The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has directed strengthened flight safety oversight across the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), reaffirming the Service’s commitment to personnel safety, professional standards and institutional accountability following the tragic accident involving NAF ATR 42-500 aircraft NAF 931 on 5 October 2026.

The directive was issued during a meeting with Branch Chiefs, Air Officers Commanding (AOCs), Principal Staff Officers and other senior commanders on 14 October 2026, where the CAS emphasised the need for sustained vigilance, strict adherence to established procedures and continuous improvement in safety management.

Expressing profound sorrow over the loss of personnel, Air Marshal Aneke acknowledged the grief of the bereaved families and the entire NAF community. He stressed that operational effectiveness must be underpinned by sound judgement, professional discipline and the highest standards of flight safety. Accordingly, he directed commanders to maintain rigorous oversight of aircraft airworthiness, maintenance quality assurance, operational procedures and aircrew competence. He also emphasised proactive safety monitoring, prompt reporting of potential hazards and effective implementation of safety measures, noting that flight safety remains a shared command responsibility. The CAS further highlighted that a substantial amount of resources has already been invested in personnel training, aircraft spares and maintenance resources to support airworthiness and operational readiness.

Meanwhile, search and recovery operations at the accident site in Igbokoda, Ondo State, continue with the involvement of specialist personnel and equipment from relevant agencies. The Head of the Recovery and Investigation Team, Air Vice Marshal EOE Ebiowe, disclosed that the operation has involved extensive mud excavation and water pumping to facilitate access to relevant areas. Satellite-based search and rescue imagery, the Nigerian Navy’s hydrographic survey team and divers, as well as divers from the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), have supported the effort. Additional aircraft components have been recovered, documented and preserved for investigative purposes.

The constituted investigation board has commenced work to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident through a systematic examination of available evidence, technical information and relevant records. The CAS has directed all relevant units and branches to preserve evidence, provide necessary records and cooperate fully with the investigation. The NAF urges the public to avoid speculation, as the cause of the accident will be established through the investigative process. The Service remains committed to supporting affected families and implementing appropriate safety recommendations arising from the investigation’s findings, with the protection of personnel and the integrity of future air operations as overriding priorities.

Ehimen Ejodame

Air Commodore

Director of Public Relations and Information

Headquarters Nigerian Air Force

14 October 2026

Ghana’s Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Sam George, disclosed this in a post on X on Tuesday, thanking the Ghana Air Force and the Ministry of Defence for facilitating their return to Nigeria.

The operation, codenamed Operation Cyber hunt, was led by Ghana’s Cyber Security Authority in collaboration with intelligence and security agencies in Ghana, Nigeria, the United Kingdom and the United States.

George said the operation led to the rescue of the 120 Nigerians, who were allegedly trafficked to Ghana and compelled to participate in cybercrime activities.

He wrote, “My sincere gratitude goes to the #ghana_airforce and the #modghana for facilitating the repatriation of 120 Nigerian nationals who were arrested during #OperationCyberhunt.

“This sting operation, led by the #CSAGhana in conjunction with other intelligence and security agencies locally and in the UK, Nigeria and the US, led to the rescue of the 120 persons who had been trafficked to Ghana and forced to work in these cybercrime setups.”

During the operation, security operatives seized 136 mobile phones, 130 laptops, internet connectivity devices and four vehicles, one of which was reportedly stolen from Canada.

Other items recovered included digital equipment, valuable jewellery and 10 Nigerian passports.

George added that eight other individuals were being processed for prosecution as investigations continued.

He said Ghana, under President John Dramani Mahama, would not allow the country to become a safe haven for cybercriminals.

“The team is processing 8 other persons for prosecution, and Ghana under President #JDMahama will remain an unfavorable destination for cyber criminals,” he said.

punch

The decision follows an investigative report by Premium Times questioning Kila’s academic qualifications.

