Burkina Faso junta detains NGO workers for 'spying'
Burkina Faso’s military government has arrested eight staff members of the Dutch-based International NGO Safety Organisation (INSO), accusing them of spying and treason. Those detained include three Europeans, a Malian, and four Burkinabé, among them the NGO’s country director and deputy.

Authorities claim the group collected and shared sensitive security data with foreign powers, posing a threat to national security. INSO denies the allegations, stating its information only supports humanitarian worker safety and was shared transparently with local authorities.

INSO’s Burkina Faso office was suspended on 31 July for allegedly gathering data without permission, but the government now accuses it of continuing secret activities afterward. INSO says it ceased operations after the suspension and has sought dialogue to secure the release of its staff.

The arrests come amid rising tensions between Burkina Faso’s junta-led government and Western nations. Since Capt. Ibrahim Traoré seized power in 2022, the country has cut ties with France, turned to Russia for support, and faced widespread accusations of human rights abuses and repression while battling Islamist insurgents.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has declared his support for the campaign led by activist and presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore demanding the release of detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

Court Orders Arrest of Former INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu for Contempt.

The Federal High Court sitting in Osogbo, Osun State, has ordered the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to arrest the immediate past chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, over alleged contempt of court.

The order was issued just hours after Yakubu vacated office as INEC chairman. It followed a suit filed by the Action Alliance (AA) accusing INEC and Yakubu of failing to comply with an earlier judgment delivered by Justice Funmilola Demi-Ajayi in suit number FHC/OS/CS/194/2024.

The court had previously directed INEC to upload the names of the AA National Chairman, Adekunle Rufai Omoaje, and other members of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) on its official portal.

Justice Demi-Ajayi also affirmed that the party’s elective convention held on October 7, 2023—which produced Omoaje as chairman—was validly conducted and duly monitored by INEC officials in line with the Electoral Act and the party’s constitution.

INEC, however, claimed to have complied with the ruling, but the Action Alliance disagreed, noting that Omoaje’s name was still missing from the commission’s website despite the inclusion of other NEC members and state chairmen.

In a fresh order dated October 7, 2025, and signed by court official O.M. Kilani, the court directed the Inspector General of Police to arrest Yakubu and initiate contempt and committal proceedings within seven days. The court also awarded ₦100,000 in costs against the judgment creditors.

Nigerians blush as FG Reports Drop in Food Prices, Highlights Boost in Crop Production Nationwide

The Federal Government has announced that food prices across Nigeria have declined, driven by improved crop yields and stronger agricultural performance, according to the 2025 Agricultural Performance Survey.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, said the report shows steady growth in the production of key staples including rice, maize, sorghum, millet, cowpea, yam, and cassava all recording increases compared to 2024 levels.

Kyari attributed the progress and the “significant reduction in food prices across all zones” to improved supply conditions and the cumulative effect of government programmes focused on input support, mechanisation, and extension service delivery.

He commended the National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services (NAERLS) of Ahmadu Bello University and the ministry’s technical departments for their role in producing what he described as a new benchmark for “excellence and transparency” in national agricultural performance tracking.

“This survey remains one of the most important tools for evidence-based planning, monitoring, and policymaking in Nigeria’s agricultural sector. It provides a realistic picture of production outcomes, farmer experiences, and sectoral challenges all crucial for designing targeted interventions,” Kyari said.

He highlighted that the data collection covered all 36 states and the FCT, incorporating new datasets such as the Farm Family Census and Tractor Census, alongside complementary studies on commodity prices, a process he said reflects a stronger commitment to transparency and data-driven decision-making.

The minister also praised farmers for their resilience despite challenges posed by irregular rainfall, localised flooding, and pest outbreaks.

However, Kyari cautioned that high input costs, particularly for fertiliser and fuel, as well as weak post-harvest infrastructure, remain major obstacles to agricultural growth.

