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US-Based Nigerian Basketball Player Arrested on Rape Charges in Alabama

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  A US-based Nigerian basketball player, Daniel Adegboyega, has been arrested in Alabama and charged with first-degree rape by forcible compulsion, according to authorities. According to reports by 1819 News and WVTM 13 sighted by our correspondent on Tuesday, the 21-year-old was arrested in July by the Jacksonville Police Department at his apartment in Jacksonville, Alabama. Adegboyega, who recently joined Jacksonville State University’s men’s basketball team ahead of the new season, is being held at the Calhoun County Jail without bond. Court records also and the show that the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement has placed an immigration hold on him. Investigators told the court that the alleged victim visited Adegboyega’s apartment on July 28US-Based Nigerian Basketball Player Arrested on Rape Charges in Alabama to watch a movie. According to police investigator Andrew Swain, the woman alleged that about 20 minutes into the movie, Adegboyega made unwanted sexual advances despite her repeatedly asking him to stop. Police said the woman secretly texted her roommate about the situation. When the roommate’s repeated calls went unanswered, Adegboyega allegedly answered one of the calls using the woman’s phone and claimed she was in the bathroom. Concerned for her safety, the roommate contacted police for a welfare check. Officers who arrived at the apartment around 2 a.m. reportedly found the woman visibly distressed. Investigators said the victim alleged that Adegboyega forcibly raped her twice that night. They also recovered clothing reportedly stained with blood as part of the investigation. Adegboyega denied using force and has pleaded not guilty to the allegations. During a bond hearing, ICE agent Ty Unruh testified that Adegboyega entered the United States on an F-1 student visa that expired in 2023. According to the agent, if granted bond, Adegboyega would be transferred to an immigration detention facility in Louisiana to begin immigration proceedings that could lead to deportation to Nigeria. However, Adegboyega’s host father, Ryan Parlee, disputed the immigration testimony, arguing that the player’s visa complications resulted from administrative errors after transferring between universities. Parlee said Adegboyega graduated from Grand View Christian High School in Iowa in 2022 before playing college basketball for the University of South Florida and the University of California, Riverside, adding that UC Riverside allegedly failed to process his immigration documents before his transfer to Jacksonville State. Following his arrest, Jacksonville State University removed Adegboyega’s profile from the men’s basketball team website. A preliminary hearing in the criminal case has been scheduled for August 31. Adegboyega is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

Jigawa Governor Commends Army Over New 262 Tank Battalion

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  Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi has praised the Nigerian Army for establishing the 262 Tank Battalion in Gumel, describing the development as a significant boost to security in the state and Nigeria’s border communities. This was disclosed by the State Commissioner for Information, Youths, Sports and Culture, Sagir Musa, while briefing journalists on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Namadi on Tuesday at the Government House, Dutse, the Jigawa State capital. According to the commissioner, the council described the development as a significant milestone. “The Council commended the Nigerian Army for the establishment of the 262 Tank Battalion in Jigawa, describing the development as a significant milestone in strengthening security across the state and the nation’s border communities,” Musa said. He explained that the battalion would improve military presence in the northern part of the state. “The Council noted that the establishment of the Battalion will significantly enhance military presence along the state’s northern corridor,” he stated. Musa added that the new deployment would help security agencies respond faster to threats, noting that, “It will improve rapid response to emerging security threats and reinforce the protection of communities bordering the Niger Republic.” The commissioner said the government was optimistic about the impact on crime in border areas. “The Council expressed confidence that the deployment of the Battalion will bolster ongoing efforts to combat cross-border crimes, banditry, smuggling and other security challenges,” Musa noted. He further said it would help restore calm and public trust, adding that, “It will foster greater peace, stability and public confidence in the affected areas.” Musa also acknowledged the sacrifices of security agencies, stating that, “The Council further acknowledged the commitment of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to safeguarding lives and property and maintaining the territorial integrity of the nation.” He therefore reaffirmed the state government’s support for the military and other security agencies. “The Council reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to supporting the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies through sustained collaboration,” Musa said. The commissioner also stressed that the government would provide the enabling environment for security operations. “We will continue to provide an enabling environment to ensure the effective discharge of their constitutional responsibilities,” he said. According to him, the battalion would also boost economic activities in the area. “The State Government believes that the establishment of the 262 Tank Battalion will not only strengthen the state’s security architecture,” Musa stated. Commenting further on the battalion, the commissioner said it would create a safer environment for business and development. He, however, urged residents to cooperate with security agencies to ensure lasting peace in the state. “It will also create a more secure environment for socio-economic activities, investment and sustainable development across the northern border communities,” the commissioner concluded.  

