Nigeria loses visa-free access to 20 countries as passport ranking drops

 Nigeria’s passport has taken another hit on the global stage, plunging to 181 out of 196 nations.

This marks a sharp plunge from its 90th position recorded in mid-2026

According to the latest IziVisa Passport Ranking Index, Nigeria's visa-free access dropped from 44 destinations in July 2026 to just 24.  

This means Nigerian passport holders have lost easy entry to about 20 destinations that were previously more accessible. 

Among the countries affected or reclassified (now requiring visas, visas on arrival under stricter conditions, or electronic processes) are popular travel destinations for many Nigerians.

NAFDAC uncovers another suspect fake alcoholic drinks factory in Aba

 The National Agency for Food, Drug, Administration and Control, NAFDAC has uncovered a suspected counterfeit alcoholic drinks production facility at No. 25 Omenazu Street, Aba, Abia State.

Acting on credible intelligence, the agency's officials discovered the facility operating in unhygienic conditions. The suspected operator reportedly fled upon the team’s arrival, abandoning a vehicle packed with counterfeit packaging materials bearing the names of Sir Edwards Scotch Whisky and Scottish Hills Whisky, empty bottles and a drum containing approximately 200 litres of liquid were found.

EIB Global and First City Monument Bank Join Forces to Support Private Sector and Sustainable Agriculture with €85 million Funding

 From left: Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Yemisi Edun; Vice-President, European Investment Bank (EIB), Ambroise Fayolle and Deputy Director-General, European Commission, Marjeta Jager, at the signing ceremony of an €85 million credit facility to support private-sector companies across agricultural value chains in Nigeria. The signing took place on October 14, 2026, in Bangkok, Thailand, during the Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group.

The European Investment Bank Group’s international development arm, EIB Global, and First City Monument Bank (FCMB) have announced the financing totalling €85 million to support private-sector companies across agricultural value chains in Nigeria. At least 70% of the financing will target cocoa and dairy value chains.

The announcement was made during the Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group in Bangkok in the presence of EIB Group President Nadia Calviño, Nigerian Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Taiwo Oyedele, EIB Vice-President Ambroise Fayolle, European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela and FCMB Chief Executive Officer, Yemisi Edun.

'Being unemployed is stressful' - Former England defender Steven Caulker opens up on job struggles

 Former England and Liverpool defender, Steven Caulker, has opened up about his difficulties finding a job, revealing his ongoing challenges with unemployment in a social media post.

Caulker, who made one cap for England in 2012, retired as a footballer last year to pursue a career in coaching.

The former Tottenham and QPR man spent eight months as Turkish club Konyaspor Kulubu Dernegi's assistant manager until his departure in September, but now he is struggling in his search for a new opportunity.

'Being unemployed is stressful,' Caulker wrote on social media platform LinkedIn. 'I've been here many times before, I'm used to the rollercoaster of emotions, but it doesn't make it easier.

NAFDAC Shuts Down ₦2bn Fake Alcohol Factory At Lagos Trade Fair...

 National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has raided the International Trade Fair Complex, Lagos, and shut down a massive illegal operation producing and repackaging fake alcoholic and energy drinks.

The bust happened at Zamfara Plaza, BBA Trade Fair, where officers uncovered over 20 hidden shops mixing counterfeit whisky, wine and energy drinks, and re‑labelling expired products for resale. Banned imported drinks were also stocked.

Family Announces Shocking Exit Of Gospel Singer Toluwani

 Gospel Singer Minister Olayemi Bayonile Bolaji otherwise known as Toluwani reportedly passed away on Wednesday October 14, 2026.

The shocking news was posted on his Instagram page.

Nigerian man jailed in UK for hacking woman's social media accounts, blackmailing her, and selling her images

 A Nigerian man has been sentenced in the UK after pleading guilty to hacking a Wirral woman’s social media accounts and blackmailing her. 

Bosun Osagie was sentenced to two years and three months in prison on Monday October 12, Merseyside Police reports. 

According to Merseyside Police: "In February 2023 we received a report that a woman’s Snapchat account and X (formerly Twitter) had been hacked and her images were being used to set up fake accounts." 

The police added that the fake accounts were used to solicit the victim as a woman of the streets "and her images were being sold online. She was subsequently blackmailed." 

Following extensive enquiries Bosun Osagie, of Hartslock Drive in Bexley, London was arrested and charged. 

Three abducted Cocoa Research Institute staff regain freedom after alleged payment of N50m ransom

 Three staff members of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), in Ibadan, Oyo State, who were abducted by armed men have regained freedom after the payment of N50 million as ransom.

The victims were abducted while inspecting crops on a farm within the institute’s premises on October 9, 2026. 

The abducted staff were identified as Mrs Eunice Babalola, Mr Kehinde Gbalajobi and Mr Nelson.

After the abduction, the kidnappers reportedly demanded N40 million from each of the victims as ransom.

However, the ransom was eventually negotiated to N50 million for the three victims.

A source told Nigerian Tribune that they were rescued from the bush by security forces around Globus Farm, popularly known as Triton, on Wednesday, October 14, 2026. 

The spokesperson for the Oyo State Police Command, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed the rescue of the victims but said he was not aware of any ransom paid.

The PPRO added that efforts are still ongoing to apprehend the suspects. 

Diddy hospitalized after prison fight with Jamaican drug lord

 Sean "Diddy" Combs was hospitalized with a head injury over the weekend after getting into after getting a fight with a convicted Jamaican drug lord, Christopher ‘Dudus’ Coke.

According to TMZ, the incident involved a confrontation with the Jamaican drug lord over a loss of privileges following a report about Diddy's luxurious prison lifestyle.

During the alleged scuffle, Combs reportedly sustained a head injury and was subsequently transported to a nearby medical center early Saturday morning, October 10, for treatment.

Man extradited from Turkey to UK over double murder of Nigerian man and other victim

 A man has been extradited to the UK and arrested on suspicion of murder over a double shooting at a pandemic party more than six years ago.

Cheriff Tall, 21, and Nigerian father-of-three Abayomi 'Junior' Ajose, 36, were shot dead at a 'spontaneous' party of 400 people in Moss Side, Manchester, in the early hours of June 21, 2020. 

Murder detectives investigating the shooting said on Sunday they had arrested a 36-year-old man who was detained in Turkey and taken to England the previous day.

 

He was met at Stansted Airport by Greater Manchester Police officers and remains in custody.

 

The force said a £50,000 reward remained available for anyone who provides key information leading to the discovery and conviction of those responsible for the killings.

Wale Fapohunda, 67 Others Elevated to Senior Advocate of Nigeria

Olawale Sunday Fapohunda is among 68 legal practitioners elevated to the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), marking a significant milestone in their professional careers and recognition of their contributions to the country’s legal profession.

The elevation places Fapohunda among a select group of legal practitioners recognised for their professional standing, legal expertise and contributions to the administration of justice in Nigeria.

The rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria is one of the highest distinctions available to legal practitioners in the country. It is conferred on qualified lawyers in recognition of outstanding professional achievement and distinguished service to the legal profession.