Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has rejected as false a viral report alleging that he expressed an opinion on which region should produce Nigeria’s president in 2027.

The claim, widely circulated on social media, suggested that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain said it was the South’s turn to produce the next president.

Reacting on Monday via X, El-Rufai dismissed the report as “untrue,” stressing that he never made such comments in any public forum.

“My attention has been drawn to a trending fake news item alleging that I specified which region of the country should produce the president in 2027.

“This claim is untrue, despite its virality. I did not make such a statement in any of my speeches, interviews or social media posts. I maintain verifiable social media platforms where I speak my mind and express my personal views directly.

“It is also wrong and improper to attribute to me opinion articles written by other authors, even when I share such articles on my platforms as contributions to the national conversation.

“These clarifications are crucial as we confront both irresponsible politicking and the deliberate misuse of social media for the spread of fake news.

“The wilful attribution to me of claims I did not make by fake news platforms is no justification for treating such platforms with any seriousness.”

He urged journalists and members of the public to exercise caution and verify information before publishing or sharing it, warning that misinformation undermines public trust.

“In this age of turmoil and falsehood, the obligation to verify information before posting or publishing has become more important than ever. In this instance, it appears that some senior editors ignored this duty.

“Society stands to lose when media leaders align with the most irresponsible actors on social media in what can only be described as the unedifying Olympics of fiction and fakery. Everyone must live up to their responsibility.

“I wish to reiterate that no views should be attributed to me unless I have explicitly expressed them on my official social media platforms or during interviews with reputable media organisations,” the statement added.

The post El-Rufai distances self from comments on 2027 presidency appeared first on Vanguard News.

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Operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad of the Niger State Police Command have arraigned eight suspected members of a child-trafficking syndicate before Minna Chief Magistrate Court I for allegedly trafficking and trading in children.

The suspects were arrested by the squad led by its head, DSP Ahmed Sa’idu, and subsequently charged before the court.

According to the police, the suspects were apprehended in Nasarawa State while in possession of children allegedly stolen from various parts of Niger State.

Those arraigned are Leo Ugochukwu, Ngozi Ugochukwu, Henrietta Obiako, Rosemary Ogbulogo, Chiroma Onyaja, Vincent Emmanuel, Joy Ndife, and Olusegun Isaiah, all residents of Nyanya in the Federal Capital Territory and parts of Nasarawa State.

They were charged on eight counts, including criminal conspiracy, kidnapping, concealing or keeping kidnapped persons, dealing in the sale of human beings, child stealing, trafficking in persons, indecent treatment of children, wrongful confinement, and wrongful confinement in secret.

The charges, according to the Police First Information Report (FIR) marked MMC/CMC/74/25 and made available to the court, are punishable under Sections 60(2)(a)(1), 211, 238, and 239 of the Niger State Penal Code Law.

The police prosecutor, Inspector Aliyu Yakub Kuta, told the court that on November 5, 2025, at about 3:00 pm, one Victoria Ebunoha of Loko, Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, was arrested at Dikko Junction while in possession of three male children suspected to have been stolen.

“During police interrogation, she confessed to stealing the children from Lambata in Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State and was heading to Nyanya in the FCT to sell them,” the prosecutor said.

He added that further interrogation revealed that she had stolen seven other children from their parents, including Mohammed Bala, Danlami Zhami, and Bello Usman, among others, in the Lambata and Sabon Wuse areas.
According to the prosecutor, the stolen children were sold to Leo Ugochukwu of Loko at the rate of ₦1.1 million per child.

“Further investigation revealed that all the accused persons confessed to intentionally purchasing the children from Victoria Ebunoha, knowing that the children were stolen,” he added.
When the charges were read to the defendants by the presiding Chief Magistrate, Murtala Bala Ibrahim, they all pleaded not guilty.

The prosecutor thereafter applied for an adjournment and requested that the suspects be remanded in the Minna Old Correctional Custody pending further proceedings.
Granting the application, the magistrate ordered their remand and adjourned the case to January 5, 2026, for further mention.

