Nigerian fintech company Swerv is deepening its focus on business payments, offering infrastructure that allows fintechs and other companies to issue virtual cards, automate payouts, collect payments and handle cross-border transactions through application programming interfaces. The company positions itself as a business-to-business payments platform rather than a consumer wallet, with products built for companies that want to integrate financial services directly into their own applications. Swerv’s current product stack includes virtual card issuing, bank payouts, payment collections and developer APIs, while its documentation also shows support for transaction management, customer

accounts and webhooks that allow businesses to receive real-time payment notifications. Its card-issuing service allows businesses to create and manage virtual dollar cards for customers or internal expenses. Developers can create cards through Swerv’s API and perform functions including funding, freezing, withdrawing from and terminating cards. The company also offers a payout API for businesses that need to send money to Nigerian bank accounts automatically. According to Swerv’s developer documentation, naira payouts are currently supported, while dollar, pound and euro payout options are listed as planned additions. Swerv says its

payout system uses multiple fallback channels to reduce transaction downtime. The company claims the system can cut payout downtime by as much as 98 per cent, although that figure is a company-reported performance claim and has not been independently verified by Verita Post. The platform also provides payment collection tools that allow businesses to create transaction accounts and receive customer payments through its APIs and software libraries. Beyond local payment infrastructure, Swerv has also moved into stablecoin-based cross-border settlement for businesses that need access to offshore dollar liquidity. Company CEO

Clinton Oyelami said Swerv had processed more than $10 million in stablecoin transactions over a period of several months through an over-the-counter service allowing businesses to move between naira and digital dollar assets such as USDT and USDC. The company said the service is targeted at fintechs, importers and payment platforms that need to settle overseas transactions or make supplier payments. The $10 million figure is based on Swerv’s own disclosure and has not been independently audited by Verita Post. Swerv’s website lists companies including VFD Microfinance Bank, Gowagr!, CircleFunds,

Dexpay and YangaPlug among businesses it says use or trust its services. The company has also introduced a mobile business-payments application that allows teams to monitor wallets, manage collections and payouts, issue invoices and handle virtual-card operations from one interface. Swerv’s expansion comes as Nigerian fintech companies increasingly move beyond consumer-facing wallets into payment infrastructure that can be embedded inside other businesses. For Swerv, the strategy is centred on becoming part of that underlying layer, providing the rails that other companies can use to issue cards, move funds and process

payments without building those systems from scratch.

The Osun State Government has approved the establishment of a Joint Security Task Force to strengthen security operations and enhance the state’s response to emerging threats following recent security alerts. The decision was disclosed in a statement issued and signed by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, in Osogbo on Thursday. According to the statement, the state government also reaffirmed its readiness to provide the necessary logistics and support required to strengthen the protection of lives and property across the state. The decision was reached during a

State Security Council meeting convened by Governor Ademola Adeleke and presided over by the Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi. The meeting was attended by the newly appointed Commissioner of Police, Mr Ibrahim Zungura, alongside other heads and commanders of security agencies in the state. While opening the meeting, Adewusi conveyed the governor’s goodwill to the security commanders and commended them for their commitment during recent security challenges. He urged them to remain vigilant and intensify their efforts in view of the fresh security threats confronting the state. The Deputy Governor

was accompanied by the Attorney-General of the state, Hon. Wole Jimi-Bada; Head of Service, Elder Ayanleye Aina; and the Governor’s Special Adviser on Security, Mr Samuel Ojo. Adewusi assured the security commanders that the state government remained committed to further empowering security agencies to effectively protect residents. He also called on traditional rulers across the state to sustain their local security oversight and continue supporting security agencies with relevant information. The Security Council, during its deliberations, also sought to allay the fears of residents, assuring them that Osun State remains

safe and secure. However, residents were urged to remain vigilant, particularly around churches, mosques, schools and other public places, while stakeholders were advised to strengthen security measures around their premises. The Council further appealed to members of the public to promptly share credible intelligence with security agencies to help prevent possible attacks by suspected terrorists and bandits. The Nigeria Police, in collaboration with other security agencies, was also directed to maintain a 24-hour red alert in response to the reported threats. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Justice, Nigeria Police Force and

Department of State Services (DSS) agreed to strengthen collaboration to ensure that suspects arrested in connection with security-related offences are thoroughly investigated and prosecuted without unnecessary delay. The meeting ended with a commendation for the new Commissioner of Police, Mr Ibrahim Zungura, for introducing policing reforms since assuming office and for personally attending the security meeting.

