FreshReporters Media, Ilorin (2026)

14/04/2026

President Mahama: "I Pray for Nigerians Daily So That 1 Million of Them Don't Drift to a Small Country Like Ghana"
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Ghana's President, John Mahama, has said Nigeria's stability is of key importance to Ghana's security interests, noting the strong ties between both countries.

Speaking at the African Heritage Awards 2026, Mahama explained that due to Nigeria's large population and regional influence, instability could have wider consequences across West Africa.

He said: "Nigeria is of key security interest to us. When you have cousins like 250 million of them, you want them to do well so that 1 million of them don't come drifting towards a small country like Ghana. That's why every day I wake up and pray for Nigeria that God should help them get their act together."

He added in another remark: "I wake up to pray every day for Nigerians so that 1 million of them don't come drifting towards a small country like Ghana."

The statement has since sparked reactions online, with many highlighting the close demographic and economic relationship between Nigeria and Ghana.

14/04/2026

NPF Dismiss Threat Rumours to UTME Centres, Deploy Security Nationwide
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The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed circulating rumours of planned attacks on UTME examination centres, describing them as false and intended to cause panic among candidates and the public.

According to the police, there is no credible intelligence indicating any threat to centres conducting the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (UTME) nationwide.

To further reassure the public, the police announced the deployment of personnel and security assets across the country, particularly around accredited Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres.

This includes increased patrols, surveillance, and rapid response teams to ensure safety before, during, and after the exams.

Security authorities emphasised that the move is part of proactive measures to guarantee a smooth, safe, and hitch-free examination process for millions of candidates sitting for the 2026 UTME.

Recent directives to commands across states also highlight efforts to strengthen visibility policing and intelligence gathering around exam venues, reinforcing public confidence in the system.

The police urged candidates, parents, and the general public to ignore misinformation, remain calm, and rely only on official communication channels for updates regarding the examination.

The 2026 UTME is scheduled to hold nationwide between April 16 and April 25, with over two million candidates expected to participate across more than 1,000 centres.

14/04/2026

Apex Court Fixes April 22 for ADC Leadership Appeal
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Nigeria's Supreme Court has fixed April 22, 2026, to hear an appeal arising from the leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The appeal was filed by the party's National Chairman, David Mark, challenging earlier court rulings linked to the ongoing dispute over the party's leadership structure.

A five-member panel of the apex court, led by Justice Mohammed Garba, granted an accelerated hearing, underscoring the urgency of resolving the matter.

The case stems from a March 12 judgment of the Court of Appeal, which dismissed Mark's earlier appeal tied to a prior ruling of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The dispute, involving figures such as Nafiu Bala and other party stakeholders, centres on who holds legitimate leadership control of the ADC, with multiple factions laying claim to key positions.

The Supreme Court has also directed all parties to file and exchange legal briefs within tight deadlines ahead of the April 22 hearing, signalling a fast-tracked resolution process.

The outcome of the case is expected to have major implications for the ADC's stability and its positioning ahead of the 2027 elections, especially as the party continues to attract high-profile political figures.

14/04/2026

Petrol Imports Surge by 97% Despite Local Supply — NMDPRA Raises Concern
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Nigeria recorded a sharp increase in petrol imports in March, with volumes rising by 97%, according to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

The surge comes despite ongoing efforts to boost local refining capacity, particularly with increased production from the Dangote Refinery and other domestic sources.

Industry data suggests the spike may be linked to supply gaps, distribution challenges, and fluctuating domestic output, forcing marketers to rely more heavily on imports to meet demand.

This development marks a reversal from earlier trends, where petrol imports had dropped significantly due to improved local supply and regulatory restrictions on import licences.

Experts say the increase highlights ongoing instability in Nigeria's fuel supply chain, as the country continues to balance between local production and import dependency.

The NMDPRA maintains that petrol importation is still allowed under the law when domestic supply is insufficient to meet national consumption needs, emphasising the need to prevent shortages.

The situation raises fresh concerns about Nigeria's long-standing reliance on imported fuel, despite being a major crude oil producer, and underscores the need for sustainable local refining and efficient distribution systems.

14/04/2026

ADC Convention: Key Opposition Figures Meet in Abuja
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Top opposition figures and stakeholders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) have gathered in Abuja ahead of the party's crucial 2026 national convention.

The high-level meeting brought together prominent political actors including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, and other influential figures aligned with the opposition coalition.

Sources indicate that some of these leaders held closed-door consultations before the convention, focusing on aligning positions, resolving internal disagreements, and strengthening unity within the party.

