Lawal Ayo
Editor & Founder, LAS News
Lawal Ayo founded LAS News, a LAS G Concept publication, to give readers fast, clear and balanced coverage of Nigeria, Africa and the world. He sets the editorial direction and standards for the site and is responsible for the stories published under his name.
Stories on LAS News are written from credible published reporting and official information, and every article links its sources. Some stories are produced with the help of automated tools and checked against original reporting. See our editorial policy and corrections, or get in touch.
Latest stories
Lookman ends six‑match drought to help Atletico beat United
Ademola Lookman scored the second goal in Atletico Madrid’s 2‑0 Champions League win over Manchester United, ending a six‑match goal‑free run. Manager Diego Simeone praised his energy and value after the strike.
Lawal Ayo · 14 Oct 2026, 10:45 WAT · 3 sources
Ondo Governor orders river fumigation and emergency water supply after military plane crash
Following complaints of a strong odour from the Igbokoda River where a Nigerian Air Force aircraft crashed last week, Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa directed extensive fumigation, distribution of health kits and provision of potable water to affected residents.
Lawal Ayo · 14 Oct 2026, 10:45 WAT · 7 sources
Former DRC President Kabila Leads New Politico‑Military Front with M23 Rebels
Joseph Kabila announced the Front for the Refoundation of the Nation, a coalition that unites his supporters with the AFC‑M23 rebel movement, pledging to overthrow the government by any means, including force, amid ongoing conflict in eastern Congo.
Lawal Ayo · 14 Oct 2026, 10:16 WAT · 6 sources
Nigeria Warns of $1bn Export Loss if EU Deforestation Rules Not Met
The Nigerian Export Promotion Council has cautioned that failure to comply with the EU Deforestation Regulation could cost the country over $1bn in annual export earnings, with cocoa the most exposed commodity.
Lawal Ayo · 14 Oct 2026, 10:00 WAT · 2 sources
Saudi engineer arrested after covert recorder found in OpenAI office
A 35‑year‑old Saudi national employed by OpenAI was taken into custody following the discovery of a hidden audio device in a San Francisco conference room. The company said it had identified the suspect using its own AI tools and has terminated his employment.
Lawal Ayo · 14 Oct 2026, 09:59 WAT · 7 sources
US Citizenship Agency Denies 35,767 Green Card Work Permits in Q3 2026
USCIS rejected 35,767 work‑permit applications from Green Card seekers between April and June 2026, pushing the overall denial rate to 44%. The move follows a steep rise from 25% in the first half of the fiscal year and reflects tighter immigration rules and higher fees.
Lawal Ayo · 14 Oct 2026, 09:58 WAT · 2 sources
NDLEA reports 53,800 drug users rehabilitated over five years, calls for stronger mental health investment
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency said it has helped more than 53,800 people recover from drug dependence in the past five years and urged the federal government to boost mental‑health funding and community‑based programmes.
Lawal Ayo · 14 Oct 2026, 09:58 WAT · 2 sources
Nigeria’s 2027 election prep: NOA urges voters, INEC delays 2026 registrants’ PVCs
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the National Orientation Agency is urging Nigerians to collect their permanent voter cards, while the Independent National Electoral Commission has announced that PVCs for those who registered in 2026 are not yet available for collection.
Lawal Ayo · 14 Oct 2026, 09:57 WAT · 2 sources
England set to face South Africa in December Test series after Durban win
England will travel to South Africa for a three‑Test series starting in December, following Australia’s 214‑run victory in Durban. The Proteas, who last played a Test a year ago after a 2‑0 win in India, will test England’s adaptability to South African conditions.
Lawal Ayo · 14 Oct 2026, 09:47 WAT · 1 source
INEC gives parties 14 days to challenge omission of governorship candidates
The Independent National Electoral Commission has allowed political parties to file objections to the 2027 governorship candidate list until 24 October, citing membership register breaches as the cause for the exclusion of Isa Ali Pantami and Oladipupo Adebutu.
Lawal Ayo · 14 Oct 2026, 09:46 WAT · 2 sources
Italian photographer wins Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2026 with moving elephant image
Federico Veronesi of Italy was named Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2026 after capturing a powerful image of an elephant carrying a dead calf in Namibia. The competition’s winners will be displayed at the Natural History Museum in London from 16 October 2026 to July 2027.
Lawal Ayo · 14 Oct 2026, 09:46 WAT · 2 sources
Insecurity drives cholera outbreaks in Zamfara, Nigeria
Ongoing insecurity in north‑western Nigeria has pushed many Zamfara communities into repeated cholera outbreaks, with displaced families struggling to access care amid staff shortages and limited supplies.
