News October 15, 2026 ‘How ex-senator slipped, died in Abuja bathroom, corpse discovered after 3 days’

The death of former Senator Bello Mandiya has taken a heartbreaking turn following revelations that he reportedly slipped in his bathroom, hit his head and lay lifeless for about 72 hours before his body was discovered at his Abuja residence.

Senator Abdul Ningi, who represents Bauchi Central, recounted the circumstances surrounding his late colleague’s death during Senate plenary on Tuesday, October 13. A video of his account circulated widely on Thursday.

According to Ningi, Mandiya lived alone, and his absence went unnoticed for three days until the chief imam of Apo became concerned that the former lawmaker had missed prayers for three consecutive days.

Ningi, who was in Saudi Arabia when the incident occurred, said his son informed him of Mandiya’s death. His son was among those who discovered the former senator’s body on September 7, 2026.

Recounting the events leading to the tragedy, Ningi said Mandiya was last seen by a colleague at about 11 am on Friday, September 4, after returning home and preparing to attend the congregational prayer.

“He brought out his cap, his phones, and put them on the bed, and went into the bathroom to take his bath.

“After taking his bath, when he was out of the bathroom, then he slipped and knocked his head in the bathroom,” Ningi said.

The senator explained that the incident came to light after a foul smell began emanating from Mandiya’s apartment, raising concerns among residents and prompting them to investigate.

“For 72 hours, Mr President, nobody knew where Bello Mandiya was,” he said.

According to Ningi, those who eventually went to the residence forced the door open and found the former lawmaker dead in the bathroom.

“And there lies Bello Mandiya in the bathroom, lifeless. Seventy-two hours, and that’s a simple tragedy,” he said.

Reflecting on the circumstances of his colleague’s death, Ningi said the incident underscored the uncertainty of life, noting that political influence, wealth and social standing could not guarantee anyone protection from tragedy.

“There is nothing permanent about anything. Nothing permanent about our position, nothing permanent about our wealth,” Ningi said.

The Bauchi Central senator, who disclosed that he had known Mandiya since 2002, offered prayers for the deceased and extended his condolences to the family, the government and people of Katsina State, as well as his former constituents.

Mandiya died on Monday, September 7, 2026, at the age of 62.

He represented Katsina South Senatorial District in the National Assembly from 2019 to 2023. Before his election to the Senate, he served as chief of staff to former Katsina State Governor Aminu Bello Masari.

News October 15, 2026 4 feared dead, several injured as petrol tanker explodes in Edo

At least four people are feared dead, while several others sustained varying degrees of burns and injuries after a petrol tanker exploded at Oluku, along the Benin-Lagos Highway in Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State, on Thursday.

The explosion also destroyed several vehicles and razed a market owned by a prominent businessman, Chief Osamede Adun, popularly known as Bob Izua.

The incident reportedly occurred after the tanker fell on the road, prompting residents to rush to the scene to scoop petrol despite attempts by security personnel to stop them.

According to witnesses, the tanker fell at about 7:30 a.m., attracting residents who allegedly began collecting the spilled fuel in containers to take to their homes.

A shop owner whose business is located opposite the scene said efforts by security agencies to prevent people from scooping the petrol were unsuccessful.

“It was as they were scooping fuel that the fire started. It spread to the Bob Izua market along the road.

“Many cars were affected in the incident because the fire spread quickly. We have counted four persons that died. One soldier is among the dead.”

The source added that the fire spread rapidly, engulfing vehicles, shops and other structures around the accident scene.

Ten people who sustained severe burns were reportedly taken to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) for emergency treatment.

One of the victims, who requested anonymity, said he narrowly escaped being caught in the inferno after a soldier warned him about the danger of scooping the fuel under the prevailing conditions.

The victim recounted how the tanker burst into flames moments after he turned around to look at the scene.

“I was also among those who were scooping the fuel. I escaped with whiskers. It was a soldier who called me and drew my attention to the fact that it was sunny and way the people rushed to scoop the fuel might ignite fire.

“As I looked back after he spoke to me, the tanker busted into flames as people around the area ran for dear lives. I thank the soldier; if not, I would have been burnt by now.

“Two men from the northern part who were directly under the tanker were burnt, while stores that were built on the drainage were burnt. The store was also burnt down, as we are yet to know the number of people that died. However, 10 people were rushed to the emergency unit of the UBTH.

Meanwhile, the management of UBTH reportedly mobilised its emergency response teams to attend to the victims brought to the hospital.

The hospital’s Chief Medical Director, Prof. Idia Ize-Iyamu, was said to have personally coordinated the emergency response, leading teams across the accident, emergency and burns units to stabilise critically injured victims and reduce the risk of further fatalities.

The exact number of casualties was yet to be officially confirmed as of the time of filing this report.

