News September 13, 2026 Osun: Adeleke’s political associate, ‘Emir Ajagungbade’, reportedly killed in Ile-Ife

Comrade Olalekan Oyeyemi, popularly known as Emir Ajagungbade, has reportedly been killed in a shooting incident at Mayfair Garage in Ile-Ife, Osun State.

Oyeyemi, who was identified as an associate of Governor Ademola Adeleke and a member of the Accord Party, was said to have been shot amid a reported dispute over the control of the motor park.

Details of the incident were still sketchy as of the time of filing this report, including what triggered the confrontation and the identity of the person or persons responsible for the shooting.

Oyeyemi had been active in transport and motor park management activities in Osun State. He was also reportedly a member of the transition committee constituted before Adeleke assumed office as governor.

The deceased had previously been described in reports as a political associate of Adeleke and was also linked to former Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola.

His political and transport activities were, however, accompanied by previous legal controversies.

The Osun State Police Command reportedly declared Oyeyemi wanted on July 2, 2022, over allegations bordering on cultism and armed robbery.

He was later arrested by the police anti-kidnapping unit and arraigned before the Federal High Court in Osogbo in 2024 on charges that reportedly included terrorism, conspiracy and unlawful killing.

The court granted him bail in April 2024.

Despite the legal proceedings, Oyeyemi continued to feature prominently in political and transport-related activities in the state.

His reported death has occurred against the backdrop of longstanding disputes over the management and control of motor parks and transport unions in some parts of Osun State.

As of the time of filing, the circumstances surrounding the shooting could not be independently verified.

News September 13, 2026 Subsidy has come to stay, says Presidency

The Presidency has rejected former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar’s proposal to restore petrol subsidy, arguing that reversing the policy would undermine ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s petroleum sector and create fresh fiscal and legal challenges.

The government also warned that a return to subsidy could discourage investments in domestic refining, including the Dangote Refinery and other modular refineries operating in the country.

Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed the position in a series of posts while reacting to Atiku’s pledge to reinstate petrol subsidy if elected president in 2027.

Onanuga described the proposal as retrogressive and fiscally unsustainable, saying it was driven by “desperation to win the presidency”.

He maintained that Nigeria’s petroleum industry had undergone fundamental changes since President Tinubu announced the removal of petrol subsidy.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, said the subsidy removal had freed N15.8 trillion for the federation between June 2023 and December 2025.

Oyedele said the Federal Government received N5.4 trillion from the resources, while N10.4 trillion was distributed among state and local governments.

President Tinubu had also criticised Atiku’s position, describing the former vice-president as lacking sufficient understanding of governance and economic management.

The President spoke recently at the State House while receiving Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke.

According to Tinubu, Atiku’s proposal to return to petrol subsidy reflected his level of ignorance about governance and the economy.

Atiku, who is contesting the 2027 presidential election under the African Democratic Congress, has made the restoration of petrol subsidy a major component of his campaign.

The former vice-president, who supported subsidy removal during the 2023 election campaign, has since argued that Nigerians have yet to enjoy tangible benefits from the policy.

He has also contended that the savings from subsidy removal have not sufficiently translated into improved living conditions or affordable food for Nigerians.

On the oil and gas sector, Atiku proposed a new intervention focused on domestic refining, with government support capped, budgeted and linked to measurable production and consumer benefits.

He said crude allocated under his proposal would be monitored and accounted for to ensure Nigerians derived tangible benefits from the intervention.

Atiku further argued that his proposal was not intended to revive the opaque subsidy system of the past, but rather establish a controlled mechanism to support Nigerian refineries and ensure cheaper crude feedstock benefits consumers.

However, financial expert and President of the Capital Market Academics of Nigeria, Prof. Uche Uwaleke, said the debate should not be limited to the immediate prospect of cheaper petrol.

He argued that the priority should be finding the most economically sustainable means of deploying scarce public resources to improve citizens’ welfare over the long term.

Uwaleke said the former subsidy regime had placed a huge burden on public finances and created opportunities for arbitrage, smuggling, rent-seeking and other abuses.

“The success of subsidy removal should not be measured simply by whether government stopped paying the subsidy.

