Jehovah’s Witnesses have announced a significant change to their longstanding blood transfusion policy, allowing individual members to decide whether to receive four major components of donated blood during medical treatment. The decision, announced by the organisation’s Governing Body on Friday, September 18, 2026, covers red blood cells, white blood cells, plasma and platelets. However, the organisation has not lifted its prohibition on whole-blood transfusions. That distinction is central to understanding what has changed and what remains prohibited. The announcement marks a shift from the organisation’s previous position, under which members

were expected to refuse transfusions involving the four main blood components. Under the revised policy, each member is responsible for deciding whether to accept any of those components from another person’s blood during medical or surgical treatment. The organisation explained that its interpretation of the Bible does not specifically address the medical use of individual blood components, leaving the decision to personal conscience. Paul Gillies, the international spokesman for Jehovah’s Witnesses, said the organisation continues to regard blood and life as sacred gifts from God. He explained that decisions involving

blood components are matters of personal conscience between individual members and God. The organisation also made clear that congregations would not interfere with decisions that fall within this personal responsibility. What has changed about blood donation? The revised position extends beyond receiving blood components. Jehovah’s Witnesses may now individually decide whether to donate blood specifically for processing into components or fractions that will be used to treat another person. This does not mean members have been given the same freedom to donate blood for every possible medical purpose. According to

the organisation’s updated guidance, donating blood for use as a whole-blood transfusion remains prohibited. The distinction is important because blood collected from donors can be processed into separate products for different medical treatments. Under the new policy, a Witness may decide to donate blood for that specific processing purpose while another member may choose not to do so. The organisation says neither decision should be judged by fellow members. Why whole-blood transfusions remain prohibited Jehovah’s Witnesses have long interpreted the biblical instruction to abstain from blood, found in Acts 15:20,

as applying to whole-blood transfusions. That interpretation has shaped the organisation’s approach to medical treatment for decades. Although its Governing Body has now extended personal choice to the four primary blood components, it has maintained the religious prohibition on receiving whole blood. This means it would be inaccurate to say that Jehovah’s Witnesses have removed all restrictions on blood transfusions. A member may personally decide to receive red blood cells, for example, without that decision extending to a transfusion of whole blood. How the new policy differs from the March

2026 change The September announcement follows another adjustment made earlier this year. On March 20, 2026, the Governing Body clarified that individual members could decide whether to have their own blood removed, stored and later returned to them during medical or surgical care. That earlier decision concerned a patient's own blood rather than blood received from another donor. The latest announcement extends the principle of individual choice to red blood cells, white blood cells, plasma and platelets obtained from someone else's blood. The organisation had previously treated the use of

certain smaller products derived from blood, known as blood fractions, as a matter of personal conscience. The September adjustment therefore brings the four main blood components within a category of medical decisions that individual members can make for themselves. What the change means for patients and doctors The policy change could affect treatment discussions involving Jehovah’s Witness patients who require blood products during surgery, following an accident or while receiving care for certain medical conditions. Red blood cells, plasma and

platelets have different medical uses, and the component required depends on a patient's condition. The new position means that doctors should not automatically assume that a Jehovah’s Witness patient will reject every blood component. However, the policy does not mean that every member will accept them. Some may decide to receive certain components while refusing others, and some may continue to reject all blood-derived products. The organisation has encouraged members to carefully consider their individual decisions and has indicated that updated medical guidance will be made available. For patients, the

practical implication is that decisions about specific blood products should be discussed clearly with their treating medical team, with their individual wishes and the medical circumstances taken into account. For Jehovah’s Witnesses, the central change is that accepting or declining the four main blood components is now an individual decision rather than a restriction applied to all members. The organisation's position on whole-blood transfusions, however, remains unchanged.

