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Tinubu Hiding From UNGA Over ‘Venezuela Option’, Okonkwo Claims

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Tinubu Hiding From UNGA Over ‘Venezuela Option’, Okonkwo Claims

Kenneth Okonkwo, spokesperson for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential campaign, has questioned President Bola Tinubu’s decision to stay away from the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Speaking during an interview on Arise News, Okonkwo alleged that Tinubu may have avoided the international gathering because of concerns about possible action by U.S. authorities.

Okonkwo particularly criticised presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga and argued that the President should have personally attended the UNGA.

According to recent reports, Vice President Kashim Shettima is representing Nigeria at the 81st session, marking the third consecutive year Tinubu has delegated the responsibility to his deputy. Tinubu attended the 78th UNGA in 2023 but did not attend in person in 2024 and 2025.

Okonkwo described the President’s continued absence as suspicious and claimed that he could be trying to avoid the United States.

He also referenced comments previously made by Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Jimoh Ibrahim. Ibrahim had said Tinubu could travel to the United States for the UNGA without facing arrest or restrictions.

In a statement issued earlier this month, Ibrahim said neither Tinubu nor members of his family faced U.S. movement restrictions and cited provisions of the UN-U.S. headquarters agreement concerning access to the United Nations district.

Read Also: Lagos: Father Arrested After Toddler Flogging Video Surfaces Online

Okonkwo, however, connected the President’s absence to renewed public interest in old U.S. records concerning him.

The ADC spokesperson referred to the forfeiture of $460,000 linked to a 1993 U.S. case involving accounts associated with Tinubu. A U.S. court record documents the forfeiture, while more recent reporting has highlighted efforts to obtain additional records from U.S. agencies.

A separate legal dispute is currently focused on whether certain U.S. government records relating to historical investigations involving Tinubu should be released. Tinubu has challenged the release of the records.

Okonkwo argued that the circumstances warranted questions about why Tinubu did not attend the UNGA personally.

The allegation that Tinubu is avoiding the United States because he fears arrest has not been established by the available evidence. Officials have instead stated that the President has no known U.S. travel restriction preventing him from attending the UNGA.

The debate over Tinubu’s absence continues as Nigeria is represented at the UN gathering by Vice President Shettima.

Lagos: Father Arrested After Toddler Flogging Video Surfaces Online

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Lagos: Father Arrested After Toddler Flogging Video Surfaces Online

The Lagos State Government has confirmed the arrest of a man seen in a viral video brutally flogging a toddler in the Ikorodu area of the state.

The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.

The agency said it was alerted to the viral report of alleged child abuse on Tuesday and immediately activated its response protocol.
“The agency successfully established contact with the survivor’s mother, who disclosed that the matter had already been reported at Imota Police Station,” the statement signed by Onadipe Opebere, Head, Public Affairs Unit, Lagos DSVA, said.

The DSVA said upon contacting officers at the Family Support Unit, it was informed that the survivor’s mother had initially reported the matter to the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Agency (LNSA).

Read Also: Harvey Weinstein Gets Fresh 15-Year Sentence After Retrial Conviction

“Following the report, the alleged perpetrator was apprehended on Wednesday, 23rd September, 2026, and is currently in police custody, as the matter has now been escalated for further investigation,” it added.

The agency said the survivor and her mother have been referred to the General Hospital for immediate medical attention and further assessment.

It assured that it would continue to monitor the matter and provide necessary support to the survivor and her mother.

“The Lagos State Government hereby reiterates its ZERO TOLERANCE stance for all forms of Child Abuse and remains committed to strengthening safeguarding systems and ensuring that survivors receive the support and protection they need,” the DSVA added.

Harvey Weinstein Gets Fresh 15-Year Sentence After Retrial Conviction

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Harvey Weinstein Gets Fresh 15-Year Sentence After Retrial Conviction

Former Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein has been sentenced to 15 years in prison after being convicted of sexually assaulting former production assistant Miriam Haley in 2006.

Haley was in the Manhattan courtroom on Wednesday when Weinstein, 74, received the sentence. She told the court that the assault had caused lasting emotional and psychological damage and described her experience as a “life sentence.”

Haley said she developed post-traumatic stress disorder following the assault and accused Weinstein of exploiting the enormous power he held in Hollywood.

She also said she was deeply embarrassed that Weinstein believed he could treat her as though she were insignificant.

