Nigeria news

Family Confirms Death of Gospel Singer Toluwanisings

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  The family of Nigerian gospel singer Olayemi Bayonile Bolaji, popularly known as Toluwanisings, has announced his death at the age not stated in the family’s announcement. The family disclosed the news in a statement posted on the singer’s TikTok account on Wednesday, saying he died in the early hours of October 14, 2026. The statement described him as a beloved husband, family member and gospel minister under the Toluwani Gospel Music Ministry (TOGOMM). It also appealed to the public to keep his wife, family and loved ones in their prayers. The family said details of his funeral arrangements would be announced in due course. News of his death has sparked an outpouring of grief among fans and colleagues on social media. Pelumi Olajengbesi, convener of the Coalition of Public Interest Lawyers and Advocates, expressed distress over the development and called for God’s mercy. Gospel artiste Mega99 also paid tribute to the singer, describing him as “a rare gem with a unique voice.” An X user, identified as Ennybets, said he was at a hospital when the singer was brought in. In a subsequent post, he recounted seeing members of the singer’s band crying over his death. The circumstances surrounding Toluwanisings’ death remain unclear, as the family has not disclosed the cause.

2027 Elections: Nigerians Will Be Proud of Police, Says IG Disu

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  The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has assured Nigerians that police officers will demonstrate professionalism before, during and after the 2027 general elections, promising that their conduct will make citizens proud of the force. Disu gave the assurance while speaking with journalists after the launch of The Origin of Women in Nigeria Police Force, a book written by 96-year-old retired Deputy Commissioner of Police, Dame Stella Okuyiga, one of the first 20 female officers to join the Nigeria Police Force. The IGP said the police had held a conference with commissioners of police and other senior officers to review lessons from previous elections and improve their performance in 2027. “We have now brought all these experiences together, where we did well and where we did not do well, so that we can perform better in this big election that everybody is looking up to,” Disu said. He added that the force would work to ensure Nigerians were proud of its conduct during the polls. Speaking on the book, Disu praised Okuyiga for documenting her experiences and institutional knowledge for future generations of police officers, particularly women. He said the police would ensure copies of the book were made available to training institutions to help officers understand the history and contributions of women in the force. Okuyiga expressed delight that the publication would preserve her experiences for future generations, saying it would allow her story to live on through libraries and readers around the world. The book was launched by Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Dagogo Wokama, who announced a donation of ₦20 million.

Police Confirm Attack on Oriyomi Hamzat’s Supporters in Oyo

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  The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed an attack on supporters of Accord Party governorship candidate, Oriyomi Hamzat, during a peaceful procession in Molete, Ibadan South-West Local Government Area. The police spokesperson, Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed the incident on Wednesday, saying the supporters were ambushed by suspected hoodlums. “I am aware of the attacks. The loyalists of Hamzat were ambushed during a peaceful procession at Molete end of the ancient city,” Ayanlade said. Hamzat, a radio presenter and chairman of Agidigbo 88.7 FM, Ibadan, was reportedly returning from the United Kingdom when he and his supporters were pelted with stones by unidentified attackers. Eyewitnesses said the intervention of security personnel and Hamzat’s efforts to calm his supporters prevented a possible reprisal attack. The procession was organised to welcome Hamzat back to Nigeria late Tuesday night. One eyewitness said the attack would not discourage supporters from backing their preferred candidate. Another eyewitness, identified as Kola, condemned the incident, saying political differences should not lead to violence. Kehinde Olaiya, a member of the group, said some supporters sustained injuries while vehicles in the convoy were vandalised. He added that Hamzat remained peaceful and that the procession would continue from the Ibadan Toll Gate area of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway to the headquarters of Agidigbo FM along the Ojoo-Iwo Road Expressway.

