President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed concern over the timing of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) decision to freeze the bank accounts of the Osun State Government, saying he feels “deeply embarrassed” by when the action was taken.

According to the President, his concern is not with the EFCC carrying out its statutory responsibilities under a valid court order, but with the timing of the enforcement, coming just days before the Osun State governorship election.

Tinubu reportedly stated that while anti-corruption agencies must be allowed to perform their constitutional duties without interference, such actions should also be carefully timed to avoid creating unnecessary political tension or giving room for allegations of partisanship.

The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the independence of the EFCC and the fight against corruption, stressing that no individual or institution is above the law. However, he noted that the anti-graft agency must always ensure that its operations inspire public confidence and do not undermine the credibility of democratic processes.

His comments come amid growing controversy over the freezing of the Osun State Government’s accounts by the EFCC. The Commission had earlier explained that the action followed an ongoing investigation into the alleged mismanagement of about N11 billion in Ecology Funds, Intervention Funds and Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) allocations. The EFCC maintained that it acted after detecting what it described as suspicious transfers of large sums of money from the state’s accounts to several corporate entities.

The development has sparked political reactions, with the Osun State Government accusing the Commission of attempting to disrupt governance, while the EFCC insists that its actions were solely aimed at protecting public funds and were backed by a court order.

Tinubu’s intervention is expected to fuel further debate over the balance between anti-corruption enforcement and the need to preserve public confidence in democratic institutions, particularly during election periods.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has explained the reasons behind its decision to freeze the bank accounts of the Osun State Government, saying the action was taken to prevent the alleged diversion of public funds amid an ongoing investigation into the state’s finances.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the anti-graft agency disclosed that it has been investigating the Osun State Government since March 2026 over the alleged fraudulent management of Ecology Funds, Intervention Funds and allocations from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), involving a total sum of N11 billion.

According to the Commission, several government officials, including the Osun State Accountant General, have been questioned as part of the investigation.

The EFCC stated that although the investigation had been ongoing for months without restrictions being placed on the state’s accounts, it was compelled to act after detecting what it described as suspicious movements of funds beginning on August 2, 2026.

The Commission alleged that substantial sums were being transferred from government accounts into several corporate entities, prompting it to impose a Post No Debit (PND) order to halt the transactions pending the conclusion of its investigation.

The anti-corruption agency maintained that the action was purely preventive and aimed at protecting public resources from alleged looting, insisting that it could not ignore what it considered suspicious financial activities.

Responding to concerns that the account freeze was politically motivated due to the forthcoming Osun governorship election, the EFCC denied any partisan motive, stressing that it has a legal responsibility to safeguard public funds irrespective of the political calendar.

The Commission also revealed that it is monitoring the finances of several other states across the country as part of its broader accountability and anti-corruption mandate.

Reaffirming its commitment to impartiality, the EFCC urged Nigerians to disregard what it described as false narratives and attempts to discredit its operations, insisting that its actions are guided solely by the need to protect public resources and uphold transparency.

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has challenged the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, to publicly explain the rationale behind the freezing of the state government’s bank account.

Speaking during a press briefing on Wednesday, Adeleke questioned the basis for the anti-graft agency’s action, insisting that the commission should provide credible evidence to justify its claims against the state government.

The governor said the allegations cited by the EFCC were unfounded and urged the commission to make public any proof supporting its assertion that suspicious financial transactions prompted the freezing of the state’s account.

Adeleke maintained that his administration has remained committed to transparency and accountability in the management of public funds, stressing that all financial transactions carried out by the state government followed due process.

He also expressed concern over the timing of the EFCC’s action, coming days before the Osun governorship election, warning that such a move could create unnecessary tension and disrupt government activities.

The governor called on EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, to explain to Nigerians why the state’s account was frozen and to present verifiable evidence if the commission believes any wrongdoing has occurred.

