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Category: Breaking News

  • Bamidele Atoyebi Defends Tinubu as Fuel Comment on Minimum Wage Earners Triggers Backlash

    Bamidele Atoyebi, Convener of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Ideological Group, has defended President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms amid growing criticism over hardship in Nigeria during a live interview on Arise News.

    The interview has since generated widespread reactions, particularly over his comments on fuel affordability for minimum wage earners.

    Defends Tinubu’s Economic Reforms

    Atoyebi said key policy decisions under the Tinubu administration, including fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange reforms, were necessary to strengthen Nigeria’s long-term economic stability.

    He maintained that while the reforms have created short-term pressure, they were already repositioning the country for improved fiscal health.

    Fuel Comment Triggers Public Outrage

    Controversy followed a remark where Atoyebi suggested that Nigerians earning the ₦70,000 minimum wage should adjust their fuel consumption to match their income level.

    He also referenced the cost of filling his own vehicle, stating it could be as high as ₦157,000, a comment that quickly went viral online.

    The statement drew sharp criticism from Nigerians who described it as insensitive amid rising fuel prices and worsening inflation.

    Mixed Reactions Online

    The interview has divided opinion across social media platforms.

    Supporters of the administration defended Atoyebi’s position, arguing that economic reforms require time and sacrifice before benefits are fully felt.

    Critics, however, said the remarks reflected a disconnect from the daily struggles of ordinary Nigerians facing rising transport and living costs.

    Context of Economic Reforms

    Since 2023, the Tinubu administration has implemented major economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange market.

    While the government insists the reforms are necessary for long-term stability, many Nigerians continue to feel the immediate impact through higher fuel prices and inflation.

  • Bayo Onanuga Warns Social Media Users After Arrest Over Abuja Security Scare

    Presidential media aide Bayo Onanuga has warned that individuals who use social media to spread panic and disinformation will face consequences after the arrest of a man accused of triggering a security scare in Abuja.

    Onanuga disclosed the development via his X account, stating that authorities had apprehended a suspect linked to a false alarm about an impending security breach in the Federal Capital Territory.

    Suspect Accused of Spreading False Security Alert

    According to the presidential aide, the suspect allegedly circulated misleading information suggesting that Abuja was under imminent security threat.

    The false alert reportedly generated widespread fear among residents and disrupted normal activities, including academic programmes in some neighbouring communities.

    Presidency Backs Police Action

    Reacting to the incident, Onanuga stressed that while freedom of expression remains a constitutional right, the deliberate spread of false information capable of creating panic would not be tolerated.

    He noted that law enforcement agencies would continue to act against individuals whose actions undermine public trust and national security.

    The presidential spokesman maintained that misinformation, particularly on sensitive security matters, poses serious risks to public order and social stability.

    Call for Responsible Use of Social Media

    The Presidency urged Nigerians to verify information before sharing it online, especially reports relating to security concerns.

    Citizens were also advised to rely on verified sources and official channels for updates on security matters rather than unconfirmed social media posts.

    Authorities said the arrest should serve as a warning to individuals who intentionally spread false narratives capable of causing fear and confusion among members of the public.

  • Police Arrest Ifechukwu Dennis Over AI-Generated Fake Tinubu Voice Note Circulation

    The Nigerian Police Force has arrested Ifechukwu Dennis, identified as the alleged originator of an AI-generated voice note falsely circulated online as a recording of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The arrest was confirmed on Thursday by the Presidency, following a week-long controversy that spread across social media platforms.

    Presidency Confirms Arrest

    Presidential Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, announced the arrest in a post on his official X account, stating that the suspect was apprehended in Benin by an IGP crack team.

    “The IGP crack team has arrested Ifechukwu Dennis who originated the fake voice that he passed on to his gullible targets as President Tinubu’s voice,” Onanuga said.

    He added that the Nigeria Police Force would release an official statement on the development.

    How the Controversy Began

    The incident traces back to May 27, 2026, when a video involving social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, began circulating widely online.

    In the clip, an AI-generated voice resembling President Tinubu was used to make a series of controversial claimed., including allegations about insecurity in the South-East, claims that Peter Obi was pressured to withdraw from the 2023 presidential race, and statements suggesting indifference to national hardship.

    The recording triggered widespread reactions before investigations revealed that the audio had been artificially inserted into the original content.

    Investigation Clears VeryDarkMan

    Media investigations later showed that VeryDarkMan did not post or author the manipulated voice note. According to findings, an unidentified individual extracted footage from his Instagram video and superimposed the AI-generated audio before recirculating it online.