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The Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria (ISPON) has reiterated its commitment to improving safety culture across workplaces in the country.

This was stated by ISPON’s Ogun State chapter branch chairman, Temitope Amoo, during the institute’s recent visit to key industrial organisations in the state.

The team, which was led by the state chairman, Amoo, was accompanied by the Vice Chairman, Awanu Abidemi, and the State General Secretary, Emiloju Samson Damilare.

According to the Ogun branch chairman of ISPON, the visit is aimed at deepening collaboration, enhancing workplace safety standards, and strengthening institutional presence.

He further noted that the institute is committed to supporting industries through professional guidance, capacity building, and advocacy for safer work environments, stressing that effective safety management is crucial to productivity and sustainable development.

Amoo, however, reiterated the institute’s resolve to remain a dependable partner in the promotion of safety, accident prevention, and professional excellence across all sectors.

“In accordance with the mandate of the national body of ISPON, headed by Chief Dr. Udezi Stephen L.A (FISPN), the leadership of the Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria (ISPON), Ogun State Branch, we embarked on a series of strategic visits to major industrial organisations within the state as part of ISPON’s efforts to deepen collaboration, enhance workplace safety standards, and strengthen institutional presence,” he said.

During the visits, management teams of the organisations visited expressed appreciation to the institute for the courtesy calls while affirming their readiness to collaborate with ISPON in strengthening safety compliance and awareness.

The delegation visited organisations including Alucan Packaging Limited, Agbara; Betaglass Plc, Agbara; IDL Intercontinental Distillers Limited, Ota; and the Office of the Director of NEPZA, Flour Mills Free Zone, Agbara, where meaningful engagements were held with management teams on the improvement of safety culture across workplaces.

ALSO READ TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE

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A young woman allegedly gave birth to a baby boy and k!lled the newborn shortly after delivery in Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State.

The disturbing incident reportedly occurred in the early hours of Sunday, December 14, 2025 behind Government Secondary School, Gboko, throwing the community into pandemonium and mourning.

Residents are calling for immediate police intervention to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and ensure justice is served.

Authorities are yet to issue an official statement as of the time of this report.

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The Nigerian Air Force has killed several terrorists and destroyed their logistics hub during a precision air interdiction operation in Borno State.

The operation was carried out on Sunday at Dabar Masara, a known terrorist enclave in the Southern Tumbuns, as part of ongoing efforts to disrupt terrorist activities and supply networks.

In a statement, the Director of Public Relations and Information of the NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the strikes followed credible intelligence indicating the presence of a terrorist workshop and sustained movement of armed fighters in the area.

According to him, the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai deployed an integrated force package to conduct coordinated intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions alongside strike operations.

Ejodame said earlier surveillance had revealed repeated terrorist movement and a large number of vehicles concealed under vegetation, confirming the location as an active logistics base.

“On the day of the operation, further surveillance validated the earlier findings, with terrorists observed manoeuvring within the location and around the identified vehicles,” he said.

He added that following positive identification and in line with the rules of engagement, the targets were engaged.

A post-operation battle damage assessment confirmed that the vehicles were destroyed and several terrorist elements neutralised.

Ejodame said the operation highlights the NAF’s commitment to intelligence-driven and precise air operations aimed at degrading terrorist networks and improving security in affected areas.

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The President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has declared that the ₦739 per litre petrol price will be strictly enforced from Tuesday, beginning with MRS Oil and Gas filling stations.

Naija News reports that Dangote gave the assurance on Sunday during a press briefing at the Lekki-based Dangote Petroleum Refinery, stressing that the company would ensure Nigerians feel the impact of the recent reduction in petrol prices.

“Starting from Tuesday, MRS will start selling petrol at ₦739/litre. Definitely, we will enforce that low price. We will make sure that it’s implemented. If you have your truck, you can come here and buy it. We are selling at ₦699. The ₦699 includes the percentage of NMDPRA. So what actually comes out to us is about ₦389 or so,” he said.

MRS, Others To Sell At ₦739

Barring any last-minute change, MRS Oil and Gas and other partners of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery are set to begin the sale of Premium Motor Spirit, popularly called petrol, at ₦739 per litre.

