Nigerian Newspapers Summary
Good morning! Here is today’s summary from Daily News 24. Stay informed with the top headlines making waves across Nigeria, including the Federal Government’s purchase of new fighter jets, a tragic road accident in Ogun State, and critical updates on PDP leadership and the private jet crackdown.
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1. Nigeria finalizes procurement of 34 fighter jets to boost war against insurgency: The Federal Government is in the process of acquiring 34 fighter jets to strengthen the fight against insurgency. A team led by Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, the Chief of Air Staff, is currently in Italy, finalizing the deal with Leonardo S.p.A. This move is expected to enhance military operations against criminal elements across the country.
2. Ahmed Yayari Mohammed takes charge as PDP’s acting national chairman: Ahmed Yayari Mohammed, the Treasurer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has announced that he has officially assumed the role of acting national chairman. Although he has not yet visited the party’s Abuja secretariat, Mohammed’s appointment was endorsed by a faction of the National Working Committee (NWC), marking a new phase for the party.
3. Sunday Igboho petitions UK Prime Minister for support on Yoruba nation creation: Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Igboho, has submitted a formal petition to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, seeking his support for the creation of an independent Yoruba nation. His spokesperson, Olayomi Koiki, disclosed the development via social media, further advancing Igboho’s campaign for self-determination.
4. Tragic road accident claims three lives in Ogun State: A couple and one other individual have tragically died in a road accident involving a truck, a space wagon, and a motorcycle along the Sagamu-Ogijo road in Ogun State. The police confirmed the incident, which occurred over the weekend, stating that investigations into the cause are ongoing.
5. DSS releases two #EndBadGovernance protesters in Kaduna: The Department of State Services (DSS) has released two #EndBadGovernance protesters who had been detained in Kaduna. This comes as at least 125 protesters, including 38 remanded by a court in Abuja, remain in detention. Activists continue to call for their release as part of ongoing campaigns for justice.
6. Man sets grandmother ablaze in Jigawa State over a family dispute: A 26-year-old man, Nura Mas’ud, has been arrested for setting his grandmother on fire in Jigawa State. The incident, which occurred in Mu’azu village, was reportedly triggered by a family argument, as Mas’ud claimed his grandmother had repeatedly commented on his health, which angered him.
7. Federal Government to ground over 60 private jets over unpaid import duties: The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) is set to ground more than 60 private jets belonging to influential Nigerians over unpaid import duties. The enforcement, expected to begin on October 14, 2024, is aimed at recovering billions of naira in unpaid taxes for the luxury aircraft.
8. Talks underway between IPMAN and Dangote Refinery on petrol pricing: The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) is scheduled to hold discussions with Dangote Petroleum Refinery to finalize the pricing and distribution of petrol from the plant. The outcome of the negotiations, expected between Tuesday and Wednesday, will determine the cost of petrol for marketers.
9. Thailand returnee arrested for smuggling heroin worth N3.2bn at Lagos airport: Simon Peter Oguejiofor, a Nigerian who recently returned from Thailand, has been arrested at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport for attempting to smuggle 13.3 kilograms of heroin. The drugs, valued at over N3.192 billion, were concealed in backpacks and suitcases. He is currently in NDLEA custody awaiting further action.
10. Governor Obaseki calls for transition panel meeting with Edo governor-elect: Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki has called on governor-elect Senator Monday Okpebholo to set up a transition panel for a smooth handover of power. Obaseki suggested that the panels should hold their first meeting on October 14, 2024, ahead of the November 12 handover.