1. Tinubu Orders Forensic Audit of IPPIS, Federal Agencies
President Bola Tinubu has directed Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Taiwo Oyedele to lead a comprehensive forensic audit of the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System and other federal government systems.
Audit Targets Ghost Workers and Fake Entities
The directive followed a Federal Executive Council resolution based on findings by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission on ghost workers, fake agencies and weaknesses in government controls.
The audit will cover payroll, personnel, pension and financial management platforms, including their links with GIFMIS, Remita and the Treasury Single Account.
Officials said the exercise will examine how fictitious persons were enrolled, review biometric and access controls and verify the legal status and governance structures of federal agencies and parastatals.
The Federal Government said the audit is aimed at closing loopholes and strengthening accountability across government institutions.
2. Police Parade Doctors Over Alleged Kidney Harvesting Syndicate
The Nigeria Police Force on Friday paraded four suspects linked to an alleged organ-harvesting and human trafficking network operating between Nasarawa State and Abuja.
22-Year-Old Allegedly Lost Kidney After Hospital Procedure
The suspects include Emmanuel Ode, 23; nephrologists Dr Benjamin Oyime, 48, and Dr Daniel Otukpa, 53, both linked to Wellington Hospital in Life Camp, Abuja; and David Idoko, 25.
Police said Ode confessed to luring 22-year-old Samuel Ezekiel to the hospital on April 24, 2026, where his left kidney was allegedly removed in exchange for $1,250, about N1.7 million.
A second victim was also alleged to have received N7 million after undergoing a similar procedure in 2022.
The case came to public attention after Ezekiel approached activist VeryDarkMan, leading to medical examinations that confirmed he was missing a kidney. Police said investigations are continuing to establish the wider network and identify other people involved.
3. DSS Re-Arrests Miyetti Allah Leader After EFCC Release
The Department of State Services has re-arrested Bello Bodejo, national president of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, shortly after he was released by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in Abuja.
Bodejo Had Met Court Bail Conditions
Bodejo had reportedly perfected the bail conditions granted to him by a Federal High Court in connection with a $2.63 million money-laundering case.
His wife, Hajiya Hauwa Bodejo, said DSS operatives were waiting near the EFCC premises and took him away in three vehicles as the family prepared to leave.
The DSS has not publicly explained the reason for the re-arrest. Bodejo was arraigned in July on multiple charges and had remained in EFCC custody until his bail conditions were met.
4. EFCC Extradites Two Nigerians to US Over Sextortion Cases
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has handed over two Nigerian nationals to United States authorities to face charges linked to financially motivated sextortion of minors.
US Authorities Link Suspects to Teen Suicides
Mudashiru Afeez Olawale and Adebola Festus Adekunle were extradited on August 26 through the EFCC Lagos Zonal Directorate.
US investigators, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, allegedly linked the suspects to schemes targeting boys aged between 13 and 17. The suspects allegedly used explicit images to demand money through gift cards, cryptocurrency and money transfer services.
US authorities said the cases were linked to the suicides of two American teenagers. One investigation involved continued communication with a 13-year-old after the teenager reportedly expressed suicidal intentions.
The extradition highlights continued cooperation between Nigerian and US authorities in tackling cross-border cybercrime.
5. National Population Commission Chairman Aminu Yusuf Dies at 66
Chairman of the National Population Commission, Dr Aminu Yusuf, popularly known as Talban Wushishi, has died at the age of 66.
NPC Chairman Dies After Brief Illness
Yusuf died in Abuja on Friday after a brief illness. He was appointed by President Tinubu in 2025 and later confirmed by the Senate.
The Niger State-born administrator previously served as a local government chairman, state assembly member, NAFDAC board member and special adviser on political affairs.
The National Population Commission described him as a dedicated administrator who promoted reforms aimed at improving Nigeria’s demographic data. His remains were taken to Minna for burial as political associates and colleagues mourned his death.
6. Nigerian Stocks Gain ₦1.38 Trillion in One Day
The Nigerian Exchange closed higher on Friday as investors gained ₦1.38 trillion in market value.
All-Share Index Rises 0.90 Per Cent
The All-Share Index rose by 2,142.38 points, or 0.90 per cent, to close at 241,298.47 points, while market capitalisation increased to ₦155.83 trillion.
Seplat Energy led the gainers with a 10 per cent increase, followed by Transcorp Hotels and Omatek. Market breadth closed positive with 36 gainers against 23 decliners.
A total of 405 million shares worth ₦28.32 billion changed hands in more than 38,000 deals, reflecting renewed buying interest in the equities market.
7. Naira Strengthens to ₦1,337.29 as Reserves Rise
The naira ended the week stronger against the US dollar in both the official and parallel markets.
Foreign Reserves Rise Above $53 Billion
At the official market, the naira appreciated to ₦1,337.29 per dollar from ₦1,338.59 on Thursday. The parallel market rate also improved to about ₦1,400 from ₦1,407.
The currency recorded a week-on-week gain of about ₦9.20 at the official market. Nigeria’s foreign exchange reserves also increased to $53.31 billion as of August 27.
The latest movement reflects improved liquidity and stronger market confidence, although foreign exchange demand remains a key factor for the currency.
8. Shooting Stars Beat Inter Lagos in NPFL Opener
Shooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan began the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League season with a 2-1 victory over newcomers Inter Lagos at the Lekan Salami Stadium.
Ibadan Club Takes Early Three Points
The home victory gave Shooting Stars three points from the opening fixture of the new NPFL campaign.
The match comes shortly after major leadership changes in Nigerian football, including the resignation of Nigeria Football Federation President Ibrahim Gusau and other officials.
The league now moves into the remaining opening-round fixtures as clubs across the country begin their campaigns.
9. Falconets Beat Poland 1-0 Ahead of U-20 World Cup
Nigeria’s Falconets defeated hosts Poland 1-0 in an international friendly in Brzeg on Friday as preparations intensify for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.
Mamudu Scores Decisive Goal
Mamudu scored the only goal of the encounter to give Nigeria a confidence-boosting victory ahead of the tournament.
The friendly formed part of the team’s final preparations as the coaching crew continues to work on tactics, squad balance and match readiness.
Nigeria’s women’s youth teams have maintained a strong presence at international competitions, keeping the Falconets among the country’s major sources of football success.
10. Atiku Claims Tinubu Is 90, Says He Will Prove It in Court
Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has alleged that President Bola Tinubu is 90 years old and said he is prepared to present evidence in court.
Claim Adds to 2027 Political Exchanges
Atiku made the claim during a BBC interview that circulated widely on Friday, adding another dimension to the growing political exchanges ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Tinubu’s camp has previously rejected age-related claims about the President. The latest allegation comes as Atiku and other opposition figures intensify criticism of the administration and position themselves for the next presidential contest.
