Operatives of the Oyo State Police Command have smashed a child-trafficking syndicate in Ibadan, rescuing a one-month-old baby girl who was allegedly sold by her mother for N2 million. The breakthrough followed a swift tactical intelligence operation that led to the immediate arrest of the infant’s mother and a medical doctor who allegedly facilitated the transaction. THENEWSCREDIT reports that the incident, which has sparked widespread outrage, occurred in the Ido Local Government Area of the state. The suspects currently in police custody have been identified as 23-year-old Cecilia Amos, the biological mother of the rescued baby, and Dr. Adeleke Ebenezer, 40, the owner of Ebepraise Health Centre located in Ido, where the child was delivered. The Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed the development in an official statement issued to journalists on Friday. According to the police statement, the criminal conspiracy began unfolding on October 15, 2026, at about 6:00 pm, when a complainant, Mary Amos of the Ogunwade area in Ido, lodged a formal report. Mary informed the authorities that her daughter, Cecilia, had given birth to a baby girl on September 6, 2026, at Dr. Ebenezer’s private medical facility but expressed deep worry over the infant`s sudden disappearance. THENEWSCREDIT learned that the grandmother grew highly suspicious after Cecilia vanished with the newborn just seven days after delivery. When later confronted, the young mother could not provide a satisfactory or coherent account of the child’s whereabouts, prompting her mother to approach law enforcement officials out of fear that the infant had been illicitly sold. Acting on the formal complaint, police operatives tracked down and arrested Cecilia for intense questioning. During interrogation, the 23-year-old mother broke down and confessed to the crime, disclosing that Dr. Ebenezer and another suspect, identified as Hassan Oludunni, had lured her into the arrangement and actively facilitated the sale of her newborn daughter to a third party. Detailed police investigations subsequently revealed that the child was sold to a buyer identified as Odunayo Folawewo for a total sum of N2 million. The illicit proceeds were shared among the syndicate, with Cecilia receiving N1 million as the mother`s share, while Dr. Ebenezer and the accomplice, Oludunni, allegedly pocketed N500,000 each for their roles in the transaction. Following the breakthrough in the investigation, police operatives successfully located and rescued the one-month-old baby girl alive, while Dr. Ebenezer was taken into custody. DSP Ayanlade stated that the command has already launched a massive manhunt and intense efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing buyer, Folawewo, alongside other collaborators, to bring them all to justice. Reiterating its stance on child protection, the Oyo State Police Command strongly urged members of the public to promptly report suspected cases of child trafficking and related offences to security agencies. Citizens can reach the Oyo State Call Response Centre via the toll-free line 615, or contact the Police Command Control Room directly on 08081768614 and 07055495413 for immediate intervention.

