Africa/Nigeria · page 16 RSS

Mob Sets Lagos BRT Bus Alight After Fatal Collision with Motorcyclist

An angry crowd torched a Bus Rapid Transit vehicle in Ikorodu after it struck a commercial motorcyclist, prompting police and neighbourhood safety officials to rescue the driver; details of the victim and any arrests remain unclear.

LAS News Desk · 16 Oct 2026, 20:46 WAT · 2 sources

Onafriq to shut down Baxi agent banking operations in Nigeria amid economic pressures

Onafriq announced the winding down of its Baxi‑branded agent banking business in Nigeria, citing naira depreciation, inflation and heightened competition, while confirming it will retain its cross‑border payments and card services in the market.

LAS News Desk · 16 Oct 2026, 20:45 WAT · 4 sources

Operation Fansan Yamma neutralises two suspects and seizes weapons in Sokoto

The Joint Task Force North West reported that troops killed two militants and recovered four AK‑47 rifles, eight motorcycles and other equipment during clearance actions in Sokoto State on 15 October 2026.

LAS News Desk · 16 Oct 2026, 20:45 WAT · 3 sources

Five arrested in Osun after 14‑year‑old boy shot dead

Police in Osun State have detained five men linked to the June 21 shooting that killed 14‑year‑old Olapade Ezekiel in Ilobu. Investigators say one suspect fired the fatal shot and are pursuing an armourer still at large.

LAS News Desk · 16 Oct 2026, 19:45 WAT · 2 sources

Edo Governor Okpebholo vows market reconstruction and trader aid after Oluku fire

Following a petrol‑tanker explosion that destroyed Oluku Market in Ovia North‑East LGA on 15 October, Governor Monday Okpebholo pledged to rebuild the market, support affected traders and hold the tanker owner accountable.

LAS News Desk · 16 Oct 2026, 18:45 WAT · 8 sources

Nigeria aircraft makes emergency landing after door opens mid‑flight

A Triton Aviation CL60 with registration T7‑SEI lost a door shortly after taking off from Abuja, forcing an emergency return to Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport. The incident, which occurred at 4:34 UTC, ended without injuries, but the cause remains unknown.

LAS News Desk · 16 Oct 2026, 17:45 WAT · 9 sources

President Tinubu submits six INEC nominees to Senate ahead of 2027 elections

President Bola Tinube has sent four new national commissioners and two resident electoral commissioners to the Senate for vetting, urging a swift confirmation before the January 2027 general elections, according to multiple Nigerian news outlets.

Photo: Chatham House / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.0

LAS News Desk · 16 Oct 2026, 17:45 WAT · 8 sources

Coordinated Boko Haram and ISWAP raid on Mairari base leaves at least 14 feared dead

A joint Boko Haram and ISWAP assault on a military installation in Mairari, Borno State, is reported to have killed at least ten soldiers and four civilians, with additional damage to vehicles and equipment, according to security sources and local witnesses.

LAS News Desk · 16 Oct 2026, 15:45 WAT · 2 sources

APC launches nationwide rally tour, President Tinubu to attend 12 of 32 states

The All Progressives Congress has unveiled a nationwide campaign rally schedule beginning in Kaduna on 24 October. President Bola Tinubu will personally attend rallies in 12 states, including Lagos, Kano and Rivers, while delegating other events to party leaders.

LAS News Desk · 16 Oct 2026, 15:16 WAT · 8 sources

Police detain four in Calabar over alleged electricity infrastructure theft

Four suspects, including prime suspect Peter Adie, have been arrested in Calabar after police traced vandalism of power lines to several locations. Investigations are ongoing as authorities seek to clarify each suspect’s role.

LAS News Desk · 16 Oct 2026, 15:15 WAT · 2 sources

Iheanacho sets Turkish record with 10‑match scoring streak for Bursaspor

Nigerian striker Kelechi Iheanacho scored in ten consecutive Turkish First League games, surpassing historic records held by Metin Oktay and Saffet Sancaklı, and helped Bursaspor beat Muğlaspor 3‑0 with a brace and an assist.

LAS News Desk · 16 Oct 2026, 13:45 WAT · 2 sources

SSG urges Kaduna governing boards to operate strictly within legal framework

The Secretary to Kaduna State Government advised newly inaugurated board members to understand the laws that create their institutions, emphasising clear separation of policy and administration, regular meetings, and citizen‑centred accountability.

