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  • Deji Adeyanju Defends VDM, Faults Presidency Over Viral AI Audio Allegation

    Lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, has reacted to calls by the Presidency for legal action against social critic Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, over a viral audio clip allegedly linked to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    The reaction follows a statement on X by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who accused VDM of being the “conveyor and disseminator” of a fake audio recording and called for legal action.

    Onanuga Calls for Legal Action

    Onanuga described the circulation of the clip as an “egregious abuse of the social media platform,” insisting that VDM should be held accountable for spreading false content.

    The controversial footage reportedly shows an AI-generated audio layered over a video involving VDM, creating the impression of a presidential statement on the 2027 election and opposition figures, including Peter Obi.

    Adeyanju Speaks on VDM’s Behalf

    Reacting to the development, Adeyanju insisted that VDM neither created nor shared the alleged audio.

    He said verification of VDM’s official platforms would have shown he had no link to the content, adding that the accusations were made without proper fact-checking.

    Adeyanju faulted the Presidency’s reaction, describing it as premature and capable of misleading the public.

    Calls for Investigation

    The lawyer urged security agencies to investigate the origin of the manipulated audio and ensure those responsible are identified and prosecuted.

    He maintained that the incident highlights the growing threat of AI-generated misinformation in Nigeria’s digital space.

    As of press time, no formal charges have been filed against VDM.

  • Man Calls Out Pastor Adeboye After Alleged RCCG Protest Over Insecurity Was Cancelled

    A Nigerian man has gone viral on social media after publicly criticising the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Enoch Adeboye, over the alleged cancellation of a planned peaceful protest against insecurity in the country.

    The man, who spoke in a viral video circulating online, claimed church members were initially instructed to embark on a three-day fasting programme before participating in a peaceful walk with placards to protest worsening insecurity across Nigeria.

    “We Were Told There Would Be No Sunday Service”

    According to him, RCCG members were informed during a church service that the protest walk would replace regular Sunday worship activities.

    “Last week Sunday, we were told we would do a three days fasting which started on Friday. On Sunday, there won’t be service in every Redeemed Christian Church of God because we would head out for a peaceful walk protest,” he said.

    The man alleged that after members arrived at church prepared for the protest, a fresh directive was suddenly announced cancelling the planned march.

    Accusations Against Church Leadership

    Speaking emotionally in Yoruba, the man accused church leaders of remaining silent despite increasing insecurity and hardship in the country.

    He further alleged that the protest was cancelled because of political influence linked to Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, who is also a pastor in RCCG.

    “Just because the wife of the president of this country, Oluremi Tinubu, who is a pastor in Redeem, gave an order, you people cancelled the protest,” he said.

    He also directly addressed Pastor Adeboye in the video, expressing disappointment over the alleged decision.

    “Daddy, may God judge you. We’re no longer safe in this country, we’re finished. The church is ruined. Redeem members were told to hold protest, but you Daddy Enoch Adeboye stopped that protest,” he added.

    Mixed Reactions Online

    The video has generated intense reactions online, with many Nigerians divided over the allegations and the role of religious institutions in addressing national issues.

    Some social media users supported the man’s frustration, insisting that influential religious leaders should speak more openly against insecurity and hardship.

    Others defended Pastor Adeboye and the church leadership, arguing that there was no official confirmation of any planned nationwide protest by RCCG.

    As of the time of filing this report, RCCG had not released any official statement addressing the viral claims or confirming whether such a protest was ever scheduled.

    The incident adds to ongoing conversations surrounding insecurity in Nigeria and growing public expectations for religious and community leaders to speak more strongly on national challenges.

  • FG, World Bank Cancel $717.7m Power Sector Loan Amid Deepening Electricity Crisis

    The Federal Government and the World Bank have jointly cancelled a $717.7 million loan facility meant to support reforms in Nigeria’s struggling electricity sector, amid worsening tariff deficits, rising operational costs and persistent instability across the power industry.

    The cancelled amount formed part of the $1.52 billion Power Sector Recovery Performance-Based Operation introduced to improve electricity supply, strengthen the financial health of the sector and reduce pressure on public funds.

    Programme Cut Short

    According to documents released by the World Bank, the programme has now been formally restructured, with the entire undisbursed balance withdrawn.

    “The restructuring will result in the cancellation of the entire undisbursed balance in the amount of $717.7m equivalent, and no further disbursements will be made under the Program following approval of this restructuring,” the bank stated.

