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 Veteran Yoruba actor, Olaiya Igwe apologises for praying naked for  Tinubu Olaiya Igwe, the esteemed Yoruba actor also known as Ebun Oloyede, has issued a public apology to Nigerians for going naked at a beach to campaign for Bola Tinubu. In a now-deleted video shared on his Instagram account on Monday, the actor explained that his actions were driven by a divine revelation he claimed to have received regarding Tinubu. In the video, Igwe acknowledged Tinubu’s assistance, particularly in matters related to his health, as the reason behind his show of support for the politician. Speaking in Yoruba, Olaiya said, “Because of things he has done for me, health-wise, and I received a revelation to pray for him at the beach, which I did. “I was criticised and cursed after I did, but I didn’t care. I wasn’t annoyed with him (Tinubu), and neither did I react negatively to him. I knew the criticism was inevitable because I am a much-loved actor. “People who didn’t expect my actions must have bee

 Boko Haram kills policeman, two civilians, burns palace in Yobe Boko Haram insurgents have carried out a series of attacks in Damaturu Local Government Area of Yobe State, resulting in the tragic loss of lives and destruction of property. The attacks occurred at midnight on Saturday, with gunshots echoing through the village located 17km away from Damaturu, the state capital. During the onslaught, a mobile policeman and two civilians were killed, while the district head’s palace in Kukareta, situated on the Damaturu-Maiduguri Road, was set ablaze by the assailants. Eyewitnesses report that the attackers, believed to be Boko Haram insurgents, descended upon homes, looting food items and burning houses. “We lost three people, including a police mobile officer who died of a gunshot wound during the attack,” recounted a witness. Major General Dahiru Abdulsalam (rtd), the state security adviser, in a press statement confirmed that suspected Boko Haram terrorists carried out the assault, bu

  TRAGEDY AFTER MOTHER IN-LAW GOES TO DEMAND BALANCE OF DAUGHTER'S BRIDE PRICE 5th February A mother in-law has got something she never bargained for after she stormed her in-law’s place demanding him to pay balance of pride price, promised since 2014. Reports say Chansi Ngoma only managed to pay a little above half of the total bride price when he came to marry the woman 10 years ago No longer comfortable with delay in getting the balance, the mother in-law accompanied by a sister of hers stormed Chansi Ngoma’s place in Rufunsa, a neighbuorhood  in Lusaka Zambia,  to get the balance of K10, 000 price. After a while of their waiting, they watched the 24 year old man go inside the house, and believing that he had gone to fetch the bride price; but something else was playing out there. It was after noticing that her husband had taken long in coming out of the bedroom that his wife Maria Ngoma, followed She was stunned by what she met: her husband was gasping for air, after taking an

 CYBER SECURITY: POLICE ARRAIGNS BONSE IN CONNECTION WITH PATRICIA’S FINANCIAL SECURITY BREACH ….As IGP directs National Cybercrime Centre to Sustain Fight Against CyberCrime, Fraud In furtherance of the Police's zeal to safeguard Nigeria's, and by extension, global cyber space, the Nigeria Police National CyberCrime Centre, on Thursday, 1st February 2024, advancing on the heels of a clinical investigation, arraigned one Wilfred Bonse before the Federal High Court Abuja.   The suspect, one Bonse, a resident of Flat 6 block 9, Aso garden Estate karsana, Abuja, allegedly participated in a case of conspiracy to commit computer-related fraud, money laundering and sundry offenses to the tone of 50 million naira contrary to sections Section 14(1) of the Cybercrime (prohibition, prevention, ETC) Act ,2015, Sections 20(a)(b) & 21(a) of the money laundering (prevention and prohibition) Act, 2022. The arraignment was a step further in the pursuit of justice in the investigation of Pa

KING CHARLES 111 DIAGONISED WITH CANCER  King Charles has been diagnosed with a form of cancer, says Buckingham Palace. It is not prostate cancer, but was discovered during his recent treatment for an enlarged prostate. No further details are being shared on the stage of cancer or a prognosis.but the palace had announced that he has been undergoing regular treatment.  The King informed both his sons personally about his diagnosis. Prince William and Harry were said to be in regular contact with tbeir father. Although he will pause his public events, the King will continue with his constitutional role as head of state, including paperwork and private meetings. There is a constitutional mechanism for when the head of state is unable to carry out official duties - in that circumstance "counsellors of state" can be appointed to stand in for the monarch. Prince William had also temporarily withdrawn from public engagements while he helped his wife Catherine, the Princess of Wales,

