Man City Turn Down Barcelona’s £38.5m Opening Offer for Rodri

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  Manchester City have turned down Barcelona’s initial £38.5 million offer for midfielder Rodri, with the Premier League champions reportedly valuing the Spanish international at more than £60 million. The 30-year-old midfielder has entered the final year of his contract at the Etihad Stadium and is yet to agree a new deal, fuelling uncertainty over his future this summer. As reported by BBC Sport on Friday, Barcelona have emerged as the leading contenders for Rodri’s signature after receiving encouragement from the player’s camp to begin negotiations with City. The Catalan club submitted their first formal offer on Friday, but it was immediately turned down. City are willing to consider a sale but want a significant fee for the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, who remains one of the most influential defensive midfielders in world football. Rodri had previously been linked with a move to Real Madrid, but reports indicate that talks with the Spanish giants have now ended as Barcelona push ahead with their interest. Barcelona sources said discussions with the player’s representatives are ongoing, although no agreement has been reached between the clubs. Rodri’s recent seasons have been affected by injuries, including a serious knee problem that ruled him out for much of the 2024-25 campaign and a hamstring issue that disrupted his return. However, he regained his best form at the World Cup, where he helped Spain secure their second title and was named the tournament’s best player. The midfielder is currently recovering from back surgery and is expected to return to Manchester next week to continue his rehabilitation with City. With the transfer window entering its second week of August, City are keen to resolve Rodri’s future quickly as they look to identify a possible replacement. The club are also in talks over a move for 18-year-old Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille, although the French side’s £86 million valuation remains a major obstacle. Meanwhile, reports from Spain suggest Real Madrid made a strong attempt to sign Rodri after Spain’s World Cup success. According to Spanish radio station Cadena Ser, Rodri’s agent Pablo Barquero confirmed that Real Madrid presented an attractive offer and held positive discussions with the player’s representatives. The report stated that Real Madrid officials, including president Florentino Perez and chief executive Jose Angel Sanchez, made significant efforts to and complete the deal. However, Rodri eventually decided to pursue another option, leading Real Madrid toMan City Turn Down Barcelona’s £38.5m Opening Offer for Rodri end their interest and avoid prolonging negotiations. Barcelona’s renewed push now places them at the centre of the race for the midfielder, as City prepare to determine the future of one of their most valuable players.

NYSC Alerts Corps Members to Fake Redeployment Notice Online

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  The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has dismissed as false a widely circulated notice claiming that a special redeployment window had been opened for corps members, urging the public to disregard the information. The scheme flagged the notice on its verified X handle as fake on Friday. The fraudulent notice, styled as an “URGENT NOTICE: NYSC REDEPLOYMENT,” was addressed to “Parents/Guardians” and claimed the redeployment window was “now open” because of “issues of National Security, Health, and State of the Nation.” It urged “Corps Members with genuine grounds” to “apply on time to ensure their safety, proper placement, and timely completion of service.” The notice also asked those seeking help to “please contact” two listed phone numbers “ASAP,” adding that “valid documents are required and all applications must follow NYSC guidelines.” In response, the NYSC’s National Directorate Headquarters flagged the notice on its verified X handle, @officialnyscng, tagging it “Disclaimer” and stamping it with a bold “FAKE NEWS” watermark to warn the public against the circulating message. The scheme did not disclose the identities of those behind the fake notice as of the time of this report. It is not the first time fraudsters have exploited the redeployment process to extort money from unsuspecting corps members and their families. The NYSC, currently led by its Director-General, Olakunle Nafiu, has consistently warned that deployment and redeployment matters are handled exclusively through its official portal and offices, and that the scheme does not authorise agents or phone-based processing for such requests. Corps members and members of the public have been urged to verify any purported NYSC communication through the scheme’s official website and social media handles before taking action or making payments.

