Queer Nigerian man dies after being beaten and thrown from a two-storey building by homophobic assailants in Port Harcourt.

Port Harcourt Teen, Agbo Adoga, Scores Perfect 1600 on SAT — Sets New Academic Record for Nigeria.

A 17-year-old student, Agbo Adoga, from Graceland International School, Port Harcourt, has reportedly achieved a perfect score of 1600 on the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT), marking an extraordinary academic milestone that has sparked widespread admiration across Nigeria’s education community.

The SAT, administered by the U.S.-based College Board, is a globally recognized university admissions test used by top institutions in the United States and beyond. Achieving a perfect 1600 places Adoga among a very small percentage of students worldwide who reach the highest possible score.

Social media erupted with praise after news of his result surfaced online, with many Nigerians celebrating his achievement as a testament to the potential and brilliance of the country’s young scholars.

His school, Graceland International, known for producing high-performing students in national and international examinations, has yet to release an official statement but has been receiving a flood of congratulatory messages from alumni and parents.

Before this latest feat, Agbo Adoga had already gained recognition for his excellence in mathematics and science competitions, including national Olympiads and international contests, where he consistently ranked among the top performers.

Education stakeholders have described his performance as “a source of pride for Nigeria,” urging the government and private sector to provide more support and mentorship opportunities for exceptional young talents like him.

If confirmed by the College Board, Adoga’s score would place him among an elite group of global students who have achieved perfection in the SAT’s nearly century-long history.

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu Alleges Some Nigerian Pilots Smoke Indian Hemp Before Flights, Calls for Urgent Regulatory Action.

Former Abia State governor and Senate Chief Whip, Orji Uzor Kalu, has sparked concern over alleged drug use among Nigerian pilots, claiming that some smoke Indian hemp before flying passengers.

Speaking during Wednesday’s plenary session, Kalu urged aviation regulators to take immediate action to safeguard travelers, accusing agencies of negligence and poor oversight.
“The agencies overseeing these pilots are not doing enough. I’ve personally refused to board a flight because the pilot didn’t seem normal. Some of them smoke Indian hemp yes, it’s true,” he said.

He faulted aviation authorities such as the NCAA and NEMA for failing to conduct proper medical and drug assessments. “Pilots walk into the cockpit without anyone checking their blood pressure or drug level. There’s no on-the-spot testing. It’s dangerous,” he warned.

Kalu recounted once stopping a flight over concerns about a pilot’s condition and urged the Minister of Aviation to step up supervision. “Some take Indian hemp like cigarettes. If you go close, you can smell it,” he alleged.

His remarks come weeks after the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) reportedly said two Air Peace pilots tested positive for alcoqAzqdqazqhol and cannabis following a July 2025 runway incident at Port Harcourt International Airport.

Air Peace, however, dismissed the claim, saying no crew member tested positive and that the airline enforces a zero-tolerance policy on substance use. “Our crew were tested within an hour, and all results were negative,” the airline stated.

Falana vows legal action against oil companies over Niger Delta pollution.

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, Femi Falana, has vowed to convene a team of lawyers to begin a legal action against oil companies that have polluted and abandoned their host communities in the Niger Delta.

The human rights lawyer made this vow on Friday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital, during the Ken Saro-Wiwa 30th Memorial Lecture, organised by a coalition of environmental civil society leaders

According to him, communities producing the oil that sustains Nigeria’s economy deserve to live comfortably with all basic amenities provided, not in poverty and neglect.

The event, put together by a coalition of environmental activists, was held in honour of the 84th posthumous birthday of late environmental and human-rights activist, Ken Saro-Wiwa, who was executed alongside eight others 30 years ago for alleged treasonable felony and recently granted state pardon and honours.

The event also drew activists, policymakers and community leaders who renewed calls for environmental justice in the Niger Delta.

The senior lawyer explained that multinational oil companies have profited from Nigeria’s natural resources while leaving host communities in the Niger Delta impoverished and devastated.

Other speakers at the memorial, including Nnimmo Bassey, urged government agencies to hold defaulting oil firms accountable and prioritise a full cleanup of Ogoniland.

For civil society groups, the legacy of Ken Saro-Wiwa remains a rallying point for justice and environmental restoration across the Niger Delta.

They warned that anything short of calling for a halt to oil resumption talks in Ogoniland without extensive cleanup, would amount to wasting the sacrifice of Ken Saro-Wiwa and his comrades.

