PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 Deporting 12000 Nigerians will worsen insecurity, Akpabio begs Germany  President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has urged the German government to not deport about 12,000 illegal migrants into Nigeria, saying such a move will aggravate security challenges in the country. Akpabio made the call on Wednesday when the German Ambassador to Nigeria, Annette Gunther paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja. He begged the German government to halt its move of deporting 12,000 illegal migrants of Nigerian extraction, as this can create more insecurity in the country.

 Hike In Flour Price: ‘Gurasa’ Sellers Down Tools In Kano Manufacturers of ‘Gurasa’ – a local bread in Kano down tools on Friday over hike in the price of flour. According to the leader of the Gurasa Manufacturers Association, Fatima Auwal Chediyar Yan Gurasa, they chose to embark on an indefinite strike until the market becomes favourable. She said, “The price of the flour which is our major commodity is too high. The price of a bag of flour is now more than N40,000. What are we going to do?” She pointed out that the majority of the manufacturers were single mothers fending for their families, but the price of flour is now threatening their capital. “Before the people selling the flour tonus used to give us on credit and we pay after sale, but they don’t do that anymore. “The essence of this peaceful protest is to draw the attention of authorities that we are facing serious trouble. We will soon be out of business if something is not done. Already the business is not that strong and f

 Gombe Court Jails Woman Three Years  for N3m Fraud   The Gombe Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, has secured the conviction and sentencing  of Rose Dogara Silas Gyar  to three years imprisonment.      She was jailed by Justice Abdul Hamid of the Gombe State High Court sitting in Gombe after pleading guilty to one-count charge bordering on cheating to the tune of N3,000,000 (Three Million Naira only), contrary to Section 322 of the Penal Code.   Her lone-count charge reads: “That you Rose Dogara Silas Gyar between 17th and 30th December 2021, at Gombe, Gombe State within the jurisdiction of this honourable court dishonestly induce Saifullahi Sani Abdullahi to entrust to you the sum of N3,000,000 which you received via your company Gloprenuers Enterprises, whose account is domiciled in Fidelity Bank PLC, with account number: 5600544823  by fraudulently representing to him that the sum has been paid as collateral for the agricultural loan facility approved fo

 EFCC Arraigns Businessman for Alleged N10m Fraud in Benin The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on Monday, January 29, 2024 arraigned a businessman, James Bodisowei, before Justice (Professor) C. A. Obiozor of the Federal High Court sitting in Benin City, Edo State. Bodisowei was arraigned on a 4-count charge by the Benin Zonal command of the Commission for allegedly obtaining the sum of N10,000,000 from one Amah Mathias under false pretence. He is alleged to have defrauded the victim under the pretence of supplying him with 1,000,000 liters of automated gas oil (AGO). One of the counts read: That You JAMES BODISOWEI (M) on or about the 18th day of November, 2021 in Benin City, Edo State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court with intent to defraud did obtain the sum of N5,000.000.00 (Five million naira) from Amah Nchekwube Mathias via your bank account number: 0074094768 domiciled in Sterling Bank under the false pretence that same was part-payment for the purc

 Six Bag Jail Terms in Kaduna for Internet Fraud Justices Darius Khobo  and Amina Ahmed Bello of the Kaduna State High Court sitting in Kaduna, separately convicted and sentenced six persons to various  jail  terms for internet and land fraud. While Justice Bello convicted and sentenced five persons to eight years imprisonment for internet fraud,  Justice Khobo jailed one person seven years for land fraud.   Those convicted by Justice Bello are Victory Godwin (a.k.a Felix Liam) Blessed Bartholomew (a.k.a Dave Gahan) Shedrack Bisalla (a.k.a Robert Downey Jr),  Bello Abiodun, and Friday Markus while Kabiru Liman was jailed by Justice Khobo. They all pleaded guilty to one-count separate charges when they were read to them.   The charge against Godwin reads: “ That you, Victory Godwin(a.k.a Felix Liam) "M", sometimes in December, 2023, in Kaduna within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, impersonated one Felix Liam, purportedly residing in the United States of America (USA

