Nigeria News Digest: September 3, 2025

An Osun State monarch received a four-year prison sentence in the U.S. for defrauding authorities of $4.2 million in pandemic relief funds. Both he and a co-defendant pleaded guilty to wire and tax fraud charges.

A coalition challenged former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai's claim that he never restricted assembly rights. The group accused him of systematically suppressing dissent during his tenure despite his recent denials.

A Nigerian court sentenced five Thai nationals to three years’ imprisonment and ordered their deportation for cybercrime violations. Their plea deal included fines and charges related to unauthorized stay and financial fraud.

Security forces arraigned 10 suspects for arms trading, violence, and property destruction in Benue and Plateau States' conflicts. Charges included possession of illicit weapons and involvement in banditry-related activities.

A 21-year-old mother of two, identified as Lilian, has been arrested by the Delta State Police Command for allegedly stabbing her 34-year-old partner to death during a domestic dispute.

The Nigerian government has arraigned nine suspects linked to terrorism-related charges in connection with attacks in Benue State, with one defendant pleading guilty.

The Delta State Police Command has arrested suspects linked to a robbery at Niger Delta University, recovering stolen items including a 65-inch television, PlayStation 4, and mobile phones.

Former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika has denied allegations of misappropriating N100 billion for the failed Nigeria Air project, stating only N3 billion was released from the N5 billion budget.

The DSS has arraigned nine individuals for roles in violent attacks in Benue and Plateau states, including killings and arms trafficking. The cases follow recent massacres and aim to address ongoing regional violence.