THENEWSCREDIT has captured the profound spiritual atmosphere that enveloped Ogbomoso on Saturday, October 17, 2026, as thousands of listeners tuned into the live broadcast of the popular program "NIWAJU-OLUWA" on BRAVE 91.1FM. The service was marked by deep emotional reverence and an unyielding commitment to God, drawing an expansive nationwide audience to a timely message aimed at reviving hope amidst personal and national adversities. Preaching with profound apostolic authority, the guest minister, Bishop Akintayo Asamu, delivered a highly powerful sermon titled, "WHEN THE ROADS HAS CLOSED" (Nigba Ti Ona Ba Pin). According to reports gathered by THENEWSCREDIT, the cleric anchored his message on the dramatic biblical accounts of the Israelites at the banks of the Red Sea in Exodus 14:1-31 and the historic journey of Prophets Elijah and Elisha at the Jordan River, demonstrating how divine intervention manifests when human capacity fails. The Bishop emphasized that when believers find themselves trapped against dead ends, fear must give way to absolute faith in God. Drawing from Exodus 14:13-14, he reminded the panic-stricken audience of Moses` charge to stand firm and witness the salvation of the Lord. He reassured listeners that just as God fought for Israel against Pharaoh`s advancing army, He remains faithful today to fight for those who trust Him, providing a way of escape in times of trial as promised in 1 Corinthians 10:13. In his scriptural exposition, Bishop Asamu explained that when a new way forward is desperately needed, believers must look to the prophetic promise in Isaiah 43:19, where God declares He will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. He admonished the congregation to adhere to Proverbs 3:5-6 by trusting the Lord with all their hearts rather than leaning on human understanding, emphasizing that when physical roads close, Jesus Christ Himself becomes the living path, as stated in John 14:6. Speaking further on the power of God to open doors that no man can shut, the cleric cited Revelation 3:8 and the miraculous deliverance of Paul and Silas in Acts 16:25-26. He noted that even with little physical strength, consistency in prayer and praises can cause immediate supernatural breakthroughs, unfastening the strongest bonds of stagnation, delay, and spiritual oppression. The sermon reached a stirring climax as Bishop Asamu broken down the miraculous crossing of the Red Sea, highlighting the transition from the Israelites` initial panic to Moses stretching out his staff under divine command. He vividly described how a strong east wind turned the sea into dry land, allowing safe passage, before the same waters rushed back at dawn to sweep away Pharaoh`s chariots—a victory encapsulated in the triumphant songs of Moses and Miriam in Exodus 15. Reflecting on the prophetic transition of power at the Jordan River between Elijah and Elisha in 2 Kings 2, the Bishop challenged listeners to evaluate their personal devotion and service to God. He pointedly asked the audience to reflect on their sacrifices for their Maker and what legacy they would leave behind in the house of God and His vineyard. The cleric urged the nation not to give up when faced with seemingly impassable barriers, stating that if a road is closed, believers must possess the faith to create another route through divine backing. He declared that with perseverance and total reliance on God`s grace, every listener would safely reach their destined earthly and spiritual breakthroughs. THENEWSCREDIT observed intense emotional responses from listeners, many of whom flooded the station`s communication lines with testimonies of renewed hope, repentance, and re-dedication to God. The message was widely described by the public as a therapeutic balm for the brokenhearted and a vital blueprint for navigating current societal hardships. Bishop Asamu concluded the live broadcast with an intense session of prophetic prayers, decreeing that whatever challenges the listeners were currently passing through, victory was guaranteed. He assured the public that the same God who split the Red Sea apart, as recounted in Psalm 136, remains alive to make a supernatural way out of every humanly impossible situation.

The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called on Christian denominations across Nigeria to fiercely guard and sustain their unity, even as the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) implored the Federal Government to prioritize citizen protection, uphold the Constitution, and remain transparent in managing public resources. The dual appeal was made on Saturday during CAN’s milestone 50th anniversary celebration held at the National Christian Centre in Abuja. The golden jubilee event also served as a platform to honour several prominent national figures, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, who received the prestigious Christian Icon Award. Speaking as the special guest of honour, Senator Tinubu congratulated CAN on five decades of steadfast service to God and humanity. She noted that the anniversary theme, "Walking Together in Faith," perfectly mirrors the prayer of Jesus Christ for unity among believers. Quoting John 17:21–22 and Ephesians 4:4–6, the First Lady stressed that scriptural foundations underscore the necessity of a single body, Spirit, and faith. “I pray that, just as Christ prayed for the saints, all the Christian blocs and denominations will continue to remain united in Jesus’ name,” she said, wishing the association more decades of impactful service to the nation. In his anniversary address, CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh declared that the association’s next 50 years must usher in a more informed, courageous, and evidence-based approach to national discourse. He emphasized that while the Church must hold political leaders accountable, its interventions must never degenerate into partisan attacks. “The message of the Church to those in governance must be clear," Archbishop Okoh stated. "Govern well, serve faithfully, protect the people, respect the Constitution, account for public resources, listen to citizens, protect the vulnerable, strengthen institutions, and make Nigeria great.” Okoh reviewed CAN`s five-decade legacy of defending religious freedom, justice, and good governance, but insisted that the golden jubilee should represent a renewed national mission rather than just a celebration of past milestones. He urged religious leaders to engage in "critical collaboration" with the state—cooperating where the common good is pursued, but independently challenging authorities whenever justice demands it. He specifically championed the plight of vulnerable Nigerians, including internally displaced persons (IDPs), out-of-school children, unemployed youth, and rural farmers displaced by insecurity. Receiving his Christian Icon Award, SGF Senator George Akume described the recognition as a humbling validation of integrity and service. He remarked that public office must always be treated as an avenue for sacrifice rather than a privilege for personal enjoyment. “As Secretary to the Government of the Federation, I remain profoundly conscious of the enormous responsibility entrusted to me by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and of the duty to contribute to the success of the Renewed Hope Agenda,” Akume said, dedicating his award to selfless, unsung Nigerians and the country`s youth. The historic event also witnessed the presentation of Pillar of Faith Awards to former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon (retd.), former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, and former Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN. Other notable recipients of the Christian Icon Award included Governors Monday Okpebholo (Edo), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), and Seyi Makinde (Oyo). The anniversary drew a high-profile audience of political and religious heavyweights, including the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.); Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo; former SGF Boss Mustapha; and former Information Minister Prof. Jerry Gana. Founded in August 1976, CAN continues to serve as the unified umbrella body for the Nigerian Christian community.