    Fact-checking reports confirmed that the original video contained no such statements.

    Presidency Reacts Amid Backlash

    Despite clarification from investigators, the Presidency initially called for action against those responsible for the viral recording.

    Onanuga had described the situation as “a clear case of egregious abuse of the social media platform,” a statement that later drew public criticism after fact-checkers cleared the activist of involvement in the fabricated audio.

    The arrest now shifts attention to ongoing investigations into the creation and spread of AI-generated misinformation and its implications for digital content regulation in Nigeria.

     

  • Schoolchildren’s Excursion to Edo Flyover Draws Mixed Reactions Online

    A group of schoolchildren in Edo State were taken on an excursion to the newly completed Ramat Park Flyover in Benin City, a development that has generated mixed reactions on social media.

    The visit, which involved pupils and members of the scout movement, was captured in a viral video showing the children touring the flyover and speaking about their experience.

    Pupils Express Excitement During Visit

    In the video, some of the pupils described the excursion as their first opportunity to see and walk on a flyover.

    One of the pupils, Favour Chukwuma, said she had only seen flyovers in movies before the visit, while another student, Vanessa Ikuobase, expressed appreciation for the experience.

    A scout member, Williams Iseghaleh, also commended the project and praised the state government for completing the infrastructure.

    Flyover Built to Ease Traffic Challenges

    The Ramat Park Flyover, located around the Ikpoba Hill axis of Benin City, was constructed to address traffic congestion and flooding in the area.

    The project serves as a major link between important routes, including the Benin-Auchi and Benin-Asaba expressways.

    The flyover is one of the flagship infrastructure projects undertaken by the administration of Monday Okpebholo since assuming office in November 2024.

    Residents and motorists have reportedly welcomed the project, citing improvements in traffic movement and commercial activities around the corridor.

    Social Media Reactions Remain Divided

    The excursion has attracted contrasting opinions online.

    Supporters described the outing as a form of civic education that exposes children to public infrastructure and engineering projects. Some argued that such experiences could inspire interest in careers related to construction, architecture and engineering.

    Critics, however, questioned why a flyover was chosen as an excursion destination, arguing that school trips are traditionally associated with museums, factories, zoos, science centres and other educational facilities.

    Others suggested that the widespread attention given to the visit reflects broader conversations about infrastructure development and public expectations in Nigeria.

    Debate Extends Beyond the Excursion

    Beyond the excursion itself, the development has reopened discussions about governance, infrastructure delivery and educational priorities in Edo State.

    While supporters view the flyover as evidence of tangible development, critics see the reactions surrounding the excursion as a reflection of deeper challenges facing public infrastructure across the country.

  • Oyo Police Deny Reports of Release of Abducted Oriire Pupils, Teachers

    The Oyo State Police Command has denied reports circulating online claiming that pupils and teachers abducted from communities in Oriire Local Government Area have regained their freedom.

    The command described the reports as false and misleading, urging residents to disregard the viral claims and rely only on official updates.

    Police dismiss viral claims

    In a statement issued on Thursday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, said there was no truth in reports suggesting that the victims had been released by their abductors.

    “Oyo Police Command wishes to categorically debunk the viral messages currently circulating across various social media platforms alleging that the pupils and teachers abducted from Ahoro Esiele and Yawota Communities in Oriire Local Government Area of the state have been released by their abductors,” the statement read.

    “The Command states unequivocally that the claim is false, misleading, and entirely unsubstantiated.”

    Rescue efforts ongoing

    More than 40 pupils and teachers were abducted during coordinated attacks on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community High School, Ahoro-Esiele; and L.A. Primary School in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15.

    The incident triggered widespread concern across the state and renewed calls for stronger security measures to protect schools and communities.

    According to the police, security agencies remain committed to securing the release of all victims and bringing those responsible to justice.

    “Security operatives are working tirelessly, deploying all available human and operational resources to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers, their unharmed reunification with their families, and the apprehension and prosecution of all those responsible for the heinous act,” the statement added.

    Warning against misinformation

    The command cautioned individuals and groups against spreading unverified information capable of causing panic and disrupting ongoing rescue operations.

    Residents were advised to remain calm, vigilant and supportive of security efforts while relying only on information released by the Nigeria Police Force and authorised government agencies.

    The police also urged members of the public to avoid sharing unconfirmed reports on social media as efforts continue to secure the safe return of the abducted victims.

