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2026

Banking

Zenith Bank Database Hit by Hackers

Zenith Bank has confirmed that it experienced a cybersecurity breach that resulted in unauthorised access to limited customer information, including email addresses and phone numbers. The bank disclosed the incident in a notification sent to customers on Tuesday, explaining that the attack formed part of a wider global cyber campaign targeting organisations across various sectors. According to the bank, the compromised data was limited to basic customer contact information and did not include sensitive banking credentials or financial records. Zenith Bank assured customers that its banking services and digital platforms remain secure and fully operational despite the incident. The financial institution said it immediately activated its cybersecurity response procedures upon detecting the breach and has launched a full investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the attack. As investigations continue, the bank urged customers to remain vigilant against phishing attempts, warning them not to disclose passwords, Personal Identification Numbers (PINs), One-Time Passwords (OTPs) or any other security credentials through emails, phone calls or text messages. Zenith Bank reaffirmed its commitment to protecting customer information and expressed appreciation for the continued trust and support of its customers while efforts to investigate the incident continue. The breach follows growing concerns over cyber threats targeting financial institutions. In 2024, Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) also reported an attempted cyberattack on its website domain, although it maintained that customer data was not compromised. The development also comes after the Central Bank of Nigeria warned members of the public about the rise in cyber fraud schemes involving fake emails and messages designed to steal personal and financial information by impersonating the apex bank.

Energy

Nigeria Shifts Focus to Refined Petroleum Exports – NMDPRA

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) says Nigeria is repositioning its petroleum industry to focus on exporting refined petroleum products rather than crude oil as domestic refining capacity continues to grow. Speaking at the 49th Nigeria Annual International Conference and Exhibition (NAICE) organised by the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Nigeria Council in Lagos, NMDPRA Chief Executive Officer, Rabiu Umar, said ongoing refinery projects and planned expansions are expected to transform Nigeria into a major refining hub for Africa. According to Umar, the country’s refining capacity has reached its highest level and is projected to increase further as new projects come on stream. He expressed confidence that Nigeria could eventually refine all of its targeted crude oil production locally. He explained that processing crude within the country would allow Nigeria to export higher-value refined petroleum products instead of raw crude, creating more economic benefits across the oil and gas value chain. Umar described the development as a significant milestone that would strengthen collaboration between the upstream, midstream and downstream sectors while boosting value addition in the petroleum, gas and petrochemical industries. He also disclosed that the NMDPRA is working closely with the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) to enforce the Domestic Crude Supply Obligation, a policy designed to ensure local refineries receive adequate crude oil supplies. According to him, expanding domestic refining capacity reduces the need to export crude oil and enables the country to maximise revenue by producing and exporting refined products. Umar added that stronger integration across the petroleum industry would enhance Nigeria’s position as a regional refining hub, supported by both conventional and modular refineries. Also speaking at the conference, the Chief Executive Officer of the NUPRC, Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, stressed the importance of collaboration between regulators and industry stakeholders. She said the commission regularly engages operators through monthly meetings and consultations when developing new regulations, guidelines and policy frameworks. Eyesan noted that the global energy industry is evolving rapidly due to geopolitical developments, climate concerns, technological innovation, artificial intelligence, changing investment patterns and increasing energy demand. She emphasised that sustained partnerships between regulators and industry players remain essential to building a resilient energy sector, attracting investment and supporting long-term growth.

General News

Traffic Diversion Begins for Anthony Village Road Reconstruction

The Lagos State Government has introduced a temporary traffic diversion plan following the commencement of reconstruction work at Anthony Village Bus Stop. The Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, announced the development in a statement shared on his X account on Tuesday. According to the commissioner, excavation has begun on the damaged section of the road, which has repeatedly deteriorated due to heavy rainfall. The affected area will be reconstructed with interlocking stones to provide a more durable and long-lasting surface. To ensure the project is carried out safely, the government has implemented temporary traffic adjustments for motorists using the corridor. Motorists travelling from Fadeyi towards the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway through Anthony Village will be unable to access the route throughout the construction period. Similarly, drivers intending to use the Anthony Village Bus Stop service lane to connect to Oshodi have been advised to remain on the expressway and use an alternative connecting route further ahead. The government also noted that motorists travelling from Oshodi towards Anthony–Ikorodu Road via Anthony Village should be aware that there is currently no through road at the project site. The Ministry of Transportation urged motorists to plan their journeys ahead of time, avoid the affected section where possible and make use of alternative routes to reduce traffic congestion. The state government appealed for patience and cooperation from road users, assuring residents that the reconstruction is aimed at providing a lasting solution to the recurring road damage. Authorities expressed appreciation for the understanding of commuters and urged everyone to comply with traffic management measures throughout the duration of the project.