Renowned Nigerian comedian and gospel actor, Ayo Ajewole, popularly known as Woli Agba, has strongly defended his crew member, Dele Omowoli, following online criticism over a video showing him crying uncontrollably over the death of gospel singer Toluwanisings. The video, which sparked intense debate on social media, featured Omowoli weeping over the loss of his close colleague and friend. Toluwanisings passed away in Ibadan on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, throwing the gospel and comedy community into deep mourning. Reacting to netizens who labeled Omowoli`s decision to record his grief as "foolish," Woli Agba dismissed the criticism as insensitive. Speaking in a video address on Friday, October 16, 2026, the veteran entertainer explained that the video served as a critical distress signal rather than content for social media engagement. "What people do not understand is that the video made those of us close to him realize the gravity of his emotional state," Woli Agba stated. "We immediately had to reach out to him to calm him down. Would critics prefer he grieved in isolation until something worse happened to his own health?" Woli Agba further noted that Omowoli was not merely weeping but was actively eulogizing the deceased singer’s hard work and dedication. He emphasized that the devastating loss had taken a severe toll on the entire crew`s well-being, revealing that his own blood pressure spiked significantly after returning from mourning the late singer. "My wife insisted I check my BP, and it was dangerously high," Woli Agba shared, urging the public to exercise empathy and caution when commenting on how individuals process trauma and grief. The sudden demise of Toluwanisings has triggered a massive wave of grief across the country, with Woli Agba noting that tribute posts have already garnered nearly 50,000 comments from grieving fans and colleagues.

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke and his nephew, international music icon David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, have found themselves at the center of a raging political storm. The duo is facing heavy backlash across social media following the governor`s controversial alignment with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 presidential election. The sudden political shift has sent shockwaves through the polity, sparking intense debates online. The public outcry erupted following reports that Governor Adeleke, a staunch member of the People`s Democratic Party (PDP), has been included in the APC Presidential Campaign Council. Furthermore, the governor has reportedly been appointed as the coordinator of the City Boy Movement in Osun State. He allegedly declared that he would deliver the state for President Bola Tinubu in the upcoming 2027 presidential election, a move that surprised both allies and opponents. This political realignment has prompted Nigerians to question Governor Adeleke`s political consistency and integrity. Critics are quick to recall his fierce opposition to the APC during his own gubernatorial campaign, during which he repeatedly vowed to dismantle the ruling party`s influence in Osun State. The sudden turnaround has left many voters feeling betrayed by the leadership they fought to put into office. Simultaneously, Afrobeat superstar Davido is facing severe criticism as his historical social media posts targeting the APC have resurfaced. In one of the widely circulated vintage tweets, the singer boldly stated, "Anybody supporting APC in Osun is an enemy of progress." Netizens are now weaponizing these past statements against the artist, accusing him of hypocrisy for remaining silent while his uncle campaigns for the same party. Public reactions gathered from X (formerly Twitter) reflect deep resentment, with many accusing the Adeleke family of absolute double standards. Voters are demanding answers on how the family can reject APC governance at the state level while actively promoting it nationally. The controversy has ignited a broader conversation about political morality and accountability among Nigeria`s ruling elite. The most severe criticism leveled against the governor centers on the alleged betrayal of his support base. Commentators point out that many citizens risked their livelihoods, and some even lost their lives, to vote out the APC in Osun State. Critics argue that by aligning with the APC, Governor Adeleke is effectively spitting on the sacrifices made by ordinary citizens during his electoral battles. Conversely, a segment of political observers viewed the development through a lens of strategic realpolitik. Some commentators suggested that forgiving old political adversaries and collaborating with them could be a calculated survival mechanism. They predict that Governor Adeleke’s official defection to the APC is only a matter of time, describing the shift as standard practice within the volatile landscape of Nigerian politics. As the online fury intensifies, neither Governor Adeleke nor Davido has released an official statement to address the heavy allegations. The silence from both the state house and the music star’s camp continues to fuel speculation and anger among the electorate. The unfolding drama underscores the shifting alliances that are already beginning to define the road to the 2027 general elections.

