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Okada riders shun govt’s ban, return to restricted Lagos road Commercial motorcyclists have returned fully to the major road around Ojodu Berger Area of Lagos State despite that the route is one of those the state government has placed a ban on their activities. PUNCH Metro reports that motorcycle riders have turned a section of Alhaji Kosoko Street in the area to their park, therefore making movements difficult for motorists. Our correspondent, who visited the road on Wednesday, noticed that a large portion of the road was occupied by Okada riders. A resident, Ojo Bakare, lamented the activities of the okada riders in an interview with PUNCH Metro. Bakare said, “The state task force and LASTMA often disperse these bike men and some of them get arrested, but this has not been able to stop them. The government should provide a park for them, so people will go there to board motorcycles, with this, the road would no longer be congested. Another resident who spoke on condition of anonymit

We’re managing to pay salaries, facing enormous challenges – FG The Federal Government on Thursday emphasized the need for non-state actors to complement its efforts in national and economic development saying it cannot bear the burden alone. The government specifically admitted that it was facing enormous challenges and revenue deficit which has compelled it to manage to pay salaries. The Minister of Budget and National Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, represented by the Director (International Cooperation), Dr. Sampson Ebimaro, stated these in Abuja during the 30th Annual Development Forum organised by Life Above Poverty Alleviation in Abuja with the theme, “The role of non-state actors in national development: A case study of LAPO.” The PUNCH reports that the event was also attended by a former acting Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Dr Sarah Alade; a political scientist and lecturer in the Department of Political Science, Federal University, Otuoke, Dr Feli

Pupils battle leaking roofs, reptiles in Ogun public school Some parents in the Ayetoro Makun community in the Sagamu West Local Government Area of Ogun State have bemoaned the deplorable condition and poor facilities at the only public primary school situated in the area. When PUNCH Metro visited St. Paul’s Anglican Primary School which was said to have been established in 1916, it was observed that a building with three classrooms had been abandoned due to its bad state. Our correspondent noticed that a substantial part of the roof had been removed by wind. Overgrown grasses were also noticed around the building, leaving pupils at the mercy of reptiles. PUNCH Metro learnt that the other building erected beside the deplorable one has only two classrooms housing about 150 pupils. The Chairman of the school’s Parents-Teachers Association, Olasunkanmi Sodimu, during an interview with PUNCH Metro, decried the situation of the school, saying, “The primary school has been there even before

"In case anything happens to me h0ld my pastor Adegoke Jeremiah responsible" Chef Dammy raises alarm Damilola Adeparusi, better known as Chef Dammy, has called on the public to h0ld her pastor responsible if anything happens to her. The Ekiti Chef became a viral sensation in June 2023 for participating in a “cook-a-thon” organised by the pastor of her church Adegoke Jeremiah, aka Billion Dollars Prophet. Now, Dammy has raised alarm about a thre at to her life. In an earlier post, she alleged that “people of God” are thr eatening her life. In a follow-up post, she named her pastor as the person thre atening her life. She added that she would be in Lagos to grant an interview “to let everything out”. However, she warned that if anything happens to her, her pastor should be he ld responsible. One more photo below. 

 "A love suddenly extinguished by deception" Lupita Nyongo announces split from boyfriend months after going public with their relationship. Lupita Nyongo has announced that her relationship with TV host Selema Masekela is over. The actress said she is “in a season of heartbreak because of a love suddenly and devastatingly extinguished by deception.” She added that she is going through so much pain but is “trusting that this too shall pass.”. One more photo below .