The Osun State Police Command has warned individuals and groups against participating in an alleged planned protest linked to the Congress of Cultists, reportedly associated with the Neo-Black Movement of Africa, also known as Black Axe. The command said it would take decisive action against any individual or group whose activities threaten public peace, security and the safety of residents. The warning comes amid heightened security concerns in Osun State following a series of violent incidents and security alerts in recent days. The state government recently approved the establishment of

a Joint Security Task Force to strengthen intelligence gathering and security responses to threats to lives and property. The decision followed a State Security Council meeting attended by the Commissioner of Police and other security commanders. The police warning also comes against the backdrop of recent incidents suspected to be cult-related. On September 15, a man identified as Adejuwon Adekunle, popularly known as Asa, was shot dead near a recreation centre in Osogbo. The Police Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, said preliminary findings suggested that the incident might be cult-related

and confirmed that an investigation had commenced. The command has therefore urged residents to remain vigilant and avoid any gathering capable of escalating tension or disrupting public order. The police position is consistent with the Nigeria Police Force's broader campaign against cultism and other violent crimes. The Force has described proactive policing, community engagement and early intervention as key elements of its nationwide anti-cultism campaign. The security situation in Osun has also attracted increased attention following intelligence warnings concerning possible attempts to create insecurity in the South-West. The Department of

State Services recently alerted religious leaders in Osun to alleged plans by terrorists to target places of worship, markets and other public gathering centres. Governor Ademola Adeleke subsequently urged residents to report suspicious persons and movements to security agencies, particularly in border communities. The police have maintained that residents should cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information that could assist in preventing criminal activities. The command further warned that anyone found violating the law or attempting to disrupt public peace would face appropriate legal action. Authorities have continued to

urge residents to remain calm, law-abiding and security-conscious while security agencies intensify surveillance and intelligence-led operations across the state.

The FCT Police Command says about 300 persons were arrested during raids on identified crime flashpoints, shanties and incomplete buildings across Abuja, with knives, a toy gun and cannabis recovered. The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has arrested approximately 300 persons following raids on identified crime hotspots, shanties and incomplete buildings across Abuja. The operation, carried out as part of ongoing security efforts in the Federal Capital Territory, targeted locations identified by the police as potential hideouts for criminal activities. During the raids, police operatives recovered several items, including knives,

a toy gun and cannabis. The arrested persons are currently undergoing screening and profiling to establish their identities and determine whether they have links to criminal activities. Those found to have committed offences are expected to face appropriate legal action, while persons cleared during the screening process may be released. The operation comes amid continued efforts by security agencies to strengthen surveillance and proactive policing across the nation’s capital. The police have continued to urge residents to provide credible information about suspicious activities and locations that may be used by

criminals. The latest operation underscores the command’s strategy of targeting identified crime hotspots and suspected hideouts as part of measures aimed at protecting lives and property in the Federal Capital Territory.

The battle over who speaks for Nigerian students has taken a new turn, with the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) apologising to the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) while accusing fellow student unions of creating a controversy based on what it described as false information. What started as a disagreement over the composition of JAMB’s Committee on Life Skills and Critical Thinking has now become a wider fight over student leadership, authority and who has the right to represent millions of Nigerian students. The controversy began after the

National Association of University Students (NAUS), National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS), and National Association of Colleges of Education Students (NANCES) raised concerns over the committee’s composition, questioning whether students were properly carried along in the process. The concerns sparked a response from NANS, which rejected the claims and accused the student unions of making statements without first establishing the facts. According to NANS President, Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, JAMB did not ignore students during the formation of the committee. He said JAMB formally invited him, in his capacity as NANS

President, to participate in the committee and that the student constituency was therefore represented. Afeez explained that he was unable to attend the inauguration because of other official assignments, adding that the NANS Vice President, Special Duties, Comrade Ernest Nkereuwem, attended the event on his behalf. NANS said this made claims that no student organisation was represented inaccurate. The association then turned its attention to NAUS, NAPS and NANCES, accusing the unions of rushing to conclusions instead of seeking clarification before making public statements. NANS described the actions of the

unions as misinformation and jurisdictional overreach, insisting that student bodies must understand the limits of their respective mandates. The association argued that while NAUS, NAPS and NANCES have roles within universities, polytechnics and colleges of education respectively, issues affecting Nigerian students generally fall under the responsibility of NANS as the umbrella student body. The statement was not just a defence of NANS’ involvement in the JAMB committee. It was also a warning shot over the larger question of student leadership in Nigeria. At the centre of the dispute is a

simple but important question: Who truly speaks for Nigerian students when national education policies are being decided? NANS maintains that the answer is clear: the umbrella organisation should represent issues affecting students nationwide. However, the concerns raised by the other student unions have reopened the debate over whether wider consultation among different categories of tertiary students should be expected when decisions affect everyone. The controversy eventually reached JAMB, prompting NANS to issue an apology to the Registrar, Prof. Segun Aina, over the public attention generated by the disagreement. NANS said