Weinstein, who appeared in court wearing a dark suit and red tie, addressed the judge while sitting in a wheelchair. He asked for leniency and rejected the characterization of himself as a violent person.

“I am not a violent man, have some mercy,” he said.

He also apologized to those he had harmed, saying he was sincerely sorry.

The sentence is the latest development in a case that has gone through several stages. Weinstein was originally sentenced to 23 years in prison in 2020 following his conviction for sexual assault.

However, an appeals court overturned that conviction in 2024. He was subsequently tried again, and a jury convicted him in 2025.

Read Also: Crime Has No Religion – EFCC Boss Tasks Pastors, Imams on Moral Dignity

Before Wednesday’s sentencing, prosecutors sought 20 years behind bars. Weinstein’s lawyers argued that a lengthy sentence would likely result in him dying in prison.

The former producer was once one of Hollywood’s most influential figures. He was associated with major films and had significant influence over actors, filmmakers and other entertainment professionals.

His position collapsed after investigations by The New York Times and The New Yorker revealed allegations of sexual misconduct in 2017. The reports triggered numerous additional accusations, with more than 80 people eventually coming forward with allegations against him.

The scandal became a major catalyst for the #MeToo movement, which spread internationally and brought increased attention to sexual harassment, assault and abuse of power.

Weinstein also remains involved in legal proceedings in California. An appeals court in June upheld his conviction for the 2013 rape and assault of an actress in a Los Angeles hotel room but overturned his 16-year sentence. He is expected to be resentenced.

Another New York case involving actor Jessica Mann ended in a mistrial in May after jurors failed to reach a verdict. Prosecutors later said they would not seek another trial.

Weinstein’s sentencing therefore comes amid continuing legal proceedings and marks another significant stage in the downfall of a producer whose career was once at the center of Hollywood’s film industry.

Crime Has No Religion – EFCC Boss Tasks Pastors, Imams on Moral Dignity

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Crime Has No Religion – EFCC Boss Tasks Pastors, Imams on Moral Dignity

The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has urged religious leaders across the country to continually preach the right religious doctrine to their followers.
It was reported that he gave the charge in Abuja on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at the 2026 second Council Meeting of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) and the launch of the Anti-Corruption Interfaith Manual for religious leaders.

He gave the charge in Abuja on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at the 2026 second Council Meeting of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council, NIREC, and the launch of the Anti-Corruption Interfaith Manual for religious leaders.

In his paper presentation, he stated that the theme of the event “Shared Sacred Flourishing in Nigeria,” demands that stakeholders in the anti-corruption fight must recognize that the wellbeing of Nigerians is dependent on the actions of individual citizens and that acts of corruption create division in the shared flourishing. As such, one of the most consequential contributions religious leaders can make to shared sacred flourishing, he said, is to restore the moral dignity of honest living.

Corruption, he regretted, “privatizes what is shared, converts the commonwealth into private advantage, and allows one person to flourish by making many others poorer adding that the unique role of the EFCC, therefore, is to defend the integrity of that commonwealth.”

According to him, by preaching the right religious doctrines, both Christianity and Islam can retain their distinctive beliefs and traditions while their adherents work together for peace, justice, human dignity and the wellbeing of our nation.

To ensure that worship centres play transformational roles in the lives of Nigerians, the EFCC boss disclosed that the Commission began tasking religious leaders on the need to infuse anti-corruption contents in their messages to their followers.

“We have been doing this through the inter-faith framework. Over the years, we have specifically spelt out what should be the roles of religious leaders and the doctrine they need to pass down to their followers. We believe that no religion condones corruption and no faith entertains fraudulent engagements,” he stated.

Further in the endeavour, he disclosed that the EFCC over the years engaged leaders of both the Christian and Muslim faiths in fashioning an Inter-Faith Manual which captures the doctrinal positions of holy books on corruption.

“We are using this opportunity to launch the Manual which we hope our religious leaders will surely find useful in preaching anti-corruption messages to their members,” he said.

I Want To Be Born Again But What Will Happen To My Bre@sts And Bum? – Bobrisky

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I Want To Be Born Again But What Will Happen To My Bre@sts And Bum? – Bobrisky

Controversial Nigerian crossdresser Idris Okuneye, widely known as Bobrisky, has revealed that he is considering becoming a born-again Christian after observing changes in the life of his close friend, actress Tonto Dikeh.