Lawal Ayo · 14 Oct 2026, 09:46 WAT · 2 sources
eTranzact Board reshaped after majority ownership shift
eTranzact International Plc has restructured its board following a shareholding transaction that transferred 56.18% of its shares to Trademarks Global Concepts Limited. The move saw resignations from exiting directors and the appointment of new members, including nominees from the new majority owner.
Lawal Ayo · 14 Oct 2026, 09:45 WAT · 2 sources
Rwanda to host Formula One’s first African Grand Prix since 1993
Rwanda has signed a ten‑year agreement to host Formula One races on a new Bugesera circuit, with the first event scheduled for the early 2030s. The move marks the first F1 race in Africa since the 1993 South African Grand Prix.
Lawal Ayo · 14 Oct 2026, 09:45 WAT · 3 sources
IMF urges Nigeria to replace universal fuel subsidy with targeted aid
The International Monetary Fund cautioned Nigeria against reinstating a blanket petrol subsidy, arguing it is fiscally costly and regressive, and suggested that support be focused on vulnerable households as the country faces rising energy prices and election pressures.
Lawal Ayo · 14 Oct 2026, 09:44 WAT · 5 sources
Russian missile and drone attacks on Kyiv leave casualties and widespread power cuts
Russian strikes on Kyiv on 14 October 2026 killed at least three people and injured around twenty, while more than 600,000 residents across Ukraine were cut off from electricity as energy facilities were hit.
Lawal Ayo · 14 Oct 2026, 09:36 WAT · 3 sources
Pope Leo XIV undergoes successful lung surgery after early‑stage cancer detection
The 71‑year‑old pontiff was operated on at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital to remove a lower lobe of his right lung, confirming a diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma. The Vatican described the 90‑minute procedure as successful and said further tests will follow.
Lawal Ayo · 14 Oct 2026, 09:13 WAT · 11 sources
Netflix lands exclusive rights to stream 2030 FIFA World Cup in Spain and Andorra
Netflix has obtained exclusive rights to broadcast every match of the 2030 FIFA World Cup for viewers in Spain and Andorra, offering a free match each day and additional free-to-air coverage of Spain's games, the semi‑finals and the final.
Lawal Ayo · 14 Oct 2026, 09:09 WAT · 3 sources
Judge blocks Trump’s White House ban on CNN, MS NOW and Politico
A federal judge has indefinitely blocked President Trump from revoking press credentials for CNN, MS NOW and Politico, citing violations of First and Fifth Amendment rights and lack of due process.
Lawal Ayo · 14 Oct 2026, 08:54 WAT · 8 sources
Arsenal secure 3-0 Champions League victory over Lille at Emirates
Arsenal completed a flawless start to the Champions League group stage with a 3-0 win over Lille, scoring three times in a seven‑minute spell in the second half, while Atletico Madrid edged Manchester United 2-0 on the same night.
Lawal Ayo · 14 Oct 2026, 08:20 WAT · 3 sources
United defender Martinez condemns board’s transfer policy after Atletico defeat
Lisandro Martinez criticised Manchester United’s hierarchy for not strengthening the squad following a 2-0 Champions League loss to Atletico Madrid, highlighting a five‑match winless run and calling out technical director Jason Wilcox.
Lawal Ayo · 14 Oct 2026, 08:17 WAT · 8 sources
Nigerian Senate advances bill to decriminalise attempted suicide amid presidential opposition
The Senate has approved a second‑reading vote on legislation to remove criminal penalties for attempted suicide, though Senate President Godswill Akpabio continues to argue for imprisonment of survivors. The bill now moves to committee review.
Lawal Ayo · 14 Oct 2026, 07:47 WAT · 2 sources
IMF and UK officials warn of rising debt costs and cyber‑fraud risks as developing nations face financing squeeze
The International Monetary Fund and senior UK officials highlighted growing pressures from higher government borrowing costs and cyber‑attack threats, while Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband called for a new global deal to ease debt burdens on developing countries.
Lawal Ayo · 14 Oct 2026, 07:46 WAT · 2 sources
Trump announces large‑scale oil, gas and mineral exploration in Greenland after security pact
President Donald Trump said a major resource exploration programme is set to start in Greenland, a claim made shortly after the United States, Denmark and Greenland signed a security agreement that expands U.S. military access to the island.
