The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of four suspects in connection with various criminal activities, including cultism and theft, in Uyo and surrounding communities.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Timfon John, two of the suspects confessed to being members of a notorious cult group known as the Vikings, while the other two were arrested for theft-related offences.
DSP John said the arrests followed credible intelligence received from residents, prompting a discreet operation by officers of the command in Ikot Ambon village, near Uyo, on Sunday, July 14.
“At about 9:20pm, our operatives carried out a strategic raid in Ikot Ambon where two suspected cultists were apprehended,” she stated.
Items reportedly recovered from the scene include a locally made double-barrel gun, two live cartridges, and a wrap of substance suspected to be Indian hemp, among other items. She added that a manhunt has been launched to track other members of the cult group who remain at large.
In a separate operation, the command arrested a suspect from Nsit Ubium Local Government Area on Tuesday, July 15, in connection with the theft of a Mercedes Benz truck with registration number UWN 84 XD. The arrest followed a report from the vehicle’s owner, which led to a targeted investigation and the eventual recovery of the stolen truck.
Also on the same day, police officers responded to a distress call at Itiam Bus Stop along Oron Road in Uyo, leading to the arrest of another suspect for allegedly stealing a split-unit air conditioner.
The police spokesperson confirmed that all arrested suspects are in custody and will be charged to court once investigations are concluded.
DSP John reiterated the command’s commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of residents, urging the public to continue cooperating with law enforcement agencies.
“We are ever ready to respond to any breach of peace. We encourage residents to report any suspicious persons or movements in their surroundings,” she said.
Stay with News Access NG for more updates on security and crime across Nigeria.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State has expressed gratitude to residents for their overwhelming support in the recently concluded local government elections, where the party recorded a sweeping victory.
Speaking during the presentation of Certificates of Return to elected candidates on Wednesday, the Lagos APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, attributed the party’s triumph to its commitment and hard work.
According to the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC), the APC clinched all 57 chairmanship seats and secured 375 out of 376 councillorship positions contested across the state during the Saturday poll.
Ojelabi, while addressing reporters during the event, thanked Lagosians for their trust in the party, pledging that the APC would not take their support for granted.
“We thank the people of Lagos for believing in our party and giving us this victory,” he said. “We worked hard for it and appreciate God for granting us strength and the wide acceptance shown by the people of Lagos State.”
The APC chairman further assured that the newly elected council officials would be held accountable and expected to deliver on their mandates.
“We have put structures in place to monitor their performance, ensuring they contribute meaningfully to the development of their respective councils and the state at large,” he added.
Ojelabi also commended LASIEC for conducting what he described as a smooth and credible electoral exercise. He said the success of the election reflected the will of the people and marked another milestone in the state’s democratic journey.
The event witnessed the official presentation of Certificates of Return to the 57 chairmen-elect and 376 councillors-elect, solidifying the APC’s dominant position in Lagos local politics.
Stay with News Access NG for continued updates on local governance and political developments in Lagos State.
The much-anticipated Season 10 of Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) is set to premiere this July, and the stakes have never been higher. Organisers of the hit reality television show have announced a staggering ₦150 million grand prize for the winner — the largest in the show’s history.
The official announcement was made during a press briefing on Wednesday, where the showrunners revealed that this season will kick off with a two-day launch event, ushering in a fresh wave of entertainment, drama, and competition that has come to define the BBNaija brand since its debut in 2006.
Returning to host the new season is Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, a household name and long-time face of the show. While addressing journalists at the briefing, Ebuka reflected on the show’s remarkable journey over the years.
“We’ve had 197 housemates across nine seasons, over 709 days of airtime, and a total of ₦637 million awarded in prizes,” he said.
Season 9, titled “No Loose Guard,” introduced an unexpected twist to the format, as housemates auditioned in pairs and initially entered the house as duos. As the season progressed, they were eventually unpaired and competed as individuals. This twist added a new layer of strategy and emotional complexity to the show, keeping audiences glued to their screens.
The ninth season was eventually won by Kellyrae, who not only clinched the ₦100 million cash prize but also etched her name in BBNaija history as the first married housemate to win the show.
This year’s edition is already generating buzz for its record-breaking prize money and promises to feature even more electrifying content, unique tasks, and unpredictable twists. While details on the housemates remain under wraps, fans can expect a diverse mix of personalities and storylines that reflect the show’s evolving identity and massive cultural impact.
