Top Story: Deaths of Suspected Illegal Miners in Custody

The most dominant story today is the confirmation by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) that several suspected illegal miners died while in its custody in Niger State. The detainees were arrested during operations against illegal mining in the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto area between September 15 and 16. In the early hours of today, scores of the detained suspects were found dead, with the NSCDC attributing the deaths to a “suspected outbreak of disease”. Reports cite varying figures, with local media mentioning 33 deaths, while the Niger State Government confirmed 37. In response, the NSCDC has ordered a high-powered investigation, and the Niger State Police Command has also launched a separate probe into the circumstances surrounding the deaths. The Niger State Government has declared three days of mourning and postponed its campaign flag-off for the upcoming general election.

Petrol Price Surge and Labour Demands

The pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) has continued to rise sharply across the country, reportedly selling for as high as ₦1,500 per litre in states like Kano, Yobe, Sokoto, Borno, Taraba, and Zamfara. In response to the worsening economic hardship, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on the Federal Government to urgently introduce measures to cushion the impact, including the payment of reasonable wage awards to workers and the sale of crude oil to local refineries in naira.

2027 Election Politics and Legal Battles

Political activities ahead of the 2027 elections are intensifying, with several key developments:

• Atiku’s Legal Challenge: The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted former Vice President Atiku Abubakar permission to serve a lawsuit on President Bola Tinubu through the All Progressives Congress (APC). The suit seeks to stop Tinubu from contesting the 2027 presidential election over alleged submission of forged certificates to INEC.
• Anambra Debt Controversy: A public dispute continues between the Anambra State Government and former Governor Peter Obi. The state government claims the Obi administration left outstanding external loans valued at ₦127.37 billion as of June 2026, a claim Obi has rejected, stating he left no such liabilities.
• Party Internal Strife: The APC Presidential Campaign Council has urged President Tinubu to intervene in the ongoing face-off between FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and governors elected on the APC platform to prevent it from harming the party’s chances in 2027.

Constitutional Amendment and Other News

• State Police Move: The National Assembly has transmitted the Constitution Alteration Bill to the Houses of Assembly of the 36 states for consideration, a major step in the move to establish state police.
• Olu Jacobs Dies: Veteran Nollywood actor Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, has died at the age of 84.
• Enugu Returnees: Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State welcomed 112 indigenes forced to return from South Africa due to xenophobic attacks, giving ₦1 million to each of the 77 families to help them reintegrate.