The development comes two days after the refinery reduced its petrol gantry price from ₦828 to ₦699 per litre.

Dangote noted that despite reductions at the gantry, some filling stations often keep pump prices high, thereby frustrating efforts to make fuel cheaper for Nigerians.

The billionaire businessman, Dangote, alleged that some officials had met with certain marketers and encouraged them to maintain high pump prices in order to undermine the price reduction.

“I was told that the marketers have met with (some officials) and were told to make sure that the price is maintained high. But this price we are going to introduce, we are going to start with MRS stations most likely on Tuesday in Lagos; that ₦970 per litre, you won’t see it again. We have also asked members of IPMAN to come now,” he said.

Dangote added, “We have asked anybody who can buy 10 trucks to come and buy 10 trucks at ₦699.”

‘We’ll Fight To Crash Prices’

Dangote vowed that the refinery would deploy all available resources to ensure petrol prices are brought down across the country.

“We are going to use whatever resources that we have to make sure that we crash the price down. We will get these sales; maybe it will take us a week to 10 days. But first of all, within a week to 10 days, we will be able to deliver,” he said.

He insisted that Nigerians should not pay more than ₦740 per litre for petrol in December and January.

“For this December and January, we don’t want people to sell petrol for more than ₦740 nationwide. Those who want to keep the price to sabotage the government, we will fight as much as we can to make sure that these prices are down. That’s not the price. If you have money to come and buy, you can pick up petrol at ₦699,” Dangote stated.

Why Sell Petrol At ₦900? – Dangote

Dangote questioned the justification for pump prices rising to as high as ₦900 per litre, noting that transporting petrol from the refinery costs no more than ₦15 per litre.

“Freight within Lagos is ₦10 or ₦15, maximum. So if it’s ₦10 to ₦15, everything is going to cost you ₦715. Why do you want to sell at ₦900? People should get the real price,” he queried.

He stressed that the refinery was not making profits at the current pricing level.

“I cannot come now and take the hit. Did we make money? No, we didn’t make money. But as we speak now, even our tanks are full because the NMDPRA has issued reckless licences. And we have to now go and complain to the government,” he said.

Dangote also accused the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority of issuing 47 import licences to bring in over seven billion litres of petrol in the first quarter of 2026, a move he said was hurting local investments.

“They normally issue licences in the middle of the month. So, they are now ready to issue licences for about 7.5 billion litres for the first quarter of 2026, despite the fact that we have guaranteed to supply enough quantity,” he said.

Dismissing claims that his refinery enjoys a monopoly, Dangote said no one was stopped from investing in local refining.

“If you are talking about monopoly, did we stop anybody? They issued 47 licences. Let those people come and put up a refinery here, or let them go and buy even NNPC’s and operate them. If it’s profitable, they should go and do that now. NNPC was the only business that was bringing in fuel before,” he added.

Dangote further lamented the condition of modular refineries in the country, saying most of them were struggling to survive.

“Now, we are the only one and one of the few modular refineries that are producing. Those modular refineries, I can tell you for nothing that they are almost on the verge of collapse. None of them is making a dime,” he said.

However, the NMDPRA has not issued any official response to the latest development as of the time of filing this report, Naija News reports.

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The Kwara State Government has dismissed claims circulating on social media that the Nigerian Army arrested armed bandits in Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state, describing the reports as false and capable of causing public panic.

The Commissioner for Communications, Bolanle Olukoju, said the claims were “disinformation spreading on social media platforms,” stressing that “the Nigerian Army did not arrest any armed bandits in any part of Ifelodun.”

Ms Olukoju was reacting to a viral video in which some arrested individuals allegedly claimed they were in possession of a vehicle given to them by the “Ilorin Government” and weapons received “from Abuja.”

According to her, while the video and the circumstances surrounding the suspects are under investigation, it is important to clarify that the arrests did not take place in Kwara State.

“No security agency, including the Army, ever reported such arrests in Kwara. They were reportedly arrested in Auchi, Edo State,” she said, adding that further details were being awaited.