In a statement, ARISE News said it contacted Kila on October 3, 2026, to seek his response to the allegations, but he requested more time to respond.

According to the network, Kila had yet to respond 10 days after being contacted, while the allegations had continued to grow.

“In the circumstances, we find that his contributions to The ARISE News Channel is no longer tenable,” the statement said.

The network said it was unaware of the allegations when Kila appeared on its platform as a freelance political analyst.

“ARISE News was unaware of these allegations at the time Anthony Kila appeared on our platform as we take matters of credibility and integrity extremely seriously,” it added.

The broadcaster said it had taken note of the findings of the Premium Times investigation and that Kila would no longer appear on its platforms, effective immediately.

“We have noted the findings of the Premium Times investigation and Mr Kila will not be appearing on our networks at anytime now or in future effective immediately,” the statement said.

The Technology Beyond Disability Initiative disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday, saying the team, known as the STRIM Girls, presented their innovation, Saving Pad, after competing against thousands of teams from more than 160 countries.

The team comprises Adegbile Teniola Vivian, Sulaiman Maryam Adenike Isah, Moses Joy, Ukpapi Theresa Uzepi and Yusuf Ruth. The girls were mentored by the initiative.

They developed Saving Pad to help students locate nearby sanitary pad banks, request menstrual products and access menstrual health education, particularly addressing challenges faced by deaf girls and students with disabilities.

Explaining the motivation behind the innovation, the girls said, “Because when a girl’s period starts, the question should never be: ‘What am I going to do?’ It should be: ‘I know where to go.’”

The application features an interactive map for locating pad banks, a request system, period tracking and menstrual health education. It also enables coordinators to monitor supplies and receive alerts when stocks run low.

In partnership with the Deaf Women Aloud Initiative, the team has launched a pilot programme across three special schools in Abuja, with plans to expand to primary healthcare centres and vulnerable communities nationwide.

The platform is also designed to help non-governmental organisations and donor agencies track product distribution, monitor demand and coordinate the restocking of sanitary pad banks.

At the global summit, the girls demonstrated how accessible technology and community-based support could help address menstrual health challenges while advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals on good health and well-being, quality education, and partnerships.

On their return to Nigeria, the girls were welcomed at the airport by the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development, Dr Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, alongside members of her management team.

The command’s Police Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday to commemorate World Mental Health Day, observed annually on October 10.

According to the statement, the lecture was organised to sensitise officers to “the importance of mental health in policing, considering the demanding nature of police duties, including exposure to stressful situations, security challenges, emergency responses, and other occupational pressures.”

Speaking at the programme, the Head of the Police Hospital, Osun State Police Command, Assistant Commissioner of Police (Dr) Iyiola Ogundimite, said the initiative was designed to encourage officers to prioritise their mental well-being and seek appropriate support when necessary.

She noted that good mental health was essential for sound judgment, professionalism, effective decision-making and respectful engagement with members of the public.

The guest lecturer, psychiatrist Dr T. Ayantola of the Federal Psychiatric Hospital, Abeokuta, Ogun State, highlighted the importance of stress management, adequate rest, healthy relationships, peer support and the early identification of psychological distress.

Officers were also encouraged to support one another, avoid stigmatising colleagues experiencing mental health challenges and seek assistance from qualified professionals when necessary.

The Commissioner of Police in Osun State, CP Ibrahim Zungura, stressed that mental health was an integral part of police welfare.

He said officers who were mentally and emotionally healthy were better positioned to discharge their constitutional responsibilities effectively while upholding the fundamental human rights of citizens.

Zungura urged officers to embrace healthy coping strategies and maintain a proper work-life balance.

The command reaffirmed its commitment to promoting the physical, psychological and emotional well-being of its personnel to improve service delivery and enhance public safety.

The much respected cleric who served as the Aso Villa Chapel under the Praesidency of Chief Dr Olusegun Obasanjo and Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan will be accorded to a night of Tributes and honour at the National Christian Centre, Abuja built when he was Aso Villa Chaplin by the Federal Government on 2nd October 2026 at 4pm.

