NDLEA Rearrests 83-Year-Old Woman In Abia With Methamphetamine, Colorado A Year After Conviction / News Desk

NACTAL Raises Alarm Over Out-Of-School Girls Exposed To Trafficking, Abuse In Ogun

11 Oct 2026 13:25

Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.

Oyo Police Arrest Three Suspected Armed Robbers, Recover Locally Made Pistol

11 Oct 2026 13:11

Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.

NDLEA Rearrests 83-Year-Old Woman In Abia With Methamphetamine, Colorado A Year After Conviction

11 Oct 2026 12:45

Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.

Bayelsa Monarch’s Reported Death At 64 Raises Questions Over Liposuction Surgery

11 Oct 2026 12:37

Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.

“I Never Said Tinubu Will Lose in 2027” — Primate Ayodele Clarifies Election Prophecy, Warns Against Misrepresentation

11 Oct 2026 12:32

The leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has rejected claims that he categorically predicted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would lose the 2027 presidential election. The Lagos-based cleric said statements attributed to him had been taken out of context, creating a misleading impression about his position on the president's re-election ambition. His clarification follows the circulation of reports and social media posts suggesting that he had already declared the outcome of the forthcoming election. In a statement issued on August 4, 2026, through his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, Ayodele explained that his comments during a Sunday church service had been misrepresented. According to the cleric, he had spoken about the possible consequences of an electoral defeat for President Tinubu but had not predicted that such a defeat would occur. He maintained that the original statement was conditional and that presenting it as a definite prophecy changed its meaning. Ayodele explained that he had said a defeat in 2027 would be painful for Tinubu, rather than declaring that the president would lose. He expressed concern that the distinction had been ignored in several reports circulating online. The cleric insisted that his comments were available in recorded video footage and could be checked against the claims being attributed to him. The clarification is significant because Ayodele has repeatedly commented on Nigeria's political developments, including the prospects of leading politicians and the country's economic and security challenges. His statements frequently attract public attention, particularly when they concern presidential elections. However, the cleric maintained that his remarks should be reported accurately, irrespective of how individuals interpret his prophecies. Ayodele also accused some political actors of deliberately distorting his statements to advance their interests. He argued that attributing predictions to him without examining the original recordings created unnecessary controversy and misled members of the public. His statement urged media organisations to seek clarification from his office whenever uncertainty arose about his pronouncements. The August clarification followed an earlier controversy in July 2026 involving a video allegedly altered using artificial intelligence. The video purportedly showed Ayodele declaring that Tinubu would not return to office after the 2027 election. The cleric disputed its authenticity and accused those circulating it of manipulating his message. In a July 6 statement, Ayodele specifically criticised former presidential aide Lauretta Onochie over the circulation of the disputed material. He alleged that the video had been manipulated to create the impression that he had endorsed a particular electoral outcome. The allegation was made by the cleric, and the available reporting did not establish an independent forensic examination of the video. Ayodele maintained that he had not declared either a winner or a loser during the presentation of the 2026–2027 edition of his annual prophecy publication, Warnings to the Nations. He said he had not received the spiritual direction necessary to make such a declaration publicly. He further advised the public to rely on recordings published through his official communication channels when assessing statements attributed to him. The controversy illustrates the importance of distinguishing a conditional statement from a definite prediction. Saying that a political figure could lose an election under certain circumstances is different from declaring that the person will lose. In Ayodele's case, that distinction is central to his objection to the reports that circulated in August. Nevertheless, the cleric has issued warnings about political difficulties facing the Tinubu administration. On September 22, 2026, he expressed concern about public dissatisfaction and suggested that the president's re-election campaign could encounter challenges unless the government addressed issues affecting Nigerians. In the statement, also communicated through Oluwatosin, Ayodele argued that dissatisfaction with the administration extended beyond ordinary voters to influential political figures. He maintained that the government needed to respond to public concerns rather than assume that established political relationships would guarantee continued support. He also warned against relying primarily on financial resources to secure electoral support. According to the cleric, public confidence, government performance and the ability to address grievances would remain important issues during the election period. His remarks were presented as political and spiritual warnings rather than findings from an opinion poll. Ayodele separately identified insecurity as a major concern for the administration. In September, he warned that worsening security conditions could affect political activities and public confidence in the government. He urged the authorities to strengthen their response to security threats and take steps to prevent further deterioration. These statements demonstrate that Ayodele has criticised aspects of the administration while stopping short of issuing the unconditional prediction attributed to him. His warnings concern circumstances he believes could affect the president's political position, but they do not establish how Nigerians will vote in 2027. The distinction also matters because electoral outcomes are determined by votes cast and counted under the applicable electoral laws. Religious predictions, political commentary and personal assessments may influence public discussion, but they do not constitute verified evidence of a future election result. President Tinubu, who assumed office on May 29, 2023, is constitutionally eligible to seek a second four-year term. His administration has faced debate over economic reforms, living costs, insecurity and other national issues, while opposition parties have continued preparations for the next general election. The All Progressives Congress remains the president's political platform, while opposition organisations, including the Peoples Democratic Party and African Democratic Congress, are involved in political activities ahead of the contest. The positions of these parties and their candidates will be determined through their respective nomination procedures and the electoral process. Ayodele's clarification also places responsibility on publishers and social media users to distinguish authenticated statements from altered recordings or incomplete quotations. The cleric has repeatedly complained that inaccurate reports about his prophecies can mislead the public and generate unnecessary political controversy. His office has encouraged journalists to verify disputed statements before publication. For now, the verified position is that Ayodele has warned Tinubu about political challenges but has denied making the categorical declaration that the president will lose the 2027 election. Any report attributing that definite prediction to him would contradict his publicly issued clarification unless supported by a separate, authenticated statement. As preparations for the election continue, Ayodele's remarks remain part of the wider public discussion about Nigeria's political future. The outcome itself remains undecided and will depend on the electoral process, not on an unverified quotation or a prophecy presented without its original context. 📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com ✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews

NDLEA Arrests South African Woman With 32.74kg of Cannabis at Port Harcourt Airport

11 Oct 2026 12:19

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a South African woman at the Port Harcourt International Airport in Rivers State after she was allegedly found transporting more than 32 kilogrammes of cannabis into Nigeria. The arrest followed a joint operation involving the NDLEA and the Nigeria Customs Service, as authorities intensified efforts to intercept prohibited substances entering the country through international airports. The suspect, identified as Gebashe Sithandiwe Jessie, was apprehended at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, after arriving on Qatar Airways flight QR1431 from Doha. According to a statement issued on Sunday, October 11, 2026, by NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy Femi Babafemi, officers recovered 30 parcels of a potent cannabis strain known as Thai Loud, weighing approximately 32.74 kilogrammes. The agency said the substances were concealed inside two travelling bags belonging to the passenger. Investigators reported that the woman had travelled from Thailand through Doha before arriving in Port Harcourt. The NDLEA alleged that the journey formed part of an attempt to transport prohibited cannabis into Nigeria. The agency's account identified the route taken by the suspect, although the precise date of her arrival was not specified in the reports reviewed. The interception was first publicised by the Nigeria Customs Service, whose Port Harcourt Area I Command confirmed that officers had recovered 30 wraps of suspected high-potency cannabis from a female passenger arriving from South Africa. Customs officials subsequently transferred the seized substances to the NDLEA on Wednesday, October 7, for further investigation and necessary action. In a statement issued on October 8, the Customs Command's Public Relations Officer, Assistant Superintendent of Customs I Barilule Aanee, said the interception formed part of efforts to prevent illicit drugs from entering Nigerian communities. The statement was issued on behalf of the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Salamatu Atuluku, who commended the officers involved in the operation. Atuluku said the movement of prohibited substances across international borders remained a matter of concern for law enforcement agencies. She emphasised that drug trafficking and substance abuse presented risks to public health, particularly among young people, and called for sustained vigilance at entry points across the country. The Customs Area Controller also acknowledged the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, and the management of the service for supporting anti-smuggling operations. She maintained that officers would continue working with other relevant agencies to intercept prohibited consignments and ensure that suspected offenders were investigated under the law. During the handover, Assistant Commander General of Narcotics Nathaniel Negedu represented the NDLEA and commended the Customs Service for its role in the interception. He described cooperation between security agencies as essential to identifying suspected trafficking activities and ensuring that seized substances were transferred to the appropriate authorities for investigation. The handover also demonstrated the different responsibilities of Customs and the NDLEA at international entry points. Customs officers are responsible for enforcing import restrictions and detecting prohibited goods, while the NDLEA investigates suspected drug offences and carries out enforcement under Nigeria's drug control laws. Cooperation between both agencies can therefore be important in cases involving passengers and international consignments. In its subsequent statement, the NDLEA provided further details about the South African suspect and the quantity of cannabis allegedly recovered. The agency identified the substance as Thai Loud, a name commonly associated with high-potency cannabis. Earlier Customs reports had described the intercepted material as Canadian Loud, but both accounts referred to 30 parcels recovered at the Port Harcourt airport. The difference in descriptions is relevant because the commercial or street names used for cannabis products do not necessarily establish their precise origin or chemical composition. The NDLEA's account identified Thailand as the starting point of the suspect's reported journey, while the earlier Customs announcement referred to her arrival from South Africa. The reports did not establish through independent laboratory documentation the precise composition of the recovered substances. According to the NDLEA, Jessie allegedly admitted during questioning that she had previously transported prohibited drugs through other African countries. The agency further alleged that she intended to extend those activities to Port Harcourt. These statements remain part of the investigators' account and should not be treated as judicial findings against the suspect. The agency did not provide independently verified details of the alleged earlier trafficking operations, including the countries involved, the dates of those journeys or any previous criminal convictions. Consequently, the reported admission cannot establish that the suspect had previously been convicted of a drug offence. Any such allegation would require appropriate evidence if presented during criminal proceedings. The arrest was among several operations disclosed by the NDLEA on Sunday as the agency reported seizures and arrests across different states. In Abia State, officers also rearrested an 83-year-old woman, Uloma Uchechi Sunday, following allegations that she had resumed dealing in prohibited substances after an earlier conviction. According to Babafemi, the elderly woman was apprehended on Wednesday, October 7, at her residence in Ite-Uzo, Umuaguma, Obingwa Local Government Area. Officers allegedly recovered quantities of methamphetamine and Colorado concealed around her waist beneath a wrapper. The NDLEA said the operation followed intelligence concerning suspected drug distribution activities at the property. The agency explained that Uloma had previously been arrested alongside her daughter in May 2025 and subsequently convicted of drug-related offences. The latest arrest was presented as a separate development requiring investigation, notwithstanding the earlier court proceedings. In another operation, NDLEA officers at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos intercepted 354,000 tablets of tapentadol weighing approximately 307.20 kilogrammes in a shipment reportedly originating from Pakistan. The seizure was included in the agency's nationwide enforcement update, which covered suspected trafficking activities involving different prohibited substances. The Port Harcourt arrest highlights the role of international airports in Nigeria's drug enforcement operations and the importance of cooperation between agencies responsible for border security. However, the seizure and the suspect's reported statements remain matters for investigation, and any criminal responsibility must be established through the appropriate legal process. As of the announcement, the NDLEA had not provided details of a completed prosecution or conviction involving Jessie. The suspect remains entitled to the presumption of innocence, while investigators continue the procedures necessary to determine whether criminal charges should be pursued. 📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com ✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews Verification: October 8–11, 2026 reporting on statements issued by the Nigeria Customs Service and NDLEA. PRNigeria News +3