Fire on Monday evening razed a section of the Podium Block at the Rivers State Secretariat Complex in Port Harcourt, destroying properties.

Nigerians Groan as Cooking Gas Price Hits ₦1,800 Per Kilogram Amid Shortage.

The cost of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), commonly known as cooking gas, has surged sharply across several Nigerian cities, including Lagos, Ogun, and Ibadan, following a nationwide shortage.

The scarcity was triggered by a three-day strike by oil workers, which disrupted gas supply and distribution across the country. Prices have also spiked in other states such as Port Harcourt, Cross River, Kano, and Kaduna.

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) had embarked on the strike last week to protest the dismissal of some workers at the Dangote Refinery. Although the strike has since been suspended, the brief disruption in supply caused many gas depots to run dry, leading to rationing and steep price hikes.

In many parts of the country, the price of cooking gas has jumped from around ₦1,000 per kilogram to between ₦1,600 and ₦1,800.

In Abuja, refilling a 12.5kg cylinder now costs between ₦17,000 and ₦18,750, depending on the location. In districts such as Wuse, Garki, and Kubwa, a kilogram of LPG sells for ₦1,350 to ₦1,500, while some outlets in Jabi offer a 12.5kg refill for about ₦17,000.

Retailers in the city report that many outlets ran out of stock by Sunday, while those still selling gas increased their prices significantly.

A similar situation is unfolding in Lagos and Ogun States, where the price per kilogram rose from about ₦1,000 and ₦1,100 respectively last week to between ₦1,300 and ₦1,800 over the weekend.

Across Nigeria, households and small businesses continue to feel the impact of the gas shortage, as prices soar daily with no immediate relief in sight.

I Met Yul Edochie at a GCE Centre — May Edochie Recounts How She Met Her Ex-Husband.

May Edochie has recounted how she first met her estranged husband, Nollywood actor Yul Edochie, long before fame and marriage.

Speaking on a recent lifestyle podcast, May revealed that their paths first crossed at a General Certificate Examination (GCE) centre during her early university years.

She explained that she had just relocated from Lagos to Enugu State to further her education at Enugu State University when she met Yul, who was then a student at the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT).

“Back in school, when I moved to the East for my university, I was a bookworm and it was always about my studies. We didn’t meet at a party or any fancy place; it was at a GCE centre,” she said.

Reflecting on that period, May described herself as a focused and academically driven young woman.

Tinubu sued over Rivers LG polls as lawyer demands election nullification.

President Bola Tinubu has been dragged before the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt over the controversial Rivers State local government elections held on August 30, 2025.

In a suit filed on September 11, 2025 (No. FHC/PH/CS/173/2025), lawyer Clifford Nnanta Chuku is asking the court to nullify the polls and declare unconstitutional the Emergency Powers Regulation introduced by Tinubu to guide the elections.

Chuku argued that the regulation, which suspended parts of the Electoral Act 2022 and Rivers State electoral laws, violated the constitution and undermined democracy.

Chuku argued that the President’s decision to suspend parts of the law for the Rivers elections was unconstitutional and amounted to overreach.

The suit lists Tinubu, the Federal Government, the Attorney General of the Federation, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) as defendants.

The key issues before the court are whether the regulation illegally restricted the democratic rights of Rivers people, and whether RSIEC’s notice for the election met the required legal timelines.

Chuku is seeking a court order striking down the regulation, voiding the August 30 polls, and compelling RSIEC to conduct fresh elections in full compliance with the Electoral Act.

The Federal High Court has fixed October 21, 2025, for hearing.

Legal analysts say the case could shape future limits of presidential powers in election matters.

Governor Fubara sacks all commissioners in Rivers State.

Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers state has dissolved his cabinet, relieving all commissioners and other public officers affected by the recent Supreme Court judgment of their appointments with immediate effect.

The development was announced in a statement issued on Wednesday by Nelson Chukwudi, chief press secretary to the governor.

Chukwudi said Fubara held a private valedictory session with members of his cabinet at the government house in Port Harcourt.

The session also formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s 65th independence anniversary.

Fubara was said to have appreciated the commissioners for their contributions to the growth and development of Rivers over the past two years.

He also called on Nigerians to join hands with President Bola Tinubu in building a peaceful and prosperous nation.

The governor restated his commitment to serve the people of the state with renewed vigour, while thanking citizens for their support.

