Dickson spoke on Tuesday while receiving former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, into the NDC.

His remarks came amid a dispute between the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement, popularly known as the OK Movement, and the NDC over the creation of a 59-member Presidential Campaign Council.

The OK Movement is a support group backing the NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, for the 2027 election.

The OK Movement had announced the council on September 17, but the NDC subsequently dissociated itself from the structure, saying it did not emanate from the party and should be disregarded.

The movement later said it did not require the NDC’s permission to carry out its organisational functions.

Speaking on the role of support groups, Dickson said they were expected to mobilise support for candidates rather than compete with the political party sponsoring them.

“You have several support groups. Support groups don’t compete with the political party that is sponsoring candidates. Support groups don’t compete for supremacy, for space.

“Support groups are what they are, support groups. They don’t play the role of a political party. They don’t sponsor candidates. They provide grassroots support, mobilisation support,” he said.

Dickson said support groups should also not turn against the parties they were established to support.

“They don’t convert themselves to become critics of the political party sponsoring. They don’t attack the political party sponsoring. They don’t do that,” he said.

The former Bayelsa State governor said the NDC had a department responsible for coordinating and registering support groups and that the party welcomed more organisations to mobilise support for its candidates.

He said it was unusual for a support group to establish a presidential campaign council, adding that those responsible for educating political supporters should intervene.

“None of them will dare say they are setting up a presidential campaign council. It’s unheard of. Nonsensical. And those who have a duty to educate and call people to order should do so,” Dickson said.

The NDC leader stressed that support groups had an important role to play in the party’s campaign, but should operate within the party’s established structure.

The development comes as the NDC moves to constitute its own Presidential Campaign Council for the 2027 election.

The party said on Tuesday that its presidential candidate, Obi, and running mate, Kwankwaso, had been given the authority to nominate key officers of the council in consultation with the party leadership.

The positions include Director-General, Deputy Director-General for the North, campaign spokesman and deputy spokesman, Head of New Media, Finance Director and Deputy Finance Director.

The NDC said the arrangement followed consultations between Obi, Kwankwaso, Dickson and other party leaders, as it prepares to inaugurate the official campaign council.

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery and other major marketers have reduced the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, across depots in Lagos, Port Harcourt, Calabar, and Warri.

The move follows a drop in international crude oil benchmarks.According to the latest depot price report from Petroleumprice.ng, Lagos recorded the sharpest cuts, with reductions ranging between N20 and N24 per litre.

Dangote Refinery lowered its price from N1,350 to N1,325 per litre, while Ascon, Integrated, Pinnacle, and Sahara adjusted theirs to around N1,326–N1,327 per litre. MRS reduced by N20 to N1,332, and Wosbab now sells at N1,330.

The adjustments came as Brent crude slipped below $100 per barrel, trading at $99.77, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) fell to $91.17 per barrel.

In contrast, Murban crude rose to $114.20 per barrel, highlighting mixed movements in the global oil market.

Beyond Lagos, modest reductions were seen elsewhere:Port Harcourt: Masters cut by N2 to N1,328, Stockgap by N7 to N1,323.Calabar: Mainland dropped by N7 to N1,320, while Sobaz slightly increased to N1,328.Warri: Keonamex reduced by N3 to N1,327, while Matrix and Optima raised prices marginally.

Diesel (AGO) prices also fell in some regions. In Lagos, Chipet reduced by N15 to N1,815 per litre, while Port Harcourt saw sharper drops, with Masters cutting by N35 to N1,900.

Warri’s Matrix recorded a N50 reduction to N2,000.Analysts note that the softer Brent and WTI prices are beginning to filter into Nigeria’s downstream market, offering room for depot price cuts.

Retail pump prices, however, remain higher, ranging between N1,370 and N1,450, depending on location and transport costs.

The latest adjustments shows how global crude volatility continues to shape Nigeria’s fuel pricing, with further changes hinging on crude trends, foreign exchange rates, and refined product

Cameroon Tribune reports on Tuesday that the body was found on September 19 at about 9am by officers of the Nkoabang Special Police Station during an ongoing investigation involving Kedi Samuel Kenechukwu, also known as Ekedi Samuel.

Kenechukwu is the founder of Mercy of God Ministry and is currently wanted by security authorities over allegations including human trafficking, arrest and kidnapping.

Several Cameroonian news outlets have reported on the case, with Camer.be describing Kenechukwu as “a Nigerian prophet operating in Cameroon since 2018.”

According to Cameroon Tribune, investigators discovered a white-and-gold coffin buried about 1.5 metres beneath a concrete slab at the property in Nkoabang.