The commissioner also rejected insinuations that the Kwara State Government armed any group, noting that “no state government has the power to arm anyone with AK-47,” and that the individuals in the video did not claim they received weapons from the Kwara government.

She explained that the Ifelodun Local Government had clarified that a security van mentioned in the video was previously given to vigilantes deployed in the area to strengthen security, but that the vigilantes had since left.

The council, she added, had “repeatedly complained to relevant authorities that its van was not returned to its pool.”

ALSO READ: Family faults government response as Kwara traditional ruler spends nine days in captivity

Ms Olukoju urged security agencies to strengthen collaboration in the fight against insecurity.

“To win the war against banditry and other violent crimes, we urge enhanced interagency coordination, intelligence sharing, and cooperation amongst the security agencies,” she said.

She also cautioned bloggers against spreading unverified information, warning that “biased assimilation of information or misrepresenting things… poses existential threat to human life and public peace.”

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December 15, 2025December 15, 2025

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From John Silas, Lagos

Chief Felix Onwurah, popularly known as Flex on Sunday, joined the race to contest for the Ojo House of Representative in the forthcoming 2027 general election, promised better representation.

Onwurah, a hotelier and an All Progressive Ground Alliance (APGA) Stewart made his intention to run for the seat at the APGA’s 2025 End-of-Year get together held in Lagos.

That, the event to thank God for the preservation of members lives, planned for the party’s success in the coming election.

Speaking during his intent declaration at the event, Onwurah that previously contested for the position with other parties without success; said that, APGA provides a formidable platform in the area that could guarantee him victory at the polls.

The political, known for his infectious grassroots mobilisation and humanitarian works, described his advent in the race as phenomenal in Ojo politics; said that, youths empowerment through education, skills acquisition, healthcare and security in the area would top his agenda if elected.

“We have a mobile youth population in Ojo therefore intentional effort should be made to people oriented policies to hannest and gainfully engaged this population.

“Through impactful legislation a reformed security network will be out in place to foster the peace in the area to drive investment that will further create jobs for people in the constituency,” he said.

He appealed to the residents for their support at the election to enable him mainstream Ojo challenges for prompt attention and development.

Speaking earlier in his remark at event, the Lagos State APGA Deputy Chairman, Chief Cyril Azuka-Onwugbu, said that the party enjoyed massive followership in Ojo.

The party chieftain, lauded the popularity of the aspirant in the area, said that the party has 100 per cent assurance of victory in the election.

He appealed to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure a free and fair election to allow people’s mandate be the outcome of the process.

Also speaking at the event, APGA’S Ojo Local Government Area Actting Chairman Mr John Nduba, said that, the party has a formidable structure in the community that could deliver its candidate at the election.

The Chairman said that the party would immediately after the declaration ceremony commence grassroots mobilisation to assert its presence and plans for the forthcoming elections.

He added that APGA being a national party and with its impressive impacts in previous elections in the area; would be triumphant in the 2027 elections.

The event was attended by many APGA’S faithful and states executives.

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• A woman has reacted to the controversy on social media involving a popular Nollywood actress and a notable man of God.
• She spoke her mind after watching the video of the actress and told her what to do amid the online controversy
• The woman also spoke about several things regarding the pastor and gave important advice to fellow women and men

A Nigerian woman has reacted to the online drama between Nollywood actress Doris Ogala and Pastor Chris Okafor over claims that he maltreated her and failed to marry her.

The lady took to social media to make the statement just hours after Doris Ogala called out the pastor and said he mustn’t marry after the pastor proposed to his lover.

Lady shares thoughts on Doris Ogala story. Photo Source: Facebook/Mabel Elebe Magbulu
Source: Facebook

Woman speaks on Doris and pastor saga

Reacting to the drama, the lady advised Doris Ogala to move on and spoke about the things that may be happening, or that have happened behind the scenes, which nobody knows.