“We Are Not Prisoners” — Migrant Care Workers Sing Aṣa’s ‘Jailer’ at UK Labour Conference Over Visa Restrictions

11 Oct 2026 12:01

Hundreds of migrant care workers and their supporters have staged a demonstration outside the United Kingdom's Labour Party Conference, singing Nigerian musician Aṣa's popular song Jailer while wearing symbolic chains to protest immigration policies they say leave foreign workers vulnerable to exploitation. The demonstration brought attention to concerns about employer-sponsored visas and proposed changes to permanent settlement requirements, with protesters demanding greater employment freedom, fair treatment and protection for workers recruited from overseas. The protest took place on Monday, September 28, 2026, outside the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool, where approximately 400 demonstrators gathered under the Fair Visa Campaign organised by UNISON, one of Britain's largest trade unions. Participants wore symbolic balls and chains while singing Jailer, a song released in 2007 by Nigerian singer Bukola Elemide, professionally known as Aṣa. The demonstration challenged proposals associated with Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood that could require some lower-paid migrant workers to wait up to 15 years before qualifying for indefinite leave to remain, rather than the existing five-year route. The protesters used music and symbolic displays to communicate their concerns about the restrictions faced by migrant workers whose immigration permission depends on an employer's sponsorship. UNISON explained that the choice of Jailer reflected the song's themes of oppression, power and resistance to being treated as a prisoner. Videos circulated by the union showed participants singing together as they called for changes to the immigration system. The demonstration was held near the conference security zone, close to Liverpool's Albert Dock, where Labour politicians and delegates had gathered to discuss government policy. UNISON organised the protest to draw attention to workers employed in social care, the National Health Service and other essential public services. The union maintained that the immigration system should protect workers who provide important services rather than leave them exposed to unfair employment practices. One of the protesters' central demands was the introduction of a sector-wide sponsorship arrangement for social care workers. Under the existing Skilled Worker sponsorship system, a migrant worker's immigration permission is generally connected to an approved sponsoring employer. Although changing employers is legally possible, workers normally need a new eligible sponsor and approval to update their immigration permission before beginning the new sponsored employment. UNISON argues that this arrangement can create difficulties for workers experiencing exploitation because leaving an abusive employer may also place their immigration status at risk. The union says workers who fear losing sponsorship may be reluctant to challenge unfair treatment, report misconduct or leave unsuitable employment. It wants a system that would allow social care employees greater freedom to move between approved employers without repeatedly facing immigration uncertainty. The second major demand concerns the qualifying period for permanent settlement. Under the existing framework, many eligible Skilled Worker visa holders can apply for indefinite leave to remain after five years, provided they satisfy the relevant requirements. The government's proposed earned-settlement reforms could substantially increase that period for certain categories of migrant workers, including some lower-paid employees. UNISON has warned that extending the period to 15 years would prolong uncertainty for workers who entered the country expecting to qualify for settlement after five years. The union argues that changing the rules for people already living and working in Britain would undermine confidence in the immigration system and make long-term planning more difficult for affected families. Speaking at the demonstration, UNISON General Secretary Andrea Egan criticised the proposed changes and defended the contribution of international workers to British public services. She said the NHS, social care and other essential services depend on migrant staff who care for patients, older people and vulnerable individuals. Egan argued that workers recruited to support these services should not face prolonged insecurity because of changes to government immigration policy. The union