Deputy General Overseer of the All Christian Fellowship Mission, Rev Godwin Tsee who announced the burial programme on behalf of the Okoye Family and the Christian Fellowship Mission said a Service of Songs will be held at the Church premises in Maiyama today 30th September at 4pm.

Rev. Dr. William Okoye who was a former Christian Association of Nigeria CAN Chairman and also chairman Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria at the FCT for eight years died at the National Hospital Abuja on Wednesday 15th July 2026 after a brief illness at 74.

Unfortunately Rev Okoye’s thirst to obtain post primary education in Nigeria at St. Peters’ College, Achina in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State was stopped in 1967 when the Nigerian civil war broke out in 1967. He had acquired his primary school certificate from St. Mary’s Practicing School, Nwagu in Anaocha Local Government Area of same Anambra State.

He however went to America where he studied Theology at the Morris Cerullo World Evangelism School of Ministry Sandiego, California USA in 1981.

The late cleric that touched many lives in Nigeria’s Christendom is survived by his wife, six children and nine grandchildren including Mr. Victor Okoye a Journalist with the News Agency of Nigeria NAN.

Eniola Olatunji

Otti stated this during an interview with Arise Television on Friday, where he discussed the economic impact of subsidy removal and his position on the policy.

The governor said he had consistently opposed subsidising fuel consumption, stressing that government resources should instead be channelled towards supporting production.

“I don’t have a problem supporting production, but consumption should not be subsidised,” Otti said.

He recalled that he had advocated for the removal of fuel subsidy during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, when global demand for crude oil had dropped significantly.

According to him, the prevailing conditions in the global oil market at the time provided Nigeria with an opportunity to end the subsidy regime.

Otti also argued that subsidising fuel consumption encouraged excessive use because consumers did not bear the full cost of the product.

He said the approach could encourage motorists to use more vehicles and consume more fuel because part of the cost was being covered by government.

“You know, as election approaches, people will be making all sorts of arguments, but removing the subsidy was the right thing to be done,” he said.

The governor added, “And I don’t think anybody who is praying that subsidy returns means well for the country.”

Otti further described the former subsidy arrangement as vulnerable to abuse, referring to it as a “scam.”

He explained that when fuel was subsidised, consumers had less incentive to reduce their consumption.

“So if you are being subsidised, you can just blast all vehicles, maybe 20 vehicles, you put all of them on the road because somebody is paying for it,” he said.

The governor acknowledged that removing the subsidy had initially increased the financial burden on Nigerians, but maintained that the policy was necessary despite the hardship it caused.

“There will be the pain initially,” he said.

President Bola Tinubu announced the removal of the petrol subsidy on May 29, 2023, shortly after assuming office, ending the system through which the government absorbed part of the cost of petrol to keep pump prices lower.

The policy resulted in a significant increase in petrol prices and contributed to higher transportation and living costs across the country.

The Federal Government has since introduced various measures aimed at reducing the impact of the reforms on households and businesses.

However, calls for the return of fuel subsidy have remained part of the national economic debate, particularly as Nigerians continue to contend with higher fuel, transportation and other living costs.

The council also demanded the immediate payment of a fresh Wage Award and an upward review of salaries and allowances for public servants at the federal, state and local government levels.

The demands were contained in a letter to President Tinubu signed by the National Secretary of the JNPSNC, Comrade Olowoyo Gbenga.

The workers said the recent increase in petrol prices, which they said had reached N1,430 per litre or more in some areas, had further increased the financial pressure on workers and other Nigerians.

According to the council, successive increases in fuel prices since the removal of petrol subsidy had contributed to higher transportation costs and triggered increases in the prices of food, housing, healthcare, education and other essential services.

The JNPSNC therefore called on the Federal Government to establish a “fuel intervention fund” to help stabilise petrol prices and make the commodity more affordable.

