ACF alleges sabotage of Dangote Refinery, warns of economic fallout

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has alleged that there are attempts to sabotage the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Company.

ACF said the situation could severely undermine Nigeria’s economic stability and investor confidence.

The ACF in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Tukur Muhammad-Baba, said it was concerned over regulatory delays, limited crude oil supply, pricing disputes, and industrial unrest confronting the refinery.

It said, ‘The challenges confronting the refinery bear the imprint of entrenched cabals bent on sustaining their asphyxiating grip on the oil industry and the national economy.’

Describing the Dangote Refinery as Nigeria’s largest and most advanced indigenous crude oil processing facility, the forum called for urgent protection of the project, citing its strategic importance to national development.

The forum particularly criticized the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) for allegedly violating a court order that barred it from disrupting the refinery’s operations.

‘No law-abiding organisation should disregard a valid court order,’ ACF stated.

APC replies Atiku: Tinubu remains committed to Nigerians’ welfare, security

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State has replied to the former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar who accused President Bola Tinubu of ‘making merry’ in Plateau while the nation grapples with security challenges.

The ruling party says the President’s commitment to Nigerians’ welfare and security remains total and unshakable.

APC spokesman in the state, Mr Seye Oladejo, stated this on Sunday in Lagos.

President Tinubu was on Saturday in Jos, Plateau, to attend the burial ceremony of Nana Lydia Yilwada, mother of the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwada.

‘No amount of reckless politicking or bad-faith commentary from yesterday’s men can diminish the fact that Tinubu remains committed to welfare and security of Nigerians.

‘President Tinubu’s visit to Plateau was a show of compassion and solidarity – a mark of respect to a distinguished Nigerian family in grief and a reaffirmation of our shared humanity.

‘Only a man blinded by political envy would seek to twist such a solemn event for cheap propaganda,’ Oladejo said.

According to him, Tinubu has demonstrated proactive leadership by strengthening security institutions, prioritising intelligence-driven operations, and ensuring unprecedented collaboration among the security agencies.

Why respiratory diseases are rising – experts

Health experts have said respiratory diseases are rising among the people due to exposure to mould spores in homes.

They warned that vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and people with pre-existing respiratory or immune conditions are most at risk of serious complications.

Common sources of mould in homes identified are leaking roofs, soaked walls, damp basements, poorly ventilated bathrooms and kitchens, as well as carpets, upholstery, and insulation materials that retain moisture.

The mould often appears as coloured patches on wet surfaces, especially in areas where there is poor air circulation.

The experts maintain that ignoring mould exposure not only compromises indoor air quality but also has long-term consequences for respiratory health, especially in vulnerable populations already burdened by other health challenges.

A public health expert at the University of Ilorin, Kwara State, Professor Tanimola Akande, was quoted by PUNCH to have said that mould, a type of fungus that thrives in humid, damp, and poorly ventilated environments, poses a significant threat to public health, particularly in water-damaged buildings and homes with poor construction.

According to him, mould releases spores into the air that, when inhaled, can trigger allergies and respiratory issues, including sneezing, catarrh, wheezing, and asthmatic attacks.

Akande pointed out that mould exposure often goes unnoticed until people start showing recurring symptoms.

‘People may treat catarrh or persistent coughs without knowing that the trigger is inside their own homes,’ Akande said.

To combat mould growth, the don recommended fixing leaking plumbing, improving ventilation, and ensuring that wet areas are promptly dried.

Another medical expert and a Senior Registrar in Community Medicine and Primary Care at the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Dr. Solomon Olorunfemi, described mould exposure as a serious but under-discussed public health issue in households.

He explained that mould exposure happens when people come into contact with mould spores either through the air, through touch, or by eating contaminated food. The danger lies in how easily these spores are inhaled.

Aside coughing and wheezing, symtoms according to him, could also include itchy eyes, skin rashes, and sinus infections which he said are particularly intense in children and the elderly.

Bridge collapse in heavy rain kills 7, landslides cut off roads

Not less than seven people have been killed in West Bengal’s Darjeeling district after a landslide struck Mirik late Saturday. The Dudia Iron Bridge, which connects the district towns and tourist hotspots of Mirik and Kurseong, collapsed during the incident.

Heavy rain has also led to a landslide in Hussain Khola, which lies along National Highway 110 near Kurseong, cutting off the link between Siliguri and Darjeeling.

‘Due to the incessant heavy rainfall in North Bengal, the hilly regions of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Kurseong have been severely affected, with communication and transport links to the plains of Siliguri, Terai, and Dooars almost completely disrupted due to landslides and flooding,’ West Bengal’s Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari wrote on X.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also reached out to those affected and assured help and assistance from the Centre.