Big Brother Naija has grown beyond just a reality show; it’s now a cultural phenomenon that shapes conversations across Nigeria and the African continent, launching careers and giving millions of viewers a shared entertainment experience.
As anticipation builds, all eyes are on BBNaija Season 10 — a milestone edition that promises to be bigger, bolder, and more rewarding than ever.
Stay tuned to News Access NG for exclusive updates, profiles of housemates, and behind-the-scenes coverage throughout the season.
Nigeria’s headline inflation rate eased further to 22.22 percent in June 2025, marking a continued slowdown in inflationary pressures across the country, according to the latest data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
The figures, contained in the June 2025 Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Inflation Report and made available on Wednesday in Abuja, indicate a 0.76 percent decrease compared to the 22.97 percent recorded in May 2025.
Despite the annual decline, the report showed that inflation rose slightly on a month-to-month basis. The headline inflation rate for June stood at 1.68 percent, which is 0.15 percentage points higher than the 1.53 percent recorded in May, suggesting a quicker pace of price increases within the month.
“This means that in June 2025, the rate of increase in the average price level was higher than the rate recorded in May,” the NBS noted.
The rise in the inflation index was largely driven by price increases in key categories of consumer goods and services. According to the report, Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages, Restaurants and Accommodation Services, and Transport were the top contributors to the headline inflation rate on a year-on-year basis. On the other hand, the least contributing divisions were Recreation, Sport and Culture, Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco, and Insurance and Financial Services.
Food inflation, a critical indicator for Nigerian households, recorded a significant decline on a year-on-year basis, standing at 21.97 percent in June 2025. This represents a sharp drop of 18.90 percentage points when compared to the 40.87 percent recorded in June 2024. The NBS attributed this decline primarily to the recent rebasing of the Consumer Price Index, which has adjusted the base year for comparison to reflect more recent economic conditions.
However, on a month-to-month basis, food inflation increased to 3.25 percent in June, rising from 2.19 percent in May. The increase was driven by price hikes in several staple food items, including green peas, fresh pepper, dried shrimps, crayfish, fresh meat, tomatoes, plantain flour, and ground pepper.
Nigeria’s inflation rate drops to 22.22% in June — NBS
Core inflation, which excludes the prices of volatile agricultural produce and energy items, rose to 22.76 percent on a year-on-year basis in June. Month-on-month, the core inflation rate increased to 2.46 percent, up from 1.10 percent in May.
The report also provided new insights into the country’s inflation structure, following the introduction of newly rebased sub-indices. According to the NBS, on a month-on-month basis, the inflation rate for farm produce dropped by 13.3 percent, while goods inflation stood at 0.93 percent, down from 22.38 percent and 9.39 percent respectively in May. Meanwhile, inflation for services and energy was recorded at 3.26 percent and -11.0 percent, respectively, compared to 1.79 percent and -0.43 percent in the previous month.
On the regional front, urban inflation was higher than rural inflation. The urban inflation rate was recorded at 22.72 percent year-on-year and 2.11 percent month-on-month, indicating a 0.71 percent increase from the previous month. Rural inflation, by contrast, stood at 20.85 percent year-on-year, with a lower month-on-month figure of 0.63 percent, showing a decline from 1.83 percent in May.
A breakdown by state revealed that Borno State recorded the highest inflation rate in June on a year-on-year basis at 31.63 percent, followed by the Federal Capital Territory at 26.79 percent and Abia at 25.91 percent. The slowest inflation rates were recorded in Zamfara at 9.90 percent, Yobe at 13.51 percent, and Sokoto at 15.78 percent.
Month-on-month, Ekiti recorded the highest inflation rate at 5.39 percent, followed by Delta at 5.15 percent, and Lagos at 5.13 percent. Conversely, the slowest month-on-month inflation was recorded in Zamfara at -6.89 percent, Niger at -5.53 percent, and Plateau at -4.01 percent.
In terms of food inflation, Borno State again topped the chart with 47.40 percent, followed by Ebonyi at 30.62 percent and Bayelsa at 28.64 percent. The states with the lowest food inflation year-on-year were Katsina at 6.21 percent, Adamawa at 10.90 percent, and Sokoto at 15.25 percent.
On a month-on-month basis, food inflation was highest in Enugu at 11.90 percent, Kwara at 9.97 percent, and Rivers at 9.88 percent. The slowest increases were observed in Borno at -7.63 percent, Sokoto at -6.43 percent, and Bayelsa at -6.34 percent.