It said the government should not be discouraged by the use of the word subsidy if such an intervention could reduce the hardship being experienced by citizens.

“The Federal Government should provide intervention that will trickle down to all Nigerians by making fuel available with affordable amount as low as N500,” the council stated.

The workers argued that stabilising petrol prices would have a wider impact on the economy because of the role of fuel in transportation, food distribution, production and other economic activities.

The council also supported the Nigeria Labour Congress’ proposals for protecting Nigerians from fluctuations in the international oil market.

It backed the call for the Federal Government to supply sufficient crude oil in naira to local refineries and increase the country’s petroleum storage capacity.

The council said such measures could support local production, create employment opportunities and contribute to addressing economic and security challenges.

Wage award, salary review

The JNPSNC also urged President Tinubu to approve an immediate Wage Award and review the salaries and allowances of public servants.

It said the rising cost of living had reduced the purchasing power of workers and affected their ability to meet basic financial responsibilities.

“Many workers are now struggling to meet basic financial obligations, which has inevitably affected the morale, motivation, and overall productivity within the Public Service,” the council said.

It consequently called on the President to direct the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission to begin discussions with the NLC, Trade Union Congress, JNPSNC and other relevant stakeholders on the proposed Wage Award and salary review.

According to the council, the Wage Award should be implemented immediately as a temporary measure pending a substantive review of the National Minimum Wage.

Workers propose N500,000 minimum salary

The civil servants also called for the immediate constitution of a committee to begin negotiations for the 2027 National Minimum Wage.

They proposed N500,000 as the minimum monthly salary for an officer on Grade Level 01 Step 1, saying the figure would better reflect current economic conditions.

The council urged the government to begin negotiations early enough for the new wage to take effect from January 2027.

It also called for harmonised wages across Ministries, Departments and Agencies, while urging state and local governments to adopt similar measures.

The workers further proposed regular cost-of-living adjustments to salaries and allowances, arguing that wages should be reviewed periodically in line with inflation to prevent workers’ purchasing power from declining between wage-review cycles.

They also called for subsidised transportation and affordable housing schemes for public servants.

Workers reject food palliatives

The JNPSNC criticised the reliance on food palliatives as the main response to the economic hardship, describing such interventions as temporary and insufficient.

It argued that the government should instead implement measures capable of reducing transportation and production costs and improving the purchasing power of workers and other citizens.

The council said improving workers’ welfare was necessary not only to address economic hardship but also to maintain industrial harmony and improve public service delivery.

It stated that an upward review of public servants’ salaries and allowances was necessary to sustain the workforce and improve productivity.

Workers set September 30 deadline

The JNPSNC urged President Tinubu to respond to its demands on or before September 30, 2026, warning that urgent action was needed to ease the growing tension among workers.

The council also expressed hope that the President would address some of its concerns in his Independence Day broadcast.

It maintained that public servants remained essential to the functioning of government and national development, and called for their welfare to receive greater attention amid the prevailing economic challenges.

Badejo-Okusanya, the only female among the three presidential contenders, secured 12,317 votes in the electronic poll, which lasted 24 hours from 7:35 a.m. on Saturday to 7:34 a.m. on Sunday.

Her closest challenger, Lateef Omoyemi Akangbe (SAN), polled 7,934 votes (30.39 per cent), while Olumuyiwa Akinboro (SAN) finished third with 5,855 votes (22.43 per cent).

Reacting to her victory in a statement after the announcement of the results, the president-elect described her emergence as a collective achievement for members of the Bar who believed in her vision of “A BBOLD Bar That Works for Everyone.”

She thanked lawyers across the country for their confidence and support throughout the election.

“This victory belongs to all of us who believe in A BBOLD BAR THAT WORKS FOR EVERYONE. Thank you to every member who supported this vision, to my fellow contestants for enriching our democratic process, and to every colleague who participated in this election,” she said.