“It should be measured by whether it succeeded in converting that difficult sacrifice into a more productive economy, stronger public services, increased domestic production and a better quality of life for the ordinary Nigerian,” he said.

Similarly, global financial analyst and development economist, Prof. Ken Ife, criticised calls for a return to blanket petrol subsidies as a means of reducing pump prices.

Ife said Nigeria could not resolve its longstanding fuel and economic problems through artificially reducing prices at the point of sale.

He argued that returning to the former consumption-based subsidy arrangement would revive the distortions, inefficiencies and fiscal leakages associated with the system.

“In broad macroeconomic terms, and even in development economies, you do not subsidise consumption. What you subsidise is production.

“You cannot borrow money to pay for subsidy. That is unlawful when you consider Fiscal Responsibility Act. It does not recognise that as a legitimate expenditure or as a legitimate borrowing,” he said.

A civil servant, Ibrahim Abbas, however, said Nigerians had expected subsidy removal to provide the Federal Government with additional resources to speed up infrastructure development and stimulate economic growth.

“The only thing we civil servants have experienced since subsidy was removed is economic hardship and a huge depletion of the purchasing power of the Naira.

“The implementation of the new minimum wage is still shrouded in confusion, and all these make Atiku’s proposal attractive to ordinary Nigerians ” he said.

A retired civil servant, Mr Sule Aliu, also said the economic situation had been particularly difficult for retirees since the subsidy was removed in 2023.

President Tinubu announced the removal of petrol subsidy on May 29, 2023, shortly after taking the oath of office.

The policy triggered a sharp increase in petrol prices, with pump prices rising from below N200 per litre to more than N1,000 in subsequent periods, while transportation, food and other living costs also increased.

The controversy over the policy has remained a major economic and political issue ahead of the 2027 general elections.

(DAILY TRUST)

News September 13, 2026 Petrol price jumps to N1,430 in Abuja

Petrol prices have continued to climb across the Federal Capital Territory, with some filling stations in Abuja now selling Premium Motor Spirit at as much as N1,430 per litre.

The latest increase followed an N85 adjustment in the gantry price of Dangote Petroleum Refinery, which rose from N1,265 to N1,350 per litre as international crude oil prices surged amid the worsening crisis around the Strait of Hormuz.

The adjustment represents a 6.7 per cent increase and puts the refinery’s wholesale price above the current petrol landing cost of N1,311 per litre.

Brent crude, Nigeria’s benchmark, was trading at about $107.92 per barrel before rising to $108.21 per barrel.

The development has heightened pressure on downstream operators and prompted further pump price increases across the FCT, raising concerns about additional transportation costs and pressure on household finances.

Checks on Sunday showed that several filling stations had already adjusted their prices upwards.

MRS outlets, which previously sold petrol at N1,350 per litre, increased the price to N1,395, while NIPCO outlets raised theirs to N1,430 per litre. Mobil stations also increased their pump price from N1,350 to N1,400 per litre.

A petrol attendant at an MRS filling station, who requested anonymity, said another increase could take effect from Monday.

“We are currently selling our old stock at N1,395 per litre, but from tomorrow, once the new stock arrives, the price will be higher,” she said.

An economist and development expert, Dr Aliyu Ilias, warned that the latest increase could fuel inflation and worsen economic difficulties for Nigerians.

Ilias said higher petrol prices would likely push up transportation and production expenses, particularly for food and other essential goods.

“I think there should be a way of absorbing these costs. If you do not absorb them, they will show up in our next inflation figures and economic analysis.

“The more prices increase, the more the cost of producing goods, especially food, will rise because everything is affected by transportation costs.

“This kind of change is not good for the economy at all, and people are going to face more hardship as a result,” he said.

Former Secretary-General of the Organisation of African Trade Union Unity, Mr Owei Lakemfa, called for measures to protect Nigerian consumers from the effects of fluctuations in international oil prices.

Lakemfa said Nigeria needed stronger economic planning and regulation to cushion citizens from sudden increases in petroleum prices.

According to him, a country that produces crude oil and has a large population should have mechanisms to protect its people from external shocks affecting petroleum prices.

“The ongoing geopolitical tensions involving major oil-producing and consuming countries, as well as attacks in the Middle East, are factors that can affect global oil prices and should not come as a surprise to policymakers.

