAN), had asked the court to set aside or strike out the order.

Read Also: Toyin Abraham Reacts To Rumours Of Rift With Husband Kolawole Ajeyemi

He argued that the court lacked jurisdiction to extend his detention, contending that only a Magistrate Court could issue a remand order under Sections 293 to 299 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.

The social media influencer’s counsel described the detention extension as an unlawful interference with the suspect’s constitutional right to personal liberty.

However, NDLEA through its lawyer, Abu Ibrahim, dismissed the argument as a misconception of the nature of the order granted by the court.

Abu maintained that the August 20 order was not a remand order under the ACJA but an extension of detention granted to enable the relevant agency conduct detailed investigations into the alleged drug trafficking offence.

According to the ruling, Kazeem was arrested on August 13, 2026, at the departure hall of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, while allegedly attempting to travel to Paris, France.

NDLEA had told the court that the suspect’s arrest was sequel to the seizure of 184.5kg of cocaine at DHL, Ikeja, Lagos, with the agency alleging that the suspect, KC Luxury was connected to the shipment.

Delivering judgment in the application on Thursday, Justice Aluko held that Sections 293 to 299 of the ACJA, which deal with remand proceedings, were not applicable to the case before the court.

Toyin Abraham Reacts To Rumours Of Rift With Husband Kolawole Ajeyemi

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Toyin Abraham Reacts To Rumours Of Rift With Husband Kolawole Ajeyemi

Popular Nollywood actress Toyin Abraham has rejected reports alleging that she is experiencing marital problems with her husband, actor Kolawole Ajeyemi.

The speculation began after a report circulated on Instagram claiming that the couple had allegedly fallen out and were no longer on good terms.

The report also claimed that Abraham had moved out of their matrimonial home and relocated to a newly completed house.

Instagram blogger Fatitell Gist shared the allegation while referencing claims reportedly made earlier by blogger Bukky Jesse.

The publication suggested that the actress had decided to move into a property she recently built following an alleged disagreement with her husband.

Abraham subsequently reacted to the post, using the opportunity to dismiss the claims.

In the comment section, the actress prayed against separation and rejected the suggestion that her marriage was headed towards a breakup.

She also invoked the Christian faith in her response, offering prayers for herself, her husband and their marriage.

Read Also: Nigerian Air Force Receives Five New Helicopters to Bolster Fleet

“Ako loruko baba, Omo ati emi mimo. Ori wa ko, eleda wa ko🙏🙏. I reject the narrative. We are not in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It is not our destiny; it is not our creator,” she wrote.

The actress’s comment came as the social media allegation continued to attract attention among fans and followers.

Abraham and Ajeyemi got married in 2019 in a private traditional ceremony. They have a son, Ire.

The couple have generally maintained a relatively private family life, despite their prominence in the Nigerian entertainment industry.

Abraham’s latest reaction directly contradicts the claim that her marriage is currently facing the reported crisis.

Eno Celebrates Hilda Baci’s Remarkable Record-Breaking Feat

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Eno Celebrates Hilda Baci’s Remarkable Record-Breaking Feat

Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno has praised renowned Nigerian chef Hilda Baci for demonstrating determination and courage while bringing positive attention to the state through her culinary achievements.

Eno spoke when he received Baci, an indigene of Akwa Ibom and Guinness World Record holder, at the Government House in Uyo.

The governor described Baci’s success as an example of what can be achieved through persistence, courage and a willingness to pursue ambitious goals.

He said her accomplishments had helped project Akwa Ibom beyond Nigeria and encouraged her to continue flying the state’s flag through her work.

Baci, in response, praised developments taking place across Akwa Ibom, particularly infrastructure, tourism and investment.

She also commended the peaceful atmosphere in the state under the Eno administration and highlighted the opportunities available to investors and visitors.

Addressing journalists after the meeting, Baci described Akwa Ibom as “amazingly beautiful” and praised the governor’s vision and leadership.

Read Also: Olu Jacobs: The Veteran Actor Who Faced Years of False Death Claims

The chef singled out the Victor Attah International Airport for commendation, describing its facilities as first-rate and expressing her admiration for the standard of the airport.

