Business News September 18, 2026 LuxeLivingProperty Opens December Bookings for Luxury Stays and Lifestyle Services

LuxeLivingProperty, a luxury property and lifestyle company, has opened reservations for December, offering clients premium accommodation, real estate and lifestyle services across Abuja, Lagos and other cities.

Led by Managing Director Ada Rose Joseph, the company provides a range of services including luxury shortlet apartments, party apartments, property sales and rentals, car rentals, private jet rentals, beach house rentals and concierge services.

Joseph said LuxeLivingProperty was created to make it easier for clients to access accommodation, transportation and other lifestyle services without the stress of coordinating them separately.

“LuxeLivingProperty is more than just a place to stay. We want our clients to enjoy the entire experience, from the moment they make their booking to the time they leave,” Joseph said.

The company’s shortlet apartments cater to individuals, families, business travellers and visitors seeking comfortable accommodation away from home. Its party apartments and beach houses are also available for celebrations, getaways and other special occasions.

Beyond accommodation, LuxeLivingProperty provides car and private jet rental services for clients seeking convenient transportation options for local and interstate trips.

The company also offers real estate services for clients interested in buying, selling or renting property, bringing its accommodation, mobility and property services together under one platform.

Joseph said the company is prepared to receive clients during the December period, with reservations currently open.

Prospective clients are advised that December reservations are subject to a minimum two-week stay.

Clients interested in making reservations or enquiring about LuxeLivingProperty’s services can contact the company on 08108785921 or via its TikTok platform, @Luxelivingproperty_io.

With operations spanning Abuja, Lagos and other cities, LuxeLivingProperty continues to build its offering around property, accommodation, mobility and concierge services for clients seeking convenience, comfort and quality service.

News September 17, 2026 Niger gov cancels APC rally as over 30 die in NSCDC custody

Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has cancelled the All Progressives Congress political rally scheduled to hold in Minna on Saturday following the death of more than 30 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

The governor also declared a three-day mourning period in honour of the victims and urged residents of the state to remain calm as authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

Bago announced the cancellation in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, on Thursday in Minna.

He described the incident as unfortunate and deeply saddening, while extending his condolences to the families and communities affected by the deaths.

According to the governor, the decision to suspend the APC rally was informed by the gravity of the incident and was also a mark of respect for the families of the deceased.

He assured residents that the circumstances surrounding the deaths would receive appropriate attention, while calling on them to remain calm and praying for the repose of the souls of the victims.

The NSCDC had earlier confirmed that some suspected illegal miners arrested in the state died while in its custody.

In a statement signed by the Niger State Commandant, Comdt. Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, the corps said the suspects were arrested during operations conducted on September 15 and 16, 2026, and were found dead the following day.

The command attributed the deaths to a disease outbreak in the cell, but said the bodies had been deposited at the General Hospital, Minna, for further medical examination to establish the actual cause of death.

“The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Niger State Command, in its renewed efforts to rid the state of illegal mining activities, conducted a “burst operation” on 15th and 16th September, 2026, leading to the arrest of suspected illegal miners and the recovery of exhibits.

“The operation yielded significant results, with scores of suspected illegal miners arrested and various exhibits recovered.”

The NSCDC appealed for calm as investigations into the incident continue, saying security agencies were working with the appropriate authorities to determine the cause of the deaths.

The statement added, “While the Corps, in synergy with sister security agencies, is on top of the situation, the Command appeals to the general public and the families of the deceased to remain calm and desist from any actions that could lead to a breakdown of law and order.

“The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Niger State Command, remains fully committed to the enforcement of human rights and subscribes to international human rights charters, while remaining steadfast in the enforcement of its core mandates, including the protection of lives and property, as well as critical national assets and infrastructure, for the benefit of the Commonwealth.

“May the souls of the deceased rest in peace.”

News September 17, 2026 Nigeria wins $2.35bn Sunrise Power arbitration as tribunal orders refund of legal fees

Nigeria has secured a major victory in its long-running legal dispute with Sunrise Power over the Mambilla Hydropower Project, after an International Chamber of Commerce tribunal in Paris dismissed the company’s $2.35 billion claim against the Federal Government.

