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Category: BREAKING

Latest Breaking news in Nigeria across National issues, Politics, Metro, Entertainment News, Africa and World News.

BREAKING: Former Defense Spokesman, ex-Major Gen. Abubakar dies in bandits’ captivity

The Katsina State Government has confirmed the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, who died from complications of diabetes and hypertension while held captive by bandits.

This was contained in a statement issued on Saturday, June 13 by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs Dr. Nasiru Mu’azu.

According to the statement, the officer passed away despite weeks of coordinated rescue efforts by the state government and security agencies.

“It is with profound sadness that we confirm the General’s death while in bandits’ captivity. Despite relentless efforts to secure his safe release, the situation ended in this tragedy,” the statement read.

The government described the abduction and death as a devastating loss to his family, Katsina State, and Nigeria. Governor Dikko Umaru Radda called it “a dark moment” and said it underscores the urgent need for a united fight against criminal groups threatening community security.

The state reaffirmed its commitment to work with the Federal Government and security forces to bring those responsible to justice and eliminate banditry. It also offered prayers for the late general and sympathies to his family.

June 13, 2026
BREAKING: Tinubu appoints new registrar for JAMB

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Professor Segun Aina as the new Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

The development marks a major leadership transition at the national examination body ahead of the expiration of the tenure of Professor Ishaq Oloyede on July 31, 2026.

The announcement was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who said the President expects the new appointee to leverage his wealth of academic and technical experience to further strengthen and modernise the operations of the Board.

The statement reads, “He holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Systems Engineering from the University of Kent, an MSc in Internet Computing and Network Security, and a PhD in Digital Signal Processing, both from Loughborough University, United Kingdom.

“He has also completed the Senior Management Programme at Lagos Business School.

“A Professor of Computer Engineering at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Aina began his career with JAMB during his National Youth Service, gaining foundational experience in national admissions and data-driven institutional processes.

“These insights have shaped his ongoing contributions to examination reform and systems optimisation.

“With over 15 years of post-graduation experience, Professor Aina operates at the intersection of technology, policy, and institutional transformation, advising federal and state governments on system design, digital transition, and operational reform.

“At 39, he became one of Nigeria’s youngest Computer Engineering professors and will now make history as JAMB’s youngest registrar.

“He has served as a consultant to major examination bodies, including NECO, NABTEB, and various State Ministries of Education, providing expertise on ICT systems, examination integrity, and digital process optimisation.

“Professor Aina is a member of several professional bodies, including the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).”

May 21, 2026
BREAKING: Fubara announces withdrawal from Rivers APC guber primary

Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers has announced his withdrawal from the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary election in the State.

Fubara made this known in a statement personally issued on Wednesday, where he explained that his decision to step aside was not borne out of fear or political pressure, but was a sacrifice aimed at allowing the state to move forward without further tension.

The governor stated that despite withdrawing from the contest, he remains fully committed to serving the people of Rivers State until the expiration of his current tenure.

“After deep reflection and extensive consultations with my family, friends, and associates, I have taken the difficult but necessary decision to withdraw from the APC governorship primaries. I do so with a full heart and with a firm commitment to support whoever emerges as the candidate of our great party,” Fubara said.

“Leadership is ultimately about sacrifice. There comes a time when personal ambition must yield to the greater good of the people.

“Rivers State is bigger than any individual, and at this critical moment, the peace, stability, and unity of our dear state must take precedence over every personal interest.

“Let it be clearly understood that I stepped aside from participating in the upcoming River’s state Gubernatorial election not out of weakness, fear, or surrender, but out of conviction and sacrifice so that Rivers State may move forward in peace and unity and I remain committed to serving the good people of Rivers state till the end of my term.”

Fubara thanked the APC leadership for the opportunity given to him during the process and also expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his support and encouragement.

He urged party faithful to remain united and committed to the APC, describing the party as their “collective home”.

May 20, 2026
BREAKING: APC releases 47 disqualified senatorial aspirants (FULL LIST)

The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday published the names of senatorial aspirants who failed to secure clearance for the party’s upcoming Senate primary elections.

In a statement signed by National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka, the APC said:

“The All Progressives Congress hereby releases the list of senatorial aspirants not cleared to participate in the Party’s Senate Primary Elections.

The screening exercise was conducted by the Party’s Screening Committees in accordance with established procedures and guidelines.”

