Fake customs officer arraigned after scamming victims N34m (Punch)
A 59-year-old woman, Rakiyat Musa, was on Thursday arraigned before the Igbosere Magistrate’s Court sitting at Tinubu, Lagos Island, for allegedly impersonating a Nigerian Customs officer and obtaining over N34, 116,000, under pretence.
Musa, who appeared before Magistrate B. I. Amos, is facing a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy, obtaining by false pretence, stealing, impersonation, and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.
During the arraignment, the prosecutor, Inspector Cyriacus Osuji, told the court that the defendant, alongside others still at large, conspired to defraud unsuspecting victims between April and July 2025. Read more
2027: PDP’ll give APC fight of its life –Bala Mohammed (Sun)
Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, has vowed that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would give the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) a fight of its life in the forthcoming general elections.
He has, therefore, promised that he and his colleagues would galvanise all organs of the party to ensure it provides a credible platform for Nigerians to actualise their aspirations.
Speaking at the 101st National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the party in Abuja, yesterday, the governor admonished members against abusing those who left the PDP, recently, saying the party will keep its doors open for their return within a time frame. Read more
FRSC records 5,281 crashes, 2,838 deaths, rescues 17,818 in six months (Guardian)
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) on Thursday said available statistics at its disposal revealed that 5,281 road traffic crashes occurred across the country involving 39,793 people between January and June 2025.
However, 2,838 lives were lost, while 17,818 were rescued within the same period.
This figure, it added, represented an increase in crashes by 3.9 per cent and a rise in fatalities by 2.2 per cent. Read more
States have no power to alter wholesale electricity cost – NERC (Vanguard)
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has declared that state electricity regulatory commissions lack the authority to alter the wholesale cost of electricity supplied through the national grid.
In a public notice issued Thursday night, NERC stated that states do not have jurisdiction over the national grid or power stations established under federal laws.
The clarification comes in response to growing concerns from electricity generation and distribution companies over the recent decision by the Enugu Electricity Regulatory Commission (EERC) to slash the tariff for Band-A customers in the state from the NERC-approved rate of N209/kWh to N160/kWh. Read more
NNPC reduces petrol price
(Tribune)
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has reduced the pump price of premium motor spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, marking the second downward adjustment within one week.
A reduction of N5 from the previous price of N895 was implemented across several NNPC retail outlets in Abuja, including locations along the Kubwa Expressway, Gwarimpa, and Wuse Zone 4.
Tribune Online also confirmed that the new price of a litre of petrol at NNPC’s retail outlets in Ibadan, Oyo State, has been pegged at N875. Read more
Yilwatda pledges unity, expansion as new APC National Chairman (Nation)
Newly elected National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Professor Nentawe Yilwatda has pledged to work with all stakeholders to unite, strengthen and expand the ruling party.
Yilwatda gave the assurance during his acceptance speech at the 14th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the APC, held at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja.
“I pledge without hesitation that I will work with everybody in the party, unite the party, build the party, expand the party—with you as the focus and the building block and the support I will require to drive the party as needed by all of us. I accept this mandate with gratitude and a complete sense of responsibility, determined to work with all of you to fulfil the dreams of Nigerians who have reposed their hope in the Renewed Hope Agenda,” Yilwatda said. Read more
Buhari proved public service can be done with integrity, transparency — Osinbajo (Leadership)
Former Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo has paid glowing tribute to the late President Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as a leader who served Nigeria with honesty and a deep commitment to democratic principles.
Speaking on Thursday during a brief session in Buhari’s honour at the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Osinbajo said the former president proved that it was possible to hold public office in Nigeria with integrity.
“In his many years in public service, he (Buhari) proved that you can serve with honesty,” Osinbajo said. “He ran for office three times and lost. He pursued his rights in the courts, losing all three times. It was only the fourth time that he won. He demonstrated belief in the Constitution and the rule of law.” Read more
Cardi B sued over microphone throwing incident (HipHopDx)
Cardi B has been sued over an incident in 2023 where she threw a microphone into a crowd.
The rapper had been accused of assault and battery by an anonymous woman who claims she was hit with the microphone during Cardi’s performance in Las Vegas a couple of years ago.
Cardi is yet to comment on the lawsuit.
There is video footage of Cardi launching the microphone into the crowd and she was investigated by Las Vegas police but ultimately no charges were filed. Read more
Chuck Mangione, smooth jazz pioneer, dies At 84 (Udiscovermusic)
Chuck Mangione, the world-renowned flugelhorn player, trumpeter, and composer, has died. His family confirmed the news in a statement on July 24, per Democrat & Chronicle. “Chuck’s love affair with music has been characterized by his boundless energy, unabashed enthusiasm, and pure joy that radiated from the stage,” the musician’s family writes. “His appreciation for his loyal worldwide fans was genuine as evidenced by how often he would sit at the edge of the stage after a concert for however long it took to sign autographs for the fans who stayed to meet him and the band.” He was 84 years old.
Best known for songs like “Feels So Good” and “Land Of Make Believe,” Mangione had a celebrated career of five decades. His musical skill brought him acclaim in the worlds of jazz and pop, and earned him two Grammys. Read more
Elon Musk makes shocking announcement he’s bringing back Vine but there’s a twist (Unilad)
Elon Musk has made a somewhat surprising announcement that he is bringing back Vine – though there is a bit of a twist.
