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.

Tragedy has hit the Nigerian gospel music community following the sudden and untimely death of fast-rising singer, Olayemi Bayonile Bolaji, popularly known as Toluwanisings. The talented artist reportedly passed away after unexpectedly slumping. The news of his sudden demise has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, leaving family, friends, and thousands of fans in deep mourning. The heartbreaking incident was officially confirmed by Pelumi Olajengbesi, the Convener of the Coalition of Public Interests Lawyers and Advocates (COPA), who shared the tragic update via his social media handles. In a deeply emotional statement, Olajengbesi expressed profound grief over the loss, lamenting the recurring tragedy of young, promising Nigerians dying in their prime. He prayed for God`s intervention and mercy over the untimely deaths of vibrant youths across the nation. According to preliminary accounts monitored by THENEWSCREDIT, the singer was active and seemingly healthy before he suddenly collapsed and died on the spot. The abruptness of the incident has left his inner circle and colleagues in total disbelief, as there were no public indications of severe illness prior to his passing. Emergency efforts to revive him at the scene unfortunately proved abortive. This devastating loss comes just a few months after Toluwanisings and members of his musical crew miraculously survived a near-fatal road accident. In July 2026, the singer and his band were traveling for a gospel ministration when a fully loaded trailer nearly crushed their bus, completely wrecking the vehicle. Reflecting on the incident at the time, the singer had publicly expressed deep gratitude to God for sparing their lives from what could have been a fatal disaster. The late Olayemi Bayonile Bolaji was widely recognized for his soul-lifting melodies and energetic ministrations within the indigenous gospel music space. His songs, which blended deep spiritual themes with cultural rhythms, had earned him a dedicated following across Nigeria. Peers in the gospel industry have described his passing as a massive blow to the propagation of the gospel through music. As news of his death continues to spread, social media platforms have been flooded with tributes and expressions of condolence from fans and fellow gospel artists. Many have described Toluwanisings as a passionate minister whose life and music touched countless souls despite his relatively short time in the spotlight. His unique voice and impactful presence on stage will be sorely missed by the Christian community. At the time of filing this report, official statements from the late singer’s family and management team regarding his burial and funeral arrangements are still being awaited. In the meantime, THENEWSCREDIT joins millions of Nigerians in praying for fortitude for his family and loved ones to bear this irreplaceable loss. May his soul rest in eternal peace.

The Nigerian Senate has passed for a second reading a landmark bill aiming to establish a comprehensive national framework for suicide prevention, decriminalise attempted suicide, and provide structured rehabilitation for survivors. The legislative piece represents a significant shift toward viewing mental health struggles through a medical lens rather than a criminal one. However, the advancement of the bill occurred amidst intense debate and sharp opposition from the leadership of the upper legislative chamber. Sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong representing Cross River South, the bill explicitly seeks to resolve a glaring contradiction embedded within Nigeria’s current legal framework. Ekpenyong highlighted that while the National Mental Health Act legally recognises an attempted suicide as a psychiatric emergency demanding immediate medical treatment, legacy statutes continue to treat the act as a felony. Specifically, Section 327 of the Criminal Code and Section 231 of the Penal Code still dictate punitive measures for survivors. Leading the argument for reform, Senator Ekpenyong maintained that decriminalisation without establishing accessible, institutional care would be incomplete. He emphasised that suicide stems from deeply complex psychological and socio-economic causes, thereby demanding a humane, health-focused state response rather than handcuffs. According to the lawmaker, treating survivors as criminals yields highly counterproductive results for public health. The sponsor warned that the current criminalisation system discourages vulnerable individuals from seeking professional help and forces families to conceal suicide attempts out of fear of legal consequences. This culture of secrecy, he noted, heavily contributes to poor national data collection on mental health crises. Furthermore, Ekpenyong cautioned that continued punishment could dangerously pressure distressed individuals to ensure their attempts are fatal simply to avoid prosecution. To replace the threat of imprisonment, the proposed legislation outlines a supportive pathway involving mandatory psychiatric assessment, medical referral, treatment, and long-term follow-up care. Beyond individual rehabilitation, the framework provides for the establishment of national crisis helplines. It also mandates specialised suicide prevention training for police officers, teachers, and health workers, alongside public enlightenment campaigns and a unified national data system. However, the bill faced fierce resistance from Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who strongly advocated for maintaining the status quo of criminal penalties. Akpabio argued that removing the threat of jail time could inadvertently lower the barrier to the act and encourage more people to attempt it. He insisted that preserving the penalty remains a necessary deterrent within the Nigerian society. The Senate President further pointed out that altering these laws involves fundamental changes to both the Criminal Code and the Penal Code. Consequently, he noted that the amendment would require extensive input and alignment from various state Houses of Assembly during public hearings to avoid severe constitutional and legal conflicts across different regions of the country. Expressing his rigid stance during the plenary debate, Akpabio questioned the core philosophy of the amendment before delivering a stark warning. “At the heart of this bill is a simple question: when a Nigerian survives a suicide attempt, should the first response of the state be prosecution or protection?" Akpabio asked, before concluding, "If you attempt suicide, make sure you die. Anyone who attempts and fails will go to jail.” Despite his opposition, the bill has been referred to the Senate Committees on Judiciary and Health for further legislative consideration and a public hearing.

