Month: September 2026

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Senator Buba Challenges Critics To Produce Evidence Over Alleged Bandit Links

Bauchi South Senator and Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) governorship candidate, Shehu Buba, has challenged individuals and organisations accusing him of links to banditry to present credible evidence, declaring that he is ready to face scrutiny by the Department of State Services (DSS) or any other legitimate authority.

Buba made the declaration in a statement personally signed on Sunday, amid renewed calls for security agencies to investigate allegations linking him to suspected bandit kingpin Abubakar Idris.

The controversy gained fresh attention after former Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung, called on the DSS to make public the outcome of its alleged investigation into the matter.

Responding to the allegations, Buba dismissed the materials circulating against him as part of a coordinated campaign aimed at damaging his reputation ahead of the 2027 elections.

The senator alleged that political opponents were using doctored videos and what he described as “fake bandit kingpins” to portray him as having links with criminal elements.

He categorically denied sponsoring bandits or hosting bandit leaders at his residence, insisting that his record of public service remained clean.

“I welcome scrutiny, but scrutiny must be fair. I do not claim immunity from scrutiny,” Buba said, noting that his positions as a senator, former Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence, and current Chairman of the Senate Committee on Livestock and Animal Husbandry naturally subject him to public examination.

According to him, there is a clear distinction between legitimate investigation and what he described as fabrication, blackmail and political character assassination.

Buba further disclosed that he had commenced legal action over some of the videos in circulation, including cases before Nigerian courts and the Court of First Instance in Niger Republic, describing the contents as false and malicious.

He urged journalists, editors, fact-checkers, civil society groups and other stakeholders to independently verify the videos, trace their origins and establish the identities of the individuals featured before drawing conclusions.

The senator explained that his previous silence on the allegations was partly influenced by the sensitive nature of his former role overseeing national security matters.

He said publicly discussing certain security-related contacts or operations could compromise ongoing investigations, expose sources or endanger communities and individuals involved.

However, he said the continued circulation of the allegations had made it necessary for him to publicly state his position.

Buba also advocated a broader approach to tackling insecurity, arguing that military action alone would not permanently resolve Nigeria’s security challenges.

He called for greater community engagement, intelligence gathering, dialogue, deradicalisation and confidence-building between affected communities and security agencies.

The PRP governorship candidate urged his supporters to remain calm and focused on the 2027 democratic process, insisting that political disagreements should be based on policies, competence and vision rather than unverified allegations.

He maintained that he would continue to defend his reputation through lawful means while concentrating on representing his constituents and contributing to peace and security in Nigeria.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Nigerian-British Businessman Die$ After Cosmetic Pen!s Enlargement Procedure

A Nigerian-British businessman and social media influencer, Igho Ubiribo, has died following complications from a penis enlargement procedure he underwent during a luxury holiday in Thailand.

Ubiribo, 43, reportedly suffered a fatal pulmonary embolism after receiving injectable fillers at a clinic in Bangkok in March. Findings from a United Kingdom inquest later linked the substance found in his lungs to the cosmetic procedure.

According to evidence presented at the inquest, Ubiribo travelled to Thailand with his wife, Zimbabwean fashion designer Danielle Simba Allen. While in Bangkok, he decided to undergo a penis enlargement procedure involving the injection of approximately 40 millilitres of hyaluronic acid and lidocaine.

Following the procedure, Ubiribo and his wife returned to their Marriott hotel and went for a massage.

It was during the massage that he reportedly complained of chest pain before collapsing and losing consciousness.

He was taken to Sukhumvit Hospital, where medical personnel initially managed to establish contact with him. His wife reportedly told doctors about the recent penis filler treatment, raising concerns that the procedure could be connected to his sudden condition.

Doctors suspected a pulmonary embolism and recommended further scans. However, Ubiribo reportedly lost consciousness before the examination could be completed.

He was subsequently transferred to intensive care, where medical personnel carried out prolonged cardiopulmonary resuscitation in an attempt to save his life.

He was pronounced dead in the early hours of March 6.

Postmortem Provides Link to Cosmetic Procedure

A postmortem examination conducted in the UK reportedly found material in Ubiribo’s lungs that was consistent with the hyaluronic acid used during the penis filler procedure.

Pathologist John du Parcq told the inquest that the material discovered during the examination matched the substance injected during the cosmetic treatment.

The evidence supported the conclusion that Ubiribo suffered a pulmonary embolism associated with the procedure.

Coroner Jean Harkin subsequently ruled that his death was caused by a pulmonary embolism linked to the cosmetic injection.

A pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot or other material blocks a blood vessel supplying the lungs. Depending on its severity, it can cause sudden chest pain, breathing difficulties, cardiovascular collapse and death.

Cosmetic Procedure Raises Safety Concerns

Hyaluronic acid-based penis fillers are marketed as a non-surgical method of increasing penile girth. However, as with other injectable cosmetic procedures, complications can occur, particularly when substances enter blood vessels or migrate to other parts of the body.

During the inquest, Ubiribo’s medical history was also examined. Information from his London doctor indicated that he had previously undergone joint surgeries and had been described as pre-diabetic and suffering from gout. His doctor reportedly said he had no other major medical conditions.

Known for a Luxury Lifestyle

Ubiribo, who was also known by the names “Tiny,” “Denisi” and “Ego,” had built a significant social media following and was known for documenting a lavish lifestyle.

He reportedly had about 185,000 followers on Instagram and owned properties in Los Angeles and London.

He married Danielle Simba Allen in a lavish ceremony in 2022.

Following his death, Ubiribo was buried in London in a gold coffin, with reports claiming that his funeral arrangements cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Afrobeats superstar Davido, who was described as a childhood friend of the businessman, reportedly attended the funeral and paid tribute to him.

The case has drawn renewed attention to the risks associated with injectable cosmetic procedures and the importance of seeking qualified medical professionals when considering elective treatments.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Plateau Government Orders Temporary Closure of Schools Over Suspected Diphtheria Cases

The Plateau State Government has directed the temporary closure of all public and private primary and secondary schools across the state, effective Monday, September 7, 2026, as a precautionary measure against suspected cases of diphtheria infection.

The directive was issued under the administration of Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang following reports of suspected diphtheria cases in parts of the state, particularly Jos North, Wase, Jos South and Bassa Local Government Areas.

According to a statement signed by the State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Rt. Hon. Joyce Lohya Ramnap, mni, schools that have already resumed academic activities are also required to shut down from Monday and remain closed until further notice.

The government directed school proprietors, administrators, teachers, parents and guardians to fully comply with the order and ensure that pupils and students remain safely at home throughout the period.

The temporary closure, the government said, is aimed at protecting the health and wellbeing of pupils, students, teaching staff and non-teaching personnel while authorities take appropriate measures to prevent further spread of the infection.

The Plateau State Government appealed to all stakeholders for understanding and cooperation, stressing that the decision was taken in the best interest of residents and to safeguard public health.

The government added that further information on the resumption of academic activities will be communicated to the public in due course.

The directive was dated September 5, 2026.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Ghana Launches App to Verify Marriage and Divorce Records

Ghana has introduced a new digital platform that allows members of the public to verify marriage and divorce records, as well as check the status of marriage officers, licensed venues and authorised Imams.

Known as Marrify, the platform was launched in Accra on August 28 by Marry Right Ghana Limited in partnership with the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection.

Marrify functions as a searchable marriage and divorce registry, covering ordinance, customary and Islamic marriages.

Users can search the platform using information such as names, spouses’ names, towns, churches, denominations, certificate numbers and Gazette numbers.

The platform also provides access to a register of marriage officers authorised to conduct civil or ordinance marriages, while users can verify licensed marriage venues and Imams.

According to the organisers, Marrify’s records are sourced from institutions including the Registrar-General’s Department, courts, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies, as well as the Ghana Gazette.

Speaking at the launch, the Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, urged prospective couples to verify information about their partners, marriage venues and officiating authorities before proceeding with marriage.

She said the platform would help promote integrity and accountability by allowing people to verify critical information rather than relying solely on claims made by prospective partners or other parties.

The minister also called on Marry Right Ghana to collaborate with government agencies, religious organisations, traditional authorities and other stakeholders to ensure that information on Marrify remains accurate and regularly updated.

Marrify also contains divorce records based on court rulings and judgments, with some divorce entries linked to the marriages to which they relate.

However, the platform warns that its database is still being populated. Therefore, a search that produces no result should not automatically be taken as evidence that an individual has never been married.

Individuals and institutions can also submit marriage and divorce records, alongside supporting documents, to the platform for verification.

The initiative is expected to make it easier for Ghanaians to conduct background checks on marital status and verify the legitimacy of marriage-related records before making important decisions.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

APPLY NOW: Google Opens 2026 Internship Opportunities for Nigerian Students

Google has opened applications for its 2026 internship opportunities, providing undergraduate, master’s and PhD students with opportunities to gain practical experience and work with teams at one of the world’s leading technology companies.

