General news

• NDC exempts Obi, Kwankwaso from anti-defection oath

  18-06-2026 08:21 via vanguardngr.com
  The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has exempted its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and vice-presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, from the party’s newly introduced anti-defection oath aimed at discouraging elected officials from abandoning the platform after winning elections.The National Secretary of the party, Ikenna Enekweizu, disclosed this on Wednesday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he defended the policy against criticisms that it
  
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• Trump defends Iran deal from critics he calls ‘fools’

  18-06-2026 14:16 via vanguardngr.com
  US President Donald Trump lashed out at critics of his agreement with Iran on Thursday, calling those who accused him of offering concessions to end the war “fools”, ahead of negotiations in Switzerland on implementing the deal.Oil prices tumbled after Trump and his Iranian counterpart separately signed their accord to end the Middle East war, with the Strait of Hormuz to reopen but two months of negotiations lying ahead.In a sudden development after uncertainty over when the deal ag
  
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• Court of Appeal dismisses Sha’aban’s bid to halt asset auction over debt dispute

  18-06-2026 14:13 via vanguardngr.com
  By Ibrahim Hassan-WuyoThe Court of Appeal sitting in Kaduna has dismissed an application for stay of execution filed by Alhaji Mahmood Sani Sha’aban in a judgment debt dispute involving businessman Alhaji Umar Faruk Abdullahi.The application sought to stop the enforcement of an earlier judgment of the Kaduna State High Court, which approved the auction of certain assets linked to Sha’aban to satisfy a debt arising from a contractual agreement between the parties.At the hearing, coun
  
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• US-Iran Peace Deal: M-East stability crucial to global economy — Olawepo-Hashim

  18-06-2026 14:10 via vanguardngr.com
  By Luminous JannamikeABUJA — Presidential Candidate of the Accord Party and Co-Chairman of the Movement for Democratic Renewal, MDR, Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has welcomed the agreement between the United States and Iran aimed at ending hostilities and restoring stability in the Middle East.Olawepo-Hashim said the agreement carries implications beyond the Middle East, with stability in the region affecting global security, energy markets, international trade, investment flows and economi
  
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• Oyo Assembly cancels 3rd anniversary celebrations over security concerns

  18-06-2026 14:08 via vanguardngr.com
  The Oyo State House of Assembly has cancelled the elaborate activities lined up to mark its third anniversary, citing prevailing security concerns particularly in the Oke-Ogun and Ogbomoso axis as reasons.The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that instead, the legislature reflected on its performance over the last three legislative years as a critical arm of government.NAN reports that the 10th Assembly was inaugurated on June 14, 2023.The speaker of the House, Mr Adebo Ogundoyin, at plenary
  
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• Ballon d’Or 2026 Ranking: Kane, Messi, Mbappe on top after World Cup round 1

  18-06-2026 14:07 via vanguardngr.com
  The race for the Ballon d’Or 2026 has officially ignited now that the 48-team World Cup is underway in North America, with the first round of fixtures already shaking up the individual power rankings.However, the first 24 games have already ignited the race for individual immortality.While the collective trophy is the main objective, the opening round of fixtures immediately established who will be fighting for the prestigious Golden Ball—the award given to the tournament’s be
  
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• We cannot rest until insecurity ends — Deji of Akure tells Tinubu, security agencies

  18-06-2026 13:59 via vanguardngr.com
  Seeks release of kidnaped Oyo students, teachersBy Dayo Johnson Akure The Deji of Akureland, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, has described the security challenges in the South West and Nigeria as a whole as worrisome.Oba Aladelusi appealed to President Bola Tinubu and security agencies to intensify efforts to ensure the timely rescue of the kidnapped victims in Oyo State. He made the appeal when he received the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of the South West, DIG F
  
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• Lagos Police foil plot to traffic Kaduna girls to Ivory Coast for prostitution