BREAKING: Tinubu Approves 30%–80% Salary Increase for Armed Forces Personnel

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  President Bola Tinubu has approved a salary increase ranging from 30 to 80 per cent for personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces. The pay package that will benefit approximately 250,000 personnel and take effect from September 1, 2026, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed in a statement signed Tuesday. Onanuga said the graduated structure of the increase scales inversely with rank, with the highest percentage increases going to the most junior personnel. Under the new arrangement, he said officers above the rank of colonel, Brigadier-Generals, Major-Generals, Lieutenant Generals and Generals, will receive a 30 per cent salary increase. Personnel ranking from colonel down to warrant officer will receive a 50 per cent increase, while those from private to staff sergeant will receive an 80 per cent increase. The pay package will raise the annual salary bill for the armed forces from N660 billion to N924 billion, an increase of N264 billion. The President linked the pay rise directly to the sacrifices personnel continue to make in the fight against banditry, kidnapping and terrorism across parts of the country. He said, “The men and women who help to keep us safe in our homes must be supported and appreciated in the course of their duties to our nation.” Tinubu said troop welfare and military modernisation would remain a standing priority of his administration. “Our administration will continue to prioritise troop welfare and modernise the armed forces by providing the weapons and technological tools needed to discharge their duties,” he said. Tinubu tied the salary increase to his broader philosophy on national security saying, “Our administration believes that no nation can achieve greatness without security. We therefore remain resolute in mobilising all military and law enforcement assets to eliminate security threats and protect the lives and property of all Nigerians,” he said. “I urge our servicemen to take our gesture as a sign of our deep appreciation of the services they render to our fatherland. “Together we shall prevail over the enemies intent on destroying the fabric of our nation,” the President said.

Three Sentenced to life Imprisonment over Oyo school kidnapping

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  A Federal high court in Abuja has sentenced three men to life imprisonment over the kidnapping of students and teachers at a school in Orire LGA of Oyo state. Salim Ibrahim, presiding judge, sentenced the convicts after they pleaded guilty to some of the charges brought against them by the federal government. The convicts are Abdulrazak Umar, also known as Abu Khalifa or Abu Khalid; Yunusa Musa, also known as Yunusa bin Musa; and Shamsu Adamu Sani, also known as Abu Itisar.

Court Approves ₦2 Billion Bail for Miyetti Allah President Bodejo

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  The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday granted bail to the National President of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, Bello Bodejo, in the sum of ₦2 billion as he continues to face trial over an alleged $2.63 million money laundering case. Justice Inyang Ekwo granted the bail after ruling on Bodejo’s application, holding that the offences with which he was charged were bailable and that the court had the discretion to admit him to bail. The judge ordered the defendant to produce one surety in like sum. He held that the surety must be resident in Abuja and possess a three-year tax clearance certificate. Justice Ekwo further ordered that the surety must own landed property worth ₦2bn in Abuja, adding that the title documents would be verified by the court registrar. The judge also directed Bodejo to deposit his international passport with the registrar of the court, and barred him from travelling outside Nigeria without the court’s permission. He adjourned the case until October 5, 6 and 7, 2026, for the commencement of trial. Bodejo was arraigned on July 9 by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on a multi-count charge bordering on alleged money laundering involving about $2.63m. He pleaded not guilty to all the charges. Following his arraignment, the prosecution counsel, Wahab Shittu (SAN), applied for a trial date and urged the court to remand the defendant in the custody of the EFCC. However, counsel for the defendant, Ahmed Raji (SAN), informed the court that he had filed a bail application dated and filed on June 30. Raji argued that the offences alleged against his client were bailable under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act and urged the court to grant the application. Shittu opposed the application, urging the court to refuse bail. In one of the counts, the EFCC alleged that Bodejo, “on or about January 11, 2022, in Abuja… accepted a cash payment of $100,000 from a former Accountant-General of Bauchi State, Sa’idu Abubakar, without lawful authority…” and outside the banking system, contrary to the provisions of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended). The anti-graft agency alleged that the transaction exceeded the statutory cash transaction threshold of ₦5m prescribed by law. The commission also accused Bodejo of accepting additional cash payments of $200,000, $100,000, $980,000, $750,000 and $500,000 from Abubakar on different dates between 2022 and 2024, allegedly in breach of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended), and the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. The EFCC alleged that the transactions, which were not routed through financial institutions as required by law, formed the basis of the charges against the Miyetti Allah leader. Bodejo has denied the allegations.

