Morning recap: NAF plane vanishes from radar with 32 aboard, Dangote stops petrol sales to importers, newlywed pastor quits public ministry over past affairs, other top stories

1. Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft vanishes, 32 on board A Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members disappeared from radar shortly after take-off and crashed in a swampy area of Igbokoda, Ondo State. Search-and-rescue efforts were ongoing, but authorities had not yet confirmed the condition of those on board at the time of reporting. The aircraft was en route from Benin to Lagos at the time of the incident.

2. Dangote refinery halts petrol sales to importers The Dangote refinery has ceased selling petrol to major marketers importing petroleum products. The company cited concerns over the blending of its fuel with imported grades as the reason for the decision. Some marketers accused Dangote of trying to restrict fuel imports, while IPMAN (Inland Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria) alleged that Dangote was being selective in its customer selection.

3. Nyesom Wike reflects on Tinubu’s potential re-election FCT Minister Nyesom Wike repeatedly mentioned President Bola Tinubu’s potential re-election in 2027 during his engagements with Rivers residents. At town hall meetings, Wike urged the residents to put aside political differences and rally behind Tinubu in the upcoming election. The minister’s comments highlighted the ongoing focus on Tinubu’s political future.

4. NURTW member killed by suspected cultists in Lagos A NURTW (Nigerian Urban Roads Transport Union) member, Kamoru Omokoye, was shot dead by suspected cultists at a bus stop in the Ibeju-Lekki area of Lagos. Police stated that the attackers fled in an unregistered Lexus RX 350, and an investigation into the incident had been initiated. The tragic incident further underscored the ongoing violence and security challenges in the region.

5. Newlywed pastor apologizes for past affairs and withdraws from public ministry Apostle Sam Adegoke of the Elijah Generation Church in Akure, who recently got married, expressed regret over past sexual relationships before his marriage and announced his decision to step back from public ministry. In a statement, the newlywed pastor took responsibility for his actions, committed to seeking spiritual, pastoral, and professional accountability, and vowed to make amends for his past behavior.