BREAKING: Tinubu Directs EFCC to Lift Freeze on Osun State Accounts

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  President Bola Tinubu has instructed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to urgently return to court and seek the reversal of the order freezing the bank accounts of the Osun State Government. The President said the directive was necessary to protect public confidence in the democratic process, noting that the state was only days away from its governorship election. Tinubu, in a statement issued by the State House on Thursday, said he was not opposed to the EFCC’s exercise of its statutory powers but expressed concern over the timing of the action. “It has come to my notice that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) obtained a court order on August 5, 2026, freezing the accounts of the Osun State Government. “I must state that I feel deeply embarrassed not by the EFCC’s exercise of its mandate backed by a court order, but by the timing of the agency’s action,” the President said. The EFCC had obtained the order as part of its investigation into alleged financial infractions involving the Osun State Government. The commission had earlier defended the move, insisting that its actions were within the law and that it had the authority to place restrictions on accounts suspected to be linked to financial crimes. The anti-graft agency also stated that it could freeze accounts for 72 hours without a court order before seeking judicial approval for further restrictions. Tinubu, however, said actions taken by federal institutions were often attributed to him as President, regardless of whether he had prior knowledge of them. “This is so because every action taken by an institution of State, especially at the Federal level, is always credited to me, as the President, even when I may not have had any prior knowledge of the action,” he stated. The President said since assuming office, he had maintained that anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies should operate independently without interference. “Since assuming office, I have consistently maintained that anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies must be allowed to discharge their statutory responsibilities independently, professionally, without fear or favour, or political interference,” Tinubu said. He added that he had deliberately avoided directing or interfering in the operational activities of the EFCC or other investigative agencies because of his belief in strong democratic institutions. “I have therefore deliberately refrained from directing or interfering in the operational activities of the EFCC or any other investigative or prosecutorial agency because I firmly believe that strong democratic institutions, operating within the confines of the law, are indispensable to democratic good governance and the rule of law,” he said. Tinubu noted that although he was yet to be fully briefed on the facts that informed the EFCC’s decision to seek the court order, the timing of the action required his intervention. “While I am yet to be fully apprised of the facts which informed the action of EFCC in approaching the court to obtain the said order freezing the Osun State Government account, I am not in the slightest doubt that the timing of the action of EFCC is inauspicious, and therefore I feel compelled to intervene,” the President said. He said the proximity of the election made it necessary to avoid actions that could undermine confidence in the electoral process. “Osun State is only a few days away from its gubernatorial election. Therefore, nothing ought to be done to give an impression that the EFCC or indeed any other agency of the federal government is being used to interfere with the election,” Tinubu added. The President said his directive was issued in the overriding public interest and to preserve the integrity of the democratic process. “Based on the foregoing premise, I am duty-bound to issue a directive on this issue in consonance with the overriding public interest in preserving public confidence and the integrity, credibility, and fairness of our democratic process,” he said. Tinubu subsequently ordered the commission to discontinue the action against the state government. “Accordingly, I have directed the EFCC to immediately proceed to the court to vacate the order and discontinue whatever action it has instituted against the Osun State Government in this regard,” the statement read. The development comes amid a dispute between the Osun State Government and the EFCC over the freezing of the state’s accounts. The state government had dismissed the commission’s claims of financial misconduct, denying allegations of misappropriation of N11bn and accusing the EFCC of attempting to justify its action. The EFCC had insisted that its investigation was not politically motivated and that its mandate was to investigate and prosecute suspected cases of financial crimes. The directive by the President came ahead of the Osun governorship election, which has heightened scrutiny of actions by government institutions and their possible impact on the electoral process.

Osun Poll: Davido Calls for Peaceful Election, Rejects Violence

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  Afrobeats superstar David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has called on residents of Osun State to maintain peace and reject all forms of violence and intimidation ahead of the forthcoming governorship election, encouraging them to turn out peacefully and exercise their democratic rights. Speaking during a youth campaign mobilisation event in support of Governor Ademola Adeleke which was shared on his Instagram page on Wednesday, the singer described the governor as one of the best leaders the state has had and expressed confidence that he would secure another term in office. “We’re all here for one reason. It’s for the Executive Governor of Osun State, the only Chief Security Officer of Osun State. One of the best, if not the best, governor to ever have ruled this state. We have our projects to show for it. We have our integrity to show for it, and we have our diligence to show for it,” he said. Davido said he was addressing the public not just as an entertainer but as a representative of the youth. “I speak to you today, not just as Davido, but as one of your own, as a voice for our people. I understand the tension and emotion surrounding this election, but I urge everyone to remain calm,” he said. Expressing confidence in the outcome of the election, he added, “We’ve won this thing twice before. No shaking. We’ve won it twice before and we’re going to win it again for the third time, by the grace of God.” The singer urged voters to reject violence and intimidation during the election. “Let us reject violence. I’ll say it again. Let us reject violence, intimidation, provocation and, most importantly, destruction. To every person in Osun, come out and exercise your right to vote. Do not be afraid or intimidated. Your vote is your voice and your choice must be respected,” he said. Davido also appealed to political leaders to ensure the election remains peaceful. “I’ve heard rumours suggesting that there are moves to interfere in the Osun State election or use the state as a political battleground to prove a point. I do not present these claims as facts, but I appeal to you, sir, to use your influence to promote peace and allow the people of Osun choose their candidates freely,” he said. Referencing his personal ties to Imo State through his wife, Chioma, Davido said, “We have mutual connections, and I have a deep connection to Imo State. My wife, Chioma, is from the state, which makes this appeal more sincere. Please, let Osun remain peaceful.” He concluded by urging all stakeholders to respect the will of the electorate. “Let’s allow democracy take its course and let the people decide. Whatever the outcome is, please do not allow political ambition to put the lives and future of Osun people at risk. “If they choose you, let the victory be through their votes. If they choose someone else, let their decision be respected. Politics is temporary, but Osun will be here forever. No political victory is worth violence, destruction or the loss of a single life,” he said.  

