Nigeria

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to immediately vacate a court order freezing the accounts of the Osun State Government, citing concerns over the timing of the action just days before the state’s gubernatorial election.

The President issued the directive on Thursday, August 6, 2026, following the EFCC’s successful application for a court order on August 5, freezing the state government’s accounts.

In a statement from the State House, President Tinubu expressed deep embarrassment over the development, though he clarified that his discomfort was not with the EFCC’s statutory mandate but with the timing of the agency’s action.

“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,” the President stated.

Tinubu emphasized his deliberate policy of non-interference in the operational activities of investigative and prosecutorial agencies, describing strong democratic institutions operating within the confines of the law as indispensable to good governance and the rule of law.

However, the President noted that while he had not been fully briefed on the facts that informed the EFCC’s decision to approach the court, the timing was “inauspicious,” warranting his intervention.

“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 stated.

The President 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.”

The intervention comes as political tensions rise in Osun State ahead of the upcoming gubernatorial election, with opposition parties and civil society groups closely monitoring federal agencies’ activities in the state.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

A highly anticipated publishing deal worth more than $2 million for Nigerian author Jerry Falade has collapsed after allegations that artificial intelligence (AI) may have been used in the creation of his debut crime novel, Call Me, I’ll Hide the Body.

The manuscript had attracted intense interest from publishers, with a 14-way bidding contest reportedly leading to a multimillion-dollar offer from a major U.S. publisher. However, Falade’s literary agents withdrew the novel after stating they could no longer verify that the manuscript had been written without AI assistance.

Falade has strongly denied the allegations, insisting that he wrote the novel himself. He has also argued that the accusations reflect racial bias within the publishing industry, claiming that Black authors face greater scrutiny over AI use than their white counterparts.

The controversy has sparked fresh debate about the growing role of AI in creative writing and the challenges publishers face in verifying the originality of manuscripts. It also highlights increasing concerns within the global publishing industry over authorship, copyright, and the ethical use of generative AI.

By Muhammad Abubakar

Anthony Adeosun, husband of former Minister of Finance Kemi Adeosun, has passed away at the age of 62.

According to an official statement issued by the family, Mr Adeosun died on Wednesday. Further details regarding the cause of death have not yet been disclosed by the family.

In their statement, the family requested privacy as they grieve the loss of their patriarch and noted that details regarding funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.

Kemi Adeosun served as Nigeria’s Minister of Finance from November 2015 until her resignation in September 2018. 

Messages of condolence from public officials, political associates, and well-wishers have begun pouring in to comfort the former minister and her family during this difficult period.

By Uzair Adam

The Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) has concluded the first batch of textbook assessments for the 2026 National Book Assessment and Ranking Exercise, a key initiative aimed at improving the quality of instructional materials used in schools across Nigeria.

The Daily Reality reports that the development was announced in a statement by NERDC following the completion of the exercise, which forms part of the Federal Government’s quality assurance measures for educational resources.

The assessment, conducted from July 23 to 27, brought together panels of subject specialists, curriculum experts, language professionals and other education stakeholders to evaluate textbooks submitted for Primary One, Primary Four, Junior Secondary School One (JSS I) and Senior Secondary School One (SSS I).

The exercise aligns with the phased implementation of the new national curriculum.

According to NERDC, the assessment is a key component of the Federal Ministry of Education’s quality assurance framework, which requires all textbooks to undergo a rigorous evaluation before being ranked for possible recommendation and use in schools.

The Council said the initiative is designed to ensure that teachers and learners have access to instructional materials that are curriculum-compliant, academically sound, inclusive and pedagogically appropriate.

Speaking on the successful completion of the first phase, the Executive Secretary of NERDC, Prof. Salisu Shehu, commended the assessors for their professionalism, dedication and commitment throughout the exercise.

He described the assessment as a critical step toward strengthening quality assurance in educational publishing and improving learning outcomes nationwide.

According to Shehu, the introduction of the national book ranking system represents a major reform in the assessment and approval of textbooks, as it is intended to promote excellence, transparency and healthy competition among publishers while ensuring that only quality instructional materials are recommended for use in Nigerian schools.

“The integrity of the assessment process remains paramount. Every textbook was assessed using approved assessment guidelines and established quality benchmarks to ensure fairness, objectivity and consistency.

“Our goal is to provide Nigerian learners and teachers with textbooks that effectively support the implementation of the national curriculum and contribute to improved educational outcomes,” he said.

The NERDC boss also expressed appreciation to members of the assessment panels for dedicating their expertise and time to the exercise, describing their contributions as invaluable to improving the quality of educational resources in the country.

He disclosed that assessment reports from the first batch would proceed to the next stage of the ranking process in line with the approved Book Quality Guidelines and Ranking Framework.

Shehu reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to maintaining a transparent, credible and evidence-based evaluation process that reflects international best practices in textbook assessment.

Also speaking, the Director of the Book Development Centre (BDC), Dr. Judith Kanu, praised the commitment of the assessment panels and reiterated the Council’s resolve to uphold the integrity of the ranking process.

