SOUTH-WEST NGR NEWS

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara State on Sunday formally received Hon. Prince Saheed Popoola, former SDP House of Representatives candidate for Offa/Oyun/Ifelodun Federal Constituency in the 2023 general elections. The official defection ceremony, held at the PDP Secretariat in Offa Local Government Area, drew a large crowd of party faithfuls and political associates who gathered to witness Popoola’s official decamp into the opposition party. Speaking during the ceremony, Hon. Popoola said his decision to join the PDP was borne out of a sincere desire to contribute to the genuine progress and development of Kwara State. “I am joining the PDP not as a desperate politician, but as a dedicated and committed Kwaran who wants true progress and development for our dear state,” He lamented the growing insecurity in the State and blamed the APC government’s lackadaisical attitude for the worsening situation. Popoola described the PDP as the only credible opposition with...

WATCH ON YOUTUBE :  International Rugby League Women's World Series 2025: Final | #CBCSports Nigeria Green Falcons yesterday defeated Ireland with a 10 points to nil in the hard fought first Semi-final of the Women’s World Rugby League Series in Canada. The Nigerian side will on Sunday square up against the Fijian Women Rugby League team who demolished their host the Canada Women Rugby League team in the second semi finals at the same venue by 48 point to nil. ‎ ‎On paper, the Canadian team was said to be the favourites especially given the fact that they were expecting some players back from the just concluded Women 15’s Rugby Union World Cup in England last month. However, it is the Fijian women that carried the day against the host Canada. ‎‎On Sunday earlier in the day, Ireland will lock horns with host Canada in the 3rd place bronze match, while Nigeria who are almost playing the same style of play with their Fijian counterpart will face each other in a Titanic epo...

Billionaire politician and husband of actress Regina Daniels, Prince Ned Nwoko, has broken his silence after a viral video surfaced online linking him with a young woman. In a public statement shared on his Instagram page, Ned Nwoko clarified that the woman in question had visited him as part of a team under the Peace Ambassadors initiative led by Ambassador Dr. Adejo Sule — not for any personal reason. He explained that photos were taken during the visit, as is usually the case whenever he receives guests, but some people have now twisted the moment for clout. “It is unfortunate what social media has become — a space where moments are easily twisted for clout and misinformation,” he wrote. Nwoko went on to describe the claims as “mischievous and malicious,” stating clearly that he has no personal or private connection with the woman being circulated online. He further warned individuals and media platforms spreadi...

The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, ASUP, Offa chapter, has accused the management of the institution of betrayal of trust. Chairman of the chapter, Dr. Idowu Atilola, while reacting to the position of the management on the disagreement between the two bodies over some issues, argued that the management is either not thorough or is being shamefully mischievous. Eid-el-Kabir  “The Governing Council, Rector, Registrar, Deans, and Directors went into an agreement with the union in writing, and the defense being presented is that the management has decided to renege on the agreement. “The management has betrayed the union and has also failed public trust by diverting monies meant for staff, and it behoves the union to bring them back to perspective. “It is also important to inform members that the management has failed to withdraw the invitations given to union members within the specified time frame, and we have no choice but to move forward. “We will not retreat, we...

A surgeon in Bengaluru, India, has been charged with m8rdering his newlywed wife, a dermatologist, by allegedly administering repeated overdoses of anaesthesia under the pretext of treatment. Though the alleged murder took place in April this year, police arrested the accused doctor on Tuesday, October 14, 2025 after forensic science laboratory (FSL) reports confirmed the presence of anaesthesia in the viscera samples of the deceased woman. Marathahalli police from the Whitefield division announced Wednesday the arrest of Dr Mahendra Reddy GS, 31, a surgical resident at the Institute of Gastroenterology Sciences and Organ Transplant (IGOT), on the premises of Victoria Hospital. He is accused of m8rdering his wife, Kritika M Reddy, 28, whom he had married in March 2024.  Announcing the arrest, city police commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh stated that FSL reports confirmed the presence of Propofol, an intravenous anaesthetic used to induce and maintain unconsciousness for ...

The police in Rivers state have arrested a 46-year-old man identified as Abi Baragon, who allegedly st@bbed his side chic multiple times, leaving her with life-threatening injuries. In a video that went viral in June 2025, the side chic cried for help after the man left her in a pool of her own blood. In a statement released today October 17, the spokesperson of the command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, said following the receipt of the viral video, operatives attached to the Human Rights Department, State Headquarters, Moscow Road, Port-Harcourt, swiftly swung into action, leveraging intelligence-led Policing and technical support and apprehended the suspect on October 13, 2025 in connection with the crime. Sponsored Ads  ‘’It was alleged that the suspect’s motive for the assault stems from the victim’s rejection of his marriage overtures, prompted by her discovery that the suspect was already married with four children, an allegation he denied. During further int...