 Abducted Baby Sold For N800,000 Rescued In Lagos Market  A baby, allegedly sold by a maid for N800,000, has been found in a market in the Shomolu area of Lagos State.  An X user, #Dannysleek, in a now deleted tweets, had on Saturday raised an alarm that a maid hired through an agency  absconded with the baby.  The maid identified as Ruth Okezie from Anambra State, reportedly absconded with the baby from the home in Shomolu around 2am on Saturday.  After the report went viral on social media, the maid was said to have been found in Ikorodu, without the baby, where she confessed to selling the baby for N800,000.  In a post on his X handle on Monday morning, the Lagos Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, disclosed that the baby was rescued by the police after she was abandoned in Alade Market in the Shomolu area of the state.  He wrote, "Due to intense manhunt and pressure from the police, the buyer in the early hours of today abandoned the baby in Alade Market, Shomo

 Marriage is not an achievement – Actress Mary Njoku Nollywood actress, Mary Njoku has stated that marriage is not an achievement. The actress, who spoke while condemning women who are pressuring others to get married, noted that the majority of the married women are not happy in their marriages, but dare not say it out. Buttressing her point in a post on her Instagram page, Njoku warned married women to allow the singles to breathe. “Dear married women, Enough! Marriage is not an achievement. Finding the RIGHT partner is. “Give the singles space to make the biggest decisions of their lives and find GOOD partners in peace. Over 60% of couples claim happiness often because of societal expectations. That was how Ifeoma was pushed to marry nonsense. Every weekend na hospital appointment for black eye, and spiritual warfare against physical side chicks. “Yet she is among those trolling single girls for the same marriage. Rest Biko . Focus on the Economy! And Let the singles BREATHE.”

 STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE  PRESIDENT TINUBU MOURNS ICONIC ACTOR AND PLAYWRIGHT, JIMI SOLANKE It is with a heavy heart that President Bola Tinubu receives the news of the passing of Nigeria's creative icon, Mr. Jimi Solanke, who died on Monday. Baba Solanke was an actor, dramatist, folk singer, poet, and playwright.  President Tinubu mourns the literary and cultural virtuoso and describes him as one of the finest of Nigeria's creative artists and bastion of our cherished mores and cultural heritage. The President condoles with the Solanke family and all those who mourn this painful loss while praying for the peaceful repose of the beloved departed. Chief Ajuri Ngelale  Special Adviser to the President  (Media & Publicity) February 5, 2024

 Legendary Nigerian actor Jimi Solanke dies at 81 The veteran actor, and folk singer, died on Monday, February 5. He was 81. The Nation learnt that Chief Solanke died while being rushed to Babcock University Teaching Hospital. He was said to have been in and out of hospital from December until he died on Monday morning. Hon Dickson Awolaja representing Remo North State Constituency at the state Assembly confirmed his death on Monday afternoon. Hon Awolaja said: “I got wind of the demise of Pa Jimi Solanke not long ago. “His death is no doubt another big loss to us in Remo North and Ogun State as a whole given his worthy contributions to the development of our dear nation. “May his soul rest in peace.”

 Edo guber: ‘Abure must go’ protest rocks Edo LP …as security agents confiscate journalists’ cameras Hell was let loose on Sunday evening at Edo State Labour Party secretariat, Benin, as hundreds of the party youths protested against the party national chairman, Barrister Julius Abure. The angry youths who besieged the state party secretariat, accused Abure of alleged support for some aspirants ahead of the party governorship primary to be held later this month. The angry youths who carried placards bearing different inscriptions chanted, “Abure must go; Abure must go.” They were, however, prevented from entering the building by security operatives, who confiscated video cameras belonging to two national television stations who were recording the protest. It took the intervention of the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Edo State council, Comrade Festus Alenkhe before the cameras were retrieved from the overzealous security operatives. The protesting youths alleged that the

 Hard times over soon – First Lady assures Nigerians The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu has assured that hard times being faced by Nigerians will soon come to an end with the right policies of the Federal Government. The President’s wife gave the assurance on Monday in the State House during a meeting with the Governors Wives on her pet project, Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI). She assured that the year 2024 is loaded with “peace, progress, prosperity and greater achievements’’ to the advantage of all Nigerians. Mrs Tinubu commended the governors’ wives for their efforts and supports in year 2023, urging them not to relent in addressing the needs of the vulnerable in their states. “Times like this calls for sober reflection, hence, all hands must be on deck. Moreover, the hardship situation is temporary, it will soon fade away. “The mission of the RHI is driven by my office to complement the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration of President Tinubu,’’ she said. She said Women Agricu