The body was described as being in a state of mummification.

“The lid is broken. Inside, a body, a lady at first sight, dressed in a traditional blue outfit with gold embroidery, in a state of mummification, rests on a padding. This is not a normal grave,” the newspaper said.

Cameroon Tribune reported that the discovery was made after residents vandalised parts of the property, leading investigators to uncover the concealed underground area.

At the time of the newspaper’s report, security officers were still awaiting authorisation to conduct further searches of the site for possible remains.

The identity of the deceased and the circumstances surrounding the death had not been established.

The discovery came about 10 days after a search of the same Nkoabang property on September 9.

During that operation, investigators reportedly found five vehicles, several hundred kilogrammes of food, functioning freezers and about 30 rooms on the property.

They also discovered a pit about two metres deep, although its purpose had not been established at the time.

The Nkoabang investigation followed an earlier operation at a property associated with Mercy of God Ministry in Ngousso, Yaoundé, on September 6.

Twenty people — 10 women, eight men and two children aged six and seven — were reportedly found in a basement at the property.

The discoveries prompted security agencies to investigate other locations allegedly connected to the ministry.

Kenechukwu remains at large, with Cameroonian authorities reportedly alerting border police and involving Interpol in efforts to locate him.

The investigation into the activities at the properties and the circumstances surrounding the newly discovered body is ongoing.

The exercise, which began on September 23, 2026, will run until October 7, 2026, according to a statement issued by the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, Deputy Superintendent of Police Oluseyi Babasiyi on X on Wednesday.

The command directed all organisations with SPY personnel to ensure that their personnel report to the Police Public Relations Department at the Ogun State Police Command Headquarters, Eleweran, Abeokuta, for the exercise.

The statement said personnel are required to present their training certificates and photocopies, warrant cards or certificates of “To Whom It May Concern,” recent passport photographs in approved uniform, as well as other relevant documents.

The command said the exercise was aimed at strengthening the proper documentation, verification and oversight of SPY personnel operating in Ogun State.

According to a Day 12 update posted on its X handle on Sunday, NIS said the exercise continued without interruption on Saturday, 19 September 2026.

The Immigration Service said, “The Special Passport Intervention Exercise continued yesterday across the London and Manchester Centers uninterrupted, with a total of 516applicants enrolled, 370 in Manchester and 146 in London.

“This brings the total enrollment since the commencement of the exercise to 5,099 applicants.

It confirmed that passport production and dispatch for previously enrolled applicants are proceeding smoothly.

“The exercise remains ongoing, and applicants are enjoined to continue cooperating with officials,” NIS added.

The special exercise, launched on 7 September 2026 under the directive of the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, aims to clear backlogs of new passport applications, renewals and pending cases for Nigerians in the United Kingdom.

High demand led to an extension of operations in London and Manchester beyond the original mid-September end date.

Eligible applicants are required to book appointments through official channels and present the necessary documentation at the designated centres.

Saheed OyelakinSaheed is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over two years of experience covering metro, technology, sports, politics, and human-interest stories. He focuses on producing clear, engaging reports across diverse beats. Saheed’s work reflects hands-on newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate and balanced journalism.

 

The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 22-year-old woman, identified as Nwachukwu Blessing, in connection with an alleged case of conspiracy, fraud and suspected self-kidnapping, following the payment of N3 million ransom by her family.

It was gathered that the suspect allegedly conspired with a female associate identified as “Onyinye” and another male accomplice, whose identity is presently unknown, to stage her own kidnapping and obtain money from her family.

In a press statement released on Sunday, the spokesperson for the state police command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said she was arrested on Friday by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, following credible intelligence.

Ikenga added that the suspect was reportedly abducted along the Onitsha–Asaba Expressway on August 29, but despite the payment of N3 million ransom by her family, she was allegedly not released, prompting further investigation by the police.

He said, “The suspect was arrested by Operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, following credible intelligence received in the course of an investigation into a reported kidnapping incident.

“The lady was reportedly abducted along the Onitsha–Asaba Expressway on 29th August 2026. However, despite the payment of N3 million ransom by her family, she was allegedly not released, prompting further investigation by the Police.

“Following sustained intelligence gathering and investigative efforts, Police Operatives, in the afternoon of September 18, 2026, traced and located the alleged victim in a room in Asaba, Delta State, where she was recovered.

“Preliminary findings from the investigation indicated that the lady allegedly conspired with a female associate identified as Onyinye, whose other names are yet to be established, and another male accomplice, whose identity is presently unknown, to stage her own kidnapping and obtain money from her family.”