2027 Elections: IPC Urges Journalists to Prioritise Accountability, Fact checking.

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  The International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos, has urged journalists to scrutinise political promises, prioritise citizens’ concerns and hold public officials accountable ahead of the 2027 general elections. The Executive Director of IPC, Lanre Arogundade, gave the charge during a two-day engagement with members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, online editors and publishers in Ibadan, Oyo State. The programme, held from October 12 to 13 at Golden Tulip Hotel, Jericho, was organised under the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria III programme. Represented by the programme officer, Melody Akinjiyan, Arogundade said journalists needed to strengthen their electoral reporting to provide credible, balanced and inclusive information that serves the public interest. He stressed that election coverage should go beyond political campaigns, rallies, candidates and results to reflect citizens’ expectations and concerns about governance. Former Chief Press Secretary to Governor Seyi Makinde, Dr Taiwo Adisa, also urged journalists to move away from personality-driven reporting towards issue-based journalism. In his presentation, Adisa said journalists should scrutinise party manifestos, track campaign promises and give greater attention to the concerns of women, youths and vulnerable groups. He described journalists as auditors and watchdogs of democracy, adding that the media had an important role in bridging the gap between citizens’ expectations and the realities of governance. Another resource person, Olusola Oludiran, warned that misinformation, disinformation and malinformation could undermine public trust and threaten credible elections. Speaking on fact-checking in democratic reporting, he urged journalists to verify sources, authenticate images and videos, cross-check claims against reliable data and consult experts before publication. “False information can trigger violence, undermine public trust, distort electoral choices and destroy reputations within minutes. The cost of one unverified story can be far greater than the time it takes to verify it,” he said. Oludiran introduced participants to verification tools, including Google Fact Check Explorer, InVID and TinEye, and encouraged newsrooms to establish fact-checking desks ahead of the elections. The engagement brought together more than 40 editors, publishers and union leaders from Oyo State and other parts of the South-West to discuss the media’s role in strengthening democratic accountability and improving electoral reporting. Participants commended the IPC and the European Union for organising the programme and pledged to uphold professional standards ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Reps to Prioritise State Police, Women’s Reserved Seats, 2027 Budget

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  The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has unveiled a proposed 100-day legislative programme to fast-track pending bills, clear outstanding committee reports and strengthen oversight as lawmakers resume plenary after their annual recess. Abbas announced the plan on Tuesday at the National Assembly in Abuja, urging lawmakers not to allow political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections to distract them from their constitutional responsibilities. “The campaign must never become more important than the country,” he said, calling for improved attendance at plenary and committee sittings. The Speaker identified the proposed State Police Bill, the Reserved Seats for Women Bill and other outstanding constitutional amendments as key priorities. He said the House would work with the Senate and state Houses of Assembly to advance the constitutional review process. He also urged the Federal Government to submit the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) for the 2027 budget promptly to allow sufficient time for legislative scrutiny and the timely passage of the Appropriation Bill. Abbas said the House would also prioritise bills and requests submitted by President Bola Tinubu, including the National Research Development Fund Bill and the proposed domestication of the Geneva Conventions and their relevant protocols. Providing an update on legislative performance, Abbas disclosed that the House had received 2,747 bills and passed 363 by mid-June 2026. He added that the House had completed between 65 and 70 per cent of the major milestones in its legislative agenda. However, he cautioned against measuring the Assembly’s performance solely by the number of bills passed, stressing that legislation and oversight must produce tangible benefits for Nigerians. “A law must solve a problem. A motion must lead to action. An investigation must protect the public interest. Oversight must improve the management of public resources,” he said. Abbas also called for strict compliance with the Electoral Act and adequate support for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the 2027 elections. He urged public institutions involved in the electoral process to operate with neutrality and professionalism. With the 10th Assembly entering its fourth and final session, the Speaker urged lawmakers to complete priority legislation, conclude outstanding investigations and strengthen oversight before the end of their tenure. He also called for greater accountability in the management of public revenue, insisting that increased allocations should translate into better roads, education, healthcare and security. Abbas further pledged legislative support for security agencies while emphasising accountability in the use of public funds and powers. He urged lawmakers to remain united across party lines and focus on delivering measurable results before the Assembly’s tenure ends.