Presidency Dismisses World Bank Report Claiming 139 Million Nigerians Live in Poverty.

The Presidency has rejected the World Bank’s recent report estimating that 139 million Nigerians are living in poverty, describing the figure as exaggerated and disconnected from the nation’s current economic reality.

In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, said the World Bank’s assessment must be “properly contextualised” within the limitations of global poverty measurement frameworks.

“While Nigeria values its partnership with the World Bank and acknowledges its contributions to policy discussions, the figure quoted must be properly contextualised. It is unrealistic,” Dare stated.

According to the Presidency, the 139 million figure was derived using the global poverty benchmark of $2.15 per person per day, a standard set in 2017 under Purchasing Power Parity (PPP). It clarified that the measure does not represent an actual headcount of poor Nigerians.

The statement explained that when converted to nominal terms, the $2.15 benchmark equates to roughly ₦100,000 per month at the current exchange rate, far above Nigeria’s new minimum wage of ₦70,000 making the figure “an analytical model, not a direct reflection of local realities.”

“The World Bank’s poverty estimate should not be interpreted as a literal or real-time headcount. It’s based on an outdated PPP model using Nigeria’s last major consumption survey from 2018/19 and largely ignores the informal and subsistence sectors that sustain millions of households,” the Presidency said.

It added that the government views the report as a “global projection” rather than an accurate picture of living conditions in 2025, stressing that Nigeria’s economy is now on a recovery path.

Sen Orji Uzor Kalu Declares Himself Most Important Politician in South-East, Says Peter Obi Can’t Match His Record.

Former Abia State Governor, Orji Uzor Kalu, has declared that he remains the most important political figure from the South-East, dismissing Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, as less influential.

Speaking on Politics Today on Channels Television, Kalu asserted that his political record and achievements far outweigh Obi’s.

“He (Obi) is not my leader. I am the most important politician from that zone,” Kalu said confidently. “I have won two states under the PPA, contested for president in 2007, and secured 4.9 million votes. Under President Yar’Adua, we had ministers, ambassadors, and other key appointments through our party.”

On his political future, Kalu said age would not stop him from running for president if the opportunity arises, drawing parallels with former U.S. President Donald Trump.

“If I’m healthy and God grants me life, I can still contest. It’s not about age; it’s about competence , what’s in my brain and what I can deliver,” he stated.

When asked if he believes the Igbo nation should unite behind Obi in future elections, Kalu declined to endorse the Labour Party leader.

Police Arrest 20 Osun Amotekun Operatives Over Akinlalu killings.

About 20 operatives of the Osun State Amotekun Corps were reportedly arrested on Wednesday by a special squad of the Nigeria Police Force from Abuja over killings in Akinlalu, Ife North Local Government Area, last week.

The police team carried out the operation at the Corps’ Oke Fia Operation Base in Osogbo and its Ife Central Division in Ile-Ife, sealing off both premises after the arrests. 

However, the Corps’ state headquarters in Powerline, Osogbo, remained open as of Wednesday evening.

Confirming the development, Osun Amotekun spokesperson, Yusuf Idowu, said the police “burst our operation base in Oke Fia and the Ife Central Command,” arresting about 20 operatives in connection with the Akinlalu incident. He added that the whereabouts of those arrested remain unknown.

Former Nun Secretly Marries Catholic Priest Who Once Offered to Pray for Her.

A former nun-turned-social media influencer has tied the knot with a Catholic priest after their friendship blossomed into love during prayer sessions.

Lais Dognini, once a devout Carmelite nun, met priest Jackson Dognini years ago when he offered to pray for her while she battled depression, according to Brazilian outlet O Globo.

The couple, who both devoted several years to the Catholic Church, quietly wed in March but only made their marriage public through an Instagram Story on Tuesday.

Their paths first crossed over six years ago while serving as missionaries, though they barely spoke at the time. Jackson was undergoing priestly formation in the seminary, while Lais lived in a convent, dedicating herself to prayer and service.

