2026

The family of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu has renewed concerns about his health, urging authorities to ensure he continues to receive medical care from independent doctors. In a statement issued by Emmanuel Kanu on behalf of the Okwu-Kanu family, the family alleged that Kanu’s health deteriorated while in custody due to inadequate medical management before an independent team of doctors was allowed to examine him. According to the statement, Kanu reportedly suffered from critically low potassium levels, poorly controlled hypertension, declining kidney function and heart-related complications. The family claimed independent medical experts described his condition as life-threatening, warning that the low potassium level could have resulted in cardiac arrest. The family said Kanu’s condition improved after an independent medical team led by Emeritus Professor Martin Aghaji began treating him. It stated that his potassium level increased from 2.1 mmol/L to 2.9 mmol/L and that symptoms including frequent nosebleeds, dizziness, fainting, swollen feet and persistent headaches became less severe. Despite the reported improvement, the family alleged that members of the medical team have since faced intimidation and scrutiny from regulatory authorities. They called on the relevant agencies to allow the doctors to continue treating Kanu without interference. The family also demanded unrestricted access for his preferred medical practitioners, the withdrawal of disciplinary actions against the doctors, and an independent review of matters relating to his medical records. According to the family, copies of its petition have been forwarded to the governments of the United States, the United Kingdom and Israel, as well as Nigerian authorities and several international human rights organisations. In a separate petition addressed to the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Kanu appealed to the association to intervene in matters concerning his healthcare and the welfare of the independent medical professionals attending to him. He noted that issues surrounding his medical treatment and a court-ordered medical examination remain before the Court of Appeal, adding that his appeal to the NMA seeks support for his doctors and continued access to independent healthcare. Kanu also urged the association to engage the relevant authorities, establish an independent oversight mechanism for the healthcare of detainees, and support what he described as his right to adequate medical treatment under the Nigerian Correctional Service Act and the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, also known as the Mandela Rules. Nnamdi Kanu is currently serving a life sentence at the maximum-security Sokoto Correctional Centre in Sokoto State.

Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced a fresh reduction in the ex-depot prices of petrol and diesel after global crude oil prices dropped sharply below $80 per barrel. Under the revised pricing, the refinery cut the ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, by ₦50 per litre, bringing it down from ₦1,215 to ₦1,165. The price of Automotive Gas Oil (diesel) was also reduced by ₦80 per litre, falling from ₦1,650 to ₦1,570. The price adjustment comes as Brent crude, the international oil benchmark, declined by nearly five per cent on Tuesday. The drop followed renewed optimism that the United States and Iran could reach an agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a major global oil shipping route. According to reports, discussions between the two countries have made progress, raising hopes that commercial vessels may soon resume normal passage through the strategic waterway. A senior Gulf official reportedly estimated a 50 per cent chance of an agreement being reached before the end of the week. In a statement, Dangote Refinery said the latest price reduction reflects its commitment to making petroleum products more affordable while supporting businesses and economic activities across Nigeria. The company noted that it remains focused on supplying high-quality refined products at competitive prices, adding that it will continue to pass on the benefits of improved operational efficiency to consumers whenever market conditions allow. Dangote also said the refinery continues to strengthen Nigeria’s energy security by reducing dependence on imported petroleum products and increasing local refining capacity. With the new ex-depot rates, retail petrol prices across the country are expected to range between ₦1,200 and ₦1,250 per litre, depending on transportation costs, location and other logistics. Meanwhile, negotiations over the Strait of Hormuz continue to advance. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said Iran and Oman have agreed on the geographical coordinates for a proposed safe shipping route through the waterway. He explained that discussions over the past two months have covered legal, security, environmental and technical issues, adding that both countries are finalising a joint statement outlining the key areas of agreement. Baghaei expressed optimism that the process would be concluded soon, provided there is no interference from external parties.

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has called on the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, to publicly explain the decision to freeze the state government’s bank accounts. Speaking with journalists at the Government House in Osogbo on Wednesday, Adeleke described the action as unlawful, insisting that it was carried out without a court order and posed a threat to democratic governance. The governor argued that federal agencies should not infringe on the constitutional rights of state governments, warning that such actions could undermine the rule of law if left unchallenged. He maintained that the state government had not been presented with any legal justification for the account freeze and announced plans to challenge the decision at the Federal High Court in Osogbo through the state’s Attorney General. Responding to questions from journalists, Adeleke disclosed that several officials of his administration had previously honoured invitations from the EFCC and were cleared by the anti-graft agency before the accounts were frozen. Earlier, the Osun State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Oluwole Jimi-Bada (SAN), confirmed that he had been directed by the governor to institute legal proceedings against the EFCC. According to Jimi-Bada, the state received a “Post No Debit” directive sent by the EFCC to First Bank, where the government’s accounts are domiciled. He argued that while the commission has the authority to investigate financial transactions, it cannot legally freeze government accounts without obtaining a court order. He warned that the action could disrupt government operations but expressed confidence that the courts would determine the legality of the commission’s decision. The Commissioner for Finance, Sola Ogungbile, also criticised the development, alleging that police officers visited the main branch of First Bank in Osogbo and arrested some members of staff. He insisted that state funds were not being used for political campaigns and urged the EFCC to consider the impact of the account freeze on governance and public service delivery. Prior to the action, Adeleke had raised concerns over an alleged plan by the EFCC to freeze all state government accounts as well as those belonging to top government officials. In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, the governor claimed the move was intended to disrupt government activities ahead of the August 15 governorship election. Adeleke maintained that there was no legal basis for freezing the state’s accounts and insisted that the EFCC lacked the authority to take such action without following due legal process.