Nigeria’s Falconets have qualified for the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after defeating England 3-0 in their Round of 16 clash in Poland on Thursday. Goals from Tosin Rafiu, Janet Akekoromowei and Mary Mamudu sealed an emphatic knockout victory for Moses Aduku’s side at the Stadion Miejski in Bielsko-Biała. Nigeria took the lead in the eighth minute when Rafiu broke through England’s defence and found the net to give the Falconets an early advantage. England pushed for an equaliser and came close through Princess Ademiluyi, but

Nigeria captain and goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma made an important save to protect the lead. Uzoma then produced one of the decisive moments of the match when England were awarded a penalty. The Nigerian goalkeeper denied Rachel Maltby from the spot, keeping the Falconets 1-0 ahead as they went into half-time. Nigeria doubled their advantage shortly after the restart. Akekoromowei struck in the 47th minute, finishing with her left foot after England failed to properly clear the danger, leaving the Young Lionesses with a two-goal deficit. England attempted to respond, but

the Falconets remained disciplined and continued to threaten on the counter. Mamudu completed the scoring in the 73rd minute, converting Akekoromowei’s cutback to put Nigeria 3-0 ahead and effectively end England’s hopes of progressing. The victory completes a remarkable turnaround for Nigeria after a difficult beginning to the tournament. The Falconets opened their Group F campaign with a 2-0 defeat to Spain before drawing 0-0 with China PR. They then produced a stunning 10-1 victory over New Caledonia to finish second in the group and qualify for the knockout stage.

Thursday’s win means Nigeria have now scored 13 goals in four matches at the competition, with two victories, one draw and one defeat. The Falconets, who finished runners-up at the U-20 Women’s World Cup in 2010 and 2014, are still searching for their first title at the competition. Nigeria will face the winner of the Poland versus Colombia Round of 16 match in the quarter-finals. The NFF had confirmed that pathway ahead of the England game. FIFA’s official tournament schedule places that quarter-final on Sunday, September 20, at Stadion Miejski

ŁKS Łódź. The Falconets will now turn their attention to that last-eight encounter as they continue their push for a place in the semi-finals.

Australia has announced a major tightening of its migration rules that will prevent most international students from bringing partners and children with them while studying, as the government seeks to reduce net overseas migration. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke announced the changes on Thursday as part of a broader overhaul covering international students, visitor visas, working holidaymakers and people who overstay their visas. Under the new measures, secondary applicants such as spouses, partners and children will generally no longer be permitted on most student visas. However, the government says exceptions

will apply in some circumstances, including for certain students from Pacific and ASEAN countries and students undertaking particular courses, such as PhD programmes. Burke also said the changes would not be used to separate families who are already in Australia under existing student visa arrangements. The new conditions are aimed at future visa arrangements rather than retrospectively removing dependants who are already lawfully in the country, according to details reported from Burke’s National Press Club address. The government is also targeting what it describes as “visa hopping” among international students.

Under the changes, students seeking to renew their visas will generally be expected to progress to a higher level of qualification. That could mean, for example, moving from a bachelor’s degree to a master’s programme rather than repeatedly enrolling in courses at the same or a lower academic level in order to extend a stay in Australia. The changes form part of Australia’s plan to bring annual net overseas migration down to about 225,000 by 2028, from around 300,000 currently. Australia has already tightened several student migration requirements in recent

years. Reuters reported that student visa application fees have risen to A$2,500, nearly three times their level four years ago, while English-language requirements and minimum financial requirements have also been strengthened. International education remains a major part of the Australian economy. It contributed about A$53.6 billion in the year to June 2025, making it the country’s fourth-largest export, according to Reuters. Universities Australia chief executive Luke Sheehy has warned that repeated restrictions could weaken confidence in Australia’s international education industry. The government, however, says the changes are intended to better