The challenge comes after the EFCC disclosed that it froze the Osun State Government’s account as part of an ongoing investigation into the alleged fraudulent handling of about ₦11 billion in Ecology Funds, Intervention Funds and Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) allocations. The commission said it detected suspicious movements of funds into several corporate accounts and acted to prevent further transfers while investigations continue.

The development has further heightened the standoff between the Osun State Government and the EFCC, with both sides maintaining opposing positions over the legality and justification of the commission’s action.

The family of Ajé Oluolu has reacted to the controversy surrounding Wasilat, the woman accused of recording and circulating a video allegedly linked to the revered traditional deity, insisting that the matter is spiritual and should not be treated lightly.

Speaking in an interview with BBC News Yoruba, the Secretary of the Ajé Oluolu family, Chief Gbolahan Ishola, alleged that there are spiritual consequences for anyone who records or publicly displays certain sacred rites without undergoing the prescribed traditional atonement.

According to him, women are traditionally forbidden from seeing certain manifestations of Oluolu, claiming that anyone who violates the long-standing customs may face severe spiritual repercussions. He further alleged that individuals who record or circulate videos of the sacred rites without following the required traditional processes could suffer serious consequences, including illness, mental instability, or death.

Chief Ishola also claimed that Wasilat had reportedly complained of persistent headaches, weakness, and abnormal bleeding, alleging that these were signs that she had incurred the wrath of the deity. He stated that, according to the family’s traditional beliefs, such symptoms indicate that the deity had begun to exact judgment.

He maintained that the family was not threatening anyone but merely explaining the beliefs and customs surrounding the traditional institution, urging members of the public to respect sacred cultural practices and avoid actions considered taboo.

The controversy has continued to generate widespread reactions, with many Nigerians expressing differing opinions. While some support the preservation of traditional customs, others have called for caution, noting that claims of supernatural punishment remain matters of personal and religious belief and have not been independently verified.

As of the time of this report, Wasilat has not publicly responded to the latest claims attributed to the Oluolu family, and there has been no independent evidence confirming that any illness or condition she may be experiencing is connected to the alleged incident.

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has officially released the results of the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for school candidates across Nigeria.

Announcing the release on Wednesday, WAEC said a total of 1,950,726 candidates sat for the examination conducted in secondary schools nationwide. Of the figure, 1,200,514 candidates, representing 61.54 per cent, obtained at least five credits, including English Language and Mathematics, the minimum requirement for admission into most tertiary institutions in Nigeria.

The examination body disclosed that candidates can now access their results online by generating a Result Checker PIN through the WAEC portal before proceeding to the WAEC Direct platform to check their performance.

WAEC urged candidates to ensure they enter their examination details correctly while checking their results and advised those experiencing delays due to heavy traffic on the portal to remain patient and try again later.

The release of the results marks the conclusion of the 2026 WASSCE for school candidates, enabling successful candidates to proceed with applications for admission into universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and other higher institutions.

There are reports that Nollywood actress Temitope Osoba has died, with fellow actor Alesh Sanni announcing her passing.

According to posts shared by Alesh Sanni on social media, the actress has passed away, although the cause of her death and other circumstances surrounding the incident have not yet been officially disclosed.

The news has sparked an outpouring of grief across the Nigerian entertainment industry, with colleagues, fans, and well-wishers expressing shock and paying tribute to the late actress for her contributions to Nollywood.

Temitope Osoba was known for her roles in several Yoruba-language films and television productions, earning admiration for her talent and dedication to the movie industry. Throughout her career, she worked alongside many notable actors and built a loyal fan base.

As of the time of filing this report, neither her family nor professional representatives had released an official statement detailing the circumstances of her death or announcing funeral arrangements.

More details are expected to emerge as family members and industry stakeholders provide further information.

The All Progressives Congress APC in Oyo state has disclosed that the country – Nigeria was lucky not to have elected somebody like Governor Seyi Makinde as its leader in 2023 “otherwise the world’s most populous black nation would have been sold to interested buyers from other countries while the proceeds would have ended in his pocket”.

