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NOUN Bursar Nasiru Gusau Marafa Shot Dead in Zamfara
Mallam Nasiru Gusau Marafa, the Bursar of the National Open University of Nigeria, was shot dead on Sunday while returning from Gusau, Zamfara State.
The university confirmed his death in an official statement but did not disclose the exact location of the incident, the circumstances surrounding the shooting or those responsible. Marafa had served the institution in several capacities before becoming bursar.
Killing Raises Fresh Security Concerns
The incident has renewed concerns over attacks on major roads in Zamfara, where travellers face persistent security threats.
NOUN management described the death as sudden and untimely, extended condolences to his family and announced plans for a Janaza prayer in Abuja. Security agencies are expected to investigate the killing.
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Jigawa Governor Appoints New Emir of Gumel
Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi has approved the appointment of Dr Lawan Ahmed Muhammad Sani as the 17th Emir of Gumel, three days after the death of his father, the late Emir Ahmed Muhammad Sani II.
The late emir ruled Gumel for 46 years. The appointment followed recommendations from the Gumel Emirate kingmakers and the Jigawa State Council of Chiefs.
New Emir Takes Over Immediately
The new monarch, who previously held the title of Chiroman Gumel, also served as Director of Cyber Security at the National Information Technology Development Agency.
Governor Namadi congratulated the new emir and urged residents of Gumel to support his administration. The appointment takes immediate effect.
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Dangote Refinery Secures SEC Approval for Landmark IPO
The Securities and Exchange Commission has approved the initial public offering of Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals, clearing the way for one of the biggest share offerings in Africa.
The refinery plans to offer 4.1 billion ordinary shares at ₦525 each, which could raise about ₦2.15 trillion if fully subscribed. The order book is expected to open around mid-September.
IPO to Fund Refinery Expansion
Proceeds from the offer will support plans to increase the refinery’s capacity from 650,000 barrels per day to 1.4 million barrels per day.
The approval follows a successful private placement and underwriting commitments. The proposed listing is also expected to broaden ownership of the refinery among Nigerian and African investors.
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FCCPC Probes Uber’s Exit from Nigeria
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has opened an investigation into Uber’s decision to end its operations in Nigeria from September 2, 2026.
The commission is examining the circumstances surrounding the exit, including possible outstanding obligations to riders and drivers. Uber ended its 12-year operation in Nigeria following a business review.
Regulator Examines Impact on Riders, Drivers
Uber’s exit also affected its operations in Uganda, while competitors such as Bolt and inDrive remain active in the Nigerian market.
The development has disrupted services for some riders and drivers, while Uber said its help centre would remain available for a limited period. The FCCPC probe comes amid wider scrutiny of how foreign companies withdraw from the Nigerian market.
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Oba of Benin Suspends Royal Praise Singers Over Tradition Breach
Oba Ewuare II of Benin has indefinitely suspended the Isikhuan royal praise singers over an alleged breach of Benin traditional practice during a performance at the residence of Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin.
The group’s leader, Juliet Omogui, was stripped of her traditional title and ordered to return the sacred headgear to the palace following the incident.
Palace Chiefs Condemn Alleged Rite Violation
The decision followed an emergency meeting of palace chiefs after a video of the performance circulated on social media.
Palace officials described the act as a serious breach of Benin custom, while the chiefs expressed concern that the performance was allowed despite the sacred nature of the tradition.
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Arsenal Come From Behind to Beat Chelsea 2-1
Arsenal came from behind to defeat Chelsea 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium in a Premier League London derby.
Morgan Rogers put Chelsea ahead inside two minutes before Kai Havertz equalised for Arsenal in the first half. Martin Odegaard then scored early in the second half to give Arsenal the lead.
Arsenal Maintain Strong Start
Chelsea created opportunities to level the game late in the match but failed to find an equaliser.
The victory kept Arsenal level on points with Manchester City after three matches and provided an early test of their title ambitions.
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Political Thugs Attack NDC Secretariat in Rivers
Suspected political thugs attacked the Nigeria Democratic Congress secretariat in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State, destroying campaign billboards, banners and other party materials.
The attack reportedly occurred at night at the party’s office in Emohua Town. Fugbara Ohaka, the party’s House of Representatives candidate for the area, confirmed the incident and condemned the violence.
Candidate Calls for Investigation
Ohaka urged party supporters to remain calm and called on security agencies to investigate the attack and prosecute those responsible.
The incident adds to concerns over political tension in Rivers State as parties prepare for the 2027 elections.
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Atiku Criticises Fuel Prices, Proposes Production Subsidy
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised the current petrol prices under the administration of President Bola Tinubu, saying the cost of fuel is placing additional pressure on Nigerians.
Atiku proposed a targeted production subsidy for domestic refiners as a way of reducing pump prices while supporting local refining capacity. He also cited the high cost of purchasing a litre of petrol relative to average earnings.
Atiku Pushes Alternative Fuel Policy
The former vice president called on industry groups to support the proposal and accused the Federal Government of failing to deliver sufficient benefits from savings associated with petrol subsidy removal.
The proposal comes as fuel prices and the wider cost of living remain major issues in the political debate ahead of the 2027 elections.
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Nigeria Revenue Service Advances Tax Reforms
The Nigeria Revenue Service has continued the implementation of tax administration reforms aimed at modernising revenue collection and reducing multiple taxation.
Officials said the new framework expands the agency’s mandate and promotes digital systems for tax administration. Eighteen states have also adopted a harmonised tax framework as part of efforts to streamline revenue collection.
Government Targets Higher Non-Oil Revenue
Revenue figures for the first half of the year showed growth, which officials attributed to improved collection systems and wider compliance.
The reforms are expected to support government revenue and reduce dependence on oil earnings, while businesses and taxpayers continue to monitor implementation of the new tax rules.
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Naira Holds Near Two-Year High as FX Liquidity Improves
The naira has remained near a two-year high against the US dollar in the official market, trading at around ₦1,321 to the dollar amid improved foreign exchange liquidity.
Parallel market rates remained higher, although the gap between the official and parallel markets reflected continued adjustments in the foreign exchange system.
Higher Inflows Support Naira
Market reports and Central Bank data point to stronger foreign exchange inflows and improved market conditions.
The naira’s recent stability offers some relief to importers and businesses, although inflation and cost-of-living pressures remain. Sustained currency stability will depend on oil earnings, capital inflows and consistent monetary and foreign exchange policies.