leader also challenged what she described as the government's failure to honour expectations created when migrant workers were recruited. She maintained that extending the settlement period would expose workers to additional years of uncertainty and potentially increase their vulnerability to exploitation. Her remarks formed part of UNISON's wider campaign for secure immigration status, fair employment conditions and stronger protections against abusive employers. Labour MPs Kim Johnson and Richard Burgon also addressed the demonstration, lending political support to the workers' concerns. Their participation highlighted disagreements within the governing party over the proposed immigration reforms. Some Labour politicians have argued that workers who arrived under existing settlement expectations should not face substantially longer qualifying periods after establishing their lives in Britain. The protest also followed criticism from senior Labour figures, including Angela Rayner, who previously described making permanent settlement more difficult for migrants already in the country as un-British. Her position reflected concerns about fairness towards people who had entered the UK legally and contributed to essential services under the immigration arrangements available at the time. For Nigerian migrants, the demonstration carries particular significance because Nigeria has been a major source of overseas workers recruited into Britain's social care sector. Home Office statistics show that 18,143 Nigerian nationals received visas to work as care workers and home carers in 2023. Nigerians were among the largest national groups entering the sector through the Health and Care Worker visa route during that period. The recruitment of international care workers has helped British employers address staffing shortages, particularly in services supporting older people and adults with disabilities. However, the sector has also faced documented concerns about unethical recruitment, excessive fees, inadequate working hours and employers threatening workers with the loss of sponsorship. These problems have prompted calls for stronger enforcement of employment rights and immigration safeguards. The government has acknowledged exploitation within parts of the sponsorship system. On October 9, 2026, it announced additional protections intended to help recognised victims of modern slavery leave abusive sponsors and obtain lawful employment. The measures address some circumstances involving exploitation, although they do not amount to the sector-wide sponsorship arrangement demanded by UNISON. The Home Office has also defended the need to review immigration and settlement policies, arguing that the system must balance fairness towards people who migrated legally with wider public interests. Speaking during the Labour conference, Mahmood indicated that concerns about the proposed settlement changes were being considered. At that stage, the government had not announced a final decision on whether existing migrant workers would be exempted from longer qualifying periods. The Homecare Association, which represents employers in the sector, has also expressed concerns about extending settlement requirements. It warned that a 15-year qualifying period could discourage experienced workers from remaining in social care and increase recruitment and retention difficulties. Its intervention demonstrated that opposition to the proposal extends beyond trade unions to organisations representing care providers. The Liverpool demonstration has therefore brought together two related demands: greater independence from individual sponsoring employers and protection of the existing five-year settlement pathway. For the workers who participated, singing Aṣa's Jailer provided a public expression of their concerns about employment security and immigration restrictions. Although the protest has ended, the policy dispute remains unresolved. UNISON continues to demand changes to sponsorship arrangements and the withdrawal of proposed settlement restrictions, while the government considers the future framework for migrant workers. The demonstration has placed renewed attention on the treatment of people whose work supports Britain's health and social care services. 📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com ✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews Reporting verified against UNISON's September 28–29 statements, its Fair Visa Campaign materials, Home Office information and October 2026 coverage. UNISON - the public service union +4

