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The Borno State Police Command has explained the circumstances surrounding the arrest and prosecution of five suspects in Maiduguri following reports linking the case to allegations of political thuggery.

The command said the suspects were arrested on September 25, 2026, during a routine township patrol around the West End Roundabout area of Maiduguri.

According to a statement issued by ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, Police Public Relations Officer for the command, the five suspects were apprehended over alleged conduct capable of causing public disturbance.

The police said items allegedly recovered from the suspects included 15 wraps of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, 100 tablets suspected to be D5, one shisha pot, one pair of scissors and two T-shirts bearing the inscription, ‘Tinubu Must Go.’

The suspects were subsequently subjected to preliminary investigation, during which the police said statements were obtained from them.

The command said that after the initial investigation was completed, the case was charged to court.

The police, however, said the arrest and prosecution were not based on the suspects’ political affiliation or views, stressing that the Nigeria Police Force remained a non-partisan institution.

‘The Nigeria Police Force is a professional, non-partisan institution and does not discriminate against persons on the basis of political affiliation or viewpoint,’ the statement said.

The command added that it remained committed to protecting fundamental human rights, the rule of law, due process, accountability and transparency in the discharge of its responsibilities.

It also said the decision to take the matter before a competent court was intended to allow the judicial process to determine the case.

‘Members of the public are therefore urged to rely on verified information and allow the court to determine the matter based on the facts and evidence presented before it,’ the statement said.

The command reiterated its commitment to professionalism, impartiality, accountability and the protection of lives and property in Borno State.

Covenant University, the University of Ibadan and the University of Lagos have jointly emerged as Nigeria’s highest-ranked universities in the 2027 Times Higher Education World University Rankings.

The three universities were placed in the 801-1000 band globally in the rankings published by Times Higher Education on Wednesday.

Nigeria recorded 29 ranked universities in the 2027 edition, an increase from 24 institutions in the 2026 rankings.

Five universities, including Osun State University, University of Maiduguri, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Kwara State University and Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, were newly ranked.

Covenant University returned to the top position among Nigerian institutions after being ranked third in the 2026 edition, when the University of Ibadan and University of Lagos jointly occupied the highest position.

The three South-West universities are now jointly placed in the 801-1000 global band, making them the highest-ranked Nigerian institutions in the latest edition.

Ahmadu Bello University and Bayero University followed in the Nigerian rankings, both placed in the 1001-1200 global band.

Landmark University and the University of Ilorin were also placed in the 1001-1200 band.

The Times Higher Education rankings assess research-intensive universities based on five broad areas: teaching, research environment, research quality, international outlook and industry.

The 2027 edition covers 2,297 institutions across 118 countries and territories and uses 17 performance indicators across the five areas.

Globally, the University of Oxford retained the top position for an 11th consecutive year, while the University of Cape Town was the highest-ranked university in sub-Saharan Africa, rising to joint 147th position from joint 164th in the previous edition.

THE said the number of ranked universities in sub-Saharan Africa increased from 55 in the previous edition to 69 in 2027, with Nigeria accounting for the highest number of ranked institutions in the region.

The rankings also highlighted individual strengths among Nigerian universities.

The University of Lagos recorded the highest research quality score among Nigerian universities at 67.8, while Bayero University had the highest score for international outlook.

Covenant University recorded the highest industry score among Nigerian institutions, reflecting its performance in the industry pillar.