control temporary migration while continuing to allow skilled migrants and students whose presence meets Australia’s economic needs. What changes for international students? For prospective international students, the most significant changes include: • Most student visa holders will no longer be able to add partners or children as secondary applicants. • Some students from Pacific and ASEAN countries will receive exemptions. • Certain courses, including some PhD programmes, will also qualify for exceptions. • Students seeking another student visa will generally have to demonstrate academic progression rather than moving sideways or

down to another qualification. The precise visa conditions and individual eligibility will still depend on the rules applied to each visa category. What about families already in Australia? Burke said families already attached to existing visas in Australia will not be broken up because of the new policy. The restrictions are aimed at future visa issuance and applications rather than removing existing dependants solely because of the policy change. Australia also changes visitor visa rules The overhaul extends beyond students. Australia will add a “No Further Stay” condition to visitor

visas, designed to stop people from entering on a short-term visitor visa and then remaining in the country while applying onshore for a different category of visa. The government is also increasing enforcement against visa overstayers, including plans to recruit 100 additional compliance officers. Officials are considering using a former quarantine facility in Melbourne to accommodate immigration detainees as part of the stronger enforcement programme. Working holiday visas also affected Working holidaymakers will also face tighter rules. Australia plans to

introduce ballots for some applicants seeking second and third-year working holiday visas and maintain regional work requirements. British working holidaymakers will remain exempt from some of those restrictions because of Australia’s trade agreement with the United Kingdom. What it means for Nigerians planning to study in Australia The family restrictions apply broadly to international students, meaning prospective Nigerian applicants should not assume that a spouse or children can automatically accompany them under a student visa. Applicants should check the exact visa conditions that apply to their course and circumstances before

paying tuition fees, making relocation plans or submitting dependant applications. The sources reviewed by Verita Post do not yet specify a single commencement date for every element of the new policy, so applicants should verify current conditions through Australia’s Department of Home Affairs before making decisions. Australia’s Department of Home Affairs remains the official authority for visa eligibility, conditions and applications.

Allied Peoples Movement (APM) has officially flagged off its 2027 campaign for the Osun Central Senatorial District at a political gathering held at Freedom Park, Osogbo, the Osun State capital. The flag-off marks the commencement of the party’s campaign activities across Osun Central ahead of the 2027 general elections, with party leaders, chieftains and youths in attendance. The event also featured the reported endorsement of Hon. Ibraheem Adekunle Luqman by APM chieftains and youths in the senatorial district. Organisers of the gathering reportedly claimed that more than 500,000 party chieftains

and youths endorsed Adekunle as their preferred candidate ahead of the election. Adekunle has recently emerged as a prominent figure in the political activities surrounding the Osun Central senatorial contest, following reports of his movement from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APM. The campaign flag-off provided an opportunity for party stakeholders to mobilize supporters and outline their vision for the senatorial district ahead of the 2027 elections. The APM presented its campaign message around what it described as Better Representation that Brings Greater Development, while calling for stronger

grassroots engagement and improved representation for the people of Osun Central. The event comes amid increasing political activities across Osun State, with political parties and aspirants intensifying consultations, mobilization and campaign preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections. However, the reported figure of over 500,000 people involved in the endorsement could not be independently verified at the time of publication and is therefore presented as a claim made by organisers of the event.

Former Vice President and ADC presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has affirmed former Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, as the leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the South West. Atiku made the declaration during a meeting with ADC leaders and stakeholders from the six South West states, led by the party’s Zonal Chairman, Hon. Akin Omole. According to Atiku, the leadership of the ADC in the South West has never been in dispute, describing Aregbesola as a leader who has earned his position through his experience in

political mobilisation and organisation, as well as his previous political offices. The ADC presidential candidate also called on party leaders across the zone to close ranks and work together ahead of the 2027 general elections. He assured the gathering that efforts would be made to reconcile differences among leaders for the progress of the party. Earlier, Hon. Akin Omole raised concerns over what he described as persistent disagreements across the six South West states, noting that the situation had affected the progress of the party in the region. Omole appealed

to Atiku and other leaders to support efforts aimed at resolving the issues identified by a committee set up to examine the challenges within the party. He subsequently presented the committee’s report to Atiku Abubakar, as leaders at the meeting stressed the need for reconciliation, unity and stronger collaboration ahead of the 2027 general elections. The meeting ended with a call for ADC leaders across the South West to work together towards strengthening the party’s structure and electoral prospects.