First Niger Bridge May Reopen This Week – Federal Controller

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  The First Niger Bridge linking Onitsha, Anambra State, to Asaba, Delta State, may be reopened to traffic before the end of this week, the Federal Controller of Works in Anambra State, Timothy Emenike, has said. Emenike gave the assurance on Wednesday while speaking with journalists about the ongoing finishing works on the bridge. He said major rehabilitation activities, including asphalt laying, repairs to expansion bolts and other critical structural works, had been completed, with only finishing works such as the painting of railings and installation of solar light poles ongoing. “Barring unforeseen circumstances, the bridge could be reopened before the end of the week,” Emenike said. He added that all necessary infrastructure had been put in place to ensure the free flow of traffic and improve the safety of road users. The bridge was closed to traffic from September 7 to 21 for emergency rehabilitation after vandalised structural components, including expansion-joint steelwork, were discovered. The closure was later extended by one week due to persistent rainfall and other unforeseen circumstances. During an inspection on September 23, the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, had said the bridge would not be reopened until the major structural repairs were completed. “We are not going to be stampeded to open the bridge until the major structural work has been achieved,” Umahi said at the time. The prolonged closure forced motorists to use the Second Niger Bridge and other alternative routes, leading to longer travel times and increased transportation costs. Meanwhile, Emenike dismissed reports that newly installed brick demarcations on the bridge had been removed or destroyed. He said the openings seen along the demarcation were deliberately created to allow emergency U-turns. “The alleged removal of the brick demarcation that was installed after the bridge rehabilitation is one of the lies some disgruntled elements are telling and posting with fake pictures on social media to discredit the ministry and deceive the public,” he said. The expected reopening is likely to ease traffic pressure and improve movement between Onitsha and Asaba, particularly for commuters, traders and businesses that rely heavily on the major transport link.

UPDATED: 20 Abducted Corps Members Regain Freedom in Imo

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  Twenty prospective National Youth Service Corps members abducted while travelling from Oyo State to their orientation camps in Abia State have regained their freedom. The graduates were kidnapped seven days ago along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Umunoha, Imo State, while travelling in two buses. The rescued victims are currently receiving medical treatment at the Department of State Services Hospital in Owerri. The Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier-General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, visited the facility to meet the victims and assess their condition. He was accompanied by the Imo State Commissioner of Police, the Director of the DSS and the Commander of the 34 Artillery Brigade. The latest development means all 20 prospective corps members have now regained their freedom. Authorities have, however, yet to disclose details of the rescue operation, including whether any suspects were arrested or ransom was paid. The abductors had reportedly demanded N50 million for each victim, initially putting the ransom at N1 billion before reducing it to N5 million per person, or N100 million in total. Following the abduction, security agencies launched a search operation and reportedly traced the kidnappers’ hideout through drone surveillance. However, access to the location was said to have been delayed after improvised explosive devices were reportedly discovered around the camp. Additional equipment, including bulldozers and armoured personnel carriers, was subsequently deployed to facilitate access. Earlier, the police had announced the rescue of 10 of the victims while efforts continued to locate the remaining captives. Meanwhile, Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, commended the security agencies and the governments of Imo and Oyo states for their coordinated efforts in securing the victims’ release. Uzodimma said the sensitive nature of the operation informed the decision to keep details away from the public while efforts were ongoing. He also commended the victims’ families for their patience and urged Nigerians to remain confident in ongoing efforts to tackle insecurity.