The gathering comes at a critical time as the ADC seeks to consolidate its leadership structure and position itself as a major opposition force ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The convention, scheduled for April 14, 2026, is being held at the Rainbow Event Centre in Garki, after earlier venue challenges and political tensions.

Key agenda items expected at the convention include leadership affirmation, party restructuring, and adoption of strategic plans, all aimed at strengthening the party's national presence.

Observers say the presence and involvement of these opposition heavyweights signal a growing coalition effort to challenge the ruling party, making the outcome of the convention highly significant for Nigeria's political landscape.

14/04/2026

Insécurity Rising Ahead of 2027 to Distract Tinubu — Godswill Akpabio
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Senate President Godswill Akpabio has claimed that the recent surge in insecurity across the country is politically motivated and linked to the build-up to the 2027 general elections.

Speaking in Abuja, Akpabio alleged that certain actors are sponsoring violence and attacks in a bid to distract President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and weaken his administration.

He stated that insecurity appears to be increasing because of the approaching elections, suggesting that such incidents could reduce significantly once the electoral cycle is over.

According to him, the alleged strategy is aimed at creating fear, discrediting the government, and shifting public attention away from ongoing reforms and governance efforts.

Akpabio did not name any specific individuals or groups but maintained that the trend reflects political desperation among opponents, especially as alignments and power blocs begin to form ahead of 2027.

The comments come amid growing national concern over renewed attacks, killings, and insecurity in several parts of Nigeria, with calls for stronger and more effective security responses.

14/04/2026

Student Loan Scheme Now Supports Over 1 Million Nigerians — Education Minister Alausa
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The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, has announced that Nigeria's student loan scheme has now supported over one million beneficiaries across tertiary institutions in the country.

He said the milestone reflects the growing impact of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which was established to improve access to higher education for students facing financial challenges.

According to recent data, the scheme has recorded massive uptake since its launch, with over one million students either applying for or benefiting from the programme, covering tuition and upkeep support in public institutions nationwide.

The initiative is part of the federal government's broader effort under the Renewed Hope Agenda to expand educational access and reduce the number of students dropping out due to financial constraints.

Officials say the programme is designed as a sustainable revolving loan system, meaning repayments from beneficiaries will help fund future students, ensuring long-term continuity of the scheme.

Education stakeholders have described the development as a major milestone in Nigeria's education financing reform, noting that it could reshape access to tertiary education if properly managed.

14/04/2026

Pastor Muoka Warns Christians: "Beware of Grammar-Preaching Fálse Prophets"
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The General Overseer of the Lord's Chosen Charismatic Revival Movement, Lazarus Muoka, has warned Christians to be cautious of what he described as "grammar-preaching" false prophets.

Speaking during a church programme in Lagos, Muoka cautioned that some preachers rely on eloquence and impressive speech rather than delivering true spiritual transformation.

According to him, true Christianity is rooted in the undiluted word of God, not in sophisticated language or theatrical preaching styles. He stressed that sermons filled with "grammar" may sound appealing but often fail to bring genuine change in people's lives.

Muoka further warned that many such preachers, despite appearing spiritually gifted, lack a genuine message of salvation, describing them as deceptive and misleading to believers.

Referencing testimonies shared during the event, he claimed that individuals who followed such teachings experienced struggles and confusion, but later found transformation through what he described as true biblical teaching.

He urged Christians to focus on faith, righteousness, and authentic teachings, rather than being carried away by outward performance or charisma.

14/04/2026

Police Arrest 50 Suspects, Recover Wéapons in Nationwide Crackdown
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The Nigeria Police Force has recorded a major breakthrough in its fight against crime, arresting fifty suspects linked to terrorism, kidnapping, and armed robbery. The announcement was made during a press briefing on April 13, 2026, at the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) headquarters in Abuja.

According to the Force, the operation led to the recovery of a significant cache of weapons, including seventeen rifles, one anti-aircraft launcher, 111 rounds of live ammunition, seventeen cartridges, walkie-talkie devices, magazines, mobile phones, and a vehicle. These efforts form part of a broader offensive targeting criminal syndicates across the country.

The police also confirmed the dismantling of a 33-member gang responsible for terrorism, cattle rustling, and the attack on a Christ Apostolic Church in Kwara State. In a related development, authorities apprehended key suspects linked to the killing of three officers in Donga Local Government Area of Taraba State, ensuring justice for the slain personnel.