Badejo-Okusanya also expressed appreciation to members of her campaign council, volunteers, coordinators, supporters, friends and colleagues, saying their commitment and sacrifices contributed significantly to her success.

She further acknowledged the support of her husband, family, mentors and everyone who stood by her with prayers and encouragement during the campaign.

The newly elected NBA president said the conclusion of the election marked the beginning of the responsibility to serve the legal profession, pledging to lead with integrity, humility, courage and accountability.

“The campaign is over. The work begins now. I pledge to serve every member of the Nigerian Bar Association with integrity, humility, courage and accountability,” she said.

She promised that her administration would prioritise the welfare and professional development of lawyers across Nigeria.

“Together, we will build an NBA where lawyers can earn better, live better and practise better,” she added.

Badejo-Okusanya was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2002 after obtaining a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree from the University of Lagos. Before studying law, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the same institution.

She began her legal career at Olaniwun Ajayi LP, where she established herself in commercial litigation and dispute resolution before being elevated to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) on September 29, 2025.

In 2007, she was appointed Senior Special Assistant on Justice Sector Reform to the then Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, serving in the office of the then Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Olasupo Shasore, where she contributed to key justice sector reforms.

A respected arbitration and commercial law practitioner, Badejo-Okusanya belongs to several local and international professional bodies, including the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA), International Council for Commercial Arbitration (ICCA), African Arbitration Association, ArbitralWomen, International Bar Association (IBA), Commonwealth Lawyers Association (CLA), International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) and the African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA). She also serves on the Board of the Lagos Court of Arbitration (LCA).

Within the NBA, she has served in several leadership positions, including Assistant Secretary of the NBA Lagos Branch, delegate to the 2006 NBA elections, member of various committees, Alternate Chair of the 2023 NBA Annual General Conference Planning Committee, and Chair of the 2024 NBA Annual General Conference Planning Committee.

Kekere-Ekun gave the advice during the opening ceremony of an induction course for newly appointed judges in Abuja.

Represented by the Administrator of the National Judicial Institute (NJI), Justice Babatunde Adejumo, the CJN also urged the judges to ensure speedy and impartial dispensation of justice, stressing that timely hearing of cases was essential to maintaining public trust in the judicial system.

She further advised the judges to maintain cordial working relationships with court officials, particularly registrars and exhibit keepers, while encouraging them to be familiar with court procedures to prevent lawyers from taking advantage of them.

“You must work harmoniously with all the officials under you and ensure that you manage them diplomatically and technically.

“You must also read the rules of court so that lawyers will not take you for a ride. Read everything that comes before you,” she said.

The CJN warned the judges against accepting unsolicited gifts and organising elaborate birthday celebrations, noting that such occasions could create opportunities for people to offer gifts capable of attracting allegations of misconduct.

“Most importantly, do not allow unsolicited gifts. You must equally avoid throwing unnecessary birthday parties. People will seize the opportunity to bring unsolicited gifts that can lead to petitions,” she cautioned.

She also urged the new judges to exercise restraint in the use of their contempt powers, warning that excessive reliance on such powers could have unintended consequences.

“I will also enjoin you not to use your power of contempt too much. It should be used sparingly; otherwise, it may backfire,” she added.

In his welcome address, the NJI Administrator, Justice Babatunde Adejumo, congratulated the newly appointed judges on their appointments, describing their role as critical to the effective administration of justice and the protection of constitutional democracy.

He noted that lower courts serve as the foundation of the country’s judicial system by handling the majority of cases affecting ordinary Nigerians and easing the workload of superior courts.

According to him, the induction programme was designed to strengthen the judges’ understanding of judicial ethics, courtroom management, substantive and procedural law, and the values expected of members of the Bench.

Adejumo urged the judges to discharge their responsibilities with integrity, professionalism and dedication, reminding them that they had been entrusted with the sacred responsibility of upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice for all.