The tribunal also ordered Sunrise Power and its promoter, Leno Adesanya, to reimburse Nigeria for 75 per cent of the legal fees and expenses incurred during the arbitration.

The award, issued on Thursday, directed Sunrise and Adesanya to pay Nigeria $11.819 million in legal costs, with $2.5 million to be deducted from funds held in escrow by the ICC and released upon notification of the final award.

The remaining $9.319 million is to be paid by the claimants with interest at an annual rate of 10 per cent, “compounded annually, from the date of the notification of this Final Award until such amount is paid in full”.

In its decision, the three-member tribunal rejected Sunrise Power’s request for a declaration that Nigeria had violated its contractual obligations under a settlement agreement and its addendum.

The tribunal also dismissed the company’s demand for $400 million, comprising a $200 million settlement sum and another $200 million default sum.

It further ruled that Adesanya, the promoter of Sunrise Power, is bound by the arbitration agreement with Nigeria under the settlement agreement and addendum.

The tribunal also affirmed its jurisdiction to hear Nigeria’s counterclaim against Adesanya and his firm.

The arbitration costs, fixed at $1.656 million, will be shared, with Sunrise Power and Adesanya bearing 75 per cent while Nigeria will pay the remaining 25 per cent.

The panel was chaired by Melaine van Leeuwen, with Stavros Brekoulakis and Simon Nesbitt serving as co-arbitrators.

Nigeria was represented by a legal team led by Elizabeth Oger-Gross and Tolu Obamuroh of Paul Hastings LLP.

The dispute dates back to October 10, 2017, when Sunrise Power commenced arbitration proceedings against Nigeria before the ICC International Court of Arbitration.

The company sought $2.354 billion over an alleged breach of contract relating to a 2003 agreement for the construction of the 3,050-megawatt Mambilla power plant in Taraba State.

The proposed project was valued at $6 billion and was to be executed under a build, operate and transfer arrangement.

A second arbitration subsequently arose from a 2020 settlement agreement between Sunrise Power and the Nigerian government.

Under that claim, the company sought $400 million, alleging that the Federal Government failed to honour the terms of the settlement agreement intended to resolve the original dispute.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, in an interview in 2023, questioned the authority of his then Minister of Power, Olu Agunloye, to award the 2003 contract to Sunrise Power.

“When I was president, no minister had the power to approve more than N25 million without express presidential consent. It was impossible for Agunloye to commit my government to a $6 billion project without my permission and I did not give him any permission,” Obasanjo told TheCable.

“If a commission of inquiry is set up today to investigate the matter, I am ready to testify. I do not even need to testify because all the records are there. I never approved it.

“When he presented his memo to the federal executive council (on May 21, 2003), I was surprised because he had previously discussed it with me and I had told him to jettison the idea, that I had other ideas on how the power sector would be restructured and funded.

“I told him as much at the council meeting and directed him to step down the memo. I find it surprising that Agunloye is now claiming he acted on behalf of Nigeria. If I knew he issued such a letter to Sunrise, I would have sacked him as minister during my second term. He would not have spent a day longer in office.”

Former President Muhammadu Buhari also denied authorising the 2020 settlement agreement with Sunrise Power.

In a letter to Lateef Fagbemi, attorney-general of the federation and minister of justice, Buhari said he was aware that some ministers had engaged Sunrise over the project but did not authorise them to conclude a settlement.

“While I understood that my ministers of justice, power and water resources were approached by Sunrise and were engaging with various stakeholders that were involved in the project to resolve the issues blocking the project’s implementation, at no time did I specifically instruct them to enter into and conclude any settlement agreement with Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited,” he wrote to Fagbemi.

“Indeed, when the proposed settlement agreement and addendum were presented to me for my consideration and approval on 20th April 2020, I refused to approve the settlement deal because I was convinced that there was no basis for Sunrise’s claim.

“I hope the above clarifications will assist you in your defence of our country from these ‘invisible contractors who all too often quietly take Nigeria for many millions in out-of-court settlements’, as I stated in my recent statement regarding Nigeria’s victory in the P&ID saga.”