 Gov Yusuf vows to personally inform Tinubu of economic hardship, hunger in Kano In response to mounting concerns over economic hardship and hunger in Kano State, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf declared on Monday that he plans to have a direct conversation with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The Governor made this announcement during a meeting with the business community and stakeholders at the Kano State Government House, emphasizing the urgent need for intervention to alleviate the suffering of the people. Governor Yusuf acknowledged the nationwide challenges of prevailing hardship and hunger, but highlighted the necessity of presenting the specific case of Kano as his constituency to President Tinubu. In his words, “I will personally go and ask President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene and check the prevailing hunger situation in Kano State, so as to save our people from starvation.” Expressing concern over the alarming increase in inflation affecting food items and daily necessities, Gover

 “I used to respect this lady, I didn’t know she is very stup!d” Drama as Chizzy Alichi and Laide Bakare clash online Nollywood actresses, Chizzy Alichi and Laide Bakare are starting this week with drama as the two drag each other online. Laide Bakare had revealed via her Instagram page how Chizzy Alichi intimidated her at a rehearsal and how she gave her a nasty reaction when she asked her for something. She said in the clip on her Instagram page, “If you see what Chizzy Alichi did d to me during rehearsal, she intimidated me. I only asked her for something, and if you see the way she reacted”. In her caption, Laide stated that she wouldn’t gree for anyone this year and let Chizzy know that she is coming for her. She wrote, “@chizzyalichi I’m coming for you. This year I no dey gree for anybody”. Taking to her comment section, Chizzy stated that now she can see why Laide was eyeing her on set, unknowingly that she is jealous of her. “See jealousy. No wonder you were eyeing me on that s

 Ogun yet to take possession Of Abeokuta-Ota-Lagos Expressway - Abiodun's aide  Work is yet to begin on the reconstruction of the Abeokuta-Ota-Lagos Expressway because the Ogun State Government is still waiting for final approval of the concessioning of the road from the Federal Government. It will be recalled that the Minister of Works, David Umahi, announced in October last year, during a briefing after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the Aso Villa, that the Federal Government had finally concessioned the all important road to the Ogun State Government to reconstruct after several efforts made to that effect by the Governor Dapo Abiodun-led administration. The reconstruction was to be carried out under the Highway Development and Management Initiative (HDMI), with the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) and the Federal Ministry of Finance to be involved in the process. Special Adviser to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Media, Mr. Kayode Akinmade, speaki

 Faithia Williams sweetly celebrates her estranged husband, Saidi Balogun on his birthday Nollywood actress, Faithia Williams has sweetly celebrated her estranged husband and father of her kids, Saidi Balogun on his birthday today. The former power couple, both turn a new age today and have taken to social media to celebrate their new age. In a lengthy post on his Instagram page, Saidi described the past year as a roller coaster with highs and lows, curves and bends. However, his engine keeps moving and never topples The Yoruba actor stated that he was not just celebrating his birthday today, but was celebrating all Aquarius worldwide, most especially February born and those who share the same date with him.

 Uyo Court Sends Three Internet Fraudsters to Jail Justice Chigozie Sergius Onah of the Federal High Court sitting in  Uyo, Akwa Ibom State has convicted and sentenced three internet fraudsters to different jail terms  for offences bordering on criminal impersonation, internet fraud and possession of fraudulent documents. The convicts Abraham Itoro Sunday, Ezea Chidera Charles and Udoh Christopher Gabriel were jailed on Thursday, February 1, 2024  upon their  arraignment by the Uyo Zonal Command of  the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on one-count separate charge bordering on cybercrimes. The lone-count charge reads:  “That you Abraham Itoro  Sunday ' M' sometime in 2023 within the jurisdiction of this honourable court did fraudulently impersonate Brian O' Noel on Facebook with the intent to gain advantage for yourself and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 22 (2)(b)(I) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, prevention) Act 2015 and punishable under

 Gunshots As Niger Residents Troop To Streets Over Hardship Gunshots were fired by the Police to disperse residents of Minna, the Niger State capital, who were protesting against the rising cost of living. As early as 7am on Monday, a group of women blocked Minna-Bida Road at the popular Kpakungu roundabout to express their grievances over the rising cost of food items. In Kano, a 50kg bag of sugar at Singer Market is now selling at N73, 000 as against N62, 000 sold in early January. They were later joined by men, who stopped vehicles from moving. Efforts by the police to control the crowd almost resulted in violence as protesters asked police to leave, forcing the police to fire several shots in the air. “The Federal Government needs to take action to reduce the hardship being faced by the poor Nigerians. Things are becoming unbearable,” he said. Spokesperson of the Niger State Police Command, DSP Wasiu Abiodun, could not be reached as at the time of filing this report. Daily Trust ha