Full list of ranked Nigerian universities

Covenant University – 801-1000

University of Ibadan – 801-1000

University of Lagos – 801-1000

Ahmadu Bello University – 1001-1200

Bayero University – 1001-1200

Landmark University – 1001-1200

University of Ilorin – 1001-1200

Babcock University – 1201-1400

Osun State University – 1201-1400

University of Nigeria, Nsukka – 1201-1400

Federal University of Technology, Minna – 1401-1600

Nnamdi Azikiwe University – 1401-1600

Obafemi Awolowo University – 1401-1600

University of Benin – 1401-1600

University of Jos – 1401-1600

University of Maiduguri – 1401-1600

Federal University of Technology, Akure – 1601-1800

Federal University of Technology, Owerri – 1801-2000

Ladoke Akintola University of Technology – 1801-2000

Lagos State University – 1801-2000

Olabisi Onabanjo University – 1801-2000

University of Calabar – 1801-2000

Delta State University, Abraka – 2001+

Ekiti State University – 2001+

Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta – 2001+

Kwara State University – 2001+

Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike – 2001+

University of Port Harcourt – 2001+

THE also listed 33 Nigerian institutions as ‘reporter’ universities. These institutions submitted data but did not meet the eligibility requirements for a numerical ranking.

According to THE, universities must teach undergraduates, conduct research across a range of subjects and have published at least 1,000 research publications between 2021 and 2025, with a minimum of 100 publications in each year, to qualify for the World University Rankings.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has extended the deadline to November 30, 2026, for candidates with outstanding admission offers from the 2021 to 2025 admission exercises to accept or reject their offers.

The extension followed the temporary unavailability of the Central Admissions Processing System for about 96 hours and is intended to give affected candidates a final opportunity to update their admission records.

The Board had earlier fixed September 30, 2026, as the deadline for candidates offered admission between 2021 and 2025 to indicate whether they would accept or reject the offers.

However, JAMB’s management approved the new deadline in view of the recent disruption to the CAPS platform, the Board said in a statement signed by its Acting Director, Public Affairs and Protocol, Dr Fabian Benjamin.

It said November 30 would be the final opportunity for candidates in the affected category to accept or reject their outstanding admission offers.

The Board warned that candidates who fail to act by the deadline would no longer be permitted to accept or reject such offers within the current window.

According to the statement, any subsequent request to update an admission record relating to the previous years would attract the applicable penalty fee, given that the admission offers had remained outstanding for several years.

It said the intervention was particularly important for candidates whose admissions were not reflected on the matriculation list, as such candidates could encounter difficulties accessing benefits associated with properly documented admissions, including participation in the National Youth Service Corps scheme.

The Board advised all affected candidates to act immediately rather than wait until the deadline expires.

Candidates who accept their offers will be able to print their admission letters, while those who reject them will have their dashboards reverted to ‘Not Admitted’.

The Board said this would enable it to update its records and ensure that the national admission database accurately reflected candidates’ current status.

The statement added that candidates who were no longer studying at the institution where their previous admission was offered, or who were currently pursuing a different programme, could accept the outstanding admission and subsequently apply for the appropriate correction or deletion of the previous admission, where applicable.

‘Similarly, candidates currently pursuing a second degree but who still had an unaccepted admission offer from a previous exercise could reject the outstanding offer and continue with their current programme,’ the statement said.

The Board also reassured candidates who had been offered admission in the 2026 exercise but still had an outstanding offer from an earlier year that rejecting the previous offer would not affect their 2026 admission.

It said the extension would not only cover the period during which CAPS was unavailable but also give affected candidates a final opportunity to indicate whether they wished to accept or reject their outstanding offers.

According to the Board, it would also enable it to maintain accurate, current and reliable national admission records.

The Board reiterated that November 30, 2026, was the final deadline to accept or reject outstanding admissions from the 2021 to 2025 exercises.

‘At the expiration of the deadline, all outstanding offers from those years that had neither been accepted nor rejected would automatically revert to ‘Not Admitted’ on the Board’s records,’ the Board said.

The Board reminded candidates that failure to accept an admission offer within the stipulated period could render the offer invalid.

The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has called for an end to impunity and for stronger democratic institutions, justice, peace and inclusive economic prosperity as Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Anniversary.

The Transparency International chapter in Nigeria said the anniversary should go beyond ceremony to a hard look at whether democracy was improving citizens’ lives. In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, it said democracy must mean more than elections and political transitions.

