Author: Damilola

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the ongoing Area Council elections across Abuja, describing the process as peaceful despite pockets of low voter participation. After touring several polling units and engaging with residents on Saturday, Wike said security agencies had ensured a calm environment throughout the exercise. However, he acknowledged that turnout in parts of the city centre was below expectations. “We thank God that everywhere is peaceful. The challenge we have is low voter turnout, particularly in the city centre, and that has always been the case. But going…

Nigeria’s total public debt climbed to N153.29 trillion as of September 30, 2025, reflecting continued growth in both domestic and external obligations, according to fresh data released by the Debt Management Office (DMO). The new figure represents a quarter-on-quarter increase of N893.87 billion from the N152.40 trillion recorded at the end of June 2025. In dollar terms, the country’s debt stock rose from $99.66 billion in June to $103.94 billion in September — a $4.28 billion increase, equivalent to a 4.29 percent rise over the three-month period. As of September, total external debt stood at $48.46 billion (N71.48 trillion), accounting…

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has urged traders and food vendors to refrain from hoarding essential commodities or inflating prices during the ongoing Ramadan and Lenten seasons. In a statement released on Thursday, the agency’s Director-General, Lanre Issa-Onilu, said reports reaching the NOA indicate that some market operators are deliberately withholding staple food items commonly consumed during fasting, thereby creating artificial shortages and driving up prices. Issa-Onilu condemned the development, describing it as damaging to both the economy and societal values, particularly at a time when religious observances promote selflessness and compassion. “This is a period that calls for reflection,…

At least 33 residents have been confirmed dead following coordinated attacks by suspected Lakurawa terrorists on several communities in Arewa Local Government Area of Kebbi State. The assault, which occurred on Wednesday, reportedly began as a cattle-rustling operation before escalating into deadly violence. In a statement issued Thursday, the spokesperson of the Nigeria Police Force in Kebbi State, Superintendent Bashir Usman, said the gunmen stormed the affected villages after crossing into the area from Gudu Local Government Area of Sokoto State. According to him, the attackers met resistance from residents who mobilised to defend their communities. “The command deeply regrets…

President Bola Tinubu has appealed to voters, security agencies and officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure orderly and peaceful conduct during Saturday’s elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Rivers and Kano states. The polls, slated for February 21, 2026, are coming shortly after the president assented to the Electoral Act 2026. In a statement issued Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu encouraged eligible citizens to participate freely, stressing that democracy flourishes in an atmosphere of peace and mutual respect. He urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to shun…

The Nigerian currency strengthened to N1,340 per dollar at the parallel segment of the foreign exchange market on Friday, marking a 1.12 percent appreciation from N1,355/$ recorded on February 19. The latest figure represents the naira’s best showing since April 2024, when it traded within the N1,300/$ range. Earlier in the week, the currency posted steady gains in the black market, appreciating to N1,385/$ on February 16, N1,380/$ on February 17, and N1,365/$ on February 18. However, at the official window — the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM) — the naira weakened slightly. It fell by 0.37 percent to N1,346.32…

The Supreme Court of the United States has invalidated the broad global tariffs introduced by President Donald Trump, ruling that he exceeded his constitutional authority. In a 6–3 decision issued on Friday, the justices upheld a lower court’s determination that Trump improperly relied on the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to justify the sweeping import duties. The court found that the 1977 law, which was crafted to address national emergencies, does not grant the president unilateral power to impose extensive tariffs without approval from Congress. Chief Justice John Roberts, who authored the majority opinion, stressed the constitutional boundaries surrounding…

An airport in Florida is set to bear the name of President Donald Trump after the state legislature passed a bill authorising the change on Thursday. The Republican-controlled Florida legislature voted to redesignate Palm Beach International Airport as the “President Donald J. Trump International Airport,” according to official state records. The measure now awaits the signature of Governor Ron DeSantis, who is widely expected to approve it despite previously clashing politically with Trump. Located in Palm Beach, an affluent coastal community known for its beaches and high-end properties, the airport sits just minutes from Trump’s private estate, Mar-a-Lago. Before the…

The Nigeria Police Force in Cross River State has arrested a former presidential aide, Barrister Okoi Obono-Obla, over allegations linked to forgery and fraudulent entry into the legal profession. In a statement issued by the state police spokesperson, Eitokpah Sunday, the command said Obono-Obla was “lawfully arrested” on Thursday at Abuja Park in Ugep, Cross River State. According to the police, the action followed a petition submitted to the state commissioner of police accusing him of “forgery and obtaining admission or professional qualification/entry into the legal profession by false pretence”. The command rejected reports suggesting that the former presidential adviser…

An operative of the Department of State Services (DSS) has explained before the Federal High Court in Abuja how advanced digital forensic techniques were deployed to identify and apprehend suspects linked to the June 5, 2022 attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State. Testifying before Justice Emeka Nwite, the witness, identified as SSK, described how investigators applied call geospatial network filtering, cell tower triangulation and International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) tracking to trace the first defendant, Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza. Led in evidence by DSS counsel Ayodeji Adedipe, the operative said thousands of phone numbers that connected to…