BREAKING: 176 Abducted Victims Regain Freedom in Kwara

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  The Kwara State Government announced on Wednesday that the victims abducted during the February 3, 2026, attack on the Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area have been released and have regained their freedom. The development was announced on Wednesday in a post on the official Facebook page of the Kwara State Government, months after 176 victims were abducted. The government wrote, “Alihamdulillaah and kudos to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, security forces, and everyone who played a role in this huge feat. We are grateful!” The victims were kidnapped when suspected Boko Haram-linked extremists invaded the rural communities of Woro and Nuku on motorcycles, launching a coordinated assault that reportedly lasted several hours. The attack, regarded as one of the deadliest in Kwara State’s history, reportedly claimed more than 200 lives, left several others injured, destroyed homes and businesses, and forced many residents to flee. Local vigilantes who attempted to repel the attackers were reportedly overwhelmed, with some allegedly trapped and burnt inside their office. Further details on the circumstances surrounding the victims’ release were not immediately available as of the time of filing this report.

NANS Issues Ogun 72-Hour Deadline to Rescue Abducted Students

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  The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the Ogun State Government and security agencies to secure the release of five students abducted from Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade, bring to justice those behind the killing of a student of D.S. Adegbenro ICT Polytechnic, Itori, and address the worsening security situation around tertiary institutions across the state. The students’ body warned that it would embark on sustained peaceful protests across Ogun State if its demands were not met within the stipulated period. NANS also called on the state government to send a high-powered delegation to condole with the family of Ahmed Sekinat, the D.S. Adegbenro ICT Polytechnic student killed during a robbery attack, and visit another student receiving treatment for gunshot injuries at the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta. The demands were made on Wednesday during a press conference at the Nigeria Union of Journalists Secretariat in Abeokuta by the Secretary-General of NANS, Oladimeji Uthman, popularly known as “Dan Fodio.” According to him, students across Ogun tertiary institutions now live in fear because of persistent cases of kidnapping, armed robbery, cult violence, rape and other criminal activities. Also present at the briefing were the President of the Students’ Union Government of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade, Akinpelu Timothy; Olabisi Onabanjo University Students’ Union President, Kehinde Bamgbose; Okunuga Opeyemi of D.S. Adegbenro ICT Polytechnic, and other student leaders. Uthman said, “The recent abduction of five students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade, the killing of a female student of D.S. Adegbenro ICT Polytechnic, Itori, and repeated armed robbery attacks around Tai Solarin Federal University of Education, Ijebu-Ode, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, and Abraham Adesanya Polytechnic, Ijebu-Igbo, underscore the worsening security situation in the state. “For far too long, students have continued to live in fear. The safety of lives and property on and around our campuses has been grossly threatened by armed robbery, kidnapping, rape, cult-related violence and other criminal activities. Students can no longer move freely, attend lectures or return to their hostels without fear of attack.” The NANS scribe lamented that previous attempts by the association to engage security agencies through strategic meetings yielded no result, alleging that the agencies ignored invitations extended by the students’ body. “It is deeply regrettable that despite the growing insecurity across off-campus hostels in our tertiary institutions, the National Association of Nigerian Students wrote to all heads of security agencies in the state requesting a strategic meeting to discuss practical and lasting solutions. “Regrettably, these requests were not honoured. This refusal to engage with the legitimate representatives of Nigerian students has frustrated genuine efforts aimed at finding collaborative solutions while students continue to suffer armed robbery attacks, kidnappings, violent assaults and loss of lives,” he said. Uthman, however, commended the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, for deploying an operational police aircraft to strengthen security operations in the state, noting that the move would enhance aerial surveillance, intelligence gathering and rescue efforts. He stressed that more decisive action was needed. “Consequently, NANS issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the Ogun State Government, the Ogun State Police Command, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and other relevant security agencies to rescue the abducted students, arrest and prosecute those responsible for the murder of the D.S. Adegbenro ICT Polytechnic student and bring all perpetrators of violent attacks against students to justice. “Failure to meet these demands within the stipulated 72 hours will leave the national students’ body with no option but to commence sustained peaceful mass actions and statewide protests until justice is served and adequate security is guaranteed for every student in Ogun State,” he said. To improve security, NANS called for increased patrols around campuses, the establishment of permanent security posts in vulnerable student communities, deployment of the Ogun State Anti-Violent Crime Team to tertiary institutions, stronger collaboration among school authorities, host communities and security agencies, and the creation of an Ogun Security Agencies–Student Leaders Relations Forum. Uthman described the planned protest as peaceful and urged students’ unions, labour groups, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to support the campaign against insecurity in tertiary institutions. The ultimatum comes amid a series of security incidents involving students in Ogun State. On July 27, an HND II Marketing student of D.S. Adegbenro ICT Polytechnic, Itori, was shot dead during a robbery attack in the Eruku community, while another student sustained gunshot injuries and is receiving treatment at the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta. Similarly, the Students’ Union of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade, recently announced the abduction of five students from a private hostel in Ipara Remo, Remo North Local Government Area. The Ogun State Police Command said it had activated tactical units to ensure the safe rescue of the victims after the incident, which occurred on the night of July 29, 2026.  