Makinde Visits Rescued Oriire Pupils, Teachers, Promises Trauma Support, Family Reunion, Honour Fallen Heroes

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  Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, on Saturday paid a visit to the pupils and teachers rescued from the Oriire Local Government Area school abduction at the 2 Division Nigerian Army Medical Facility, where he welcomed their safe return and pledged sustained medical care as well as psychological support for the victims. The victims, comprising 39 pupils and five of the seven abducted teachers, were released after spending weeks in captivity. The governor, who interacted with the children and their teachers during the visit, described their rescue as a significant development and commended the security personnel involved in the operation. Makinde said he was delighted that the children had regained their freedom, while acknowledging the sacrifices made by officers and personnel who participated in the rescue effort. “I am very happy that the children are back, all 39 of them, alongside five of the seven teachers. We give glory to God, and we appreciate our troops, the officers and men who played a significant role in securing their release,” the governor said. He also condoled with families of security personnel who lost their lives during the operation, assuring them that their sacrifices would not be forgotten. “We also remember the officers and personnel we lost during this process. To all the families who lost their loved ones, we want to assure them that their sacrifices will not be in vain,” he added. The governor said his interaction with the rescued victims showed that they were happy to have regained their freedom, but noted that some of them were still weak and would require further medical attention. “Having interacted with the children and their teachers, I can say that they are happy to be out of captivity. When anyone’s freedom is taken away, it affects their state of mind, but they are grateful to be back,” Makinde said. “Some of them are still very weak and will require medical attention. There are also post-traumatic issues that need to be addressed, but we have a team ready to provide the necessary support and care.” On plans to reunite the victims with their families, Makinde explained that medical and psychological assessments would continue for the next 48 hours before the formal handover process. “By Monday, we expect that an assessment would have been completed, and there may be a formal transfer from the military to the state government. From there, we will manage the process going forward,” he said. The governor added that arrangements were already being made to allow family members to visit their loved ones, particularly a young girl among the victims who had repeatedly asked for her mother. “Today, we are already putting logistics in place to allow some family members to come and see them. There is a little girl among them who has continuously been asking, ‘Where is my mum? Where is my mum?’ We want to make it possible for her mother to come and reunite with her,” Makinde said. While reacting to security challenges facing the country, the governor called for unity and collective efforts, urging Nigerians to avoid division during difficult times. “My final message is that this is our country. Every country around the world faces challenges. When we are confronted with difficulties, it is not the time to sow seeds of division; rather, it is the time for us to come together and confront those challenges collectively,” he said. Makinde added that he would later provide a detailed briefing to the people of Oyo State and Nigerians on the circumstances surrounding the abduction and rescue operation. “Later in the week, I will officially brief the people of Oyo State and the nation at large on what exactly transpired,” he added.