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday struck out the eight-count criminal charge filed by the Federal Government against Adeniyi Adeyemi, the alleged fake Director-General of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), THENEWSCREDIT reports. Justice Mohammed Garba Umar terminated the proceedings following a formal application by the Federal Government, which indicated that the matter is being transferred to the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for a fresh arraignment. At the resumption of proceedings on Monday, the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation (DPPF), Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, moved the application seeking to withdraw the case. Oyedepo informed the court that the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice had reviewed the case file—which was initially filed by the Inspector-General of Police—and identified critical jurisdictional loopholes. According to the DPPF, the specific documents allegedly forged by Adeyemi while operating the unauthorized council constituted offences that fall squarely under the prosecution purview of the FCT High Court, rather than the Federal High Court. He further disclosed that a fresh charge has already been filed before the FCT High Court to ensure Adeyemi is arraigned afresh without delay. He subsequently urged the court to strike out the current charge in accordance with the law. Defense counsel Ibrahim Angulu, SAN, raised no objection to the prosecution`s application. Consequently, Justice Umar struck out the case. Adeyemi, 38, was being prosecuted under the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/25/2025 on counts bordering on criminal conspiracy and forgery. He was charged alongside two other defendants who remain at large, identified simply as Femi and Anu.

Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has strongly cautioned residents that failing to support President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid could negatively impact the state`s access to vital federal infrastructure and ecological intervention funds. The governor delivered the warning while addressing a gathering of his political supporters. In a video capturing the session, Soludo framed the upcoming presidential election not just as a political choice, but as a critical deciding factor for the environmental and economic survival of Anambra State. Central to the governor`s argument is the severe erosion crisis that has plagued various communities across the state for decades. Soludo admitted that the scale of the ecological devastation completely surpasses the financial and technical capacity of the state government, making outside assistance an absolute necessity. According to the governor, securing massive federal intervention is the only viable solution left to tackle the expanding gully erosions eating up lands and homes. He noted that a strategic political alignment with the ruling central government remains the most dependable path to drawing down these multi-billion naira federal projects. Stressing the high stakes of the 2027 polls, Soludo explicitly told the crowd that a vote against the incumbent president would come at a heavy cost to the state`s development. He insisted that Anambra cannot afford to play opposition politics while its landscape is actively washed away by unchecked ecological disasters. "The erosion happening in Anambra is beyond the state’s capacity," Soludo stated bluntly in the video. "It requires federal intervention, and that is why we need to vote for Tinubu. If we fail to vote for President Tinubu, there will be consequences and you will lose something." The governor`s remarks are expected to ignite intense political debates across the Southeast region regarding political alignment, federal allocations, and the dynamics of the 2027 general elections. Opposition figures and civil society groups are likely to critique the stance as a conditional approach to governance and ecological safety.

In a deeply emotional climax to a bitter and exhausting marital breakdown, an Ekiti State High Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti has brought overwhelming relief to a distressed mother, Mrs. Busola Abere, by granting her full custody of her two beloved children. The heart-wrenching legal battle, which has torn a once-peaceful family apart, ended with a definitive ruling aimed at protecting the innocent young souls caught in the crossfire of their parents` failed union. Presiding Judge, Justice Julius Ajibare, delivered a poignant judgment that prioritized the stability and emotional well-being of the children over all else. After carefully weighing the painful arguments presented by both sides, the judge firmly shut the door on the father’s plea for a shared custody arrangement. In a blunt and passionate assessment, the court described the idea of splitting the children between two hostile environments as completely untenable and harmful. Justice Ajibare stated with absolute conviction that forcing the children into a shared parenting schedule under such toxic circumstances would be deeply absurd. He emphasized that the court has a sacred duty to protect the vulnerable, declaring that the judiciary has no business engaging in or validating an arrangement that would only prolong the children`s emotional distress. With this decisive declaration, the court ordered that the warmth and stability of sole custody be given entirely to Mrs. Busola Abere, allowing her to finally shield her children from the trauma of the broken home. To ensure their dreams are not crushed by the divorce, the court directed the father, Mr. Babatunde Abere, to bear the full weight and financial responsibility of their education until they graduate from tertiary institutions in their chosen fields. Adding a layer of financial security to the emotional victory, the court ordered Mr. Abere to pay a monthly upkeep allowance of N100,000. This sum, meant to provide comfort and daily sustenance for the two children, must be deposited directly into a dedicated bank account set up solely for their welfare and future development. Yet, in a touching nod to the complex bonds of nature, the court refused to completely sever the father`s ties to his flesh and blood. Recognizing the deep biological connection, Justice Ajibare granted Mr. Abere unhindered and unrestricted access to visit his children at reasonable times, ensuring that these fragile reunions happen safely in public places. The painful saga began when a desperate Mr. Babatunde Abere dragged his estranged wife to court through his counsel, Folasade Abiodun, pleading for joint custody. In a moving affidavit, the heartbroken father painted a picture of a home turned into a warzone, claiming he was forced to flee in October 2025 to escape escalating arguments and hostility, and arguing that holding his children again would finally heal his endless anxiety over their safety. However, the mother’s defense, presented by her lawyer, Iyanu Olumuagun, revealed the deep scars and terrifying fears of a protective parent. Mrs. Abere vehemently denied her husband’s claims and pleaded with the court to save her children from what she described as a dangerous environment, tearfully alleging that exposing them to their father’s alleged habits of drunkenness and gambling would permanently shatter their mental health and destroy their future.

Human rights watchdog Amnesty International has accused the Nigeria Police Force of a "reckless violation of human rights" following the alleged blocking of a anti-government "Tinubu-Must-Go" event in Kano State. In a statement shared via its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, the organization said heavily armed police operatives sealed off all entry and exit points to the venue, stalling the peaceful political gathering. Amnesty described the deployment as an unlawful clampdown on freedom of association and peaceful assembly, stating that security agencies have a legal duty to safeguard public gatherings rather than disrupt them. "The Nigeria Police must desist from such reckless violation of human rights. It is perfectly within the rights of supporters of all candidates and all political parties to carry out peaceful political activities," the group said. The organization further characterized the Kano incident as part of an escalating pattern of state-backed intimidation directed at opposition voices and critical civil assemblies across Nigeria.