The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of deliberately keeping former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai in detention until after the 2027 general elections.   Speaking during an interview with Channels Television on Thursday, ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi claimed the opposition believes the Federal Government has no intention of releasing El-Rufai before the elections despite the charges against him being bailable. According to Abdullahi, the ADC is not opposed to the prosecution of anyone facing legitimate criminal charges. However, he argued that the continued detention of El-Rufai and what he described as stringent bail conditions suggest a deliberate attempt to keep the former governor in custody. He alleged that the ruling party fears El-Rufai’s release would strengthen the opposition ahead of the 2027 elections. Abdullahi also expressed concern over El-Rufai’s health, citing reports from his family that he recently received treatment at the National Hospital, Abuja, where doctors allegedly recommended close medical monitoring. The ADC spokesperson said President Bola Tinubu would be held responsible if anything happened to the former Kaduna governor while in detention, describing El-Rufai as a “political prisoner”. He further alleged that legal actions against opposition figures were aimed at limiting political competition ahead of the 2027 elections. Abdullahi criticised the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, describing it as a slogan that had failed to address Nigeria’s pressing challenges. He added that the formation of the ADC coalition reflected the opposition’s desire to pursue a different style of politics. El-Rufai is currently facing charges of alleged financial misconduct during his time as Kaduna State governor in a case filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) at the Federal High Court. He is also standing trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja over allegations of illegal wire-tapping in a case instituted by the Department of State Services (DSS). The allegations by the ADC reflect the party’s position. No response from the APC or the Federal Government was included in the Channels Television report.

Former President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria and Metropolitan Archbishop of Benin City, Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubeze, has died at the age of 69.   The Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria announced on Thursday that Archbishop Akubeze passed away on July 9, 2026. In a statement signed by the Secretary General of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Fr. Michael Banjo, the Church said the late cleric dedicated his life to the spiritual and human development of the faithful. According to the statement, Archbishop Akubeze’s leadership transformed the Archdiocese of Benin City through sustained pastoral care and development initiatives. The Secretariat said he believed the Church’s mission extended beyond spiritual renewal to the holistic growth of its members. The Church also highlighted his commitment to the welfare and formation of priests, noting that he considered well-trained clergy essential to the future of the Catholic Church. As a former President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, Archbishop Akubeze was recognised for defending the teachings of the Church and upholding orthodox Catholic doctrine throughout his tenure. The Secretariat described him as a humble and compassionate leader whose ministry was defined by service, patience and generosity. It added that his episcopal motto, “Ut Testimonium perhibeam veritati” (“That I may bear witness to the Truth”), reflected his lifelong commitment to proclaiming the Gospel. The Catholic Secretariat concluded by praying for the repose of his soul and asking God to grant him eternal rest.

France secured a place in the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating Morocco 2-0 in their quarter-final clash at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, on Thursday.   According to AFP, as published by Channels Television, Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele scored second-half goals to end Morocco’s impressive World Cup run and keep France’s hopes of winning a third world title alive. Mbappe broke the deadlock in the 60th minute with a superb curling strike after earlier seeing his first-half penalty saved by Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou. The France captain, who now has eight goals at the tournament, later turned provider, setting up Dembele to double Les Bleus’ advantage in the 66th minute with a composed finish. The victory sends Didier Deschamps’ side into the last four, where they will face either Spain or Belgium in Dallas next Tuesday. France, champions in 2018 and runners-up in 2022, are aiming to reach a third consecutive World Cup final in what is expected to be Deschamps’ final tournament in charge. Mbappe continued his remarkable World Cup scoring record, taking his tally to 20 goals in 20 appearances at the tournament. His international total also rose to 64 goals in 104 matches for France. Despite enjoying strong support inside the stadium, Morocco struggled to create clear-cut chances, missing the attacking threat of injured forward Ismael Saibari. However, the Atlas Lions exit the tournament after another impressive World Cup campaign and will now turn their attention to co-hosting the 2030 edition alongside Spain and Portugal. France’s disciplined defensive display earned them a third consecutive clean sheet in the knockout rounds as they advanced comfortably into the semi-finals.

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday convened a closed-door security meeting with military commanders, intelligence chiefs and senior security advisers at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, amid growing criticism over the monthly salary of Nigerian soldiers.   The meeting came as veterans and serving military personnel criticised the disclosure by the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, that the minimum monthly salary for soldiers is now ₦100,000, describing the amount as inadequate in the face of Nigeria’s rising cost of living. According to a report by Punch Newspapers, retired and serving personnel accused the Federal Government of failing to implement the salary increase President Tinubu announced in March 2026. Retired soldier Abdul Isiak said ₦100,000 could no longer meet basic living expenses, arguing that improved welfare would motivate troops to perform better. Another retired sergeant, Zaki Williams, questioned whether soldiers were even receiving the amount announced by the minister, describing the figure as insufficient for personnel risking their lives daily. The Coordinator of the Coalition for Concerned Veterans, Abiodun Herbert-Durowaye, also faulted the salary, saying it could not adequately cater for accommodation, feeding, education and other essential needs of military families. During an interview with News Central, Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru Abubakar acknowledged that the defence budget remained inadequate but said the Federal Government had increased the minimum monthly salary for soldiers from ₦49,000 to ₦100,000. The minister also called for the introduction of the death penalty for kidnappers, arguing that tougher punishments would serve as a stronger deterrent against the growing wave of abductions across the country. He further dismissed allegations of poor feeding in the military, insisting that reports circulating on social media misrepresented the quality of meals served to troops. Serving military personnel, who spoke anonymously because they were not authorised to comment publicly, urged the Federal Government to immediately implement the salary review announced by President Tinubu earlier this year. One officer said poor remuneration had weakened morale and contributed to an increasing number of personnel abandoning service, while another warned that low pay was discouraging many Nigerians from joining the Armed Forces. The personnel appealed to President Tinubu to fulfil his promise, noting that many military families were struggling with the country’s high cost of living. President Tinubu had announced plans for a salary increase during an interfaith breaking of fast with Service Chiefs on March 7, 2026, assuring members of the Armed Forces that his administration would prioritise their welfare, accommodation and family benefits. Thursday’s security meeting brought together National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, the Minister of Defence, Chief of Defence Staff General Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Waidi Isa, Chief of Defence Intelligence Lieutenant General Emmanuel Undiandeye, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, intelligence chiefs and other top security officials. The meeting followed recent military operations against terrorists and bandits in Zamfara, Katsina and the North-East, including airstrikes that disrupted a large terrorist convoy and operations targeting notorious bandit leaders. The Presidency had not released details of the meeting at the time of filing the report.