(THE CABLE)

Crime News September 17, 2026 EFCC grills man arrested with fake $212,200 in Kano

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has commenced investigation into a suspect, Usaini Ibrahim, arrested in Kano with counterfeit United States currency valued at $212,200.

Ibrahim was arrested on September 3, 2026, by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency along Maiduguri Road, Kano, following the discovery of the suspected fake dollar notes.

A statement by the anti-graft agency on Thursday, said the suspect and the counterfeit currency were subsequently transferred to the Kano Zonal Directorate of the EFCC for further investigation and possible prosecution.

The handover was formally conducted at the EFCC office in Kano, where the Acting Zonal Director, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE1 Friday S. Ebelo, received the suspect and the exhibits.

A representative of the NDLEA, Deputy Superintendent of Narcotics Yahaya Labaran, said the transfer underscored the continued cooperation between both agencies in tackling financial crimes and protecting the country’s financial system.

Receiving the suspect, Ebelo reaffirmed the EFCC’s resolve to rid the financial system of counterfeit currencies and fraudulent activities.

He also cautioned members of the public against falling prey to money-doubling schemes, noting that fraudsters often use counterfeit currency to lure and defraud unsuspecting victims.

“Such fake currencies coming into the economy do not paint a good picture of us,” he said.

Ebelo urged members of the public to exercise caution and shun individuals who offer to multiply money or engage in other questionable financial transactions.

According to the commission, Ibrahim remains in EFCC custody while investigations continue. He will be arraigned before a court after the conclusion of the investigation.

News September 17, 2026 420-year-old tortoise, Baba, dies at Alaafin palace

A tortoise reputed to have lived for about 420 years has died at the palace of the Alaafin of Oyo in Oyo State, bringing an end to the life of an animal regarded as part of the kingdom’s historical heritage.

The tortoise, popularly known as Baba, reportedly died on Monday after falling ill and was subsequently buried.

The Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin, Bode Durojaiye, disclosed this in a statement issued in Ibadan on Thursday.

According to the statement, Baba had remained at the palace under the care of successive Alaafins, becoming an enduring symbol of the ancient Oyo Kingdom.

“Baba was more than a turtle in status. He represented a part of the oral history of the Yoruba race. Now, the Alaafin has lost an ageless companion,” he said.

The palace explained that oral tradition traced the tortoise’s origin to Oyo-Ile, the ancient capital of the Oyo Empire, before it was moved to the present palace in Oyo town.

Over the years, Baba reportedly became one of the attractions at the palace, drawing visitors who wanted to see the animal because of its remarkable age and size.

Two palace officials were said to have been assigned the responsibility of caring for Baba, whose diet included watermelon, corn pap wrapped in leaves and grass.

The palace said the tortoise became sick on Monday and stopped eating before eventually dying.

The statement added, “While he was alive, Baba was more than a diapsid. He was arguably the oldest living mammal in the world. He was venerated and loved by the people, who turned his abode in the Palace into a tourist point.

“Baba, the turtle, must have drawn its name from the fact that it was the oldest creature. No one could call him by his name, so Baba was adopted, indicating that it was a male. He drew his own crowd. Strong and friendly, Baba was the reason many people trooped to the ancient Palace in its days.

“In Oyo, Baba was regarded as the oldest indigene. It was the Paramount Ruler’’s most besotted pet. The Monarch met it in the Palace. Baba was nourished by a succession of kings, who inherited him as part of the relics of their ancestors.”

The palace further connected Baba’s significance to traditional Yoruba perspectives on the relationship between the living, the dead and those yet to be born, while making reference to Wole Soyinka’s renowned play, Death and the King’s Horseman.

It described the tortoise as an important part of the palace’s oral tradition and said its death represented the departure of a companion that had endured through several reigns.

“Baba fell ill on Monday, just a little sickness and couldn’t eat anymore. Then he died. Just like that.

“He had since been buried. Good night, Baba,” the statement said.

News September 17, 2026 UK court jails Nigerian man for masturbating in front of woman in Manchester-bound train

A 36-year-old registered sex offender, Babatunde Odutola, has been sentenced to 44 weeks in prison in the United Kingdom for exposing himself and masturbating in the presence of a woman on a train bound for Manchester.