The internship opportunities cover various fields, including software engineering, artificial intelligence, data science, user experience (UX) design, product management and research.

Depending on the internship track and location, successful candidates may receive monthly stipends ranging from $1,000 to $3,300, with some positions potentially offering additional benefits such as housing and travel support.

What the Google Internship Offers

Selected interns will have the opportunity to work on real-world projects alongside experienced professionals and contribute to technology solutions used globally.

The programme offers opportunities across several areas, including:

  • Software Engineering
  • Data Science
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • UX Design
  • Product Management
  • Google Student Researcher programmes
  • Cloud Computing and related technology fields

Interns will also benefit from mentorship and exposure to Google’s global working environment.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants are generally expected to be actively enrolled in a Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD programme, depending on the specific internship.

For technical and engineering positions, applicants may be required to demonstrate knowledge of programming languages such as Python, Java, C++ or Go, as well as data structures, algorithms and problem-solving.

Specific eligibility requirements, qualifications and application deadlines vary from one internship position to another. Applicants are therefore advised to carefully review the requirements of each position before applying.

How to Improve Your Chances

Interested applicants are encouraged to prepare a concise and well-structured CV highlighting relevant projects, technical skills, leadership experience, research, open-source contributions and other achievements.

Candidates applying for engineering, UX or product-related roles should also consider including links to their GitHub repositories, portfolios or relevant project work where applicable.

Due to the high level of competition for Google’s internship positions, applicants are encouraged to apply early and ensure that all required information is accurate and complete.

Internship Benefits

Depending on the position and location, the internship may last three to six months or longer and may provide a stipend and a certificate upon completion, subject to the specific programme terms.

Interested and qualified candidates can view available internship positions and apply through the official Google Careers portal:

Google Careers – Internship Opportunities

Applicants are advised to check individual job listings for the exact qualifications, location, duration, compensation and application deadline.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Presidency Explains Why Tinubu Opposes Release Of Unredacted US Records

The Presidency has explained why President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is challenging the release of unredacted records held by United States law enforcement agencies, insisting that the matter is a civil dispute over access to government documents and not a criminal case against the Nigerian president.

In a statement issued amid renewed public interest in the case, the Presidency said the ongoing litigation before the United States District Court for the District of Columbia centres on lawful exemptions under the US Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

It stressed that neither the court nor any US government agency has found Tinubu guilty of any criminal wrongdoing in connection with the matter.

According to the Presidency, the case dates back to 2022, when Aaron Greenspan filed FOIA requests with several US government agencies seeking records relating to Tinubu.

It said some agencies withheld certain records or declined to confirm or deny whether particular documents existed, prompting Greenspan to file Civil Action No. 23-1816 before the US District Court for the District of Columbia in 2023.

The court later allowed Tinubu to participate in the proceedings as an intervenor.

The Presidency also referred to a February 4, 2003 letter from the American Consulate in Lagos to then Inspector General of Police, Tafa Balogun, which stated that an FBI records check had found no criminal arrest records, outstanding wants or warrants for Tinubu, who was then governor of Lagos State.

Explaining the current legal dispute, the Presidency said US agencies had relied on the “Glomar defence,” a legal position that permits government agencies, under certain circumstances, to neither confirm nor deny the existence of investigative records.

It said the provision is intended to protect law enforcement personnel, confidential sources and investigative methods.

The court subsequently granted summary judgment in favour of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), the Executive Office for United States Attorneys, the US Department of State, the Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service, effectively removing them from the case.

The remaining issues concern records held by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

The Presidency said the FBI and DEA had already released 399 pages of records in compliance with court orders, although portions of the documents were redacted pursuant to exemptions provided under US law.

Greenspan has challenged the agencies’ decision to withhold the redacted portions and is seeking access to the unredacted records.

The Presidency said the FBI and DEA, through the US Department of Justice, have opposed the demand on several legal grounds.

It listed the grounds to include:

  • Some records are protected from public disclosure by law, including grand jury materials and certain information relating to pen registers and trap-and-trace devices under FOIA Exemption 3.
  • Some documents are covered by attorney-client and attorney-work-product privileges under FOIA Exemption 5.
  • Certain records were compiled for law-enforcement purposes and are protected by applicable FOIA exemptions.
  • Some documents contain information whose disclosure could constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy under FOIA Exemptions 6 and 7(C).
  • Other records could reveal confidential sources or law-enforcement techniques and are therefore protected under FOIA Exemptions 7(D) and 7(E).

The Presidency said Tinubu, acting on the advice of his legal team, had also invoked his rights under FOIA Exemption 7(C), which protects personal privacy in certain law-enforcement records.