    The facility was initially approved in two phases.

    The first phase, valued at about $752.5 million, was approved in June 2020, while an additional $763.5 million package was introduced in June 2023 to deepen reforms and tackle unresolved weaknesses in the electricity sector.

    World Bank Lists Sector Failures

    The World Bank said Nigeria’s power sector continues to suffer from deep-rooted structural problems despite years of reforms and financial interventions.

    According to the report, weak distribution systems, transmission bottlenecks, underutilised generation capacity and poor financial sustainability remain major setbacks.

    The institution also pointed to high technical and commercial losses, alongside poor cost recovery, as key reasons behind the widening financial crisis in the sector.

    “These constraints have created recurrent financing gaps, most notably in the form of tariff shortfalls, which generate liquidity pressures across the value chain and weaken the operational and financial performance of sector institutions,” the report stated.

    Naira Devaluation Worsened Situation

    The World Bank further linked the worsening crisis to the liberalisation of Nigeria’s foreign exchange market in June 2023, which triggered a sharp depreciation of the naira.

    According to the bank, the falling value of the naira significantly increased the cost of natural gas used for electricity generation since gas payments are denominated in dollars.

    “The liberalisation of the foreign exchange market in June 2023 led to a significant depreciation of the local currency Naira, which resulted in a big increase in prices of natural gas used to produce above 70 per cent of electricity injected in the national power system,” the report added.

    The bank noted that electricity tariffs remained largely unchanged for most consumers despite the rising cost of generation, except for Band A customers whose tariffs were adjusted in April 2024.

    As a result, annual tariff shortfalls reportedly jumped from N140 billion in 2022 to about N1.9 trillion in 2024 and 2025.

    Low Disbursement, Reform Delays

    Although the original programme reportedly achieved some milestones, the additional financing package struggled to meet critical reform conditions.

    The World Bank disclosed that only about nine per cent of the additional financing had been disbursed before the cancellation.

    “Of the AF combination of a loan and a credit totalling $763.5m equivalent, only 9 per cent, corresponding to prior results of the PforR, have been disbursed,” the bank said.

    The institution blamed implementation delays, poor verification processes and the absence of a sustainable financing framework for the poor performance of the programme.

    It also stated that recent financing plans failed to identify enough funding sources to cover the growing tariff deficits.

    “Recent financing plans have not fully identified sufficient sources of funding to cover tariff shortfalls, nor established a credible trajectory for their reduction,” the report stated.

    FG Warns Over Delayed Loan Approvals

    Meanwhile, the Accountant-General of the Federation, Shamseldeen Ogunjimi, recently warned that Nigeria may reject future World Bank loans if approval and disbursement delays persist.

    Speaking during a meeting with a World Bank delegation in Abuja, Ogunjimi stressed that Nigeria expects timely processing of loan facilities since the funds are not grants.

    “If approvals take more than six months, the Nigerian Government may no longer honour such arrangements,” he said.

    Despite the latest cancellation, Nigeria remains the third-largest borrower from the International Development Association, behind Bangladesh and Pakistan.

  • Presidency Demands Legal Action Against VeryDarkMan Over Alleged AI-Generated Tinubu Audio

    The Presidency has called for legal action against social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), over an alleged AI-generated audio clip falsely linked to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    The controversy followed the circulation of a manipulated video online containing a fake audio allegedly mimicking the President’s voice.

    Presidency Reacts To Viral AI Audio

    Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, condemned the incident in a post shared on X.

    According to him, the circulation of the clip amounted to a serious abuse of social media platforms.

    “This VDM needs to face the weight of the law for being the conveyor and disseminator of a fake audio of President Tinubu,” Onanuga wrote.

    The presidential aide accused the activist of spreading false content capable of misleading members of the public.

    How The Controversy Started

    Reports indicated that the manipulated clip originated from an earlier Instagram video shared by VDM on May 25, 2026.

    In the original video, the activist reportedly reacted to comments about his necklace while also playing an old campaign clip of President Tinubu discussing electricity issues.

    However, an unidentified individual later edited the footage and inserted an AI-generated voice designed to sound like the President.

    The doctored version falsely suggested that Tinubu made controversial political comments regarding the 2027 election, insecurity and opposition figures.

    Fact-Checkers Debunk Viral Audio

    Several media organisations and fact-checking platforms reportedly confirmed that the viral audio was manipulated using artificial intelligence tools.

    The reports stated that the controversial statements were absent from VDM’s original upload.

