- SERAP sues INEC over alleged ₦126bn election spending irregularities
- World Bank urges FG to expand ₦658.9bn cash transfer programme
- Obama accuses Trump of targeting Ilhan Omar over political views
- Chude Jideonwo reveals why he wrote his will at 30
- Cordae faces $25m lawsuit over Anderson .Paak collaboration album
Across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, these are the top five Nigerian news stories you shouldn’t miss.
SERAP sues INEC over alleged ₦126bn election spending irregularities
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has sued the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over its alleged failure to account for more than ₦126.46 billion allocated for electoral operations.
Filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, the suit seeks an order compelling INEC to disclose how the funds were spent, including payments to contractors and the identities of their owners.
SERAP said the action followed the Auditor-General’s 2023 report, published in August 2026, which alleged that ₦112.15 billion was spent on election materials without competitive bidding or sufficient evidence that the items were supplied.
World Bank urges FG to expand ₦658.9bn cash transfer programme
The Federal Government has paid ₦658.9 billion in direct cash transfers to 10.46 million poor and vulnerable households as of September 2026, but the World Bank says the programme needs improvement.
In its latest Nigeria Development Update, titled Beyond the Federal Purse: How Higher Revenues Shaped State Priorities, the bank urged authorities to expand coverage, increase payment adequacy and ensure regular disbursements.
The report acknowledged the use of biometric and digital systems to identify beneficiaries but warned that lasting support requires a sustainable social protection system. It said consistent assistance and effective public services are essential to protecting households from economic hardship.
Obama accuses Trump of targeting Ilhan Omar over political views
Former US President Barack Obama has accused Donald Trump’s administration of targeting Democratic congresswoman Ilhan Omar because of her criticism of the president.
In a post on X on Sunday, Obama described the investigation into Omar as an abuse of federal power. He said the Somali-born lawmaker arrived in the US aged 12 and later became a naturalised citizen.
Federal agents searched Omar’s Washington home on October 12, seizing her phone and passport during an investigation into alleged immigration fraud. Omar has denied wrongdoing and described the investigation as politically motivated. Trump has repeatedly criticised her political views and background.
Chude Jideonwo reveals why he wrote his will at 30
Nigerian media personality Chude Jideonwo revealed that he wrote his will at 30 after reflecting on death, family, and his legacy during therapy for clinical depression.
Speaking on Beyond With Ezinne, Jideonwo said his therapist advised him to journal in 2015. The practice helped him examine his fears and consider what he wanted to leave behind for his mother and a non-governmental organisation he supports.
The 41-year-old also said journaling helped him realise he did not want children, although he admitted he could change his mind. He previously revealed that he nearly married twice before reconsidering.
Cordae faces $25m lawsuit over Anderson .Paak collaboration album
American rapper Cordae is facing a $25 million lawsuit from Florida-based label MMMG Inc. over his upcoming collaborative album with Anderson .Paak, Heavy Is the Crown.
Filed in New York, the lawsuit alleges Cordae breached a 2018 exclusive recording agreement by releasing music through other labels. MMMG is seeking $25 million in damages and an injunction to stop the album’s planned October 23 release. Anderson .Paak is not named as a defendant.
The dispute also involves the single ‘A Good Day’ and disagreements over Cordae’s distribution arrangements. His legal team disputes MMMG’s position on the contract.
