- Oyo school abduction survivor describes 56 days of horror
- FRSC warns motorists against fake fine messages
- Civil servants renew pressure over 40% allowance and promotion arrears
- Burna Boy to headline NFL’s first Paris halftime show
- FCC clears major Middle Eastern stake in Paramount-Warner deal
Across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, these are the top five Nigerian news stories you shouldn’t miss.
Oyo school abduction survivor describes 56 days of horror
A survivor of the May 15 abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State has told an Abuja court how victims endured 56 days of hunger, thirst, harsh weather and brutal treatment.
Identified as “AAA”, the witness said abductors moved them through six bush locations, where they slept on grass and often went barefoot. Children as young as 18 months reportedly suffered the same conditions.
Testifying against five alleged Ansaru members, she said the attackers arrived on 12 motorcycles and claimed the victims were being held to pressure the government into freeing detained members. Two teachers were allegedly beheaded during the ordeal.
FRSC warns motorists against fake fine messages
The Federal Road Safety Corps has warned motorists about a fraudulent message claiming to notify recipients of traffic offences and directing them to pay fines through a fake website.
The corps said the link, “frscgov.top/ng”, was designed to impersonate it and could steal personal and banking information. The warning followed reports of motorists losing money after clicking similar links.
FRSC confirmed that its official website is “frsc.gov.ng” and advised the public to avoid suspicious messages, protect passwords and card details, and verify traffic offences through authorised channels. Recipients should also preserve the messages and report them to the relevant authorities.
Civil servants renew pressure over 40% allowance and promotion arrears
The Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council has urged Finance Minister Taiwo Oyedele to implement the 40% odd allowance and pay outstanding promotion arrears for batches seven and nine.
In a letter signed by National Secretary Olowoyo Gbenga, the council praised the government for paying two months of outstanding wage awards within the agreed deadline. It said the intervention followed a meeting with Oyedele on August 5.
However, the workers warned that continued delays over the allowance and promotion arrears were increasing tension among civil servants. They urged the minister to act quickly, stressing that “a stitch in time saves nine.”
Burna Boy to headline NFL’s first Paris halftime show
Nigerian Grammy winner Burna Boy will headline the halftime show at the 2026 NFL Paris Game, marking the league’s first match in France.
The singer will perform on October 25 at Stade de France during the Pittsburgh Steelers’ clash with the New Orleans Saints. Burna Boy said returning to the venue was meaningful after his previous performance there and promised fans an unforgettable show.
NFL senior director Tim Tubito said the singer was the perfect choice for the historic occasion. The 2026 International Games will take place across seven countries and four continents, featuring entertainment performances during selected fixtures.
FCC clears major Middle Eastern stake in Paramount-Warner deal
US regulators have approved a request allowing Middle Eastern royal families to hold a significant stake in David Ellison’s proposed Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger.
Sovereign wealth funds from Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Abu Dhabi are expected to indirectly own almost 50 per cent of the combined company. Their investment would cover major brands including CBS, CNN, HBO, Comedy Central and two historic Hollywood studios.
The Federal Communications Commission had to approve the arrangement because the deal affects CBS ownership. US law generally limits foreign ownership of broadcast licence holders to 25%, unless the FCC finds that an exception serves the public interest.