LAS News Desk · 16 Oct 2026, 13:15 WAT · 2 sources

Benue police launch rescue operation after priest abducted on Otobi‑Ajege road

State police confirmed the kidnapping of Rev Fr John Otache, parish priest of St Margaret’s in Ohimini, on 13 October while travelling from Otukpo, and said investigations and rescue efforts are under way.

LAS News Desk · 16 Oct 2026, 12:45 WAT · 5 sources

PRP candidate Donald Duke says security costs outpace Nigeria's oil production expenses

Donald Duke, the People's Redemption Party presidential hopeful, argues that Nigeria spends as much as $15 per barrel on security, pushing total oil costs to $25‑$45 and inflating petrol prices, and calls for reforms to lower fuel costs.

LAS News Desk · 16 Oct 2026, 12:15 WAT · 2 sources

Rivers State police suspend senior officers after video links cultists to police outpost renovation

The Rivers State Police Command has suspended the Divisional Police Officer of Abuloma and the officer overseeing the local outpost following a viral video that appears to show suspected cult members renovating the facility, prompting a full investigation ordered by the state commissioner.

LAS News Desk · 16 Oct 2026, 12:15 WAT · 4 sources

Tope Alabi mourns the death of gospel singer Toluwanisings

Nigerian gospel artist Tope Alabi expressed shock and sadness after the passing of fellow singer Olayemi Bolaji, known as Toluwanisings, who died at 41. Alabi cited her Christian faith as a source of comfort.

LAS News Desk · 16 Oct 2026, 11:15 WAT · 3 sources

Diri and Duke clash over feasibility of Lagos‑Calabar Coastal Highway

Bayelsa Governor Douye Diri has rebuffed former Cross River Governor Donald Duke’s criticism of the 750‑km Lagos‑Calabar Coastal Highway, arguing the project is feasible and vital for regional development, while Duke cites engineering challenges and cost concerns.

LAS News Desk · 16 Oct 2026, 08:45 WAT · 2 sources

Kaduna family freed after week-long kidnapping by bandits

Ahmed Abubakar Zakka, his wife and their six‑month‑old daughter were abducted on 6 October in Millennium City, Kaduna State, and were released a few days later, according to local reports.

LAS News Desk · 16 Oct 2026, 08:45 WAT · 4 sources

Somalia Sets 2027 Parliamentary and Presidential Election Dates Amid Opposition Dispute

Somalia's electoral commission has fixed parliamentary voting for 15 April 2027 and presidential voting for 15 May 2027, a timetable that has been rejected by opposition groups.

LAS News Desk · 16 Oct 2026, 08:15 WAT · 6 sources

UK threatens blanket visa ban on Eritreans amid stalemate over deportations

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood warned that all Eritrean nationals could be barred from entering the UK unless Eritrea agrees to take back more deportees, including convicted foreigners, a move that has been denounced by Eritrea as a political stunt.

LAS News Desk · 16 Oct 2026, 08:15 WAT · 3 sources

APC campaign council visits Ibadan and Oyo traditional rulers for 2027 re‑election push

On 16 October 2026, the All Progressives Congress presidential campaign council led by Director‑General Abdulaziz Yari met the Olubadan of Ibadan and the Alaafin of Oyo to request their blessings ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re‑election bid, according to local reports.

LAS News Desk · 16 Oct 2026, 07:45 WAT · 4 sources

CAF sends 15‑man inspection team to Nigeria for final venue checks

The Confederation of African Football has dispatched a 15‑member delegation to Lagos to carry out a final assessment of venues for the 48th CAF Ordinary General Assembly and the 2026 CAF Awards, with further visits scheduled in Abuja.

LAS News Desk · 16 Oct 2026, 02:45 WAT · 2 sources

Nigeria's FX demand soars to 15‑year high as services and financial flows dominate

Nigeria’s foreign‑exchange utilisation rose to $18.34 bn in Q2 2026, the highest level in 15 years, driven by a surge in services and financial transactions that now account for more than half of total demand.

LAS News Desk · 16 Oct 2026, 02:15 WAT · 2 sources

Sub‑Saharan Africa faces $209bn funding gap for Black‑owned businesses, report says

A joint study by the UK’s BII and Sweden’s Swedfund estimates a $209 bn shortfall in finance for Black‑owned firms across five African markets, with Nigeria alone needing $131 bn.