This scathing remark came against the backdrop of Gov. Makinde’s recent description of President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms as ill-motivated and wrong. The governor who spoke, through a representative, on Monday in Abeokuta during the unveiling of all the Ogun state’s candidates of the Allied People’s Movement (APM) for the 2027 poll expressed his readiness to dislodge the APC from the Presidential Villa in the next year’s general elections.

The APC, which reacted to Gov. Makinde’s salvo in a statement issued on Wednesday and made available to journalists in Ibadan by its Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, said that “no amount of warped criticisms and shadow boxing would make Nigerians choose a failed governor to replace a performing man as the nation’s President in 2027.

“The difference between President Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde in terms of experience, reputation and results is like that of the distance between heaven and earth. Therefore, we would not submit ourselves to invitation to macabre dance from him (Makinde) even as the whole world knows that he is on a journey to nowhere as far as the 2027 general elections are concerned.

“Gov. Makinde can afford to condemn the bold and courageous steps taken by President Bola Tinubu in 2023 as he is wont to playing to the gallery but all the informed minds and reputable global institutions cannot be wrong in their overwhelming applause to the President who has not only saved Nigeria from imminent collapse and extinction but also working tirelessly to place the country in its rightful place among the comity of nations.

“The Oyo state governor swims in a pool of money as a result of huge financial resources being made available to his state and the 33 local government council in the state by the Tinubu administration but he has little to show for it in terms of provision of improved security, quality infrastructure, job opportunities among other things for the residents of the Pacesetters State. As it stands today, Oyo state is found at the bottom of the table among the 36 states in the areas of growth and development.

“As a matter of fact, Gov. Makinde would have considered selling off Nigeria as the best option if he was the President faced with the quantum of challenges which President Tinubu encountered on assumption of office in 2023. A Makinde who has transferred virtually all the assets of Oyo state to the wrong hands in exchange for cash in seven years would have sold Rivers Niger and Benue as well as the nation’s portion of the Atlantic Ocean if he had the opportunity. To this end, Nigerians will never make the mistake of trusting him with their mandate.” Sadare added.

The Ooni of Ife, , has donated ₦100 million and a Toyota Hilux vehicle to support the operations of the Iru Ekun Security Network, a security outfit established by Yoruba nation activist, .

The donation was announced during a meeting attended by traditional rulers, community leaders, and members of the security network, where the monarch reiterated the importance of strengthening community-based security initiatives to complement the efforts of conventional security agencies in tackling crime across the South-West.

According to the Ooni, the financial support and operational vehicle are aimed at enhancing the capacity of the security outfit to improve surveillance, intelligence gathering, and rapid response to security threats within communities.

He stressed that ensuring the safety of lives and property remains a collective responsibility, urging traditional institutions, security agencies, and residents to work together in promoting peace and stability across the region.

Responding to the gesture, Sunday Igboho expressed gratitude to the Ooni for the support, describing the donation as a significant boost to the activities of the Iru Ekun Security Network. He pledged that the resources would be used responsibly to strengthen the outfit’s operations and enhance the protection of communities.

The development has generated widespread reactions, with many observers describing the intervention as a demonstration of the growing role of traditional institutions in supporting community security and addressing local safety challenges.

The candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming Osun State governorship election, Bola Oyebamiji, has held a high-level strategic meeting with prominent leaders of the party in the South-West as preparations intensify for the August 15 governorship poll.

The meeting brought together Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, former Osun State Governor and pioneer Interim National Chairman of the APC, Chief Bisi Akande, alongside other influential party stakeholders from across the South-West region.

The gathering focused on strengthening the APC’s campaign strategy, mobilising grassroots support, and ensuring the party secures victory in the upcoming election. The leaders reportedly reviewed the political landscape in Osun State and discussed coordinated efforts to consolidate the party’s structures across all local government areas.

Speaking after the meeting, party leaders reaffirmed their confidence in Oyebamiji’s candidature, describing him as a capable and experienced administrator with the competence to provide effective leadership for Osun State.