Arrest Us If You Must, We’ll Continue Preaching in Buses — PFN

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  The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has declared that Christians will continue preaching in commercial buses despite any attempt to ban the practice, maintaining that believers will not be deterred even if such a law is enforced. The President of the PFN, Bishop Wale Oke, stated this on Wednesday during an appearance on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief. He was reacting to the controversy surrounding the Federal Road Safety Corps (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which proposes a N50,000 fine for anyone convicted of hawking, trading or preaching inside commercial vehicles. “We will preach in buses if they want to imprison us; let them come and arrest us. We are coming. We will preach in buses; they cannot stop us,” Oke said.The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria has vowed to resist any attempt to stop Christians from preaching in commercial buses, insisting that believers would continue evangelising even if such a law were enforced. The President of the PFN, Bishop Wale Oke, stated this on Wednesday during an appearance on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief. He was reacting to the controversy surrounding the Federal Road Safety Corps (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which proposes a N50,000 fine for anyone convicted of hawking, trading or preaching inside commercial vehicles. “We will preach in buses if they want to imprison us; let them come and arrest us. We are coming. We will preach in buses; they cannot stop us,” Oke said. The Bishop of Sword of the Spirit Ministries International said Christians would “rather obey God than man,” arguing that any restriction on public preaching would violate their constitutional right to propagate their faith. Defending remarks he made in a viral video while addressing his congregation, Oke reiterated his determination to resist any attempt to prohibit public evangelism. “Make all the stadiums in Nigeria become a prison if you want to enforce that law. We are coming. We will preach in buses; we will preach everywhere,” he said in the video. The cleric described the proposal as an attack on Christians rather than a genuine effort to improve public safety. According to him, the proposed restriction reflects what he sees as a broader pattern of policies targeting Christians. He added that Nigeria belongs to people of, different religious beliefs and should remain so. The controversy followed public concerns over provisions in the Federal Road Safety Corps (Amendment) Bill, 2026 relating to preaching and hawking in commercial vehicles. However, the Senate has clarified that the amendment bill does not introduce a new prohibition on preaching or hawking in commercial vehicles. According to the Senate, the provision has existed since the enactment of the FRSC Establishment Act, 2007, where it appeared as Item 36 of the Second Schedule, and was later retained as Item 49 in the proposed amendment. It also cited Regulation 220 of the National Road Traffic Regulations, 2012. The Senate also dismissed claims that the bill seeks to ban street preaching or restrict religious activities in public places. “It is about the safety of commuters and other road users and is not intended to undermine any religious activity in the public space,” the Senate said in a statement. The upper chamber further clarified that the bill was not sponsored by the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, explaining that it originated in the House of Representatives and is before the Senate as a concurrence bill. The Senate added that the legislative process was still ongoing and urged stakeholders to channel theirgy concerns through the appropriate legislative process before the bill is passed.

Nollywood Actress Temitope Osoba Passes Away

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  Popular Nollywood actress, Temitope Osoba, has passed away, leaving fans and colleagues in the Nigerian film industry in mourning. Her death was announced on Wednesday by fellow actor Alesh Sanni in an emotional post shared on his Instagram page. Expressing grief over the loss, Sanni said he had been unable to sleep since learning of the actress’ death, describing her as a dear sister with whom he shared memorable moments. He wrote, “Couldn’t sleep since last night, it’s well. Rest in peace my dearest sister, Temitope Osoba. We had amazing time and good memories together, till we meet again. I really dunno what to say mehn, gosh.” As of the time of filing this report, the cause of Osoba’s death had yet to be disclosed. The actress was known for her roles in several Yoruba-language Nollywood productions and was regarded by colleagues as a talented performer. Further details surrounding her death were still being awaited as of press time. Details later…

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