The NBS noted that the June 2025 CPI rose to 123.4, reflecting a 2-point increase from the previous month. This rise is part of the broader changes introduced through the recent rebasing of the CPI, which updated the base year from 2009 to 2024, with 2023 now serving as the reference year for expenditure patterns.
According to Adeyemi Adeniran, the Statistician-General of the Federation, the rebasing was necessary to ensure that Nigeria’s inflation metrics accurately reflect the country’s current economic realities. He explained that the process involved incorporating emerging sectors, updating household consumption baskets, and refining data collection methodologies.
For more insights and updates on Nigeria’s economy, stay tuned to News Access NG.
Former military Head of State, retired Gen. Ibrahim Babangida (IBB) on Monday mourned former President, Muhammadu Buhari, saying he never once doubted his sincerity or his patriotism .
Babangida in a tribute he wrote, said:”it is a deeply heavy heart that I received the news of the passing of Buhari, who was my friend, brother, course mate, and a fellow soldier in the journey of nationhood.
“Our paths crossed in 1962 when we both joined the Nigerian Military Training College in Kaduna.
“From those early days, Buhari stood out quietly yet resolutely, principled yet humble, deeply patriotic and fiercely loyal to Nigeria.
“Through the years, we shared trenches and trials, dreams and disappointments, victories and moments of reflection.”
“Our bond was forged not only by military training, but by a shared commitment to the ideals of service, discipline, and love for country.”
Beyond the uniform and the public glare, Babangida said he knew Buhari as a deeply spiritual man, a man who found solace in faith, and who carried himself with the humility of someone who believed in a higher calling.
“We may not have agreed on everything — as brothers often don’t — but I never once doubted his sincerity or his patriotism.
“His passing today is not just the loss of a former Head of State, or a two-term civilian President.
“It is the loss of a symbol, a man whose life embodied the transition of Nigeria from the old guard to the new republic.
“A man who, even in retirement, remained a moral compass to many, and an example of modesty in public life,” he said.
Babangida expressed his deepest condolences to Buhari’s wife, Aisha, his children, grandchildren, and “the nation he loved and served.”
“May Allah (SWT), in His infinite mercy, forgive his shortcomings, accept his deeds, and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus.
Chelsea have etched their name into football history after defeating Paris Saint-Germain 3–0 in the final of the first-ever expanded FIFA Club World Cup, capping a remarkable season in which they overcame the reigning UEFA Champions League winners on the grandest global stage.
In front of a packed crowd at MetLife Stadium, Chelsea delivered a dominant first-half performance that stunned the French champions.
Cole Palmer opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, calmly slotting home after a sweeping move.
The 22-year-old midfielder added a second just seven minutes later with a precise finish into the bottom corner.
João Pedro put the contest beyond doubt before halftime, capitalizing on a defensive lapse to make it 3–0.
PSG, who lifted their first Champions League title earlier this year with a commanding 5–0 win over Inter Milan, were outplayed in all departments.
With the win, Chelsea become the first English club to claim the rebranded Club World Cup and the first to defeat the current Champions League holders in the final, an achievement that will resonate across continents and underscore the Premier League’s continued dominance on the global stage.
The Club World Cup, contested by 32 teams, carried a record prize fund, and Chelsea are likely to receive as much as $125 million for their victory tonight..
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed profound sorrow over the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as a patriot, a soldier, and a statesman whose legacy will endure for generations.
Buhari died on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at a hospital in the United Kingdom. He was 82.
In an official statement released by the Presidency, Tinubu said: “It is with profound sorrow and a heavy heart that I received the news of the passing of His Excellency, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (Rtd), GCFR, my predecessor, who departed this life today.”
He praised Buhari’s decades of public service and dedication to Nigeria, noting his tenure as military Head of State from January 1984 to August 1985 and as a democratically elected president between 2015 and 2023.
“President Buhari was to the very core, a patriot, a soldier, a statesman. His legacy of service and sacrifice endures,” Tinubu said. “Duty, honour, and a deep commitment to the unity and progress of our nation defined his life.”
He described Buhari as a leader who stood firm in turbulent times, championed discipline in public service, confronted corruption, and consistently placed the country above personal interest.