A prominent democracy advocacy group, the Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI), has sounded a critical alarm ahead of the 2027 general elections. The civic group warned that a widespread belief among citizens that their votes will not count could trigger unprecedented voter apathy across the country. Speaking on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, KDI`s Senior Programme Manager for Democratic Accountability and Elections, Umar Dan’Assabe Muhammed, expressed deep concern over the nation`s fragile democratic participation. He noted that voter turnout has remained a major challenge for Nigeria`s democracy, consistently nose-diving from 1999 up until the 2023 general election. Muhammed squarely attributed this steady decline to deep-seated public disenchantment with governance and the poor performance of elected officials. He explained that while Nigerians have repeatedly organized and voted for candidates, those who get into office often disappoint the electorate, forcing many to adopt the skeptical mantra "vote no go count" and stay away entirely. Beyond political disillusionment, the KDI official identified severe logistical hurdles in the Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection procedures as a major deterrent. Eligible voters frequently face difficulties accessing collection centres, with many abandoning the process entirely due to long travel distances, high transportation costs, and inadequate public information. Consequently, the group revealed a worrying trend where some Nigerians now register for the PVC mainly to obtain a valid means of identification rather than to exercise their franchise. This shift in utility further threatens the core foundations of representative governance as the country approaches another pivotal election cycle. Despite these warnings, Muhammed acknowledged recent technological improvements introduced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). He praised the introduction of online registration options leading up to biometric capture, describing it as a commendable advancement that young citizens especially should embrace to ease their participation. However, KDI maintained that a massive deficit in voter education remains a major gap in the system. Muhammed criticized political parties for focusing on personal attacks rather than pressing policy issues, while cautioning that social media popularity—as seen in Peter Obi`s 2023 campaign—does not automatically translate into physical votes. To avert a democratic crisis in 2027, the KDI official called for an urgent, coordinated collaboration among critical stakeholders. He urged INEC, the National Orientation Agency, security forces, civil society, and the media to aggressively boost voter education, tackle vote-buying, and eliminate the fear of electoral violence.

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has issued a stern warning to his incoming successor against any attempt to dismantle the critical security, economic, and law enforcement agencies established by his administration. Makinde gave the charge on Thursday during the official commissioning of the newly constructed headquarters for the Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA) in Ibadan. With his second term scheduled to wind down in May 2027, the Governor emphasized that the institutional frameworks put in place by his government were designed to guarantee long-term stability and sustainable development for the state. He specifically cautioned against tampering with key bodies, including the Oyo State Security Network Agency (popularly known as Amotekun), OYRLEA, the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA), the Oyo State Project Performance Monitoring Agency, the Oyo State Mobilisation Agency for Socioeconomic Development (OYMASED), and the Oyo State Anti-Corruption Agency (OYACA). According to Makinde, these institutions were structured to institutionalize orderliness, accountability, and public safety. He warned that any attempt by the next administration to scrap them would yield severe negative consequences for the state`s progress. "At the heart of good governance is the rule of law," Governor Makinde stated. "When people know their rights and security agencies enforce the law without bias, you have order, investors come in, and the economy improves. That is what we have experienced in Oyo State." He added that any incoming administration genuinely committed to the future and prosperity of Oyo State would seek to strengthen, rather than dismantle, the legacy institutions.

