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Extortion: FG orders probe of Immigration officer over misconduct in Seme Border Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Interior, has ordered the probe of some officials of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) over alleged misconduct. Recall that on December 12, Moyo Okediji, a Professor of African Art from the University of Texas, Austin, United States, took to his Facebook page to recount how he was allegedly “extorted and robbed” of over $500 at the Seme border when he arrived Nigeria through Ghana. Okediji narrated that some NIS personnel stopped him for a search and asked him to “settle” them with $40 for travelling with an expired Nigerian passport. Okediji said he handed them the money but later discovered that $500 was missing from his luggage. The professor said he was also harassed and his documents seized by some police officers when he arrived at Mile 2, FESTAC axis of Amuwo-Odofin LGA, Lagos, on the same day. Reacting to the development in a statement on Saturday, Aridegbe Adedo...

Lagos Begins Removal Of Inner Gates In Lekki Officials of the Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, on Saturday, commenced the removal of permanently closed inner gates in the Lekki area of the state, attributing this to what the government described as "the indiscriminate mounting and multiplicity of the gates, defacing the aesthetics of the environment." According to a statement and photos posted on X on Saturday by the ministry's spokesperson, Kunle Adeshina, this operation was in order to "rescue several residents of the state, especially in the Lekki 1 axis, who are suffering untold hardship of inaccessibility by removing permanently closed inner roads gates." Adeshina wrote, "The enforcement operation which was authorized by Mr Governor followed several days of traffic snarl which residents connecting Lekki were experiencing due to the inaccessibility of connecting roads. "Roads and streets already enforced since the operation ...

“I’ve Never Been This Scared” – Mercy Aigbe Reflects On Near-Dëäth Experience Traveling From Benin To Lagos Popular Nollywood actress, Mercy Aigbe trembled while narrating her near-death experience on her way from Benin to Lagos state. The Nollywood actress took to social media to recount a scary experience of how their car almost had an accident while they were driving down from Benin where she went for Meet and Greet for her new movie, Ada Omo Daddy. She reveleaed that the car was at top speed when the car tyre suddenly bursted. She stated that everything else that followed really scared her. A video she shared on her Instagram page showed the car tyre completely ruined. She wrote: “ALHAMDULILAH 🙏 To God be all the Glory!!!! The scariest Day of my life! My car tyre bursted while we were on top speed on our way back to lagos from Benin (where i went for Meet and Greet for my movie) God i have never been this scared! An horrific experience! Screams! Panic! Fear! Prayers! It is such a ...

 “Him say him no do again” – Lady cries a river as boyfriend dumps her 3 days to Christmas Lady cries bitterly as her boyfriend reportedly dumps her 3 days to Christmas; he gives a puzzling reason for the break up. The lady went online to call out the young man known as Emmanuel for breaking her heart. Crying bitterly, she said that Emmanuel broke up with her simply because she refused to pick his call. She wondered how he expected her to pick his call at 5 am when he call since she would be sleeping at such time. Reactions have followed … @PROMISE GOLDEN💙 commented: “Brother hood is proud of you Emmanuel 😅” @Yo Lucee ❤️🫶 remarked: “Fear guys that are called EMMANUEL 😂😂” @zaine commented: “me I go do ooo if emmanuel no do” @imosemoney2 said: “Emmanuel de avoid billing sis try understand e go come beg for January you hear 😂😂” Watch video below.

Abiodun Approves Bumper Christmas Bonus For Ogun Civil Servants  Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has approved an exciting end-of-year package for civil servants in the state.  The bonus, which spans across all levels of the workforce, aims to bring some succour amidst the economic challenges facing the country. The Christmas bonus ranges from 68% to a whopping 159% of the basic salary. Level 01 officers will receive an impressive 159%, while other levels will enjoy varying percentages according to a circular from the office of the State's Head of Service (HoS). Level 02 officers get (165), level 03 (135), level 04 (122), level 05 (113), level 06 (104), level 07 (88), level 08 (81), level 09 (88), level 10 (70). Others are level 12 (80), level 13 (80), level 14 (68), level 15 (70), level 16 (102), and level 17 (84). In monetary terms, levels 1-8 will receive N20,000 as bonus, levels 9 and 10 (N25,000), level 12 (N35,000), level 13 and 14 (N40,000), level 15 (N55,000), ...