After Lais fell into depression and left the convent to recover at home, Jackson,still in seminary reached out to tell her he was praying for her.

What began as a gesture of kindness gradually grew into a friendship and later, a deep emotional connection.

Following years of self-reflection, Jackson left the seminary to pursue a different calling. The pair began dating in April 2024, got engaged that October, and exchanged vows five months later.

“It might not seem like much, but we’re adults now, and we know what we want in life,” Lais wrote to her over 16,000 Instagram followers, where she often shares personal moments from her unconventional journey.

The revelation of their union has since drawn admiration and warm wishes from supporters online.

Army Condemns Killing of Officer Allegedly Set Ablaze by Wife in Akwa Ibom.

The Nigerian Army’s 2 Brigade in Akwa Ibom State has condemned the tragic death of Lieutenant Samson Haruna, the Regimental Medical Officer of the 6 Battalion, who reportedly d+ed after his wife allegedly set him ablaze during a domestic altercation at the Wellington Bassey Barracks.

In a statement released on Tuesday by the Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Lawal Muhammad, the Army described the incident as deeply regrettable and extended its condolences to the late officer’s family.

According to the statement, preliminary investigations revealed that the incident occurred on September 22, 2025, following a heated argument between Lieutenant Haruna and his wife, Mrs. Retyit Obadiah Dalong Samson Haruna. The disagreement, said to have arisen from a family dispute, escalated when Mrs. Haruna allegedly set fire to household items, leading to an inferno that fatally injured her husband.

The officer suffered severe burns and was initially treated at the Battalion Medical Facility before being transferred to the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, where he later d+ed in the early hours of Tuesday.

“The Nigerian Army strongly condemns this act of domestic violence and emphasises the importance of peaceful coexistence and mutual respect within families,” the statement said.

It further noted that the Army remains committed to promoting healthy relationships, discouraging domestic violence, and fostering dialogue and understanding within families and communities.

The statement added that the military police had launched an investigation into the incident and urged the public to remain calm while awaiting the outcome.

Lere Olayinka Slams Atiku Abubakar, Calls Him a “Hypocrite” Over Support for Nnamdi Kanu Protest

Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, has criticized former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for supporting protests calling for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

In a post shared via X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, Olayinka accused Atiku of double standards, describing him as a hypocrite who failed to publicly condemn the brutal murder of Deborah Samuel, a Sokoto student lynched in 2022 over alleged blasphemy.

He wrote:

“This same Atiku that failed to speak against the murder of Deborah in Sokoto then ooo.
Hypocrite @atiku did a tweet condemning Deborah’s murder but quickly deleted it.”


Olayinka’s remarks come amid renewed calls for Kanu’s release. The IPOB leader, who has been in DSS detention since 2021 following his arrest and extradition from Kenya, continues to face terrorism-related charges before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Kanu’s lawyers have repeatedly raised concerns about his deteriorating health, while political figures like Atiku have recently voiced support for his unconditional release — a move Olayinka now criticizes as politically motivated.

Peter Obi Warns Against Fraudulent Use of His Name and Image for Online Businesses

Former presidential candidate and Labour Party leader, Peter Obi, has issued a stern warning to individuals and groups using his name and image for online commercial activities without his authorization.

According to a report by Vanguard Newspapers on Thursday, October 9, 2025, Obi expressed deep concern over the increasing misuse of his identity by fraudsters seeking to exploit his reputation for personal and financial gain.

The former Anambra State governor revealed that his attention was drawn to several online businesses and promotional campaigns using his name and photos without his consent. He condemned such actions as fraudulent and deceptive, noting that they mislead innocent members of the public who believe he is affiliated with those ventures.

Obi reaffirmed that he has never endorsed or authorized any individual, brand, or online platform to use his name, likeness, or identity for commercial purposes.

In his words:

“At no time have I authorised any individual, business, or online platform to use my name, image, or identity for commercial purposes or profit-making ventures.”