  18-06-2026 13:59 via vanguardngr.com
  The Police Command in Lagos State has apprehended a woman for allegedly attempting to traffic three Kaduna girls to Ivory Coast for prostitution.The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) gathered that the suspect allegedly lured the girls, aged between 18 and 20, from Kaduna State to Lagos with promises of legitimate employment in a restaurant in Lagos.However, upon their arrival in the Ajegunle area of the state on May 23, the suspect allegedly informed them that she intended to send them to Ivory Coas
  
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• FG to evacuate over 742 Nigerians in South Africa before June 30

  18-06-2026 13:32 via vanguardngr.com
  …says no Nigerian will be left behindBy Favour Ulebor, AbujaThe Federal Government has assured Nigerians living in South Africa that all citizens who have indicated willingness to return home amid ongoing anti-migrant attacks in the country will be evacuated before the June 30 deadline.The assurance was given by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, in a press statement issued on Thursday, signed by the Special Assistant on Communication and New Media, Magnu
  
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• FG issues transition guidelines for Tax Acts 2025

  18-06-2026 13:27 via vanguardngr.com
  …Says pre-January 1 tax returns be filed under repealed laws…Incentives valid till expiration datesBy Emma Ujah, Abuja Bureau ChiefThe Federal Government has issued the general guidelines for the implementation of the Tax Acts 2025, setting out the process for transition from the repealed tax laws to the new tax framework effective from January 1, 2026.A key highlight of the guidelines, issued Thursday in Abuja, is that tax returns relating to accounting periods ending before Janu
  
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• UAE announces social media ban for under-15s

  18-06-2026 13:16 via vanguardngr.com
  The United Arab Emirates announced a social media ban for children under 15 on Thursday, joining a growing group of countries including Australia, Britain and Canada to take similar measures.Social media platforms will have to monitor and disable accounts created by under-15s or risk being blocked, a cabinet resolution said, giving them a 12-month transition period.“The resolution sets the minimum age for social media use at 15 years,” the official WAM news agency said, citing the c
  
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• Osun residents turn to firewood as cooking gas hits N2,000/kg

  18-06-2026 13:14 via vanguardngr.com
  Residents in Osun have turned to alternative cooking methods following a sharp increase in the cost of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), commonly known as cooking gas.Some residents, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Osogbo, said they now rely on charcoal and firewood because they can no longer afford cooking gas, which is currently sold at about ₦2,000 per kilogram.The respondents noted that the rising cost of cooking gas has placed additional financial strain o
  
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• Trump says ‘fools’ who criticise Iran deal are ‘jealous, bad people, or stupid’

  18-06-2026 13:05 via vanguardngr.com
  US President Donald Trump lashed out at critics of his agreement with Iran on Thursday, calling those who accused him of offering concessions to end the war “fools”, ahead of negotiations in Switzerland on implementing the deal.Oil prices tumbled after Trump and his Iranian counterpart separately signed their accord to end the Middle East war, with the Strait of Hormuz to reopen but two months of negotiations lying ahead.In a sudden development after uncertainty over when the deal a
  
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• FAAC shares N2.3 trn to FG, states, LGs

  18-06-2026 13:01 via vanguardngr.com
  By Emma Ujah, Abuja Bureau ChiefThe Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) has shared a total of N2.300 trillion among the federal, state and local governments as revenue allocation for May 2026.The total distributable revenue of N2.300 trillion comprised N1.611 trillion from Statutory Revenue and N688.785 billion from Value Added Tax (VAT), according to the Ministry of Finance, in a statement by the Head, Information and Public Relations, Efe Ovuakporie, Thursday.The Federal Government
  
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• Peter Obi wanted Aisha Yesufu to run for Reps, but she chose Senate — NDC

  18-06-2026 12:52 via vanguardngr.com
  The National Secretary of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Ikenna Enekweizu, has said the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, preferred that activist Aisha Yesufu contest for the AMAC/Gwari House of Representatives seat rather than the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Senate position.Enekweizu disclosed this on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday while addressing controversies surrounding Yesufu’s participation in the party’s primaries.According
  
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• Konate signs four-year deal with Real Madrid