 Uloaku Confidence Amarachukwu accuses her ex husband of forcibly taking custody of their three daughters even after he remarried.  Please read  "I am typing in tears cos Nigeria system failed me, I don’t know if it’s because am a woman or because am from a poor family,Day by Day am dying slowly,no matter how strong I claims to be,I see myself dying,I pretend to be happy, I posts pictures and videos yet inside me is a woman thinking on how to take her own life cos she is tired of living,I am from Anambra in Nnewi precisely,while my ex husband is from Abia state,There is no pains,assault ,domestic violence,And humiliation I didn’t take for my marriage to last just so that my daughters won’t be raised in a broken home just like their father, i have had 4 miscarriages out of his beating and the cases are at life international hospital awka,He always told me that if he kills me he will close my case with money,I tried my best but seems like it’s wasn’t enough,Even my mother in-law hat

Fraudster Bags One Year Jail Term in Makurdi  The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Makurdi Zonal Command, on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, secured the conviction and sentencing of one Shehu Khalifa before Justice Abdul Dogo of the Federal High Court sitting in Makurdi, Benue State. He was jailed after pleading guilty to one - count charge bordering on internet fraud and impersonation, consequent on his arraignment by the Makurdi Zonal Command of the EFCC.    The charge reads, “That you Shehu Khalifa "M" (21 yrs) sometime between January, 2021 and January 2023 in Makurdi Benue State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, fraudulently impersonated one Lucas Smith a Bitcoin investment expert through your nicegram account ID 5694273106 and Facebook account Realkhaleefa and obtained the sum of R$4,000 (Four Thousand Brazilians Real) from one Miss. Andrea, a Brazilian National and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 22(2)(b)(i) of the Cybercr

Court Sends 26 Internet Fraudsters to Prison in Benin City The Benin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes, EFCC, on Tuesday, October17 and Wednesday October 18, 2023 secured the conviction and sentencing of 26 internet fraudsters before Justice Efe Ikponmwonba of the Edo State High Court, Benin City. The convicts are Pius Innocent Joel, Dortimi Obiagullu Abariowei, Okocha Nduka, Cloud Godspower Aghogho, Wilson Ifeanyi Nwabor, Ogbemudia Wisdom, Orubure Michelle Cyril, Sunday Victor, Akpevwe Edogheji, Emmanuel Omezi Chiedu, Sambo Doubra, Ogribi George Oworo, Success Oghenekevwe Jerry, Ebuka Ohika Okoli and Nnemeka Joseph Nnajiofor Others are Adesioye Ajibola, Omojewe Solomon, Azubudike Emeka Kelvin, Clever Afokoghene Oliver, Favour Ighoatudu, Favour Ogagaoghene Ebebemore, Abariowei Godwin Preye, Eserruoma Bishop Blessing, Miracle Ogonnaya, Agholor Omobude Simeon and Destiny Emuejevoke They were arraigned separately on one- count charge of unlawful possession of fraudule

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE PRESIDENT TINUBU APPOINTS NEW BANK OF INDUSTRY CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Dr. Olasupo Olusi to serve as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Bank of Industry (BOI) for a term of four (4) years in the first instance. The President's approval of Dr. Olusi's appointment follows the voluntary resignation of former BOI Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Olukayode Pitan. Dr. Olasupo Olusi has served as a World Bank economist and development finance expert over the past 20 years. Between 2011 and 2015, Dr. Olusi served as the economic adviser to then Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance. He is an alumnus of Hull University, United Kingdom. He also obtained a Masters degree in International Money, Finance, and Investment, as well as a Doctorate in Finance & Economics from Durham University, United Kingdom, in 2005. The President tasks the new BOI

 "Privacy is power. People can’t destroy what they don’t know" - Kizz Daniel advices Davido “Nobody knows how much I charge for shows because I don’t put it out there. I never come publicly to talk properties or money. You don’t see me hang out with celebs or anything. My life is quite private.  "Nobody knows my wife or any important things about me. I feel like this generation is so much in a haste to prove things when in reality they don’t have anything.   "Even with my kids I’m very disciplined, it’s my brother Uthman that spoils them. They see me as the discipline master but one day it will make sense to them.  "Privacy is power. People can’t destroy what they don’t know.“  - Kizz Daniel