Education

Sanwo-Olu Urges Boys to Learn Cooking for Future Success

The First Lady of Lagos State, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has said teaching boys how to cook is not about redefining masculinity but equipping them with practical life skills that prepare them for adulthood, family responsibilities and career opportunities. She made the remarks on Monday during the prize-giving ceremony of the 2026 Lagos Boy Child Initiative Cooking Competition held at the Lagos Marriott Hotel in Ikeja. According to the First Lady, the initiative is designed to move beyond traditional classroom education by exposing young boys to skills that promote independence, creativity and responsibility. She said cooking is a valuable life skill that enables young people to care for themselves, support their families and explore opportunities within Nigeria’s growing hospitality and tourism industry. Sanwo-Olu explained that the competition, which featured boys aged 13 to 17 from public and private schools, military and faith-based institutions, orphanages and correctional facilities across Lagos, was created to challenge the belief that cooking is solely a woman’s responsibility. She noted that the programme also aims to encourage participants to consider careers in hospitality, culinary arts and related industries, describing the sector as one with enormous employment and entrepreneurial potential. The First Lady added that the initiative aligns with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES+ development agenda, particularly its focus on youth empowerment and social inclusion. She stressed that many young people will eventually live independently, pursue education abroad or work away from home, making self-reliance an essential life skill. Addressing cultural perceptions, Sanwo-Olu said domestic responsibilities should be shared among family members, adding that teaching boys to cook makes them more responsible and better prepared for adulthood rather than diminishing their masculinity. She also explained that the shopping vouchers presented to the winners were intended to teach budgeting, planning and financial responsibility. To further inspire participants, the ceremony was held at the Lagos Marriott Hotel, where the boys toured the hotel’s commercial kitchen, interacted with professional chefs and gained first-hand exposure to careers in the hospitality industry. District II emerged overall winner of the competition with 47 points, while District IV and District VI finished second and third respectively. Members of the winning teams received shopping vouchers, while team leaders were awarded fully sponsored three-week Continental Culinary Arts courses at the Red Dish Chronicles Culinary School in Lagos. Sanwo-Olu also announced that the winners would represent the Lagos Boy Child Initiative at the Akwaaba African Travel Market Jollof Cooking Competition scheduled for September 13. She encouraged the participants to view their awards as the beginning of greater opportunities and urged them to remain disciplined, focused and committed to excellence. The Lagos Boy Child Initiative, launched in 2021, promotes the welfare and development of boys through mentorship, advocacy, life-skills training and empowerment programmes.

Education

Oyo Retirees Threaten Protest Over Pension Dispute

The Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Oyo State Council, has warned that it will embark on an indefinite protest against the management of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, and Emmanuel Alayande University of Education over their alleged failure to implement approved pension increases. The warning was issued on Monday by the union’s state secretary, Segun Abatan, during a press briefing at the council’s secretariat in Ibadan. According to Abatan, the protest will begin on August 18, 2026, if both institutions fail to comply with Governor Seyi Makinde’s directive on pension adjustments. He accused the management of the two state-owned institutions of disregarding the governor’s approval, noting that the administration had in January 2025 approved a minimum monthly pension of ₦25,000 for the lowest-paid retirees, alongside several outstanding pension increases. The approved adjustments include the 33 per cent pension increase introduced in 2010, the 2019 consequential adjustment, the 20 per cent pension increase effective January 2024, and ₦17,500 from the approved ₦32,000 increase that took effect in August 2024. Abatan stated that while most government agencies implemented the governor’s directive without waiting for an official circular, the two institutions allegedly refused to comply and insisted on receiving formal documentation before taking action. He explained that the union engaged the institutions through letters and advocacy visits. While some state-owned tertiary institutions later complied with the directive, LAUTECH Teaching Hospital and Emmanuel Alayande University of Education have yet to implement the approved pension adjustments. The union also alleged that despite repeated correspondence and meetings, the management of LAUTECH Teaching Hospital continued to delay implementation. According to Abatan, the union is no longer interested in further discussions but wants immediate compliance with the governor’s directive. He stressed that pensioners are demanding full implementation of all approved increases, including payment of accumulated arrears dating back to January 2025. Abatan commended institutions that have already complied with the directive and urged the remaining management teams to follow suit. He also disclosed plans to seek the intervention of the Nigeria Labour Congress to declare a three-day warning strike in the affected institutions. According to him, the planned protest will involve retirees from the affected institutions, government ministries, departments and agencies, as well as retired primary school teachers and local government pensioners. The union maintained that the planned action is intended to ensure compliance with the governor’s directive rather than undermine the state government’s pension policy.