Odutola was handed the sentence by Manchester Magistrates’ Court on Monday, September 14, after he pleaded guilty to a charge of outraging public decency and breaching a suspended sentence order.

The British Transport Police said in a statement on Thursday that the incident happened at about 7pm on Friday, September 11, aboard a train travelling through Cheshire towards Manchester Piccadilly railway station.

According to the police, Odutola approached the woman and “looked her up and down intimidatingly” before becoming aggressive when she declined to engage with him.

The police said he subsequently exposed himself while seated in a wheelchair and masturbated while staring at the woman and asking her to “come over”.

Another passenger, who was distressed by what was happening, intervened and escorted the woman away from the carriage.

CCTV footage later showed Odutola continuing the act as other passengers moved through the carriage, according to the police.

He was arrested by British Transport Police officers when the train arrived at Manchester Piccadilly station.

Commenting on the incident, Detective Constable Leonidas Christoforou said the victim, who was travelling alone, must have been terrified by Odutola’s conduct.

“Odutola is clearly an incredibly dangerous individual and his disturbing behaviour must have been terrifying for the victim, who he singled out when she was travelling on her own,” he said.

Christoforou added that Odutola initially denied the allegations during a police interview but eventually admitted guilt in court after investigators presented evidence against him.

“He’s shown little remorse for his actions and denied the allegations against him during his police interview. But a stack of incriminating evidence, including damning CCTV and several witness accounts, left him with little choice but to plead guilty when he appeared in court,” he said.

The police disclosed that the incident was not the first involving Odutola, who was already listed as a registered sex offender.

“This was not a one-off from Odutola, who was already a registered sex offender, and this type of alarming, predatory behaviour simply will not be tolerated on our railways,” Christoforou said.

He said the British Transport Police remained committed to prosecuting individuals involved in sexual offences on the railway network.

“Holding vile offenders like him to account is a number one priority for us as a force and we’re tireless in our efforts to bring them to justice,” he said.

Christoforou encouraged passengers and other members of the public to report sexual offences witnessed or experienced while travelling by rail.

“If you experience or witness these crimes on the railway, please report it to us by texting 61016. We will always take action,” he said.

The British Transport Police said the investigation culminated in Odutola’s conviction and imprisonment within 72 hours of the incident.

News Sports September 17, 2026 Falconets storm World Cup quarter-finals after thrashing England

Nigeria’s Falconets have booked their place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland following an impressive 3-0 victory over England in their Round of 16 encounter on Thursday.

Tosin Rafiu opened the scoring for Nigeria in the eighth minute before Seimeyeha Janet Akekoromowei added a second shortly after the restart. Mary Mamudu sealed the win with a 73rd-minute strike at Stadion Miejski in Bielsko-Biała.

The Falconets made their intentions clear from the outset, with Rafiu putting Moses Aduku’s side ahead just eight minutes into the contest.

England were handed a chance to level the score from the penalty spot in the first half, but Nigeria’s goalkeeper and captain, Christiana Uzoma, stood firm to save Rachel Maltby’s effort.

Nigeria consequently carried their 1-0 advantage into the interval.

The West Africans doubled their lead only two minutes after the restart when Akekoromowei found the net to make it 2-0.

England attempted to reduce the deficit as the match progressed, but Nigeria remained composed and maintained control before Mamudu delivered the decisive blow in the 73rd minute.

The result means Aduku’s team have advanced to the last eight of the tournament and remain in contention for their first-ever U-20 Women’s World Cup title.

Nigeria entered the knockout phase after finishing second in Group F with four points. The Falconets began their campaign with a 2-0 defeat to Spain before playing out a goalless draw against China.

They bounced back emphatically in their final group fixture, thrashing New Caledonia 10-1 to secure their passage into the Round of 16.

England, who finished third in Group B, were drawn against the Nigerians in the first knockout round.

The victory over England also extended Nigeria’s remarkable scoring run, with the Falconets having now netted 13 goals across their last two matches after failing to score in their opening two group games.

Nigeria are two-time runners-up at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup and will now turn their attention to the quarter-finals as they continue their pursuit of a maiden championship title.