1. Tinubu Asks US Court to Block Release of FBI, DEA Records
President Bola Tinubu has asked a United States District Court for the District of Columbia to reject a bid seeking the release of investigative records held by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Drug Enforcement Administration concerning him.
Tinubu Cites Privacy Rights
Tinubu’s legal team filed a response opposing a Freedom of Information Act motion by transparency activist Aaron Greenspan, arguing that the records are protected by privacy rights under US law and that their disclosure could improperly influence Nigerian politics.
The records relate to historical investigations, including a 1993 civil forfeiture case involving about $460,000.
The FBI recently submitted sealed records to Judge Beryl Howell for private review after missing earlier deadlines. Opposition parties in Nigeria have continued to demand the release of the files, arguing that Nigerians deserve transparency.
Tinubu’s lawyers maintain that there is no evidence of a secret prosecution or government cover-up. The case continues to attract political attention ahead of the 2027 elections.
2. Moody’s Revises Nigeria’s Credit Outlook to Positive
Moody’s Ratings has revised Nigeria’s sovereign credit outlook from stable to positive while affirming the country’s long-term foreign and local currency issuer ratings at B3.
Agency Cites Stronger External Buffers
The ratings agency pointed to rising foreign exchange reserves, sizeable current account surpluses, improved functioning of the foreign exchange market and stronger-than-expected economic growth.
Moody’s projects Nigeria’s current account surplus could reach about 6.1 per cent of GDP in 2026.
The Federal Government welcomed the decision, describing it as evidence that its economic reforms are producing results. Analysts, however, said sustained progress would still be required before a possible rating upgrade, particularly because fiscal constraints remain.
3. Dangote Refinery Raises Petrol Price by N65
Dangote Petroleum Refinery has increased its gantry price for Premium Motor Spirit from N1,200 to N1,265 per litre, marking its third upward adjustment within eight days.
Cumulative Increase Reaches N100
The refinery also raised its coastal price and directed customers to return existing authorisations for repricing under the new terms.
The latest increase brings the cumulative rise to about N100 per litre within a short period and is expected to put additional pressure on retail pump prices.
Marketers have already started adjusting prices in major cities as concerns grow over supply planning, imports and rising operating costs. The development comes amid continued pressure on household and business expenses.
4. Police Intensify Rescue Operation for Abducted Worshippers in Niger
Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu has ordered security operatives in Niger State to intensify efforts to rescue worshippers abducted during an attack on communities in the Dekara District of Borgu Local Government Area.
Disu Orders Arrest of Perpetrators
Disu gave the directive during a working visit to Niger State on Saturday, where he reviewed security operations and met with the deputy governor and police command leadership.
The abductions occurred after Friday prayers on August 21, when suspected bandits attacked communities and took an unconfirmed number of residents.
The military, police and Department of State Services have deployed additional tactical teams and resources. Disu said the safe recovery of the victims and arrest of those responsible remain priorities.
5. Mutinous Soldiers Attack Airport, Presidential Area in Niger Republic
Mutinous soldiers in Niger Republic attacked the international airport and areas around the presidential palace in Niamey early Saturday, leading to hours of gunfire and explosions.
Loyalist Forces Regain Control
Authorities later said loyalist forces had regained control of the targeted installations after soldiers from several locations attempted to seize sensitive sites.
State television briefly went off air before returning to transmission, while the ruling junta described the incident as a breach of military discipline and appealed for calm.
The incident adds to security concerns in the Sahel and could have wider implications for regional stability, including countries bordering Niger such as Nigeria.
6. Adeleke Sets Up Panel to Probe Ikire Killings
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has established a Coroner Inquest/Panel of Inquiry to investigate the killings, shootings and violence recorded at Naira and Kobo Junction in Ikire on August 24.
Panel to Examine Role of Security Operatives
The panel, chaired by Magistrate Ayokunle Shiyanbola, will investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, identify victims, examine the role of security operatives and recommend appropriate action.
The inquiry takes effect from August 31.
Meanwhile, APC governorship candidate Bola Oyebamiji congratulated Adeleke on his election victory and called for an end to post-election violence. He also urged the police to thoroughly investigate reported killings of party supporters.
7. ICPC Uncovers N600 Million Funding for Fake Presidential Agency
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has revealed how Adeniyi Adeyemi, who allegedly presented himself as director-general of the purported Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, obtained about N600 million from private companies.
ICPC Recommends Prosecution
According to the commission’s interim report submitted to President Tinubu, the funds were allegedly used to finance the activities of the fictitious organisation and a world investment summit.
ICPC established that the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council was never legally created and that Adeyemi was not appointed by the Federal Government.
The commission also accused him of creating other fictitious agencies and recommended his prosecution for forgery, impersonation and related offences. Administrative sanctions were also recommended for some public officials linked to the case.
8. Kenya, Ethiopia Athletes Win Enugu City International Marathon
Kenyan and Ethiopian athletes dominated the elite races at the second Enugu City International Marathon held on Saturday.
Nigerian Runners Dominate 10km Race
Kenya’s Edwin Kipyego won the men’s 42km race, while Ethiopia’s Zenebe Aberu emerged winner of the women’s category. Both winners received $15,000 prizes.
Ethiopian runners also occupied the remaining podium positions in the men’s race.
Nigerian athletes dominated the 10km category, with Plateau State runners, including Gang James Boyi, securing top positions. More than 3,000 athletes participated in the event organised by the Enugu State Government in partnership with Nilayo Sports Management.
9. Former AFAN President Kabir Faskari Dies in Turkey
Former President of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria and the Poultry Association of Nigeria, Architect Kabir Ibrahim Faskari, has died in Istanbul, Turkey.
Faskari Dies After Surgery Complications
Faskari reportedly died following complications after prostate surgery. He was serving as chairman of the Agriculture Business Group at the time of his death.
He was a prominent voice in Nigeria’s agricultural sector and advocated for farmers and agricultural businesses throughout his career.
Associates said Faskari had spoken with visitors shortly before his condition deteriorated. Burial arrangements are expected to take place in Turkey, with further details awaited.
10. Yari Says Fuel Subsidy Cannot Return
Director-General of the APC 2027 Presidential Campaign Council, Abdulaziz Yari, has said anyone promising to restore fuel subsidy is deceiving Nigerians.
APC Campaign Chief Defends Subsidy Removal
Yari argued that the subsidy cannot return under Nigeria’s current economic realities and after the reforms already implemented by the Tinubu administration.
His comments come amid an intensifying political debate over the cost of living, fuel prices and the impact of subsidy removal ahead of the 2027 elections.
Opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, have continued to argue for a targeted form of fuel subsidy to cushion the effect of rising transport and living costs, while the APC maintains that returning to the previous subsidy regime would undermine fiscal reforms.