She also spoke positively about the people of Akwa Ibom, describing them as hospitable and industrious.

Baci said she was prepared to work with relevant stakeholders in supporting initiatives aimed at advancing the state.

She urged tourists and investors to explore the state’s environmental attractions, recreational facilities, hospitality industry and other investment opportunities.

According to her, greater utilisation of these opportunities could help businesses and the wider economy realise their potential.

During the visit, Baci presented her Guinness World Record certificate to Governor Eno.

She also called on Akwa Ibom residents to preserve unity, love and peace, stressing that a peaceful society provides an important foundation for sustainable development.

The meeting was attended by government officials, including First Lady’s Office Coordinator Helen Eno Obareki, House Speaker Udeme Otong, SSG Enobong Uwah and Information Commissioner Aniekan Umanah.

Olu Jacobs: The Veteran Actor Who Faced Years of False Death Claims

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Olu Jacobs: The Veteran Actor Who Faced Years of False Death Claims

Before his exit , veteran actor Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, had repeatedly been announced dead by fake social media blogs and feeder websites.

However, yesterday, his son, Olusoji Jacobs, in a collaboration post with his father’s wife, Joke Silva, shared the shocking news.

“It is with gratitude to God for a life well lived and fought, that we announce the passing of our dear husband, father, grandfather and uncle. The Lion of Lufodo,” the post read in part.

The announcement came from the rightful source. No correction. No family denial and no video of the actor appearing to prove the reports wrong.

Olu Jacobs, born on July 11, 1942, died at 84.

The announcement brings to an end not only the life of one of Nigeria’s most excellent character interpreters but also a peculiar chapter in the history of Nigerian celebrity culture: years of false reports announcing his death. DownloadInteractive Maps

Egba heritage, Kano-raised, England-trained

Born in 1942 to parents of Egba Alake heritage, Jacobs spent part of his childhood in Kano, where he attended Holy Trinity School and participated in debating and drama.

His interest in acting was reportedly strengthened after watching one of Chief Hubert Ogunde’s concert parties at the Colonial Hotel in Kano.

He eventually travelled to England and trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), London.

Jacobs began building his reputation on the British stage and television before becoming a familiar face in international productions.

His early stage career included a role in A Taste of Honey at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield in 1972.

He subsequently appeared in British television productions including The Goodies, Till Death Us Do Part, Barlow at Large, The Venturers, Angels, The Tomorrow People and The Professionals.

In 1978, he played President Mageeba in Tom Stoppard’s Night and Day.

His international film credits included The Dogs of War, Roman Polanski’s Pirates and Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend. Lufodo Group’s official biography also records his work with organisations including the BBC, National Theatre, Royal Shakespeare Company, Universal Pictures, MGM and Walt Disney.

But Jacobs eventually chose to return home.

The Nigerian chapter DownloadInteractive Maps

Upon his return to Nigeria in 1990, Olu Jacobs starred in the NTA detective series The Third Eye, which helped establish the foundation for the career for which he would become best known. Jacobs became one of the familiar faces of Nigeria’s emerging television and film industry, eventually becoming one of the veteran actors associated with the development of Nollywood.

His deep voice, commanding presence and ability to portray authority figures made him particularly memorable in roles as fathers, elders, traditional rulers, politicians and other figures of influence.

He appeared in more than 100 Nigerian films, with credits including Oloibiri and The Royal Hibiscus Hotel. Lufodo Group, which he co-founded, says his body of work spans stage, film and radio and includes more than 300 Nigerian movies.

Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts was established to train performers and raise professional standards in stage, television and film production.

The honours

His contribution to the arts brought numerous recognitions.

Jacobs won the African Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role for Dancing Heart in 2007. He was honoured with the Industry Merit Award for outstanding achievement in acting at the 2013 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards and an AMAA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016.

In 2011, the Federal Government conferred on him the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR).

In November 2021, after another wave of reports that he had died, Jacobs appeared at the Africa International Film Festival, where he received a Lifetime Achievement Award. The appearance provided perhaps the most dramatic rebuttal to the rumours that had dogged him.