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has issued new guidelines on the recital of Nigeria’s national anthem. The four-point directive was released in a statement released on Thursday, October 17.  The agency said that the third stanza of the anthem should serve as the national prayer and be recited at the start of events. “Recite/sing only the first stanza (not all three (3) stanzas at official events. The third stanza should be recited as the National Prayer at the beginning of an event. The three stanzas are to be recited/sung only during Independence Day, Inauguration (swearing-in) of a President, Armed Forces Remembrance Day, Democracy (June 12) Day, Inauguration of the National Assembly, etc. Sponsored Ads The National Pledge is to be recited at the end of an event.” the statement read  Last May, President Bola Tinubu signed into law the bill that reintroduced the old anthem ‘Nigeria, We Hail Thee’.

Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja has reaffirmed that his order on maintaining status quo in respect of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) National Convention remains in force and must not be flouted by any of the parties involved in a suit on the convention.  The judge insisted that no party must take any step that may jeopardize or render the decision of his court nugatory and warned that he would be forced to make consequential orders against any party that resorts to self help. The judge spoke following the complaint by one of the lawyers to the PDP, Chris Uche SAN, that his client is being held back by the status quo maintenance order and applied for speedy hearing of the suit. At Thursday’s proceeding, the judge said that his court would do everything possible to deliver judgment before the end of October. He warned that no party would be allowed to use any ploy to delay speedy hearing of the suit challenging the legality or otherwise of t...

The Minister of Works, Engineer David Umahi, has reacted to comments made by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde over the ongoing controversy about the cost of road projects under the current administration.   Governor Makinde on Thursday berated Umahi for failing to reveal details in the costing of the project when he appeared on Arise TV.  Responding, Umahi expressed his disappointment while inspecting the Keffi section of the Abuja- Mararaba-Keffi road, along side the Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, on Saturday, October 11.  “I have a lot of respect for governors and the Governors Forum but if a governor that is far my junior in engineering and governance insults me I will talk back. One thing I’m very good at is mathematics. I’m an A student in mathematics. This controversy about cost per kilometer, I have told you that this project is about 43 kilometres but we have increased it to utilize the money given for the project by the last administration w...

In a nation yearning for visionary leadership, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State stands as a beacon of hope—a leader whose track record transcends rhetoric and delivers results. His six years at the helm of Oyo State have not only redefined governance but have also set a new standard for what is possible when integrity, intelligence, and compassion converge. A Legacy of Transformational Leadership Governor Makinde’s administration has been marked by bold reforms and people-centered policies. From education to healthcare, infrastructure to youth empowerment, his governance model is rooted in transparency, inclusivity, and evidence-based planning: • Education Revolution: Makinde abolished fees in state-owned schools, built model schools, renovated hundreds of classroom blocks, and reduced the number of out-of-school children by 20%.  • Healthcare Overhaul: He renovated and equipped hundreds of Primary Healthcare Centres, recruited essential medical staff, and installed o...

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Wednesday, October 8, 2025 arraigned a former board chairman of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, NSITF, Ngozi Olejeme before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja. She was arraigned on 8- count charges bordering on converting, transferring, procuring and taking possession of proceeds of unlawful activity to the tune of N1000,000,000.00k( One Billion Naira only).  Count one of the charge reads “That you Mrs Ngozi Olejeme while being the Board Chairman of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) sometime in February 2012, in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court indirectly converted the sum of N321,600 .000 (Three Hundred and Twenty One Million, Six Hundred Naira) paid into the Sterling Bank plc account of ADIN MILES INTERNATIONAL LTD in 9th of February 2012 knowing that the funds constituted proceeds of unlawful activity and you thereby committed an offence ...

In a landmark move to boost transparency and strengthen Nigeria’s economy, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has abolished the long-standing practice where revenue-generating agencies like the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) withheld huge sums as their “cost of collection.” The new directive, announced by Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, mandates that every kobo collected must now go directly into the Federation Account, as required by the Constitution. Until now, agencies deducted massive amounts before remitting funds — for instance, FIRS alone retained over ₦250 billion in 2024. This practice reduced what was available for federal, state, and local governments through the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC). With Tinubu’s reform, more money will now be available to fund roads, schools, hospitals, jobs, and critical infra...