“We have known that the conflict between the U.S. and Iran will affect the shipping of oil products. We know that.

“In basic economics, when you are close to the source of your products, you have advantages. If we produce oil in Nigeria, refining in Nigeria can not be the same as importing fuel. It can not be,” he said.

He noted that importing refined petroleum products involved additional expenses, including labour, insurance and shipping costs, among other charges incurred in the exporting country.

Lakemfa urged the government to improve planning and regulation so that domestic petrol prices would not automatically rise in response to every geopolitical crisis outside Nigeria.

“It can not just be that any time Iran attacks the U.S. or there is another conflict, the price goes up. We have to plan. And that is the only sense of governance,” he said.

He also raised concerns about the structure of Nigeria’s downstream petroleum market, which he said contained elements of oligopoly and monopoly capable of giving major players considerable influence over prices.

According to him, regulators must ensure that no individual or group is allowed to exercise excessive control over the price of petrol, a critical commodity.

“You can not allow any individual or group to dictate to the country. That is why you have regulatory agencies. The government is there to protect the state and the people,” he said.

Lakemfa further urged the Federal Government and consumer protection agencies to intensify efforts against arbitrary price increases.

He maintained that fluctuations in international crude prices should not automatically result in corresponding increases in domestic petrol prices, stressing the need for effective regulation and advance planning.

Meanwhile, the National Publicity Secretary of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, Chinedu Ukadike, said marketers had adjusted their pump prices following successive changes in the Dangote refinery’s pricing.

Ukadike said the frequent price reviews had created uncertainty for marketers and consumers because the cost of replacing petroleum products could change rapidly.

News September 13, 2026 Cross River commissioner dies in Abuja hospital

The Cross River State Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy, Prince Eka Williams Abang, has died at a hospital in Abuja.

Williams reportedly died on Saturday, September 12, 2026, while receiving medical treatment in the Federal Capital Territory.

His death was announced on Sunday by his brother, Nkang William, who described the development as sudden and difficult for the family to comprehend.

Nkang said the deceased, who had recently been with members of his family, left behind a painful void that would be difficult to fill.

The statement read, “I am struggling to believe that I am writing these words about you, my beloved brother, Dr. Eka Williams Abang. How can someone who was here with us suddenly become a memory? How can a familiar voice, a loving presence, and a precious life suddenly be silenced? My heart is broken, and my mind keeps searching for an explanation that can make this painful reality disappear.

“Brother, you were more than a brother to me. You were family, a companion on this journey of life, and someone whose presence carried meaning. There are memories that death cannot erase, conversations that time cannot destroy, and moments together that will remain permanently engraved upon our hearts. Your departure has left a space that words cannot adequately describe.”

According to the family, despite the grief caused by his death, it would continue to honour Williams’ life, including the people he impacted, the knowledge he shared and the relationships he built during his lifetime.

The news has also elicited reactions from friends, political associates and colleagues, many of whom expressed shock over his sudden passing.

A former councillor representing Abo Ward in Boki Local Government Area, Pius Kejuo Osang, said he was particularly stunned by the development, noting that he had been with the commissioner only days before his death.

“I don’t understand, I was with him on Tuesday, I slept in his hotel,” Osang said.

Also mourning the commissioner, Michael Gabriel Jr., Executive Media Assistant to Senator John Owan-Enoh, the Minister of State for Industry, described Williams as “a dedicated public servant and a good man.”

“Ikom LGA has lost a dedicated public servant and a good man. Prince Eka William’s life of service, humility and impact would remain in the hearts of those he touched,” he said.

Gabriel prayed for God to give the deceased’s family, colleagues and loved ones the strength to cope with the loss and grant him eternal rest.

News September 13, 2026 Bamanga Tukur buried in Adamawa

Former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Bamanga Tukur, was on Sunday buried in his hometown of Yola, Adamawa State, following a funeral conducted in accordance with Islamic rites.

The funeral prayer was led by the Chief Imam of Modibbo Adama Central Mosque, Yola, Ahmadu Bobboi, at about 10:50am.

Tukur’s remains were subsequently taken to the family residence in Fadde-Sanda, along Abuja Road, Yola, where he was buried at about 11:30am.

The former PDP national chairman died in Abuja on Saturday at the age of 91.