Here’s the full list of 47 APC senatorial aspirants disqualified ahead of the 2027 primaries, as released by the party on May 18, 2026:

Adamawa

1. Hamish Idris — North

2. Abdurman Kwacham — North

Anambra

3. Chimzobam Kingsley Nnalue — North

Bayelsa

4. Donald Daunemigita — West

5. Ben Murray-Bruce — East

6. Benson S. Agadaga — East

Cross River

7. Daniel Effiong Asuquo — South

8. Oden Ibiang O Ewa — Central

Delta

9. Marian Nnamaka Ogoha-Ali — North

FCT

10. Usman J. Wowo

11. Abubakar Umar Abdullahi

Jigawa

12. Adam Mouktar Mohammed — South/West

Kebbi

13. Garba Musa Mai Doki — South

Kwara

14. Kollo B. Jiya — North

15. Olutola John Onijala — South

16. Awolola Muritala — South

17. Adeleke Emmanuel Gbenga — South

Nasarawa

18. Abdullahi Tanko Zubairu — North

19. Usman Muhammed Elegu — South

20. Yusuf Moh’d Agabi — South

21. Ari Ali Muhammed — South

Niger

22. Muhammed Rabiu Sadiq — Niger/South

23. Muhammed Bello A. — Niger South

24. Bello Bawa Bwari — Niger South

Oyo

25. Ademola Wasiu Alli — Central

26. Ajimobi Wasiu Adegboyega — North

27. Kolapoboye Kola Daisi — South

28. Faozey Oladotun Nurudeen — Central

29. Hameed Afeez Repete — Central

30. Akinremi Alade Bolaji — South

Plateau

31. Gyang Yaya Zi San — North

32. Napoleon Binkap Bah — South

33. Usman Ephraim Gar — Central

Rivers

34. Oyukaye Flag Amachree — West

35. Tamunobaabo Wemike Danagogo — West

36. Jack-Rich Tein T.S — West

37. Banigo Ipalibo — West

38. Barry Balera Mwara — South/East

Taraba

39. Bello Abudullahi Bodejo — Central

Yobe

40. Hassan H. Kafayos — North

Zamfara

41. Sanusi Ibrahim Garachi — Central

42. Aliyu Abubakar — Central

43. Muhammad Bashir Maru — Central

44. Hassan Muhammad Gusau — Central

45. Abubakar H. Moriiki — North

46. Bilyaminu Yusuf — North

47. Isyaka Ajiya Anka — West

May 18, 2026
BREAKING: Trump says ISIS second-in-command killed in Nigeria

Donald Trump, United States president, says American troops working with the Nigerian Armed Forces have killed Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, whom he described as the “global second-in-command of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).”

In a post shared on his Truth Social platform on Saturday, Trump said the operation was jointly carried out by US and Nigerian forces after intelligence operatives monitored the activities of the terrorist leader in Africa.

Trump said al-Minuki had been actively coordinating attacks and supporting plots targeted at Americans and communities across Africa.

The US president said the killing of the ISIS commander would considerably disrupt the terror group’s international network and weaken its presence on the African continent.

He also praised the Nigerian government and military authorities for supporting the operation.

“Tonight, at my direction, brave American forces and the Armed Forces of Nigeria flawlessly executed a meticulously planned and very complex mission to eliminate the most active terrorist in the world from the battlefield,” the US president wrote.

“Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, second in command of ISIS globally, thought he could hide in Africa, but little did he know we had sources who kept us informed on what he was doing.

“He will no longer terrorize the people of Africa, or help plan operations to target Americans.

“With his removal, ISIS’s global operation is greatly diminished.

“Thank you to the Government of Nigeria for your partnership on this operation.

“GOD BLESS AMERICA! President DONALD J. TRUMP.”

May 16, 2026
BREAKING: Tinubu approves Nigeria’s bid to host 2026 CAF awards

President Bola Tinubu has approved Nigeria’s proposal to host the 2026 Confederation of African Football (CAF) awards ceremony and the 48th CAF ordinary general assembly.

The approval followed a meeting between the Nigerian president, and Patrice Motsepe, CAF president, during the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, Kenya.

Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, minister of foreign affairs; Ibrahim Gusau, NFF president; Amaju Pinnick, former NFF president and special adviser to the CAF president; alongside Samson Adamu, CAF acting general secretary, attended the meeting.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) disclosed the development in a statement issued on Tuesday.

The federation said the 48th CAF ordinary general assembly would hold in October and attract football administrators from across Africa.