KOGI STATE POLICE COMMAND  PRESS RELEASE ALLEGED ILLEGAL DUTY/POLITICAL CLASH: OFFICER IN VIRAL VIDEO IN CUSTODY AS CP ORDERS FOR INVESTIGATION The Commissioner of Police Kogi State Police Command, CP Bethrand C. Onuoha, psc (+), has ordered for an investigation into a trending video where a Police Officer was seen in the pool of his blood as a result of the Political clash in Idah. 2. The Commissioner of Police while condemning the incident noted that the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Criminal Investigation Department has been tasked to commence investigation. 3. The CP reiterates the Command's unwavering commitment to continue to engage the critical stakeholders in Election Security Management to ensure a secure environment for electoral process. 4. He added that, the Command is ever determined in providing a level playing ground for all Political Parties as they embark on campaigns, rallies, procession among others. 5. He sternly warns would-be trouble makers who ar

NAFDAC Destroys Seized Products Worth Over N500m NAFDAC has destroyed products worth more than N535 million at its Kuje dump site in the FCT. The products destroyed are drugs, food products including a 40feet container of unregistered Faurecia instant powdered milk that was handed over to the agency by Nigeria Customs Service, cosmetics, and chemicals. The agency said the products were seized as substandard, expired, and unwholesome regulated products. NAFDAC’s Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, said some products were destroyed to prevent them from being reintroduced into the market. She emphasised that drug counterfeiting was an act of sabotage and a threat to public health, while pointing out that in July, the agency launched a campaign on the dangers of hawking drugs and the ripening of fruits with carbide. Prof. Adeyeye stated that after sensitization, there was a raid on drug dealers and unregistered herbal medicines before final destruction. A Director from the agency, Fr

FRSC Raises Alarm Over Attacks On Personnel Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has expressed concern over increasing attacks on officers and men during operations. The Corps Commandant, Akinwumi Fasakin who stated this at the commencement of the Ember Months Campaign in Abuja, appealed to motorists to desist from the act. The FRSC Corps Commandant underscored need for motorists particularly commercial drivers to always ascertain their health status. Commandant Fasaki who represented the FRSC Corps Marshal Dauda Ali-Biu assured that the Corps would continue to come up with initiatives and policies on safety for all road users in the country. FCT Sector Commander, Mr Muta’a Chorrie while speaking on the theme ‘Speed Thrills but Kills; Drive Responsibly and Avoid Overloading”, appealed to motorists to always abide by traffic rules and regulations. The Sector Commander expressed worry over the spate of accidents along Lugbe-Airport Road as a result of non-compliance with traffic rules. Accor

‘If only you all obeyed court orders too’ – Do2dtun reacts to court order restraining him from defaming D’banj Popular On Air Personality, OAP, Oladotun Ojuolape, professionally known as Do2dtun, has reacted to the court order stopping him from defaming his ex-wife’s brother, singer D’banj. Following the custody dispute with Taiwo, his estranged wife, Do2dtun has taken to social media to drag D’banj, accusing the singer of making life unbearable for him while he was still married to his sister. Do2dtun had shared court documents showing that a judge ruled in his favour, granting him divided child custody with Taiwo. MAGIC FM reported that the Chief District Court of the Federal Capital Territory at Wuse Zone 2, Abuja, restricted Do2dtun from making defamatory posts against D’banj on social media or any other platform. Also, the court ordered the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Force Intelligence Bureau, to investigate a criminal complaint brought by D’banj against Do2dtun within tw

 Fuel Queues: NNPC cautions against panic buying, says fuel reserves are sufficient for 30 days The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has warned Nigerians against panic buying stating that it has enough fuel reserves. The retail management of the NNPC in a statement on Thursday, October 19 said the queues recently being seen in parts of Lagos and Abuja are due to reduced Depot loadout in Apapa, Lagos over a few days. “We assure all Nigerians that there is ample supply with sufficiency of at least 30 days,” the statement said. The NNPC advised motorists to desist from panic buying as distribution will normalize over the next couple of days.