Oriire Abduction: Army Explains GOC 2 Division’s Role in Dismantling Kidnappers’ Network, Freeing Victims

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  A total of 44 pupils and teachers kidnapped by armed men in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have regained their freedom after a month-long, intelligence-led joint security operation conducted across the Old Oyo National Park and other locations nationwide. The victims were kidnapped on May 15, 2026, when armed assailants attacked their school in Oriire Local Government, triggering widespread concern and prompting a coordinated rescue mission involving multiple security agencies. Confirming the development in a statement on Friday, the Acting Deputy Director, 2 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, said the successful rescue was achieved on July 10 through a carefully planned and executed operation led by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Major General C.R. Nnebeife. According to the statement, the operation brought together personnel from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), particularly the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), the Defence Headquarters, Special Forces of the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy and Nigerian Air Force, the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), as well as local vigilantes, hunters and members of the Amotekun Corps. The military said the operation was intelligence-led and focused on identifying and dismantling the terrorist network responsible for the abduction, including its kingpins, logistics channels, informants and hideouts located within the Old Oyo National Park forest and other locations. It disclosed that several suspects were arrested in Oyo State and other parts of the country during the operation, adding that the sustained pressure mounted on the criminal network disrupted its activities and ultimately compelled the abductors to release the victims unconditionally. “The operations, which lasted for more than a month, focused on identifying the terrorists’ kingpins that masterminded the kidnapping, bursting and dismantling their networks and logistics links, including their informants and hideouts located within the Old Oyo National Park Forest. “Multiple arrests were made within Oyo State and other locations across the country. These arrests completely disorganised the group, exerted overwhelming pressure on them and ultimately led the terrorist group to unconditionally release the pupils and teachers,” the statement said. The Army noted that the rescue mission was meticulously planned to prevent collateral damage and ensure the safe recovery of all the abducted pupils and teachers. It, however, disclosed that some security personnel sustained casualties during the operation, without providing further details. The rescued victims are currently receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital and will subsequently be handed over to the Oyo State Government for reunification with their families. The GOC, on behalf of all participating security agencies, expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing strategic direction, support and resources that contributed to the success of the operation. He also commended Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and residents of the state for their continued support and cooperation with security agencies throughout the rescue efforts. Major General Nnebeife further acknowledged the contributions of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, other Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police, the Directors-General of the DSS and NIA, as well as heads of other participating security agencies for ensuring seamless coordination during the operation. The military also appreciated media organisations and Nigerians for their patience, understanding and confidence in the country’s security architecture, while urging citizens to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible intelligence to security agencies in the fight against terrorism and other criminal activities. The statement added that security agencies are continuing follow-up operations to eliminate the remaining members of the terrorist network behind the abduction completely.

Oyo Abduction Came Hours After My 2027 Presidential Declaration — Makinde

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  Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has revealed that the kidnapping of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area happened only a few hours after he publicly announced his intention to run for president in the 2027 election. Makinde made the remark while addressing a meeting with Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed and leaders of the Allied Peoples Movement in Bauchi, recalling that Oyo had not recorded a similar incident during his seven years in office before the May 15 attack. “For seven years, we didn’t witness anything like this in Oyo State. I declared to run for the presidency of Nigeria at four o’clock, and by 9 a.m. the following morning, the children were abducted,” Makinde said. Hours after Makinde’s remarks in Bauchi, the Presidency announced that all the victims had been rescued after spending 56 days in captivity. The Presidency said the victims were freed during a joint operation involving the military, the Department of State Services and the police, with eight suspected kidnappers arrested and others neutralised. The Presidency disclosed that eight suspected kidnappers were apprehended and are being held by the Department of State Services (DSS), while several other suspects were neutralised during the security operation.