Poly rusticates seven graduating students over ‘immoral sign-out celebration’ Isa Mustapha Agwai Polytechnic, IMAP, Lafia, Nasarawa State, has rusticated seven graduating female students for their involvement in what has been described as an “indecent” sign-out celebration. The decision was announced by Mr. Ali Hassan Mohammed, the Public Relations Officer of the state-owned institution, in a statement released on Friday in Lafia. According to the statement, the Academic Board of IMAP convened on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, and reached the decision to rusticate the students for one academic session. The rustication comes in the wake of the students’ alleged display of indecency, tarnishing the institution’s reputation during the sign-out celebration. “The affected students, who have already been communicated with, are to resume in the 2023/2024 academic session with letters of undertaking to be of good behavior from their guardians or parents, serving as a deterrent to others.” Ali Has...

Cheating men still love their spouses but women don’t – Frank Edoho Veteran media personality and TV host, Frank Edoho has asserted that a man can cheat even while still in love with his partner but it is “impossible” for a woman in love to cheat. He insinuated that it is the nature of men to cheat. The legendary presenter was featured as a guest in the latest episode of the Bahd And Boujee Podcast co-hosted by actress Moet Abebe and reality star Tolanibaj. Edoho said: “A man can cheat and still be in love with this woman, not the woman he cheated with. But a woman can’t be in love with someone and go and cheat.” The co-host, Abebe rebuffed: “I disagree. Uncle, no! I feel that there are women who can cheat without any emotional attachment. They are just cheating for whatever reason because they want to. And they also exude masculine energy.” Edoho insisted: “Let’s talk about the aftermath [of cheating]. After a woman cheated and found out that the sex was fantastic, are you going to te...

Men don’t like ‘overly successful’ women – Ini Edo Nollywood actress, Iniobong Edo has said some men see “overly successful” women as threats to their position as head of the home. She said men prefer submissive women that they can “control.” The thespian said, personally, she prefers to be a “queen,” stressing that she doesn’t like the idea of “lording over” a man. Speaking in the latest episode of Toke Makinwa’s podcast, Edo said, “Some men are threatened by women’s strength. Because we can come off as if we are doing too much. First of all, you’re a woman, you’re beautiful, you’re here and there… “Naturally, men want to see you [women] not so overly successful just so that they can pull you around, you can be the woman, cook and clean and do all the basic things that they’ve grown up to know is expected of women. “So when you get too strong, it’s almost like you’re competing with their ego. But the truth is, like I always say, I like to be the queen. I’m not a woman who is looking t...

‘Wizkid still future of Afrobeats’ – Skiibii Nigerian singer, Skiibii has said his Grammy-winning colleague, Wizkid, 33, is still the ‘future’ of Nigerian music and Afrobeats despite being in the industry for 15 years. He stated this while reacting to the Starboy boss’ latest project, ‘Soundman 2.’ Sharing a screenshot of the extended play, EP, via his Instagram story, Skiibii wrote: “#wizkidayo person wey don do like 15 years and still the future.” Recall that Wizkid won The Headies ‘Next Rated’, an award given to biggest prospect of the year in the Nigerian music industry in 2011.  

 AGAIN TROOPS OF OPERATION HADARIN DAJI RESCUED 52 KIDNAP VICTIMS IN SOKOTO STATE  In continuation with onslaught against terrorists through series of clearance operations in their Areas of Responsibilities, the combined troops of the Joint Task Force North-West Operation HADARIN DAJI (OPHD) have again rescued 52 kidnap victims in a successful and well coordinated operation in Isa LGA of Sokoto State. The feat was recorded on 22 December 2023, when the troops cleared and destroyed terrorist enclaves at Saruwa, Kubuta, Gundumi villages and Bunwanga Gundumi forest in Isa LGA of Sokoto state.  During the operation, the troops of the OPHD rescued 52 kidnap victims while several terrorists were neutralized.  The rescued victims include; 14 Males, 32 Females and 6 children who will undergo medical check-up, debrief and handover appropriate authorities to reunite them with their families. More photos below. 

