Nigeria Digest: Key Events of July 16, 2024

As the 2025 Anambra State governorship election approaches, political candidates are actively campaigning across the state, promising voters various initiatives. While opposition candidates focus on traditional campaign strategies, Governor Soludo emphasizes good governance over political maneuvering.

Opposition parties in Lagos State, including the Labour Party, the Young Progressives Party, and others, have called for the cancellation of the recent local government elections, alleging widespread irregularities, violence, and manipulation.

Former campaign official Ayiri Emami paid tribute to the late President Muhammadu Buhari, highlighting his integrity, infrastructural achievements, and unwavering commitment to the rule of law.

Rumors of Atiku Abubakar resigning from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have been debunked. The former Vice President remains a member of the party despite expressing concerns about its internal conflicts.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced that over 295,000 Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) remain uncollected in Ondo State, encouraging eligible citizens to pick them up ahead of the 2025 registration exercise.

Leading up to the 2026 Ekiti State governorship election, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and other parties are actively preparing their campaigns and strategies.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) begins a new chapter without President Buhari, navigating the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the 2027 elections.

The Forum of Lagos State PDP Local Government Chairmen condemned the recent local government elections, deeming them a charade due to alleged manipulations and violence, and vowing legal action.

The death toll from the attack on Jebbu Binde village in Plateau State has risen above 30, as more bodies were discovered in the aftermath of the violence perpetrated by suspected Fulani extremists.

Police officers in the FCT bravely resisted a bribery attempt of N1.5 million from a suspect seeking to secure the release of a fellow kidnap suspect in custody.

A court ordered the final forfeiture of N335 million, a hospital, and five fuel stations belonging to businessman Babagana Dalori, following a case brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Salisu Ahmad was sentenced to jail time by a Kano court for failing to declare over $420,000 and other foreign currencies to Nigerian Customs upon arrival from Saudi Arabia.

Former JAMB Registrar, Ojerinde, attempted to settle his N5.2 billion fraud case out of court with the ICPC, leading to a postponement of the trial date.

Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose was acquitted of all money laundering charges, bringing an end to a seven-year legal battle with the EFCC.

Ayodele Fayose has been acquitted of money laundering charges after a seven-year trial, with the court ruling that the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case against him.

The EFCC plans to appeal the court's ruling acquitting Fayose of money laundering charges, arguing that the prosecution established sufficient grounds despite the judge's dismissal of the case.

A court has ordered the final forfeiture of N335 million, a hospital, five filling stations, and other assets to the Federal Government following compliance with legal directives.

The article content is unavailable or insufficient to provide a meaningful summary.

UK inflation unexpectedly rose to an 18-month high in June, intensifying pressure on the government and economy, though a potential interest rate cut by the Bank of England is still possible.

Stanbic IBTC Bank has secured an CNY800 million loan facility with China Development Bank to enhance financing for Nigerian businesses engaged in Africa-China trade.

Nigeria's oil production has slightly exceeded its OPEC quota, with the NNPC declaring a state of emergency to address production challenges.

UK inflation rose to 3.6% in June, driven by high food and fuel prices, marking the third consecutive monthly increase in food price inflation.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan is leading a trade mission to Nigeria to boost collaboration in business and technology, aiming to foster growth and job creation.

Heirs Insurance recorded a 70% increase in gross written premium to N61 billion in 2024, marking significant growth in the insurance sector.

Imo Talent Hub, in partnership with the University of California, aims to train 100,000 youths in digital skills by 2026 to place them in global roles.

Nigeria faces perennial flooding due to increased rainfall and dam releases, with plans to mitigate future floods by diverting river flow into a reservoir.

The Buhari administration has initiated key road and rail projects, including the Port Harcourt–Aba railway and Abuja–Kaduna railway, under national development programs.

A residential building in Ilorin was sealed for illegal waste disposal, with authorities urging public compliance with environmental regulations to ensure safety.

Redeemer’s University has been ranked Africa’s top university for SDG 6 by Times Higher Education, attributed to its research excellence in genomics and global health.

Reckitt Nigeria awarded ₦48 million to health and hygiene startups through its Access Accelerator Programme, aiming to improve access to basic hygiene services.