Five men accused of involvement in the May 15, 2026 abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have pleaded not guilty to terrorism-related charges as their trial opened before the Federal High Court in Abuja. The defendants were re-arraigned on Thursday on a seven-count amended charge filed by the Department of State Services on behalf of the Federal Government. Prosecutors accuse them of involvement in the school abductions and the deaths of two victims. The defendants are Mahmud Muhammad, Abubakar Abbas, Abdulrazak Umar, Yunusa

Musa and Shamsu Adamu Sani. Prosecutors allege that they are members of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan, also known as Ansaru, a proscribed group. All five men denied the charges when they were read before Justice Salim Ibrahim. The amended charge alleges that about 46 pupils and teachers were abducted from schools in Oriire during the May attack. The defendants are also accused of offences including conspiracy, aiding kidnapping, withholding information about an alleged planned terrorist attack and causing the deaths of two victims. Director of Public Prosecutions of the

Federation Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, who led the prosecution team, asked the court to commence trial immediately and sought protection for prosecution witnesses, including permission for their identities to be concealed during proceedings. Defence lawyer Bala Dakum did not object, and Justice Ibrahim granted the applications. The prosecution then called its first witness, a rescued teacher identified only as AAA as part of the court’s witness-protection measures. The witness told the court that school activities had just begun when gunshots were heard during the attack that led to the abductions. She

said the captives subsequently spent 56 days in captivity and were moved through several locations before being rescued. According to her testimony, the victims endured shortages of food and water and slept outdoors during parts of their captivity. She also told the court that very young children were among those held. Channels Television reported that the witness said 49 students and teachers were held during the ordeal, while the amended prosecution charge refers to about 46 abducted persons. Verita Post is retaining the distinction because those figures come from different

parts of the proceedings. The prosecution alleges that two victims, identified in court filings as Michael Oyedokun and Deacon John Olaleye, were killed during the episode. Those allegations remain before the court and have not been established by a conviction. The five defendants are presumed innocent unless and until the prosecution proves the charges against them. Justice Ibrahim ordered that they remain in DSS custody while the trial continues. Defence counsel is expected to cross-examine the first prosecution witness on September 18. The trial follows months of investigation into the

Oriire school attack and comes amid renewed security concerns around schools and other vulnerable institutions across Nigeria. Verita Post reported earlier this week that security agencies had intensified surveillance around schools and NYSC camps following intelligence warnings of possible attacks.

Nigerian music star Burna Boy will headline the halftime show at the 2026 NFL Paris Game, as the American football league stages its first regular-season match in France. The National Football League announced on Thursday that Burna Boy will perform during the game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and New Orleans Saints on Sunday, October 25, at the Stade de France. The game is scheduled to begin at 2:30pm Central European Summer Time, with the Nigerian Grammy winner performing during the halftime break. The Paris fixture will be the NFL’s first

regular-season game played in France and forms part of the league’s expanded 2026 international programme. For Burna Boy, the appearance will also mark a return to a venue where he previously made history. In April 2025, he became the first African artist to headline a concert at Stade de France, one of Europe’s largest stadiums. Reacting to the announcement, Burna Boy said returning to the venue for the NFL event was particularly meaningful to him, adding that he intended to represent African music before an international audience. NFL Senior Director

of Global Game Presentation, Music and Entertainment Tim Tubito said Burna Boy’s history at the stadium and his international reach made him suited to the league’s first Paris game. The performance will be one of seven halftime shows scheduled across the NFL’s 2026 International Games, spanning several countries and four continents. Other artists announced for the international series include Ayra Starr, who is scheduled to perform at the NFL London Game on October 11, as well as Ricky Martin, Jonas Brothers, Cage The Elephant and The Warning. Burna Boy’s Paris

halftime performance will be broadcast live in France on France Télévisions and beIN Sports, according to the NFL. The announcement adds another major international appearance to the singer’s career as Afrobeats and other African music genres continue to gain wider visibility across global entertainment and sporting events.