Will Smith Finally Addresses Jada Pinkett Onstage Will Smith declared his unconditional love for Jada Pinkett Smith as he and their kids joined the actress for her book talk at the Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore. Jada is a native of Baltimore and her new memoir, “Worthy,” has taken over headlines the past few days as the actress revealed for the first time publicly that she and her actor husband, Will Smith, separated in 2016 and have lived apart since then.  That didn’t stop Will and his two kids with Pinkett Smith, Jaden and Willow, and also his son Trey Smith, whom he shares with ex-wife Sheree Zampino, from joining Jada on stage near the end of her discussion. Attendees cheered loudly when Will Smith appeared at the event. As her family joined her on stage, Jada said: “I guess the talk’s over.” Will Smith was then given 13 minutes to speak and he spent the time hailing Jada. He gushed to the crowd about Jada and the sacrifices she made during their union.  Will referred to t

 LASG ANNOUNCES TRAFFIC DIVERSION ON THIRD MAINLAND BRIDGE FOR REMEDIAL WORKS This is to inform the general public that the Federal Ministry of Works, in collaboration with Lagos State, intends to carry out remedial works on some critical sections of the Third Mainland Bridge inbound Lagos (Island and Mainland) on Sunday, 22nd October 2023. Consequently, this section of the bridge inwards Lagos will be temporarily closed from midnight Saturday, 21st October, 2023, to midnight Sunday, 22nd October 2023, to facilitate speedy rehabilitation work. As a result, Motorists who intend to use the Third Mainland Bridge to connect Lagos (or their desired destinations) are advised to navigate through the following alternative routes: SCENE 1: Motorists from the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Alapere/Ogudu axis inwards Lagos Island will be diverted towards Gbagada-Oshodi Expressway to link Ikorodu Road/Funsho Williams Avenue to access Eko Bridge and Lagos Island. SCENE 2: Motorists from Lagos Ibadan Expr

Man arrested for selling hard drugs to motorists in Lagos. Operatives of the Lagos State Rapid Response Squad have arrested a hard drug vendor, Victor Aghalise, 27, while peddling a banned substance suspected to be Arizona to motorists in the state. According to the post shared on the RRS handle, the suspect was arrested during a patrol on the Gbagada-Oshodi Expressway on Wednesday, October 18. According to RRS, 93 wraps of Arizona were retrieved from Aghalise’s bag. RRS said further investigations led to the arrest of one Ifeanyi Erem, 60, who also confessed to having been supplying the substance to Aghalise to sell around the Ilupeju end of the Gbagada-Oshodi Expressway, Lagos. Seven wraps of Arizona were also recovered from Erem’s pocket. The RRS Commander, CSP Olayinka Egbeyemi, directed that the suspects be charged to court immediately. He also warned hard drug peddlers and motorists patronizing them that they would be prosecuted once they were arrested in any part of the state.  

Liverpool ‘join Arsenal and Chelsea in the race to sign Victor Osimhen after Jurgen Klopp sent scouts to watch the Nigeria striker in friendlies against Saudi Arabia and Mozambique’ Liverpool have reportedly joined the race to sign Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen. According to The Sun, Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp sent one of his scouts to watch him in action on international duty.  Osimhen played 60 minutes of Nigeria’s friendly with Saudi Arabia in Portugal before a hamstring injury forced him off. He did not play in their next friendly against Mozambique.  Liverpool have now joined the list of clubs with a serious interest in the 24-year-old alongside Premier League rivals Arsenal and Chelsea. Osimhen’s future at Napoli was thrown into doubt last month when the club released two controversial TikTok videos appearing to mock him. In the wake of the scandal, his agent suggested they could take legal action, Osimhen demanded a public apology and removed all but one of his Instagram

Junior Pope Odonwodo calls Will Smith a “real man” for standing by Jada Pinkett Smith Nigerian actor Junior Pope Odonwodo has said that Will Smith is a real man. He said this while reacting to a video of Will Smith supporting Jada Pinkett Smith at her book launch in Baltimore. At the book event, Will laughed off comments people online have been making following Jada’s recent revelations. He then made it clear that he would stand with Jada for life because she sacrificed so much for him and his family and always stood with him when he needed it (read here). Will said: “Jada is the best friend I have ever had on this planet and I am going to show up for her and support her for the rest of my life.” Reacting to the video, Junior Pope wrote: “Will is a real man.”  