 Jump out of a plane, dangerous thing I’ve done – Tems Multiple award-winning singer, Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems recounted how her uncle convinced her to do the most dangerous thing ever. Speaking in a recent interview with Elle, Tems recalled a daredevil experience where she was forced to jump out of a plane while skydiving. The Oscar-nominated diva said jumping out of the plane was the most dangerous thing she has ever done. Tems: “The most dangerous thing I’ve ever done is jump out of a plane. I don’t even know how high but I went skydiving once. And I think for a second I was like, ‘Am I dying? I don’t know who sent me to do this. I don’t know why I decided to do this but here I am falling.’ “My uncle convinced me and my cousins to jump. I was like, ‘Wow! So cool. Daredevil.’ And then we got into the plane and I was like I will just stay in the plane and they said I can’t. They pushed us out.”

 Adekunle Gold begs fans for dollars Afrobeats singer and songwriter, Adekunle Almoruf Kosoko, known professionally as Adekunle Gold, has sent out a video message to his followers and fans. AG baby in the video was heard and seen soliciting fans to send him money in dollars. In a post captioned “Send dollars,” the singer could be heard saying that he is aware that he recently mentioned in one of his songs that money brings happiness, but right now, he has backtracked. He went on to reveal that he is unhappy and sad, and the only thing that can make him happy is to be sent money/dollars. His statement: “The way I am tired and sad today, as I dey like this, na only money fit make me smile.” “And yes, I know I said money no dey bring happiness, but today, I changed my mind. So if you like me and you want me to smile, send dollars.”

 Ruth Kadiri not getting enough credit, says X users Some Nigerians have poured encomium on actress Ruth Kadiri for introducing new artistes in her movies. An X user, Chude Nnamdi, who fronted the movement, said Ruth Kadiri isn’t getting enough credits for her impact in the Nollywood scene especially amongst rising actors.  The mother of two was praised with other Nollywood artistes who carved a niche for themselves on the streaming app, Youtube, stating it shows how big the Nollywood industry has grown. Chude also warned Nigerians not to relent because they are sleeping on the monetary benefits of the digital world. “Ruth Kadiri doesn’t get enough credit for bringing more than 9 young actors to the spotlight through YouTube. “The fact that many Nolloywood movie producers are creating a niche for themselves on YouTube shows how big Nollywood has grown. “Nigerians are sleeping on this side of the digital world.” Others who agreed with Chude Nnamdi’s tweet responded with beautiful words

 Gunmen attack patrol team, kill policeman in Ebonyi Police have launched a manhunt for gunmen who attacked a patrol van in the Ngbo-Effium axis in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State on Thursday leading to the death of an officer. Another officer was also injured by the gunmen who engaged the police team in a gun duel, spokesperson for Ebonyi Command, Joshua Ukandu said in a statement on Friday in Abakaliki, capital of the state. “On 01/02/2024 at about 11:00 am, Operatives of the Command on patrol along Ngbo-Effium Road were attacked by armed hoodlums using an Ash coloured Toyota Sienna with registration number unknown.” “The Commissioner of Police, Ebonyi State Police Command, CP Augustina Ogbodo immediately dispatched tactical teams of the command to the scene. “The team are on the trail of the hoodlums. Meanwhile, calm and normalcy have been restored to the area,” he said. “The CP is using this medium to call on well-meaning individuals of the State to avail the Command

6 Men land in prison for allegedly stealing N500m 'Malaika' film Operatives of the Force Criminal Investigation Department, FCID, Alagbon Close, Ikoyi, Lagos have arrested six suspected thieves and charged them before a Lagos Magistrates Court for allegedly conniving to steal a film titled MALAIKA worth N500,000,000 belonging to the complainant Toyin Abraham. Police identified the defendants as Iyanda Kehinde Oseni; Adekunle Segun; Adebiyi Sodiq; Agboola Motunrayo; Adebiyi Suliat and Oseni Akano. The defendants were charged before the Igbosere Magistrate Court sitting at the Tinubu Magistrates’ Court, Lagos Island, Lagos on a four-count charge bordering on stealing and an attempt to pervert Justice. Police Counsel, Morufu Animashaun informed the court in the charge marked A/3/2024 that the defendants committed the offence in January 2024 at Apapa, Lagos. Animashaun told the court that the defendants connived to unlawfully steal a film titled MALAIKA on the internet worth N500,0