Nigeria’s headline inflation fell to 15.39 per cent in August, yet on Thursday motorists in several states were confronting petrol prices of about ₦1,500 per litre. At first glance, those two realities appear contradictory. They are not. The National Bureau of Statistics says inflation eased slightly from 15.43 per cent in July to 15.39 per cent in August. But the Consumer Price Index still rose from 145.3 to 146.3 points during the month. In simple terms, prices were still increasing, just more slowly. That distinction matters because Nigerians do not

experience inflation as a percentage on a statistical report. They experience it at the market, at the bus stop, in electricity bills and at filling stations. Verita Post reported on Thursday that petrol was selling for around ₦1,500 per litre in several states, including Kano, Yobe, Sokoto, Borno, Taraba and Zamfara, although prices differed by location and marketer. So when Nigerians hear that inflation is falling and then discover that filling their fuel tank costs considerably more, frustration is understandable. But falling inflation does not mean that yesterday’s high prices

have disappeared. It means the general pace of price increases has slowed. A product that rose from ₦1,000 to ₦1,500 does not automatically return to ₦1,000 because inflation falls. It may simply rise more slowly from its already elevated level. That is where the gap between economic improvement on paper and relief in household budgets becomes obvious. Petrol does not affect motorists alone The latest fuel increase also matters because petrol rarely remains a filling-station problem. Transport operators pay more. Businesses that depend on generators pay more. Deliveries become more

expensive. Traders transporting goods may pass additional costs to consumers. The August inflation figures already showed transport contributing 1.64 percentage points to headline inflation, while housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels contributed another 1.30 points. The Nigeria Labour Congress has consequently called for wage awards and other measures to cushion workers from rising fuel costs. Those proposals can be debated, but the underlying concern is straightforward: prices can change much faster than salaries do. That is particularly difficult for households whose incomes have not risen at anything close to

the pace of essential expenses. The real test is purchasing power There is still value in inflation slowing. An economy in which prices rise more slowly is generally easier for households and businesses to plan around than one experiencing continuously accelerating inflation. August’s 15.39 per cent rate is also considerably lower than the 23.14 per cent recorded in August 2025. Food inflation has moderated too. But Nigerians are unlikely to judge economic improvement by inflation statistics alone. They will judge it by what their salaries can buy. Can transport take

a smaller share of income? Can families buy the same quantity of food without cutting something else? Can small businesses absorb energy costs without constantly increasing prices? Those questions ultimately determine whether falling inflation begins to feel like economic relief. Nigeria can therefore have lower inflation and still have a painful cost of living. Both things can be true at once. The challenge now is making sure that the improvement visible in economic statistics eventually becomes visible in household purchasing power. Until that happens, telling Nigerians that inflation is falling

while petrol approaches ₦1,500 will continue to sound less reassuring than the figures suggest.

Lionel Messi will make one final appearance for Argentina on October 6, when the world champions host Benin in a friendly at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. The Argentine Football Association confirmed that the 39-year-old has been invited to participate in the match as a farewell appearance following his retirement from international football on August 31. AFA president Claudio Tapia said the decision was taken after discussions with Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni, with the association seeking to give its former captain a proper send-off in front of home supporters.

FIFA also confirmed that the Benin friendly will be Messi’s final Argentina appearance, rather than the beginning of a wider return to international football. Messi announced his retirement after Argentina’s run to the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, where Lionel Scaloni’s side lost 1-0 to Spain after extra time. He leaves international football as Argentina’s record appearance-maker and record goalscorer, with 207 senior appearances and 125 goals since making his debut against Hungary in August 2005. The former Barcelona star helped Argentina win the 2021 Copa América, 2022 Finalissima, 2022

FIFA World Cup and 2024 Copa América, establishing himself as one of the most decorated players in the country’s history. Messi also played at six World Cups and scored eight goals with four assists at the 2026 tournament as Argentina reached another final. The October 6 match against Benin will form part of Argentina’s first series of home friendlies since the World Cup. Scaloni’s side will face Bolivia in Córdoba on September 30 before playing Burkina Faso at the Monumental on October 3. Messi will not participate in either of

those fixtures and is expected to appear only in the final friendly against Benin. AFA’s squad announcement also said Rodrigo De Paul and Giovani Lo Celso would be present for the October 6 fixture. Tapia has also said players who were part of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning squad and their families would be invited to take part in the farewell occasion. Messi formally announced his retirement on August 31, saying he believed the time had come to end a senior international career that lasted more than two decades. His appearance

against Benin will therefore provide Argentina supporters with a final opportunity to see him in the national colours at home. If he plays as planned, it will become his 208th senior appearance for Argentina.