Further operations in the Federal Capital Territory and neighbouring states led to the arrest of groups involved in "one-chance" abductions, car theft, and the use of fake police checkpoints, with several stolen items recovered.

In Benue State, operatives arrested 25-year-old Nasiru Ibrahim in possession of an AK-47 rifle, magazine, and ammunition. Investigations revealed links to a wanted bandit known as Janari, who allegedly supplied the weapon. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the syndicate.

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, reaffirmed the Force's commitment to national security, stating that the arrests and recoveries highlight the Police's determination to combat crime and ensure justice. He added that several suspects will soon face prosecution, while operations continue to track down remaining accomplices.

14/04/2026

IGP Pledges Pension Reforms, Direct Advocacy for Retired Officers
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The Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has reaffirmed his commitment to addressing the welfare concerns of retired police officers, placing pension and gratuity reforms at the forefront of the Force's agenda.

Speaking during a meeting with a delegation of retired officers, the IGP acknowledged ongoing challenges surrounding pensions and salaries, describing them as urgent issues requiring immediate attention. He assured stakeholders of his administration's determination to pursue lasting solutions, while urging patience as administrative processes unfold.

In a significant move, the police chief outlined two key channels to escalate retirees' grievances to the highest levels of government. He encouraged retirees to submit petitions directly to his office, pledging to personally present them to the President to advocate for the signing of the pension bill. Additionally, he guaranteed protection for retirees who may choose to engage in peaceful demonstrations, affirming their right to civic expression.

The IGP also announced plans to collaborate with relevant authorities to improve employment opportunities for children of retired officers during future recruitment exercises, as part of broader efforts to support police families.

He concluded by emphasising that the dignity and financial security of retired officers remain a top priority, reaffirming that the Force remains committed to the welfare of its personnel even after retirement.

14/04/2026

Fráud: Court Grants El-Rufai Bail, Sets Tough Conditions
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A Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna State has granted bail to former governor Nasir El-Rufai in his ongoing corruption trial.

The ruling was delivered by Justice Rilwan Aikawa, following earlier adjournments to consider arguments from both the defence and the prosecution.

According to the court, El-Rufai was granted bail in the sum of ₦200 million, with two sureties in like sum. The conditions include that one surety must be a senior civil servant (not below Grade Level 15), while the other must be a recognised traditional ruler.

The court also ordered that the sureties must deposit their international passports, and directed that El-Rufai must attend all court sittings and refrain from making public comments about the case.

Despite being granted bail, the former governor will remain in the custody of the ICPC until all bail conditions are fully met.

El-Rufai is facing multiple charges linked to alleged financial misconduct, abuse of office, and mismanagement of public funds during his time in office.

The development marks a significant step in the high-profile case, which continues to attract national attention amid ongoing anti-corruption efforts.

14/04/2026

60 Bag First Class as Bamidele Olumilua University Graduates 1,645 Students
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A total of 60 out of the 1,645 graduating students of Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology (BOUESTI), Ikere-Ekiti, bagged First Class degrees.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Babatunde Omojola, said 563 graduates secured Second Class Upper Division, 854 obtained Second Class Lower, while the remaining 168 graduated with Third Class degrees.

Omojola, who spoke in Ikere-Ekiti on Monday during a press conference heralding the institution's second convocation, scheduled to climax on Saturday, said, "These figures are not just statistics; they reflect our commitment to academic excellence, quality teaching, and the resilience of our students."

He assured all that "BOUESTI remains committed to its mandate of producing graduates who are not only academically sound, but also innovative, entrepreneurial, and globally competitive."

The Vice-Chancellor hailed Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji; the university Chancellor, Wole Olanipekun; and the Governing Council Chairman, Patrick Aina, for developments in the institution, particularly in the last one year.

He also praised his predecessor, Professor Olufemi Adeoluwa, whose dedication, he said, "laid a solid foundation for the university. His efforts have positioned BOUESTI as a force to reckon with."

Omojola outlined achievements in the last one year, including the construction of a multi-purpose hall and the establishment of postgraduate studies, among others, saying, "These achievements clearly demonstrate that BOUESTI is not only growing, but excelling across multiple fronts."

"It is instructive to note that since its establishment in 2020 and the first matriculation ceremony held in 2021 with a modest population of 2,401, BOUESTI has witnessed a geometric increase in enrollment, which now stands at an impressive 22,994 students.

"This remarkable growth underscores the rising confidence in the university and affirms its reputation as one of the fastest-growing state universities in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa," he added, noting that he had, since his assumption of office on January 6, 2026, continued to consolidate on the gains with focused and strategic interventions.

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