‘INEC Listed All Our Candidates Except My Running Mate and I’ — Adebutu Questions Ogun Governorship Omission

11 Oct 2026 11:19

Ogun State Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate Oladipupo Adebutu has questioned his exclusion from the Independent National Electoral Commission's final list of candidates for the 2027 election, describing the circumstances as troubling. He said the omission was particularly difficult to understand because other PDP candidates seeking legislative offices appeared on the published lists. The development has prompted the opposition party to challenge the commission's decision while maintaining that Adebutu and his running mate remain its duly nominated candidates. Speaking on Sunday, October 11, 2026, Adebutu reacted to the list released by INEC on Saturday, October 10, ahead of the February 6, 2027, governorship election in Ogun State. The document, signed by INEC Secretary Rose Oriaran-Anthony, contains 13 governorship candidates but excludes Adebutu and his running mate, Yemi Sowunmi-Kolapo. The former federal lawmaker said the appearance of PDP candidates for the state House of Assembly, House of Representatives and Senate, alongside the absence of the governorship ticket, raised serious questions requiring clarification. Adebutu's concerns centre on the apparent difference between the treatment of his nomination and those of other candidates sponsored by the same party. He maintained that the PDP had participated in the nomination process and submitted candidates for several elective positions. The absence of only its governorship ticket, he argued, required an explanation from the electoral commission. The published document confirms that neither Adebutu nor Sowunmi-Kolapo appears among the 13 governorship tickets accepted for Ogun State. INEC did not provide a specific reason for their omission in the list, leaving the party and its supporters uncertain about the administrative or legal basis for the development. The Ogun State PDP has separately accused the ruling All Progressives Congress of exerting pressure on INEC to exclude its candidate. In a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary, Kayode Adebayo, the party alleged that the APC was attempting to undermine its participation in the governorship contest because of concerns about electoral competition. Adebayo maintained that Adebutu had never left the PDP and had completed the party's membership registration requirements within the stipulated period. According to the spokesperson, the candidate obtained a printed membership card, underwent verification and submitted the necessary documentation before the deadline established for electoral nominations. The party urged its supporters to remain calm, expressing confidence that the omission would be addressed through the appropriate process. It also maintained that Adebutu remained its legitimate candidate, notwithstanding his absence from the commission's published document. However, the allegation of political interference remains unsubstantiated. No evidence establishing that the APC directed or improperly influenced INEC's decision was presented in the party's statement. The commission's published list also did not identify political pressure as a reason for excluding the PDP ticket. The controversy follows earlier questions about Adebutu's eligibility arising from allegations concerning the party membership register submitted to INEC. Two civil society organisations, Ogun Democratic Accountability Forum and Elections Integrity Watch, questioned whether his name appeared in the relevant documentation. Elections Integrity Watch claimed that a certified copy of the PDP membership register obtained from INEC did not contain Adebutu's name. The organisation argued that the alleged omission raised concerns about compliance with the legal requirements governing party nominations. The PDP rejected that position, insisting that its candidate was properly registered and that his membership details had been submitted in accordance with electoral regulations. The conflicting claims have not been resolved by the publication of the candidate list. The legal questions have gained significance following a Supreme Court judgment delivered on September 24, 2026. A seven-member panel, in a unanimous decision delivered by Justice Adamu Jauro, upheld INEC's appeal concerning provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 governing party membership registers and candidate nominations. The judgment restored provisions requiring political parties to use membership registers submitted to INEC within the prescribed period before conducting primaries, congresses or conventions. It also reinforced the importance of compliance with the statutory procedures governing the selection of candidates for public office. Nevertheless, the Supreme Court did not specifically disqualify Adebutu through that judgment. Whether his omission resulted from the membership register controversy or another issue remains unclear because INEC has not publicly provided an individual explanation. Section 32(2) of the Electoral Act 2026 establishes a procedure for political parties whose nominated candidates are missing from a published list. The provision allows a party to notify INEC in writing within 14 days, with the notification signed by its national chairman and secretary and supported by an affidavit. That provision offers a formal mechanism for addressing omissions, although its application to Adebutu's circumstances will depend on the underlying facts and the steps taken by the PDP. There was no confirmed public information establishing that the party had completed the statutory notification process by Sunday. The controversy has emerged as other political parties prepare for the Ogun governorship election. Among the candidates appearing on INEC's list is Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, representing the APC, alongside his running mate, Kudirat Balogun. The African Democratic Congress candidate, Lawal Jimi Adebisi, and running mate Olutayo Florence Funlola Folake also appear on the list. Their inclusion followed a court order concerning the party's nomination, according to information accompanying the published document. Other parties represented include the Allied Peoples Movement, Action Alliance, Action Democratic Party, Action Peoples Party, Boot Party, New Nigeria Peoples Party, Social Democratic Party and Young Progressives Party. The list establishes the candidates presently recognised by INEC but does not determine the outcome of any outstanding legal challenge. The Ogun controversy is not isolated. Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy Isa Ali Pantami was also absent from the PDP governorship list in Gombe State, despite emerging from a fresh primary conducted following a court ruling. Pantami's supporters described that omission as a temporary challenge and urged party members to remain calm while efforts continued to clarify the situation. His circumstances differ from Adebutu's, but both developments have drawn attention to candidate nomination procedures ahead of the elections. For Ogun State, the immediate issue remains the absence of a PDP governorship ticket from the final published list despite the party's insistence that it complied with nomination requirements. Adebutu has demanded clarity, while INEC has yet to publicly establish the specific reason for excluding him and Sowunmi-Kolapo. The dispute now centres on whether the omission can be resolved through the Electoral Act's notification procedure or requires further legal intervention. Until the commission provides clarification or a competent court determines any contested issue, Adebutu's candidacy remains absent from the published list, while the PDP continues to challenge that position. 📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com ✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews Reporting verified against coverage published October 10–11 by PREMIUM TIMES, PUNCH, The Guardian and TheCable. Premium Times Nigeria +4