Adeyemi Samson Ajasa, popularly known as Samrich, is set to formally take charge of the Students Affairs Committee of the Ogun State All Progressives Congress Campaign Council as the party inaugurates its 2027 campaign structure in Abeokuta on Thursday. Samson was recently appointed Chairman of the Students Affairs Committee, placing the former national student leader in charge of one of the campaign council’s structures focused on engagement with students and younger voters ahead of the 2027 elections. The Ogun APC Campaign Council inauguration is scheduled to hold at the June

12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta, with members directed to arrive by 8:30am ahead of the 10am programme. Ahead of the inauguration, Samson congratulated members of the Students Affairs Committee and urged them to attend the ceremony and participate fully in what he described as an important responsibility. In a message seen by Verita Post, he said the committee’s work would centre on mobilisation, coordination and sustained engagement with the student constituency. Samson also announced that the committee would hold a post-inauguration meeting immediately after the main ceremony to begin organising

its internal structure, discuss strategy, assign responsibilities and set its operational plans in motion. He described attendance at the post-inauguration meeting as compulsory for committee members, with the venue and time expected to be communicated after the main event. Samson's appointment brings his student-movement background into the APC’s 2027 campaign structure. He previously served as National Public Relations Officer of the National Association of Nigerian Students, and earlier held leadership responsibilities within NANS structures in Ogun State. He is also an alumnus of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye. Earlier this year,

Samson was also named secretary of a NANS transition committee established to oversee the reorganisation of the association’s Ogun Joint Campus Committee following an internal leadership dispute. He currently serves as General Secretary of the CityBoy Movement in Ogun State, a political mobilisation group aligned with the APC. The Students Affairs Committee is one of several specialised committees contained in the wider Ogun APC campaign structure, which includes units covering mobilisation, media, women affairs, youth engagement, security, finance, digital innovation and other campaign functions. The APC said the structure was

created to coordinate campaign activities across the state ahead of the presidential, governorship, National Assembly and state legislative elections in 2027. Samson's new role puts him at the centre of the party’s planned engagement with students across Ogun State as political parties increasingly turn their attention to younger voters and organised campus communities ahead of the election cycle. The committee’s immediate next step will be its post-inauguration strategy meeting, where members are expected to determine responsibilities and begin implementing their engagement plans.

The death toll from a suspected toxic drink crisis in Ondo State has risen to 49, with about 170 people affected, according to the state government. Ondo State Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Ajaka, said the health emergency, initially concentrated in communities in Odigbo Local Government Area, had extended to Irele LGA, where eight deaths were reported as of Tuesday night. Ajaka said the figure of about 170 covers those who had been admitted for treatment as well as those who died, meaning it should not be read as 170

additional patients on top of the 49 deaths. The latest figure represents a sharp increase from earlier official reports. Ondo authorities initially confirmed 24 deaths in Araromi-Obu and Odigbo before the toll rose to 27 and subsequently 29. Ajaka said health teams had been deployed rapidly to communities where suspected cases were reported, with surveillance and emergency response intensified to prevent further deaths and identify additional affected residents. He said the state was working with agencies including the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, National Drug Law

Enforcement Agency, Department of State Services and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps as investigations continued. The commissioner had earlier linked the original cluster in Odigbo to locally brewed alcoholic and herbal mixtures reportedly consumed at gatherings in communities including New Town, Odole, Okele, Orita Odigbo, Araromi-Obu and Oniparaga. He urged residents to avoid unregulated drinks and substances whose ingredients or production conditions could not be verified. Police have also opened a criminal investigation into the deaths. The Ondo State Police Command said it arrested Oloruntoba Babatunde, also known as

