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2026

Politics

Benue incident: Police arrest 46 linked to Peter Obi visit

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The Benue State Police Command has arrested 46 people in connection with the disruption of the movement of the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, during his visit to the state. The Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, disclosed this on Wednesday in Makurdi, saying the arrests followed intelligence-led operations launched shortly after the incident. According to him, the command received information about Obi’s visit at about 5:30pm on Monday, September 7, and deployed security personnel, including three police escort vehicles led by an Assistant Commissioner of Police, to protect him. Nwadiogbu said Obi’s movement was later obstructed by a group of people, creating tension that could have escalated into violence. He explained that the police opted for a tactical response to prevent possible loss of lives and destruction of property. Officers subsequently escorted Obi back to the airport, from where he left the state safely. The commissioner stressed that the police response should not be interpreted as inaction, noting that the command immediately began efforts to identify those involved. He said 46 suspects had so far been arrested, while investigations and efforts to apprehend other persons connected to the incident were ongoing. Nwadiogbu reaffirmed the neutrality of the police, saying every Nigerian has the right to freedom of movement regardless of political affiliation or status. He warned that no individual or group had the right to unlawfully restrict another person’s movement and assured that anyone found culpable would face the law. The commissioner also appealed to residents to remain calm and allow the police to complete their investigation.

Politics

Tinubu tells bishops to keep political incitement off pulpits

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President Bola Tinubu has urged Christian leaders to promote peace and responsible participation ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning against using church pulpits to promote violence, hatred or division. Tinubu made the call on Wednesday in Abuja at the 2026 International Synod of Charismatic Archbishops, Bishops and Apostles held at the National Christian Centre. Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, the President asked religious leaders to support peaceful elections and speak out against practices capable of undermining democracy. He specifically urged them to discourage vote buying, hate speech and the use of ethnic or religious sentiments for political purposes. Tinubu also called for issue-based campaigns, stressing that political ambitions should not take precedence over national peace and stability. The President said the Church had an important role to play in peacebuilding, national security and promoting understanding across religious and denominational lines. He also acknowledged the difficulties Nigerians have faced as a result of ongoing economic reforms, assuring citizens that the Federal Government remained committed to reducing hardship, improving household incomes and ensuring that the benefits of the reforms reach more Nigerians. Meanwhile, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, urged religious leaders to help prevent young people from being drawn into radicalisation and criminal activities. Idris said preserving Nigeria’s unity required responsible leadership from all sectors, including religious institutions, and called for dialogue and community-based efforts to prevent conflict. However, the President-General of the Christian body, Archbishop Leonard Bature Kawas, announced the group’s support for Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election. Kawas said the organisation had reviewed the administration’s record and would continue to support the President through prayers, advocacy and public engagement.

Business, Energy

Crude oil surpasses $100 as Middle East crisis puts pressure on prices

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Oil marketers in Nigeria are preparing to increase the pump prices of petroleum products following a surge in international crude oil prices above $100 per barrel. The rise is being driven by escalating tensions in the Middle East and fears of disruptions to global oil supplies, raising concerns about higher fuel, transport and production costs in Nigeria. The OPEC Basket, which includes Nigeria’s Bonny Light, climbed above $100 per barrel from about $95, representing an increase of roughly 5.2 per cent. Brent crude also rose to $100.60 per barrel, while Murban crude increased to $118.30. Lagos State Chairman of the Petroleum Retailers Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria, Joseph Ehimen, said marketers would review pump prices after their next purchases, depending on prevailing market conditions and associated costs. However, Nigeria may not fully benefit from higher crude prices because its oil production remains below target. OPEC data showed that the country’s crude output fell from 1.51 million barrels per day in June to 1.44 million barrels per day in July. Economists warned that sustained high crude prices could increase the cost of diesel, transportation, freight and other energy-dependent activities, potentially pushing up the prices of goods and services. Despite the international price surge, petrol prices in Lagos remained largely between N1,266 and N1,300 per litre on Wednesday. Dangote Refinery sold at N1,266 per litre, while other depots recorded varying prices. The Association of Small Business Owners of Nigeria described the development as a mixed blessing, saying higher oil prices could boost government revenue and foreign exchange earnings but would also increase operating costs for businesses and reduce household purchasing power. Industry experts urged the Federal Government to use any additional oil revenue to strengthen domestic refining, improve public transportation, support vulnerable households and businesses, and reduce the impact of rising energy costs. They also advised the government to avoid returning to broad petrol subsidies, instead focusing on targeted measures that can cushion Nigerians while strengthening the economy.