“The President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, has approved Nigeria’s proposed hosting of the 48th Ordinary General Assembly of the Confederation of African Football, as well as this year’s CAF Awards Ceremony,” the statement read.

“The 48th CAF Ordinary General Assembly will take place in October this year.”

The CAF ordinary general assembly usually convenes presidents of the organisation’s 54 member associations, delegates from six zonal unions, and senior football officials.

CAF’s awards ceremony is regarded as the continent’s flagship football event recognising outstanding performers across African football.

The latest edition of the awards took place in Rabat, Morocco, on November 19, 2025.

Morocco dominated several categories at the ceremony.

Achraf Hakimi, Morocco defender, claimed the African men’s player of the year prize after helping Paris Saint-Germain secure the UEFA Champions League and Ligue 1 titles.

Hakimi became the first Moroccan footballer to win the award since Mustapha Hadji achieved the feat in 1998.

The defender finished ahead of Mohamed Salah and Victor Osimhen in the final rankings.

Yassine Bounou won goalkeeper of the year, while Othmane Maamma secured the young player of the year award for Morocco.

Ghizlane Chebbak also emerged women’s player of the year following her displays at the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Nigeria still recorded success in the women’s categories at the ceremony, with Chiamaka Nnadozie, Super Falcons goalkeeper, retaining the women’s goalkeeper of the year award.

Nigeria’s women’s national team also claimed the national team of the year prize after another dominant campaign across competitions.

Nigeria has previously hosted the CAF awards on four occasions, with Lagos staging the most recent edition in January 2015.

Yaya Touré, Ivory Coast legend, secured his fourth consecutive African player of the year award at the Eko Hotel Convention Centre, equalling Samuel Eto’o’s record.

Vincent Enyeama, former Nigeria goalkeeper, was among the final three nominees after an outstanding campaign with Lille but finished behind Touré and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

The 2015 ceremony also marked the beginning of Asisat Oshoala’s dominance in African women’s football after she won her first women’s player of the year title on home soil.

Oshoala subsequently extended the achievement into a record six women’s player of the year awards.

May 12, 2026
BREAKING: Tinubu Appoints Maj. Gen. Fadewa as Special Adviser on Homeland Security

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed retired Maj. Gen. Adeyinka A. Fadewa as Special Adviser on Homeland Security.

The announcement was made Monday in a statement from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

According to the statement, Tinubu approved the appointment in recognition of Fadewa’s record of service, strategic expertise, and contributions to Nigeria’s national security framework.

The circular, signed by SGF Sen. George Akume and issued by Permanent Secretary Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, said the move underscores the administration’s focus on improving intelligence coordination and deepening inter-agency collaboration against emerging threats.

Fadewa is a decorated officer with over 30 years in military intelligence, counter-terrorism, national security strategy, and international security diplomacy.

From 2015 to 2021, he served as Principal General Staff Officer to the National Security Adviser at the ONSA. There, he helped shape Nigeria’s intelligence coordination framework and led the creation of the Intelligence Fusion Centre. The centre integrates the DIA, NIA, DSS, Nigeria Police Force, and the Armed Forces to improve threat assessment and response coordination.

After retiring, Fadewa served as Senior Research Fellow at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, focusing on policing, civil-security cooperation, and security sector reform. He also authored Policing and National Security in Nigeria, which outlines practical approaches for strengthening collaboration between civil institutions and security agencies.

Tinubu said he is confident Fadewa will apply his experience and strategic insight to advance the administration’s homeland security goals.

The President added that the appointment should further improve intelligence integration, proactive risk management, and coordination of homeland security initiatives for a safer Nigeria.

He urged the new adviser to bring his professionalism and expertise to bear in supporting the Renewed Hope Agenda.

May 11, 2026
BREAKING: JAMB waives UTME for education, agriculture courses

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) says candidates seeking admission into education courses and non-engineering agriculture programmes will no longer be required to sit the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

The examination body announced the decision in a post published on its official X handle on Monday during its ongoing policy meeting on admissions.

“Candidates seeking admissions into Education Programmes and Agriculture non-Engineering Courses are now exempted from UTME,” the board stated.

The decision signals a major adjustment to Nigeria’s tertiary admission system as the UTME has long remained the primary qualifying examination for admission into universities, polytechnics and colleges of education nationwide.

JAMB’s annual policy meeting is convened to determine admission guidelines for tertiary institutions, including cut-off marks and other admission procedures.