Modi, in a tweet on his X handle, Sunday said: ‘Deeply pained by the loss of lives due to a bridge mishap in Darjeeling. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. The situation in Darjeeling and surrounding areas is being closely monitored in the wake of heavy rains and landslides. We are committed to providing all possible assistance to those affected.’

The landslides have buried roads under mud, from villages to national highways.

Army intercepts stolen crude truck, dismantles illegal refineries in Niger Delta

The Nigerian Army’s 6 Division has announced that its troops have destroyed eight illegal refineries, arrested several suspects involved in illicit activities, and recovered about 18,000 litres of stolen crude oil in the Niger Delta.

The Army also reported that several pieces of equipment used by the criminals-including receivers, ovens, drums, and pipes-were destroyed.

The Acting Deputy Director of 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Danjuma Jonah, disclosed this in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Sunday evening and sent to newsmen.

According to Lt. Col. Danjuma, the achievement was realised during a two-week raid of black spots across three states in the region using both kinetic and non-kinetic lines of operations.

The statement reads, ‘Determined to end the cycle of oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and associated crimes in the Niger Delta Region, troops of 6 Division, Nigerian Army, have scaled up both kinetic and non-kinetic lines of operations across the region.

‘These efforts led to the successful deactivation of eight artisanal refineries, the arrest of several suspected oil thieves, and the confiscation of over 18,000 litres of stolen crude oil.

‘The operations, which were conducted alongside other security agencies between 21 September and 5 October 2025, have reinforced the Division’s quest to establish a safer and more conducive atmosphere for legitimate socio-economic activities to thrive in the Niger Delta Region.’

The operations in Rivers State, around Joinkrama 4 in Ahoada West Local Government Area, resulted in a newly constructed illegal refining site being dismantled by the troops. Other destroyed items included receivers, ovens, drums, and pipes, as well as over 3,500 litres of stolen crude oil recovered. Additionally, acting on credible intelligence, troops intercepted a red Mercedes-Benz vacuum truck.

The truck, with registration number AHD 925 XA, was loaded with over 3,200 litres of stolen crude and was intercepted along Aba Road in Oyigbo Local Government Area. The driver abandoned the vehicle and fled on sighting the troops.

Similarly, clearance operations conducted along the fringes of Imo River resulted in the deactivation of an illegal refining site, with three drum pots, two drum receivers, and over 2,000 litres of stolen crude stockpiled in sacks recovered. Other seizures were made at Odogwa in Etche Local Government Area (Rivers State), Obeama Uzomiri Waterside in Oyigbo LGA, and Obiafor Oil Field in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA.

In Akwa Ibom State, the Army said its troops intercepted two Toyota Camry vehicles with registration numbers ANA 495 CK and AKD 233 EQ conveying 120 nylon bags filled with over 3,600 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil along Ikot Okoro, Abak LGA.

Two suspects were apprehended in connection with the seizures. Meanwhile, in Bayelsa State, around Biseni Community along Kemezia Road, at an abandoned house No. 70 in Yenagoa LGA, troops uncovered over 950 litres of stolen petroleum products.

The General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Emmanuel Emekah, commended the troops for their resilience.

Emekah urged criminal elements in the region to turn over a new leaf and engage in legitimate businesses, stating that the Division under his watch will ensure ‘our forests remain green and waters blue, with zero tolerance for any form of economic sabotage in the region.’

Notorious Kano kidnapper nabbed after two-year manhunt

Usman Lawan Baba, infamously known as Yellow, a notorious kidnapper and armed robber, has confessed to his crimes in police custody in Kano. He named several accomplices and partners in crime, two years after kidnapping and robbing a village head in the state.

The 27-year-old self-confessed criminal hails from Dakatsalle, Zango Ranka, Bebeji Local Government Area of Kano State.

Kano State Police Command spokesperson, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, revealed that Usman was arrested on 2 October 2025 in connection with the kidnapping and armed robbery of the Village Head of Garun Babba, Alhaji Abdulmumini Mudi Zakari, aged 41. The incident occurred on 9 August 2023.

During the incident, the village head was abducted and robbed of ?2,750,000, a Tecno Kevo 4 handset, and a wristwatch.

However, the relentless efforts of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad led to the rescue of the victim as the suspects attempted to flee the area.

Usman Lawan Baba confessed to the crime and admitted receiving ?6,000 as his share of the stolen money. He also named his accomplices, including:

Bello Kici-Kici of Falgore Village, Doguwa Local Government Area, who was neutralised by police during a kidnapping operation in Jigawa State. An AK-47 rifle was recovered at the scene.