How I killed our domestic staff who prevented me from committing suicide — Kano housewife A housewife, identified as Hafsat Surajo has narrated how she killed their domestic staff, Nafiu Hafiz who prevented her from attempting to commit suicide. Hafsat who made the confession when she was paraded before newsmen at the Kano Police headquarters, said the ugly incident leading to Nafiu’s death occurred when a quarrel ensued between them as he prevented her from achieving her mission. According to her, “I killed him because he prevented me from killing myself. “While he attempted to snatch the knife from my hand, a quarrel ensued between us and in the process I had a cut in my hand and blood was gushing out.  He asked me to go in and change. It was when I went in to change and was coming out, I saw him lying down saying he was not feeling fine and was on medication. I saw the knife by his side and I seized the opportunity to pick up the knife and stabbed him severally.” Hafsat narrated...

YULETIDE: NSCDC DEPLOYS 1500 PERSONNEL IN NIGER STATE TO PROVIDE A WATERTIDE SECURITY. The Niger state Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps NSCDC says it has deployed one thousand five hundred personnel across it's formations in the twenty five Local Government Area’s to tighten and beefs up security before, during and after the Christmas and New Year celebrations. State Commandant, Dr Elijah Etim Willie stated this while addressing officers and Men of the Command in Minna Niger state. Commandant Dr Elijah Etim Willie stressed the need for officers and men of the Niger state Command of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corp to be more vigilant considering the current security situation in the State. He however, reminded the personnel  of the need to protect critical national assets and infrastructure with due diligent and called on  officers deployed to exhibit high sense of professionalism while discharging their duties. The Commandant also directed for th...

Alleged Money Laundering: I Am Dying Of Cancer, Allow Me To Come Back Home — Diezani Begs President Tinubu ’I am a born again Christian and currently suffering from second stage cancer, which my United Kingdom’s physician adviseded me to continue taking medication for the rest of my life. Yes, no human is perfect, but some time, God Almighty allows some of such to happen. I have been accused of misappropriation when I was the petroleum minister, which is true! but I would like President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nigerians to forgive me to come back home and offer my contribution because life is temporal", a statement from EFCC says Diezani said in tears.  The statement from EFCC further reads; “My husband and my entire family members including My Nigeria lawyer based in the United Kingdom knew my relationship with Dauda Lawal Dare, the current Zamfara State governor whom I entrusted over 9 billion dollars for safe keeping while he was the Executive Director of the First Bank Nigeria P...

THE SPONSORED OKPOKO PROTEST WILL NOT STAND By Paul Nwosu Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo’s drive to weed touts out of Anambra State has given a bloody nose to the devil-may-care miscreants. It is of course expected that evil doers would always try to fight back by claiming to be victims. It is against this background that some  residents of Okpoko community in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State recently staged a protest against operatives of the State Anti-Touting Agency (SASA), claiming that they killed some of their residents. The protesters are not even sure of how many people they claim to have been killed because they keep mentioning any number from one to five. It would have made better sense for them to supply the names or bodies, if any, of the killed persons so that the police can conduct a proper investigation.  Aside from the claims on the alleged killing/s, the protesters also claimed that the operatives, armed with guns and other dangerous weapons, ha...

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY: PRESIDENT TINUBU ASSURES NIGERIANS THAT HE WILL ALWAYS BE FAIR TO ALL President Bola Tinubu says he will always be fair to all Nigerians and that his administration remains committed to advancing the unity of Nigeria, as well as ensuring the welfare and prosperity of all citizens.  Speaking at the Ansar-Ud-Deen Central Mosque in Surulere, Lagos, on Friday, the President said the economic reforms initiated by his government are aimed at establishing a robust and secure foundation for Nigerians today and for generations unborn. President Tinubu, who joined the Muslim Ummah to observe Jumaat prayers marking the centennial anniversary of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria (ADS), commended the Society for its service to humanity, contributions to the propagation of the tenets of Islam, and efforts in uplifting the downtrodden. He implored members of the Society to remain committed to their objectives of advancing the education of citizens, ...

 Kogi Governor  Yahaya Bello Gifts Vehicles To Judges, Lawmakers  The Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello on Friday distributed several vehicles in different brands, makes and categories to lawmakers and judges in the state. The Governor also gave out 25 ambulances to local governments and three brand new Fire Fighting Vans to the state’s Fire Service in Lokoja. Naija News understands the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Umar Yusuf, got a Jeep and two supporting cars while his deputy, majority leader and other 22 members got one vehicle each. Similarly, nine cars were presented to the judiciary for distribution to judges. Governor Bello told the beneficiaries during a ceremony at the Muhammadu Buhari Square, Lokoja that the gesture is to encourage them to do better in serving the state in their various positions. He also appreciated them for their hard work and commitment to the state so far. A breakdown of the 25 ambulances distributed shows that each of the 21 LGAs...