Nigeria’s headline inflation rate sustained its welcome downward trajectory, dropping significantly to 14.63 per cent in September 2026. This represents a noticeable decline from the 15.39 per cent recorded in August 2026, signaling a steady cooling of overall macroeconomic price pressures across the federation. The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) disclosed the latest figures on Thursday in its highly anticipated Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Inflation Report. The new data confirms that the federal government`s recent economic stabilization policies are beginning to reflect positively on broader statistical indices. However, the reality on the ground presents a stark paradox for the average Nigerian consumer, as the cost of living remains stubbornly high. The NBS report highlighted that food inflation defied the general downward trend, ticking upward slightly to 19.59 per cent in September from the 19.57 per cent recorded in August. This persistent rise in food costs continues to exert severe financial pressure on households across the country. Market analysts attribute the sticky food prices to ongoing security challenges in agricultural belts, high logistics and transportation costs, and lingering structural bottlenecks in the domestic supply chain. In a direct response to the broader easing of headline inflation, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has shifted its monetary policy stance to support economic growth. At its latest Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting, the apex bank aggressively slashed the benchmark interest rate to 23 per cent from its previous peak of 26.5 per cent. CBN Governor indicated that the sharp interest rate cut was explicitly informed by the consecutive months of declining inflation. By easing credit conditions, the monetary authority aims to stimulate investments, lower the cost of borrowing for manufacturing sectors, and bolster the country`s gross domestic product (GDP) growth. While the reduction in both headline inflation and interest rates offers a glimmer of macroeconomic hope, economic experts warn that the gains will remain muted until food inflation is decisively tackled. Stakeholders are now urging the federal and state governments to roll out targeted agricultural interventions to ensure that statistical relief translates into affordable food on the tables of ordinary Nigerians.

A major political realignment is underway ahead of the 2027 presidential election as opposition parties push forward with strategic consultations to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Prominent political analyst and opposition coalition chieftain, Salihu Moh. Lukman, has made public the detailed frameworks behind high-stakes negotiations aimed at preventing the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The primary objective of these ongoing strategic sessions is to forge a formidable alliance capable of presenting a single, universally accepted consensus candidate. Opposition stakeholders hope to correct the strategic fragmentation of votes that defined the previous general election cycle. By creating an integrated platform, the political configuration seeks to consolidate regional and structural voting blocs across Nigeria. In a press statement issued in Abuja, Lukman named the key political actors actively participating in the collaborative roundtables. The talks feature prominent opposition figures crossing historical party lines to establish common ground. This network represents a massive cross-section of Nigeria`s geopolitical landscape, bridging key actors from both the north and south. These high-level talks stem from resolutions at the recent G100 Opposition Summit, focusing on structural collaboration to safeguard democratic and national interests. The engagement serves to turn these models into a practical political ecosystem. Participants are currently negotiating technical rules, joint policy manifestos, and legal templates to establish a unified democratic agenda ahead of the campaign window. Lukman emphasized that Nigeria`s economic and institutional challenges demand bipartisan leadership that prioritizes national security and electoral credibility over individual ambitions. The coalition intends to remain transparent, with Lukman assuring the public that formal structures and candidate selection roadmaps will be shared as discussions progress. Further details regarding specific participating figures and comprehensive frameworks can be reviewed in the referenced source documents.

A horrifying wave of domestic violence has thrown the Agbarho community in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State into deep mourning, after an aggrieved husband brutally killed his wife and subsequently ended his own life by drinking a lethal chemical substance. The horrific incident, which occurred along Owerri Street in Agbarho, has left the couple’s four children completely orphaned, with the eldest child reported to be just 21 years old. Local sources revealed to reporters that the fatal confrontation was triggered by a bitter, unresolved marital dispute. The deceased husband reportedly reacted with extreme rage following allegations of his wife’s infidelity and the unauthorized sale of his landed property. Residents in the neighborhood noted that the couple’s relationship had deteriorated significantly prior to the tragedy, characterized by a series of intense physical altercations. Speaking on the incident, an elder brother to the deceased husband expressed profound sorrow, acknowledging that while family disputes can stem from various complex situations, the outcome has left the entire family devastated. He, however, declined to publicly disclose the identities of the deceased couple. Efforts to get an official statement from the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, proved unsuccessful at the time of filing this report as calls to his line went unanswered. However, a senior police officer attached to the Agbarho Division confirmed the grim event under the condition of anonymity. He stated that police operatives quickly deployed to the scene after receiving distress calls and have evacuated both corpses to the local morgue for a comprehensive autopsy and further investigation. The officer added that while formal complaints have not yet been lodged by either of the affected families, security agents are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the murder-suicide.