Lawal Ayo · 14 Oct 2026, 07:46 WAT · 2 sources
Nigeria's government mandates four-year degree programmes be completed within four years
The federal government announced that all four-year degree courses must be finished in the prescribed period, unveiling new agreements with university, polytechnic and college staff unions and expanding a monitoring committee to curb strikes, according to statements from the Minister of Education.
Lawal Ayo · 14 Oct 2026, 07:46 WAT · 2 sources
Super Falcons secure third‑round Olympic qualifier spot after 5‑0 win over Comoros
Nigeria's women's team defeated Comoros 5‑0 in the second leg of the 2028 Olympic qualifiers, sealing a 7‑0 aggregate triumph and setting up a third‑round clash with Morocco, according to Daily Trust and Channels TV.
Lawal Ayo · 14 Oct 2026, 07:17 WAT · 4 sources
Shell agrees to transfer its Nigerian gas distribution arm to Vaaris Energy
Shell Plc has signed an agreement to sell its entire stake in the Shell Nigeria Gas Group to local firm Vaaris Energy, pending regulatory approval, as part of a broader portfolio simplification strategy.
Lawal Ayo · 14 Oct 2026, 07:16 WAT · 2 sources
NAFDAC seizes over N2 billion of counterfeit alcohol and arrests two suspects in Lagos market raid
The agency’s Investigation and Enforcement Directorate intercepted illegal alcohol operations worth more than N2 billion at the International Trade Fair Complex, uncovering makeshift stores and detaining two individuals linked to counterfeit production.
Lawal Ayo · 14 Oct 2026, 07:16 WAT · 2 sources
Anthropic warns that AI ‘worms’ could self‑replicate across smart home devices within months
Anthropic’s safety team says small artificial‑intelligence models may soon be able to copy themselves and spread through internet‑connected appliances, raising concerns about control and security.
Lawal Ayo · 14 Oct 2026, 07:15 WAT · 3 sources
Raye’s Royal Albert Hall ticket sign‑up swamped by AI‑driven bots, prompting manual review
The singer Raye reported that AI bots generated hundreds of thousands of fake registrations, inflating sign‑ups to 1.8 million for her 5,000‑seat Royal Albert Hall concert on 23 October, leading organisers to vet entries manually.
Lawal Ayo · 14 Oct 2026, 06:37 WAT · 2 sources
Renowned FPS map creator Richard “Levelord” Gray dies at age 60
The gaming community mourns the loss of Richard Gray, known as “Levelord,” whose pioneering work on Duke Nukem 3D, Quake and other titles reshaped first‑person shooter level design.
Lawal Ayo · 14 Oct 2026, 06:36 WAT · 2 sources
Actress Selma Blair charged with assault after disruptive Delta flight and post‑landing incidents
Selma Blair, 54, was arrested in New York following an alleged altercation with flight attendants on a Los Angeles‑to‑New York Delta flight and later faced two additional assault counts for allegedly kicking a police officer and a nurse after the aircraft landed.
Lawal Ayo · 14 Oct 2026, 06:36 WAT · 2 sources
Veterans block Abuja pensions board over disputed adjustment formula
Military retirees sealed the Military Pensions Board office in Abuja on 13‑14 October, alleging that the formula used for recent pension adjustments left many underpaid and calling for a forensic audit, while the board maintains it applied the approved rates.
Lawal Ayo · 14 Oct 2026, 06:36 WAT · 2 sources
Actor RJ Mitte, famed for Breaking Bad role, dies at 34 in Texas
RJ Mitte, the actor who portrayed Walter White Jr. and championed disability rights, was found dead in Brownsville, Texas, with his publicist confirming he took his own life. Police reported no foul play and an autopsy is planned.
Lawal Ayo · 14 Oct 2026, 05:31 WAT · 2 sources
Man dies after entering tiger enclosure at Yorkshire Wildlife Park
A 23‑year‑old man was killed when he breached the fence of a Siberian tiger’s pen at Yorkshire Wildlife Park near Doncaster on Saturday, prompting a health‑and‑safety inquiry and the park’s closure.
Lawal Ayo · 14 Oct 2026, 05:30 WAT · 2 sources
Saudi Arabia intercepts Houthi missiles, reports building damage and injuries in Dhahran and Riyadh
Saudi authorities said Houthi missiles aimed at Riyadh and Dhahran were intercepted, causing limited fire at an Aramco administrative building in Dhahran and wounding four people in the capital. The incidents prompted comments from the IMF on potential global energy impacts.
