The Nigerian Senate on Tuesday resolved to mandate the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, and the Department of State Services (DSS) to thoroughly investigate and take appropriate action against individuals spreading false death rumours about Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd.).

The decision followed a point of order raised during plenary by Senator Titus Zam (APC, Benue North-West), who condemned the viral social media reports claiming that Akpabio had collapsed and died in a London hospital.

Zam highlighted that such misinformation was not only false but damaging to Nigeria’s image, especially as Akpabio was actively presiding over the session.

Zam also referenced a recent similar hoax targeting Gowon, noting that rumours of the former leader’s death circulated even as he attended a public event, such as a Christmas carol service.

Presiding over the plenary, Senate President Akpabio sustained the point of order, describing the trend of fake death reports as disturbing and increasingly common among prominent Nigerians, including politicians and businessmen.

He emphasised the challenges of regulating social media content, likening it to “garbage in, garbage out,” but stressed the need for security agencies to trace the origins of such falsehoods.

“Is it the view of the Senate that this matter be referred to the National Security Adviser and the DSS to investigate?”

Akpabio asked, before putting the motion to a voice vote, which received unanimous support from senators.

The resolution calls for a probe into the promoters of the rumours, with potential sanctions to deter future incidents.

This comes amid growing concerns over misinformation on digital platforms targeting high-profile figures.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has revoked the operating licences of two primary mortgage institutions, Aso Savings and Loans Plc and Union Homes Savings and Loans Plc, citing persistent regulatory violations and severe financial weaknesses.In a statement released on Tuesday by the Acting Director of Corporate Communications, Hakama Sidi Ali, the apex bank said the revocation was carried out under powers conferred by Section 12 of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA) 2020 and Section 7.3 of the Revised Guidelines for Mortgage Banks in Nigeria.

The CBN stated that the affected institutions breached multiple provisions, including failure to meet the minimum paid-up share capital requirements for their licence categories, having insufficient assets to cover liabilities, critical undercapitalisation with capital adequacy ratios below prudential minima, and non-compliance with several regulatory directives.

“This action is part of ongoing efforts to reposition the mortgage sub-sector, promote a culture of compliance with relevant laws and regulations, and ensure the stability of Nigeria’s financial system,” the statement read.

The revocation comes amid long-standing challenges for both institutions, which were delisted from the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) in 2024 for failing to submit audited financial statements for over six years.

Reports have also highlighted customer complaints over trapped deposits and governance issues.

Following the licence revocation, the institutions are no longer authorised to operate as licensed financial entities.

The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has commenced the liquidation process and begun payments of insured deposits up to ₦2 million per depositor.

The CBN reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding depositors’ interests and maintaining financial system stability, adding that it will continue enforcing strict regulatory standards across the sector.

Depositors have been urged to await further guidance from the NDIC on claim settlements.

• Sachet alcohols; credit: Leadership

The Federal Government has directed an immediate suspension of all enforcement actions relating to the proposed ban on sachet alcohol and 200ml PET bottle products, pending the conclusion of consultations and the issuance of a final policy directive.

The directive was issued by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), following concerns raised by the House of Representatives Committee on Food and Drugs Administration and Control.

In a statement released on Monday by Terrence Kuanum, Special Adviser on Public Affairs to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), the OSGF confirmed receipt of an official correspondence from the House Committee dated November 13, 2025.

The letter, referenced NASS/10/HR/CT.53/77 and signed by the committee’s Deputy Chairman, Hon. Uchenna Harris Okonkwo, drew attention to existing National Assembly resolutions on the matter and urged caution in the proposed enforcement.

“Accordingly, all actions, decisions, or enforcement measures relating to the proposed sachet alcohol ban are to be suspended pending the conclusion of consultations and the issuance of a final directive,” the statement said.

The OSGF further clarified that any enforcement action taken by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) or any other agency without due clearance and resolution from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation would be deemed invalid and should be disregarded by the public until an official decision is communicated.

The office assured Nigerians that it is conducting a comprehensive review of all relevant considerations, including legislative resolutions, public health concerns, economic implications, and the broader national interest, to arrive at a balanced and lawful outcome.

It added that the public would be formally informed once a final position on the proposed ban has been reached.