"Shelve your Imo visit, no project to commission"- Group tells Tinubu.

A pressure group, The Mazi Organisation (TMO), has called on President Bola Tinubu to shelve his planned visit to lmo State on Tuesday, September 30.

The group claimed that Governor Hope Uzodimma had perfected the fine art of building federal roads so that Abuja will refund him, while leaving Imo’s state and local roads looking like war trenches.

In a statement issued on Monday by Cajetan Duke, the group’s Spokesperson, he stated that we “celebrate the much-talked-about Assumpta Flyover, a quarter-kilometer triumph that took six years to build.”

According to him, “while Rivers and Ebonyi states were mass-producing them like pure water, in Uzodimma’s Imo, one flyover is an epochal achievement.

“Governor Uzodimma’s leadership style is equally commendable: an absentee landlord ruling by proxy.

“Six years in power, and not once has he visited all 27 LGAs. Perhaps he fears that venturing into the villages would expose him to the potholes, insecurity, and despair that his government pretends do not exist.

“After all, red carpets are smoother than rural roads. Local government autonomy? Supreme Court rulings? Grassroots democracy? All irrelevant in Uzodimma’s kingdom.

“One wonders: where has the torrent of federal allocations gone, since not a single tangible project has sprung up in our LGAs? But of course, in this government, accountability is a foreign language.”

The group said should the President visit the state, “we urge you: enjoy the ceremonies, cut the ribbons, but take a detour afterwards. Drive yourself down Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Drive, Owerri-Port Harcourt Road, or Hospital Road.

“You’ll quickly see that beneath the governor’s showpiece projects lies the real Imo: a state abandoned to craters, insecurity, and suffering.”

“So today, we wholeheartedly congratulate Governor Uzodimma-for proving that in Imo, development is not about serving the people, but about serving the refund pipeline. He is less a governor, more a contractor to the Federal Government. May Abuja keep paying, since Imo surely isn’t gaining.

“Ignore the painted walls and staged parades. Listen instead to the heartbeat of the people, muffled under dust, mud, and neglect,” the group told Tinubu.

Fubara Dissolves Rivers Pension Board.

Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has dissolved the Rivers State Pensions Board with immediate effect.
Fubara Image was communicated in a Government Special Announcement issued in Port Harcourt on Friday evening by the State Head of Service, Mrs Inyingi Brown.

According to the Special Announcement, the office of the State Accountant General will handle the functions of the Board until a new board is constituted.

While no reason was given for the dissolution of the board, the statement directed members of the former board to hand over all properties and assets of the board in their possession to the Director of Administration of the Board.

The statement reads, “The Executive Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has approved the immediate dissolution of the Rivers State Pensions Board.

“Consequently, the Office of the Accountant General of Rivers State, henceforth, will handle the functions of the Board.

“Members of the defunct board are by this notice advised to hand over all properties and assets of the board in their possession to the Director of Administration of the Board.

“His Excellency, the Executive Governor, will in due course constitute a new board to manage the affairs of Pensions.”

Fubara was on September 18 reinstated as governor by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu after he lifted the State of Emergency imposed on the South-South state.

EFCC Declares Akolawole, Enweremadu "Wanted" For Fraud And Money Laundering Cases.

According to a report by Sahara Reporters on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared 38-year-old Abdusalam Abdussamad Akolawole wanted for alleged conspiracy and obtaining money by false pretence.

In a notice signed by the Commission’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, the EFCC said:

"Abdusalam Abdussamad Akolawole, an indigene of Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, whose photograph appears above, is wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in an alleged case of Conspiracy and Obtaining Money by False Pretence.

His last known address is River Park Estate, Cluster 1, Babatunde Folawiyo Plot 101, Lugbe, Abuja."

The Commission added: "Anyone with useful information as to his whereabouts should please contact the Commission’s offices in Ibadan, Uyo, Sokoto, Maiduguri, Benin, Makurdi, Kaduna, Ilorin, Enugu, Kano, Lagos, Gombe, Port Harcourt, or Abuja."

Similarly, the EFCC declared Christopher Enweremadu, a former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters in Abia State, wanted for alleged conspiracy, diversion of public funds, stealing, and money laundering.