Mallam Sale of Gezawa Local Government Area, who was neutralised by police during an armed robbery incident in Gezawa, Kano State.

Ruwa Shehu of Gafan Village, Bebeji Local Government Area, currently serving time in a correctional facility for a kidnapping-related offence.

Other accomplices, including Ibrahim Gwanja, Sule Naye, and an unidentified individual, have also been linked to the case and are under further investigation.

The suspect will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

The Commissioner of Police, Mr Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, commended the public for their continued support and cooperation in the fight against crime. He also praised the outstanding efforts of the operatives involved in the arrest.

Bakori reiterated the Command’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all residents of Kano State.

He encouraged the public to report suspicious activities or emergencies via the following emergency lines: 08032419754, 08123821575, or 09029292926.

NDLEA smashes cocaine cartels behind 6 UK-bound shipments, arrests Alhaji Hammed Ode

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has smashed two major cocaine cartels behind six United Kingdom-bound drug consignments, arresting the alleged mastermind, Alhaji Hammed Taofeek Ode, and five other suspects in a series of intelligence-led operations across Lagos State.

According to the agency, the operations, which spanned over three weeks, uncovered a total of 20.5 kilograms of cocaine concealed in the walls of stainless cups, body cream, and hair gel containers. The NDLEA also destroyed 24,897 kilograms of cannabis (skunk) in forest raids in Edo and Osun States.

Major Busts at Lagos Airport

The agency noted that the breakthrough began on September 16, 2025, when operatives at the export shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, intercepted 174 parcels of cocaine weighing 13.4 kilograms, concealed in cocoa butter body cream containers.

Further investigations led to the identification and eventual arrest of Alhaji Hammed Taofeek Ode, who posed as a businessman and real estate developer.

Ode, who reportedly lived in several European countries, including the United Kingdom, Austria, France, and Germany, admitted ownership of the seized drugs during interrogation, claiming he purchased them for over ?150 million.

In similar operations, NDLEA operatives foiled five additional cocaine export attempts to the UK. The series of arrests began on September 26, following the seizure of 2.1 kilograms of cocaine concealed in hair cream containers.

The subsequent arrest of a cargo agent led to the capture of Smith David Korede, a furniture maker, at his residence in Mafoluku, Oshodi, where another 1.4 kilograms of cocaine destined for the UK was recovered. Two more UK-bound consignments were seized on October 2, leading to the arrest of Ogunbiyi Oluseye Taiwo and Popoola Francis Olumuyiwa. The cocaine, weighing 2.6 kilograms, was hidden in crayfish packages and stainless cups.

Other Major Seizures Nationwide

In a related operation, NDLEA officers intercepted a shipment of 6.3 kilograms of ‘Loud’, a potent strain of cannabis, smuggled from Thailand and concealed in bedsheets and hibiscus flowers.

In Kano State, a joint NDLEA-Customs operation along the Danbatta-Daura Road led to the arrest of Sa’adu Ali, 38, and the seizure of 290,450 pills of Tramadol and Pregabalin on October 2.

In Lagos, notorious dealer John Igbe, alias SammyBless, was arrested at Lekki with 550 grams of Colorado, while three others were nabbed in Mushin with 109 kilograms of skunk, 20 bottles of codeine syrup, and 2 kilograms of nitrous oxide. Additional recoveries included 3,700 bottles of codeine and 550,000 expired diclofenac tablets at the Trade Fair Complex, Alaba.

Similarly, NDLEA officers in Kwara arrested Salisu Abubakar, 25, with 27,700 Tramadol pills, while in Kaduna, Blessing Ovaka, 50, was caught with 498.5 kilograms of skunk, and Dahiru Salisu, 27, was arrested with 34,180 Tramadol capsules along Kaduna-Zaria Road.

In Ogun State, operatives raided Isheri, Obafemi Owode LGA, seizing 112 kilograms of skunk and 16 grams of Tramadol. In Osun, three suspects were arrested in the Owena/Ijesha forest reserve, where officers destroyed 14,000 kilograms of cannabis on 5.6 hectares of farmland.

In Edo State, NDLEA officers intercepted a vehicle loaded with 244.5 kilograms of skunk at Igbanke and later destroyed 10,897 kilograms of cannabis on four farms in Ugbodo forest, arresting two suspects.

Across Kogi and the FCT, patrol teams intercepted 3.27 kilograms of ‘Loud’ and 25.5 kilograms of skunk, leading to the arrests of Tobi Odubote, 34, and Ismail Abdurrahim, 32, respectively.