MY LATE HUSBAND (MR NATHAN MITHI) HAD A LOT OF CREDITS, I WAS NOT CHEATING ON HIM — SABBY PHIRI. BY Jubilee Malambo  A Widow SABBY PHIRI who has been accused of having multiple relationships which led to the alleged death of her husband Nathan Mithi a musician speaks out. Below is a statement authentic from her write up. Beyond the Accusations: The Unseen Reality of My Story Amidst the public portrayal of being a "bad wife," the reality I lived through was far more harrowing. Enduring years of spousal abuse, I found myself unjustly blamed for circumstances beyond my control, particularly my late husband's misguided accusation of being the cause of his demise. Behind closed doors, I bore the weight of relentless wife battering, a painful truth that remained hidden for far too long. However, it's crucial to unveil the concealed layers of our story—the ones obscured by accusations and social media narratives. It pains me to be implicated in my late husband's tragic d...

 CBN lifts ban on cryptocurrency transactions The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has lifted the ban placed on cryptocurrency transactions in Nigeria in a move to regulate its operations. The apex bank had in February 2021 restricted banks and other financial institutions from operating accounts for cryptocurrency service providers in view of the money laundering and terrorism financing (ML/TF) risks and vulnerabilities inherent in their operations as well as the absence of regulations and consumer protection measures. This is contained in the apex bank’s circular dated December 22, 2023, with reference number FPR/DIR/PUB/CIR/002/003, and signed by the Director, Financial Policy and Regulation Department, Haruna Mustafa. The CBN said current trends globally had shown that there is a need to regulate the activities of virtual assets service providers (VASPs) which include cryptocurrencies and crypto assets. The bank added that following this development, the Financial Action Task Forc...

Soun visits Olubadan, says Ibadan very strategic in Yorubaland Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye on Friday, December 22, described Ibadan as very strategic in the affairs of Yorubaland and Nigeria in general, saying the ancient city cannot be ignored for any reason.  Oba Ghandi, who was on Tuesday, December 18, installed as the 21st Soun of Ogbomoso, made the remark during his visit to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, at his Alarere, Ibadan residence. Accompanied by some of the principal Chieftaincy title holders of the ancient town, including: Are Ago, Iyalode and Abese, the new Soun, who described Ibadan as a home to him, noting that he was born in Catholic Hospital, Oluyoro, Oke-Ofa in the ancient metropolis and lived in Ibadan for 27 years.  He noted that the important and strategic position Ibadan occupies in the affairs of Yorubaland made it compelling for him to visit his brother Oba, the Olubadan of Ibadanland.  The visit which coincide...

Mbah hails Supreme Court judgment, promises better performance Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, has hailed the Supreme Court verdict upholding his election in the March 18, 2023 governorship poll, saying distractions were over, as he vowed to redouble efforts in the delivery of his mandate to make the state better. The Nation reports that the Supreme Court had affirmed the election of Peter Mbah of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the governor of Enugu state, dismissing the appeal of the Labour Party governorship candidate, Chijioke Edeoga. Mbah, who spoke at the Government House Enugu, described the process of the judicial review of his mandate by the Enugu State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal, the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court as a huge emotional journey, physical, and spiritual investment for the people of Enugu, thanked them for their support every step of the way, promising not to disappoint them. The governor said it was a victory for the people and a n...

 Why I accepted to run for second term, by Makinde Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde has revealed why he agreed to run for a second term in office after persuasion from religious leaders and other stakeholders. He said he would not have agreed to seek a re-election if he did not make up his mind to do more than what he did in his first term in office. Makinde, who said he achieved more than 90 percent of what he set out to do in his first term, appreciated the fathers of faith and the Christians in the state for their wise counsel, prayers and support all through 2023. The governor also acknowledged their efforts during the last election, saying that the church has been a strong pillar of support for his administration. The governor stated this during a special prayer and interactive session organised for him by the Fathers of Faith in Oyo State, a gathering that comprised notable General Overseers and Ministers of God in the state. The event, held at his Ikolaba GRA residence, was ...