Lawal Ayo · 14 Oct 2026, 05:30 WAT · 2 sources
Japanese reporter detained in Russia on espionage accusations amid Kuril dispute
A Hokkaido Shimbun journalist, Yuki Imai, was arrested in Sakhalin on charges of gathering defence information for Japan, with Russian authorities planning a trial later this year, while diplomatic tensions over the Kuril Islands continue to rise.
Lawal Ayo · 14 Oct 2026, 05:30 WAT · 2 sources
Trump grants on‑stage pardons to Alaska diesel‑shop owners during campaign rally
President Donald Trump pardoned two Alaska auto‑shop owners who had pleaded guilty to Clean Air Act violations, handing the clemency documents to them on stage at a pre‑midterm rally in Wasilla, while also referencing a third co‑owner who was pardoned earlier.
Lawal Ayo · 14 Oct 2026, 05:29 WAT · 3 sources
French supermarkets suffer massive food loss after cyber‑attack disables refrigeration
A coordinated cyber‑attack forced refrigeration units in hundreds of French supermarkets to heat up, spoiling fresh and frozen goods worth millions of euros and prompting emergency disconnections across several retail chains.
Lawal Ayo · 14 Oct 2026, 04:40 WAT · 2 sources
Netflix releases first trailer for Greta Gerwig's Narnia prequel
Netflix has unveiled the initial trailer for Greta Gerwig's adaptation of C.S. Lewis's The Magician’s Nephew, confirming a 2027 release on its platform and in IMAX and outlining the film’s cast and musical direction.
Lawal Ayo · 14 Oct 2026, 04:40 WAT · 2 sources
Post‑tropical Cyclone Rachel leaves homes damaged and streets flooded across Southern California and Las Vegas
Intense waves and flash flooding caused by the remnants of Tropical Storm Rachel have damaged beachfront properties, destroyed a Long Beach boardwalk and flooded parts of Las Vegas, with officials reporting several structures at risk of collapse.
Lawal Ayo · 14 Oct 2026, 04:39 WAT · 2 sources
Trump administration requests resignation of US ambassador to Greece amid ethics allegations
President Donald Trump’s team has asked ambassador Kimberly Guilfoyle to step down following reports that she solicited a donor for personal debt relief and accepted costly hospitality from Greek businessmen; Guilfoyle denies the claims and says she will defend her reputation.
Lawal Ayo · 14 Oct 2026, 04:38 WAT · 5 sources
Epic Games pushes AI tools as unannounced Marvel‑Star Wars shooter faces delay
Epic Games has reportedly postponed its collaborative shooter with Disney, originally set for March 2027, and is urging developers to adopt an "AI‑first" workflow, including the use of Anthropic's Claude, according to Bloomberg reporting.
Lawal Ayo · 14 Oct 2026, 04:27 WAT · 4 sources
IMF lifts UK 2026 growth outlook to 1.3% as it warns of global economic strain
The International Monetary Fund raised its forecast for UK GDP growth in 2026 to 1.3% and urged the Labour government to maintain its fiscal consolidation, while warning that low oil inventories and stretched public finances could test worldwide resilience.
Lawal Ayo · 14 Oct 2026, 04:27 WAT · 2 sources
Glen Schofield blames Krafton for rushed release of The Callisto Protocol
The Callisto Protocol’s creator says Krafton’s management forced a premature launch amid COVID‑19 disruptions, after retracting promised development extensions.
Lawal Ayo · 14 Oct 2026, 04:26 WAT · 2 sources
TFG London investigates cyber‑attack on Phase Eight, Hobbs and Whistles
TFG London, the UK arm of The Foschini Group, confirmed a cybersecurity incident that disrupted the websites and some IT systems of its Phase Eight, Hobbs and Whistles brands, prompting a pause to online orders while stores stayed open.
Lawal Ayo · 14 Oct 2026, 04:26 WAT · 2 sources
US defence secretary’s proposed execution livestream sparks ethical and psychological concerns
Pete Hegseth’s plan to broadcast the execution of Nidal Malik Hasan has attracted condemnation from human‑rights organisations and politicians, while experts say the event would likely draw large audiences but could cause serious mental‑health harm.
Lawal Ayo · 14 Oct 2026, 04:25 WAT · 2 sources
BBC abandons Birmingham studio plan for The Archers amid cost cuts
The corporation has cancelled its proposal to build a dedicated studio for the long‑running radio drama in Birmingham, opening the possibility that future recordings will take place elsewhere in the UK. Cast members and the Equity union have expressed strong opposition to the move.
