1. Tinubu Orders Arrest of Fake Agency Promoter, Suspends Three Permanent Secretaries

President Bola Tinubu has ordered the immediate arrest of Prince George Buchi Nwabueze and suspended three permanent secretaries after the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission uncovered another unauthorised agency operating within the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

The fake entity, identified as the National Brands Development and Made-in-Nigeria Special Project Office, had reportedly been allocated office space without presidential approval. The suspended officials are M.S. Danjuma, Engineer Nadungu Gagare and Richard P. Pheelangwah.

ICPC Chairman Musa Aliyu disclosed the development after briefing Tinubu on Friday for the second consecutive day. The discovery was made during investigations into the earlier fake Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council.

Tinubu has also ordered a forensic audit of related processes as investigators examine how unauthorised structures gained access to federal premises and whether other officials or individuals were involved.

2. At Least 46 Die as Overloaded Boat Capsizes in Sokoto

At least 46 people have died after an overloaded boat carrying about 77 passengers capsized near Gorau in Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

Police confirmed the recovery of 46 bodies, while several survivors were rescued and search operations continued for those still missing. Many of the passengers were farmers, labourers and children travelling to rice fields, with several victims reportedly aged between 10 and 15.

The National Emergency Management Agency and security agencies deployed rescue teams to the difficult-to-access area. Witnesses also reported that dozens of bodies were taken to a community mosque for burial.

The tragedy has again raised concerns over overcrowding, poor vessel maintenance and weak enforcement of safety regulations on Nigeria’s inland waterways.

3. Dangote Refinery Raises Petrol Price to N1,185 Per Litre

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has increased its petrol gantry price by N20 to N1,185 per litre, effective from midnight on August 21, 2026.

The latest adjustment followed a rise in international crude oil prices, with Brent crude trading above $93 per barrel amid geopolitical tensions.

The new Dangote refinery price remains below some Lagos depot prices of between N1,190 and N1,200 per litre, as well as the estimated import landing cost of about N1,218.

The adjustment is expected to influence pump prices as marketers respond to higher wholesale costs in Nigeria’s deregulated downstream petroleum market.

4. FG Declares August 25 Public Holiday for Eid-ul-Mawlid

The Federal Government has declared Tuesday, August 25, 2026, a public holiday to mark Eid-ul-Mawlid, the birthday of Prophet Muhammad.

Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo announced the holiday on behalf of the Federal Government and extended greetings to Muslims in Nigeria and across the world.

The minister urged Nigerians to use the occasion to reflect on values including compassion, humility, service and peaceful coexistence. He also called for responsible celebrations and prayers for national peace and unity.

5. Troops Foil Terrorist Attack in Sokoto, Rescue Kidnap Victim in Kaduna

Troops of the Joint Task Force North-West, Operation Fansan Yamma, have repelled a terrorist attack on Kwaren Gamba village in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

The military said one terrorist was neutralised during the operation on August 21, while mobile phones, cash and an ATM card were recovered from the fleeing attackers.

In a separate operation in Kaduna State, troops rescued a 43-year-old man who had been abducted around Awon community in Kachia Local Government Area.

The military said the operations form part of sustained efforts to deny terrorists freedom of movement and protect communities across the North-West.

6. EFCC Lifts Freeze on Osun Government Accounts

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has lifted the post-no-debit restriction placed on Osun State Government accounts with First Bank and Zenith Bank following a directive from President Bola Tinubu.

The accounts were frozen earlier in August as part of an investigation into the alleged handling of about N11 billion in ecology, intervention and Federation Account Allocation Committee funds.

Tinubu had directed the commission to vacate the restriction ahead of the Osun governorship election. An aide to Governor Ademola Adeleke confirmed that the accounts are now operational.

The Osun Government has also withdrawn a related lawsuit against the EFCC following the resolution.

7. Tinubu Receives Outgoing and Incoming Heads of Civil Service

President Bola Tinubu on Friday received outgoing Head of the Civil Service of the Federation Didi Esther Walson-Jack and her successor, Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan, at the State House in Abuja.

Enitan, currently Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Education, will assume office on August 27 after Walson-Jack retires upon reaching the statutory age of 60.

The Osun-born civil servant has served as a permanent secretary for more than seven years across different ministries. Tinubu charged him to consolidate reforms, strengthen professionalism and make the civil service more responsive.

8. Victor Osimhen Scores Twice as Galatasaray Win 4-0

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen scored twice and provided an assist as Galatasaray defeated Erzurumspor 4-0 in the Turkish Super Lig.

The performance continues the Nigerian forward’s impressive start to the season and comes amid intense transfer speculation involving several European clubs.

Galatasaray officials have continued to maintain that Osimhen is not for sale, despite reported interest from major clubs and previous offers from Saudi Arabia.

9. Edo Government Denies Banning Davido

The Edo State Government has dismissed reports claiming that Afrobeats star Davido has been banned from entering the state.

Government officials described the circulating claim as false and attributed it to an impostor or fraudster. They clarified that no restriction has been placed on the singer.

The controversy comes amid continued social media discussions involving Davido, politics and recent electoral developments in neighbouring Osun State.

10. Naira Extends Gains Against Dollar as Reserves Remain Strong

The naira strengthened further against the US dollar at the official foreign exchange market on Friday, closing at N1,346.49 compared with N1,347.63 recorded the previous day.

The currency has recorded notable gains over the week, while the parallel market rate remained around N1,405 per dollar.

Nigeria’s external reserves stood at approximately $52.66 billion as of mid-August, supported by improved inflows. The naira’s recent movement comes as authorities continue efforts to improve foreign exchange liquidity and stabilise the wider economy.