President Bola Tinubu had on Saturday expressed sadness over Tukur’s death, describing him as an influential personality who made significant contributions to Nigeria’s political and economic development.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu described Tukur as a “towering figure” whose career spanned public administration, governance, industry, politics and pan-African business leadership.

Tukur served as governor of the old Gongola State and later held the position of Minister of Industries. He also became national chairman of the PDP.

He is survived by two wives and 18 children, including the Secretary to the Adamawa State Government, Awwal Tukur.

The funeral was attended by prominent Nigerians and dignitaries, including business mogul Aliko Dangote, Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, Senator Iya Abbas, who represents Adamawa Central, and former Governor Jibrilla Bindow.

Traditional rulers and other dignitaries from Adamawa State and beyond also attended the funeral.

Events News September 13, 2026 First Baptist Gwagwalada promotes 19 Girls’ Auxiliary members as GA director tasks them on Godly living

Nineteen members of the Girls’ Auxiliary (GA) of First Baptist Church, Gwagwalada, Abuja, have been promoted to their respective next steps.

Those promoted to Step One are Adesina Elizabeth, Aremu Daniella and Matthew Miracle, while Onifade Tabitha and Ayoola Wuraola were promoted to Step Two.

Others are Simon Ayomikun, Oladeji Oyin, Komolafe Favour, Oyelami Gloria, Akinpelu Esther and Ogundapo Jemima, who moved to Step Three.

Okangbe Sarah and Areo Deborah were promoted to Step Four, while Oyelami Abigael, James Funmilola and James Funmilayo advanced to Step Five.

Step Six candidates are Ajao Damola and Simon Bola, while Emmanuel Busayo is the only member promoted to Step Seven.

Speaking during the coronation service held on Sunday at the church in Gwagwalada, the Director of Girls’ Auxiliary (GA) of the Amazon Grace Baptist Association (AGBA), Mrs Ruth Oladoja, admonished the newly promoted GAs to always live Godly lives worthy of emulation wherever they found themselves.

While stressing the need for them to give priority to their quiet time and morning devotion, Mrs Ruth Oladoja advised them to remain committed to their educational pursuits towards becoming productive and responsible children of God in society and Nigeria at large.

In her congratulatory message to the newly promoted GAs, a former Director of the Social Ministries Department, FCT Baptist Conference, Dr Mrs Naomi Adelabu, urged them to always put into practice what they had learnt during their pre-promotion exercises to enable them to continue to be good ambassadors of the church and their families.

Dr Mrs Naomi Adelabu also enjoined them to shun immoral behaviours and desist from acts detrimental to the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Some of the newly promoted GAs, Wuraola Ayoola, Abigael Oyelami and Busayo Emmanuel, expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity to move to the next step in the course of their service to God and humanity.

They prayed to God to grant them the grace to succeed in the discharge of their duties as Christians and in their chosen careers in life.

Highlights of the coronation service included the decoration of the newly promoted GAs, presentation of awards and gifts, thanksgiving and special prayers for them, as well as the ushering of Busayo Emmanuel into Lydia after the successful completion of her seven steps as a GA member.

News September 13, 2026 Two women rape driver after abduction in South Africa

South African police have arrested five people, including two women, in connection with the alleged kidnapping and sexual assault of a 25-year-old e-hailing driver in Cape Town.

The South African Police Service disclosed the development in a statement published on its X handle on Sunday.

“Steenberg police rescued a 25-year-old e-hailing driver after he was raped and held at ransom by two female suspects and three males yesterday,” the statement said.

According to the police, the victim’s brother contacted authorities after the suspects allegedly reached out to him and demanded R4,000 in exchange for the driver’s freedom.

“They located the victim through his vehicle tracker and found him at Southampton Road in Heathfield,” the statement added.

The police said the driver had encountered one of the female suspects during an e-hailing trip the previous week, after which they exchanged telephone numbers and maintained communication.

“They exchanged numbers and communicated throughout the week and eventually made arrangements to meet today.

“When he went to meet her, he was kidnapped by the suspects and the females raped him,” police said.

The five suspects comprise two women, aged 23 and 34, and three men aged 16, 42 and 48.

Police said all five suspects had been taken into custody and were expected to appear before the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court on Monday, September 14.