the media reaction should not create the impression that students were excluded from the committee process, insisting that the student constituency was properly represented. The association maintained that it remains committed to supporting policies and initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of Nigerian students. The JAMB committee is expected to examine possible changes involving the inclusion of life skills and critical thinking components into the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), a reform that could affect future admission candidates across Nigeria. For now, NANS has defended its position, apologised to JAMB

and challenged NAUS, NAPS and NANCES over their criticism.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has become a major talking point online after appearing on comedian Isbae U’s popular interview show, Curiosity Made Me Ask, where the former Nigerian leader delivered several unexpected and humorous responses. The episode, released on September 19, 2026, brought together two very different worlds: Nigeria’s political old guard and its fast-growing creator economy. Isbae U, known for his playful and sometimes surprising interview style, tested the former president’s knowledge of some of Nigeria’s biggest entertainment personalities. The first question that caught attention was about Carter Efe.

“Do you know Carter Efe?” Isbae U asked. Obasanjo simply replied: “I don’t know.” The comedian moved to Poco Lee. Again, Obasanjo responded that he did not know him. Then came Don Jazzy. When Isbae U asked if he knew the music executive, Obasanjo reacted with surprise before saying he did not know him. The moment quickly became one of the most shared parts of the conversation, with many Nigerians joking about the huge difference between the names recognised by internet audiences and those familiar to a former president. Obasanjo

then turned the question around, pointing out that he knew some people Isbae U might not know. The former president mentioned Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles III as examples of internationally recognised figures he had interacted with. “Now I tell you, I know Queen Elizabeth. You say you don’t know Queen Elizabeth,” he said during the conversation. The exchange created another humorous moment as Isbae U admitted that he had only heard of King Charles, while Obasanjo explained that his relationship with the British royal family went beyond simply

knowing their names. The conversation also touched on entertainer Charly Boy. Obasanjo explained that his opinion about Charly Boy changed after seeing how he cared for his parents. The former president said that experience influenced his perception of the entertainer beyond the public image many Nigerians knew. The interview represents a rare meeting between Nigeria’s traditional political establishment and the country’s modern digital entertainment space. While Obasanjo spent years as a military head of state and later a democratically elected president, Isbae U represents a younger generation of Nigerian creators

who built audiences mainly through online platforms. The contrast between both worlds became the main attraction of the interview. For many viewers, the funniest part was not simply that Obasanjo did not recognise some entertainers. It was the reminder that different generations of Nigerians follow completely different versions of fame. A name that dominates social media trends may not necessarily be a name known by someone whose public life was shaped before the internet era. Since its release, clips from the interview have continued circulating online, with Nigerians debating the

former president’s reactions and Isbae U’s ability to bring unexpected conversations from public figures. The episode has added another memorable moment to Curiosity Made Me Ask, a show known for combining comedy, celebrity conversations and playful questioning.

Thirty-seven suspected illegal miners died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State on September 17, 2026. Days later, questions remain over the number of people held inside the detention facility, the conditions in which they were kept and the medical evidence needed to establish what caused their deaths. The Federal Government has suspended 21 officers, including the Niger State NSCDC Commandant, and established an independent committee to investigate the incident. However, a review of official statements and published survivor accounts by Verita

Post reveals significant questions that remain unanswered, particularly concerning the number of detainees held in the affected cell and the medical examinations conducted before some of the deceased were buried. The victims were among people arrested during NSCDC operations against suspected illegal mining activities in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Niger State on September 15 and 16. By Thursday, September 17, 37 detainees had been found dead at the agency's detention facility in Minna. The NSCDC initially suggested that a disease outbreak might have been responsible, although the

agency subsequently acknowledged that the actual cause of death had not been established and required medical examination. Survivors have offered a different account of what happened inside the facility. Dauda Shehu, who survived the incident, told the Associated Press that approximately 65 detainees had been confined in a poorly ventilated cell. According to Shehu, the detainees struggled to breathe and attempted to alert security personnel by banging on the cell door. His account raises the possibility that overcrowding and inadequate ventilation contributed to the deaths, although the medical cause has

not been conclusively established. The number of people held inside the affected cell is now one of the most important unresolved questions. Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has given an account of the detention arrangements that differs from the survivor's description. Speaking during an interview broadcast on NTA Network News on Friday, September 18, Bago said approximately 67 people were reportedly arrested and distributed across three cells. According to the governor, female detainees were held in one cell, younger male detainees in another, and adult male detainees in a

