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Veteran journalist and former presidential aide, Dr. Reuben Abati, has revealed that despite openly expressing his interest in becoming the next Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), no one has reached out to him or requested his curriculum vitae.

Speaking on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Wednesday, Abati noted that the tenure of the current INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who was first appointed in 2015, has officially ended after serving two terms.

He emphasized that the focus should now shift to the future of the electoral body and the appointment of a competent successor, rather than basing the decision on regional considerations.

‘I said previously on this program that some people believe it’s now the turn of the Southwest, that the next INEC chairman should come from there.

But I maintain that it should be about competence – about who is the best person for the job,’ Abati stated.

He explained that his earlier declaration of interest was partly humorous but also a reflection of his belief that he could make a difference if given the opportunity.

‘I even proposed myself as a possible chairman of INEC and said I would do a good job because we need to get elections right in this country. But apparently, nobody has asked for my CV since that time. That’s Nigeria. But if they give me the job, I will do it,’ he said.

Abati’s remarks have sparked renewed discussion on the process of selecting the INEC Chairman, with many stakeholders emphasizing the need for transparency and merit in appointing the next leader of Nigeria’s electoral body.

Nollywood veteran Dele Odule has raised concern from fans, with some cryptic posts about pain and being hurt.

Dele, on his Instagram page, stated that he has gotten used to being left behind. While speaking about certain relationships, he stated that people always leave noting that he has gotten used to it.

‘Leaving me is okay, people leave all the time, I’m used to it. What hurts is, when you made me so special one day, and the next day I was so unwanted. The wrong one will find you in peace and leave you in pieces, the right one will find you in pieces and lead you to peace. After you’ve said the meanest things, you now come back to tell me you never meant it, you’re MEAN, but I’ll crush your ego with silence. I will never allow anyone to make me feel I’m not enough’, he wrote.

American rapper Kiari Cephus, famously known as Offset, has broken silence on the cheating allegations against his former partner, Cardi B.

While speaking with Keke Palmer, Offset denied the allegations that he was romantically involved with fellow rapper Saweetie.

He claimed that the rumors just went out of hand and were untrue.

‘That whole Saweetie thing was just weird,’ he said.

He also spoke about his separation from Cardi B, admitting that his infidelity cost him his marriage.

‘I messed up, and it cost me my marriage,’ he confessed.

Offset, however, revealed that despite his mistakes, he is working towards becoming a better man. He expressed that he is still healing from the death of his cousin and colleague, Takeoff.

‘I’m focused on becoming a better man now,’ he said.

A dramatic scene unfolded at the Lagos State High Court premises on Tuesday when a lawyer, Mr. Obinna Okereke, Principal Partner of High Refuge Attorneys, allegedly assaulted a judicial officer, Mrs Temilola Ossai, after hitting her with his vehicle.

According to eyewitness accounts, the incident occurred near the court entrance when Okereke, who was driving an champagne gold-coloured Toyota Sienna bus, reportedly struck Mrs Ossai, a staff of the Lagos State Judiciary, by the roadside.

Sources said the victim, who was on her way to the courthouse, approached the lawyer to demand an apology for the minor collision. Instead of apologizing, Okereke allegedly became aggressive, verbally insulted her, and then descended on her with several blows to the face.

The impact of the assault reportedly caused blood to gush from Mrs Ossai’s nose and mouth, prompting alarm among onlookers.

Passersby and court users quickly intervened to prevent further attack before security personnel attached to the Lagos State Judiciary arrived and arrested the lawyer at the scene.

An eyewitness who preferred anonymity said, ‘The lady only asked him to say sorry after he hit her with the car. But he suddenly flared up, shouting at her, and before we knew it, he punched her severally in the face. It was terrible – blood started coming out of her nose and mouth.’

The incident disrupted normal court activities as concerned staff and security officers gathered at the scene.

Reports indicate that the Chief Registrar of the Lagos State Judiciary has directed that a formal complaint be lodged against Mr. Okereke at the Area F Command of the Nigeria Police for further investigation and possible prosecution.

As of press time, efforts to reach Mr. Okereke for his comment were unsuccessful, while Mrs Ossai was said to have received first aid treatment following the assault.

The Lagos State Judiciary has yet to issue an official statement on the incident.

A Nigerian man named Ikechukwu N. has been arrested in Argentina by INTERPOL for running several online romance scams that tricked thousands of people around the world.

According to INTERPOL’s statement on Tuesday, the arrest happened during Operation Jackal a major global operation targeting West African criminal groups involved in cyber fraud, money laundering, and other international crimes.

INTERPOL said on its official X (Twitter) account that this was Argentina’s first arrest of a suspect wanted under both a Red Notice (for fugitives) and a Silver Notice (for tracing stolen assets).

The statement read:

‘Argentine authorities have captured Nigerian national Ikechukwu N., marking the country’s first arrest of a #RedNotice fugitive who was also the subject of an INTERPOL Silver Notice.

