General news

• Father’s plea: EFCC withdraws charges against two Nigerians

  21-08-2026 15:43 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Luminous JannamikeThe Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr Ola Olukoyede, has ordered the withdrawal of charges against two young Nigerians arraigned for alleged cybercrime and peddling malicious information against the commission, after the father of one of them pleaded for mercy.For the two defendants, what began with an appearance before a Federal High Court in Abuja ended with a reprieve after their case drew a personal appeal from Shehu’s fa
  
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• Watkins, Martinez could exit Aston Villa – Emery

  21-08-2026 16:59 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Unai Emery has revealed Ollie Watkins and Emiliano Martinez could be the next Aston Villa players to join the exodus from the Europa League winners.Villa have rejected several bids for Watkins from Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal this week, but Emery hinted the England striker would be allowed to leave for the right price.England defender Ezri Konsa is on the verge of sealing his move to Premier League champions Arsenal, while Argentina goalkeeper Martinez has told Emery he wants to go.Morgan Ro
  
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• Why aviation must strengthen flight recorder preservation

  21-08-2026 16:57 via punchng.com
  
  Discover why preserving flight recorder data is crucial for aviation safety. Learn about the challenges and solutions to prevent overwriting critical evideRead More: https://punchng.com/why-aviation-must-strengthen-flight-recorder-preservation/
  
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• UK zoo saves cancer-stricken python with pioneering treatment

  21-08-2026 16:57 via punchng.com
  
  Chester Zoo successfully treated a cancer-stricken python named Jodie Foster using pioneering surgery and electrochemotherapy, a first for snakes. Learn moRead More: https://punchng.com/uk-zoo-saves-cancer-stricken-python-with-pioneering-treatment/
  
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• Police arrest three vigilantes over man’s death in Bauchi

  21-08-2026 16:57 via punchng.com
  
  Bauchi Police arrest three vigilantes after a 39-year-old man died in their custody. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of death.Read More: https://punchng.com/police-arrest-three-vigilantes-over-mans-death-in-bauchi/
  
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• Ooni, other South-West monarchs to meet Igboho over regional security

  21-08-2026 16:57 via punchng.com
  
  Ooni of Ife and other South-West monarchs will meet with Sunday Igboho to discuss regional security and how to sustain peace in Yorubaland. Learn more.Read More: https://punchng.com/ooni-other-south-west-monarchs-to-meet-igboho-over-regional-security/
  
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• CDCFIB to complete Immigration, Civil Defence, others’ recruitment in four weeks

  21-08-2026 16:57 via punchng.com
  
  The CDCFIB announced that the ongoing paramilitary recruitment for Immigration, Civil Defence, and others will be completed within four weeks. Get updatesRead More: https://punchng.com/cdcfib-to-complete-immigration-civil-defence-others-recruitment-in-four-weeks/
  
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• BPP blocks inflated contracts, saves FG N1.4trn in 18 months

  21-08-2026 16:56 via vanguardngr.com
  
  *Contractors now seek price benchmarks before bidding — DGBy Babajide KomolafeThe Bureau of Public Procurement, BPP, has saved the Federal Government about N1.4 trillion in 18 months by blocking inflated contract prices through the introduction of price intelligence and benchmarking.Director-General of BPP, Dr. Adebowale  Adedokun, disclosed this yesterday in Lagos, saying the reforms had also forced contractors to seek the agency’s price benchmarks before submitting bids.He sp
  
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• Video: Nigerian pastor promises members millionaire status in 90 days

  21-08-2026 16:51 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Enitan AbdultawabNigerian pastor Korede Komaiya has made a bold promise to members of his congregation, saying those who follow his teachings could attain millionaire status within 90 days.Komaiya, the founder of The Master’s Place International Church, made the statement while preaching about the importance of speed in achieving success and what he described as “supernatural speed.”“If you do what I teach, you will be a millionaire in 90 days, if not shorter. If you
  
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• 2027: Adeleke belongs to us; my job is to give opposition hypertension – Wike

  21-08-2026 16:50 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Pledges larger ‘rainbow coalition’ for TinubuBy Omeiza AjayiABUJA: Federal Capital Territory FCT minister, Nyesom Wike, has declared that his mission ahead of the 2027 general election is to make opposition figures, including opposition presidential candidates, Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, uncomfortable by increasing their blood pressure.Wike, who spoke with journalists on Friday in Abuja during an inspection of ongoing projects in the territory, insisted that the cu
  
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• Turkey seeks Netanyahu arrest over Gaza flotilla

  21-08-2026 16:41 via punchng.com
  
  Turkey’s Justice Minister has sought an international arrest warrant for Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing him of “genocide” related to the Gaza flotRead More: https://punchng.com/turkey-seeks-netanyahu-arrest-over-gaza-flotilla/
  
