Odita Sunday 
THURSDAY, 8 OCTOBER 2026
WORLD • ENERGY & SECURITY
Houthi Strikes and Hormuz Attacks Push Brent Above $101
Houthi strikes damaged airports in Jizan and Najran in southern Saudi Arabia, wounding three, as Saudi Arabia and Yemeni allies launched a counteroffensive near Dhubab. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the attacks are “undermining global energy security.” The UK maritime agency UKMTO has reported nine attacks in the Strait of Hormuz this month; oil shipments last week averaged about 10.3 million barrels a day, 23% below the prewar baseline, with Persian Gulf-to-China freight at a record $1.3 million a day and Brent above $101.
WORLD • EUROPE
Spain Unveils Emergency Housing Package; Black Sea Drone Strikes Sink Cargo Ship
Spain approved 21 housing measures after nationwide protests, including a tax on seasonal rentals, a ban on speculative purchases and a €10 billion fund for loans of up to €50,000 for first-time buyers, subject to an interim legislature ahead of the 29 November snap election.
In the Black Sea, sea and aerial drones hit two commercial vessels in Bulgaria’s economic zone: the Togo-flagged Alfa Watan sank with its crew missing, and the Palau-flagged Able caught fire before all 18 crew were rescued. Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev called it a “blatant violation” of maritime law; Ukraine blamed Russia, which has not commented. President Zelensky warned that Russia is preparing a “massive attack.”
Germany arrested August Hanning, former head of the BND foreign intelligence service, on suspicion of treasonous espionage, and Israel has ordered Britain’s East Jerusalem consulate closed, a move linked to a UK ban on settlement-linked imports.
AFRICA
Kenya Records First Ebola Death as Outbreak Spreads From DR Congo
A Kenyan man infected with the Bundibugyo strain has died after travelling from the DR Congo through Uganda and flying into Nairobi, Kenya’s first Ebola case and death. At least 28 contacts have been identified. The WHO counts 8,544 cases and 4,114 deaths in the wider outbreak, with no approved vaccine or treatment for this strain; UNICEF says more than 1,900 children in eastern DR Congo have lost parents or been separated from caregivers.
In Mali, the army, backed by Russian paramilitaries, retook Kidal after Tuareg separatists announced a “strategic and controlled withdrawal”; analysts call the win symbolic. In Durban, about 15 anti-immigrant vigilantes harassed asylum seekers at the Home Affairs Refugee Reception Centre until police removed them. Namibia is intensifying its response to a foot-and-mouth outbreak as the EU suspends fresh-meat imports. South Africa has told the IOC it wants to host the 2036 Olympics, which would be Africa’s first.
NIGERIA • ELECTIONS
INEC Reviews Supreme Court Ruling on Electoral Act as 18 of 22 Parties Field Presidential Candidates.
INEC is reviewing a Supreme Court judgment that upheld sections 77 and 84 of the Electoral Act 2026, which could affect some candidates’ eligibility for 2027. Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan said the commission received the certified copy on Tuesday.
Of 22 registered parties, 18 nominated presidential candidates; APGA, the Youth Party and Accord did not, and the NNPP withdrew its nomination. For the National Assembly, 21 parties fielded 313 Senate and 3,547 House of Representatives candidates.
NIGERIA • SPORT
Super Eagles Draw 3-3 With Russia in Nizhny Novgorod
Nigeria drew 3-3 with Russia in a friendly on 6 October, with Iheanacho, Patrick and Akor Adams scoring against goals from Sadulaev, Kislyak and Miranchuk. Russia had 62% possession and 15 shots to Nigeria’s 10.
NIGERIA • COURTS & CRASH UPDATE
Diezani, El-Rufai and Emefiele Cases Move On; Ondo Crash Toll Stays at 25
The EFCC is opposing ex-petroleum minister Diezani Alison-Madueke’s attempt to use her June UK acquittal as evidence in her fight to recover forfeited assets; the court will hear the matter on 11 November. The Court of Appeal in Kaduna reserved judgment, with no date, on former Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s appeal against a bail refusal. At Godwin Emefiele’s FCT High Court trial, a Finance Ministry director said the ministry knew nothing of a CBN withdrawal; reports cite differing sums (₦124.86 billion and ₦154 billion), so we do not give a single figure.
On the Ondo crash, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa said “no living soul” was found at the Igbokoda site; the Air Force count stands at 25 dead after early reports of 32, and the cause remains under investigation. NAFDAC’s Director-General Mojisola Adeyeye drew criticism for saying Nigerians are “very ignorant” and “don’t read” pesticide instructions.
EXCHANGE RATE WATCH
Official window (NFEM): ₦1,331.50 / US$1.
Black market: about ₦1,362 / US$1 (gap ₦30.50).
Naira eased ₦1.40 officially from ₦1,332.90; trackers differ on street rate.
EBOLA WATCH
WHO: 8,544 cases, 4,114 deaths.
Kenya: first case and death; 28 contacts traced.
No approved vaccine for the Bundibugyo strain.
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