    The fake audio allegedly contained claims about Tinubu remaining in office beyond opposition efforts, references to insecurity in parts of the country and comments involving former presidential candidate Peter Obi.

    VDM’s Lawyers Deny Involvement

    VDM’s legal representatives, Deji Adeyanju & Partners, denied allegations linking their client to the fabricated audio.

    The legal team accused the Presidency of allegedly reacting without proper verification and maintained that the activist neither created nor distributed the manipulated version.

    The controversy has since triggered debates online about misinformation, political propaganda and the growing use of AI-generated deepfakes in Nigeria’s digital space ahead of the 2027 elections.

    As of Wednesday, no official criminal charge had been publicly filed against the activist.

  • Outrage as SS3 Students Clash With Teachers in Viral School Fight Video

    A viral video showing senior secondary school students physically confronting teachers and school staff has triggered outrage and widespread reactions across social media.

    The 48-second clip, which surfaced online on Tuesday, captured chaotic scenes involving students believed to be SS3 candidates wrestling and exchanging blows with adults reportedly identified as teachers and school officials.

    Chaos Erupts Outside School Premises

    In the video, several young men dressed in casual clothes were seen pushing, dragging and struggling with older individuals outside a school compound, while other students watched from nearby classrooms and verandahs.

    Some of the adults involved in the confrontation also appeared to be holding canes during the incident.

    Although the exact location of the school has not been officially confirmed, reports circulating online claimed the confrontation escalated outside the school premises before turning violent.

    As of the time of filing this report, no official statement had been released by the school management or any state ministry of education regarding the incident.

    Social Media Reactions Divided

    The viral footage has generated divided reactions online, with many Nigerians condemning the students’ actions and describing the incident as a breakdown of discipline and respect for authority.

    Others, however, argued that harsh disciplinary methods and corporal punishment may have contributed to the confrontation.

    The incident has reignited debates surrounding the continued use of physical punishment in Nigerian secondary schools despite repeated advocacy for alternative disciplinary approaches.

    Growing Concerns Over Discipline in Schools

    Observers say the incident reflects deeper tensions within Nigeria’s education system, where traditional disciplinary methods increasingly clash with changing attitudes among younger students.

    Senior secondary school students, especially those preparing for major examinations such as WAEC and NECO, are often exposed to intense academic pressure, which sometimes contributes to conflicts within schools.

    The video was widely circulated by several entertainment and gossip platforms, further drawing attention to concerns about student behaviour, teacher conduct and safety within Nigerian schools.

    No injuries or arrests have been officially confirmed, while many Nigerians have called for a proper investigation into the incident to determine what led to the breakdown of order.

  • IGP Disu Orders Massive Security Deployment Nationwide Ahead of Eid-el-Kabir

    The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has ordered enhanced security deployments across Nigeria ahead of the 2026 Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.

    The police boss also extended Eid greetings to Muslim faithful across the country while assuring Nigerians of improved security during the festive period.

    Police Strengthen Nationwide Security

    In a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, the IGP directed Commissioners of Police and Tactical Commanders nationwide to intensify security operations across all states and the Federal Capital Territory.

    According to the statement, the Nigeria Police Force has activated several operational measures aimed at ensuring peaceful and hitch-free celebrations.

    The measures include the deployment of tactical teams, intelligence operatives and conventional police officers to Eid prayer grounds, highways, recreational centres, motor parks and other public places.

    The police also announced intensified visibility policing, stop-and-search operations, coordinated patrols and intelligence-led surveillance activities.

    IGP Urges Nigerians To Remain Vigilant

    Disu urged Nigerians to remain security conscious throughout the celebration and immediately report suspicious movements or activities.

    The police specifically warned citizens to pay attention to unattended bags, unusual gatherings, suspicious individuals around public places and any movement suggesting possible criminal activities.

    “Do not ignore suspicious activity. Do not assume someone else has already reported it. Your call is confidential and could prevent a tragedy,” the statement read.

    The Force added that swift response protocols had already been activated nationwide to tackle any emerging threat during the Sallah celebration.

    Emergency Numbers Released

    The Nigeria Police Force also released emergency contact lines for members of the public to report security threats during the holiday period.

    The emergency numbers include 08057000001, 08057000002, 09133333785 and 09133333786.

    The IGP wished Muslim faithful a peaceful and joyous Eid-el-Kabir celebration while reaffirming the police force’s commitment to public safety and national security.

