Politics

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.

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has criticised the Federal Government’s economic reforms, arguing that the simultaneous removal of fuel subsidy and the floating of the naira have worsened the economic hardship faced by Nigerians. Makinde made the remarks through the National Leader of the Allied People’s Movement (APM), Babatunde Tijani, during the unveiling of the party’s deputy governorship candidate, Deborah Akinlade, as well as its House of Assembly and National Assembly candidates in Abeokuta, Ogun State, ahead of the 2027 general elections. According to the governor, implementing both policies at the same time without adequate relief measures placed an unbearable burden on citizens. He maintained that even advanced economies would struggle to absorb such economic shocks without appropriate support systems. Makinde questioned the government’s claims of economic progress, pointing to the rising cost of fuel, increasing food prices, and continued fluctuations in the foreign exchange market. He argued that many Nigerians are finding it difficult to afford basic necessities despite official assurances that the economy is improving. He also expressed concern over the country’s security situation, saying many citizens no longer feel safe. According to him, the APM aims to provide an alternative platform capable of addressing Nigeria’s economic and security challenges while improving the welfare of the people. Highlighting the party’s vision, Makinde urged members in Ogun State to intensify grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections. He said the APM is committed to rebuilding the economy, restoring security, and easing the hardship experienced by Nigerians. Also speaking at the event, Ogun State APM Chairman and Inter-Party Advisory Council Chairman, Abayomi Sanyaolu, rated the performance of the APC-led Federal Government at 35 percent. He encouraged Nigerians to reject vote-buying, obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and participate actively in the electoral process. Similarly, the party’s governorship candidate in Ogun State, Rotimi Babajide, promised that an APM administration would prioritise agriculture, job creation, education, healthcare, road infrastructure, and grassroots development to improve the quality of life for residents.

Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has dismissed the Presidency’s defence of President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies, arguing that the government’s claims of economic recovery do not reflect the daily realities faced by Nigerians. In a statement issued through his media aide, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said that while the government highlights improvements in economic indicators, millions of Nigerians continue to grapple with rising poverty, food insecurity, and worsening living conditions. According to him, celebrating GDP growth and other macroeconomic figures means little to citizens who are struggling to afford basic necessities. He stressed that economic success should be measured by its impact on ordinary people rather than by statistics alone. Atiku referenced findings from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), noting that a significant proportion of Nigerians remain below the national poverty line and that millions continue to face food insecurity. While acknowledging that the IMF recognised progress in some reform areas, he pointed out that the organisation also emphasised the need for stronger social protection measures. He further questioned the government’s continued borrowing despite claims of improved revenue generation, subsidy removal, increased tax collection, and reduced debt servicing pressures. According to him, the real concern is whether borrowed funds have translated into better infrastructure, job creation, and improved living standards. The former vice president also criticised the administration’s handling of fuel subsidy removal, saying Nigerians accepted the need for reforms but were still waiting to see meaningful improvements in public services. He argued that citizens should not be expected to celebrate sacrifices without visible benefits. On healthcare, education, and infrastructure, Atiku maintained that isolated projects and programmes are not enough to qualify as comprehensive reforms. He said the government would ultimately be judged by completed projects that lower the cost of doing business, improve access to quality services, and enhance the welfare of citizens. He concluded by urging the Presidency to focus less on defending its economic record and more on addressing the hardship experienced by Nigerians. According to Atiku, governments are ultimately assessed by their ability to improve people’s lives, create opportunities, strengthen security, and restore hope for the future.

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has fulfilled his pledge to support veteran Nollywood actress Ngozi Nwosu by paying ₦25 million towards the cost of her ongoing medical treatment. The actress recently appealed for public assistance after revealing that she was battling an undisclosed health condition that requires three surgical procedures. According to Nwosu, she needed ₦30 million to cover the cost of the surgeries. The governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Tourism and Entertainment, J Martins, confirmed that the payment had been made directly to the hospital where the actress is receiving treatment. In a post on X, Martins said Governor Otti approved the payment before the close of business and expressed appreciation for the governor’s support, describing the gesture as an act of kindness that would be remembered. The ₦25 million donation covers the majority of the actress’s medical expenses, leaving a balance of ₦5 million to complete the required treatment. The intervention comes despite Nwosu’s previous criticism of the Abia State Government. In 2024, the actress stated that she would no longer offer free services to the state, alleging that she received no government support during an earlier health challenge in 2012. Her recent appeal for financial assistance attracted widespread attention and renewed calls from fans, colleagues and well-wishers before Governor Otti stepped in to provide financial support. The donation has been widely viewed as a significant contribution towards ensuring the actress receives the medical care she needs.

President Bola Tinubu has revealed that the Federal Government refused to negotiate with or pay ransom to the kidnappers who abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire, Oyo State, in May 2026. Instead, security agencies tracked members of the kidnappers’ families and communities as part of efforts that eventually led to the victims’ rescue. Speaking while receiving the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, and other Oyo traditional rulers at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Tinubu said the abductors demanded money and the release of detained gang members, but the government rejected the conditions. He noted that the rescue operation, which lasted 56 days, was intelligence-driven and completed without paying ransom. The President explained that the incident prompted his administration to strengthen the country’s security architecture. According to him, the decision to expand the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions was aimed at improving response times and increasing the military’s operational reach against terrorism and banditry. He also reiterated plans to establish state police with safeguards against abuse and to retrain forest guards into frontline security personnel. Tinubu stressed that the government would not bargain with criminals, saying security agencies relied on intelligence and knowledge of the terrain to secure the victims’ release. He praised the armed forces for the successful operation and urged Nigerians to appreciate their efforts. He further called on traditional rulers to encourage residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities in their communities, describing intelligence gathering as critical to tackling insecurity. The President also urged state governments to invest more in road infrastructure to improve access for security agencies to remote areas. Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Oba Ladoja thanked the President and the armed forces for securing the release of the abducted pupils and teachers. He also commended the Federal Government’s efforts to rehabilitate major roads across Oyo State, noting that improved infrastructure would enhance development and security. The Oriire abduction occurred on May 15, 2026, when armed men attacked three schools in Oyo State, abducting about 39 pupils and seven teachers. Mathematics teacher Michael Oyedokun was killed during the attack. The victims regained their freedom on July 10 after spending 56 days in captivity, while security forces arrested eight suspects and neutralised others during the operation.