It maintained that the President’s opposition to the release of the documents should not be construed as an admission of criminal wrongdoing.

“The release or withholding of records under FOIA does not, by itself, establish criminal liability,” the Presidency said, adding that the central question before the court is whether the agencies’ redactions comply with US law.

The Presidency further disclosed that Greenspan has until September 11, 2026, to file his opposition and reply to submissions made by the defendants and Tinubu, while the FBI, DEA and the President have until September 18 to respond.

The case remains before Judge Beryl A. Howell of the US District Court for the District of Columbia, who will determine the matter based on the evidence, applicable law and arguments presented by the parties.

The Presidency also dismissed recent comments by Washington-based lobbyist Karl Von Batten concerning the case, stating that neither Von Batten nor his client, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, is a party to the litigation.

It accused Von Batten of inaccurately presenting himself and his client as central figures in the proceedings.

The Presidency reiterated that the case is a civil records-disclosure dispute under FOIA and does not amount to a criminal charge, trial or judicial finding against President Tinubu.

It urged Nigerian media organisations and the public to distinguish between the actual court proceedings and what it described as partisan or speculative commentary surrounding the case.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Nigerian Air Force Opens BMTC 47/2026 Recruitment Portal September 3 — How to Apply

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is set to commence online registration for its Basic Military Training Course (BMTC) 47/2026 recruitment exercise on Thursday, September 3, 2026.

The recruitment exercise provides eligible Nigerians with an opportunity to enlist into the Nigerian Air Force as Airmen and Airwomen under the Non-Tradesmen and Women as well as Tradesmen and Women categories.

Prospective applicants are required to submit their applications through the official NAF recruitment portal: https://nafrecruitment.airforce.mil.ng.

How to Apply for NAF BMTC 47/2026 Recruitment

1. Visit the official recruitment portal

From September 3, 2026, applicants should visit the official NAF recruitment portal and carefully read the guidelines for the BMTC 47/2026 exercise before starting their application.

The portal will provide details on eligibility requirements, available categories and other instructions.

2. Select the appropriate category

The Non-Tradesmen and Women category is generally intended for applicants seeking enlistment with secondary school qualifications, while the Tradesmen and Women category is for candidates with relevant technical, professional or educational qualifications.

Applicants are advised to carefully review the requirements for their preferred category before applying.

3. Complete the online application

Applicants should provide accurate personal and educational information and ensure that their telephone number and email address are active and accessible.

Only one application should be submitted by each applicant. False information or multiple applications may result in disqualification.

4. Print the required documents

After successfully completing the application, candidates should print all documents generated by the recruitment portal.

Depending on the official requirements for the exercise, these may include an acknowledgement form, attestation form, parent or guardian consent form and local government certification form.

5. Prepare supporting documents

Applicants should keep their original documents and photocopies ready for subsequent stages of the recruitment exercise.

These may include academic certificates, birth certificate or declaration of age, certificate of origin, National Identification Number (NIN) documents and recent passport photographs.

Candidates should, however, rely on the exact document requirements published on the official recruitment portal.

6. Monitor official NAF channels

Shortlisted candidates, aptitude test venues and interview dates will be announced at a later stage through the official recruitment portal and verified Nigerian Air Force communication channels.

NAF Warns Applicants Against Fraudsters

The Nigerian Air Force has warned prospective applicants against paying individuals who claim they can influence the recruitment process.

The recruitment exercise is free, and the NAF does not engage agents to process applications, secure shortlisting or guarantee recruitment slots.

Applicants should treat anyone demanding money in exchange for recruitment assistance as a suspected fraudster.

Prospective candidates are therefore advised to obtain all information about the BMTC 47/2026 recruitment exercise only through the official Nigerian Air Force website and recruitment portal.

Official NAF Recruitment Portal: https://nafrecruitment.airforce.mil.ng

Official Nigerian Air Force Website: https://airforce.mil.ng

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Uber Shuts Down Operations In Nigeria, Ends Ride-Hailing Services September 2

Ride-hailing company Uber has announced the shutdown of its operations in Nigeria, stating that it will cease providing services in the country effective Wednesday, September 2, 2026.

The company disclosed the decision in a message sent to drivers, informing them that they would no longer receive trip requests from riders through the Uber app from the effective date.

“We have made the tough decision to wind down our operations in Nigeria, effective September 2, 2026,” Uber said.

“From this date, you will no longer be able to receive rider trip requests through the Uber app.”

Uber described the announcement as difficult news and expressed appreciation to drivers who had contributed to its operations in Nigeria over the years.