  • Borno Govt Shuts School, Relocates Students After Terrorists Abduct 42 Children

    The Borno State Government has ordered the temporary closure of Government Day Secondary School, Mussa, in Askira/Uba Local Government Area following the abduction of 42 students and children by suspected Boko Haram terrorists.

    The decision was announced by the Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Lawan Wakilbe, during a visit to the affected community on Monday.

    School Relocated Over Security Concerns

    According to a statement issued by Governor Babagana Zulum’s spokesperson, Dauda Illiya, the school has now been relocated to Government Secondary School, Uba, under the state’s Safe Schools Initiative.

    The government said the relocation became necessary to ensure the safety of students and staff amid worsening security threats in the area.

    “As part of immediate safety measures under the Safe Schools Initiative, the commissioner directed the temporary closure of Government Day Secondary School, Mussa, and approved its relocation to Government Secondary School, Uba,” the statement said.

    The state government added that students would continue their education in safer and more secure conditions.

    Government Meets Parents, Community Leaders

    Before arriving in Mussa, the delegation reportedly paid a courtesy visit to the Emir of Uba, Alhaji Ali Ibn Ismaila Mamza II, at his palace.

    In Mussa, officials were received by the Commanding Officer of the 115 Battalion, Askira, Lt. Col. Ishola Olufisola, alongside community leaders and parents of the abducted children.

    During an interactive session with parents, Wakilbe conveyed the sympathy of the Borno State Government and assured residents that efforts were ongoing to rescue the abducted students safely.

    Details Of The Abduction

    The abduction occurred on May 16 after suspected Boko Haram terrorists invaded Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School.

    Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, representing Borno South Senatorial District, disclosed that the abducted victims included four students from the secondary school section, 28 pupils from the primary school and 10 children taken from nearby homes.

    The attack has renewed concerns over insecurity and repeated attacks on schools in parts of northern Nigeria.

  • Presidency Defends Nigeria’s Rising Debt, Says Country Can Still Borrow More

    The Presidency has defended Nigeria’s growing debt profile, insisting that the country still has the capacity to borrow more despite mounting public concerns over rising local and foreign loans.

    Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga made the remarks in a post on X while reacting to criticism surrounding the Tinubu administration’s borrowing strategy.

    Onanuga Dismisses Loan Concerns

    According to Onanuga, many Nigerians criticising the country’s debt situation do not fully understand economics and public finance.

    “Nigeria has not over borrowed compared to countries like Egypt, South Africa and West African country of Senegal,” he wrote.

    “Nigeria is credit worthy and can still take more loans to finance infrastructure. The unwarranted alarm against loans is symptomatic of economic and financial ignorance.”

    Debt-To-GDP Comparison

    The presidential aide referenced a post by another X user, Akinwumi, comparing Nigeria’s debt-to-GDP ratio with those of Egypt and South Africa.

    According to the comparison, Egypt’s debt stands at over $400 billion with a GDP of about $390 billion, placing its debt-to-GDP ratio above 100 percent.

    South Africa was also said to have debt estimated at around $580 billion with a GDP of roughly $420 billion, resulting in a debt-to-GDP ratio of about 135 percent.

    Nigeria’s total public debt, however, was estimated at about $110 billion with a GDP of around $340 billion, translating to approximately 35 percent debt-to-GDP ratio.

    “Yet some people keep shouting that Nigeria is the ‘loan capital of the world,’” the post stated.

    Tinubu Government Continues Borrowing

    The comments come amid increasing public concern over the Federal Government’s borrowing pattern under President Bola Tinubu.

    Since assuming office in May 2023, the administration has secured and proposed several local and foreign loans aimed at funding infrastructure projects, stabilising the economy and addressing budget deficits.

    The government recently sought fresh multibillion-dollar loans from international institutions including the World Bank and the African Development Bank.

    Domestic borrowing through treasury bills and bonds has also increased significantly.

    Critics Raise Economic Concerns

    While the Federal Government insists the loans are necessary for sectors such as transportation, agriculture, power and social intervention programmes, critics have continued to warn about rising debt servicing costs.

    Concerns have also been raised over inflation, worsening economic hardship and the continued weakening of the naira.

  • High Food Prices, Costly Rams Force Nigerians Into Modest 2026 Sallah Celebration

    As Muslims across Nigeria prepare for the 2026 Eid-el-Kabir celebration, many families are scaling down spending as rising food prices, expensive livestock and increasing transportation costs continue to worsen economic hardship.