third. He said no deaths occurred in the first two cells, while 37 detainees died in the third, which he described as overcrowded. Bago also indicated that some detainees may already have been held in the facility before the newly arrested suspects arrived. His explanation raises a question about whether the reported figure of 67 represents everyone held at the facility or only those arrested during the mining operations. If the 67 suspects were distributed among three cells, how many people were actually inside the cell where the 37 deaths

occurred? The survivor's account of approximately 65 people being confined in one cell and the governor's description of 67 arrested suspects spread across three cells cannot be treated as equivalent figures without further clarification. The difference does not, by itself, establish that either account is inaccurate. It does mean that a reliable reconstruction of the incident requires investigators to establish the total number of people arrested, the number already in custody, the number assigned to each cell and the identities of those who survived. The original arrest and detention records

would be important in establishing those facts. Bago himself questioned whether the reported number of arrested suspects was accurate and called for the precise number of detainees to be established. The circumstances surrounding the deaths also remain disputed. While the NSCDC initially raised the possibility of a disease outbreak, survivors described severe overcrowding and difficulty breathing. Bago said investigators were considering possible suffocation and exposure to hazardous substances associated with mining activities. He stressed that the actual cause of death

had not been established and that medical and forensic examinations were necessary before conclusions could be drawn. These explanations remain possibilities under investigation rather than confirmed findings. The forensic evidence has become particularly important because of differing accounts concerning the handling of the deceased. Reuters reported on September 18 that the victims had been buried in accordance with Islamic tradition, raising questions about the availability of their remains for further medical examination. Bago subsequently clarified during an interview on TVC that some of the deceased had been released for burial

after medical samples were collected, while other bodies remained in the mortuary for further examinations and autopsies. According to the governor, the state medical team collected samples, including skin and sputum samples, before the release of the bodies concerned. He said the Department of State Services was also involved in the investigative process. The outstanding question is what those samples and examinations establish about the cause of death. The publicly available statements reviewed by Verita Post do not establish how many complete autopsies were performed, which examinations were conducted on

individual victims or whether any laboratory results have conclusively identified the cause of the deaths. The distinction matters because the presence of a suspected hazardous substance, an account of breathing difficulties and a medical finding establishing a cause of death are different forms of evidence. Investigators will need to determine whether the deaths resulted from one cause, several contributing factors or circumstances that differed between individual detainees. The ages and identities of those who died also require attention. Bago said many of the deceased were young people aged between 14

and 18 who had been working at mining sites. The Federal Government's investigative committee has been specifically directed to establish the identities of the deceased. A complete and verified register would help clarify how many of those detained were minors, when each person was arrested and what happened to them after entering NSCDC custody. The investigation has now expanded beyond the initial inquiries announced by security agencies and the Niger State Government. In a statement issued on Saturday, September 19, Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo announced the constitution of a 10-member

independent committee to investigate the deaths. The committee is chaired by Jonathan Kure, a retired Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services, with Professor Isa Hayatu Chiroma, SAN, a former Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, serving as secretary. Its members also include Professor Olayinka Buhari, a specialist in histopathology and former Chief Medical Director of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, alongside representatives of the Niger State Government, Minna Emirate Council, Miners Association of Nigeria and other stakeholders. The committee has been directed to establish the identities of

the deceased and investigate the circumstances of their arrests, detention and deaths. It is also expected to determine whether responsibility, negligence, misconduct or complicity can be established and recommend appropriate action, including compensation where applicable. The minister gave the committee two weeks to complete its investigation and submit its report. Tunji-Ojo also ordered the suspension of 20 additional NSCDC officers, following the earlier suspension of the Niger State Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye. The suspended personnel include officers assigned to station security, arrests, investigations, legal affairs and guard duties. Their suspension

is an administrative measure pending investigation and does not establish that any of the officers caused the deaths or committed a criminal offence. The minister directed that all records and material evidence connected to the incident be preserved and made available to investigators. He also warned against the destruction of evidence, intimidation of witnesses or obstruction of the investigation. President Bola Tinubu had earlier directed authorities to examine the circumstances of the arrests, the condition of the detainees when they entered custody, the number of people held at the facility,

the medical attention provided and the events preceding the deaths. The President said any official found responsible through negligence, abuse or other wrongdoing should face appropriate legal action. The deaths have also triggered protests in Minna, where security personnel were deployed following unrest over the incident. For the families of the deceased, the immediate issue extends beyond the suspension of officers or the announcement of another committee. They are awaiting an explanation of how their relatives entered government custody alive and why 37 of them did not return. The investigation

must establish the identities of the victims, the actual number of detainees, the conditions inside the affected cell, the response to requests for assistance and the findings of the medical examinations. Until those records and findings are available, neither the disease explanation nor the accounts suggesting suffocation or hazardous chemical exposure can be presented as the established cause of death.