LAS News Desk · 16 Oct 2026, 01:47 WAT · 2 sources

Federal High Court in Abuja acquits Aliyu Abubakar and Malabu Oil in long‑running money‑laundering cases

The Abuja Federal High Court, presided over by Justice Inyang Ekwo, cleared former AA Oil chairman Aliyu Abubakar, Malabu Oil and Gas Ltd and several associated firms of alleged $1 billion money‑laundering offences tied to the OPL 245 deal, citing insufficient evidence and procedural flaws in the EFCC’s prosecution.

LAS News Desk · 16 Oct 2026, 01:47 WAT · 2 sources

Tinubu directs security chiefs to rescue abductees and secure January elections

President Bola Tinubu has ordered Nigeria’s security services to locate and free all abducted persons, eliminate terrorist and bandit camps, and create a neutral environment for the January polls, Defence Minister Gen Christopher Musa said.

Photo: Chatham House / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.0

LAS News Desk · 16 Oct 2026, 00:15 WAT · 2 sources

Africa CDC flags over $700m unaccounted Ebola funding in DR Congo

Africa CDC Director‑General Dr Jean Kaseya said more than $700 million of donor money earmarked for Ebola response in the Democratic Republic of Congo cannot be traced, prompting calls for greater transparency from the Congolese government and partners.

LAS News Desk · 16 Oct 2026, 00:15 WAT · 3 sources

NDC signals readiness to restore fuel subsidy if elected in 2027

Vice‑presidential hopeful Rabiu Kwankwaso said the Nigeria Democratic Congress will consider re‑introducing a fuel subsidy, among other measures, to lower petrol prices if it wins the 2027 elections, after aligning with presidential candidate Peter Obi and party leader Seriake Dickson.

LAS News Desk · 15 Oct 2026, 23:15 WAT · 2 sources

Lagos to divert traffic on Independence Bridge during three‑day asphalt repairs

The Lagos State Government has announced a three‑day traffic diversion on Independence Bridge as the Federal Ministry of Works carries out urgent asphalt resurfacing from 16 to 18 October 2026, with partial lane closures and LASTMA traffic management.

LAS News Desk · 15 Oct 2026, 21:45 WAT · 4 sources

Nigeria’s Power Minister dismisses tariff hike rumours amid new Ibadan mini‑grid rollout

Minister Joseph Tegbe affirmed that the federal government has no plan to raise electricity tariffs, announcing the launch of five World Bank‑backed mini‑grid projects totalling 17.7 MW in Ibadan, aimed at expanding local power access.

LAS News Desk · 15 Oct 2026, 21:45 WAT · 2 sources

First Niger Bridge Reopens After 38‑Day Closure for Emergency Repairs

The federal government reopened the First Niger Bridge linking Onitsha and Asaba on 15 October 2026 after a 38‑day closure for emergency rehabilitation, following vandalised structural components and persistent rainfall delays.

LAS News Desk · 15 Oct 2026, 21:15 WAT · 3 sources

Two Borno men receive life terms for aiding Boko Haram in Abuja court

Abba Mustapha and Bukar Ibrahim were sentenced to life imprisonment, plus 20 years on a secondary charge, after pleading guilty to supporting the banned Boko Haram group, as part of a wider federal mass‑trial of suspected terrorists.

LAS News Desk · 15 Oct 2026, 21:15 WAT · 4 sources

Cardoso underscores Nigeria’s monetary reforms and reserve strength at IMF forum

Governor Olayemi Cardoso highlighted Nigeria’s monetary and foreign‑exchange reforms, the growth of its reserves and the role of committee deliberations during an IMF seminar in Bangkok, stressing the country’s resilience to global shocks.

LAS News Desk · 15 Oct 2026, 20:45 WAT · 4 sources

Nigeria's headline inflation eases to 14.6% in September as energy costs jump

The National Bureau of Statistics reported a fall in overall inflation to 14.63% in September 2026, the fourth consecutive monthly decline, while energy inflation more than doubled to 10.85% and food prices remained high.

LAS News Desk · 15 Oct 2026, 19:15 WAT · 10 sources

FIFA Council presses for documents after Infantino’s aborted commercial rights proposal

Gianni Infantino apologised to the FIFA Council for the withdrawn FIFA Forward Enterprise plan, but council members, led by FA chair Debbie Hewitt, said he must provide full documentation and answer outstanding questions before his leadership can be deemed fit.