For those who aren’t old enough to remember Vine, it’s arguably an earlier form of TikTok that allowed users to create a wide variety of content in a short-form video.
Whether it be singing or dancing, Vine really was the place to be for teenagers growing up in the 2010s. Read more
Hulk Hogan tributes come in from Sylvester Stallone, Ric Flair, Sgt. Slaughter, Donald Trump, Jake The Snake & more (Deadline)
The icons of professional wrestling are paying tribute to the Hulk Hogan, who died Thursday at age 71, reportedly from cardiac arrest at his home in Clearwater, Florida.
“Hulk Has Been By My Side Since We Started In The Wrestling Business,” tweeted wrestler Ric Flair.
“An Incredible Athlete, Talent, Friend, And Father! Our Friendship Has Meant The World To Me. He Was Always There For Me Even When I Didn’t Ask For Him To Be. He Was One Of The First To Visit Me When I Was In The Hospital With A 2% Chance Of Living, And He Prayed By My Bedside. Hulk Also Lent Me Money When Reid Was Sick. Hulkster, No One Will Ever Compare To You! Rest In Peace My Friend!” Read more
Teddi Mellencamp opens up about the effects of her cancer treatment (Filmnews)
Teddi Mellencamp has opened up about the effects of her cancer treatment.
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star has revealed that she has decided to pause her immunotherapy treatment amid her battle with stage four cancer.
During Wednesday’s episode of her Two T’s in a Pod podcast, Teddi explained that she had initially felt good after undergoing multiple surgeries and starting radiation and immunotherapy treatment.
However, her health has deteriorated in recent weeks. Read more
5 ice hockey players found not guilty in Canada sexual assault case (BBC)
Five Canadian ice hockey players accused of sexually assaulting a woman have all been acquitted by an Ontario judge in a case that has been closely watched in Canada.
In a packed courtroom on Thursday, Justice Maria Carroccia reviewed testimony and evidence from the eight-week trial over several hours before declaring the men not guilty.
The former players for Canada’s world junior hockey team were accused of assaulting the woman, known as EM, in a hotel room in 2018 in London, Ontario, where they had been attending a Hockey Canada gala. Read more
Oshoba talks tough ahead of Parker fight (Punch)
Nigerian boxing sensation Elizabeth Oshoba has issued a confident statement ahead of her featherweight bout against American Melissa Parker, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The Ogun State-born boxer has said she’s more prepared than ever for the August 22 showdown in Orlando, Florida.
The undefeated WBC Silver and IBO International Featherweight champion, who boasts a perfect 9-0 record with five knockouts, will face Parker (6-3-1, 2KOs) in what promises to be a crucial step in her quest for world title unification. Read more
Ofili mum as Pinnock declares love for Jamaica despite switching allegiance to Turkey (Guardian)
Even as Nigerians await final outcome of US-based sprinter, Favour Ofili’s application to switch nationality to Turkey, Jamaican long jumper, Wayne Pinnock, has declared that he still loves his country despite moving to the European country.
Pinnock just won the Diamond League in London with a leap of 8.20m.
“I love my country. I did so much for Jamaica. But this is a life-changing opportunity. And as my coach always tells me – if you get one, take it.” Read more
Napoli president won’t give up Osimhen easily, Udinese chief reveals (Sun)
Udinese technical director Gökhan İnler, has shed light on Napoli owner Aurelio De Laurentiis’ eccentric personality and the ongoing transfer saga involving Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, who is on the verge of a sensational move to Turkish giants Galatasaray.
Osimhen, who enjoyed a stellar loan spell with Galatasaray last season, is reportedly close to sealing a permanent transfer to the Istanbul club.
The 26-year-old was instrumental in the club’s domestic success, scoring 37 goals and providing eight assists to help them clinch both the league title and the Domestic Cup. Read more
Mekies on why Red Bull need Verstappen’s ‘magic’ (Formula1)
As big jobs in sport go, Laurent Mekies now has one of the biggest after taking over as boss of six-time Teams’ Championship winners Red Bull.
The Frenchman is only the second person to lead the team in their 20-year history and takes the helm at a time when they are struggling to deliver performance.
Mekies, an engineer by trade, has been in Formula 1 for 24 years, working with Arrows, Minardi, Toro Rosso, governing body the FIA, Ferrari, Racing Bulls and now Red Bull. Most recently, he’s helped transform Racing Bull’s organisational structure and together with CEO Peter Bayer shaped the team into a strong midfield force. Read more
Emma Raducanu seals big WTA Rankings move with scintillating Naomi Osaka win (Tennis365)
Emma Raducanu produced a sublime serving display to blast past Naomi Osaka at the Citi DC Open – and secure a potentially big move up the WTA Rankings.
World No 46 Raducanu was in scintillating form against former world No 1 Osaka in their round-two clash in Washington, breezing past the Japanese to claim a 6-4, 6-2 triumph.
Raducanu would have approached her first-ever meeting against Osaka with confidence, following a gritty straight-sets win over seventh seed Marta Kostyuk in the opening round. Read more