Foundation Sues TikTok Over Alleged Restrictions in Kano, Kaduna, Kebbi, Sokoto

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The Foundation for Digital Justice has sued TikTok Inc. at the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged restrictions on access to the platform in Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi and Sokoto states. The organisation is asking the court to order TikTok to restore access to millions of users in the affected states. The suit was filed on October 5, 2026, by the Foundation’s lead counsel, Festus Ogun. It was brought under the Fundamental Rights Enforcement Procedure Rules, 2009. The Foundation alleged that the restrictions violated Nigerians’ constitutional rights to freedom of expression and freedom from discrimination. Users Report Access Problems In an affidavit filed in support of the suit, the Foundation’s legal officer, Abidat Idowu, said users in the four states began experiencing difficulties accessing TikTok around September 11. By September 14, she said, access to the platform had become “completely restricted and inaccessible to millions of Nigerian Users in Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi and Sokoto States.” According to the affidavit, users on regular mobile data connections were affected. Their feeds were reportedly freezing, while videos failed to load and uploads repeatedly stalled. “These users cannot load videos, refresh their feeds and upload content on TikTok,” Idowu stated. The Foundation further alleged that the disruption had prevented affected users from accessing and sharing information or participating in online discussions. “Millions of Nigerian Users in Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi and Sokoto States are left out of access to information, they cannot disseminate information, they cannot receive information and cannot express their opinions on the Respondent’s TikTok’s platform owing to the restriction and/or disruption,” the affidavit stated. Foundation Alleges Discrimination The organisation said some affected users had been able to regain access by using virtual private networks, commonly known as VPNs. It also alleged that TikTok remained fully accessible to users in other parts of Nigeria. “Disturbingly, except in Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi and Sokoto States, users in all other parts of Nigeria continue to enjoy unrestricted and unfettered access and usage of Respondent’s TikTok App,” Idowu stated. The Foundation argued that TikTok had not provided an explanation for the alleged difference in access. “The Respondent has also not provided any explanation for the obvious exclusion, discrimination and restriction of access against all TikTok users in Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi and Sokoto States,” the affidavit said. The organisation wants the court to determine whether the alleged restriction violates Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution, which protects freedom of expression, as well as Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. It is also asking the court to determine whether the alleged differential treatment violates Section 42 of the Constitution and Article 2 of the African Charter, which protect against discrimination. TikTok Access Described as Critical The Foundation argued that TikTok has become more than an entertainment platform in Nigeria. According to the organisation, the platform is widely used for communication, journalism, business, civic participation, and political and social discourse. “The Respondent’s platform is very critical for communication, journalism, civic participation, business, political and social discourse in Nigeria and the restriction of millions of TikTok users in Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi and Sokoto States has unduly excluded them,” it said. The Foundation also argued that activities such as posting, liking, reposting and replying to content constitute forms of expression. It stated that users affected by the alleged restriction were prevented from viewing, posting, replying to, reposting or liking content on TikTok. The organisation therefore described the alleged restrictions as an exclusion of residents of the four states from what it termed a public forum. What the Foundation Wants The Foundation is seeking several orders from the court. It wants the alleged restrictions to be declared “wrongful, unconstitutional, arbitrary” and a violation of the right to freedom of expression. It is also asking the court to declare that restricting users in the four states while allowing access elsewhere in Nigeria amounts to discrimination. In addition, the organisation wants TikTok to immediately restore access to affected users. It is seeking a perpetual injunction preventing the company from imposing similar restrictions on users in the affected states, or elsewhere in Nigeria, without lawful justification. The Foundation is also asking the court to order TikTok to publish a public apology in three national newspapers within seven days of judgment. It said the legal action was necessary to protect digital rights and uphold the rule of law. “This lawsuit is imperative for the enforcement of fundamental rights to freedom of expression and freedom from discrimination and preservation of the rule of law,” the affidavit stated. The Foundation further argued that unless the reliefs sought were granted, the alleged violations would continue to affect millions of TikTok users in the four states.