The community of Kunai in Kaduna State faces a health crisis after a fire destroyed their only hospital three months ago. The destroyed facility, with no alternative medical arrangements in place, leaves over 2,000 residents without access to basic healthcare, raising concerns about potential loss of life due to contamination and lack of medical services.

This article does not contain a summary suitable for re-writing.

A coroner investigating the death of popular singer Mohbad concluded that the medical practitioner involved acted negligently, deviating from the standard of care.

From January to June 2025, Gombe State recorded 72 road fatalities and 171 crashes, impacting 234 vehicles, with a significant number involving bicycles or tricycles.

Two students in Kano were tortured to death by senior students in their school hostel after being accused of unnatural offenses. Police have arrested 12 suspects in connection with the incident.

The Abia State government secured a $263.8 million financing package from the AfDB, IsDB, and the Federal Government of Nigeria to oversee infrastructure projects in Aba and Umuahia.

The Kano Health Commissioner expressed concern over the number of unimmunized children in Nigeria, highlighting that over two million children lack access to essential vaccines.

President Museveni of Uganda inaugurated the reconstruction of Salaama Road in Kampala, urging residents to embrace hard work and self-reliance.

Buba Galadima, a New Nigerian Peoples Party chieftain, revealed that a northern group brought Muhammadu Buhari into politics to counter the activities of OPC in Nigeria.

The Lagos State Police Command apprehended four individuals accused of running a visa scam that defrauded people of N500 million.

The University of Lagos honored THISDAY MD Eniola Bello and 59 others on a day celebrating the university's 50th anniversary.

The University of Offa began the process of replacing its outgoing Vice Chancellor, seeking a suitable candidate with at least 15 years of experience in a university setting.

Kano's current Governor Abba Yusuf approved N3 billion for the renovation of 13 boarding schools previously closed by his predecessor.

Yaba College of Technology Staff School unveiled a new computer lab equipped with 10 desktop computers and software to enhance students' digital literacy.

Nigerian police arrested and charged Pastor Amos Isah, from the Prophetic Victory Voice of Fire Ministry in Abuja, with the rape of a 14-year-old girl who occurred within the church.

Nigerian police dismantled a major child trafficking network, rescuing multiple victims, including children and pregnant women, and arresting 11 suspects in a coordinated operation.

An 18-year-old housewife, Salma Hassan, allegedly stabbed her husband to death, claiming she believed marital sex was not obligatory, and is now in police custody.

Police in Akwa Ibom arrested suspects linked to theft and cult activities, recovering firearms, ammunition, and stolen items during the operation.

US authorities deported eight convicted criminals to their home countries, including Cuba, Myanmar, and Vietnam, under policies targeting violent offenders.

Delta police arrested five kidnapping suspects and recovered N5 million in ransom money, following a sting operation near Unenurhei Community.

A mob in Benue's Maav-Ya community lynched three suspected robbers before security forces arrived, prompting an investigation into the vigilante action.

Youth groups in Plateau accused security forces of failing to stop a deadly bandit attack, alleging collusion despite advance warnings from villagers.

South Africa's Minister Ntshavheni unveiled a national security strategy emphasizing transparency, accountability, and human-centered security as key pillars of the plan.

A World Bank report highlighted gender inequality challenges in Botswana, focusing on economic inclusion, social norms, and gender-based violence.

Plateau Governor Mutfwang called for improved security measures after a bandit attack, emphasizing the need to identify and prosecute the perpetrators.

A police chief banned the use of minibuses and tricycles for patrols, citing misconduct incidents and the need for professional reforms.

Edo's special security squad arrested over 20 suspects in its first operation, part of efforts to address rising criminality in the state.

Kwara State University students narrowly escaped death when their bus caught fire near Sobi Barracks, prompting calls for improved vehicle safety checks.

Eighteen Kwara State University students escaped a bus fire in Ilorin, with authorities urging routine vehicle inspections to prevent such incidents.

Mohammed Adoke's new book details his legal battles over the OPL 245 case, describing his detention and eventual exoneration of all charges in 2024.

