The Federal Government has declared Thursday, October 1, 2026, a public holiday to commemorate Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.   The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the declaration on Wednesday on behalf of the Federal Government in a statement signed by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Magdalene Ajani. The minister congratulated Nigerians at home and abroad, urging citizens to use the occasion to promote unity, patriotism, peaceful coexistence and mutual respect. Tunji-Ojo also called on Nigerians to emulate the country’s founding fathers by demonstrating love for Nigeria and contributing to the development of a nation that future generations can be proud of. “As we celebrate 66 years of our independence, we should always remember that there is hope for our country and our diversity is our strength,” the minister said. He added that collective determination remained the foundation for building a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria. The 2026 Independence Anniversary is being celebrated under the theme, “From Reforms to Stability: Consolidating Nigeria’s Renewed Hope for Shared Prosperity.” According to the Federal Government, the theme reflects its focus on consolidating ongoing reforms and translating their gains into greater opportunities and improved living conditions for Nigerians. The government also reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening national security, improving public safety and creating an environment where citizens can live and work with confidence. Tinubu to Address Nigerians President Bola Tinubu is expected to deliver a nationwide broadcast on Thursday as part of activities marking the 66th Independence Anniversary. The President returned to Lagos on Tuesday after concluding his working vacation in Europe and is expected to spend the Independence celebrations in the state. He is also expected to attend the premiere of a documentary on the late businessman and politician, Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, at the Wole Soyinka National Theatre in Lagos. According to the Presidency, Tinubu is further expected to hold political meetings in Lagos as preparations for the 2027 general elections continue. Nigeria at 66 Nigeria gained independence from British colonial rule on October 1, 1960, with Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa becoming the country’s first Prime Minister. The country became a republic in 1963, with Nnamdi Azikiwe serving as its first President. Nigeria later experienced periods of military rule and the Civil War before returning to constitutional democracy in 1999. The 2026 anniversary marks 66 years since independence and 27 years of uninterrupted constitutional democracy.

A flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv was diverted after a passenger alleged that the co-pilot attacked the pilot and attempted to take control of the aircraft in what she described as a “suicide attack”.   The incident occurred on Wednesday while the flight was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv, with the aircraft reportedly over Jordan. Passenger Miryam Shira Ohayon told reporters that the plane was “pretty much out of control” when the alleged stabbing occurred. According to Ohayon, the co-pilot attempted to attack the pilot and crash the aircraft, prompting passengers and other crew members to intervene. “It was really on the way to crashing,” she said, adding that passengers managed to restrain the co-pilot and prevent the situation from escalating. A doctor on board reportedly provided first aid to the injured pilot and others involved in the incident. Ohayon said no passengers were injured, but described the fear of a possible crash as the biggest concern. Her mother, Yasmin Abukasis, told AFP that her daughter believed they were going to die during the incident. She also said a woman who went to the cockpit saw “a lot of blood”. Abukasis said two other pilots were aboard the aircraft and took control before diverting the flight to Saudi Arabia. The passenger was travelling to Israel to attend a service for her brother, who was killed in the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack, according to Channels Television, which cited AFP. The circumstances surrounding the reported attack, including the motive and the identities of those involved, were not independently established in the report.

Staff and students of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) on Wednesday mobilised to the residence of the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Joshua Ogunwole, after police officers reportedly arrived to arrest him.   The incident occurred in Ado-Ekiti, where members of the university community gathered at Ogunwole’s official residence and opposed the alleged arrest. Ogunwole said the policemen arrived at about 6:10am, shortly after he had gone to bed around 3am. According to him, his children alerted him after noticing security personnel around the residence. The Vice-Chancellor said he initially refused to come out because he was unsure whether the men were genuine police officers and wanted clarification on why they were at his residence. He said the police team later informed him that they had a warrant, but he insisted on being properly informed of the basis for the arrest. Ogunwole linked the development to a petition allegedly filed by individuals connected with the university, including immediate past Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abayomi Fasina, and former Dean of the Faculty of Law, Dr Kehinde Adeola. According to him, the dispute followed an audio recording which allegedly leaked and led the university management to ask those involved to appear before an investigative committee. He said the matter had subsequently gone to court and that he had also petitioned the Inspector-General of Police over alleged threats to his life and workplace. Ogunwole said he had directed his lawyers to approach the police to explain that the matter was already before the court and that he was available to respond to any lawful invitation. He also recalled honouring an earlier police invitation over another petition, saying he appeared with his lawyers, was questioned for several hours and was later released on self-recognisance. “Somebody of my calibre would not run away anywhere. Rather than surrounding my house, there are other better approaches to invite me,” he said. Despite the development, Ogunwole said he remained committed to his administration’s plans to reposition FUOYE. “There is no turning back. Our mission to create a new face for FUOYE. No U-turn, no diversion. We are resolute,” he said. The FUOYE branch chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Dr Ojo Fagbuagun, said the union members were at the residence to oppose what he described as attempts to intimidate the Vice-Chancellor. Fagbuagun alleged that some individuals linked to the previous administration were opposed to changes being introduced by Ogunwole. He also alleged irregularities including illegal promotion, abnormal promotion and mismanagement of funds, but did not provide evidence for the claims during the interview. The chairman of the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT), FUOYE branch, Comrade Oluwashola Babafemi, said members were at the residence to support the university’s administration and protect what he described as the institution’s peace and progress. The Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) branch secretary, Comrade Emmanuel Adegun, said members were alerted that police officers had arrived at the Vice-Chancellor’s residence and might take him away. He said the union subsequently mobilised to the residence to show solidarity with Ogunwole.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has remanded Adeniyi Adeyemi in Kuje Correctional Centre after he pleaded not guilty to an eight-count charge bordering on alleged conspiracy and forgery.   Justice Mohammed Umar ordered Adeyemi’s remand on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, after the prosecution, led by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, requested an accelerated hearing of the case. The charges were filed against Adeyemi and two other suspects who are currently at large. Adeyemi, who has been accused of presenting himself as the Director-General of the purported Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), denied the allegations when the charges were read to him. His lawyer, Genesis Francis, asked the court to hear his client’s bail application on Wednesday, citing a medical appointment scheduled for Friday for an unspecified ailment which he said was contagious. However, lead prosecution counsel Rotimi Oyedepo told the court that the police had qualified medical personnel who could attend to Adeyemi and that medical facilities were available at the correctional centre. Justice Umar declined to hear the bail application on Wednesday, citing the volume of matters before the court. The judge subsequently adjourned the case until October 12 for hearing of Adeyemi’s bail application and the substantive suit. Background to the PFIPC case Adeyemi became the focus of controversy after presenting himself as the Director-General of the PFIPC, an organisation the Presidency has said was not legally established. The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) later said its investigation found that Adeyemi was never appointed by the Federal Government and that documents allegedly used to support his appointment were forged. The commission recommended his prosecution. The case has also involved separate scrutiny by the House of Representatives and allegations concerning the payment of hundreds of millions of naira linked to Adeyemi’s purported appointment. Adeyemi has denied wrongdoing and maintained that he is prepared to defend himself in court. The eight-count criminal case was filed in November 2025. In July, Justice Umar issued a bench warrant after Adeyemi repeatedly failed to appear for arraignment, and police subsequently arrested him in Osun State. The latest proceedings mark a further step in the criminal case, with the court now scheduled to consider Adeyemi’s bail application and the substantive matter on October 12.