In a decisive show of force, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the deployment of a full Nigerian Army brigade with heavy equipment to Kwara State, signaling a new era in the fight against kidnapping, banditry, and other violent crimes. The operation, covering Ifelodun, Edu, and Patigi local government areas, is part of Operation Fasan Yanma, targeting criminal hideouts in dense forests that have long served as sanctuaries for kidnappers. Security experts say this is one of the most robust military interventions in Kwara’s history. Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq praised the President’s swift action after a security meeting in Jos, describing it as a “game-changing move that proves Tinubu’s leadership is about action, not talk.” He also lauded the Nigerian Army high command for responding swiftly with manpower and equipment to dismantle criminal strongholds. Analysts note that Tinubu’s administration is fostering unprecedented synergy between federal and state security...

The Third Prosecution Witness, PW3, Abimbola Williams in the ongoing trial of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Adoza Bello, on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, narrated before Justice Maryanne Anineh of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court, Maitama, Abuja how funds were diverted from the Kogi State government's coffers through massive cash withdrawals. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, is prosecuting Bello alongside Umar Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu on a 16-count charge, bordering on criminal breach of trust and money laundering to the tune of N110.4 billion. While being led in evidence by prosecution counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, the witness, who is a compliance officer with United Bank for Africa, UBA stated that “On 12 December 2018, there were 10 debit transactions through cheque withdrawals in favour of Abdulsalam Gudu. The 10 withdrawals were to the tune of N10 million each, amounting to N100 million. On 4th January 2019, there were ...

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 consti...

The World Bank Group has announced that about 139 million Nigerians are now living in poverty despite the reforms of the federal government which has yielded more revenues for the government in all tiers.  Mathew Verghis, country director, World Bank Nigeria stated this at the launch of the Nigerian Development Update in Abuja on Wednesday, October 8.  He noted that poverty which started to rise in 2019 due to policy missteps and external shocks including COVID has continued to increase even after the reforms.  Verghis said Nigeria’s economic growth has picked up, with revenues rising, debt indicators improving, foreign exchange market stabilising, reserves rising and inflation beginning to ease.  He said: “So these results are exactly what you need to see in a stabilisation. These are big achievements, however despite these stabilisation gains many Nigerians are still struggling. Most households are struggling with eroded purchasing power.  “In 2025...

According to a report by the Times of India, in a case that has stunned both the medical world and the public, surgeons at a hospital in Hapur removed 29 steel spoons, 19 toothbrushes, and two sharp pens from the stomach of a 40-year-old man from Bulandshahr.  The emergency operation, led by Dr Shyam Kumar on September 17, revealed an unimaginable sight, dozens of everyday objects lodged inside one person’s body. The man, who had been admitted to a de-addiction centre in Ghaziabad a month earlier, had been complaining of severe abdominal pain before he was rushed to the hospital. Sponsored Ads Doctors explained that such behaviour is linked to a psychological condition where individuals impulsively ingest non-food items. In this case, the man himself shared a painful story after surgery.  He said he had felt mistreated and deprived of food at the de-addiction centre, which left him angry and helpless. In his agitation, he began swallowing objects to har...

Former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, has said he would not hesitate to withdraw from the 2027 presidential race if a younger, more vibrant and acceptable candidate emerges as candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).    He disclosed this in an interview with BBC Hausa service on Wednesday,  October 1.  The presidential aspirant noted that his interest in the 2027 race is not about personal ambition, but about providing a credible alternative to rescue Nigerians.  The former VP charged younger Nigerians to actively participate in politics, stressing that he would fully back them if picked to contest for the presidency.    Atiku denied claims that he was desperate for the seat of the president, declaring that he was only interested in “rescuing Nigeria from the people that have held it hostage.” He said: “Besides, that is one of the reasons we set up ADC, which I am a member of. We couldn’t achieve that with the Peoples Democratic...

Kwara State Governor Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state, declaring that nowhere in Kwara will be safe for criminal elements, including kidnappers.  The Governor spoke after a security council meeting on Tuesday night. Following the recent attack at Oke Ode, the Governor moved swiftly to brief President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, during which he reiterated his request for additional federal deployment to raid the hideouts. "The Army Headquarters has since relocated the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 2nd Division to Ilorin as part of the renewed efforts to strengthen security operations in the state," he said. "On Monday night, combined forces of the Army, DSS and Police launched an offensive around Baba Sango, along the Kwara–Kogi border, neutralising about 15 armed bandits. The same operation continued on Tuesday. And yesterday night, I presided over the State Secur...