Crime

Police Investigate Shooting of Adamawa Businessman by Soldier

The Adamawa State Police Command has launched an investigation into the alleged shooting of a businessman by military personnel in Mubi North Local Government Area. The command’s spokesperson, SP Suleiman Nguroje, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Tuesday. According to the statement, the incident was reported to the police on August 3, 2026, by Muslim Abubakar, who alleged that his younger brother, Suleiman Abubakar, sustained a gunshot wound during an encounter with military personnel on the night of August 2. Following the report, officers from the Mubi North Division visited the scene and ensured the injured man received immediate medical attention. He was first taken to a hospital in Mubi before being transferred to a higher medical facility in Yola for further treatment. The Commissioner of Police in Adamawa State, CP Kabiru Hassan, has directed the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to carry out a comprehensive and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. The police also confirmed that they have established contact with the relevant military authorities to facilitate cooperation throughout the investigation. The command appealed to residents to remain calm, assuring the public that the case would be handled professionally and transparently. It also encouraged anyone with useful information to report to the nearest police station or contact the Police Public Relations Office. The latest incident has renewed concerns over allegations of excessive use of force by security personnel in parts of the country. A similar case was reported in 2024 when a soldier allegedly shot and killed a young man in Ganye Local Government Area of Adamawa State after an argument reportedly linked to the soldier’s girlfriend. The incident sparked widespread condemnation and calls for greater accountability among security agencies.

Crime

Nigerian Student Jailed in UK Over Pedophile Hunter Sting

A Nigerian student in the United Kingdom, Anderson Ishiekwene, has been sentenced to three years in prison after being found guilty of attempting to meet someone he believed was a 14-year-old girl for sexual purposes. According to a BBC report, the 25-year-old was arrested in Washington, England, after arranging a meeting with what he believed was a teenage girl. The profile, however, was operated by an online child protection group conducting a sting operation. Ishiekwene, who moved to the UK from Nigeria on a student visa in August 2025 and was living in Sunderland, reportedly initiated contact through Facebook on January 2 before continuing the conversation on WhatsApp. Prosecutors told Newcastle Crown Court that over an eight-day period, the defendant exchanged hundreds of messages with the decoy despite repeatedly being informed that the person was 14 years old. The court heard that during the conversations, he allegedly requested explicit photographs, sent a sexually explicit image of himself and repeatedly encouraged the supposed teenager to delete their messages. He also discussed meeting in person and allegedly expressed intentions to engage in sexual activity. A meeting was arranged at the Galleries shopping centre in Washington on January 10. When Ishiekwene arrived at the agreed location, he was confronted by members of the child protection group before police officers took him into custody. Although he denied travelling to meet a child for sexual purposes, a jury convicted him after a three-day trial of attempting to meet a child following sexual grooming. He had earlier pleaded guilty to attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child. While delivering judgment, Judge Robert Spragg described the planned encounter as an initial step toward more serious sexual offences. The court also noted a probation assessment that expressed concern about Ishiekwene’s sexual interest in children. In addition to the three-year prison sentence, the court ordered him to remain on the sex offenders register and comply indefinitely with a Sexual Harm Prevention Order. The judge further stated that Ishiekwene is expected to face automatic deportation from the United Kingdom after completing his prison sentence.