The central unanswered question remains how 37 people died inside a government detention facility and what the available evidence can establish about the circumstances leading to their deaths.

Osun State University (UNIOSUN) is set to graduate its first 90 medical doctors on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, as 4,357 students receive degrees and diplomas during the institution's 16th convocation ceremonies in Osogbo. The university's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Odunayo Adebooye, announced the development during a pre-convocation news conference, describing the graduation of the pioneer medical students as an important achievement for the institution. According to Adebooye, all 90 graduates of the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) programme were inducted into the medical profession by the Medical and Dental

Council of Nigeria (MDCN) on August 12, 2026. Their formal degree presentation is scheduled for September 23, when the College of Health Sciences will hold its convocation ceremony at the university's main campus in Osogbo. The development marks the completion of the first medical degree programme cohort at UNIOSUN, adding medical graduates to the institution's growing list of professional and academic alumni. Adebooye also disclosed that 4,357 students would receive academic qualifications during the convocation, including 3,845 first-degree graduands, 400 master's degree recipients, 103 doctoral graduands and nine postgraduate diploma

recipients. Of the 3,845 first-degree graduands, 88 obtained First-Class honours, while 1,509 earned Second-Class Upper Division degrees. Another 1,946 students graduated with Second-Class Lower Division honours, 220 obtained Third-Class degrees and three received Pass degrees. The Vice-Chancellor said the university would organise a special dinner for the 88 First-Class graduands on Tuesday, September 22, under an initiative titled "Meet the Vice-Chancellor." The event is intended to celebrate their academic achievements and provide an opportunity for them to interact with industrialists and potential employers. Beyond the pioneer medical graduates, UNIOSUN announced

that 17 academic programmes introduced under the current university administration would also produce their first sets of graduates during the convocation. The programmes include Cyber Security, Information Systems, Information Technology, Software Engineering, Criminology and Security Studies, Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution, International Relations and Diplomacy, and Psychology. Others include Biotechnology, Demography and Social Statistics, Public Administration, Cooperative and Rural Development, Library and Information Science, Business Education, Environmental Education, Adult Education and Social Work. Adebooye said the expansion of academic programmes was part of the university's efforts to respond to changing

workforce demands and strengthen its academic offerings. He added that UNIOSUN was investing in research, technology, infrastructure and professional partnerships to improve teaching and learning across its campuses. According to the university, completed infrastructure projects include a sports complex, a three-in-one science laboratory complex, the Governor Ademola Adeleke Lecture Theatre and a 900-capacity lecture theatre. The Vice-Chancellor also disclosed that construction had commenced on additional facilities, including an ICT resource centre, computer and information technology laboratories, academic offices and lecture auditoriums. The university's official convocation schedule shows that the ceremonies

will run from September 18 to 24 at its main campus in Osogbo. The formal award of degrees will begin on Tuesday, September 22, with ceremonies for the colleges of Humanities and Culture, Education, Management and Social Sciences, and Law. The 90 pioneer medical graduates will receive their degrees on Wednesday, September 23, alongside other graduands from the College of Health Sciences and the College of Agriculture. The College of Science, Engineering and Technology will also hold its degree presentation ceremony later that day. The convocation will conclude on Thursday,

September 24, with the award of postgraduate degrees and a convocation lecture to be delivered by Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe. For UNIOSUN, the 16th convocation will bring together the institution's first medical graduates, pioneer students from 17 additional academic programmes and thousands of other graduands receiving their qualifications across different disciplines.