  18-06-2026 12:30 via vanguardngr.com
  Real Madrid confirmed the arrival of defender Ibrahima Konate from Liverpool on Thursday on a four-year deal at the end of his contract at Anfield.Los Blancos and centre-back Konate “reached an agreement for him to become a Real Madrid player for the next four seasons, until June 30, 2030,” said the Spanish giants in a statement.The 27-year-old moved to Liverpool in 2021 from RB Leipzig, playing 183 times and winning the Premier League in 2025 and the FA Cup in 2022 amongst other si
  
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• NSIB launches probe, safety assessment after Benue boat accident kills 11

  18-06-2026 12:26 via vanguardngr.com
  By Nnasom DavidThe Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), Capt. Alex Badeh Jr., has led a team of investigators and senior officials of the Bureau on an on-the-spot safety assessment visit to Wadata, Benue State, following a boat accident that claimed 11 lives.The visit was part of the NSIB’s efforts to assess the circumstances surrounding the accident, gather first-hand information and engage stakeholders as part of measures to imp
  
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• US media slam Trump over concessions in Iran war deal

  18-06-2026 12:24 via vanguardngr.com
  Pre-war objectives abandoned, Iran’s power bolstered, tens of billions of dollars guzzled away: US media appear unanimous in condemning Donald Trump’s concessions to Iran in a deal meant to end the war.The US president put his signature to a memorandum of understanding on Wednesday at a candlelit dinner outside Paris, aiming to draw a line under the war which has engulfed the Middle East and rocked the global economy.But Trump’s return to the United States on Thursday is set t
  
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• Iran says missile programme not part of talks with US

  18-06-2026 12:19 via vanguardngr.com
  Iran said on Thursday that its missile programme would not be part of future negotiations with the United States, after the two sides agreed a framework deal for ending their war.US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signed a memorandum of understanding early Thursday, ending a regional war that erupted on February 28 with US-Israeli strikes.The agreement lays the groundwork for detailed negotiations on Iran’s nuclear programme and sanctions relief for Tehran.T
  
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• World Cup: Full list of all Man of the Match winners after Round 1

  18-06-2026 12:02 via vanguardngr.com
  The 2026 FIFA World Cup is underway across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, with standout performers already emerging after the first round of group-stage matches.FIFA continues to award the Superior Player of the Match (also called Player of the Match) after each fixture, recognising the most influential player on the pitch.As of June 17, 24 players have received the award following the opening round of group-stage matches.June 11, 2026Julian Quiñones (Mexico) earned the award aft
  
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• Oil prices tumble after Trump, Iran sign deal to end war

  18-06-2026 11:58 via vanguardngr.com
  Oil prices tumbled on Thursday after US President Donald Trump and his Iranian counterpart separately signed an accord to end the Middle East war, with the Strait of Hormuz set to reopen but two months of tricky negotiations lying ahead.In a sudden development after uncertainty over when the deal agreed earlier this week would be formally signed, Trump put his name to it in thick black ink at a candlelit dinner with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Palace of Versailles outside Paris late
  
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• Full list of top scorers after World Cup round 1

  18-06-2026 11:57 via vanguardngr.com
  The opening round of matches at the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup delivered plenty of drama, surprise results and goals as all 48 teams began their campaigns across 12 groups.Several underdogs made headlines in the first week of the tournament, with debutant Cape Verde holding former champions Spain to a goalless draw, while Morocco also held five-time winners Brazil with a 1-1 draw. DR Congo also earned a surprise point against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal in another 1-1 stalemate.Hosts Un
  
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• Two vigilantes killed as gunmen attack Plateau community

  18-06-2026 11:53 via vanguardngr.com
  By Golok NanmwaNo fewer than two local vigilante members were killed Wednesday night after suspected gunmen, said to be over 100 in number, attacked Rangarasa village in Rantya community, Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.A resident of the area, John Mancha, who witnessed the attack, told journalists in Jos on Thursday that the assailants arrived on motorcycles and opened fire sporadically while attempting to gain access into the community through the Rangarasa axis.According to
  