He emphasized that his official communications and initiatives are always announced through verified channels and urged the public to be wary of scams that attempt to capitalize on his name.

The statement underscores broader concerns about identity fraud and the misuse of public figures’ images in the digital age, as Obi seeks to protect both his integrity and unsuspecting citizens from deception.

“Peter Obi Is Not My Leader” — Orji Kalu Declares, Says He Remains the Most Influential Politician in the Southeast

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, former Governor of Abia State, has stirred political tension with his bold declaration that Peter Obi is not his leader, asserting that his extensive political achievements make him the most prominent politician from the Southeast.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television, Kalu emphasized his long-standing influence in Nigerian politics, dismissing suggestions that Obi holds any political authority over him.

In his words:

“He is not my leader. I’m the most important politician from that zone. I have won two states before. I ran for President before — my 4.9 million votes are still there in 2007. I achieved a lot with PPA. We had ministers, we had ambassadors with President Yar’Adua.”

The senator highlighted his decades of political success — from his gubernatorial leadership to his presidential bid under the Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA) — noting that his legacy extends beyond regional politics.

Kalu’s remarks come amid the growing influence of Peter Obi, whose performance in the 2023 presidential election as the Labour Party’s candidate positioned him as a major political figure, especially in the Southeast where he enjoys massive grassroots support.

“You Can’t Rewrite History” — Orji Kalu Insists Obasanjo Truly Sought Third Term In Office

Former Abia State Governor and Senate Chief Whip, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, has once again stirred controversy over former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s alleged third-term ambition, claiming that the former leader indeed made attempts to extend his tenure beyond the constitutional limit.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television, Kalu revealed that Obasanjo had personally discussed the third-term plan with him and several northern governors at the time. He alleged that the rift between Obasanjo and former Rivers State Governor, Peter Odili, was linked to this controversial agenda.

According to Kalu, Obasanjo’s recent denials were an attempt to “rewrite history,” a move he insists will never succeed. The senator called on other key political figures who were aware of the plan to speak out and uphold the truth, stressing that the effort to elongate Obasanjo’s rule was real — but was ultimately thwarted by defenders of democracy.

In his words:

“Why was he quarreling with Governor Peter Odili? He wanted third term. Let’s not deceive ourselves. The man wants to rewrite history, but it can’t be rewritten. He wanted third term and we stopped him from getting it.”

“They Ignored My Calls” — Sowore Reveals Otti and Soludo’s Silence Over Nnamdi Kanu’s Detention

African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Omoyele Sowore, has revealed that his attempts to reach Abia State Governor Alex Otti and Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo over the continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), were unsuccessful.

In a post shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, Sowore said he reached out to the two Southeast governors as part of his efforts to rally key political leaders to unite in demanding Kanu’s release — but neither took his calls nor responded to his messages.

“I have tried reaching out personally to Dr. Alex Otti, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, and Mr. Peter Obi through his team today.
Alex Otti and Soludo neither took my calls nor responded to my messages,” Sowore wrote.



The activist and Sahara Reporters publisher added that while Otti and Soludo remained silent, he was able to connect with Hon. Obi Aguocha, a federal lawmaker from Abia State, who responded positively to his appeal for joint action.

Sowore also mentioned that he reached out to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, urging him and other national leaders to join the collective call for Kanu’s unconditional release.

His statement has since sparked intense debate online, with many Nigerians questioning the political unity and responsiveness of Southeast leaders regarding Kanu’s continued incarceration.

“The Flame May Flicker, But It Must Never Die” — Senate President Akpabio Delivers Stirring Independence Message at 65th Anniversary


In a session that beautifully merged celebration with governance, Senate President Godswill Akpabio delivered an emotional address to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, urging unity, resilience, and a renewed sense of national purpose.