She said every submitted textbook underwent a comprehensive evaluation using established criteria to ensure that only books meeting the required quality standards would be recommended for use in schools.

Kanu added that the completion of the first batch marks another important milestone in NERDC’s efforts to institutionalise a transparent and credible textbook assessment system capable of strengthening curriculum delivery and enhancing learning outcomes across the country.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, who represents Abia North, has said he will leave the All Progressives Congress (APC) if President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ever shows disrespect to opposition parties or the Catholic Church.

The former governor of Abia State made the remark during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he also defended the President’s approach to political competition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Kalu argued that no politician would be expected to make the political environment easier for opponents, although he maintained that President Tinubu has treated members of the opposition fairly.

He said: “Will you just lay red carpet for the opposition to come and be dancing around if you are a politician?

“Tinubu is fair to them, he has not touched any of them unknowingly.

“The law of the land is very straightforward and if you respect the law of the land you will be well in the country.

“What he said is that he can’t give the opposition red carpet. If I’m your enemy will you give me a red carpet? If I’m fighting with you, will you give me red carpet?

“I’m a very fair minded man who speaks the truth, if I heard what he said that we are going to have a fair contest and he won’t touch anybody.

“Any day Tinubu disrespect the opposition or Catholic church I will resign from the APC.”

Kalu also advised Nigerians not to expect President Tinubu to offer political advantages to opposition parties as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum. He insisted that electoral competition should take place within the provisions of the law and expressed confidence that the President would ensure a level playing field.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Presidency has attributed the robust financial results posted by companies on the Nigerian Exchange in the first half of 2026 to the sweeping economic reforms initiated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration since mid-2023.

In a statement issued Wednesday, the government highlighted the unification of the foreign exchange market as a cornerstone reform that has improved price discovery and enabled companies with significant foreign currency exposure to more accurately value their dollar-denominated revenues.

“By establishing a single, market-determined exchange rate, the reform improved price discovery and enabled companies with substantial foreign currency exposure to more accurately reflect the value of their dollar-denominated revenues in their financial statements,” said Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.

The reform has particularly benefited export-oriented businesses such as Aradel Holdings and Seplat Energy, whose revenues are largely linked to international oil prices and settled in foreign currency.

The administration’s commitment to strengthening investor confidence in the energy sector was further demonstrated through the timely approval of several landmark upstream transactions, including the Renaissance Africa Energy consortium’s acquisition of Shell Petroleum Development Company assets and Seplat Energy’s acquisition of Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited’s assets.

“These strategic approvals significantly expanded the reserve base, production capacity, and long-term growth prospects of both companies while removing regulatory uncertainty,” Onanuga stated.

Manufacturing and industrial companies, including Dangote Cement, BUA Cement, and HBM (formerly Lafarge Africa), have similarly benefited from improved access to foreign exchange and a more predictable currency market, enabling better production planning and more efficient procurement of imported inputs.

The removal of the petrol subsidy has significantly strengthened the government’s fiscal position, increasing capacity for infrastructure investment and reinforcing broader macroeconomic stability, according to the statement.

Onanuga noted that tighter monetary management, ongoing financial sector reforms, and banking sector recapitalisation have strengthened the financial system’s capacity to support large-scale corporate financing.

“Rather than reflecting isolated firm-level developments, these results illustrate how comprehensive structural reforms can translate into measurable improvements in corporate financial performance through stronger market fundamentals and a more predictable business environment,” the statement concluded.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has firmly denied claims that he endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for re-election in the 2027 presidential polls, stating that he has no preferred candidate among those vying for the nation’s top seat.

In a statement issued by his media aide, Prince Bashir Adefaka, the revered traditional ruler dismissed social media reports suggesting he had called on Nigerians to support President Tinubu’s second-term bid as “false and misleading.”

“Our simple response to the report is that it is not possible for the Sultan, as the father of all, to make such a statement, either publicly or in any other forum,” the statement read in part.

The monarch emphasized that his position as a traditional and religious leader demands impartiality, making it inappropriate for him to endorse any political candidate ahead of a national election. He stressed that the office he occupies requires neutrality and that he remains accessible to all Nigerians irrespective of their political affiliations.

The statement further described the reports linking him to President Tinubu’s 2027 campaign as malicious and an attempt by individuals with selfish interests to drag the Sultan into partisan politics.

“The Sultan’s doors cannot be shut against anyone who comes to him, regardless of political affiliation or persuasion. His Eminence has consistently demonstrated that he is the father of all and will continue to relate with all Nigerians without discrimination,” the statement added.

The clarification comes amid rising political activities and speculations ahead of the 2027 general election, with prominent national figures and traditional rulers often becoming subjects of political claims and endorsements on social media platforms.

By rejecting the reports, the Sultan reaffirmed his commitment to remaining above partisan politics while continuing to promote peace, national cohesion and equal treatment for all Nigerians, regardless of their political preferences.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A police inspector and a Nigerian Air Force lance corporal have lost their lives after gunmen ambushed a joint security patrol in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.