Soma and Angel unfollows each other 24 hours after Angel reveals she’s pregnant In an unexpected turn of events, Soma and Angel have decided to unfollow each other on social media, shocking their devoted followers. This unexpected outcome comes as a surprise because Soma and Angel began a love bond during their stay in the Big Brother house. During an interview with Ebuka, they revealed their desire to pursue a meaningful relationship outside of the show. Soma and Angel had previous relationships before joining the Big Brother house. Their bond in the house, on the other hand, drove them to end their past relationships and select each other. In post-show interviews, they made it clear that they had no intention of rekindling their previous relationships. The reasons behind these unfollowing actions remain a mystery, leaving fans curious and puzzled. In the late hours of yesterday, Angel Smith shook Twitter after she announced she was pregnant by posting a pregnant emoji. She was also s

Laura Ikeji flaunts baby bump, laments pregnancy struggle The Real Housewives of Lagos reality star, Laura Ikeji Kanu shares her experience with her current pregnancy and how it is not as fun as her first two. The businesswoman who is anticipating her third child explained that her previous two pregnancies brought her boundless energy and high motivation. However, she finds her third pregnancy to be quite the opposite. Laura Ikeji Taking to Instagram to share a stunning baby bump photo, she expressed that she is unsure about the reason behind this change, as she used to find it fun and to be able to wear whatever she pleased. Laura Ikeji also raised the possibility that her age might be a factor in these differences, as her last pregnancy was four years ago. "It took my energy" - Laura Ikeji flaunts baby bump, laments pregnancy struggle “My two other pregnancies gave me energy and high motivation. This particular one took my energy and my motivation. I don’t know how that hap

Angry father flogs teacher to d£ath after school disciplined his son over alleged palm wine theft in Delta Delta State Police Command has arrested a father, Nnajiofor Nweke, for allegedly flogging a teacher to d£ath at Alihami Secondary School in Agbor, Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta State.  It was gathered that the incident occurred on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, after the suspect’s son was disciplined over alleged theft of palm wine.  Spokesperson of the state Police Command, DSP Bright Edafe, who confirmed the incident said the suspect’s son and other students of the school went to a palm wine shop and allegedly stole two kegs of palm wine. The matter was reported to the school authorities after which the students were identified and then flogged as part of a disciplinary measure. However, after finding out what had happened to his child, the suspect came to the school with a cane and started flogging the teachers.  One of the teachers slumped and died during the att

NSCDC arrests fake doctor working with government hospital in Bauchi Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Bauchi State have arrested a fake medical doctor working with the state government.  The suspect, Usman Sadiq Yelwa, was working with the General Hospital, Misau, in Misau Local Government Area of the state before his arrest.  The state NSCDC Commandant, Ilelaboye Oyejide, disclosed this on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, while speaking with journalists at the command’s headquarters on the security situation in the state.  He said that the suspect was arrested based on credible intelligence. The suspect, who confessed to being an impostor, will be charge to court for the established offence accordingly, the commandant added.  

I’m Addicted To Prostitutes Please Help”- Man cries out A 47-year-old man recently revealed his ongoing patronage of sex workers, citing it as an addiction he cannot overcome. He justifies his actions by pointing out his lack of serious relationships and the difficulty he faces in pursuing traditional dating due to a history of short-term encounters. His mother has expressed her concern about his unmarried status, further exacerbated by his lack of children. Feeling the pressure to start a family, he’s even contemplated impregnating a sex worker to appease his mother’s wishes. Despite his financial stability, this ongoing behavior has raised significant concerns in his life. He has sought for public advice on how to go about it and also shared some screenshots of chats he had with some sex workers. He wrote; “As a 47yr old I still patronise prostitutes which I don’t see a problem with. I have No kid, no serious relationship. The problem is my mother complaining here and there for me to