A final goodbye

Olu Jacobs leaves behind a body of work, a great personality and an institution-building legacy that extended beyond the screen.

The man whom colleagues and admirers in the movie industry fondly called “Uncle Olu” is now finally gone.

South Africa’s President Halts Public Events Due to Ill Health

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South Africa’s President Halts Public Events Due to Ill Health

South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa has suspended public engagements after his medical team advised him to rest and recover from an undisclosed illness.

President Ramaphosa returned to South Africa on Monday after attending the BRICS Leaders’ Summit in India.

The presidency said 73 years Ramaphosa had asked cabinet ministers to represent him at scheduled public events where possible, but did not specify how long he would remain away from public engagements.

South Africa’s Deputy President, Paul Mashatile, is also resting on the advice of his doctors following a medical procedure.

Read Also: Nigerian Air Force Receives Five New Helicopters to Bolster Fleet

Meanwhile, the South African Briadcasting Corporation reported that Foreign Affairs Minister, Ronald Lamola will lead the country’s delegation to this year’s United Nations General Assembly in New York in Ramaphosa’s absence.

Lamola’s participation comes amid renewed diplomatic tensions between South Africa and the United States following Washington’s imposition of visa restrictions on some South Africans over allegations of race-based discrimination.

The U.S. administration under President Donald Trump has alleged that South Africa’s white Afrikaner minority is being persecuted.

The South African government has rejected the allegation, saying there is no evidence of discrimination against whites and defending its policies as efforts to address the legacy of centuries of racial injustice.

Nigerian Air Force Receives Five New Helicopters to Bolster Fleet

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Nigerian Air Force Receives Five New Helicopters to Bolster Fleet

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has received five new helicopters as part of the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to modernise Nigeria’s airpower capabilities and strengthen the Armed Forces’ response to emerging security threats across the country.

The newly delivered platforms comprise three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters manufactured by Leonardo Helicopters of Italy and two H-125 helicopters produced by Airbus Helicopters.

The three AW-109 helicopters, received in Lagos form part of a batch of 10 recently acquired by the Federal Government, with the remaining seven expected before the end of 2026. The two H-125 helicopters had arrived earlier.

Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the acquisition as a significant milestone in the Federal Government’s sustained investment in the modernisation and re-equipment of the NAF.

He said “the additional helicopters would improve asset availability and enhance the Service’s ability to support operations across multiple theatres”.

According to the CAS, the AW-109 Trekker B helicopters will strengthen the NAF’s intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, while also supporting close air support, armed escort, combat search and rescue missions, and other joint military operations.

He noted that the H-125 helicopters would provide versatile and responsive support for a wide range of operational requirements.

Air Marshal Aneke expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continuous support in the efforts to transform the NAF, noting that the administration’s investments are helping to build the capabilities required to address Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.

Read Also: EFCC arrests real estate MD over alleged N128m land scam

“The arrival of these five helicopters provide greater flexibility in the employment of airpower in support of ground troops in ongoing operations,” he said, adding that the increased rotary-wing capacity would strengthen joint efforts against terrorism, banditry and kidnapping while improving the speed and effectiveness of air support to troops on the ground.

The CAS disclosed that the newly delivered aircraft are currently undergoing post-delivery assembly, technical checks and crew-readiness procedures ahead of their induction into service and operational deployment.

He stressed that the NAF remains committed to ensuring effective utilisation, maintenance and logistics sustainment of the new platforms to maximise their operational impact and contribute meaningfully to the protection of lives and property across the country.

The delivery of the five helicopters represents another major step in the Federal Government’s drive to enhance the operational capabilities of the Armed Forces, improve mission readiness and strengthen national security through a more modern and capable air force.

EFCC arrests real estate MD over alleged N128m land scam

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EFCC arrests real estate MD over alleged N128m land scam

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arrested Basil Iwoba Ochili, Managing Director of Debasilio Construction and Estate Development Limited, over an alleged N128 million land scam in Anambra State.