FULL LIST: NAF Names 25 Victims of Ondo Aircraft Crash

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The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has released the names of the 25 people who died in the crash involving its ATR-42 aircraft, NAF 931, in Igbokoda, Ondo State. The aircraft crashed on Monday while it was on a routine mission from Benin, Edo State, to Lagos. According to the NAF, five crew members and 20 passengers were on board. No survivor has been found following the crash, the Air Force said in a statement issued on Tuesday by its Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame. NAF Releases Names of Victims The five crew members who lost their lives have been identified as: Squadron Leader MI Aburime – Flight Captain Squadron Leader AP Man-Ugwueje – Co-pilot Flight Lieutenant IS Bako – Co-pilot Warrant Officer Abubakar A – Aircraft Technician Corporal Uguru HC – Aircraft Technician The 20 passengers have been identified as: Flight Lieutenant TL Lazarus Flight Lieutenant M Akinloye Flying Officer IM Adeshina Master Warrant Officer Onwuka F Master Warrant Officer Matini BA Warrant Officer Nuhu FS Flight Sergeant James RB Flight Sergeant Mohammed AI Sergeant Ani AE Sergeant Izibenikien SI Sergeant Alafuka C Sergeant Mbadugha AN Lance Corporal Ugwuba FC Lance Corporal Eledan GE Mrs Ezeh Nneka Godstmine Tarabina Joy Micheal Sunday Micheal Ukeme David Gideon Omotola NAF Begins Investigation According to the Air Force, search-and-rescue procedures were activated immediately after the crash. The response was carried out in coordination with relevant authorities as efforts were made to locate and account for everyone on board. The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has also directed a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. Aneke described the incident as “a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation” and expressed condolences to the families, colleagues and loved ones of the victims. He also assured the bereaved families of the Nigerian Air Force’s full support during the difficult period. The NAF said further verified information would be released as the investigation progresses. The public was also urged to avoid speculation and the circulation of unverified information. The Air Force appealed to the public to respect the privacy and dignity of the affected families. Condolence Register Opened in Abuja Meanwhile, a condolence register has been opened at the Nigerian Air Force Headquarters in Abuja. According to the Service, the register is available for government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies and other well-wishers who wish to pay their respects to the victims and sympathise with their families. The NAF said it would continue to provide timely and verified updates on the investigation and the recovery efforts.

Why JAMB Is Taking UTME to Canada – Registrar

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The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has explained its decision to establish a Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination centre in Canada, saying the move is aimed at expanding access to Nigerian tertiary education rather than generating revenue. JAMB Registrar, Prof. Segun Aina, said the proposed centre in Ottawa would serve Nigerians living in Canada and other parts of North America who wish to sit the UTME for admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions. Aina gave the explanation in a series of posts on X on Tuesday, following questions over the planned centre, which is expected to begin operations for the 2027 UTME. He said JAMB currently conducts the examination in about 10 foreign countries as part of efforts to make the examination accessible to eligible candidates abroad. “UTME is currently being written in about 10 countries as a service to enhance access to education. We also conduct the exams in correctional service centres for the same reason. So the number of candidates is not the main driving force,” Aina wrote. The registrar noted that although JAMB has examination centres in several African countries, there was previously no centre in North America. He said the board had received enquiries from prospective candidates in the region and expected interest to increase following the announcement of the Ottawa centre. Explaining who would use the centre, Aina said Nigerians relocate abroad every year for different reasons, including children of public servants posted overseas. “Anyone of the 100s of people who move back yearly for one reason or the other, including the children of many service personnel with tenured postings all around the world,” he said. Aina also dismissed concerns that JAMB would have to acquire or rent a building and employ additional staff to operate the centre. According to him, the board partners with Nigerian diplomatic missions in countries where it conducts the UTME, using temporary spaces within high commission premises and relying on available staff to assist with the examination. “We partner with the Nigerian High Commissions in the various countries. We set up temporary spaces within their premises and use their staff to assist us run the exams,” he said. He further disclosed that no money had been spent on the proposed Canadian centre, explaining that discussions began after he used a visit to Canada for a conference to explore the possibility. “Not a single kobo has gone into this exploration so far — I was in Canada for a conference and used the opportunity to make the connection,” he wrote. Aina said JAMB would not maintain a permanent facility or computer-based test centre in Ottawa. Instead, the examination is expected to take place within the Nigerian High Commission’s premises to keep costs low. He maintained that JAMB’s foreign examination centres were established primarily to improve access to Nigerian tertiary education, rather than on financial considerations. Responding to concerns about demand in North America, Aina said the absence of a centre in the region had previously made it impossible for candidates there to sit the UTME. “There couldn’t have been any candidates in North America since we didn’t have any centres there, sir. You are making our point whilst seeming to argue against it,” he wrote. JAMB spokesperson, Fabian Benjamin, also defended the decision, saying the board had received indications of interest from more than 100 candidates who want to sit the examination in Canada. “How will you feel if you know that over 100 candidates have already indicated their interest to sit the exam in Canada. Let us promote the nation please,” Benjamin wrote. The planned Ottawa centre is expected to begin operations with the 2027 UTME and will provide eligible Nigerians living in Canada and other parts of North America with access to the examination without having to travel to Nigeria.

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