President Tinubu extended condolences to Buhari’s widow, Aisha, their children, the entire Buhari family, and the people and government of Katsina State, particularly the Daura Emirate.
“We honour his service. We reflect on his legacy. And we pray for the peaceful repose of his soul,” Tinubu said.
As a mark of respect, Tinubu ordered all national flags to fly at half-staff for seven days starting Sunday. He also announced that the Federal Executive Council will hold an emergency session on Tuesday in Buhari’s honour.
“The Federal Government will accord President Buhari full state honours befitting his towering contributions to our country,” the statement added.
President Tinubu prayed that Allah would forgive Buhari’s shortcomings and grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus, while expressing hope that his life would inspire generations of Nigerians to serve with courage, conviction, and selflessness.
President Bola Tinubu has directed that all national flags be flown at half-staff to honour the late former president, Muhammadu Buhari.
Flying a flag at half-staff is a symbolic gesture of mourning and respect, traditionally observed following the death of prominent national figures or during periods of national sorrow. The lowered flag signifies solemn remembrance and, in some interpretations, leaves space above for an “invisible flag of death.”
In a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Tinubu expressed his condolences to the former first lady, Mrs. Aisha Buhari.
“President Tinubu has spoken with Mrs Aishat Buhari, the former President’s widow, and offered his deep condolences,” the statement read.
The President has also directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to travel to the United Kingdom to accompany Buhari’s remains back to Nigeria for burial.
Buhari, who passed away on Sunday in London, was twice elected as Nigeria’s president, first in 2015 and again in 2019. He previously served as military Head of State between January 1984 and August 1985.
“President Tinubu has ordered flags at half-staff as a mark of respect for the departed leader,” the statement added.
Here are things to know about late former President Muhammadu Buhari
1. Buhari was born to a Muslim family on December 17, 1942. He was 82. 2. He was the twenty-third child of Mallam Hardo Adamu, a Fula chieftain originally from Dumurkul in Mai’Adua, and his mother Zulaihat. 3. He was named after the ninth-century Islamic scholar Muhammad al-Bukhari. 4. Buhari was four years old when his father died, and Waziri Alhassan, the son of Emir Musa dan Nuhu, became guardian to Zulaihat and her children. 5. He attended Qur’anic school, where he helped in rearing cattle. 6. He had his primary education in Daura and Mai’Adua and graduated in 1953. 7. He was admitted into Katsina Middle School (later Katsina Provincial Secondary School), where he completed his secondary education from 1956 to 1961. 8. During his sixth form, he served as the house captain and head boy. 9. In 1960, he received a scholarship from Elder Dempster Lines for a summer visit to the United Kingdom. 10. In 1962, at age 19, Buhari was one of 70 boys selected for recruitment into the Nigerian Military Training College (NMTC). 11. From 1962 to 1963, he trained as an officer cadet at Mons Officer Cadet School in Aldershot, England. 12. In January 1963, at age 20, he was commissioned a second lieutenant, appointed Platoon Commander of the Second Infantry Battalion in Abeokuta, and attended the Platoon Commanders’ Course in Kaduna. 13. From 1965 to 1967, Buhari commanded the Second Infantry Battalion and was appointed brigade major of the Second Sector, First Infantry Division. 14. In the 2003 Presidential Election, Buhari ran under the All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP) and lost to President Olusegun Obasanjo (PDP) by over 11 million votes. 15. In the 2007 Presidential Election, he was again ANPP’s candidate. He received 18% of the vote against Umaru Yar’Adua (PDP). 16. In the 2011 Presidential Election, after founding the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), Buhari ran against Goodluck Jonathan. He came second with over 12 million votes. 17. In the 2015 Presidential Election, Buhari contested as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate. He won the election after Jonathan conceded, and was sworn in on May 29, 2015. 18. In the 2019 Presidential Election, Buhari was re-elected for a second term, inaugurated on May 29, 2019, in Abuja. 19. Buhari frequently traveled to the UK for medical treatment, including a 104-day stay in 2017. 20. In 1971, Buhari married his first wife, Safinatu (née Yusuf). They had five children together, four girls and one boy. 21. In 1988, Buhari and his first wife Safinatu divorced. Safinatu later died in 2006. 22. In December 1989, Buhari married his second and current wife Aisha Buhari (née Halilu). 23. They also had five children together, a boy and four girls: Aisha, Halima, Yusuf, Zahra “Zarah” and Amina.