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has explained why Joao Pedro and Reece James missed the Blues' 3-0 Premier League defeat to Brentford, with the club hoping to use the international break to help Pedro recover before its next league match. Both players were unavailable for Friday's fixture at the Gtech Community Stadium, where Chelsea conceded three second-half goals. Speaking to Chelsea's official media before the match, Alonso said James had sustained a minor injury during the previous game against Hull City. The Chelsea captain had not recovered sufficiently to take part

against Brentford. Alonso did not announce a confirmed return date for James. Pedro was also absent after the club assessed his fitness ahead of the match. Alonso said Chelsea hoped to use the international break to prepare Pedro for a return against Bournemouth, but the manager did not guarantee that the striker would be fit for that fixture. Pedro had previously withdrawn from Brazil's squad for the international break amid concerns over his fitness. Chelsea initially kept both players in contention for the Brentford match while the coaching and medical

teams assessed their progress. However, neither was included in the final matchday squad. The absences affected Alonso's team selection. Danny Welbeck started in Pedro's place, while Chelsea made several other changes to the side that had drawn with Hull City. Midfielder Jordan Henderson also made his Chelsea debut after recovering from a broken arm sustained during the summer. Chelsea were already managing other fitness concerns involving players including Moises Caicedo, Marco Palestra and Emmanuel Emegha. Against Brentford, the Blues remained goalless before conceding to Jaidon Anthony in the second half.

Igor Thiago and Fabio Carvalho then scored to complete the 3-0 result. Following the defeat, Alonso said his team had failed to maintain the required level of performance throughout the match. He declined to use the absences of Pedro and James as an explanation for the result, instead emphasising the need for improvement across the squad. Chelsea's next Premier League match is against Bournemouth on October 10, giving the club time to monitor its injured players during the international break. Further updates from Chelsea's medical and coaching staff will be

needed before Pedro or James can be confirmed as available for selection.

The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested 47 people who allegedly presented themselves as members of a state-owned security outfit at polling units during Saturday's by-election in Disina State Constituency, Shira Local Government Area. Police said the suspects were found with firearms, cutlasses and sticks despite an earlier directive prohibiting unauthorised security groups from taking part in election-security operations. The arrests were disclosed in a statement issued on September 19 by the command's spokesperson, SP Nafiu Habib. According to the police, officers deployed to protect voters and election officials encountered

the suspects at polling units in the constituency. The command said the suspects claimed to belong to a state-owned security outfit but were not among the security personnel authorised to provide protection during the election. Police recovered firearms and other weapons from the suspects and took them into custody for further investigation. The command had issued a notice on September 17 explaining the security arrangements for the by-elections in Disina and Sakwa state constituencies. Under those arrangements, security coverage at polling units was assigned to agencies recognised through the Inter-Agency

Consultative Committee on Election Security. State-owned security outfits, private guards, vigilante groups and other unauthorised organisations were excluded from election-security operations. Police said the suspects' alleged presence at polling units with weapons breached the directives issued ahead of voting. Bauchi Commissioner of Police Sani-Omolori Aliyu directed that the arrested persons be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation. The command said the suspects could face prosecution following the conclusion of the investigation. The arrests are allegations under investigation. The police statement does not establish that all 47

suspects have been convicted of any election-related offence. The September 19 by-elections were held to fill vacant legislative seats in Bauchi and three other states. In Bauchi, voting took place in Disina State Constituency in Shira Local Government Area and Sakwa State Constituency in Zaki Local Government Area. The police urged residents to remain law-abiding and report suspicious activities around election facilities. The arrests highlight the importance of distinguishing authorised election-security personnel from groups whose deployment has not been approved for polling-unit duties. Further information from investigators will be needed

to establish the identity of the suspects, the origin of the recovered weapons and whether criminal charges will be filed.

Arsenal suffered their first Premier League defeat of the 2026/27 season on Saturday, September 19, as Brighton & Hove Albion beat them 3-0 at the Amex Stadium. Pascal Gross, Charalampos Kostoulas and Chema Andres scored for Brighton, ending Arsenal's run of four consecutive league victories and handing Mikel Arteta's side their first dropped points of the campaign. Brighton took the lead in the 31st minute when Gross found the bottom corner with a low finish that went in off the post. The home side doubled their advantage shortly before half-time.

Kostoulas completed a counterattacking move in the 45th minute to give Brighton a 2-0 lead at the interval. Arsenal attempted to respond after the restart but fell further behind in the 57th minute. Andres headed home from close range following a Gross corner to make it 3-0, leaving Arsenal with a three-goal deficit and more than half an hour remaining. Brighton maintained control of the contest, restricting Arsenal's opportunities while continuing to threaten on the counterattack. The result was particularly significant for the hosts, who were celebrating their 125th anniversary.

