- Public servants begin three-day warning strike over economic hardship
- Nigerian linked to $330m drug seizure in Indian waters
- Tennessee death row inmate survives failed execution attempt
- Rick Ross arrested in Miami over alleged domestic violence
- Producer Mykel Cook arrested over alleged HIV exposure to artist
Across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, these are the top five Nigerian news stories you shouldn’t miss.
Public servants begin three-day warning strike over economic hardship
Workers under the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC) have declared a three-day warning strike from October 2 to 4, 2026, citing worsening economic hardship affecting workers and their families.
In a circular dated October 1, the council directed its national and state leaders to mobilise workers for the action, which began at midnight on Friday. The decision followed the Federal Government’s alleged failure to respond to requests submitted on September 21.
The workers are demanding measures to ease the cost of living, including reducing petrol prices to ₦500 per litre, approving a wage award, and beginning negotiations for a new national minimum wage ahead of 2027.
Nigerian linked to $330m drug seizure in Indian waters
Indian authorities have linked a Nigerian national to an alleged international drug trafficking network after narcotics worth more than $330 million were seized from an Iranian vessel in the Arabian Sea.
The Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad identified the Nigerian as an alleged intermediary between a wanted Gujarat-based suspect and other members of the network. The September 25 operation recovered 526kg of drugs, including 400kg of methamphetamine and 126kg of heroin.
Investigators said intelligence regarding a meeting involving the Nigerian authorities led to the vessel’s interception. They alleged the drugs were destined for northern India through Punjab and were connected to a network reportedly associated with suspected Pakistani trafficker Haji Salim.
Tennessee death row inmate survives failed execution attempt
A US death row inmate, Christa Pike, has survived an execution attempt after officials administered two doses of lethal injection at Tennessee’s Riverbend Maximum Security Institution on Wednesday.
The 50-year-old was taken to a hospital after two doses of pentobarbital failed to kill her. Her lawyers filed an emergency motion, saying Pike lost consciousness but continued breathing. Witnesses also reported hearing her complain about pain in her arm during the procedure.
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee ordered an independent review of the incident and said another scheduled execution this year would be postponed. State corrections officials maintained that the approved execution protocol was followed.
Rick Ross arrested in Miami over alleged domestic violence
American rapper Rick Ross, whose real name is William Leonard Roberts II, has been arrested in Miami, Florida, over alleged domestic violence. He faces felony battery by strangulation and misdemeanour battery charges after surrendering to police on Thursday.
The case reportedly followed allegations by his former girlfriend over an August 28 incident. She accused Ross of slapping and striking her, choking her, and throwing her against a wall. She also provided photographs of alleged injuries.
Ross’ lawyers, Steve Sadow and Bradley Horenstein, denied the accusations, saying he was wrongfully accused. He pleaded not guilty. His bond was set at $5,000, with arraignment scheduled for October 22.
Producer Mykel Cook arrested over exposing HIV to artist
New Orleans music producer Mykel Cook has been arrested over allegations that he knowingly exposed artist Jayvonda Bazile to HIV. Cook, 33, was booked on September 18 on a felony charge of intentional HIV exposure and later released on a $250,000 bond.
Bazile, who performs as Bog Vonnie, said their professional relationship became personal after they met in 2018. She claims she later discovered she was HIV-positive and that Cook had known his status without informing her. Cook has not entered a public plea.
The case remains ongoing, while Bazile has urged people in the music industry to take HIV testing seriously. Cook has worked with artists including Boosie BadAzz, Chance the Rapper, and NBA YoungBoy.