Speaking during plenary at the National Assembly, Akpabio congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all Nigerians on the nation’s milestone, describing independence as a timeless reminder of the sacrifices made by heroes who fought for freedom and self-determination.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s journey since 1960, Akpabio described nation-building as an enduring process rather than a one-time event.

“After we hoisted our flag of freedom 65 years ago, we are reminded that the journey of nationhood is not a sprint but a marathon,” he said.
“It is a relay of faith and sacrifice — one generation handing the torch to the next.”


He encouraged Nigerians to remain steadfast amid present challenges, adding that “the flame may flicker, but it must never be allowed to die.” Akpabio also drew inspiration from the national anthem, reminding the Senate that “the labors of our heroes past” should continue to guide the country toward justice, peace, and prosperity.

Acknowledging Nigeria’s mixed history of “shadow and sunshine,” Akpabio praised the legislature’s role in sustaining democracy and called on lawmakers to work collectively toward governance that truly serves the people.

The session also featured a symbolic moment — the return of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan after a period of medical recovery. Her presence underscored Akpabio’s message of resilience, continuity, and inclusiveness in national leadership.

The Senate President’s message struck a balance between celebration and reflection, highlighting the importance of perseverance and unity in keeping Nigeria’s democratic flame alive.

I Told Mandela and Bush About Obasanjo’s Third Term Ambition” — Orji Uzor Kalu Makes Shocking Revelation!


Former Abia State Governor and Senator, Orji Uzor Kalu, has stirred political discussions after revealing that he personally informed world leaders about former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s alleged third term agenda during his tenure.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Channels Television, Kalu disclosed that he alerted global figures including former U.S. President George W. Bush, South Africa’s Thabo Mbeki, and the late Nelson Mandela about Obasanjo’s alleged plan to extend his stay in power beyond the constitutional limit.

According to Kalu, he took the bold step after realizing the seriousness of the situation, believing that involving respected international leaders was necessary to protect Nigeria’s democracy.

“I was the one who told President Thabo Mbeki that Obasanjo was running for a third term. I also told President Bush and Mandela. They all called him to confirm it,” Kalu said.


He recounted that Nelson Mandela, concerned about the implications of such a move for Africa’s democratic values, immediately summoned Obasanjo for clarification. Kalu also revealed that Obasanjo later held private discussions with Thabo Mbeki in New York during a United Nations General Assembly session to address the growing global concern.

Kalu described these interventions as a defining moment in Nigeria’s political history, noting that the exposure helped curb what could have been a serious constitutional crisis.

He criticized the culture of political denial and misinformation in Nigeria, warning that a democracy built on deceit and manipulation cannot survive.

“We must protect the truth and the constitution. A democracy built on lies and falsehood will crumble over time,” he cautioned.


Kalu’s revelation has since reignited public debate about Nigeria’s political past and the behind-the-scenes efforts that shaped the country’s democratic journey.

CBN bars debtors, blacklisted BVNs from operating as PoS agents
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has issued new restrictions on who can qualify to operate as Point of Sale (PoS) agents under its revised Guidelines for the Operations of Agent Banking in Nigeria, effectively barring individuals with unresolved debts, watch-listed Bank Verification Numbers (BVNs), or a history of financial misconduct from participating in the fast-growing agent banking sector.

The guidelines, released on October 6, 2025, aim to tighten due diligence standards in an industry that has become critical to financial inclusion but is also plagued by fraud, over-concentration of risk, and weak oversight.

The new rules mark a significant tightening of Nigeria’s agent banking framework, moving beyond transaction monitoring to focus on the integrity of the individuals who operate at the last mile of financial inclusion.

United States won’t be happy, Xiaomi has developed a chip so powerful that even China has praised it.

Chinese electronics giant Xiaomi this week unveiled its first high-end processor, the Xring 01, a System-on-a-Chip (SoC) that clearly aims to rival the industry benchmarks of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 and Apple’s A18 Pro. The result is such that the Chinese government itself has publicly hailed the performance.