Zamfara Grants Female Civil Servants Six-Month Maternity Leave

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  The Zamfara State Government has approved a six-month maternity leave policy for female civil servants in a move aimed at encouraging exclusive breastfeeding and enhancing the health and well-being of both mothers and their children. The announcement was made on Thursday in Gusau by the State Head of Service, Yakubu Haidara, while receiving a delegation from the Civil Society–Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN). According to Haidara, the approval reflects Governor Dauda Lawal’s commitment to tackling child malnutrition and improving nutrition outcomes for infants across the state. “I believe the governor’s approval is aimed at addressing malnutrition among children in the state,” he said. He explained that the extended maternity leave would allow mothers adequate time to recover after childbirth, reduce the risk of postpartum depression, support exclusive breastfeeding and strengthen the bond between mothers and their babies. “It provides essential time for physical recovery, prevents postpartum depression, facilitates exclusive breastfeeding and promotes vital emotional bonding,” Haidara said. The Head of Service noted that the state government and civil society organisations shared a common goal of protecting children and ensuring healthier future generations. He recalled that Governor Lawal approved N500 million in counterpart funding for nutrition programmes last year and expressed optimism that the administration would sustain or increase its investment in nutrition. “I believe this year also the governor will do the same or even more for nutrition activities in the state,” he said. Haidara also assured the delegation that the government would continue to collaborate with development partners and civil society organisations to combat child malnutrition. Earlier, the CS-SUNN State Coordinator, Kabiru Jangeru, described the governor’s approval as a significant milestone in efforts to improve maternal and child nutrition in Zamfara. He said the organisation, with support from UNICEF, had been advocating increased funding for nutrition programmes and the adoption of a six-month maternity leave policy to encourage exclusive breastfeeding. According to Jangeru, the approval aligns with global recommendations on infant feeding and is expected to contribute to better health outcomes for mothers and children in the state. Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life is recommended by the World Health Organisation and UNICEF as one of the most effective interventions for reducing infant mortality, improving child nutrition and supporting healthy growth and development. The policy is expected to provide working mothers with the time needed to exclusively breastfeed their babies while recovering from childbirth.

Hold Governors Accountable for Kidnappings – Bwala

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  Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, has said responsibility for kidnappings in states rests with governors and local government chairmen, insisting that the Federal Government should not be blamed for such incidents. Bwala said this on Wednesday during an appearance on The Morayo Podcast Show, where he was questioned on the Federal Government’s handling of the ongoing Oyo State school abduction and rising insecurity across the country. “Every kidnapping and abduction that takes place in any state of Nigeria, hold that governor responsible. All the kidnappings have taken place in local government,” he said. He specifically referenced the Save the School Initiative, a federal programme he said had provided states with funds for perimeter fencing and early warning systems in schools, and challenged Nigerians to query their governors on how the money was spent. “There was this thing called the Save the School Initiative, in which monies were given to states to create perimeter fencing, early warning signs and all of those checks in schools. Ask your governor where that money went to,” he said. Bwala also alleged that local governments across the country were not receiving funds directly meant for them, citing an example from Oyo State. “Every state in Nigeria, and in the local government, there is money that should have gone directly to that local government. I was in Oyo and I engaged with the Oyo State Government. In three local governments in Oyo, I said this local government has 600 million coming here every month, and that’s how it is across Nigeria,” he said. He argued that if such funds were released directly to local government chairmen, they could be used to improve maternal healthcare, basic education, local vigilante security and welfare support for the elderly. The presidential aide also faulted Nigerians for what he described as a culture of waiting passively for government intervention, urging citizens to take their own action in holding local governments to account. “It’s only in Nigeria that citizens wait for manna to come from heaven. In all other countries of the world, citizens take their destinies in their hands,” he said. He explained that under Nigeria’s current constitutional arrangement, the President does not have direct authority over governors, limiting what the Federal Government can do to compel state compliance. “The unfortunate part of the democracy we are practising today is that it does not place the President as a head boy or prefect of the governors. That’s why when Obasanjo was struggling with that, he had to go outside the Constitution to start impeaching governors and even holding monies destined for them. Asiwaju is a democrat; he will not do that. He can only urge them,” Bwala said. He instead urged Nigerians to hold town hall meetings at the local government level and involve the media to publicly demand accountability over unremitted funds. He added that sustained public pressure, rather than isolated complaints, was more likely to draw attention to the issue. Responding to a question from an audience member on the abducted Oyo schoolchildren and teachers, who have now spent over 50 days in captivity, Bwala said the Federal Government’s priority remained securing their safe release rather than a forceful rescue that could endanger their lives. “The number one responsibility of government in a hostage-taking situation is to rescue them and rescue them alive. If you use force carelessly, you may end up jeopardising the lives of the people that are kidnapped,” he said.

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