Although exemptions from the UTME already exist for direct entry applicants and a few special categories of candidates, the latest development is regarded as one of the widest concessions introduced by the board in recent years.

The new policy is expected to impact candidates applying for education and non-engineering agriculture courses by opening up alternative admission routes through institutional screening processes and other qualifications.

In recent years, education and agriculture courses have typically recorded lower cut-off marks compared to competitive programmes such as medicine, law and engineering.

May 11, 2026
BREAKING: EFCC declares ex-minister Sadiya Umar wanted over ‘fund diversion’

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared a former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, wanted over allegations bordering on abuse of office and the alleged diversion of public funds.

In a notice published on its official website, the anti-graft agency called on members of the public to assist with information that could lead to her arrest.

The EFCC specifically urged anyone with useful details about her whereabouts to reach out to its offices using the contact number provided on the published notice.

The Commission also provided identifying details, stating: “Farouq, 52, is an indigene of Zamfara State and her last known address is EN008, Okpo River, off Agulu street, Maitama, Abuja,” the wanted notice reads.

Farouq served as minister between 2019 and 2023 under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, where she supervised humanitarian response programmes and social intervention initiatives.

Meanwhile, a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court sitting in Apo has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of Farouq following her alleged failure to appear before the court for arraignment.

The presiding judge, Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie, also granted an arrest warrant against Bashir Nura Alkali, a permanent secretary in the ministry, after both defendants were absent from court despite being scheduled for arraignment.

The order followed an application by the EFCC, which informed the court that the defendants had repeatedly failed to present themselves for trial proceedings.

Farouq, Alkali, and one Sani Mohammed are facing a 21-count charge filed by the anti-graft agency, bordering on breach of trust, abuse of office, and alleged financial misconduct.

According to the EFCC, the defendants allegedly misappropriated about $1.3 million and N746.6 million, funds which were reportedly meant to be refunded to the ministry after payments made under a social intervention programme.

The commission further alleged that part of the money, instead of being returned to government coffers, was diverted and converted for personal use.

May 9, 2026
Supreme Court reinstates Mark’s ADC leadership, nullifies status quo order

The Supreme Court has reinstated the David Mark leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and overturned the “status quo ante bellum” order of the appeal court which saw independent national electoral commission (INEC) derecognise the party’s leaders.

In it ruling on Thursday on the protracted leadership crisis rocking the party, the apex court held that the preservative directive could not validly remain in place after proceedings had been concluded.

In a lead judgment delivered by Justice Mohammed Garba, the apex court held that although courts possess inherent powers to make preservative orders to protect the subject matter of litigation, such orders cannot survive once proceedings have been “fully, conclusively and finally concluded.”

The court subsequently allowed the appeal and voided the order sustaining the status quo ante bellum in the dispute involving rival factions of the ADC leadership.

The judgment arose from the legal battle over the party’s leadership structure, including the legitimacy of appointments and congresses conducted by opposing factions within the party.

Justice Garba, in the judgment, explained that the trial court’s directive maintaining the status quo ante bellum was essentially a preservative order intended to prevent parties from taking steps capable of foisting a fait accompli on the court while proceedings were ongoing.

The justice, however, held that such powers must be exercised only in relation to live proceedings.

According to him, once proceedings have been “fully, faithfully, conclusively and finally concluded,” there would be “nothing left for that court to preserve.”

The apex court also addressed the competence of the appeal filed in the matter and the constitutional basis relied upon by the appellants.

Justice Garba held that Section 241(1)(f)(ii) of the 1999 Constitution, which provides for appeals as of right in certain interlocutory decisions relating to injunctions, did not apply in the circumstances of the case.

He held that the trial judge neither granted nor refused an application for injunction but merely issued procedural directives aimed at preserving the subject matter of the dispute pending hearing.

The court further held that because the grounds of appeal were not purely on points of law, leave of court was required before the appeal could validly be filed.

The justice stressed that obtaining leave in such circumstances was a “condition precedent” to the validity and competence of the appeal.

He added that the competence of a notice of appeal goes to the jurisdiction of the court and once defective, the entire appeal becomes incompetent.

Despite those findings, the apex court proceeded to examine the propriety of the preservative orders made by the lower courts and eventually held that sustaining the status quo ante bellum after the relevant proceedings had ended was unnecessary and legally unsustainable.

The Supreme Court consequently set aside the order and directed that pending processes before the lower court be determined in accordance with the law.

More details later

April 30, 2026