Bobrisky made the disclosure in a recent Instagram post while celebrating his friendship with the actress and commenting on her reported spiritual transformation.

The social media personality said Tonto’s new lifestyle had given him a sense of peace and made him think about embracing Christianity himself.

He described Tonto as his best friend and expressed happiness about the changes he has seen in her life. Bobrisky also assured the actress that their friendship would remain strong despite her becoming more involved in evangelism.

According to him, the actress recently asked him to send a photograph for a birthday post. However, after receiving the pictures, she reportedly joked about his appearance and requested a more decent image because of her new identity as an evangelist.

Bobrisky shared the exchange with his followers and used it as an opportunity to discuss his own thoughts about spiritual transformation.

He said he genuinely wanted to become born again because watching Tonto’s journey had been giving him peace.

However, the social media personality raised a humorous concern about whether embracing the Christian lifestyle would require him to change aspects of his physical appearance.

He joked about his body features and also referenced previous changes he had made to his appearance, asking where he would even begin if he decided to undergo a complete transformation.

The comments have attracted attention online, with social media users reacting to Bobrisky’s unusual but humorous reflection on faith, friendship and personal change.

His post also showed the continued bond between him and Tonto Dikeh, as he publicly celebrated what he described as the actress’s growth while considering a possible spiritual transformation of his own.

Yobe Drug Crackdown: Army Arrests Nine Suspects, Transfers Seized Drugs to NDLEA

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Yobe Drug Crackdown: Army Arrests Nine Suspects, Transfers Seized Drugs to NDLEA

Troops of the 27 Task Force Brigade of the Nigerian Army have arrested nine suspected drug dealers and recovered various illicit substances in Buni Yadi, Yobe State.

The suspects were apprehended by troops of the Brigade’s Garrison on September 19, 2026, during an operation aimed at preventing terrorists from accessing illicit drugs.

The arrested suspects were subsequently handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Yobe on Tuesday.

Speaking during the handover, Major A. Balogun, who represented the Commander of the 27 Task Force Brigade, Brigadier General M.S. Mukhtar, said the operation was in line with the Chief of Army Staff’s mandate to disrupt terrorist activities and cut off their supply of illicit substances.

“The arrest formed part of efforts to disrupt criminal activities capable of undermining security and creating enabling conditions for terrorism and other forms of violent crime,” he said.

Read Also: 2027: Speaker Abbas Gets New Appointment, Says Religious Bodies Vital for Peaceful Elections

Read Also: 2027: Speaker Abbas Receives Fresh Appointment, Highlights Role of Religious Groups in Peaceful Polls

The suspects were identified as Hassan Ibrahim, Ahmed Mohammed Shuwa, Adam Jibril Jakadi, Musa Aga, Mohammed Mohammed, Isa Adamu, Usman Salisu, Mohammed Abiso and Buba Kambari.

Exhibits recovered from them included cannabis sativa, tramadol, codeine, soak and die, master patch and other illicit drugs.

The Deputy Commander of Operations, NDLEA Yobe State Command, Garba Yakubu, who received the suspects, said the handover reflected the sustained collaboration between the Army and the NDLEA.

He added that the agency would examine the exhibits and prosecute offenders in accordance with the law.

“Drugs only destroy their lives.

“I urge young people to take advantage of opportunities in agriculture and other productive ventures rather than squander their youth on drug abuse,” he said.

2027: Speaker Abbas Receives Fresh Appointment, Highlights Role of Religious Groups in Peaceful Polls

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2027: Speaker Abbas Receives Fresh Appointment, Highlights Role of Religious Groups in Peaceful Polls

The Religious Network for Peace and Development, has appointed Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen as it Grand Patron, calling on him to support the the campaign for peace and unity ahead of the 2027 general election.

A former governor of Kano state, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, who led the delegation, presented the letter of appointment to Abbas as well as a catalogue of past activities and programme of activities towards the 2027 general elections during a visit to the Speaker in Abuja on Tuesday.

Accepting the appointment, Abbas said he was “very elated” while describing Tuesday as an “important day.” He added that he was “humbled” by the Grand Patron appointment.

The Speaker in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Krishi, restated the commitment of the federal parliament to a free, fair, and credible general elections in 2027.

Abbas stated that religious organisations remain formidable bodies that people respect and listen to. He therefore urged religious leaders to use their influence for a peaceful Nigeria before, during and after the elections.