The EFCC Enugu Zonal Directorate said Ochili was arrested following a petition accusing him of falsely claiming ownership of five plots of land beside Stamford Hotel, near the Anambra State Secretariat at Aroma Junction, Awka.

According to the commission, the petitioner paid N128 million into Ochili’s company account after relying on his claim but was unable to take possession of the land.

Read Also: Suspected Herbal Drink Poisoning: Ondo Confirms 49 Deaths, 170 Cases

The EFCC said preliminary investigations showed that Ochili allegedly knew the property was part of the Anambra State Government Secretariat’s land but still offered it for sale.

“Instead of refunding the petitioner’s money, the suspect offered him two dud cheques,” the commission stated.

The agency further alleged that Ochili used part of the money to settle debts, while his company had never been tax-compliant.

The suspect will be charged to court after investigations are concluded, the EFCC said.

Suspected Herbal Drink Poisoning: Ondo Confirms 49 Deaths, 170 Cases

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Suspected Herbal Drink Poisoning: Ondo Confirms 49 Deaths, 170 Cases

The death toll from the consumption of a suspected poisonous herbal drink in Ondo State has risen to 49, with about 170 people reportedly affected by the health crisis.

The outbreak, which was initially recorded in Araromi-Obu and Odigbo communities in Odigbo Local Government Area, has now spread to Irele Local Government Area, where eight deaths have been reported.

The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Ajaka, confirmed the development on Wednesday, stating that the number of affected persons had increased to about 170, including those receiving treatment and those who had died.

“As we are now, Irele is where we have a serious issue. Our people were there and many people have died. About eight people have been recorded to have died as of last night,” Ajaka said.

The commissioner linked the health crisis to the consumption of ethanol by victims, adding that medical teams had been deployed to the affected communities.

Read Also: National Assembly Sends 2026 Constitution Amendment Bill to 36 States

He said the state government had stepped up measures to contain the crisis and prevent it from spreading to other local government areas.

Meanwhile, the Ondo State Police Command has arrested Oloruntoba Babatunde, popularly known as “Meko”, over the production of a herbal liquid substance suspected to be connected to the deaths.

The police also arrested 14 other individuals for allegedly violating a local government ban on the sale of herbal products.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said an investigation had commenced into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

According to the command, Babatunde is suspected of producing substances that may contain methanol and is currently assisting investigators with information.

The police said the situation had been brought under control following coordinated security, medical and investigative interventions.

The command added that the remains of the deceased were undergoing necessary medical and forensic procedures as investigations continued.

The police assured that further information would be released as the investigation progresses.

National Assembly Sends 2026 Constitution Amendment Bill to 36 States

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National Assembly Sends 2026 Constitution Amendment Bill to 36 States

The 2026 constitutional amendment process has moved to the state level following the transmission of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, to the 36 state Houses of Assembly.

The Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, announced the development in a statement released on Wednesday.

According to Ogunlana, the transmission was carried out in accordance with Section 9 of the 1999 Constitution. The provision requires the approval of not less than two-thirds of the state Houses of Assembly before the National Assembly can complete the passage of a constitutional amendment.

The Clerk urged the state legislatures to subject the Bill to consideration through their respective legislative procedures.

He further requested that each state assembly communicate its resolution to the National Assembly after completing its deliberations.

Ogunlana noted that the Constitution does not establish a fixed deadline for state Houses of Assembly to submit their positions on constitutional amendment proposals.

Read Also: Olu Jacobs: Tinubu Mourns Veteran Actor, Describes Him As Creative Industry Giant

However, he said the assemblies are expected to respond within 30 days from the date they receive the Bill.

He clarified that the 30-day period is an administrative target rather than a constitutional requirement.

The National Assembly said it was conscious of the constitutional authority and independence of state legislatures in the amendment process.

It explained that the transmission would allow the state assemblies to perform their constitutional responsibilities in an orderly manner.

The National Assembly will consider the resolutions submitted by the 36 state legislatures before deciding on subsequent steps.

The lawmakers also reiterated their commitment to ensuring that the amendment process remains within the framework of the Constitution, while promoting due process, cooperation between institutions and respect for the responsibilities assigned to each tier of government.

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