Good day and welcome. Thursday, May 14, 2026, has been another day of major developments across Nigeria—from a landmark corruption sentencing and high-stakes political maneuvers to sporting triumphs and troubling security incidents. Here is your comprehensive roundup of today’s top stories as gathered from major newspapers nationwide.
Politics & Governance
Tinubu Attends Africa CEO Forum in Rwanda
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu arrived in Kigali, Rwanda, on Wednesday ahead of the 13th Africa CEO Forum, which commenced on Thursday. The President was received at the Presidential Wing of Kigali International Airport by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu, and Rwanda’s Minister of Defence, Juvenal Marizamunda. The Africa CEO Forum, created in 2012 by Jeune Afrique Media and co-hosted by the International Finance Corporation, is regarded as one of the largest annual gatherings of business leaders, investors and policymakers across the continent, focusing on economic growth, regional cooperation and investment opportunities. Speaking at the forum, President Tinubu called for an overhaul of the global financial system, which he said penalizes African borrowers, noting that Nigeria will spend approximately $11.6 billion servicing its debt in 2026—nearly half of its projected government revenue.
APC Confirms May 23 Presidential Primary
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed reports that its presidential primary election for the 2027 polls has been postponed, reaffirming that it will hold as scheduled on May 23, 2026. National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka said in a statement on Wednesday that reports circulating on social media and other platforms suggesting changes to the timetable were false. Under the revised calendar, House of Representatives primaries are set for Friday, May 15; Senate on Monday, May 18; State House of Assembly on Wednesday, May 20; Governorship on Thursday, May 21; and the Presidential primary on Saturday, May 23. The party’s National Working Committee has adopted a dual-mode primary system—direct and consensus—as provided in the Electoral Act.
Fubara Dismisses Defection Rumors
Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has broken his silence on widespread speculation that he had defected from the APC to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in the ongoing realignment of political forces ahead of the 2027 elections. Fubara insisted he remains loyal to the APC, dismissing the rumors circulating on social media.
Germany and Nigeria Seal Bilateral Cooperation Framework
Nigeria and Germany have concluded negotiations on a renewed framework for bilateral cooperation, paving the way for the agreement’s signing in Abuja today. The framework is expected to strengthen ties in trade, investment, and development cooperation.
Law & Justice
Ex-Power Minister Saleh Mamman Sentenced to 75 Years in Absentia
In one of the most significant anti-corruption rulings in recent memory, Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to 75 years’ imprisonment in absentia over a N33.8 billion fraud linked to the Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric power projects. Mamman was convicted on all 12 counts of conspiracy and money laundering brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Justice Omotosho sentenced the former minister to seven years each on ten counts, three years on count four, and two years on count five, with the sentences to run consecutively and without the option of a fine, except for count four which allows a N10 million fine. The judge ordered all security agencies, including Interpol, to arrest the convict wherever he is found, noting that Mamman’s absence in court was a deliberate attempt to obstruct justice.
EFCC Arrests Energy Commission DG Over N701 Billion Probe
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arrested the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Mustapha Abdullahi, over allegations of money laundering involving funds to the tune of N701 billion linked to the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), an association of APC governors. Abdullahi was arrested in Abuja on Wednesday following his failure to honor two different invitations extended by the anti-graft agency. Investigations suggest the matter may be connected to allegations of financial mismanagement leveled against the Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma, over funds reportedly set aside for the 2027 election campaign. A reliable source at the EFCC headquarters confirmed that Abdullahi has been taken into custody and will be questioned over the alleged fraudulent activities.
Federal High Court Dismisses ADA Suit Against INEC
The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a suit filed by the All Democratic Alliance (ADA) against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for being improperly commenced, granting some respite to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
Court Adjourns Embryo Sale Trial of Abuja Doctor
The trial of an Abuja-based medical practitioner, Dr. John Abebe, and his hospital, Joje Abebe Hospital Limited, over the alleged sale of patients’ embryos and In Vitro Fertilisation fraud, has been adjourned till June 18, 2026, by a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory.
Security & Military
Military Dismisses Civilian Casualty Claims in Zamfara Airstrike
The Defence Headquarters has dismissed reports alleging that civilians were killed during a recent military airstrike on Tumfa market in Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State, insisting that there is no credible evidence to support claims of civilian casualties arising from the operation carried out on Sunday.
UN Demands Probe Into Nigeria Airstrikes
Meanwhile, the United Nations has urged Nigeria and Chad to conduct prompt, independent, and impartial investigations into deadly military airstrikes that killed civilians in the northern region. Chadian military strikes reportedly killed dozens of fishermen in northwestern Nigeria, raising further humanitarian concerns.