It must deliver accountable leadership, security, justice, dignity and economic opportunity, the group said.

CISLAC expressed concern over the recent arrest and remand of five men in Maiduguri, Borno State, over the printing and wearing of T-shirts bearing the inscription ‘Tinubu Must Go’.

The men were reportedly charged with criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbance, disturbance of public peace and thuggery.

The organisation said prosecuting citizens over peaceful political expression raises serious concerns about freedom of expression and shrinking civic space.

Amnesty International has also condemned the reported arrests, describing political dissent as protected by fundamental rights.

‘A democracy that criminalises peaceful dissent and treats political slogans as threats to public order is a democracy weakened from within,’ CISLAC said.

It said it would deepen collaboration with Amnesty International and other rights groups to document and profile cases involving political or public officials accused of undermining civic freedoms, suppressing legitimate political expression or frustrating citizens’ rights. The documentation, it added, would support sustained advocacy for accountability and, where applicable, engagement with national, regional and international human rights mechanisms.

CISLAC urged the National Assembly to strengthen oversight and called on anti-corruption agencies to operate without political interference. It said the judiciary, law enforcement and regulatory institutions must remain independent, professional and accountable.

The group identified corruption, insecurity and injustice as major threats to democratic stability, saying corruption deprives citizens of essential services while impunity erodes public confidence in government.

It also raised concern over the number of Nigerian children who remain out of school and the continued emigration of young and skilled Nigerians seeking better opportunities.

According to CISLAC, terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, communal violence and abuses by security institutions continue to undermine citizens’ right to live without fear. It stressed that security measures must be accompanied by accountability, human rights protection, conflict prevention and access to justice.

On the economy, the organisation said independence must translate into food on the table, decent jobs, affordable healthcare, quality education, social protection and opportunities for young people and businesses.

‘Growth without inclusion is not prosperity, and democracy without economic dignity will continue to lose the confidence of citizens,’ it said.

Ahead of the 2027 elections, CISLAC urged electoral institutions to protect the integrity of the vote and political parties to strengthen internal democracy. It also asked authorities to ensure that electoral offences attract consequences, and called for protection of civic space and citizens’ right to question those who govern them.

‘The true measure of Nigeria’s independence is not simply how long the country has existed, but whether Nigerians can live in peace, thrive in Nigeria, hold leaders accountable, obtain justice and build a dignified future,’ the organisation said.

All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, has warned voters in Northern Nigeria that victory for opposition presidential candidates Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi in the 2027 election could return the region to widespread poverty.

He said proposals by opposition politicians to reverse some of President Bola Tinubu’s reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy, would deprive the North of funds for infrastructure, agriculture and education.

Yilwatda also accused the opposition of using regional media, particularly Hausa-language radio programmes, to misrepresent the administration’s policies and performance.

The APC helmsman spoke yesterday in Abuja while addressing State House of Assembly candidates who defected from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the APC from Jigawa, Plateau, Taraba and Zamfara states.

‘The opposition, especially the ADC, has been painting stories of what does not exist,’ Yilwatda said, citing claims that Tinubu had neglected the North.

The APC chairman said ongoing federal road projects across the region demonstrated the administration’s commitment to northern development. He listed the Abuja-Kano and Kano-Maiduguri roads, as well as projects covering Abuja-Lokoja-Benue, Akwanga-Jos, Kwara-Mokwa, Sokoto-Kebbi, Kano-Daura and Zaria-Danja.

He questioned how the opposition would fund its proposed return to fuel subsidy while sustaining such projects.

‘The same thing they keep saying on the radio is that they will return the subsidy. I keep asking, how are they going to return the subsidy? You mean they will stop all this road construction because they want to return the subsidy?’ Yilwatda asked.

He also linked increased federal allocations to improved finances of northern states, recalling that many states struggled to pay salaries and gratuities before Tinubu assumed office.