The suspect is accused of running multiple romance scams that affected thousands of women and leading an international cybercrime network.’

The arrest was made by the Argentine Federal Police and Airport Security Police, with help from INTERPOL’s Financial Crime and Anti-Corruption Centre, Federal Intelligence Secretariat (FIS), and INTERPOL Brazil.

The Silver Notice project, started in January 2025, helps countries share information to find and recover money and assets gained from crime.

Although the number of victims and total amount of money lost have not been revealed, INTERPOL said the case is part of a larger global crackdown on West African cybercrime syndicates.

Nigeria has also been a focus of such investigations. In December 2024, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrested 792 suspects, including foreigners, linked to a crypto-romance scam based in Lagos.

The group reportedly used social media and messaging apps to deceive victims with fake love and investment promises.

INTERPOL said investigations into Ikechukwu’s crimes are still ongoing, with cooperation expected between Argentina, Nigeria, and other international partners in Operation Jackal.

The House of Representatives will this week debate a motion seeking urgent medical intervention for the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

This is contained in a statement by the Special Assistant to the Deputy Speaker, on Press Affairs, Udora Orizu, made available to newsmen in Abuja.

The decision according to Orizu followed an intervention during Tuesday’s plenary by the Deputy Speaker, Rep. Benjamin Kalu.

Kalu has reacted to a point of order raised on the subject matter by the member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency, Rep. Obi Aguocha.

Aguocha had raised a point of order, (order 6 rule 2 on matters of privilege) during the plenary.

He stated that he was yet to get a response to the letter he wrote to House Leadership and FG for urgent medical intervention for Nnamdi Kanu whose health is reportedly deteriorating.

The Speaker, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, urged Aguocha to step it down and present the matter properly another legislative day, as he came under the wrong House rules.

Corroborating, the Deputy Speaker while noting that the subject matter presented is important, assured the

Speaker that the motion will be presented properly before the house in the course of the week.

‘Mr Speaker, I’m also from Abia State. On the issue that is being raised by my colleague, we will present it before the house properly in the course of the week.

‘We will come properly before the house so that proper hearing will be given to it. I beg that you will give us the audience maybe tomorrow or next tomorrow,’ Kalu said.

Responding, Speaker Abbas said, ‘No problem, it’s just the procedure that I was challenging not the substance of the issue. We will be willing and ready to give you all the time to present.’

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has assured that train movement on the Lagos-Ibadan corridor will continue without interruption case of vandalism recorded in the Standard Gauge corridor between Agege and Agbado Stations.

The Chief Public Relations Officer, Mr Callistus Unyimadu, said this in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos while confirming the discovery of another case of vandalism on the Lagos-Ibadan rail line.

According to the statement, the vandals stole vital signaling including signal machine cap protectors and connection cables on Switch Point Machine No. 2 on Standard Gauge corridor between Agege and Agbado Stations.

He said the vandalism of the equipment was discovered on Monday, 6 October.

‘The corporation disclosed that some unknown persons had tampered with vital signalling components along the corridor.

‘The vandalised items include the removal of signal machine cap protectors and the cutting of connection cables on Switch Point Machine No. 2.

‘The damage was discovered during a routine inspection on Monday, Oct. 6,’ he said.

Unyimadu said the corporation strongly condemned these acts of sabotage against national infrastructure.

He added that such actions not only disrupt smooth train operations but also pose serious safety risks to both passengers and railway staff.

‘However, NRC assures the general public that train movement on the Lagos-Ibadan corridor was not obstructed and operations have continued without interruption.

‘Security agencies have been notified to investigate and apprehend those responsible.

‘The Corporation reiterates its unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and reliability of rail operations nationwide,’ he said .

He added that the corporation called on members of the public, especially communities along railway corridors, to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activities around railway facilities.

As the nation grapples with multiple security breaches, a private security expert, Seyi Babaeko, has advocated for a strong synergy between private security operatives and government security agencies as an enduring way of safeguarding lives and properties of the citizens.

Babaeko, the Chief Executive, CEO, Absolute Security, and Advance Protocol Ltd, made the suggestion in a paper titled ‘The Role of private security companies in strengthening national security.’

He opened the paper with a highlight of the security challenges confronting Nigeria. He identified terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and vandalism as crimes, creating enormous problems for people in the country.

‘Private firms fill a vital gap by securing homes, businesses, estates, banks, schools, and critical infrastructure. This allows government forces to focus on large-scale threats while communities and institutions remain safeguarded by trained operatives. By working at the grassroots, private security personnel are also well placed to observe unusual patterns, detect risks, and provide early warnings that often prevent crimes from escalating. Their close relationship with local communities makes them an indispensable source of intelligence for official agencies.