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• Bring back our children, families of abducted Borno pupils beg Tinubu

  21-08-2026 16:41 via punchng.com
  
  Families of schoolchildren abducted in Borno State appeal to President Tinubu and Governor Zulum to intensify efforts for their release after 100 days in cRead More: https://punchng.com/bring-back-our-children-families-of-abducted-borno-pupils-beg-tinubu/
  
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• 19 Ondo communities protest land encroachment

  21-08-2026 16:41 via punchng.com
  
  Residents of 19 Ondo communities in Ilaje LGA protest alleged land encroachment by Delta State neighbors, urging government intervention in the Ondo land dRead More: https://punchng.com/19-ondo-communities-protest-land-encroachment/
  
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• Iran president says time to end war while in position of strength

  21-08-2026 16:41 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Friday it was time to end the months-long Middle East war with the United States because Tehran was in a position of strength over Washington.“It is better that we bring the war to an end now as we are in a position of power and dignity, and the whole world acknowledges our victory and emphasises that America has attacked our schools, hospitals and infrastructure in violation of all regulations and is hated around the world,” he said in a mee
  
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• FIFA, UEFA ban 6 countries from facing each other

  21-08-2026 16:41 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Football is often seen as a game that brings countries together, but political disputes and conflicts have sometimes made certain international fixtures too sensitive to stage.In some cases, FIFA and UEFA have kept national teams apart because of political tensions, territorial disputes or security concerns.Here are six notable pairings that have been kept apart.Spain vs GibraltarSpain and Gibraltar have a long-running dispute over sovereignty. Gibraltar has been under British control since 171
  
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• Nasarawa 2027: Adamu’s campaign rejects claim ex-IGP lacks platform

  21-08-2026 16:38 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The campaign organisation of former Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar Adamu, has rejected claims that the former police chief lacks a political platform to contest the 2027 Nasarawa State governorship election.The organisation was reacting to comments by the Nasarawa State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Aliyu Bello, who reportedly questioned Adamu’s platform for the contest.In a statement on Friday signed by its Director of Media and Strategic Communicati
  
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• Turkey issues ‘genocide’ warrant for Israel PM Netanyahu

  21-08-2026 16:33 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Turkey has sought an international arrest warrant for Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accusing him of “genocide” linked to Israel’s interception of an aid flotilla for Gaza, the justice minister announced Friday.Turkey has become a virulent critic of Israel’s war in Gaza, sparked by the Hamas October 7, 2023 attacks on Israel. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has frequently accused Netanyahu of “genocide”.Israel’s interception of the flot
  
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• Meet Victoria Oluwakotanmi, former US navy officer crowned Miss Grand USA

  21-08-2026 16:31 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Nigerian-American beauty queen Victoria Oluwakotanmi has stepped into the spotlight after becoming Miss Grand USA 2026.Oluwakotanmi, who finished as the first runner-up at the Miss Grand USA final held on August 10, assumed the crown on Friday after the organisation terminated the reign of the original winner, Mekayla Li.Her new title places her on an international stage, where she will represent the United States at the Miss Grand International pageant.However, Oluwakotanmi’s journey to
  
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• Man City boss Maresca hit with Doku injury blow

  21-08-2026 16:31 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Manchester City boss Enzo Maresca has suffered a blow on the eve of the Premier League season after Belgium winger Jeremy Doku was ruled out for several weeks.Doku will miss City’s Premier League opener against Bournemouth with a calf injury and is unlikely to return for up to three weeks.The 24-year-old suffered the problem during the first half of City’s 3-0 defeat against Arsenal in the Community Shield in Cardiff last weekend.Doku’s absence is a significant setback fo
  
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• Full Speech: Peter Obi commences 2027 campaign

  21-08-2026 16:29 via vanguardngr.com
  
  MY ADDRESS TO MARK THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE 2027 PRESIDENTIAL AND NATIONAL ASSEMBLY CAMPAIGNS
  21 August 2026
  Dear Compatriots,
  Members of the Press,
  Distinguished ladies and gentlemen,
  Wednesday, 19 August 2026, marked the official start of the campaign period for the 2027 Presidential and National Assembly elections.
  There is no doubt that this is a defining moment for our democracy. This moment gives Nigerians the opportunity to assess the records, ideas, and plans of those seeking their manda
  
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• UK court orders Prince Harry, others to pay Daily Mail £9.5m