 Court refuses to dismiss terrorism charges against Fubara’s CoS, Edison Ehie Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon of the Federal High Court in Abuja has refused to dismiss the terrorism charges brought against five loyalists of Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State. The Judge on Friday declined to terminate the charges as requested by Hon Edison Ehie, the current Chief of Staff to the governor. The court held that Ehie, who was the factional Speaker of Rivers State House of Assembly, lacked legal powers to request for dismissal of the charges. Olajuwon upheld the submission of the counsel to the Inspector General of Police, IGP, Simon Lough, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, that Ehie was not yet competent to make any application until he appears in court to take his plea in the terrorism charges. Ehie, through his lawyer, Oluwole Aladedoye SAN, had applied that the criminal charges against him and others be dropped on various grounds. He claimed that the Federal High Court in Abuja has no juri

 Nigeria Police crackdown on counterfeit syndicates in Gombe, seize $56,300, N265,000 The Gombe State Police Command have arrested 12 individuals linked to two counterfeit syndicates operating within the state. The suspects, six from each group, were found in possession of $56,300 in counterfeit US dollars and N265,000 in fake Nigerian naira notes. According to the Police, both syndicates specialized in producing counterfeit notes of both the US dollar and the Nigerian naira. The spokesperson for the state police command, ASP Mahid Abubakar, revealed that the arrests were carried out in various locations, spanning the Bajoga, Funakaye and Dukku local government areas of Gombe State. According to the PPRO, the members of one of the groups were arrested in possession of 500 counterfeit pieces of 100 dollars and N265,000. Mahid stated that they were busted after one Buba Muhammadu tried to buy drugs from one Muhammad Ismail in Sangaru quarters in Bajoga with a counterfeit N1,000 note, sta

 Joeboy announces exit from Empawa Music, launches own label, Young Legend Nigerian singer, Joseph Akinfenwa Donus, popularly known as Joeboy, has parted ways with Empawa Music, which is owned by Mr Eazi. The singer signed a dual deal with global music giant, Warner Music. The dual deal sees Joeboy launch his record label called Young Legend as well as being Warner Music’s latest flagship artist. Sharing a ritual-themed clip announcing the launch of his record label via X, Joeboy wrote: “Dawn of a new era. Young Legend is alive.” DAILY POST recalls that Joeboy joined Empawa Music five years ago and gained prominence with the release of his hit single, ‘Baby.’ He was nominated for the Next Rated category at the 2019 Headies Awards but lost to Rema.

 JAMB Apprehends CBT Manager Over  Chat with 15-Year-Old Candidate A Joint Admission and Matriculation Board, JAMB, Computer Based Test, CBT,  manager has been arrested for allegedly engaging in inappropriate online communication with a 15-year-old candidate, utilizing information obtained during her exam registration.  The incident came to light when the candidate's mother, who used her phone number for registration, received concerning messages.  The mother in a social media post accused JAMB of negligence and lack of data security, prompting an investigation. The CBT manager accessed the phone number from the registration form, mistakenly assuming he was communicating directly with the candidate. Despite being aware of the teenager's age, he persisted in messaging and advised confidentiality.  JAMB initiated an internal investigation, and collaborated with law enforcement, leading to the swift arrest of the accused staff and an alleged accomplice. JAMB's ICT consultant a

 Saraki, Emir of Ilorin Condemn Killing of Kwara Monarch, Condoles with Koro Community Former Senate President, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has expressed shock over the killing of the Olukoro of Koro, in Ekiti local government area of Kwara State, Oba Peter Olusegun Aremu-Cole, and the kidnap of his family members.  In a statement by Dr Saraki's Spokesman on Local Matters, Abdulganiyu Abdulqadir, condemned the act, describing it as dastardly, inhuman, and unpardonable. He condoled with the traditional council of Koro, the royal family, and the people of Koro over the loss, praying God Almighty to grant them the fortitude to bear it. Dr Saraki expressed concern over the worsening spate of insecurity in Kwara, charging the government to secure lives and property. In his comment, the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman Kwara Traditional Rulers Council, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari,  in a statement by his spokesman, Mallam Abdulazeez Arowona, appealed to security agencies to intensify efforts to