‘I can also assure you that among the about 30 states that could not pay salaries in Nigeria, all the states in the North, none could pay salaries as of 2023 when President Tinubu took over,’ he said.

Yilwatda urged the defectors and APC members to intensify mobilisation for Tinubu’s re-election.

APC women mobilise in Ondo

In Ondo, APC National Women Leader, Dr Mary Alile Idele, called for the re-election of Tinubu, declaring that the President should complete two terms before power is handed over to another region.

Idele spoke in Akure during the inauguration of the Tinubu Torch Bearers structure in Ondo State.

She said the group was expanding its grassroots mobilisation network across the country and urged women to take the administration’s message to their homes and communities.

‘Four+four is equal to eight,’ she said, reiterating the APC’s ‘no vacancy’ position ahead of the 2027 election.

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, represented by his deputy, Dr Olayide Adelami, said Ondo was targeting more than one million votes for Tinubu.

He urged women, youths and other residents to participate in grassroots mobilisation and take the administration’s programmes to communities across the state.

Imo APC seeks monarchs’ support

Also yesterday, APC leaders in Owerri Zone, Imo State, sought the support of traditional rulers in the nine local government areas of the zone for Tinubu and the party ahead of the 2027 elections.

The leaders also canvassed support for the zone’s bid to produce the next governor of the state.

Owerri Zone APC Chairman, Chief Justus Ogu, urged the monarchs to take the party’s message to their communities and encourage residents to vote for the APC.

The party’s Apex Leader in the zone, Prince Lemmy Akakem, said the zone needed to demonstrate its electoral strength in 2027 to strengthen its position in negotiations over the governorship.

Senator Ezenwa Onyewuchi said political interests were advanced through negotiation and alliances, while former Deputy Governor Prof. Placid Njoku urged the monarchs to mobilise women, youths and other residents.

Chairman of the Owerri Zone Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Fred Nwachukwu, expressed support for the zone’s governorship aspiration.

A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered that the alleged fake Director General of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew (38), be remanded in Kuje prison.

Justice Mohammed Umar, in a ruling on Wednesday, ordered that Adeniyi remain in prison pending the hearing and determination of his bail application.

The judge’s order came shortly after Adeniyi pleaded not guilty to an eight-count charge of conspiracy and forgery brought against him and two others, Femi (surname unknown) and Anu (surname unknown), who are now at large.

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu described Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen as an exemplary leader and nation-builder whose commitment to democratic values has continued to strengthen the institution of the National Assembly.

In a congratulatory message, Kalu applauded Abbas for his distinguished leadership of the House, noting that his calm disposition, wisdom, humility and commitment to institutional development have contributed significantly to the stability and effectiveness of the 10th House of Representatives.

The Deputy Speaker said Abbas has demonstrated through his leadership that effective governance is anchored on collaboration, inclusivity, accountability and an unwavering commitment to the interests of Nigerians.

He commended Speaker Abbas for providing purposeful leadership in advancing legislative reforms, strengthening democratic institutions and supporting initiatives aimed at improving the lives of citizens.

Kalu further acknowledged Abbas’ commitment to fostering unity among members of the House, describing his leadership style as a model of maturity, patriotism and service to the nation and prayed to God to grant the Speaker continued good health, wisdom and strength as he leads the House in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities.

He said, ‘On behalf of my family and the good people of Bende Federal Constituency, Abia State, I warmly felicitate with my boss, big brother and friend, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, on the occasion of his 61st birthday.

‘Your remarkable journey in public service and your stewardship of the 10th House of Representatives continue to reflect the virtues of humility, empathy, selflessness and dedication to the common good.

‘Under your leadership, the House has enjoyed an atmosphere of stability, cooperation and productivity. Your ability to build bridges, foster consensus and inspire confidence among members has contributed immensely to the progress recorded by the 10th Assembly. On this special occasion, I wish you many more years of good health, wisdom, fulfilment and impactful service to our fatherland.’

Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) has a zero-tolerance policy for violence, misconduct, and repeated disobedience.

Over 11 seasons, nine housemates have been asked to leave before eviction night or have been evicted.

With Keivo’s exit in Season 11, here is the updated list, starting with the most recent:

1. Keivo (Season 11, 2026)

Keivo is the latest housemate to leave Big Brother’s house. He was officially disqualified on Tuesday after an altercation with Tram on Monday night. His eviction came just days after Nomy’s disqualification.

2. Nomy (Season 11, 2026)

Nomy was disqualified on Monday after refusing to wear the ‘benchwarmer’ outfit, assigned as punishment for finishing last in the Head of House challenge. She was the only housemate to finish last. Big Brother cited repeated disobedience to house rules as the reason for her removal.

3. Faith (Season 10, 2025)

Faith was disqualified immediately after a physical altercation with housemate Sultana during a skincare task rehearsal. The fight left Sultana with a twisted ankle.

4. Beauty Tukura (Season 7, 2022)

Beauty was sent home for aggressive behaviour. During an argument, she threw her wig and glasses at a fellow housemate. Her exit reinforced Biggie’s stance against physical misconduct.

5. Erica (Season 5, 2020)

Erica was disqualified for multiple rule breaches, including abusive language and repeated disrespect for house rules, despite several warnings.

6. Tacha (Season 4, 2019)

Tacha was removed from the house after a physical fight with Mercy Eke that involved pushing and hair-pulling. The incident became one of BBNaija’s most controversial moments.

7. Khloe and K-Brule (Season 3, 2018)

Both housemates were disqualified in the same season after accumulating three strikes. Their offences included aggressive behaviour and physical confrontations with other housemates.

8. Kemen (Season 2, 2017)

Kemen was the first major disqualification in BBNaija history. He was removed for sexually inappropriate touching of fellow housemate TBoss while she was asleep. The case set the precedent for how seriously Big Brother treats consent violations.

Since Kemen’s disqualification in 2017, Big Brother has maintained a strict code of conduct. Physical violence, sexual misconduct, aggressive behaviour, and repeated disobedience have all led to instant removal.

The English Premier League yesterday confirmed that an independent Commission found Manchester City guilty of all charges relating to serious breaches of its financial rules over a nine-season period, and of the majority of charges over failing to co-operate with its investigation.

The League said the Commission found that between 2009/10 and 2017/18, City arranged ‘sham’ contracts with commercial partners, filed misstated accounts, concealed the true state of its finances from auditors and regulators, and significantly breached both Premier League and UEFA spending limits. Three of four alleged breaches of the duty of co-operation and utmost good faith were upheld.

According to the Commission, City’s sponsors paid only part of the agreed fees, with the balance funded by the club’s owner, Abu Dhabi United Group Investment and Development Ltd (ADUG). Further ADUG-funded arrangements let City record lower operating expenses than it incurred, including a ‘sham’ circular deal with Fordham, an entity that bought the players’ image rights.

The Commission found the schemes were meant to inflate revenues and reduce costs by more than £900 million so City would appear to comply with the rules. It concluded that ‘by its conduct the club clearly intended to circumvent the PL Rules’ and that the club ‘made concerted efforts to stop and frustrate’ the League’s four-year investigation.

Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters said the decision ‘details how the club systematically broke Premier League Rules for nearly a decade’ and ‘vindicates’ the League’s decision to pursue the case.

‘This disciplinary case, and this decision, are the most significant in Premier League history,’ Masters said. ‘Now we have the Commission’s decision, we are committed to moving swiftly through the remainder of the process.’

The sanction will be decided at a separate hearing before the Commission, which will remain private until publication is permitted. City have until Friday, 2 October to appeal.

La Liga president Javier Tebas said City should face the ‘most severe sanction’ available. Speaking at a football performance and health summit in London, he said breaking the rules ‘for more than 10 years, however minor the breaches may have been, is very serious’.