  21-08-2026 16:24 via vanguardngr.com
  
  A UK court ordered Prince Harry and six others Friday to pay an initial £9.5 million ($13 million) after they lost their privacy case against the publisher of British tabloid the Daily Mail.The court said the prince and six other high-profile figures, who lost their unlawful information gathering and privacy invasions claim against Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL), must make the payment within a week.The claimants — which include Elton John, his husband David Furnish, actors Eliz
  
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• FIFA sanction players, coaches after 2026 World Cup [Full list]

  21-08-2026 16:20 via vanguardngr.com
  
  FIFA has sanctioned five players and team officials following disciplinary incidents at the 2026 World Cup, including the final between Spain and Argentina.The FIFA Disciplinary Committee announced the punishments on Friday after reviewing a report on incidents during the July 19 final at the New York New Jersey Stadium.The sanctions include lengthy match suspensions and financial penalties, with Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes receiving the heaviest punishment.Here is the full list:1. Lea
  
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• FIFA issues 10-match ban to Argentina’s Paredes

  21-08-2026 16:20 via vanguardngr.com
  
  Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes has been suspended for 10 international matches for his behaviour in the aftermath of his country’s defeat to Spain in the World Cup final, FIFA said on Friday.Paredes was also fined $90,000. He was one of several Argentina players given suspensions and fines for the incidents in the final in New Jersey that Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain.AFP
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• Alleged drug trafficking: FBI explains why Tinubu’s record can’t be released

  21-08-2026 16:17 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has asked a US court to allow it to keep some records concerning an old investigation linked to President Bola Tinubu from public disclosure, citing the need to protect law-enforcement methods and the safety of individuals.The request was contained in a motion filed on August 20 at the US District Court for the District of Columbia, where the FBI asked to privately provide the judge with additional details supporting its decision to withhold parts of th
  
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• 2027: ADC’s Adio decries rent crisis, promises improve living condition for Lagos residents

  21-08-2026 16:15 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for Eti-Osa Constituency 2 in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Ayo Adio, has said he is contesting the 2027 election to push for the use of public resources to improve the living conditions of working-class residents.Adio made the remarks during an interview on Vanguard Politics Hub, where he discussed his campaign, legislative priorities and plans for constituents.He said his decision to seek elective office was driven by what he described as t
  
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• 2027: ADC’s Adio decries rent crisis, promises improve living condition for Eti-Osa

  21-08-2026 16:15 via vanguardngr.com
  
  The African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for Eti-Osa Constituency 2 in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Ayo Adio, has said he is contesting the 2027 election to push for the use of public resources to improve the living conditions of working-class residents.Adio made the remarks during an interview on Vanguard Politics Hub, where he discussed his campaign, legislative priorities and plans for constituents.He said his decision to seek elective office was driven by what he described as t
  
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• PENGASSAN to FG: Turn oil wealth into jobs, prosperity

  21-08-2026 16:14 via vanguardngr.com
  
  By Victor Ahiuma-Young & Johnbosco AgbakwuruThe Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN, has urged the Federal Government to urgently translate Nigeria’s vast oil and gas resources into jobs, increased revenue, investment and sustainable national prosperity.The call was made in the communiqué issued at the end of the 2026 PENGASSAN Energy and Labour Summit, PEALS 2026, held from August 19 to 21 in Abuja.The communiqué was signed by PENGAS
  
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• World number one Sinner withdraws from US Open with knee injury

  21-08-2026 16:13 via vanguardngr.com
  
  World number one Jannik Sinner confirmed on Friday he will not compete in the US Open because of a right knee injury.“Even though I have been working hard with my team and my medical staff, we have now had to make the difficult decision that I will not be able to compete at the US Open this year,” the Italian said in a statement.AFP
  The post World number one Sinner withdraws from US Open with knee injury appeared first on Vanguard News.
  
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• World No.1 Sinner withdraws from US Open with knee injury

  21-08-2026 16:13 via vanguardngr.com
  
  World number one Jannik Sinner confirmed on Friday he will not compete in the US Open, the final Grand Slam of the season, because of a right knee injury.“Even though I have been working hard with my team and my medical staff, we have now had to make the difficult decision that I will not be able to compete at the US Open this year,” the Italian said in a statement.“We have been back on court in Monte Carlo over the last couple of days and have realised that I still need more
  
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• From US Navy to beauty queen: Seven things about Nigerian-American Miss Grand USA Victoria Oluwakotanmi

  21-08-2026 16:12 via punchng.com
  
  Discover 7 fascinating facts about Victoria Oluwakotanmi, the Nigerian-American beauty queen and US Navy veteran crowned Miss Grand USA 2026. Learn about hRead More: https://punchng.com/from-us-navy-to-beauty-queen-seven-things-about-nigerian-american-miss-grand-usa-victoria-oluwakotanmi/
  
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