 FG declares December 25, 26, January 1, 2024, public holidays The federal government has declared Monday 25, Tuesday, 26 December, 2023, and Monday, January, 1st 2024 as public holidays to mark Christmas and New Year’s Day celebrations respectively. The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the declaration on behalf of the federal government on Friday, December 22. He felicitated with Christians and all Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora on this occasion. Tunji-Ojo, in a statement signed by the acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Peter Egbodo, enjoined Christians to emulate the life of Jesus Christ in His practice and teachings of humility, service, compassion, patience, peace, and righteousness that His birth signifies. He emphasised that peace and security are critical prerequisites for economic development and prosperity. The minister assured that the federal government under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu would continue to put in place effective me...

‘If he were in China, Emefiele would face firing squad’ – Bayo Onanuga The Presidency has said the immediate past Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Godwin Emefiele, would have faced a firing squad if he were from China. President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said Emefiele and his gangs committed egregious misappropriation that would not be allowed in China. Onanuga was reacting to the Special Investigation on CBN and Related Entities, Chargeable Offences report. Jim Obazee’s report indicted Emefiele of misappropriating funds while he was CBN governor. The report claimed that the former CBN governor opened bank accounts without the approval of the apex bank’s Board of Directors and Investment Committee. According to the report, Emefiele illegally lodged billions of naira in about 593 bank accounts in the United States, United Kingdom, and China. Obazee disclosed that Emefiele deposited £543,482,213 in fixed deposits in UK banks alo...

Yuletide: Police arrest 37-year-old man for possessing fake naira notes in Enugu Police Operatives serving in Awkunanaw Division of the Enugu State Command on December 19, arrested a 37-year-old man named Chukwuebuka Igwebuike for possessing and transacting counterfeit Nigerian naira notes. The arrest was made at Afor Market, Garki Awkunanaw in Enugu, following a tip-off as the police officers recovered N362,000.00 worth of suspected fake currency from the suspect. According to the spokesman of the Enugu State police command, a preliminary investigation proved that the suspect confessed to the crime. He stated that the suspect used the fake one thousand Naira notes to buy items of small prices and get change for genuine smaller denominations. He disclosed that the suspect shall be arraigned in court and prosecuted accordingly once ongoing investigations are concluded. Consequently, the Commissioner of Police, Kanayo Uzuegbu, urged citizens of the State and the public to be vigilant and...

 Battleground for Portable vs Charles Okocha’s ring fight announced Nigerian influencer and event organizer, Lekan Olaleye, has unveiled the battleground for singer Portable and Charles Okocha’s ring fight. Portable and Charles Okocha were earlier at a press conference shown the belt that would be given to the winner of the fight. The fight is scheduled to take place on 26 December 2023, in Lagos State. Despite some scepticism regarding the legitimacy of the fight, the influencer’s post serves as confirmation that the bout is indeed set to happen on Tuesday. Unveiling the stage, he wrote; “This is the stage/ring where Portable and Charles Okocha will fight. Recall that Portable had in November called out actor Charles Okocha for ripping him off of 20 million paid for their Ambassadorship deal. Many people have taken to the comments section to share their observations. @ZubDev; “How much is the front seat abeg. I get Short slightness.” @kennyninobrown; “We are anticipating this figh...

Emefiele, ex-minister, 14 others indicted in CBN probe ...Investigator’s report shows massive plunder of apex bank ...N31.78b paid to print new naira notes ...£543.45m fixed in British bank ...N1.62tr COVID-19 funds unaccounted for Former Central Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele and a minister are to face trial over the scandal that rocked the apex bank in the last one year, it was learnt yesterday. After a five-month probe, Emefiele, the minister and 14 others who have been implicated in over N26.6 trillion fraud, have been recommended for trial. Those implicated include former and serving top officials of the apex bank. No fewer than 16 former government and CBN officials were alleged to have indulged in fraudulent use of ‘Ways and Means,’ which stood at N26.627 trillion. Also, a former influential aide of former President Muhammadu Buhari may be arraigned with Emefiele. In September 2022, the aide had allegedly told Emefiele to proceed with the naira redesign. The printing of the new n...