  • Obi Defends Adeboye Amid Youth Backlash Over Tinubu Protest Calls

    Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has criticised Nigerian youths attacking the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, over claims that he has not led protests against President Bola Tinubu.

    Obi said it was wrong to transfer political responsibilities to the cleric, warning that such narratives could fuel religious tension and division in the country.

    The former Anambra State governor made his position known in a post shared on his 𝕏 handle on Wednesday.

    Warning against divisive narratives

    Obi said some political actors deliberately exploit sensitive issues when they are unable to compete based on ideas, performance, or vision.

    He added that many Nigerians often get drawn into narratives that are designed to create suspicion and disunity among citizens.

    “Today, I see similar efforts emerging again, sometimes in more subtle and sophisticated ways. Narratives are planted, amplified, and circulated, often by individuals who genuinely believe they are defending a worthy cause, without recognising the broader agenda behind such campaigns,” he said.

    Defence of Adeboye

    Obi defended Adeboye, describing him as a respected faith leader who has consistently preached peace, unity, and reconciliation.

    He said it was unfair to expect the 84-year-old cleric to take on roles that belong to younger and more politically active citizens.

    “At 84 years of age, it would be unfair for young and able-bodied Nigerians to transfer to him responsibilities that properly belong to them,” Obi stated.

    Call to young Nigerians

    Obi urged young Nigerians to take responsibility for driving national change, saying the task of reforming the country rests largely on their shoulders.

    He encouraged them to focus on leadership, civic engagement, and constructive political participation rather than allow themselves to be used for divisive narratives.

    The statement comes amid ongoing debates on the role of religious leaders in political discourse and rising public frustration over governance and accountability in Nigeria.

  • Sunday Igboho Alleges Politicians Back Oyo Kidnappers, Threatens to Expose Sponsors

    Yoruba Nation activist, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has alleged that some politicians are backing the kidnappers responsible for the abduction of schoolchildren in Oyo State and threatened to expose those involved if the attacks continue.

    He made the claim during a meeting with newly elected executives of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), led by Akinteye Babatunde, at his residence in Soka, Ibadan, on Wednesday.

    Igboho claims knowledge of sponsors

    Igboho said he has information about individuals allegedly sponsoring criminal groups operating in parts of the state, insisting that the kidnappers would be defeated if security operatives and local vigilante groups were allowed to operate freely in forest areas.

    “I know the politicians behind them, and if they do not stop perpetrating their evil acts, I will mention them all. The politicians behind them are the ones giving them ammunition and money,” he said.

    Allegations against political actors

    The activist further alleged that some political actors were deliberately creating instability to undermine the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    “The same thing they did to Jonathan is what they are doing to Tinubu. They want to make the country ungovernable for him. They use propaganda and fake news to discourage supporters of the President,” he stated.

    Claims over rescue efforts

    Igboho also denied reports that he demanded payment from the Oyo State Government before participating in rescue operations, saying he had offered to help flush out kidnappers but was restricted by authorities.

    He claimed that officials informed him kidnappers had threatened to kill abducted victims if he attempted direct intervention.

    “Later, they told me the kidnappers warned that if I forced my way into the operation, they would kill all the children. If they truly want these victims rescued, they should allow my men and me to drive the criminals out of the forests,” he said.

    Background to Oyo abductions

    The controversy follows the abduction of at least 45 pupils during coordinated attacks on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15.

    The affected schools include Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Esiele; and L.A. Primary School.

    The incident has heightened security concerns in the state, with agencies reportedly intensifying operations around forest corridors linking Oriire communities and the Old Oyo National Park area.

    Reports also indicated that attackers communicated in Yoruba, Hausa and Pidgin English during the assault, while tensions escalated further after one of the abducted teachers was reportedly killed.

    Igboho has continued to advocate for the deployment of his proposed security outfit, the “Iru Ekun Security Network,” insisting it could help tackle criminal groups operating within forests across the South-West.

  • Four NYSC Members, Soldier Among Six Killed in Adamawa Auto Crash

    Six people, including four members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), have died in a tragic road accident involving a military vehicle and a commercial bus in Adamawa State.

    The crash occurred around 1:50 p.m. on Wednesday at the Narehi area along the Girei-Song road in Girei Local Government Area.

    Bus Bursts Into Flames After Collision

    Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Adamawa State Police Command, SP Suleiman Nguroje, said the accident involved a military gun truck travelling from Gombi to Yola and a commercial Hummer bus heading from Yola to Mubi.

    According to preliminary findings, the two vehicles collided head-on, causing the commercial bus to overturn and catch fire.