Read also

“Please check on her”: Lady raises alarm over Doris Ogala’s current condition amid drama with pastor

Mabel Elebe Magbulu, in her post, asked Jesus to come quickly because of the unexpected things she heard about the man of God and the actress.

She said: “Honestly eh, this whole Pastor Chris Okafor & Doris Ogala story has been making me laugh uncontrollably since it broke out. Jesus, please come quickly because what is really going on in this street of spirituality?”Nigerian woman comments on Pastor Chris saga. Photo Source: Facebook/Mabel Elebe Magbulu
Source: Facebook”If some of us actually knew what is happening behind the scenes with some of these ‘men of God,’ we would stop worshipping human beings and face God directly. Fame, title, and microphone no be proof of character o.”

The individual went ahead to give important advice to the Nollywood actress:

Woman gives advice to Doris Ogala

“As for Doris… ah! Another case of premium mumu deluxe. My sister should wipe her tears, gather her broken pieces, and move on because, let’s be honest, all these online dramas will not stop the next catch, neither will it suddenly make that new woman change her mind. Life moves on sharply.”

Read also

Man reacts to Doris Ogala’s alleged chat with Pastor Chris Okafor, blows hot: “Put her in jail”

“Evil people full everywhere, packaging religion and turning God’s word into content and merchandise. May God deliver genuine faith from public embarrassment.””Ladies, be wise. Men too, open your eyes. Before men of God turn you into merchandise of the week.”

Reactions as woman advices Doris Ogala

Okafor noted:

“Were they actually dating or they where having a behind the scenes sexual affair, that they managed to coverup for years because of the personality of the person involved. I’m not surprised at all. These guys are ravenous wolves who parade themselves as pastors. Undoubtedly, Judgement will begin in the house of God.”

Usman stated:

“I’ve been off church because of this pastor nonsense. This one ruined my marriage. Imagine my ex wife insisting I take my new born baby’s placenta to her pastor because that’s the norm in the church! Some of these pastors are devils incarnate.”

Debby said:

“Some ladies aren’t wise, it’s truly unfortunate. The drama unfolding is a reflection of the spiritual state of our society. May God deliver us from hypocrisy.”

Read also

“You ruined your life”: Nigerian lady discusses alleged reason Doris Ogala dumped her husband

Read the post below:

Meanwhile, Legit.ng recently reported that a Nigerian lady sparked online discussions after sharing her opinion on Doris Ogala’s divorce amid the controversy with Pastor Chris Okafor.

Man reacts angrily to Chris Okafor video

Meanwhile, Legit.ng recently reported that a young Nigerian man expressed anger after watching a resurfaced video of popular pastor Chris Okafor. In the clip, the pastor spoke about women and the type some men may avoid marrying.

The man said that while the pastor made the statements, some members of the congregation remained seated and listening, which he found frustrating.

Source: Legit.ng

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Former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-rufai has debunked reports purporting his support for a Southern presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Reports making the rounds on social media accused the African Democratic Congress, ADC, chieftain of dumping one of the party’s presidential aspirants, Atiku Abubakar, who is from the North, stating that it is the turn of the South.

The report suggested that El-rufai may be backing the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi.

However, in a statement on Monday, El-rufai described the report as an “untrue claim, despite its virality”.

He denied making such claims in any of his speeches, interviews or social media posts.

“I have my own verifiable platforms on social media where I speak my mind and own my opinions”, he said.

The former governor reiterated that “no views may be attributable to me unless those I explicitly express on my social media platforms or during interviews with respected media platforms.

“It is also wrong and improper to attribute to me opinion articles from other authors which I may post on my handles as a contribution to the national conversation. These caveats are crucial as we confront both irresponsible politicking and the deliberate misuse of social media for spreading fake news.

“The wilful attribution to me of claims I did not make by a fake news platform is no excuse to treat such platforms with any seriousness.

“In this age of turmoil and falsehood, the always important obligation to verify before posting has become ever more crucial.

“In this instance, a few senior editors seem to have ignored this duty. Society loses if media leaders join the most irresponsible actors on social media in the unedifying olympics of fiction and fakery. Everyone should live up to their responsibility”.

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