Author: Faith Babatunde

Tragedy struck Awka, Anambra State, after gunmen reportedly killed popular comedian and media personality Isaac Nwosu, popularly known as Aiza Nwosu, along with an unidentified middle-aged man. The two victims were allegedly shot at separate locations in the state capital on Sunday, August 30, 2026, causing panic among residents. Eyewitnesses said the comedian was attacked along S.M. Okeke Street, Amaikwo, after three men reportedly followed him in a tinted vehicle, blocked his car and opened fire. The attackers allegedly later shot another man along Capital City Road, Amaenyi, before fleeing the area. The motive for the killings remains unclear, although…

President Bola Tinubu’s directive for a comprehensive forensic audit of government systems and payrolls has come under renewed focus following the discovery of allegedly fake government agencies. The discovery of purportedly unauthorised bodies, including the National Brands Development and Made-in-Nigeria Special Project Office and the National Council for Skills Acquisition, has raised questions about the ability of government institutions to authenticate agencies operating under the appearance of official authority. The concern goes beyond the alleged activities of individuals linked to the entities. It also highlights weaknesses in Nigeria’s public administration and raises questions about how organisations without clear statutory mandates…

Nigeria’s electricity system operator has attributed recent reductions in power allocations to Lagos, Abuja and northern parts of the country to multiple transmission line outages. The Nigerian Independent System Operator said the outages reduced the amount of electricity that could safely be transferred through the national grid, forcing adjustments to generation dispatch and electricity allocations to some Distribution Companies. NISO explained that having enough electricity generation does not automatically guarantee supply to a particular area because transmission infrastructure must also have sufficient capacity to evacuate and deliver power. The Lagos corridor was affected by outages involving the Olorunsogo-Ayede, Benin-Egbin and…

Organisers of the 2026 Iriji Mbaise New Yam Festival have called on stakeholders to keep politics out of the annual cultural celebration, saying the event is designed to promote unity and preserve the cultural heritage of the Mbaise people. The Chairman of the Iriji Mbaise Central Working Committee, Steve Onu, made the call on Monday at the Ezuruezu Mbaise Civic Centre in Aboh Mbaise, Imo State. Onu said the festival, scheduled for August, would bring together cultural groups, community leaders and people from across Mbaise and beyond to celebrate the area’s traditions and values. According to him, the Iriji festival…

Manchester United have paid tribute to police constable Matthew Blades, a lifelong supporter of the club who died in a road crash on Teesside. Blades and his colleague, PC Tom Clough, died on August 22 after their police vehicle was involved in a head-on collision with another vehicle travelling in the wrong direction on the A66 near Middlesbrough. Five occupants of the other vehicle also died in the crash. Described by Manchester United as a “proud Red” and devoted family man, Blades was remembered by the club during its Premier League fixture against Ipswich at Old Trafford on Sunday. His…

No fewer than 1,142 people were killed in 1,713 kidnapping and related incidents across Nigeria between July 2025 and June 2026, according to SBM Intelligence. The research firm also reported that kidnappers received N7.8 billion in ransom payments during the period. The findings appeared in a report titled “The Capture of the Kidnap Economy,” released on Thursday. According to the report, kidnappers abducted 7,825 people during the 12-month period. It also recorded 895 civilian deaths across the incidents reviewed, while the overall death toll stood at at least 1,142. Boko Haram Faction Collected 90% of Ransom SBM Intelligence said the…

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria is facing criticism over the cost of its newly introduced airport car-hire service. The controversy followed a viral video showing a passenger being quoted N30,000 for a trip from Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos to Ikeja. Travel content creator Chris Joondeph, popularly known as “Authentic Traveling”, shared his experience on TikTok. He said an airport car-hire operator quoted N30,000 for a ride to the Radisson Blu Hotel in Ikeja. “Radisson, that’s in GRA Ikeja. It’s just N30,000,” the operator reportedly told him. Joondeph questioned the price and said similar trips previously cost him…

Nigeria’s monetary policy should not be viewed as a choice between attracting foreign portfolio investors and supporting local businesses, PwC’s Director of Deals Advisory, Wale Olusi, has said. Olusi said the Central Bank of Nigeria’s priority remained macroeconomic stability rather than attracting foreign portfolio investments. He spoke while explaining the CBN’s decision to keep interest rates high despite the pressure facing businesses. “That is the job of the central bank. They target job stabilisation of the macroeconomy, which they have achieved,” Olusi said. “Initially, people were searching for dollars, but the CBN has stabilised the FX market. It has now…

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Anambra State Command, has arrested three suspects over alleged illegal mining of sharp sand in Idemili South Local Government Area of the state. Operatives from the command’s Mines and Steel Development Unit made the arrests at Obiaja River, along the Nnobi-Ideani Junction, Uke Road. The operation took place on Wednesday in collaboration with the Federal Mines Officer in Anambra. The State Commandant, Maku Olatunde, disclosed this during a media briefing at the command headquarters in Awka. Three Suspects Arrested Olatunde said the operatives acted on credible intelligence before raiding the mining site. He…

The 2026/27 UEFA Champions League league-phase draw takes place on Thursday, with 36 clubs set to discover their opponents for the new season. Reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain headline Pot One as Europe’s biggest clubs prepare for another league-phase campaign. According to UEFA, the draw features nine teams in each of four pots. Pot One Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Liverpool, Inter Milan, Manchester City, Arsenal, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid make up Pot One. PSG enter the draw as holders after winning the Champions League last season. The other eight clubs complete a formidable group of European heavyweights. Pot Two…