‘I Don’t Want to See You Selling Miracle Water or Soap’ — VeryDarkMan Warns Prophet Jeremiah Fufeyin Again

11 Oct 2026 11:15

Nigerian social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, has renewed his public criticism of Prophet Jeremiah Omoto Fufeyin, warning the cleric against selling religious products advertised as possessing miraculous powers. The latest confrontation follows a video in which Fufeyin expressed concern about divisions among Christians and warned against celebrating attacks on fellow believers. VeryDarkMan responded by insisting that his objections concern the commercial promotion of supposed miracle products rather than the cleric's right to preach. The latest exchange was reported on Thursday, October 1, 2026, after videos involving both men circulated on social media. Fufeyin, founder of Christ Mercyland Deliverance Ministry in Warri, Delta State, had addressed a controversy involving VeryDarkMan and Apostle Arome Osayi. Referring to criticism previously directed at him, Fufeyin described an experience involving what he called a bullet and warned Christians against similar attacks. VeryDarkMan subsequently responded through his Instagram account, identifying himself as the person being referenced and renewing his opposition to the sale of miracle water and soap. In his response, VeryDarkMan declared, “Na me be the bullet, no problem,” acknowledging the expression used by the prophet. He said his primary concern remained the promotion and sale of religious products presented as having supernatural benefits, including miracle water and miracle soap. The activist maintained that he would continue challenging such activities whenever they came to his attention. VeryDarkMan also criticised Fufeyin's preaching and interpretation of the Bible, although he made clear that those matters were not the principal reason for his intervention. He argued that religious sermons were different from commercial activities involving products marketed with claims of extraordinary healing or other benefits. His comments continued a disagreement that first attracted widespread public attention in 2024. The confrontation followed a video in which Fufeyin urged Christians to demonstrate greater solidarity when religious leaders faced criticism. The cleric expressed concern that some believers appeared to celebrate controversies involving fellow Christians instead of offering support. He maintained that the Christian community should remain united, particularly when individuals associated with the church were experiencing public opposition. Fufeyin specifically referred to his previous experience with criticism and suggested that similar challenges could confront other Christians. He warned against celebrating another person's difficulties, presenting his message as an appeal for unity within the church. His remarks came amid a separate public disagreement involving VeryDarkMan and Apostle Arome Osayi, which had attracted attention online. The prophet's comments did not directly address the scientific validity of miracle products or provide new evidence concerning their advertised properties. Instead, his message concentrated on the conduct of Christians towards one another during controversies. VeryDarkMan interpreted the reference to previous attacks as relevant to his longstanding dispute with the cleric and responded accordingly. The disagreement between the two men became prominent in 2024 when VeryDarkMan questioned products promoted by Fufeyin's ministry. The activist challenged claims associated with items described as miracle soap and healing water, asking whether the products had received appropriate regulatory approval. His criticism focused particularly on the distinction between religious belief and claims made while marketing products to members of the public. VeryDarkMan also called attention to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, the federal agency responsible for regulating several categories of consumer products in Nigeria. He questioned whether regulatory approval had been obtained and whether claims about the products' effectiveness could be substantiated. These questions formed an important part of his campaign against what he regarded as misleading commercial practices. The dispute subsequently developed into legal proceedings, with reports indicating that Fufeyin initiated a defamation action seeking substantial damages against the activist. The case attracted attention because it brought together questions concerning reputation, religious expression and public criticism of products associated with a prominent ministry. Reports in September 2026 stated that the cleric had withdrawn the lawsuit, although the precise procedural status requires confirmation from court records. Earlier in the controversy, VeryDarkMan publicly challenged the healing claims associated with Fufeyin's products. In one widely reported episode, he visited a facility accommodating people with disabilities in Abuja and distributed water he said had been obtained from the prophet's ministry. He subsequently questioned whether the product demonstrated the extraordinary effects associated with its promotion. That demonstration attracted considerable attention but did not constitute a controlled medical investigation. The absence of an immediately observable improvement during such an exercise cannot, by itself, establish every property of a product. Equally, claims that a product can treat medical conditions require appropriate evidence and should not be treated as medically established simply because they are associated with religious practices. The controversy therefore extends beyond the personal disagreement between VeryDarkMan and Fufeyin. It concerns the responsibilities of individuals and organisations making commercial claims about products, particularly where those claims relate to health, fertility or other matters affecting vulnerable consumers. Regulatory approval, product safety and evidence supporting advertised benefits are separate questions that require examination under applicable standards. Fufeyin has maintained his religious ministry and public preaching despite the criticism, while VeryDarkMan has continued to challenge practices he considers questionable. Their latest exchange shows that the reported withdrawal of the earlier lawsuit has not ended their disagreement. Neither man's public statements establish wrongdoing by the other, and any disputed commercial or legal claims require evidence before conclusions can be drawn. The renewed confrontation has also highlighted the distinction between freedom of worship and consumer protection. Nigerians are entitled to practise their religious beliefs, while products offered commercially remain subject to relevant laws and regulatory requirements. Religious convictions and medical claims are not interchangeable, particularly when consumers may rely on advertised benefits when making decisions about their health. As the exchange continues, VeryDarkMan's latest position remains that he will oppose the sale of products promoted as having miraculous powers. Fufeyin, meanwhile, has appealed for unity among Christians facing criticism. The disagreement remains a public dispute over religious practices, commercial claims and accountability, with no new court ruling established by the latest exchange. 📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com ✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews

‘My Resignation Was Not an Admission of Guilt’ — Ex-Minister Uche Nnaji Makes INEC Governorship List Despite Certificate Forgery Trial

11 Oct 2026 11:08

Former Nigerian Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji, has been included in the Independent National Electoral Commission's final list of candidates for the 2027 governorship election in Enugu State, despite an ongoing criminal case involving allegations of forged academic credentials. The development has renewed scrutiny of the former minister's qualifications, particularly after reports that he submitted a West African Examinations Council result in support of his candidacy rather than relying on the university degree that became the subject of controversy.

“We Have Lifted The Ban” — MACBAN Resumes Cattle Movement To Plateau Livestock Market

11 Oct 2026 10:51

Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.

Kenyan Presidential Aspirant Patrick Osoi Warns Dangote Against Lamu Refinery Investment, Vows to Prioritise Local Business Owners

11 Oct 2026 10:36

Former Kenya Defence Forces soldier and 2027 presidential aspirant Patrick Nyambaka Osoi has reportedly warned Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote against proceeding with his multibillion-dollar oil refinery project in Kenya, declaring that he would favour Kenyan investors if elected president. The statement attributed to Osoi comes amid growing scrutiny of the proposed investment, with questions being raised about its ownership, financing arrangements, environmental implications and the government's commitments to the project. Osoi's reported remarks concern the Dangote East Africa Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals project in Lamu County, Kenya, where President William Ruto and Dangote participated in a groundbreaking ceremony on September 30, 2026. The proposed refinery, valued at approximately $16 billion, is designed to process 700,000 barrels of crude oil daily. The exact date and original recording of Osoi's alleged warning have not been independently verified, although his presidential ambitions and the refinery's development are documented. In the statement attributed to him, Osoi urged Dangote not to rush into developing the facility, arguing that Kenyan entrepreneurs possess the capacity to undertake such an investment themselves. He reportedly declared that, upon assuming the presidency in 2027, he would require the Nigerian industrialist to return to his home country. The remarks represent an asserted political position rather than an existing government directive. Osoi is not Kenya's president, and his reported declaration does not establish that any future administration would lawfully cancel the investment. Osoi is a former military officer who has publicly presented himself as a presidential aspirant for Kenya's 2027 general election. His campaign materials emphasise national sovereignty, accountability, security and economic reform. Kenyan media have also documented his previous involvement in the Fighting Brutality and Impunity movement, established to campaign against alleged abuses by security agencies. His political activities have attracted national attention, including reports of his arrest and subsequent court appearance in July 2025 over allegations involving preparations to commit a felony and unlawful firearm possession. Those earlier proceedings are separate from the current debate concerning Dangote's investment and do not establish any wrongdoing in connection with the refinery. The proposed Lamu refinery is among the largest industrial investments announced in East Africa. According to Kenya's Ministry of Defence, the project is expected to support petroleum processing, industrial development, employment and regional energy security. The groundbreaking ceremony attracted several African leaders, including Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, alongside representatives from other countries. The facility is intended to supply refined petroleum products to Kenya and neighbouring markets, potentially reducing reliance on imported finished fuels. However, the project remains at the development stage. The groundbreaking ceremony does not mean the refinery has commenced commercial production. Construction, financing, environmental compliance and operational approvals remain important elements of its implementation. President Ruto has presented the investment as part of a broader ambition to strengthen African industrialisation by processing raw materials within the continent. Dangote has similarly described the project as an opportunity to expand African refining capacity and support regional economic integration. Their position places the refinery within an industrial strategy intended to increase local value addition rather than relying exclusively on