 Emir of Kaura Namoda Solicits For Legal And Islamic Studies College  Emir of Kaura Namoda, Major Sanusi Mohammed Ahmed Asha (rtd) has solicited for the timely approval for the take off of Zamfara State College of Legal and Islamic Studies, Kaura Namoda by the Executive Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal. The emir made the plea during the distribution of fertilizer, tillers and other family inputs to farmers in the emirate for irrigation, performed by the state Governor, Dauda Lawal on Sunday in Kaura Namoda. Major Sanusi Mohammed (rtd) who commended Governor Dauda Lawal for keeping promises and initiatives aimed at developing the state in all ramifications said the Emirate is in full support of the state Community Protection Guards (CPG) nicknamed ‘AskarawA’ recently inaugurated by the governor to augment the effort of the conventional security operatives to restore normalcy in the state. The Emir who in his remarks during the event thanked the Governor for allocation of over N350

EFCC Arrests Pastor for N1.3billion Fake Grants, Money Laundering Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested the General Overseer of Faith On The Rock Ministry International, Apostle Theophilus Oloche Ebonyi, for defrauding church members and other Nigerians to the tune of N1, 319,040,274.31(One Billion Three Hundred and Nineteen Million, Forty Thousand, Two Hundred and Seventy Four Naira, Thirty One Kobo) by using fake grants from the Ford Foundation. Ebonyi was arrested for defrauding his victims, comprising Non Governmental Organisations, NGOs and individuals by advertising an intervention project through his NGO (Theobarth Global Foundation) claiming that the Ford Foundation  was offering a grant of $20,000, 000 (Twenty Billion United State Dollars) to assist the less-privileged in the society. He allegedly beguiled his victims to subscribe as beneficiaries of the phony grant by asking them to pay for registration forms and clusters. Each subscr

 Female Student Found Dead In Her Hostel February 4, 2024 A female student of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba, (AAUA), was found dead in her room this weekend. The deceased identified as Ifeoluwa Adekunle was a 300-level student of the Department of Economics. It was gathered that the undergraduate student, who lived outside the campus, was attacked by her assailants while alone in the room. A source, who preferred to be anonymous, said the killing caused apprehension among other students, stressing that the case had been reported to the police. “We found her in a pool of blood in her room. She was stabbed to death by yet-to-be-identified persons who came visiting. We know this is not a cult-related issue as some people are propagating.” “We have reported the murder case to the police but seems they are slow in responding to our demands in identifying and tracking those behind this dastardly act. “We are imploring the Ondo State Government to please look into the matter and ensure

 I once worked in a printing press, earned N150k – Kizz Daniel recounts Popular Nigerian singer, Kizz Daniel has recalled a time in his life when he used to work at a printing press in Abeokuta, Ogun State. The ‘Twe Twe’ crooner recalled this in his response to a fan’s request for a loan to start a printing business. Adebayo Olam sought a financial help of N3 million and pledged a 15 percent return on investment to the music sensation.

 PRESS RELEASE IMPROVED SERVICE DELIVERY/INTERNAL SECURITY: IGP reactivates Smartforce Database Management System Charges all officers to enrol for digitalized policing, reaffirms the use of AI for better security The Inspector General of Police, IGP Olukayode Adeolu Egbetokun Ph.D, NPM has ordered the reactivation of Police Smartforce DataBase System as part of his digitalization drive for the Police Force to ensure all officers have their details captured and stored for record purposes and to ease administrative bottlenecks, create ease in tracking postings/transfers, and issue Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Cards for personnel identification. The main objective of the database is to tremendously enhance the competence and effective service delivery in all areas of policing, most especially in the smooth administrative management of the Nigeria Police Force as a whole. The system, which is integrated with modern technology and state of the art appliances, will reduce reliance

 Davido shakes off Grammy defeat, congratulates Tyla on victory Nigerian artiste, David Adeleke, known as Davido has felicitated South African female rapper, Tyla, for emerging victorious in the inaugural Best African Music Performance category at the 66th Grammy Awards ceremony. Tyla’s song, ‘Water’ came top against ‘Amapiano’ by Asake and Olamide; ‘City Boys’ by Burna Boy. ‘Unavailable’ by Davido featuring Musa Keys; and ‘Rush’ by Ayra Starr

 Geingob: Namibian interim president appoints VP Interim president of Namibia Dr. Nangolo Mbumba has also declared a period of national mourning until the date of late president Hage Geingob's funeral. Namibia's interim president Dr. Nangolo Mbumba has appointed Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as Vice President, a day after he was sworn in following the death of president Hage Geingob on Sunday. Dr. Nandi's new role will be to advise the president, among others until the presidential and parliamentary elections are held and new government is formed at the end of the year. Until her appointment, 71-year-old Dr. Nandi was Namibia's Deputy-Prime Minister and Minister of International Relations and Cooperation. The veteran politician also served as a member of parliament since 1990. In March 2023, late president Hage Geingob named Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as the candidate of the ruling Swapo party in the forthcoming elections… One more photo below. 