The speaker urged the association and other religious bodies to “step up activities during the campaigns and the elections” towards a successful and peaceful conduct of the polls.

He stated that the House will always support such causes “as and when due.”

While noting that “this association speaks for itself,” Abbas said Nigerians know the antecedents and contributions as well as the benefits that the organization has brought to the country.

Read Also: Minister Explains Why Tinubu Government Cannot Control Petrol Prices

Stating that the House is a “solid partner” of the Religious Network for Peace and Development, he said together with the Secretary of the Presidential Campaign Council of the All Progressives Congress, Hon. James Faleke, he will convey the group’s activities to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Speaker Abbas said he was honoured to be part of the association, noting, “I want to assure you I will not be a passive member or patron.”

In his remarks, the delegation leader Shekarau, noted that members of the association, which he said has been existing for over three decades, are drawn from various religious organisations. He added that the body is working towards growth and development of Nigeria.

He also noted that with the elections approaching, the group is committed to integrating its objectives across the country, mobilising communities, especially the youth and religious organisations.

The former governor stressed that the body is after the existence of peaceful cooperation between and among all Nigerians, saying “our concern ultimately is good governance.”

Minister Explains Why Tinubu Government Cannot Control Petrol Prices

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Minister Explains Why Tinubu Government Cannot Control Petrol Prices

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri, has described the increase in the price of fuel as a global issue.

It was reported that Lokpobiri spoke during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday.

According to him, the situation could worsen if the crisis in the Middle East persists.

He said the difficulties Nigerians are facing with their purchasing power due to high petrol prices are also affecting Americans and Europeans.

He said, “Because of what is happening in the Middle East, it is expected that energy prices may not come down. We should also know that oil and gas is a global commodity, what is sold in New York is also what is sold here.

Read Also: Nigerian Army Reinforces Operational Capacity, Personnel Welfare Measures

“So, no matter what you may think, America or Saudi Arabia or anywhere in the world, energy prices will always be the same. The difficulties Nigerians are facing is not peculiar to Nigerians, if you go to America, the purchasing capacities of Americans are also affected, if you go to Europe the purchasing capacities of Europeans are also affected. The energy cost is a global thing and its effect is a global thing.”

The minister also said crude oil and refined petroleum products are traded globally, stressing that Nigeria cannot operate in isolation or arbitrarily regulate prices without reintroducing fuel subsidy.

Asked if President Bola Tinubu’s administration does not have the power to reduce or increase petrol prices, the minister replied in the negative.

“No, we don’t (have power to control price) because it is completely deregulated in line with global best standards all over the world.

“Because I am a leader of OPEC, I am the leader of the Nigerian delegation as far as oil is concerned, I go round the entire world, every country is facing the same problems.

“And as far as I am concerned, whether we are producing 3 million barrels today, the price will not change because it is a global commodity,” he said.

The minister also defended President Bola Tinubu’s decision to announce the removal of fuel subsidy on his inauguration day, saying the move was made at the right time.

He said Nigeria could have faced a situation similar to Venezuela if the decision had not been taken.

“This decision was made at the right time and if it wasn’t made then, Nigeria would have been like Venezuela,” the minister said.

Nigerian Army Reinforces Operational Capacity, Personnel Welfare Measures

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Nigerian Army Reinforces Operational Capacity, Personnel Welfare Measures

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has commissioned refurbished operational vehicles and a renovated Soldiers’ Club at the Nigerian Army Women’s Command, Giri, Abuja, reaffirming the Nigerian Army’s focus on operational readiness and personnel welfare.

Represented by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the COAS commended the leadership and personnel of the Command for the initiative, noting that serviceable vehicles were essential to the timely movement of troops, equipment and logistics.

Shaibu urged personnel entrusted with the vehicles to ensure proper maintenance, responsible handling and strict adherence to regulations, while directing commanders to ensure that maintenance schedules were observed and the vehicles used only for authorised military purposes.

The Army Chief also described the Soldiers’ Club as important to the welfare, morale and cohesion of personnel and their families.

He explained that the facility would provide an avenue for relaxation, recreation and social interaction while strengthening esprit de corps.

The COAS charged personnel to maintain discipline and professionalism in the use of the facility, stressing that the vehicles and Soldiers’ Club should serve as practical tools for improving operational effectiveness and personnel welfare.

He subsequently commissioned the refurbished vehicles and Soldiers’ Club for service and use in accordance with extant regulations.