imported petroleum products. Nevertheless, the involvement of a foreign investor in a strategic energy project has generated demands for greater transparency about the government's obligations. On October 6, Kiharu Member of Parliament Ndindi Nyoro called on President Ruto to disclose the investment agreement and the identities of shareholders involved in the refinery's Kenyan corporate structure. Nyoro gave the president 14 days to release the documents, arguing that citizens should understand the commitments being made on their behalf. His intervention focused on transparency and public accountability rather than establishing that the refinery agreement was unlawful. The dispute has also reached the Kenyan courts. On October 6, the High Court certified as urgent a petition seeking disclosure of agreements and public commitments associated with the refinery. The case raises questions about potential public expenditure, land arrangements, taxation and guarantees connected with the project. Justice David Mburu directed the relevant parties to respond within seven days. The court's decision to hear the matter urgently does not constitute a ruling that the investment violates Kenyan law. Rather, it establishes a judicial process through which the disputed information and associated legal questions can be examined. Environmental and land-related concerns have also emerged around the Lamu development. Reports indicate that some residents have challenged aspects of the project, including land ownership, compensation and possible effects on the surrounding marine environment. These concerns are particularly relevant because Lamu is a coastal region where fishing, tourism and other activities depend on environmental conditions. The existence of such objections does not automatically prevent industrial development, but it places importance on environmental assessments, lawful land acquisition and consultation with affected communities. The scale of the refinery makes these processes significant for both the investor and public authorities. Osoi's reported position introduces another dimension to the controversy: whether major industrial projects should be undertaken primarily by domestic investors or through partnerships involving foreign capital. Kenyan businesses already participate in energy, infrastructure, manufacturing and financial services. However, establishing a refinery capable of processing 700,000 barrels daily would require substantial financing, technical expertise, regulatory approvals and long-term commercial arrangements. The claim that Kenyan investors could independently deliver the project would therefore require examination of available capital, industrial capacity and the feasibility of an alternative investment structure. Similarly, replacing an existing investor would raise questions about contractual rights, applicable investment laws and any financial obligations already undertaken by the government. An electoral promise alone would not automatically invalidate binding agreements or remove an investor's legal protections. The refinery's development also has implications beyond Kenya. Its proposed capacity and regional supply arrangements connect the investment to broader East African energy markets. Uganda, for example, has maintained plans for its own refinery while participating in discussions surrounding the Lamu development. These overlapping projects demonstrate the importance of regional coordination in petroleum processing, infrastructure and energy supply. For Dangote, the proposed Kenyan facility represents an extension of his industrial interests beyond Nigeria, where his group has already developed substantial petroleum refining operations. For Kenya, the investment presents potential industrial opportunities alongside questions concerning transparency, public participation and environmental protection. Osoi's reported warning has not been independently authenticated through a complete original recording or an official statement. No verified response from Dangote specifically addressing the alleged remarks has been established. The confirmed developments are that the refinery project has been launched, Kenyan lawmakers have demanded greater disclosure, and legal proceedings concerning the investment arrangements are underway. As Kenya approaches its 2027 general election, the Lamu refinery has become part of a wider discussion about national economic interests, foreign investment and government accountability. The project's future will depend on lawful agreements, regulatory requirements, financing and implementation decisions rather than political declarations alone. 📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com ✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews

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