 Coalition Threaten To Shut Down Kano Markets Over  Dollar Skyrocketing  A coalition of Kano major markets leadership, have threatened to shut down all markets in the state, over the rise in the price of dollar and other currency at the forex market. The Chairman of the Coalition Alhaji Junaid Muhammad Zakari Speaking shortly after a meeting with the leaders of over 30 Kano markets, in Kano. He explained that, the current situation has affected traders and consumers, which necessitated the market leaders to look into the possibility of shutting down markets to curtail the increasing in inflation.  The Chairman said, the increase in forex  has led to untold hardship on Nigerians, where the common man cannot afford three square meals,and other basic necessities. Alhaji Junaidu appealed to Kano residents to exercise more patience, saying that, the coalition would submit a letter to the state government and relevant stakeholders, to express their displeasure over the unfortunate situation.

 Nigeria, US strengthen partnership towards mining development The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake has described the United States (US) as strategic partner in the development of the nation’s mining sector. This was contained in a statement by the Special   Assistant to minister on Media Mr Segun Tomori in Abuja. Dr Alake who received the Charge d’Affairs, US Embassy, David Greene in his office lauded the United Stats’s cooperation with Nigeria in diverse sectors of the economy and underscores the significance smooth bilateral relations between both countries. The Minister welcomed the partnership with the US on investments in the mining value chain, expanding access to technology in extracting and processing minerals and securing mining areas. He notified his guest on reforms by the Federal Government, such as the revised Community Development Agreement (CDA) guidelines geared towards reducing friction in host communities; on-going plans for new security archite

 NAHCON Announces 2024 Hajj Fare The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), has fixed N4.8 million as 2024 Hajj fare for intending pilgrims from the Southern departure centre. While those from the North are required to pay the sum of N4,699,000, intending pilgrims from Yola and Maiduguri would pay a fee of N4,679,000. According to a statement, the Chairman-of NAHCON, Malam Jalal Arabi, expressed regret over the increase which was initially pegged at N4.5m deposit. NAHCON urged those who have paid to balance up ahead of the 25 February deadline. The Commission assured the public of its commitment to ensuring a smooth and successful Hajj pilgrimage for all participants despite the challenges posed by foreign exchange factors.

 Flight Disruptions: Najomo Threaten Sanctions  The Acting Director General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, Captain Chris Najomo has expressed displeasure at domestic airline operators, over the alarming reports of incessant delays, flight disruptions, and schedule changes without adequate notice to passengers.  Captain Najomo told newsmen in Abuja that  NCAA would ensure that airlines fulfil their obligations to passengers or face sanctions. He said that there was  need for airlines to improve their services as the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo was determined to enforce his 5 point agenda as mandated by the president.  He stated that the current record of flight disruptions, poor customer experience and poor handling of passengers remained unacceptable and must be improved upon.  Captain Najomo emphasized that airlines must rejig their flight scheduled to match their number of serviceable aircraft and that airlines were aware of the a

 STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE PRESIDENT TINUBU MOURNS FORMER YOBE GOVERNOR, BUKAR ABBA IBRAHIM President Bola Tinubu has received the news of the passing of Senator Bukar Abba Ibrahim, former governor of Yobe State and Senator representing Yobe East, with immense grief.  On behalf of the Federal Government, the President extends his heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the family, friends, and associates of the late Senator and the government and people of Yobe State.  ''Former Governor Ibrahim was a personal friend and a consummate leader who served the people of Yobe with dedication during his extensive political career. ''As a senator for 12 years, his wealth of experience was a guiding force in the National Assembly. Generations to come will remember him for always placing the progress and welfare of the people at the heart of his service,'' the President says.  President Tinubu prays that Almighty God grant the departed statesman eternal rest.  Chief Ajuri Ng

The Muncie Police Department is investigating the disappearance of Ella Saylor, who Indiana State Police said was last seen on Saturday at 11 p.m. Authorities say she is believed to be in extreme danger and may require medical assistance. Saylor is described to be 5 feet 4 inches tall, 230 pounds, with brown hair with brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a grey Mackinaw jacket with Washington DC on the front and black pajamas with puzzle pieces printed on them. Anyone with information on Saylor’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Muncie Police Department at 765-747-4838 or 911.