Read Also: NDC Reveals Reason for Delay in Forming 2027 Presidential Campaign Council

The Commander, Nigerian Army Women’s Command, Brigadier General Mohammed Sani Adamu, said the commissioning built on the Command’s earlier efforts to improve operational mobility.

He recalled that 12 vehicles, including two coaster buses and 10 key operational vehicles, were re-operationalised on 25 June 2026.

He said the Command’s readiness was demonstrated during the April 14 security challenge in Jos, Plateau State, when the COAS directed the deployment of a company from the formation to the state before 9 a.m. the following day.

According to him, the Command’s operational mobility enabled the troops to mobilise promptly and support efforts to suppress the situation and restore peace.

Brigadier General Adamu said four refurbished coaster buses were commissioned during the latest ceremony after being restored from deplorable conditions, adding that the Command considered all its vehicles critical to maintaining readiness for deployment at short notice.

On personnel welfare, he said the Soldiers’ Club had previously lacked adequate lighting, proper sanitation and a conducive environment but had now undergone a complete overhaul to provide soldiers with a suitable place to relax, interact and receive guests.

The commander said the improvements were consistent with the First Soldier concept, stressing that soldiers’ welfare must remain a priority under the leadership of the COAS.

In a post-event interview, Brigadier General Adamu said the Command had also recorded expanded operational roles under the current COAS, including the deployment of a female contingent for a peace-support operation in the Republic of Benin, deployment to restore peace in Plateau State under Operation ENDURING PEACE, and election security duties in Osun State.

He attributed the achievements to the approval, direction and enabling environment provided by the Chief of Army Staff.

The outgoing commander disclosed that he would proceed to serve as the pioneer commander of the 8 Brigade in Ado-Ekiti.

NDC Reveals Reason for Delay in Forming 2027 Presidential Campaign Council

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NDC Reveals Reason for Delay in Forming 2027 Presidential Campaign Council

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has said it is putting finishing touches to the formation of its Presidential Campaign Council ahead of the 2027 general elections.Nigeria Travel Guides

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It was reported that the party made this known in a statement on Tuesday.

According to the NDC, its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, have held several meetings with the party’s National Leader and other members of the leadership as part of efforts to finalize the campaign council.

The party said Obi and Kwankwaso had been given the authority to nominate key officials into the campaign council in consultation with the NDC leadership.

The positions to be filled by the candidates include Director-General of the campaign, Deputy Director-General for the North, campaign spokesperson, deputy spokesperson, Head of New Media, Finance Director and Deputy Finance Director, among other positions.

The NDC said the arrangement was designed to give the presidential candidates room to select people they considered suitable for the various roles while also ensuring that the party remained involved in the process.

The party further disclosed that the Finance Director and Deputy Finance Director would work with the National Treasurer to handle funds raised for the presidential campaign.

It said the arrangement was necessary to ensure proper management of campaign finances and enable the party to meet its financial reporting obligations to the Independent National Electoral Commission in accordance with the Electoral Act.

The NDC also revealed that a detailed structure for the campaign council had been prepared since August and submitted to Obi and Kwankwaso for their contributions.

Read Also: Tinubu Calls on Africa to End Export of Unprocessed Minerals

The party said it had also received nominations and suggestions from stakeholders across the country as part of the process of putting the campaign team together.

According to the NDC, the final campaign council would be announced and inaugurated after the presidential candidate and his running mate submit their inputs.

The party also said a campaign timetable had been prepared since August, but arrangements concerning campaign funding and fundraising were still being concluded.

It stated that fundraising would be led by the presidential candidate and his running mate, with money raised expected to be paid into the designated presidential campaign account.

The account, according to the party, would be managed by officials nominated by Obi and Kwankwaso alongside the National Treasurer of the NDC.

The party explained that the inauguration of the Presidential Campaign Council was initially planned for the first week of September but was postponed because of the travel schedule of the presidential candidate.

“The inauguration of the PCC was earlier scheduled for the first week of September but had to be put off due to the travel schedule of the presidential candidate.

“We also appeal to all our candidates at all levels to restrain their supporters and support groups to focus on the need to win elections. There are no battles to fight within the NDC. The common opponent to defeat is the ruling APC. We are committed as a party. The party has done its own and is ready to do more. The candidates and their supporters are encouraged to do the same”, the statement read in part.

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