This book explores Mohammed Bello Adoke’s experiences following allegations of wrongdoing in the controversial OPL 245 case, also known as “Malabugate.” Adoke details his indefinite exile, legal battles in multiple countries, and eventual 55-day detention by the EFCC before being fully cleared of all charges in 2024.

A Malaysian teenager has been sentenced to prison for the death of 23 people in a 2017 school fire. The fire, which broke out in a dormitory at a religious boarding school, trapped students due to a blocked exit and barred windows.

Recent news of former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari's death has reignited a conspiracy theory that claims Buhari was replaced by a Sudanese body double named Jubril Aminu Al-Sudani. This narrative, first pushed by Nnamdi Kanu, highlights public distrust in government transparency.

The Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) has temporarily suspended train services on the Warri-Itakpe route due to unforeseen technical challenges. The service was halted on July 15 and remained suspended as of July 16.

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has resumed daily train services on the Jos-Bukuru corridor after a year-long suspension. This initiative is part of a state government program to connect communities and reduce travel costs within the state.

The Kwara State Government has recertified 12 private motor parks within Ilorin, highlighting their importance as crucial transport infrastructure. The service aims to enhance passenger experience by ensuring safety and proper transportation standards.

Amidst rising terrorism in Kwara State, the state government is allocating $1.4 billion for vehicles and $350 million for security votes for lawmakers. This news follows recent terrorist attacks by suspected Mahmuda militants in the region.

Many Nigerians have expressed gratitude for the federal government's free train ride program between Lagos and Ibadan during the Yuletide season. Passengers praised President Buhari and the Minister of Transportation for enabling easier family visits and celebrations during the holiday.

Past politicians, government officials, and influential figures attended the three-day Fidau prayer held in honor of former President Muhammadu Buhari in Daura, Katsina State. Notable attendees included Vice President Shettima, ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former presidential candidate Peter Obi, and Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, who offered prayers for the late leader.

ArKay Beverages is inviting wealthy Africans to invest in their USA-based “ArKay Non Alcoholic Bar & Lounge” concept, which promises a unique experience with high-end food and non-alcoholic cocktails. ArKay envisions opening numerous locations globally, capitalizing on the growing trend of people seeking alternatives to alcohol.

The Buganda Kingdom celebrated World Youth Skills Day by emphasizing the importance of AI and digital skills for young people. Institutions pledged to provide training programs, support youth-led innovations, and offer mentorship to empower youth in tech and drive the Kingdom's technological advancement.

Nobel laureate physicist David Gross underscores the pressing need for global cooperation to prevent nuclear war. He calls for removing barriers to scientific collaboration and urges international efforts to avert nuclear conflict.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan visited Lagos to strengthen tech and creative ties between the UK and Nigeria. He emphasizes London's position as Europe's tech capital and highlights Lagos as Africa's, noting the significant opportunities for collaboration between the two cities.

Globacom and Samsung jointly unveiled the latest Z Fold 7 and Flip 7 smartphones with exclusive offers for Glo customers. The event celebrated the technology and showcased new features, with pre-ordering commencing immediately.

The 'InnovatHER STEAM Bootcamp aims to bridge the gender gap in Nigeria's tech industry by empowering girls from underserved communities with skills in STEAM fields. The program helps them develop skills and confidence needed for careers in technology, addressing the underrepresentation of women in the sector.

The Ibadan Discourse Group has congratulated Dr. Olagunju, Editor of Saturday Tribune, on his fellowship, recognizing his contributions to journalism.

Mauritius and the US are co-hosting the Africa Maritime Forces Summit to address regional security and enhance collaboration.

Uganda's election season has seen a surge in political candidates seeking supernatural aid, with witch doctors reporting increased consultations.

The Olusegun Obasanjo Leadership Institute has appointed Prof. Adedeji Daramola as Deputy Chief Executive, aligning with their transformative goals.

SanlamAllianz hosted the NCRIB Empowerment Series to support insurance industry growth and is conducting a 12-city brand promotion tour.

Global demand for meat and dairy is rising, particularly in middle-income countries, despite concerns over climate impact.

Qore Technologies is promoting STEM careers for women through workshops and their intensive training academy.

Zimbabwe's human rights movement remains resilient, with communities leading efforts for justice amid repression.