For Arsenal, the defeat ended a run of seven consecutive victories across all competitions since the beginning of the season. The Gunners had won their opening four Premier League fixtures while conceding only one goal. Saturday's result meant they conceded three goals in a single league match after allowing just one across the previous four. Arsenal remained on 12 points from five league games and dropped to second place on goal difference, while Brighton moved up to third with 10 points. Speaking after the game, Arteta acknowledged that Brighton had

performed better and said Arsenal had struggled with technical errors and lost too many duels. The Arsenal manager also pointed to the need for improvement in his team's consistency and defensive organisation. Brighton's pressing and direct attacking play repeatedly unsettled the visitors, while Gross played an important role by scoring the opener and supplying the corner from which Andres added the third goal. Arsenal now have the international break to review the defeat before returning to domestic action. The result gives Brighton three points and provides an early setback for

Arsenal after their unbeaten start to the Premier League campaign.

Kazeem Oyewale, popularly known as Asiri Eniba, has announced his return to the Osun State headquarters of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Osogbo, days after the state government ordered rival transport union groups to vacate motor parks following a fatal leadership dispute. Oyewale, who leads a faction of the union, announced his return in a video posted on Saturday, September 19, 2026. In the video, he was seen alongside supporters at the union's secretariat, where he declared that he had resumed his position as chairman. His

announcement comes amid an unresolved dispute over the leadership and operation of the transport union in Osun State. On September 13, Governor Ademola Adeleke directed rival groups to leave motor parks after the killing of Olalekan Oyeyemi, popularly known as Ajagungbade Emir, during violence linked to a garage leadership dispute in Ile-Ife. The governor also ordered security agencies to restore order and announced plans to reintroduce a Park Management System across the state. According to a statement issued by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the government instructed the Commissioner of Police

to ensure that those responsible for the killing were arrested and brought to justice. The government's directive was intended to prevent further violence at motor parks and restore public safety while the leadership dispute remained unresolved. Oyewale's latest announcement has raised questions about the status of that directive and who is authorised to manage the union's facilities. However, his appearance at the Osogbo secretariat does not, by itself, establish that the state government has withdrawn its order or formally recognised his leadership. The state government had not issued a public

response to the September 19 announcement in the reports available at the time of this review. The Osun NURTW has experienced repeated leadership disputes involving rival factions seeking control of motor parks and the union's state administration. Earlier clashes disrupted commercial activities and prompted interventions by the police and state authorities. The latest development places renewed attention on whether the competing groups can operate without further confrontation and how the government's proposed Park Management System will be implemented. A formal response from the state government, the police or the union's

national leadership would help clarify the status of the Osogbo secretariat and the restrictions affecting motor parks across Osun State.

Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU), Lapai, has confirmed the death of a final-year student, Isma'il Ishaq Magaji, who was struck by a stray bullet during a land dispute in Wawa community, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State. Magaji was a 400-level student in the university's Department of Public Administration. The institution confirmed his death in a statement issued on Saturday, September 19, by its Deputy Registrar for Information, Baba Akote. According to the university, the student was in his hometown of Wawa when he was hit by a stray

bullet amid a dispute involving communities in the area. Reports from the community indicate that the incident occurred on Thursday, September 17. The university did not identify the person who fired the shot that struck Magaji. The circumstances surrounding the shooting, including who discharged the firearm and whether the bullet came from security personnel or another person, have not been officially established. Earlier accounts linked the incident to gunfire during a security operation following the land dispute, but those details require confirmation from the relevant security authorities. In its statement,

the university expressed sadness over the student's death. Vice-Chancellor Professor Mohammed Sulaiman extended condolences to Magaji's family, friends, classmates and other members of the university community. He also appealed to the communities involved in the dispute to embrace dialogue and avoid further violence. The university called for restraint and peaceful coexistence, warning that unresolved disagreements should not lead to additional loss of life. The reported incident has raised concerns about the safety of residents caught near armed confrontations and the need to establish the circumstances surrounding deaths attributed to stray

bullets. Magaji's death also adds a personal tragedy to the wider impact of the land dispute on affected families and communities. As of the reports reviewed, there was no publicly available police finding identifying the person responsible for the fatal shot. Further information from investigators will be necessary to establish what happened and whether any individual or agency bears legal responsibility.