Meko, over suspected involvement in producing a substance being investigated in connection with the incident. Another 14 people were arrested for allegedly violating a local ban on the sale of herbal products, according to the command. Police said substances suspected to contain methanol were recovered and sent for forensic examination, while Babatunde was assisting investigators. The command also said medical and forensic procedures were being carried out as part of the investigation. The precise toxic agent, however, has not yet been publicly established by completed forensic testing. While Ajaka was

reported as attributing the health crisis to consumption of ethanol, police said the substance recovered in their investigation was suspected to contain methanol. Verita Post is therefore not treating either substance as the conclusively established cause pending laboratory findings. Methanol poisoning is recognised in Nigeria’s national public-health emergency framework as a potentially serious health hazard, but the presence of methanol in the Ondo incident remains subject to the ongoing forensic investigation. Earlier reports showed the crisis initially affected mainly residents of Odigbo communities, with the state saying last week that

95 per cent of those affected at that stage were males aged between 16 and 55. Authorities say medical surveillance remains active as officials monitor affected communities and investigate the production, distribution and consumption of the suspected drinks.

Manchester United crashed out of the Carabao Cup after surrendering a two-goal lead in a 3-2 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion at Old Trafford on Wednesday night. United appeared to be cruising after teenager Shea Lacey opened the scoring in the eighth minute before Mason Mount doubled the advantage just two minutes later. Brighton, however, pulled themselves back into the contest shortly before half-time when Charalampos Kostoulas scored in first-half stoppage time, reducing United’s lead to 2-1 going into the break. The visitors completed the turnaround after the interval.

Pascal Gross levelled for Brighton in the 65th minute before substitute Maxim De Cuyper struck four minutes later to put the visitors 3-2 ahead. Brighton held on to the lead and booked their place in the last 16 of the competition. The result marked the first time in 50 years that Manchester United had lost a home match after leading by two goals. The previous occasion came in September 1976, when Tottenham Hotspur also recovered to beat United 3-2. The final whistle was greeted by boos from sections of the

Old Trafford crowd as another disappointing result added pressure to United’s difficult start to the season. Manager Michael Carrick accepted responsibility for the collapse, saying United could not accept the manner of their second-half performance. The defeat comes days after United lost 1-0 to Manchester City in the Premier League and leaves Carrick’s side with another early domestic cup exit. United were eliminated from the League Cup by fourth-tier Grimsby Town on penalties last season before also losing 2-1 at home to Brighton in the FA Cup third round. Reuters

reported that last season was the first since 1981-82 in which United failed to win a round in either domestic cup competition. Wednesday’s result extended that poor cup sequence, with Brighton once again responsible for ending United’s hopes of domestic silverware. Despite scoring twice inside the opening 10 minutes, United were unable to regain control after Brighton’s first goal, with the visitors turning the match around during a decisive four-minute spell in the second half. Brighton’s official match centre confirms the sequence of goals, including Gross’ equaliser and De Cuyper’s

winning strike in the 69th minute. United will now have to turn their attention back to the Premier League as Carrick looks for a response from a side that has endured a difficult opening stretch of the campaign.

Lawyer and philanthropist Pelumi Olajengbesi has secured ₦30 million support for the owner of Phemzy Gadget in Ilesa, Osun State, days after the businessman’s shop burglary attracted public attention. The intervention follows a viral appeal by the gadget dealer after burglars allegedly broke into his shop and carted away phones, computers, accessories and other business items. Following the report, Olajengbesi shared the businessman’s situation publicly and moved to establish contact with him, describing the incident as a devastating setback for a young entrepreneur. According to reports, the lawyer later facilitated

support worth ₦30 million to assist the trader in rebuilding the business. Olajengbesi said the intervention would not stop with the gadget dealer, adding that part of the support would also be used to assist other people facing similar challenges. The development marks a shift from the initial burglary story, which centred on the loss suffered by the businessman, to a wider conversation about community response and support for small business owners. Small businesses often depend heavily on physical stock and personal investment, making incidents such as theft capable of

wiping out years of effort. For Phemzy Gadget, the intervention provides an opportunity to restore operations after the reported burglary and return to serving customers in Ilesa. The case has also highlighted the role individuals can play in responding quickly when local entrepreneurs experience unexpected setbacks.