Nigeria News Digest: August 20, 2025

Osun Governor Ademola Adeleke has urged President Bola Tinubu to release the state's local government funds, stating there is no legal basis for their withholding.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) criticized the FG's plan to increase the salaries of President Tinubu, Shettima, and Akpabio, arguing that it is insensitive while Nigerians struggle with affordability.

Eight individuals involved in internet fraud were convicted by a Nigerian high court and sentenced to prison terms, along with being required to forfeit their phones and cash.

Duru Damian, a businessman, was sentenced to three months' imprisonment and had $49,000 seized by the Nigerian Customs Service forfeited to the federal government for failing to declare the money.

Four bank accounts linked to former NNPCL head Mele Kyari have been frozen by a court in Abuja as part of an investigation by the EFCC.

Ebonyi residents praised the hospital's medical outreaches, which brought essential healthcare services to underserved communities.

Over 7.3 million adolescent girls and women in Nigeria suffer from undernutrition, with 55% affected by anemia, exacerbated by poor menstrual hygiene and lack of affordable sanitary products.

NAPTIP has arrested eight suspected human traffickers and rescued 29 foreign victims in Abuja, as part of a broader effort to dismantle trafficking networks.

Fourteen trafficked children from Adamawa, sold for N800,000 to N1.7 million each in Anambra, have been reunited with their parents.

Police in Uyo have rescued 20 Ghanaian nationals from a human trafficking den, a result of collaboration with the Ghana Police Service and Interpol.

The Nigerian government has attributed the Owo Church massacre to ISWAP, citing the group's involvement in the deadly attack.

Katsina's Acting Governor has sought stronger military support to combat banditry, emphasizing the need for intensified operations in the state.

Femi Soneye has urged the Nigerian government to support the media with tax incentives and import duty reliefs to ensure sustainability and independence.

The Nigerian Insurers Association has launched an Innovation Lab to drive technological advancement in the insurance industry.

The Nigerian government has closed 13.5 million social media accounts and removed nearly 60 million posts for offensive content.

Governor Sanwo-Olu has emphasized the need for agricultural financing to enable Nigerian farmers to produce finished goods for global markets.

2Face's 'African Queen' has been ranked as the number one Best Afrobeats song of all-time by Billboard, with Wizkid's 'Ojuelegba' and 'Essence' also in the top 10.

Nigerian artist Burna Boy holds the record for the most entries on the Billboard Hot 100 chart by an African musician, marking a significant achievement for African music on a global stage.