Citybuzznews Archives - Page 17 of 149

Atiku Raises Concern Over Suspicious Deposit Into His Bank Account

August 7, 2026 by admin

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed concern after an unexpected credit was made to one of his personal bank accounts, suggesting that the incident may indicate a compromise of his confidential banking information. Atiku, who is the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, disclosed this in a statement on Friday signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu. The statement said the transfer was made by an individual unknown to the former vice president, with the narration, “Contribution Electioneering Campaign.” “Neither His Excellency nor his campaign solicited, authorised or has any knowledge of the individual or entity behind the unauthorised payment,” the statement read. According to the statement, the circumstances surrounding the transaction were “deeply troubling” as the account was strictly private and its details were not publicly available. “The account is a strictly private one whose details are not in the public domain. This raises a fundamental question: How did unknown persons obtain the confidential banking details of a private citizen?” it added. Atiku said the alleged access to his banking information raised broader concerns about the protection of Nigerians’ financial privacy. “If the private banking information of a former Vice President and a leading presidential candidate can be accessed and deployed for reasons yet unknown then no Nigerian’s financial privacy is safe,” the statement quoted him as saying. The former vice president also expressed concern over the possibility that the information was obtained through individuals with privileged access. “Even more disturbing, is the suspicion that such confidential information may have been obtained through persons with privileged access,” the statement said. Atiku warned that a breach of confidential banking information could expose citizens to security threats. “If established, this would amount to a grave abuse of power capable of exposing the account holder to kidnappers, terrorists, bandits, fraudsters and other criminal elements,” the statement added. The ADC presidential candidate said security agencies and Nigerians had been notified of the development, describing it as part of a series of suspicious activities ahead of the 2027 general elections. “We therefore put the Nigerian public — and the security agencies — on notice about this latest incident in a litany of suspicious activities leading up to next year’s general elections,” he said. Atiku urged Nigerians not to be distracted by what he described as attempts to smear his reputation as political activities intensify ahead of the elections. “As political activities gather momentum, Nigerians should not be distracted by these tired tactics that smack of character assassination,” the statement read. “Such desperate antics have failed before and will fail again,” he added. The former vice president maintained that he remained committed to providing what he described as credible leadership and practical solutions to Nigeria’s challenges. “The Waziri Adamawa remains focused on offering Nigerians credible leadership and practical solutions to the nation’s challenges,” the statement said.

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

August 6, 2026 by admin

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

August 5, 2026 by admin

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

August 5, 2026 by admin

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

August 5, 2026 by admin

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

August 5, 2026 by admin

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.

Osun Moves to Court Over EFCC’s Freeze on Govt Account

August 5, 2026 by admin

Osun State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Oluwole Jimi-Bada, announced on Wednesday that he has been authorised by the governor to institute legal action against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) following the anti-graft agency’s decision to freeze the state’s government accounts. Jimi-Bada said a ‘Post no debit’ letter from the EFCC was forwarded to the management of the First Bank where Osun government accounts were domiciled on Wednesday. The commissioner, who expressed readiness to proceed to court, said the move by the anti-graft agency may hamper government’s business, noted that Governor Ademola Adeleke was not using state funds to run its campaign for reelection. “I have the mandate of the governor to proceed to the Federal High Court to challenge this move. EFCC can investigate the accounts but it can’t freeze the accounts without order of court. “This step will affect government running but we will challenge the move and ensure that the agency acts within the ambit of the law,” Jimi-Bada said. Corroborating the Attorney General, Osun State Commissioner for Finance, Sola Ogungbile, alleged that police operatives had stormed the main branch of First Bank in Osogbo and arrested staff members of the bank. He also said Adeleke was not using state funds for his campaigns and urged the anti graft agency to consider the implications that the move will have on the general well-being of the residents. Earlier, Adeleke raised the alarm that EFCC was planning to freeze all Osun State government accounts. In a statement signed by the state Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, on Wednesday, the governor said the EFCC was also reportedly planning to freeze accounts of all top government functionaries. The governor who said such a plan, if true, amounts to the height of lawlessness, said “The plot to freeze the state government accounts is meant to paralyze government activities ahead of the August 15th governorship election.” The governor affirmed that there is no legal basis or justification for any push to freeze the state government accounts, declaring that the anti-graft agency has no legal powers to freeze the account of a state government. Details later…

Nollywood Actress Temitope Osoba Passes Away

August 5, 2026 by admin

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…

BREAKING: WAEC releases 2026 WASSCE results

August 5, 2026 by admin

The West African Examinations Council has released the results of the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination for School Candidates. WAEC announced the release in a post on its official X handle on Wednesday. “UPDATE: 2026 WASSCE (SC) results have been released. Generate your PIN at http://waec.org and check your results now on http://waecdirect.org,” the examination body stated. Out of 1,950,726 candidates that sat for the examination, 1,200,514 candidates (61.54 per cent) obtained credits and above in at least five subjects, including English Language and Mathematics. Candidates are required to first generate a Personal Identification Number (PIN) and serial number on the WAEC website (waec.org) before accessing their results on the result-checking portal (waecdirect.org). The process typically involves providing the examination number and National Identification Number (NIN) used during registration, along with contact details for OTP verification. Approximately 1.96 million candidates from more than 24,200 secondary schools across Nigeria sat for the examination, which ran from April 21 to June 19, 2026. While most centres in the cohort used the traditional pen-and-paper format, a significantly larger number of schools than in previous years opted for the computer-based testing (CBT) option. WAEC had earlier indicated that results would be released around 45 days after the final paper. The release comes months after WAEC announced the release of the results of the Computer-Based West African Senior School Certificate Examination for Private Candidates, 2026 First Series. Punch

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

August 4, 2026 by admin

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.

Atiku Raises Concern Over Suspicious Deposit Into His Bank Account

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

Osun Poll: Davido Calls for Peaceful Election, Rejects Violence

BREAKING: 176 Abducted Victims Regain Freedom in Kwara

NANS Issues Ogun 72-Hour Deadline to Rescue Abducted Students

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

Osun Moves to Court Over EFCC’s Freeze on Govt Account

Nollywood Actress Temitope Osoba Passes Away

BREAKING: WAEC releases 2026 WASSCE results

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

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