 Muslims Urged To Exercise Caution In Operating Joint Account, Property Muslims have been urged to adhere strictly to Islamic Injunctions on sharing of inherited property  to avoid inccuring the wrath of God. The Chief Imam of the High Court Mosque, Imam Jamiu Hannafi-Gere made the call in his Juma'at sermon in Ilorin, the Kwara state capital. He advised Muslims to exercise caution in operating  joint account or property with their spouses to prevent crisis in the future. According to him, Islam is explicit on issues regarding sharing of inherited property between husband, wives and children. Imam Hannafi-Gere explained that the sharing of deceased property in Islam does not recognised the idea of acquiring joint property by family. The cleric maintained that the property of deceased Muslim is expected to be shared among his wives and children based on Islamic rules without recourse to any member of the family's contribution.  He also warned Muslims against writing a frivolous

 Sule Lamido Donates Multi Billion House To Jigawa University Former Jigawa State Governor, Dr Sule Lamido has donated his country house to the Jigawa State government. This was contained in a statement made available to newsmen by Lamido’s media aide, Mansur Ahmed, in Dutse. The edifice located at Bamaina village in Birnin kudu local government area of the state would be utilised as Institute for Islamic Studies and Research under the Sule Lamido University, Kafin Hausa. Dr Sule Lamido said that he built the house with the hope of donating it for a cause after his demise. He also promised to upgrade the house and construct additional structures befitting of a research centre. “He dedicated the house as a way of giving back to the people, who trusted him and gave him the mandate to develop the state,” the statement says. In his remarks, the Jigawa state secretary to the state government, Alhaji Bala Ibrahim commended the gesture, and described Sule Lamido as patriotic citizen who has p

  PHOTO NEWS.  MANAGING DIRECTOR SAFETY SIGNATURES LIMITED, DR CYNTHIA GREGG VISITS LAGOS NSCDC STATE COMMANDANT, CONGRATULATES HIM ON APPOINTMENT, MAKES PRESENTATIONS. The Managing Director, Safety Signatures Limited, Dr Cynthia Gregg, visited the State Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps ( NSCDC ), Lagos State Command, Mr Adedotun Keshinro in his office today, Thursday, 1st February, 2024. The visitor, aforementioned above seized the opportunity to congratulate the State Commandant on his new appointment. She also made presentations of a congratulatory banner and calendars to the State Commandant to mark a remarkable welcome. The visit was amongst other things volitional towards ensuring continuous partnership with the Command, in areas bordered around training of youths in Ikorodu community, where the company had one time donated its training facility to be used by the NSCDC for such purpose and school safety policy revamp through well researched and improving NSCDC

 Adelami Sworn in as Ondo Deputy Gov The new Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Mr. Olayide Owolabi Adelami, has been sworn in by the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Olusegun Odusola. Adelami was sworn in at the International Conference Centre (The Dome) in Akure, the state capital, on Thursday. Addressing the gathering during the swearing-in ceremony, the state Governor, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, expressed confidence in the ability of Adelami to contribute meaningfully to the state’s progress. According to him, the new deputy governor is a seasoned technocrat, administrator, philanthropist and politician, who had served the nation creditably at various levels, including serving as Deputy Clerk of the National Assembly, before his eventual retirement.  His words: “He is an urbane gentleman who had paid his dues in the service and development of Ondo State, and the nation at large. I have no doubt that finding himself again in a familiar terrain, he will serve with integrity, devotion, loyalt