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• Makinde approves commencement of contributory pension scheme in Oyo

  18-06-2026 11:46 via vanguardngr.com
  Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has approved the immediate commencement of the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) in the state.The Chairman of the Oyo State Pensions Board, Mr Tunji Adekunle, disclosed this on Wednesday through the Permanent Secretary of the Post-Service Board, Rev. Victor Adesola, in a circular with reference No. OYPB/G/24/VOL.IV/11.The circular was issued to inform all stakeholders, Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), as well as civil and public servants across the sta
  
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• Arochukwu weeps as Alexx Ekubo’s body arrives home for final rites

  18-06-2026 11:38 via vanguardngr.com
  By Benjamin NjokuTears and sorrow filled the ancient town of Arochukwu, Abia State, on Thursday as the remains of Nollywood actor Alexx Ekubo arrived for burial.The actor died on May 11, at the age of 40, after a long battle with kidney cancer. His body was brought home in a convoy and made a brief stop at the palace of the Eze Arochukwu before proceeding to his family compound.In a viral video, the monarch was seen alongside one of his chiefs, offering prayers over the actor’s coffin.Emo
  
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• Court declares Adenike lawful widow of Tosin Ajayi, rejects Helen Prest’s claim

  18-06-2026 11:12 via vanguardngr.com
  By Innocent AnabaA Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja has declared Mrs. Adenike Ajayi the sole and lawful widow of the late founder and Chief Executive Officer of First Foundation Hospital, Dr. Tosin Ajayi, bringing to an end a protracted legal battle over the deceased’s marital status and estate.In a judgment delivered by Justice Oluwayoyin Odusanya, the court granted all the reliefs sought by Mrs. Ajayi and her children, dismissing the claims of former beauty queen, Helen Prest, th
  
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• Gbenga Hashim welcomes US-Iran peace agreement

  18-06-2026 11:04 via vanguardngr.com
  Presidential Candidate of the Accord Party and Co-Chairman of the Movement for Democratic Renewal (MDR), Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has welcomed the agreement between the United States and Iran aimed at ending hostilities and restoring stability in the Middle East.Speaking during a short visit to Dakar, Senegal, Dr. Hashim commended the governments and international partners whose diplomatic efforts helped create the conditions for dialogue and a peaceful resolution of tensions.“I welcome
  
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• World Cup star arrested days before tournament over fixing allegations – Report

  18-06-2026 10:56 via vanguardngr.com
  By Ayobami OkerindeIvory Coast international, Elye Wahi, who is currently featuring at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, was arrested by French police less than two weeks before the tournament as part of an investigation into alleged spot-fixing offences, according to a report by The Athletic.The 23-year-old is being investigated over allegations that he deliberately sought to receive a yellow card while playing for French club Nice in a Ligue 1 match against Metz on May 17.According to the report, Fren
  
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• Man arrested in Poland over killing of Putin critic

  18-06-2026 10:51 via vanguardngr.com
  Polish police have arrested a man suspected of participating in the murder of a Russian artist critical of Putin, Prime Minister Donald Tusk said on Thursday.The suspect in the murder — which took place on Monday — “is using a Georgian passport”, Tusk wrote on X.“Services are working to establish the mastermind,” he added.Semyon Skrepetsky, whose real name is Robert Kuzovkov, was fatally shot three times by an unidentified man armed with a handgun in Biala Po
  
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• Army revises recruit training curriculum to end terrorism

  18-06-2026 10:48 via vanguardngr.com
  The Nigerian Army has reviewed recruit training curriculum to strengthen the capacity of newly enlisted soldiers to effectively tackle terrorism, insurgency and emerging security threats nationwide.Maj.-Gen. Oluyemi Olatoye, Commandant, Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), said this on Thursday during the Beating of Retreat and Award Ceremony for the 90 Regular Recruits Intake at Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria.Olatoye said the curriculum review was part of efforts to align recruit training with Nigeria&
  
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