Police Arrest 14 Suspects Over Bayelsa Community Attack
Police operatives in Bayelsa State, in collaboration with the Joint Task Force, have arrested 14 suspects and recovered firearms in connection with last month’s attack on Ogboinbiri community in the Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, where one person was killed and several others injured. The police recovered four pump-action guns, three packets of cartridges, and four operational speedboats suspected to have been used for criminal activities. Efforts are ongoing to arrest the principal suspect, identified as “Lionface,” who remains at large.
Troops Rescue Six Kidnap Victims in Northeast
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have rescued six kidnapped women and children, including a three-month-old baby, during separate operations across the North-East. The troops also arrested three suspected terrorist associates during clearance operations on May 12.
Ondo Police Arrest 24 Suspected Cultists
The Ondo State Police Command said it arrested 24 suspected cultists during an initiation ceremony in Ile-Oluji, headquarters of Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo Local Government Area. The suspects, all alleged members of the Aiye confraternity, were arrested on Sunday during the initiation of new members.
Economy & Infrastructure
Customs Intercepts N18.9 Billion Illicit Drugs at Tin Can Island Port
The Nigeria Customs Service, Tin Can Island Port Command, has intercepted illicit drugs valued at N18.9 billion in a joint operation with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency. The seizure was announced on Thursday in Lagos by the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, during a news conference, reflecting sustained inter-agency collaboration aimed at curbing the inflow of contraband through Nigeria’s seaports.
FEC Approves Three Major Rail Projects
The Federal Executive Council on Thursday approved contracts for three major rail projects to boost infrastructure and economic growth, to be implemented in Lagos, Kano, and Kaduna. The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, disclosed this while briefing State House correspondents after the council meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Lagos Tops Nigeria’s Debt Chart
Lagos State has emerged as Nigeria’s most indebted subnational, with liabilities of N1.22 trillion and $1.17 billion, according to data from the Debt Management Office. Total public debt in Nigeria rose to N159.28 trillion in the fourth quarter of 2025, as debt servicing continues to pressure government finances.
Nigeria Ready for Nationwide Digital Switch Over
The Federal Government has announced that Nigeria is ready for the nationwide digital switch over, with the commissioning of the Digital Switch Over platform set for June 17. The National Universities Commission also disclosed that 24,000 scholars will benefit from a $65 million World Bank funding.
Health & Social Welfare
MSF Raises Alarm Over Malnutrition Cases in Nigeria
Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) has raised the alarm over the growing cases of malnutrition among children in Nigeria, particularly in the northern region, warning that the country tops 77 countries in malnutrition cases.
Doctors Begin Indefinite Strike in Akwa Ibom
Doctors in Akwa Ibom State began an indefinite strike after EFCC operatives allegedly assaulted, arrested, and detained medical workers at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital during an operation that caused panic in the facility.
Sports
Tobi Amusan Wins Nigeria’s First Gold at African Athletics Championships
Nigeria’s world record holder and athletics poster girl, Tobi Amusan, struck the first gold for Team Nigeria after cruising to victory in the Women’s 100m hurdles event at the ongoing African Senior Athletics Championships in Accra, Ghana. By that outstanding performance, Amusan now boasts three African titles in the women’s 100m hurdles event, having previously won at Asaba 2018 and Mauritius 2022. Her compatriot Adaobi Tabugbo finished third for her first-ever individual medal for Nigeria.
However, joy of another gold medal was cut short after what appeared to be a clear victory for Nigeria’s Rosemary Chukwuma in the women’s 100m final was controversially overturned in favor of Cameroon’s Kole Etame Herverge, sparking instant reactions from Team Nigeria’s camp. On the opening day of the championships, Divine Oladipo, who recently switched allegiance from Great Britain to Nigeria, picked silver, while Obiageri Amaechi won bronze in the women’s discus.
Entertainment
Nollywood Actor Alexx Ekubo Confirmed Dead
The family of Nollywood actor Alexx Ekubo has confirmed that he died from complications related to advanced metastatic kidney cancer after battling the illness at Evercare Hospital.
Education & International Development
UK Government Sponsors 60 Nigerian Journalists for Science Reporting Training
The United Kingdom Government, in partnership with the School of Media and Communication, Pan-Atlantic University, recently sponsored 60 Nigerian journalists for specialized training in science and technology reporting. The training, themed “Advancing Media Freedom through Science and Technology Journalism,” aimed at strengthening ethical journalism, combating misinformation, and promoting evidence-based reporting. The British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, Jonny Baxter, reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to supporting press freedom and responsible journalism in Nigeria.
This roundup is compiled from major Nigerian newspapers including The Sun, The Guardian, Punch, Vanguard, ThisDay, Premium Times, Daily Post, Independent, Naija News, New Telegraph, and AllAfrica.
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