 

(VANGUARD)

News October 15, 2026 Nigeria’s inflation drops to 14.63% in September, says NBS

Nigeria’s headline inflation rate eased to 14.63 per cent in September 2026 from 15.39 per cent in August, according to the latest Consumer Price Index report released by the National Bureau of Statistics.

The report, published on Thursday, indicated a further slowdown in the country’s inflation rate, with the September figure also marking a significant decline compared with the same period last year.

According to the NBS, headline inflation dropped by 6.35 percentage points from 20.98 per cent recorded in September 2025 to 14.63 per cent in September 2026.

“In September 2026, the headline inflation rate stood at 14.63 per cent, down from 15.39 per cent in August 2026 and 20.98 per cent in September 2025,” the NBS said.

The bureau also reported a sharp moderation in month-on-month inflation, which fell to 0.06 per cent in September from 0.71 per cent in August.

The decline represented a reduction of 0.65 percentage points, suggesting that the pace of increase in average prices slowed considerably during the period.

“This means that in September 2026, the rate of increase in the average price level was lower than the rate recorded in August 2026,” the bureau stated.

Meanwhile, food inflation, which remains a major concern for Nigerian households, stood at 19.59 per cent year-on-year in September 2026.

The figure was lower than the 20.16 per cent recorded in September 2025, indicating a moderation in the annual rate of food price increases.

However, despite the decline in headline and food inflation, the figures indicate that prices continued to rise, although at a slower rate than in previous periods.

News Technology October 15, 2026 Meta removes 3.7m accounts in crackdown on West African scam networks

Meta says it has removed more than 3.7 million accounts, pages and groups from Facebook and Instagram, in a joint operation targeting scam networks operating in West Africa.

In a web post on Tuesday, Meta said the operation involved 14 other technology companies and law enforcement agencies from 10 countries.

The operation, coordinated by the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) in partnership with the US Department of Justice, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and other agencies, also led to the identification of more than 30 suspected scam centres.

According to Meta, law enforcement confirmed the arrest of 28 individuals and the rescue of 117 people who had been trafficked and forced to work in scam compounds in Ghana.

The rescued victims were reportedly held against their will in a residential compound, where they suffered malnutrition and physical and psychological abuse.

Meta said most of the accounts, pages and groups it removed appeared to target people in the United States and United Kingdom through profiles impersonating American and British users.

Microsoft also suspended accounts suspected of being linked to the fraudulent activities.

Coinbase, a cryptocurrency exchange, identified more than 65 active scam victims and prevented potential losses exceeding $415,000, according to the statement.

The operation brought together technology companies, including Google, Microsoft, OpenAI, Coinbase, Starlink and Adobe, alongside law enforcement agencies from Nigeria, Ghana, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and India.

Meta said the collaboration enabled participants to share intelligence across digital platforms, jurisdictions and financial systems to identify criminal networks and disrupt their operations.

The fraud schemes targeted by the operation included cryptocurrency investment scams, fake job offers, romance scams, impersonation of law enforcement officers and military personnel, and fraudulent online sales.

The operation also targeted so-called scam recovery schemes, in which fraudsters exploit previous victims by promising to recover stolen money in exchange for upfront payments.

Chris Sonderby, Meta’s vice-president and deputy general counsel, said the operation demonstrated the importance of cooperation between technology companies and law enforcement agencies.

He said the company would continue working with partners to pursue scammers and disrupt their operations wherever they operate.

Nick Sharp, NCA deputy director of fraud, said the collaboration helped authorities target criminals responsible for fraud affecting thousands of victims.

He added that the agency will continue working with international and private-sector partners to tackle fraud networks operating across borders.

The operation comes amid growing concerns over organised online fraud, with criminal networks using scam centres to recruit workers, train them in deception techniques and coordinate fraudulent campaigns against victims around the world.

“Tech companies play a pivotal role in disrupting scam operations. But meaningful progress ultimately depends on real consequences for the criminal organizations behind these schemes,” the statement said.

“This model of industry and law enforcement working side by side delivers those consequences, and Meta and our partners are committed to ensuring its ongoing strength and repeatability.”

News October 15, 2026 2027 Elections: Nigerians will be proud of police, says IG

The Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has said the conduct of police personnel before, during and after the 2027 general elections would make Nigerians happy and proud of the force.

He assured Nigerians that police would ensure professionalism during the forthcoming poll.

Disu stated this while fielding questions from newsmen after the Launch of a book, “The Origin of Women in Nigeria Police Force”, written by 96-year-old Dame Stella Okuyiga, DCP (rted), one of the first 20 pioneer female Officers to join the NPF.

Responding to questions about the police stance on the 2027 election, the IGP said the Force had organized a meeting with police commissioners across the country to ensure professionalism during the polls.