Lawal Ayo · 14 Oct 2026, 04:25 WAT · 2 sources
Doug Field appointed president of Rivian’s Mind Robotics venture
Rivian’s industrial AI and robotics spin‑out, Mind Robotics, has named former Ford EV chief Doug Field as its president, a move announced at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 and noted by multiple tech outlets.
Lawal Ayo · 14 Oct 2026, 04:25 WAT · 2 sources
Manchester City set to host PSG amid financial breach fallout
Manchester City will face Paris Saint‑Germain in a Champions League tie, their first home game since an independent commission found them guilty of extensive financial rule breaches, while PSG manager Luis Enrique hopes sanctions are avoided.
Lawal Ayo · 14 Oct 2026, 04:24 WAT · 2 sources
Six Flags suspends nine rides after fatal Georgia coaster crash, stock drops sharply
A man died and several others were injured when he fell from the Goliath coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia, prompting the chain to close nine similar attractions across six parks and causing its shares to fall more than 14% on Tuesday.
Lawal Ayo · 14 Oct 2026, 04:24 WAT · 2 sources
UK Prime Minister Burnham to Host Zelenskyy at Downing Street, Reaffirming Long‑Term Support
Andy Burnham will receive Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at No 10 on Wednesday, signalling continued British backing for Kyiv amid recent tensions involving Donald Trump’s diesel agreement with Russia, according to UK media reports.
Lawal Ayo · 14 Oct 2026, 04:24 WAT · 2 sources
Former Kaduna Governor Accused of Allocating $600,000 to Influence EFCC Probe
A forensic investigator from the Department of State Services testified that ex‑governor Nasir El‑Rufai set aside $600,000 to pay Economic and Financial Crimes Commission officials and intermediaries, a claim that remains unproven in court.
Lawal Ayo · 14 Oct 2026, 04:24 WAT · 2 sources
Senator Jon Ossoff Reaffirms Commitment to Full Senate Term Amid 2028 Presidency Rumours
Georgia Democrat Jon Ossoff has publicly dismissed speculation about a 2028 presidential bid, pledging to serve a complete six‑year Senate term if re‑elected in November, according to statements made during a campaign debate.
Lawal Ayo · 14 Oct 2026, 04:24 WAT · 2 sources
Russian missile strikes hit Kyiv power plant, killing two and injuring dozens
A Russian ballistic missile hit the Darnytska CHP‑4 power plant and a nearby apartment block in Kyiv, causing two deaths and around twenty injuries, while Ukrainian officials criticised the lack of early warning from Western partners. The attack follows a U.S.‑announced energy ceasefire that has not halted strikes on infrastructure.
Lawal Ayo · 14 Oct 2026, 04:17 WAT · 2 sources
Trump says Taiwan will secure 30% of Alaska LNG output for 20 years
President Donald Trump announced at an Alaskan rally that Taiwan has agreed to purchase a third of the gas from the proposed Alaska LNG project, with a $4.4 billion investment alongside South Korea's earlier commitment.
Lawal Ayo · 14 Oct 2026, 04:17 WAT · 2 sources
Manchester United lose 2-0 to Atletico Madrid as red card deepens winless run
Manchester United were beaten 2-0 by Atletico Madrid in a Champions League match, conceding within the first minute and later reduced to ten men after a controversial dismissal, extending their winless streak under manager Michael Carrick.
Lawal Ayo · 14 Oct 2026, 04:16 WAT · 2 sources
McIlroy says LIV Golf’s concept was flawed but welcomes its players back to the DP World Tour
Rory McIlroy described LIV Golf as a partially sound idea that was poorly executed, noting that the breakaway circuit no longer threatens traditional tours and that he would support former LIV players rejoining the DP World Tour.
Lawal Ayo · 14 Oct 2026, 04:16 WAT · 2 sources
Drake Bell criticises SAG‑AFTRA after health plan eligibility shortfall
The former Nickelodeon star revealed his earnings did not meet the union’s health‑insurance threshold and used the platform to warn others against joining SAG‑AFTRA, while the union has not responded.
Lawal Ayo · 14 Oct 2026, 04:15 WAT · 3 sources
Former gang leader Duane Davis receives minimum 40‑year sentence for 1996 Tupac Shakur killing
A Las Vegas judge sentenced Duane “Keffe D” Davis to at least 40 years in prison for orchestrating the 1996 drive‑by murder of rapper Tupac Shakur, concluding a three‑decade investigation.
Lawal Ayo · 14 Oct 2026, 04:14 WAT · 5 sources