They also urged APC members and supporters to remain united, committed, and peaceful throughout the electioneering period while intensifying mobilisation efforts ahead of the August 15 poll.

Oyebamiji expressed appreciation to the party leaders for their support and guidance, pledging to run an issue-based campaign centred on good governance, economic development, youth empowerment, infrastructure renewal, and improved welfare for the people of Osun State.

The meeting is seen as part of the APC’s broader strategy to present a united front and maximise its electoral chances as the countdown to the governorship election enters its final stages. Political observers believe the involvement of key South-West leaders underscores the significance the ruling party attaches to retaining and expanding its influence in the region.

A Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja has convicted and sentenced a 55-year-old man, John Nwawuto Anoruo, for impersonating a legal practitioner and using a counterfeit Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) seal.

Justice A.M. Lawal convicted Anoruo on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, following his guilty plea to a two-count charge filed against him by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Anoruo, who operates a legal and educational consultancy in the Ikorodu area of Lagos, was arrested by EFCC operatives on April 20, 2026, after investigations revealed that he had used a forged NBA seal on a petition and a subsequent letter of withdrawal submitted to the Commission.

The case originated from a petition Anoruo submitted to the EFCC on behalf of clients against the management of Global West Vessel Specialist Nigeria Limited. However, investigations revealed that the NBA seal attached to the documents carried a Supreme Court enrolment number belonging to another legal practitioner.

During investigations, Anoruo reportedly admitted obtaining the counterfeit seal from an undisclosed business centre in Lagos. He also disclosed that although he obtained a law degree from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, in 2018 through evening classes, he never attended the Nigerian Law School and was therefore not called to the Nigerian Bar.

One of the charges accused him of fraudulently using a counterfeit NBA seal with intent that it be acted upon as genuine, contrary to the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015. The second count alleged that he falsely represented himself to the EFCC as a duly qualified legal practitioner entitled to practise law in Nigeria.

Following his guilty plea, EFCC prosecution counsel, Saadatu Mahmud Yabo, called an investigating officer, Umar Faruk Ahmad, who reviewed the facts of the case before the court.

The prosecution told the court that investigations showed that the Supreme Court enrolment number on the forged NBA seal belonged to another lawyer. The defendant also admitted that he was not called to the Nigerian Bar.

The court further heard that Anoruo received N7.5 million from the legal brief in question. He reportedly paid N1.5 million to a qualified lawyer to handle the matter on his behalf, while he disclosed during allocutus that he also paid N2.5 million to the person who introduced the legal brief to him.

The EFCC also told the court that Anoruo appeared at the Commission’s office wearing legal practitioner’s attire. A subsequent search of his residence led to the recovery of the counterfeit NBA seal bearing the Supreme Court enrolment number of another lawyer.

The prosecution tendered several exhibits, including the petition, the defendant’s extra-judicial statement, correspondence between the EFCC and the Body of Benchers and Supreme Court of Nigeria, the legal practitioner’s attire, the counterfeit NBA seal and evidence of a N300,000 recovery payment made by the defendant.

The defence counsel, G.E. Demkemefa, did not object to the admissibility of the exhibits, which were admitted and marked as Exhibits 1 to 9.

In his plea for leniency, the defence counsel described Anoruo as a first-time offender and appealed to the court to impose a fine instead of a custodial sentence. He also told the court that the defendant was the breadwinner of a family comprising his wife and five children.

Delivering judgment, Justice Lawal said, “In view of the plea of the defendant, the defendant is hereby convicted on the two counts.”

The court subsequently sentenced Anoruo to a N120,000 fine on count one and N150,000 on count two, bringing the total fine to N270,000, payable to the Lagos State Judiciary.

The court also ordered the forfeiture of the legal practitioner’s attire and the forged NBA seal recovered from the defendant to the Federal Government of Nigeria through the EFCC.

The conviction was announced in a statement signed by EFCC Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, on August 4, 2026.