LAS News Desk · 15 Oct 2026, 18:16 WAT · 5 sources

Gospel singer Toluwanisings dies after being rushed to eight Ibadan hospitals

Late Nigerian gospel artist Olayemi Bayonile Bolaji, known as Toluwanisings, collapsed early on 14 October 2026 and was taken to seven or eight hospitals in Ibadan before he was pronounced dead. His personal assistant reported that the facilities cited a doctors’ strike or unavailability as reasons for refusing admission.

LAS News Desk · 15 Oct 2026, 16:15 WAT · 10 sources

Fire breaks out at Oluku Market, Benin City

A fire destroyed a row of roadside shops and stalls at Oluku Market in Benin City, Edo State, on Thursday afternoon, according to videos sent to LAS News.

Lawal Ayo · 15 Oct 2026, 15:30 WAT

FAAC allocates N2.428 trillion of September revenue to federal, state and local governments

The Federation Account Allocation Committee distributed N2.428 trillion of September 2026 revenue, comprising statutory and VAT components, among the federal government, 36 states and 774 local councils, with detailed breakdowns released by multiple news outlets.

LAS News Desk · 15 Oct 2026, 14:26 WAT · 3 sources

Bandits' raids in Niger State leave five dead, 18 abducted and communities displaced

Suspected bandits attacked villages in Niger State between Oct 9‑12, killing five farmers, abducting 18 people, burning homes and shops, and prompting mass flight of residents, according to local reports.

LAS News Desk · 15 Oct 2026, 14:15 WAT · 4 sources

Atiku launches Ask AA portal to answer Nigerians' questions ahead of 2027 election

ADC presidential hopeful Atiku Abubakar has unveiled a digital platform, Ask AA, that will let voters submit queries on his record and policy plans. The site goes live at 8:30 pm on Thursday, 15 October 2026, and will be answered by the former vice‑president and his media team.

LAS News Desk · 15 Oct 2026, 13:45 WAT · 4 sources

Search and recovery continue after NAF crash in Igbokoda, with health and environmental measures underway

The Nigerian Air Force and Ondo State authorities are persisting with wreckage retrieval while planning air and water tests, river fumigation and emergency water supplies to address community health concerns after the aircraft accident.

LAS News Desk · 15 Oct 2026, 13:45 WAT · 8 sources

Finnish Appeal Court Reduces Simon Ekpa's Prison Term to Four Years While Keeping Terrorism Conviction

Finland's Court of Appeal cut the sentence of Biafran separatist Simon Ekpa from six to four years, confirming his guilt on terrorism‑related charges linked to the Biafra independence campaign, according to reports from Yle and local media.

LAS News Desk · 15 Oct 2026, 13:15 WAT · 4 sources

OPay honoured as Digital Bank and Financial Inclusion Leader at BAFI 2026

OPay secured the Digital Bank of the Year and Financial Inclusion Leader of the Year awards at the 14th BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions Awards held on 9 October in Lagos, recognising its role in expanding digital finance across Nigeria.

LAS News Desk · 15 Oct 2026, 12:15 WAT · 5 sources

Martinez cites anger after Atletico loss, urges greater United investment

Lisandro Martinez said his post‑match outburst was driven by anger and frustration following Manchester United’s 2‑0 Champions League defeat, and he called for more summer spending and higher ambition from the club’s hierarchy.

Photo: Bryan Berlin / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0

LAS News Desk · 15 Oct 2026, 11:45 WAT · 5 sources

Nigeria Immigration Service officer killed in Niger State patrol attack, colleague wounded

The Nigeria Immigration Service confirmed that Assistant Superintendent I.U. Babangida died and Inspector A.K. Musa was seriously injured after unidentified gunmen ambushed a routine patrol on the Tunga Taya‑Woro axis in Niger State on 6 October 2026. The service has pledged to work with authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice.

LAS News Desk · 15 Oct 2026, 11:15 WAT · 2 sources

Traditional ruler in Plateau State killed by suspected gunmen

Da Jatau Yohanna Samkwar, the Mishkaham Bokkos of Plateau State, was shot by suspected gunmen at his home in Daffo on Monday night and later died in hospital. The attack follows a recent kidnapping of his son and highlights growing security concerns in the area.

LAS News Desk · 15 Oct 2026, 10:46 WAT · 2 sources

Roof collapse at Peshawar private school kills at least 28 children and a teacher

A roof collapse at the Al‑Khair Education Centre in Peshawar on Thursday morning left at least 28 pupils and a teacher dead, with dozens more injured, prompting a large rescue operation and calls for an investigation into the building’s safety.

