- 20 NYSC members regain freedom after seven days in captivity
- FG releases 8-month allowance arrears for non-academic staff
- PH refinery workers threaten shutdown over unpaid salaries
- Nana Akua Addo speaks out as police investigate alleged abuse
- Kevin Hart’s legal battle takes a new turn as Miesha Shakes calls a witness
Across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, these are the top five Nigerian news stories you shouldn’t miss.
20 NYSC members regain freedom after seven days in captivity
Twenty prospective NYSC members kidnapped while travelling from Oyo to Abia State have regained their freedom after seven days in captivity. They were abducted along the Owerri-Onitsha road in Imo State.
The victims were rescued around 4:28pm on Wednesday at Amakohia Ubi Village by a joint team of police, Army, DSS and other security agencies. Police spokesman CSP Anietie Iniedu confirmed their release, saying they were taken for medical checks and treatment.
The authorities have launched efforts to arrest those behind the abduction, who remain at large. The police thanked the public for their support and promised further updates on the case.
FG releases 8-month allowance arrears for non-academic staff
The Federal Government has released eight months’ unpaid Consolidated Non-Academic Staff Tertiary Institutions Allowance for workers in federal universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. The payment covers January to August 2026.
Education Minister Tunji Alausa announced the release on Wednesday, days after non-academic workers issued an ultimatum over the arrears. He said the payment showed the government’s commitment to staff welfare and preventing disruptions to the academic calendar.
Alausa also promised continued talks with unions and institutions to resolve other outstanding issues. He urged workers and their representatives to maintain cooperation, stressing that a stable tertiary education system remains vital to Nigeria’s development.
PH refinery workers threaten shutdown over unpaid salaries
A protest has erupted at the Port Harcourt Refining Company as support staff demand seven months of unpaid salaries and the implementation of a new salary structure. The workers threatened to shut down operations if their demands are ignored within 48 hours.
The protesters barricaded the refinery entrance, displayed placards and set up tents, temporarily disrupting activities. They claimed NNPC Group Chief Executive Officer Bayo Ojulari had approved the new salary package, but the refinery coordinator had not implemented it.
Their demands include payment of salary arrears, immediate implementation of the salary structure, ₦1 million housing and rent support, and improved engagement with management over workers’ welfare.
Nana Akua Addo speaks out as police investigate alleged abuse
Ghanaian actress and fashion personality Nana Akua Addo has addressed viral videos showing her with injuries amid reports of alleged domestic violence involving her husband. Reports claimed she was hospitalised after the alleged assault.
The clips also showed a dispute involving her husband and family, while another appeared to show her daughter being beaten. Addo’s representatives said the Ghanaian police are investigating the matter.
They urged the media and public to stop sharing the videos, particularly those involving the children, warning that the footage could worsen the victims’ trauma. The representatives said the case is now with the authorities and expressed confidence in Ghana’s justice system.
Kevin Hart’s legal battle takes a new turn as Miesha Shakes calls a witness
Kevin Hart’s legal dispute with former assistant Miesha Shakes has taken a new turn, with Shakes seeking testimony from Montia Sabbag, who was involved in Hart’s 2017 extortion and leaked video controversy.
According to court documents, Shakes wants to question Sabbag about the incident and the subsequent investigation. Hart sued Shakes, accusing her of breaching a non-disclosure agreement by discussing his personal life with a blogger.
Shakes claims that Hart failed to honour his side of the agreement, thereby rendering it invalid. She also denies harming his reputation, arguing previous controversies had already affected his public image. She plans to testify and call Hart as a witness.