‘The economic stability of the nation also depends heavily on the services of private security. Oil pipelines, power installations, communication hubs, and financial institutions are prime targets for theft, sabotage, or vandalism. Without strong protection, these assets would be vulnerable, and the country’s development could be severely disrupted. By guarding such assets, private firms ensure that the foundations of the economy remain secure.

‘The industry has also emerged as one of the largest employers of young Nigerians. Beyond simply providing jobs, many companies now invest in advanced training, modern equipment, and global best practices. This focus on professionalism has raised standards across the industry and positioned private security as a respected partner in national development.

‘?Under the regulation of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, private security companies maintain accountability and proper coordination with state forces. This partnership strengthens the national security framework and ensures that public and private efforts are aligned toward the same goal.

‘The future of security in Nigeria rests not only on manpower but also on technology. CCTV systems, drones, biometric access controls, cyber defence solutions, and artificial intelligence are becoming central to protection strategies. Private firms are driving this shift by adopting advanced tools that deliver real-time surveillance and rapid response, offering a level of efficiency that traditional approaches can not achieve.

‘Securing Nigeria is a shared responsibility. It requires the combined strength of government agencies and private operators working together as partners. When this collaboration is effective, it multiplies the country’s capacity to protect lives, secure assets, and sustain peace.

‘At Absolute Security and Advance Protocol Ltd, our mission is simple. We stand as your shield in an unpredictable world, committed to protecting communities, safeguarding critical assets, and supporting the security of the nation.’

Researchers at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) have found that while most herbal medicines sold in Nigeria are safe to use, they are not effective in treating diseases.

This was revealed during a media briefing by the Centre for Research in Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicine at NIMR. The Deputy Director of Research in Biochemistry and Nutrition, Dr. Oluwagbemiga Olanrewaju Aina, said that although the herbal products tested were not harmful, none of them proved to work for the illnesses they claimed to cure.

‘All the 46 herbal products we tested over the past six years were safe in animal studies, but none showed real medical benefits,’ Aina said.

Since 2019, the Centre has tested herbal products used for pain relief, malaria, COVID-19, cancer, and arthritis. Some of the products tested included Kampe Bitters, Divine Herbal Eye Medicine, and Yusram Colon Cleanser. They were found to be safe when used in normal amounts.

Other well-known products, such as Madagascar’s COVID Organics Herbal Tea and Vernonia Antiviral Herb, were also tested and found to cause no harm when used repeatedly.

‘Just because a product doesn’t hurt you doesn’t mean it works,’ Aina warned. ‘Many herbal sellers make false claims or even mix their products with regular drugs.’

He explained that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Centre also tested several herbal and drug treatments, including Virucidine and Ivermectin. None of these showed better results than normal medical treatments.

Aina urged herbal medicine producers to prove scientifically that their products actually work, not just that they are safe. He called for more funding, better laboratory equipment, and standard research facilities.

‘We want herbal medicine makers to identify the active ingredients in their products and show how they work. A safe drug that doesn’t cure anything is still a public health issue,’ he said.

He also advised Nigerians to be careful about what they consume. ‘People should not believe every claim made about herbal medicine. Science must support tradition with evidence,’ he added.

Over the past six years, the Centre has studied 46 herbal products, trained hundreds of students and researchers, and worked with universities in Nigeria and abroad. However, Aina said the Centre still faces problems like poor funding, lack of modern labs, and the growing challenge of drug resistance.

He concluded that traditional medicine remains important in African culture, but scientific testing is necessary to make sure the remedies are not only safe but also effective.

‘Herbal medicine has a place in our health system but it must be backed by evidence,’ he said.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) by four more days.

The extension, announced after the Commission’s Third Quarterly Meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners in Abuja, pushes the exercise deadline from Wednesday, October 8, to Sunday, October 12, 2025.

According to a statement signed by the Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Victoria Eta-Messi, the decision followed a review of field reports showing impressive turnout and improved participation across the six Area Councils.

‘As of 7th October 2025, a total of 55,346 new voter registrations had been recorded in the FCT, comprising 38,528 online pre-registrations and 16,818 completed physical registrations,’ the statement read.

Eta-Messi described the turnout as ‘a reflection of growing civic awareness and the impact of bringing voter registration closer to the grassroots.’

She reaffirmed that the online pre-registration portal remains suspended in the FCT, urging pre-registered voters to complete their process in person at designated centres in line with the Electoral Act 2022.

INEC also warned against multiple registrations, describing it as a punishable offence under the law.

The electoral umpire encouraged eligible residents yet to register or those seeking to transfer their registration within or into the FCT to take advantage of the extended timeline.

The list and addresses of all registration centres, according to the Commission, remain available on its website and social media platforms.

Meanwhile, campaigns have kicked off ahead of the FCT Area Council elections scheduled for Saturday, February 21, 2026.

A total of 68 elective positions, six chairmanship and 62 councillorship seats will be contested across Abuja Municipal, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, Kwali, and Abaji councils.

Seventeen political parties are fielding candidates, following the final list published by INEC last month.