“We know this is heavy news, and we want to express our deepest gratitude to you for being a part of our journey in Nigeria,” the company said.

The ride-hailing firm also acknowledged the contribution of its drivers to urban transportation, noting that their commitment had helped provide safe and affordable mobility for riders.

“For years, your commitment to your riders has kept this city moving safely and affordably,” Uber said.

The company further said it was proud of the impact its platform had made in Nigeria by connecting riders with independent drivers through technology.

“We are so proud of what the platform has been able to achieve in Nigeria, serving as the technology bridge between riders and your independent services,” it added.

However, Uber did not provide specific reasons for the decision to wind down its Nigerian operations in the notice sent to drivers.

The company said its Help Centre would remain available until September 24, 2026, to assist drivers with questions concerning the shutdown.

“Our Help Center will remain open until 24 September ’26 to assist you with any questions,” Uber said.

The development marks a significant moment for Nigeria’s ride-hailing industry, as Uber’s exit brings an end to its services in a market where app-based transportation has become an important part of urban mobility.

Uber concluded its message by thanking drivers for being part of its Nigerian community.

“Thank you for being a part of the Uber community,” the company said.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Customs Releases Physical Screening Schedule, Lists Documents Required From Shortlisted Candidates

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the schedule and requirements for the physical screening and documentation exercise for candidates shortlisted in its ongoing recruitment process.

The Service disclosed the requirements in a statement issued on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, by the National Public Relations Officer for the Comptroller-General of Customs, Deputy Comptroller of Customs, Abdullahi Maiwada, PhD, mnior, mniia.

According to the NCS, shortlisted candidates are required to appear for the exercise with the original copies and photocopies of all specified documents.

Documents Required

Candidates are expected to present the following:

  • National Identification Number (NIN)
  • Original Birth Certificate or Declaration of Age
  • Educational certificates, including O’Level, ND, HND, Degree or other applicable qualifications
  • Certificate of State of Origin
  • Two recent passport photographs
  • Completed Guarantor’s Form
  • NYSC Certificate, where applicable

For the physical screening, candidates are also required to dress in a white T-shirt, shorts and canvas shoes.

The screening and documentation exercise will take place at the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College (NCCSC), Gwagwalada, Abuja.

The NCS stressed that candidates must report strictly on the date assigned to their respective states and cadres, noting that participation in the exercise is compulsory.

The Service further warned that failure to appear for the screening and documentation on the scheduled date could lead to disqualification from the recruitment process.

Candidates who successfully complete the physical screening and documentation will be provided with further information regarding the subsequent stages of the recruitment exercise.

The NCS, under the leadership of Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, advised all shortlisted candidates to obtain recruitment information only through the Service’s official communication channels to avoid falling victim to misinformation or fraudulent activities.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Plateau LG Poll: IPAC Rejects Speculation, Urges Calm as Court Battle Continues

The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Plateau State, has called on political parties, politicians, the media and other stakeholders to remain calm and respect the rule of law following the suspension of the state’s Local Government elections.

The elections, earlier scheduled to hold on September 9, 2026, could not proceed after the Plateau State High Court issued a judgment suspending the operation of certain provisions of the relevant Local Government and Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC) laws.

In a statement signed by its Secretary General, Aminu Hadi, IPAC said it had been carried along, alongside the media and Civil Society Organisations, throughout the electoral process.

According to the council, the necessary notice of election was issued and the timetable and schedule of activities were subsequently reviewed in line with relevant electoral provisions before the process was halted by the court judgment.

IPAC stressed that all stakeholders are bound to respect the subsisting order of the court, noting that no individual or institution should be expected to act contrary to a valid order of a competent court.

The council disclosed that appeals against the judgment had been filed by some political parties and relevant authorities, including the Plateau State Ministry of Justice.

It therefore appealed to the Court of Appeal to expedite the hearing and determination of the appeals, stressing that the issue was of significant importance to the democratic process in the state.

IPAC also cautioned members of the public against speculation, misinformation and politically motivated interpretations of the situation.

It warned that any attempt to proceed with the elections before the legal issues are conclusively resolved could create serious legal complications and lead to an unnecessary waste of public resources.

The council further urged political party leaders, politicians, media organisations and other stakeholders to exercise restraint and avoid statements or actions capable of overheating the political atmosphere.

“At this critical period of political activities across the country, the peace, stability and democratic progress of Plateau State must remain a collective responsibility,” the council said.

IPAC called on all stakeholders to remain calm, respect the rule of law and allow the judicial process to take its lawful course.