LAS News Desk · 15 Oct 2026, 10:46 WAT · 8 sources

Kaduna stakeholders call for stronger enforcement of VAPP law amid rising SGBV cases

Stakeholders in Kaduna State have urged tighter enforcement of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition law after reports of weak investigations and rising sexual and gender‑based violence, including allegations that some religious leaders are perpetrators.

LAS News Desk · 15 Oct 2026, 10:15 WAT · 2 sources

ADC chief Dele Momodu claims INEC bias and says party can block Tinubu’s 2027 re‑election

Dele Momodu, a senior African Democratic Congress figure, alleged that President Bola Tinubu has filled the Independent National Electoral Commission with Yoruba officials, questioned the body’s independence and said the ADC has a strategy to prevent his second term.

LAS News Desk · 15 Oct 2026, 09:45 WAT · 3 sources

Tinubu launches APC campaign council, pledges governance over rallies

President Bola Tinubu inaugurated the All Progressives Congress presidential campaign council in Abuja, vowing to prioritise governance while urging party leaders to mobilise grassroots support, with a particular focus on women, ahead of the 2027 election.

Photo: Chatham House / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.0

LAS News Desk · 15 Oct 2026, 09:15 WAT · 7 sources

Martinez’s United future in doubt as Arsenal and United monitor Newcastle’s Toure

Lisandro Martinez faces an uncertain contract situation at Manchester United, while both United and Arsenal are reported to be tracking Newcastle’s young attacker Bazoumana Toure, and Getafe have shown interest in free‑agent winger Jadon Sancho.

Photo: Bryan Berlin / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0

LAS News Desk · 15 Oct 2026, 07:45 WAT · 2 sources

ADC leader Dele Momodu accuses President Tinubu of emulating Abacha’s coercive tactics

ADC chief Dele Momodu has compared President Bola Tinubu to former military ruler Sani Abacha, claiming the current leader is coercing Nigerians and consolidating power across all branches of government, according to a Daily Post report.

LAS News Desk · 15 Oct 2026, 06:45 WAT · 1 source

Baptist leader urges Nigerian youths to avoid electoral violence ahead of 2027 polls

A Baptist marshal warned Nigerian youths that politicians may recruit them for ballot‑box snatching and other election offences, urging them to reject inducements and highlighting the risks of arrest and imprisonment.

LAS News Desk · 15 Oct 2026, 06:15 WAT · 1 source

Caine Prize winner refutes AI authorship after Atlantic claims

Simbarathe Kundizeza has denied that his short story "The Blue Fighter" was generated by artificial intelligence, countering an Atlantic report that cited detection software. The dispute has sparked debate on social media and drawn comments from the prize’s chair.

LAS News Desk · 15 Oct 2026, 05:15 WAT · 2 sources

Akpabio urges APC governors to stay in office, not chase unavailable posts

Senate President Godswill Akpabio warned governors at the APC Presidential Campaign Council inauguration not to abandon their constituents while seeking political positions that are not open, urging them to complete their constitutionally allowed eight‑year term.

LAS News Desk · 15 Oct 2026, 04:45 WAT · 2 sources

Nigeria launches $78.5bn private‑capital drive for 65 infrastructure projects

The federal government presented a $78.5 billion investment programme covering 65 projects in energy, transport, agriculture and other sectors, aiming to attract private funding and create hundreds of thousands of jobs.

LAS News Desk · 15 Oct 2026, 04:15 WAT · 2 sources

CAF boosts annual funding for African football federations to $700,000

The Confederation of African Football has lifted the maximum annual subvention for its 54 member associations to $700,000, a 33% rise from the previous $525,000 and a 250% increase since 2021. The move adds roughly $9.5 million to total allocations and includes a $175,000 boost for the Nigerian Football Federation.

LAS News Desk · 15 Oct 2026, 03:45 WAT · 2 sources

Eko Power Confirms Lagos State Licence for Southern Distribution

Eko Power Limited has confirmed that it holds the licence issued by the Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Commission (LASERC) to distribute electricity in the southern part of Lagos State, following a regulatory shift that transferred oversight from the federal regulator to the state.

LAS News Desk · 15 Oct 2026, 03:15 WAT · 2 sources

INEC chair stresses human vote will trump AI in Nigeria's 2027 election

At an AI and Democracy Forum in Abuja, INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan said algorithms will not decide the 2027 vote, though AI will shape logistics and information, according to local media reports.

Photo: Kambai Akau / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0

LAS News Desk · 15 Oct 2026, 03:15 WAT · 8 sources