    Across several major cities, market surveys showed that inflation, insecurity, fuel costs and expensive animal feed have significantly pushed up the prices of rams, goats, rice, tomatoes, pepper and other staple items associated with the Sallah celebration.

    Ram Prices Rise Sharply

    Livestock traders said many customers now visit markets only to check prices without making purchases.

    At Orange Market, trader Musa Ibrahim said the situation has become difficult for buyers.

    According to another trader, Lawal Adamu, rising transportation expenses and insecurity along highways contributed heavily to the increase in livestock prices.

    A roadside livestock seller in Nyanya, identified as Abdullahi, revealed that rams previously sold for around ₦700,000 now cost close to ₦1 million.

    At Zuba Market, the cheapest ram available after bargaining reportedly sold for about ₦275,000, while fully grown male goats sold for around ₦120,000.

    Food Prices Also Surge

    Food traders in Lagos also complained about sharp increases in the prices of tomatoes, pepper, onions, rice and cooking oil.

    A trader at Iyana Oba Market, identified simply as Ashiru, said a basket of tomatoes now sells for about ₦80,000 compared to ₦52,000 or ₦53,000 previously.

    He added that a basket of pepper increased from about ₦15,000 to ₦45,000, while a bag of onions rose from ₦56,000 to ₦90,000.

    Another trader, Mrs Ruth Lawal, explained that a bag of rice that previously sold for ₦52,000 now costs about ₦65,000.

    She also said 25 litres of groundnut oil increased from ₦50,800 to ₦61,200.

    Families Scale Down Celebration Plans

    Some residents admitted they may not be able to afford the traditional Eid sacrifice this year.

    A civil servant, Ibrahim Sani, said some families are now considering joint contributions to buy a ram.

    “People still want to perform the sacrifice because it is spiritually important, but the prices are becoming too high for average earners,” he said.

    Another resident, Taiwo Jimoh, said his family would celebrate with whatever they could afford.

    “We are going to celebrate the festival with whatever we have. I told my children they have to wear what they already have at home,” he said.

    Jimoh urged Nigerians to avoid unnecessary pressure during the festive period and focus on gratitude.

    Calls For Moderate Celebration

    A Lagos-based Brand and Communications Strategist, Abiodun Yakubu, noted that Islamic teachings encourage moderation and celebrations within one’s financial capacity.

    “The focus should now be on gratitude, prayer and togetherness rather than luxury,” he said.

    According to the latest Consumer Price Index released by the National Bureau of Statistics, Nigeria’s inflation rate rose to 15.69 percent in April 2026 from 15.38 percent recorded in March.

    Although Eid-el-Kabir celebrations are expected to hold nationwide on May 27 and 28, many Nigerians say this year’s Sallah may be more about survival than elaborate festivities.

  • Ex-IGP Mohammed Adamu Dumps APC After Losing Nasarawa Governorship Primary

    Former Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar Adamu, has resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC) following his defeat in the party’s Nasarawa State governorship primary election.

    Adamu announced his resignation on Monday in a letter submitted to APC executives in Makama Ward, Lafia.

    Adamu Blames APC Primary Process

    The former police boss said recent developments within the ruling party, especially the conduct of the governorship primary election in Nasarawa State, forced him to leave the APC.

    Adamu lost the APC governorship ticket to Senator Aliyu Wadada.

    According to him, the events surrounding the primary election weakened his confidence in the party’s leadership and internal processes.

    “This decision was not taken lightly however, recent developments within the party especially the conduct of the governorship primary election processes in Nasarawa State have made it difficult for me to continue with my political activities under the platform of the party,” he stated.

    Claims Lack of Internal Democracy

    Adamu accused the APC of failing to uphold fairness, transparency, justice, and equal opportunity for aspirants and party members.

    He maintained that democratic principles should guide political parties, especially parties seeking to govern.

    “I strongly think that internal democracy, fairness, openness, and equal chance for aspirants and members should govern the business of any democratic political organization,” he said.

    “Unfortunately the events surrounding the primary election did not reflect this principle and have led to a loss of confidence in the party’s leadership and the processes in the state.”

    Hints At Next Political Move

    The former IGP disclosed that his decision followed consultations with supporters, political associates, and family members.

    He also hinted at pursuing his political ambition on another platform.

    Despite his exit, Adamu appreciated APC members at ward, local government, and state levels for the support and relationships built during his time in the party.

    His resignation adds to the growing political tension and realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.