Crime

Wanted drug suspect repatriated from Benin Republic by NDLEA

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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has arrested and repatriated a suspected drug kingpin, Festus Ibewuike, from Benin Republic after more than two years on the run. Ibewuike, 52, was arrested in Cotonou on September 2, 2026, following a joint operation involving the NDLEA and INTERPOL offices in Nigeria and Benin Republic. The suspect was reportedly wanted in connection with the seizure of 49.70kg of heroin at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, in February 2024. According to the NDLEA, Ibewuike fled Nigeria after the seizure and relocated to Mozambique, where he allegedly operated a hotel as a cover for his activities. He was also said to have moved between Mozambique and Nigeria through neighbouring Benin Republic while evading arrest. The agency said the 49.70kg heroin shipment was concealed inside cartons containing metal-cutting machines at the airport’s Import Shed. It described the seizure as the largest single heroin seizure recorded at the airport. The investigation into the drug network led to the arrest of several suspects, including Ibewuike’s wife, Confidence Ndidiama Ibewuike, who allegedly received drug-laden parcels marked with the code “ND” on his behalf. The NDLEA said 107 bank accounts linked to the syndicate were frozen, while properties connected to the cartel were also forfeited. Three suspects, Augustine Felix Chinedu, Osita Emmanuel Obinna and Uzochukwu Frankline have been convicted and sentenced, while three others remain on trial. Ibewuike was among those charged in absentia. Following his return to Nigeria, the suspect was taken to the NDLEA Central Exhibit Store in Ikoyi, Lagos, on September 5, where he reportedly identified heroin parcels bearing the “ND” code as being linked to him. Further investigation also linked Ibewuike to an earlier drug case involving the seizure of 40.255kg of methamphetamine. The case, which involved another suspect, Chidi Idiohia, resulted in a conviction in 2023. The NDLEA Chairman, Buba Marwa, described Ibewuike’s arrest as a major breakthrough in the agency’s efforts to apprehend fleeing drug traffickers. Marwa said the arrest demonstrated that suspects who flee the country cannot remain beyond the reach of Nigerian law enforcement agencies. He commended the Nigerian and Beninese INTERPOL National Central Bureaus for their cooperation in locating the suspect and facilitating his return to Nigeria. Ibewuike is expected to face charges relating to the 49.70kg heroin seizure linked to his alleged drug network.

Crime

‘Kidnap suspect says he was offered N40,000 to abduct Rivers woman’

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A 35-year-old suspected kidnapper, Victor Ini, has claimed that he joined a kidnapping gang after being promised N40,000 for his role in abducting a woman in Rivers State. Ini, a native of Akwa Ibom State, made the claim during interrogation in a video shared by the Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer, Blessing Agabe, on Wednesday. According to the suspect, the gang planned to abduct the woman from her shop, collect money from her and later release her. He alleged that the woman’s neighbour, identified as Chukwuebuka, recruited the gang after informing them that she had money. Ini said it was his first time working with the gang and that he had not received any payment from the operation. The suspect identified his alleged accomplices as Chukwuebuka, Chinedu, Okwozichi and Evance. Meanwhile, the Rivers State Police Command said Ini was arrested during an operation launched after the abduction of a woman identified as Loveth. Agabe said Loveth was abducted by armed men on September 2, 2026, while sitting in front of her shop. The assailants reportedly fired shots into the air before forcing her into a vehicle and driving away. Following intelligence gathered by operatives of the Eleme Police Division, the police tracked the suspected kidnappers and engaged them in a gun battle, during which Ini was arrested. The police recovered a silver-coloured mini Keke bus with registration number RBC 992 XE, Abuja, from the suspects. Other items recovered included two locally made pistols, one live ammunition, a mobile phone, two identity cards, two black gowns and a vehicle number plate bearing registration number KRK 528 HG. The police said efforts were ongoing to apprehend other members of the suspected gang. The Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, CP Olugbenga Adewole Adepoju, assured residents that the command would continue to take measures to protect lives and property and bring suspected criminals to justice. He also warned criminal elements that there would be no safe haven for them in the state. The command urged residents to remain vigilant and provide credible information that could help the police combat crime.