religion

RCCG Founder’s Daughter Denies Remarks Against Church Leadership

Pastor Titilayo Adewale, a daughter of the founder of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pa Josiah Olufemi Akindayomi, has dismissed reports claiming she criticised the church’s leadership over the treatment of her late father’s legacy. In a statement shared on her Facebook page on Monday, Adewale described a widely circulated statement attributed to her as false, insisting she never made the comments. She said the viral post, which alleged that she accused the church of neglecting her father’s contributions and called for greater recognition of his legacy, did not originate from her. Adewale explained that her father was never concerned with earthly recognition or having his name attached to buildings or institutions. According to her, his ultimate desire was for people to attain eternal life rather than celebrate his achievements through monuments. She stressed that the greatest legacy left behind by Pa Akindayomi was the lives he impacted, not physical structures. Reflecting on his values, Adewale said her father believed strongly in investing in people instead of material possessions. She noted that he was reluctant to own personal property during his lifetime, making claims that he sought public recognition through memorials inconsistent with the life he lived. She also alleged that the viral reports were designed to create unnecessary controversy within the church rather than honour her father’s memory. According to Adewale, such narratives are intended to distract from the church’s mission and sow division among members. She urged those responsible for spreading the false claims to desist from circulating misinformation. Adewale concluded by expressing her support for the General Overseer of the RCCG, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, praying for continued wisdom, strength and divine guidance for him, his family and the church’s leadership. She also wished members of the RCCG around the world a successful annual convention.

Crime

Bauchi Police Arrest Five for Burglary, Cannabis Possession

The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested five people in separate operations linked to alleged burglary and possession of suspected cannabis, recovering several household items believed to have been stolen. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Habib, said officers from the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) made the arrests during routine patrols across Bauchi metropolis. According to the police, the first operation took place on August 3, 2026, in Doya Quarters, where officers intercepted a tricycle carrying three occupants after becoming suspicious of their movements. The suspects were identified as Sadiq Abdullahi, 27, Muhammad Suleman, 18, both residents of Unguwar Sarakuna, and Aliyu Abubakar, 21, the tricycle rider from Kofar Gombe. A search of the tricycle reportedly led to the recovery of four boxes containing new shoes, clothing, jewellery, a 6kg gas cylinder, a 32-inch LG television and a tabletop gas cooker. Police said the suspects allegedly confessed during preliminary questioning that they had conspired with another individual, identified only as “Nanu,” who remains at large, to burgle a residence in Unguwar Sarakuna and steal the items. Investigators later contacted the owners of the residence, who identified the recovered property as theirs. The homeowner’s wife also reported that some clothing items and a gold earring were still missing. In a separate operation later the same day, VCRU officers arrested two men, Mansur Sani, 25, and Umar Muhammad, 30, both residents of Bakin Kura, after allegedly finding them exchanging two parcels of dry leaves suspected to be cannabis. The police said investigations into both incidents are ongoing. Authorities are also searching for the fleeing burglary suspect and working to identify the source of the suspected cannabis. The command added that all suspects will be charged in court once investigations are concluded.

Elections, Politics

2027: Sowore Scores Tinubu’s Government ‘F9’

African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate for the 2027 election, Omoyele Sowore, has delivered a scathing assessment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, awarding it an “F9” and accusing the government of underperforming in virtually every major sector. Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Tuesday, the publisher of Sahara Reporters said he could not identify any significant achievement recorded by the administration after three years in office. According to Sowore, the government’s performance has fallen short in areas such as security, electricity, education, healthcare, food security and the economy. He argued that Nigeria continues to face serious security challenges, while repeated national grid collapses reflect ongoing problems in the power sector. He also criticised the student loan policy, saying many young Nigerians are now compelled to borrow money to access higher education. On healthcare, Sowore questioned the state of the country’s medical system, pointing out that top government officials, including the president, often seek treatment abroad instead of using Nigerian hospitals. He further expressed concern over food insecurity, claiming Nigeria remains among countries facing severe hunger and requiring international food assistance. He also alleged that the number of Nigerians living in poverty has risen significantly over the past three years. Based on these indicators, Sowore maintained that the administration did not deserve a passing grade. Using an academic analogy, he said that if President Tinubu were one of his students, he would advise him to leave the classroom and return to learning rather than continue. When the programme’s host suggested that his comments were similar to Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi’s earlier call for Tinubu to retire, Sowore rejected the comparison. He clarified that he was not asking the president to retire from politics but instead believed he should “go back to school.” President Tinubu is expected to seek a second term under the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 presidential election, where Sowore will represent the African Action Congress (AAC).