According to Ikenga, the arrested suspect is currently assisting the police with useful information towards establishing the full circumstances of the incident, as well as identifying and apprehending her alleged accomplices.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Ama, has directed that the investigation be intensified to unravel the full circumstances surrounding the incident and ensure that all persons found culpable are brought to justice in accordance with the law.

Isma’il Ishaq Magaji, a 400-level student of the Department of Public Administration at Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai (IBBUL), has been k!lled by a stray bullet.

This is contained in a statement by the Deputy Registrar, Information, Alhaji Baba Akote, issued to NAN in Lapai, Niger, on Saturday, September 19, 2026.

The registrar said Magaji lost his life after being hit by a stray bullet during a land dispute in his hometown, Wawa, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger.

Akote quoted the Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Mohammed Sulaiman, extending condolences to the deceased’s family, friends, classmates and associates.

Sulaiman said the incident was distressing and a painful loss to the entire university community.

He prayed to Almighty Allah to forgive the deceased’s shortcomings, grant him eternal rest, and provide his family and loved ones with the strength and fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

The V-C appealed to the communities involved in the dispute to embrace dialogue, exercise restraint and prioritise peaceful coexistence to prevent further loss of lives and unnecessary bloodshed.

The board chairman, Major Adekoya Adesagba (retd.), announced this during a press briefing held at the authority’s headquarters in Ibadan, the state capital.

He explained that the measures were designed to ensure smooth traffic flow and safeguard motorists, pedestrians and other road users during the event, which is expected to attract a large number of attendees.

Adesagba said, “VIPs with valid event stickers or entry passes would park at Gate 2, while other guests and attendees would use the Recreation Field opposite Gate 3, Sabo, as the designated parking area. He added that PTS buses would be stationed at the recreation field to convey attendees to the concert venue.

“Gates 1 and 3 would be opened strictly to pedestrians, as vehicles would not be permitted to pass through the two gates.”

The chairman, therefore, advised attendees to make use of the designated parking facilities rather than attempting to drive directly to the venue.

He also announced the temporary closure of roads leading to the stadium to motorists and members of the public who have no business at the venue, urging them to use alternative routes during the period.

Adesagba further said, “The Danax en route Sabo Recreation Junction and Queen Cinema en route Eko Tedo would be temporarily closed to vehicular traffic between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. tomorrow, Monday.”

The chairman appealed to motorists, commercial transport operators and residents within the affected areas to plan their journeys ahead and strictly obey traffic signs and directives from OYRTMA personnel deployed to strategic locations.

“The temporary traffic restrictions are necessary due to the expected influx of people to the concert. The measures are intended to minimise congestion and ensure the safety of all road users.”

He assured members of the public that the authority would deploy adequate personnel to monitor traffic movement and respond promptly to any challenge that might arise before, during and after the programme.

“Let me also use this period to appeal to members of the public to cooperate with OYRTMA and other security agencies. This compliance with the traffic arrangements would contribute to the safe and orderly movement of people and vehicles throughout the event,” the chairman assured.

The BOYE NATION/JAF Movement Concert is to mobilise and unify Oyo youths through music and entertainment while serving as the official platform for Boye Nation’s political declaration for the Allied Peoples Movement.

A woman, Bilkisu Sani, has been arrested in Rogo Local Government Area of Kano State for allegedly k!lling her husband, Hafisu Gausu, who was reportedly planning to take a second wife. 

‎A resident, Auwal Kazagi Rogo, told Daily Trust that the incident happened on Friday around 7pm, September 18, 2026 in the Katsalle area of Rogo town.

He said residents rushed to the scene after hearing cries from Gausu’s wife, who claimed her husband had been “kidnapped slaughtered.”

‎“On reaching there, we saw that he was not slaughtered but hit on the head with an object. He fell and d!ed. There was even a sign of bite on his ear,” Kazagi said.

He added that police were immediately called and later evacuated the body for investigation.

‎Kazagi added that it was alleged that Gausu had recently been engaged with another woman, with plans to marry her as a second wife.

His decision had sparked repeated quarrels with Bilkisu, who allegedly vowed to stop the marriage. 

Elders had earlier intervened in the dispute, but tensions persisted.

‎Kazagi said police have since arrested Bilkisu as the prime suspect while investigations continue.

‎The husband, on the other hand, was buried Saturday morning in Rogo according to Islamic rites.

‎The couple had been married for nearly seven years, with two children, and Bilkisu is said to be currently pregnant for the late husband.
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‎Sources at the area said Gausu had even asked his fiancée’s family to bring the wedding date forward by two months due to his wife’s resistance.