Crime

Cash Transfer Office Clears Air on Auditor-General’s ₦33.75bn Fraud Claim

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The National Cash Transfer Office has rejected allegations that the Federal Government could not provide sufficient evidence that N33.75 billion in electronic cash transfers reached genuine beneficiaries. The allegation followed findings by the Auditor-General for the Federation, who questioned payments made by the office in 2023. However, the National Cash Transfer Office said the interpretation of the audit findings was incomplete, insisting that the funds were transferred through the government’s established payment system to beneficiaries listed in the National Beneficiary Register. The office also denied obstructing auditors from accessing payment records, saying it had documentary evidence, including emails, showing that beneficiary information and REMITA payment records were provided to the audit team. According to the Auditor-General’s report, N33.751 billion was electronically transferred to about 3.3 million households and beneficiaries across 35 states. The auditors raised concerns because payment vouchers did not contain complete beneficiary details and the REMITA statement needed to reconcile the payments with the National Social Register and National Beneficiary Register was reportedly not presented. In its response, the Cash Transfer Office stressed that an audit query does not automatically amount to a finding of fraud, diversion or loss of public funds. It said beneficiary records were maintained electronically and could be reconciled with corresponding payment records. The office added that the 2023 National Beneficiary Register was sent to auditors by email in April 2025, while records for 2024 and 2025 were also transmitted in April 2026. The office further disputed other audit observations involving N4.62 billion in payments, N350.18 million released for beneficiary enrolment, and N36.74 billion in payments made without prepayment audits. It maintained that supporting documents and electronic records were available for verification and said some funds previously questioned had already been recovered or refunded. The National Cash Transfer Office urged the public and media to distinguish between audit observations that require clarification and established findings of fraud or financial loss. It also reaffirmed its commitment to cooperating with oversight authorities and providing the necessary records for reconciliation.

Politics

Benue Youths Block Peter Obi From Visiting Yelewata

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Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has been prevented by some Benue youths from visiting Yelewata community in Guma Local Government Area of the state. Obi was scheduled to visit the community to sympathise with victims of the June 13, 2025, attack and make personal donations to affected families. The former Anambra State governor arrived in Makurdi at about 9am but was stopped on the Makurdi-Gboko Road, less than two kilometres from the airport. The youths reportedly blocked the road, chanting “Obi go back,” while some allegedly carried sticks and threw stones. Security personnel were deployed to the area, but Obi and his team eventually turned back and returned to the airport, where he left the state. Obi described the incident as ridiculous and worrying, saying he came to sympathise with families affected by the killings and show solidarity with the Yelewata community. He appealed to security agencies, including the Inspector-General of Police and the Department of State Services, to intervene and ensure peaceful political activities across the country. Obi also called for the 2027 presidential campaign to focus on issues such as insecurity, kidnapping, hunger, killings, poverty and economic hardship rather than violence and confrontation. He said Benue has the agricultural capacity to feed Nigeria but noted that insecurity and a lack of economic opportunities have deprived many young people of sustainable livelihoods. The NDC governorship candidate in Benue State, Professor Terhemba Shija, who was present at the scene, condemned the action of the youths and praised Obi for refusing to escalate the confrontation. However, the Benue State Government denied knowledge of Obi’s visit. The Commissioner for Information, Solomon Iorpev, said the state government was not informed and therefore could not guarantee Obi’s security. The Benue State Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, gave a different account, saying the police command was informed of Obi’s planned visit on Monday night and deployed personnel to provide security. Nwadiogbu said the police tactically managed the situation after youths blocked the road and that the command was investigating why the youths opposed Obi’s visit. The NDC condemned the incident, describing it as unacceptable and calling for an immediate investigation into what happened. The party’s vice-presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, also condemned the blockade, describing it as a threat to democratic freedoms and calling on the Benue State Government to identify and prosecute those responsible. Human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju and the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, HURIWA, also criticised the incident, saying political differences should not prevent citizens or political candidates from moving freely within the country.

Business

CIBN: Nigerians Must Feel the Impact of Economic Growth

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The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, CIBN, says Nigeria’s improving economic indicators will mean little unless they translate into lower living costs, more jobs, higher incomes and better living standards for citizens. The President and Chairman of Council of the CIBN, Dr Dele Alabi, made this known at the opening of the institute’s 19th Annual Banking and Finance Conference in Abuja. Alabi says Nigeria’s economic reforms must move beyond improving macroeconomic figures and begin to produce tangible benefits for households and businesses. He says the next phase of the reforms should focus on ensuring that economic stability leads to increased investment, affordable credit, stronger businesses and reduced poverty. The CIBN president also highlights the need to support micro, small and medium enterprises, which continue to face high operating costs, poor infrastructure, limited market access, skills shortages and slow digital adoption. The World Bank’s Lead Private Sector Development Specialist in Nigeria, Bertine Kamphuis, also says credit to the private sector remains inadequate. She urges banks to increase financing for sectors with strong job-creation potential, particularly agriculture, manufacturing and MSMEs. Kamphuis says this is important as between three and four million young Nigerians enter the labour market every year. Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerian banks to rethink their approach to risk and play a stronger role in financing productive sectors of the economy. Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, says strong bank profits alone are no longer enough. He says banks must help businesses access affordable credit, support manufacturers to expand and bring more productive MSMEs into the formal financial system. The President says Nigeria’s economy is returning to stability and investor confidence is improving, but warns that macroeconomic stability should not be mistaken for prosperity. He says the next phase of the country’s reforms must convert stability into investment, investment into production, production into jobs and economic growth into improved living standards. On bank recapitalisation, the Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, says the significant capital raised by banks demonstrates the depth of capital available locally. Cardoso, represented by CBN Deputy Governor Philip Ikeazor, urges banks to use the additional capital to finance the real sector and support faster economic growth. He also calls on state governments to work with the CBN and Federal Government to tackle inflation, expressing optimism that single-digit inflation is achievable through stronger collaboration.