    “Tragically, all five passengers aboard the Hummer bus were burnt to death after the vehicle caught fire following the collision,” Nguroje stated.

    Four Corps Members Among Victims

    The police said four of the deceased were serving NYSC members posted to Adamawa State.

    The victims identified so far include Suleuman Juliet, Usman Shuaibu and Hafsat Hassan. Juliet and Shuaibu were reported to be indigenes of Kaduna State, while efforts are ongoing to identify the remaining victims.

    Authorities said one military personnel travelling in the gun truck also lost his life in the accident.

    Bodies Deposited at Hospital

    Police operatives and emergency responders were deployed to the scene shortly after the crash.

    The victims’ bodies have been evacuated to the Specialist Hospital in Yola, while efforts continue to identify all the deceased and contact their families.

    Police Commiserate With Families

    The Commissioner of Police in Adamawa State expressed condolences to the families of the victims, the Nigerian Armed Forces, the NYSC and all those affected by the tragedy.

    The police also assured the public that investigations into the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash are ongoing.

  • Oyo Assembly Rejects Negotiation With Kidnappers, Pushes for Stronger Rescue Efforts

    The Oyo State House of Assembly has ruled out negotiations with the kidnappers who abducted teachers and students in Oriire Local Government Area, insisting that security agencies should focus on rescue operations and intelligence-driven actions to secure the victims’ release.

    The position was made known during deliberations on the worsening security situation in the state and the recent abduction of schoolchildren and teachers.

    Assembly Opposes Ransom Talks

    Speaking on the matter, the Speaker of the House, Adebo Ogundoyin, said engaging kidnappers in negotiations could embolden criminal groups and encourage more attacks.

    According to him, government efforts should be directed towards rescuing the victims and strengthening security structures rather than opening discussions with their captors.

    “Negotiating with kidnappers could encourage further attacks. Efforts should remain focused on rescue operations, intelligence gathering, and strengthening security across the state,” he said.

    Call for Permanent Military Presence

    The lawmakers also advocated the establishment of a permanent military base in the affected area to improve response times and enhance security operations.

    They argued that a stronger security presence would help deter criminal activities and provide better protection for residents and educational institutions.

    Security Measures Recommended

    The Assembly further called for comprehensive security audits of schools considered vulnerable to attacks.

    Lawmakers also urged the government to provide additional support for local security outfits and accelerate discussions around state policing as part of broader efforts to address insecurity.

    The recommendations come amid growing concerns over the safety of students, teachers and residents following the abduction incident in Oriire Local Government Area.

    Pressure Mounts Over Victims’ Rescue

    The kidnapping has continued to generate concern across Oyo State, with calls mounting for authorities to secure the release of the victims and prevent similar incidents in the future.

    The Assembly maintained that strengthening security infrastructure and improving intelligence gathering remain critical to addressing the challenge.

  • VeryDarkMan Raises Alarm Over Alleged Disappearance of Activist in Bayelsa

    Social media activist Martins Otse has raised concerns over the reported disappearance of activist Livinus Nwosu, alleging that he was taken away by armed men in Bayelsa State.

    According to claims circulating online, Nwosu was allegedly seized by masked men dressed in black while participating in voter sensitisation activities aimed at encouraging citizens to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).

    Wife Reportedly Raises Alarm

    VeryDarkMan said Nwosu’s wife contacted him and members of the Ratel Movement after being unable to reach her husband.

    He alleged that the activist was involved in campaigns encouraging voter registration and educating residents about the importance of civic participation ahead of future elections.

    The social media personality claimed the incident may have been intended to discourage political awareness among young Nigerians, although no official evidence has been presented to support the allegation.

    Claims of Political Intimidation

    Reacting to the development, VeryDarkMan alleged that the reported incident was connected to ongoing voter mobilisation efforts.

    He argued that increasing awareness around PVC registration and voter participation was attracting attention from political actors who may be uncomfortable with growing youth engagement in the electoral process.

    The activist also criticised the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accusing it of failing to address key national challenges.

    Call for Investigation

    VeryDarkMan said efforts would be made to seek clarification from security authorities in Bayelsa State and provide legal support if necessary.

    He maintained that voter sensitisation campaigns would continue despite the reported incident.

    As of the time of filing this report, no security agency has officially confirmed Nwosu’s alleged arrest, detention or whereabouts.

    Authorities Yet to Respond

    There has also been no official statement from the Bayelsa State Police Command or other relevant authorities regarding the claims.

    The circumstances surrounding the activist’s reported disappearance remain unclear, and the allegations have not been independently verified.