However, Chairman and Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.), commended the officers for their professionalism and dedication.

He praised the operatives of the MMIA, DOGI, Kano, Edo, Kwara, Kaduna, Ogun, Osun, Kogi, and FCT commands for their resilience and contribution to the agency’s ongoing drug control efforts.

‘We’ll continue to target and dismantle every identified drug cartel-from the mules to the dealers and up to their leadership,’ Marwa said. ‘Every arrest, seizure, and forfeited asset represents innocent lives saved and communities protected, both in Nigeria and abroad.’

’Stop Pretending!’ ADC calls for urgent action on Nigeria’s insecurity

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised alarm over the escalating insecurity across various parts of Nigeria, calling on the Federal Government to respond with honesty, urgency, and transparency.

In a statement released on Sunday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, criticized the government for what it described as ‘insensitive claims of progress’ that contradict the daily experiences of Nigerians facing violence and unrest.

‘The country is under attack. This administration must stop pretending otherwise,’ Abdullahi said. ‘National security must no longer be treated as a political talking point, but as a core responsibility of governance.’

The ADC urged the Federal Government to first acknowledge the full scope and complexity of the security crisis, and to work closely with affected states, local governments, and communities. According to the party, meaningful progress can only be made through direct engagement and by incorporating local insights into the development of practical security strategies.

In addition, the party called for a nationwide increase in security alertness, coordinated efforts between the military, police, and local security networks, regular public updates on security developments and a transparent system for tracking and auditing federal security expenditures.

‘The lives of Nigerians must matter more than sound bites and ceremonies,’ Abdullahi emphasized. ‘The time for symbolic gestures is over. What the country needs now is responsible leadership, operational urgency, and measurable results.’

Oladapo OJ Adewunmi Honored by the Mayor of Brampton During Nigeria’s 65th Independence Celebration in Canada

Renowned Nigerian entrepreneur and entertainment visionary, Oladapo OJ Adewunmi, CEO of Apollo Endeavor, has once again been recognized internationally for his remarkable contributions to the Nigerian community and global creative industry.

During the celebration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary held in Brampton, Ontario, Adewunmi received a prestigious recognition award from His Worship Patrick Brown, the Mayor of Brampton.

The recognition was presented in acknowledgment of Adewunmi’s outstanding role in promoting African creativity, entrepreneurship, and cultural unity both in Nigeria and across the diaspora. His work has continued to inspire a new generation of innovators and creatives, strengthening cultural ties between Africa and North America.

Mayor Patrick Brown commended Adewunmi for his consistent dedication to building communities through entertainment and business, describing him as a bridge between cultures and a leader who represents the progressive image of the African continent.

The event, attended by dignitaries, cultural leaders, and members of the Nigerian community, served as a powerful moment of unity, pride, and recognition of excellence among Nigerians in Canada.

In his heartfelt speech, Oladapo OJ Adewunmi expressed his gratitude and reflected on the significance of the honor, saying:

‘October has always been a special month for me, and receiving such a prestigious recognition during Nigeria’s Independence celebration is truly humbling. Contributing to building our community-both at home and internationally-has always been my calling, and this recognition reinforces that mission. I’m here to serve.’

Adeweunmi’s recognition by the City of Brampton marks another milestone in his expanding global influence, following previous accolades including his Certificate of Recognition from the City of Brampton earlier this year and his recent win as Iconic Entertainment Entrepreneur of the Year at the 100 Iconic Personalities Awards 2025.

Through Apollo Endeavor, Adewunmi continues to empower creatives, create employment opportunities, and expand Africa’s creative and entertainment footprint across international borders. His work stands as a testament to the power of vision, purpose, and cultural collaboration in shaping a better global community.

#BBNaija: Sultana, Kola evicted – only 3 housemates remain in the race for grand prize

The tension in Biggie’s house has reached its peak as Sultana and Kola became the latest housemates to be evicted from the Big Brother Naija Season 10 grand finale, leaving just three finalists to battle for the ?80 million grand prize.

Sultana’s exit came as a shock to fans who hailed her as one of the most dynamic housemates of the season. Known for her blend of confidence and charisma, Sultana effortlessly ruled both the game and the dance floor – trending for her ships, viral edits, and signature diva attitude.

Earlier, Kola’s eviction reduced the finalists from five to four. His calm charm, humour, and kind-hearted presence made him one of the most relatable faces in the house.

With Koyin, Joanna, and Imisi now the last three standing, all eyes are on who will walk away as the Big Brother Naija Season 10 champion – and with it, ?80 million in cash and prizes.