“I want to let you know that we just finished a conference of all commissioners of police and other senior officers. We have had two or three elections recently, and you can see the police did very well, and we did too.

“We have now brought all these experiences together, where we did well and where we did not do well, so that we can perform better in this big election that everybody is looking up to.

“I give you my word. Nigeria Police will do so well, and we will make Nigeria Police so proud, and we will make Nigerians proud.”

On the book written by Okuyiga, Disu said the author was among the first women to join the Nigerian police in 1955, adding that the force is pleased with her achievements.

Disu stated, “Mama is 96 years old, and she has taken her time to put all her experience, institutional knowledge that she has down in the book for us to be able to study it for the generations coming, for women police in the next generation to have something to look up to.

“We in the police, we are starting up the history of not leaving our own, not forgetting our own.

“We are going to ensure that we get copies of this book for all police training institutions, for all police officers to go through to see what it was like to be police officers.”

Speaking, the Nonagenarian (author) and retired DCP  expressed happiness that the publication was not just a book, but a part of her that would live on.

She said: “This book launch today is an important day in my life because the book itself is there. But I still live on my life. I still live on because this book will be in libraries all over the world, and they’ll be reading it.

“So I’m so happy that with all that is happening today, I will continue to live forever.”

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Dagogo Wokama, launched the book wth N20 million.

PUNCH

Education News October 15, 2026 TransAtlantic University Opens Admission for 2026/2027 Academic Session

The TransAtlantic University of Medicine and Health Sciences (TUMHS), Umuchukwu, Anambra State, has announced the commencement of admissions for the 2026/2027 academic session, inviting prospective students seeking careers in medicine, healthcare and other scientific disciplines to apply.

The institution, located in Umuchukwu, Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State, says it is committed to providing quality education through modern facilities, experienced faculty members and an academic environment designed to promote excellence in medical and health sciences education.

Applications are open for various undergraduate programmes, including Medicine and Surgery (MBBS), Nursing Science, Medical Laboratory Science, Radiography, Physiotherapy, Public Health, Dentistry and Pharmacy.

Other programmes include Biochemistry, Biology and Allied Sciences, Anatomy, Physiology, Medicinal Chemistry, Medical Physics, Computer Science, Mathematics and Statistics, among others.

With its guiding philosophy of Knowledge, Health and Humanity, the university seeks to equip students with the academic knowledge, practical skills and professional competence required to contribute meaningfully to healthcare delivery, scientific advancement and national development.

The institution also highlights its modern learning facilities, quality education and experienced faculty as part of its commitment to preparing a new generation of healthcare professionals and scientists.

Prospective students, parents and guardians interested in the 2026/2027 academic session are encouraged to visit the university's official website, www.transatlanticuniversity.edu.ng, for further information on available programmes, admission requirements and application procedures.

The university, whose institutional values emphasise excellence, service and innovation, says its ultimate goal is to contribute towards building a healthier tomorrow through education and scientific advancement.

News October 14, 2026 Breaking, Group stage a solidarity rally to the National Assembly in support of the verdict clearing PINL Over pipeline surveillance allegations

A group, the Niger Delta Integrity Network (NDIN), on Wednesday 14th October 2026, staged a solidarity rally to the national Assembly for clearing Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Ltd (PINL) and its MD Dr. Osahon Okunbor of all allegations by the Niger Delta Oil Producing Communities Reforms Movement (ND_OCRIM).

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‎Speaking to News men at the venue, the publicity secretary of PINL from Isoko community, Dr Charles Ovia Duru said the PINL has been helpful to their communities and urge the national Assembly to sustain their good track records, to continue with their good work and thank them for the bill President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as sign.

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‎He noted that the Niger Delta people are strongly behind the PINL and promise they will make sure they cooperate with PINL and promise to work as a team with them and thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the good work he as been doing.

A petition, dated September 5, 2026, was submitted by the Niger Delta Oil-Producing Communities Reform Movement, which accused PINL of improper contract implementation, alleged mismanagement of contract funds, questionable personal expenditure by its managing director and neglect of surveillance personnel. The petitioners also sought a forensic review of the company’s finances.

However, the subcommittee reported that the petitioners failed to appear before it despite invitations issued on September 14 and 22 and October 5. It said they neither sent representatives nor provided documentary evidence to substantiate their claims.

According to the Chairman of the committee, Rt. Hon. Dumnamene Robinson Dekor, the

PINL appeared before the subcommittee and submitted a written report titled “The impact of PINL operations on oil production and stability of the Niger Delta, alongside geotagged photographs in support of its account of operations.

The committee subsequently cleared the PINL and its MD Dr Osahon Okunbor of the allegations leveled against them and commended them for comprehensive and efficient operations in safeguarding oil and gas infrastructure in the Niger Delta.