In another notice, also signed by Oyewale, the EFCC said:

"The public is hereby notified that CHRISTOPHER ENWEREMADU, whose photograph appears above, is wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in an alleged case of Criminal Conspiracy, Diversion of Public Funds, Stealing and Money Laundering. He is a 58-year-old indigene of Abia State, and his last known address is Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Umuahia, Abia State."

The agency further appealed: "Anybody with useful information as to his whereabouts should please contact the Commission in its Ibadan, Uyo, Sokoto, Maiduguri, Benin, Makurdi, Kaduna, Ilorin, Enugu, Kano, Lagos, Gombe, Port Harcourt, or Abuja offices."

Fubara Storms Hometown After Returning to Rivers Govt House.

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, on Sunday visited his hometown, Opobo, where he worshipped at St. Paul’s Cathedral, days after resuming at the Government House, Port Harcourt.

Fubara’s visit came barely 48 hours after the governor returned to office following the lifting of the six-month emergency rule in the state.

During his statewide broadcast on Friday, Fubara acknowledged President Bola Tinubu’s role in brokering peace among key stakeholders, including Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

“We believe the political crisis is now behind us and that peace and stability have once again returned to Rivers State,” the governor said, pledging renewed commitment to reconciliation and effective governance.

Fubara also outlined plans to complete ongoing projects in infrastructure, education, and healthcare, revive the state’s economy, and strengthen cooperation with the House of Assembly. He urged citizens to set aside divisions and unite in building what he described as “a stronger, more peaceful and prosperous Rivers State.”

The governor expressed gratitude to Tinubu, the National Assembly, political leaders, religious groups, and the people of Rivers State for their resilience and patience during the months of political uncertainty.

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has returned to Port Harcourt following the end of the six-month state of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu.

Fubara arrived at the Port Harcourt International Airport around 11:50 a.m. on Friday, September 19, where he was welcomed by a large crowd of supporters who had gathered at the VIP wing in anticipation of his arrival.

Although the Rivers State House of Assembly resumed sitting on Thursday, the governor did not appear at the Government House, despite the presence of hundreds of loyalists awaiting him.

Addressing the crowd, Fubara expressed gratitude for their unwavering support. 

“I was briefed with some photographs of what happened here yesterday. That reception really humbled me. It showed love, confidence and solidarity. It is a reaffirmation of the bond between the government and the people we are serving. We will continue to do those things that have made you love us,” he said.

Breaking News: Rivers Gov, Fubara Returns to Port Harcourt After Emergency Rule | Fintter

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has returned to Port Harcourt after six months away from office.

Fubara arrived at the Port Harcourt International Airport around 12:19 p.m. on Friday, a day after President Bola Tinubu officially lifted the emergency rule imposed on the state in March.

Dressed in a blue shirt and a black baseball cap, the governor was received by a cheering crowd of supporters who had waited at the airport’s VIP wing.

Although the Rivers House of Assembly resumed sitting on Thursday, Fubara did not immediately return to the Government House despite the large number of residents who gathered there to welcome him.

His predecessor, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, told Channels Television that Fubara was under no legal obligation to resume the same day the emergency was lifted.

Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, had been out of office since March 18, when Tinubu declared a state of emergency over political unrest in Rivers. The president had appointed retired Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as interim administrator.

Ibas officially stepped down on Wednesday night, calling on political actors in the state to embrace peace, respect, and dialogue.

You are lucky Pres. Tinubu believes in the rule of law — Nyesom Wike  fires at Sowore Over his Tinubu ‘Criminal’ Remark.

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has criticised activist and AAC presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, for describing President Bola Tinubu as a “criminal.”

On August 25, Sowore wrote on X: “This criminal @officialpbat actually went to Brazil to state that there is no more corruption under his regime in Nigeria. What audacity to lie shamelessly!”

The DSS later filed charges against him for defamation, accusing him of making “false” statements that violate Nigeria’s Cybercrimes and Terrorism Prevention laws. The agency also asked X and Meta to delete the post, calling it a threat to national security. Sowore refused, describing the DSS action as “despicable.”

Supporters under the Simplified Movement thronged Government House, Port Harcourt, from 6 a.m., bringing drums, flutes, and dance troupes in a show of solidarity. 

They included sacked local government chairmen and former factional Speaker Victor Oko-Jumbo. The crowd blocked Nnamdi Azikiwe Road, causing gridlock, but dispersed by midday when Fubara failed to show.

Fubara’s absence has fueled speculation. During the emergency period, he reportedly attended a peace meeting with Wike and Assembly members at Tinubu’s behest. 