 A 48-year-old lawyer claims he is in love with his 103-year-old girlfriend, despite sceptics thinking their love isn’t real. Mart Soeson, from Estonia,  has been in a relationship with Elfriede Riit, 103, since 2013 and the couple lived together until she was forced to move into a nursing home in 2022.  Now, Soeson is pleading to stay in Australia to be with his older girlfriend. Ms Riit, who was also born in Estonia, is the widow of Mr Soeson’s grandfather. She was his second wife and will celebrate her 104th birthday later in February. Despite the fact that Ms Riit was married to his grandfather, Mr Soeson insists he is in love with her. The couple insists their 55-year age gap is irrelevant and they should be allowed to continue their “exclusive committed long-term” romance for whatever time Ms Riit has left to live. “What started out as a wholesome bond I had with my late grandfather’s widow slowly but surely turned into a very meaningful and loving relationship,” Mr Soeson told D

 PLATEAU SECURITY: CHIEF OF DEFENCE STAFF FACT-FINDING TEAM ENGAGES CRITICAL STAKEHOLDERS TO ADDRESS PROLONGED CRISIS A Fact-Finding Team, formed by Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa (CDS), met with key stakeholders in Plateau State to seek viable solutions in bringing an end to the long-standing crises. The meeting, held at the 3 Division Auditorium Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Jos, was attended by representatives from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), local Fulani community, and other local residents. Led by Major General Augustine Agundu (Rtd), the team of seven members, was formed  to gather on-the-ground insights and formulate effective strategies to resolve the prolonged conflict in the state. The meeting aimed to seek input and advice from the federal and state governments, as well as the military, on how to conclusively halt the crisis. During his opening speech, Major General Agundu emphasized the necessity of unity, denounceme

 *Anambra Factory Workers Safety Bill Passes Second Reading*  By Chizoba Okeke Anastasia Agunwa Gloria Abugu A bill for a law to ensure the safety, health and welfare of factory workers and all persons lawfully present at factories and for other connected purposes have been read for the second time by the Anambra State House of Assembly. The sponsor of the bill Mr. Golden Iloh while leading the debate said the bill seek to ensure that workers in different factories in Anambra State is provided with safety kits.  According to Mr. Iloh, the member representing Ihiala 2 constituency, different factories in Anambra do not protect their workers who inhale chemicals and are left on their fate; nobody bothers about what happens to them.  "These chemicals inhaled by this factory workers are dangerous to health. Most of them operate mechines with bare hands without protective gloves.  "As lawmakers, we owe our people a duty of speaking for them because many of them cannot approach the

Anambra Assembly Passes Trafficking In Persons, Enforcement and Administration Bill into Law By Anastasia Agunwa/ Chizoba Okeke/Gloria Abugu The Anambra State House of Assembly has passed into law a Bill prohibiting Trafficking In Persons, enforced and administered measures against trafficking and for related matters on the floor of the State Legislature. The passage followed the report  of the Joint House Committee on Judiciary and Committee on Women and Social Welfare on Trafficking In Persons(Prohibition), Enforcement and Administration Bill, 2024, presented by the House Committee Chairman on Judiciary, Mr. Patrick Okafor, considered clause by clause at the 'Joint Committee of the Whole' by the entire lawmakers before its third reading and final passage into Law during plenary on January 30. The Law seeks to provide an effective, comprehensive legal and institutional framework for the prohibition, prevention, detection, prosecution and punishment of human trafficking in Anam

 81% Of Working Nigerians Don’t Add Value To The Economy – Presidential Team About 81% of Nigerians in the employment pool are not in any productive sector of the economy, the Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reform Committee, Taiwo Oyedele, has said. Oyedele said while the unemployment rate in Nigeria is relatively low at 4.2%, most employed Nigerians do not add any meaningful value to the economy. Speaking Thursday at the Africa Trade and Investment Summit, he said Nigeria has the same unemployment rate as the United Kingdom. He said: “About 81% of people in employment in Nigeria are engaged in a non-productive sector of the economy. They are doing things that do not add value in the real sense of the world. “That is the reason our unemployment rate even though is just 4.2%, similar to that of the UK. Our poverty rate is still one of the highest in the world. We have over 113 million people living in poverty as of 2022 and it is most likely to have increased because