Politics

Bauchi Senator Demands Proof of Alleged Banditry Link

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The senator representing Bauchi South Senatorial District, Shehu Buba, has challenged those accusing him of having links with bandits to provide credible evidence to support the allegations. Buba, who is also the 2027 governorship candidate of the Peoples Redemption Party, describes the allegations as politically motivated attacks ahead of the 2027 elections. He says anyone with evidence of his involvement in banditry should present it to the appropriate security agencies or the courts instead of relying on media reports, misinformation or character assassination. Buba says he has subjected his complaints to relevant security agencies and the courts, adding that he will continue to follow due process in addressing the allegations. The senator has faced accusations of links with suspected bandits since 2024, allegations he has repeatedly denied. The latest controversy follows videos circulated by a content creator known as D English Alhaji, who alleges that suspected bandit leaders have visited Buba’s residence. A resident, identified as Hassan, also accuses the senator of being among politicians allegedly supporting bandits in the area. Hassan further alleges that individuals linked to the notorious bandit kingpin, Dogo Gide, are brought to Abuja for specialised training, allegedly facilitated by one of Buba’s aides. Reacting to the allegations, Buba says he will not be intimidated or silenced by what he describes as a sponsored media campaign aimed at achieving political objectives ahead of the 2027 elections. Speaking while receiving political associates, party leaders, religious leaders and supporters who gathered to express solidarity with him, the senator says he remains committed to protecting his reputation and serving the people of Bauchi State. He also calls on Nigerians to support government efforts to tackle terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of criminality through lawful means. Buba cautions against politicising insecurity or reducing the fight against crime to ethnic or religious sentiments. He says his political ambition is focused on responsible leadership, improved security, unity, economic opportunities and inclusive development across Bauchi State. The senator also urges his supporters and political associates to avoid spreading unverified claims or engaging in unnecessary media exchanges. He advises them to properly verify allegations before responding, saying his preferred approach is to remain focused on public service and lawful democratic engagement.

Crime

Police, RULAAC Disagree on ₦600,000 Bail for Suspect

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The Anambra State Police Command and the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre, RULAAC, are at odds over an allegation that N600,000 was paid to secure the release of a woman arrested during an investigation into cult-related killings in Awka. The woman, identified as Nwosu Chikamso Jennifer, was arrested on August 31, 2026, in connection with investigations involving her brother, Nwosu Kenechukwu, who is wanted over an alleged murder case. Jennifer reportedly tells RULAAC that she spends four days in detention and is repeatedly asked to produce her brother. She alleges that she pays N600,000 on September 3 before she is released on what she describes as “administrative bail.” She also says her mobile phone is seized without a receipt or seizure form. However, the police deny demanding any money for her release. The state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, describes the allegation as misleading, saying Jennifer is granted bail after agreeing to cooperate with investigators and assist in efforts to locate her brother. Ikenga says Jennifer is arrested because of her alleged role in helping her brother evade arrest and not simply because she is related to him. He insists that neither N600,000 nor any other payment is demanded as a condition for her release. RULAAC Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, however, says the police denial does not resolve the allegation and calls for a proper investigation. Nwanguma says RULAAC contacted the police after receiving the complaint and gave the authorities an opportunity to verify the allegations before the matter became public. He questions why Jennifer is reportedly detained for four days without being charged and calls on the police to explain the legal basis for her arrest and detention. RULAAC also wants authorities to establish whether any money changes hands during Jennifer’s detention and whether proper bail and property documentation exists. The organisation says it supports investigations into cult-related killings but insists that such investigations must comply with constitutional safeguards and due process. RULAAC is calling for a transparent and impartial investigation into Jennifer’s arrest, detention and the alleged N600,000 payment. It warns that if the Anambra State Police Command does not satisfactorily address the issues, it may petition the Inspector-General of Police for an independent investigation.