According to TheCable, insiders said conditions included Fubara abandoning a second-term bid in 2027 and ceding power to Wike to nominate all 23 LGA chairmen. Although council polls were held last month, Fubara neither participated nor commented.

Fubara Fails to Return to Government House After Reinstatement.

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, on Thursday failed to return to the Government House in Port Harcourt despite being reinstated following the lifting of the six-month emergency rule in the state.

The development came as thousands of supporters gathered at the gates of the Government House from as early as 6 a.m., expecting the return of the governor.

By midday, however, many of the supporters left for their homes as the governor’s whereabouts remained unknown.

Among those at the scene were sacked local government chairmen loyal to Fubara, including Chijoke Ihunwo of Obio/Akpor and Ezebunwo Itche-Mati of Port Harcourt City. Notably absent were allies of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and newly elected local government chairmen seen as loyal to him.

Fubara’s absence followed Wednesday’s declaration by President Bola Tinubu formally ending emergency rule in Rivers State, which had suspended the governor, his deputy Ngozi Nma Odu, and members of the House of Assembly. During the period, Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) served as sole administrator.

Meanwhile, the Rivers State House of Assembly resumed plenary on Thursday at the legislative quarters conference hall, with Speaker Martins Amaewhule presiding.

State lawmakers have launched a probe into state finances under Ibas’s tenure and requested Governor Fubara to forward a list of commissioner-nominees for screening.

The Rivers State House of Assembly has asked Governor Siminalayi Fubara to submit a list of commissioner nominees for consideration. The request came as the Assembly resumed sitting, a day after President Bola Tinubu lifted the six-month emergency rule in Rivers State.

Although Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, were expected to take over leadership immediately, they had not arrived at the Government House in Port Harcourt as of Thursday evening. Supporters and officials gathered awaiting their return.

The emergency rule, declared in March due to a political crisis, suspended the governor, his deputy, and the Assembly. Retired Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, who administered the state during the period, handed over on Wednesday and urged politicians to embrace dialogue and respect.

Massive Crowd Welcomes Governor Fubara Back to Rivers State

According to Vanguard on Thursday, September 18, 2025, Governor Siminalayi Fubara received a rousing welcome as thousands of Rivers State residents trooped to the Government House in Port Harcourt to celebrate his return.

As early as 6 a.m., men, women, and youths began gathering at the venue, spilling onto the Azikiwe-Old Port Harcourt Township Road and causing heavy traffic congestion. The atmosphere turned festive, with drums, music, and singing filling the air, giving the event the feel of a carnival.

Crowds lined the streets leading to the Brick House, the state’s seat of power, drumming and cheering in anticipation of the governor’s arrival. Prominent supporters, including Darlington Orji, Sokare Goodboy, and Ezebunwo Ichemati, helped organize and lead the enthusiastic display.

Observers noted that the colorful reception underscored the deep connection between Governor Fubara and the people of Rivers State, reflecting both grassroots loyalty and his enduring political influence.

While the massive turnout was celebratory, it also created major traffic disruptions across parts of Port Harcourt, highlighting the sheer scale of the event.

The welcome rally comes at a politically sensitive time in the state, with residents eager to see the governor fully resume his duties. For many, the gathering was not just a show of joy but also a strategic demonstration of solidarity and support.

The display of music, chants, and cultural performances reaffirmed the active role of Rivers people in shaping political life and emphasized the importance of strong, responsive local leadership

Tension Erupts at Rivers Government House as Aides of Outgoing Sole Administrator Protest Unpaid Allowances.

Drama unfolded on Wednesday morning at the Rivers State Government House, Port Harcourt, when aides of outgoing Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd), staged a protest over unpaid allowances and entitlements.

Eyewitness reports said the aides, visibly enraged, accused Ibas of attempting to vacate office without settling financial commitments owed to them. 

The situation, described as chaotic, saw some aides and members of his security team crying openly while chanting accusations that he was “sneaking away” with the state’s resources.

The uproar forced senior officials within the Government House to step in, calming the aggrieved staff with assurances that their grievances would be addressed. After much persuasion, the protesters dispersed, though not without lingering resentment.

Ibas, who was appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the peak of the Rivers political crisis between Governor Sim Fubara and his predecessor-turned-political rival, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, is expected to hand over to Fubara on Thursday, September 18, following a recent reconciliation brokered by the President.