Morning recap: Kane wins Ballon d’Or, EFCC arrests 15, other top stories

File: Harry Kane wins 2026 Men's Ballon d'or

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arrested 14 Chinese nationals and one Nigerian at four alleged illegal lithium processing plants in Ogun State.

The Federal Government and organised labour are due to resume talks on wages and petrol prices amid the threat of industrial action.

Harry Kane has won the 2026 men’s Ballon d’Or, becoming the first Englishman to claim the award since 2001.

A prosecution witness has accused social media influencer Blessing CEO of falsely claiming ownership of a property in a disputed N69.15m transaction.

The Senate has pledged to pass legislation establishing state police before the end of 2026. Nigeria has fallen short of its 10-month revenue target by N20.7tn.

Music executive Don Jazzy has announced a 2027 technology scholarship opportunity for Nigerians.

Below are the top stories:

1. EFCC arrests 14 Chinese nationals, Nigerian over illegal Ogun lithium plants

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arrested 14 Chinese nationals and one Nigerian at four illegal lithium processing plants in Ogere, Ogun State.

The operation followed intelligence gathering and surveillance, with investigators recovering lithium rocks, 18 mobile devices, four laptops and a trailer truck. The suspects are expected to face charges after investigations are concluded.

Read full story: https://punchng.com/efcc-arrests-14-chinese-nigerian-over-ogun-lithium-plants/

2. FG, labour resume talks over wages, petrol price crisis

The Federal Government and organised labour are set to resume negotiations on workers’ demands, including a reduction in petrol prices and a review of the national minimum wage.

The NLC and TUC have warned that failure to make meaningful progress could trigger nationwide industrial action, putting pressure on Tuesday’s meeting to produce concrete commitments.

Read full story: https://punchng.com/fg-labour-resume-talks-on-wage-fuel-price-crisis/

3. Harry Kane wins 2026 Ballon d’Or, ends England’s 25-year wait

Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane has won the 2026 men’s Ballon d’Or, becoming the first Englishman to claim the award since Michael Owen in 2001.

The England captain received football’s top individual honour at a ceremony at the London Palladium after a prolific season for the German club.

Read full story: https://punchng.com/breaking-harry-kane-wins-2026-ballon-dor/

4. Blessing CEO lied about owning property, witness tells court

A prosecution witness has accused social media personality Blessing Okoro, popularly known as Blessing CEO, of falsely presenting herself as the owner of a property before collecting N69.15m.

Dr Onuoha Okeigwe told a Lagos court that WhatsApp conversations and other documents supported his allegation. Blessing CEO has pleaded not guilty to the charges, which remain before the court.

Read full story: https://punchng.com/blessing-ceo-lied-about-owning-property-witness-tells-court/

5. Senate vows state police law before end of 2026

The Senate has pledged to enact legislation establishing state police before the end of the year, following the required number of state assemblies’ approval of the constitutional amendment.

Lawmakers say the proposed system would bring policing closer to communities and improve responses to insecurity, although the bill must still complete the remaining legislative steps.

Read full story: https://punchng.com/senate-vows-state-police-law-by-year-end/

6. Nigeria misses 10-month revenue target by N20.7tn

Nigeria’s statutory revenue fell N20.74tn short of its target for the first 10 months of 2026, despite a sharp rise in crude oil prices.

The shortfall highlights the gap between the government’s revenue projections and actual collections, raising questions about the assumptions underpinning its budget targets.

Read full story: https://punchng.com/nigeria-misses-10-month-revenue-target-by-n20-7tn/

7. Don Jazzy offers 2027 tech scholarships covering up to 100% tuition

Music executive Don Jazzy has unveiled a scholarship programme offering eligible Nigerians up to 100 per cent coverage of tuition fees for technology and digital skills courses at TS Academy.

Available fields include artificial intelligence, data analytics, cybersecurity, software development, digital marketing and project management. Successful applicants may also qualify for laptop and data support, but an application fee still applies, even though a discount is available.

Read full story: https://punchng.com/how-nigerians-can-apply-for-don-jazzys-2027-tech-scholarship/