‘There has to be a severe punishment for breaking the rules, not just to set an example, but because the rules were broken,’ Tebas said.

Former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino, now United States coach, said City’s success amounted to ‘a period of deception’.

‘We went through something where sporting fairness didn’t exist,’ Pochettino said. ‘How do you repair everything that was damaged because of that?’ He said he was unsure what fitting sanction could follow: ‘An economic punishment? Docking points? It’s really hard.’

City have strenuously denied the charges, and chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak has said he remains confident the club will be vindicated.

Approximately between 70per cent and 80 per cent of family businesses fail, collapse, or become moribund after the original founder retires, becomes incapacitated, or passes away.

Studies from institutions such as Lagos Business School and PwC indicate that only between 20per cent and 30 per cent successfully survive into the second generation.

But determined to put a stop to this trend, My Family My Business in partnership with PwC Nigeria and BusinessDay, will host the Family Business Summit 2026 from October 15-17, bringing together family business owners, next-generation leaders, wealth advisors, and industry experts to explore what it takes to build family enterprises that outlast their founders.

Worse still, on the second generation, survival drops even further, with only about 10 per cent to 15per cent making it to the third generation-and some estimates showing long-term survival rates dipping below five per cent.

The mortality rate of family-owned businesses in Nigeria is exceptionally high, particularly when transitioning leadership across generations:

This year’s theme: ‘Beyond the Founder: Scaling Family Businesses Across Generations,’ will tackle one of the most pressing challenges facing family-owned businesses across Africa and beyond: the transition from founder-led operations to sustainable, professionally governed enterprises capable of thriving across multiple generations.

The 2026 edition comes at a time when family-owned enterprises continue to play a significant role in Nigeria’s business landscape and the wider African economy. At the 2024 Family Business Summit, a report by knowledge partners for the summit, PwC Nigeria noted that more than 70 per cent of small and medium-sized enterprises in Nigeria are family businesses and that these businesses contribute close to 50 per cent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).

The summit will feature a full conference programme, a Family Business Deal Room, and a NextGen Bootcamp, designed to give attendees both strategic insight and practical tools for succession planning, governance, and growth.

Speakers include: CEO, Chapel Hill Denham, Bolaji Balogun; Country Senior Partner, PwC Nigeria and Regional Senior Partner, West Market, Sam Abu; Author, Building Beyond You; Founder, House of Tara, Tara Fela-Durotoye; Partner and Africa Family Business Leader, PwC Nigeria, Esiri Agbeyi; Founder, SKLD Integrated Services Limited, Temilola Adepetun; President (Europe), China Europe International Business School (CEIBS), Prof. Dominique V. Turpin; along with senior leaders from Adenia Partners, First Bank of Nigeria, Invest Hong Kong, Suntera Global, Coscharis Group, Starzs Investments, Diya Fatimilehin and Co, and other organizations across wealth management, family office advisory, and corporate governance.

Speaking on the 2026 Summit, Oghenevwoke Ighure, Convener, My Family My Business, said: ‘The real test of a family business is not simply whether it survives its founder, but whether it can continue to create value, adapt to a changing world and give the next generation the opportunity to build on what came before them. We are looking at what it takes to have the difficult and necessary conversations around succession, governance, leadership, capital and innovation before they become challenges. We want this Summit to be a space where families do not just talk about legacy, but actively consider what it takes to build businesses that can carry that legacy forward.’

The event is supported by sponsors and partners including Diya Fatimilehin and Co, Suntera Global, Meristem Family Office, FirstBank, Blanche Aigle Communications, Invest HongKong, Radix Capital Partners, CEIBS, Coscharis Group, The Sun, Honeywell Group, Adenia, MCB, Starzs Investments, and Bemil, with PwC serving as Academic Partner and Knowledge Partner, reflecting its continued collaboration with My Family My Business since the initiative’s founding.