According to information published by counter-insurgency platform Zagazola Makama, the attackers also escaped with the slain officers’ service rifles after the attack.

The report stated that the incident occurred at about 5:00 a.m. on Tuesday. It said four security personnel from two guard locations had mounted a snap roadblock along the Ganawuri–Sabon Gida road before the attack.

“The sources said that while the team was returning to their respective duty posts, two of the personnel failed to return, prompting troops to immediately launch a clearance operation,” Makama reported.

“During the search, security forces discovered the bodies of an Inspector of the Nigeria Police Force and Lance Corporal of the Nigerian Air Force.

“Their service weapons had been taken by the attackers.”

The publication said security operatives later evacuated the bodies of the deceased personnel from the scene. It added that their motorcycle was also recovered.

Preliminary findings reportedly showed that the ambush took place near an area previously occupied by herders, who were said to have fled with their cattle before reinforcements reached the location. The report also noted that the attack occurred close to a Berom community.

“Security forces have since commenced cordon-and-search operations around nearby communities, while clearance operations are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects and recover the stolen weapons,” Makama said.

“Authorities said investigations into the incident are continuing, with additional details expected as operations progress.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Hackers have breached the database of Zenith Bank, exposing limited customer information in a cyberattack that forms part of a wider global campaign targeting organisations across different sectors.

The bank confirmed the incident in an email sent to customers on Tuesday. It said the attackers gained access to a limited amount of customer data, which included email addresses and phone numbers.

Zenith Bank, however, assured customers that the breach did not affect its banking services or digital platforms. The lender said all its services remain secure and fully operational despite the incident.

The bank also disclosed that it has commenced an investigation into the attack. It said its incident response procedures and other cybersecurity measures were activated immediately after the breach came to light.

“As a precaution, we encourage our customers to remain vigilant against phishing emails, text messages, or phone calls, and to never disclose their password, PIN, One-Time Password (OTP), or other security credentials to anyone,” the bank said.

Zenith Bank reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding customers’ information. It also appreciated customers for their continued confidence in the institution. The bank added that investigations into the cyberattack are still underway.

The latest incident comes about two years after Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) reported an attempted cyberattack on its website domain. At the time, the bank said the attempt did not compromise customers’ data.

The development also follows an earlier warning from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), which alerted the public to cybercriminals attempting to gain access to Nigerians’ personal accounts through fraudulent messages and emails.

According to the apex bank, the scammers circulated deceptive emails and online messages that falsely claimed to originate from the CBN. The regulator said the messages were designed to trick recipients into revealing sensitive information.

The CBN also warned that the fake communications often urged recipients to click suspicious links. It added that the messages spread false claims about the bank’s leadership, licensing activities, and policy decisions in an attempt to mislead the public.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State House of Assembly has suspended the chairmen of Bagwai, Bebeji and Rogo Local Government Areas for three months over allegations bordering on financial misappropriation, abuse of office and other acts of misconduct.

The decision followed the adoption of the report of the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs during Tuesday’s plenary session presided over by the Speaker, Ismail Falgore.

Presenting the report, the committee chairman, Aliyu Muhammad, said the panel investigated separate petitions submitted against the three council chairmen after the Assembly referred the complaints for legislative scrutiny.

Muhammad explained that the committee reviewed documentary evidence obtained from the affected local governments and held interactive sessions with members of their legislative councils before reaching its conclusions.

According to the committee, its findings revealed alleged misappropriation of public funds earmarked for developmental projects in Bagwai Local Government Area.

In Bebeji, the committee said it uncovered allegations of abuse of office, repeated violations of due process in the award and execution of contracts, improper sale of council land, diversion of public funds, unlawful deductions from contract payments and other procurement irregularities.

The report further alleged that contractors were compelled to pay contract funds into bank accounts allegedly nominated by the council chairman, contrary to existing financial and procurement regulations.

For Rogo Local Government, the committee accused the chairman of undermining government policies, violating administrative procedures, abusing his office and misappropriating funds allocated for feeder road construction and electrification projects in Unguwar Dawa and Hausawa Fulani communities.

Based on its findings, the committee recommended the immediate suspension of the three chairmen pending the conclusion of a full investigation, citing the Assembly’s oversight powers under Sections 128 and 129 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

Contributing to the debate, the Chief Whip, Mudassir Ibrahim, said public officials facing allegations of financial misconduct should be thoroughly investigated in the interest of accountability and good governance.

The House unanimously adopted the committee’s recommendations through a voice vote.

Announcing the resolution, Speaker Falgore suspended the three local government chairmen for three months and directed the vice chairmen of the affected councils to assume office in acting capacities pending the outcome of the investigation.

He also instructed the committee to conclude its investigation and submit its report within 10 weeks, while directing the Clerk of the Assembly to communicate the House’s resolution to the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

The suspended chairmen are Bello Abdullahi Gadanya of Bagwai, Alhassan Salisu of Bebeji and Abubakar Mustapha of Rogo Local Government Areas.