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 INTERNAL SECURITY: AGAIN, POLICE ENGAGE, NEUTRALIZE NOTORIOUS KIDNAPPERS, GUNRUNNERS, RECOVER ARMS. The FID-IRT of the Nigeria Police Force has recorded yet another feat in the ongoing fight against crime and criminality in the country, as part of the sustained efforts to cleanse the system of criminals, most especially kidnappers.  In the early hours of February 8, 2024, some notorious kidnappers and gun runners, who have been terrorizing Abuja, Kaduna, Kogi, and Nasarawa states, were neutralized by IRT operatives at their hideout around Gitata, along Keffi Gidan Wire Road, Nasarawa State. Similarly, four (4) AK47 rifles, dangerous weapons, and a bag of ammunition were recovered.  These neutralised individuals have also been involved in supplying arms to bandits operating within the same axis. This successful operation, conducted in the early hours of Thursday, demonstrates the unwavering commitment of the NPF to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens. We will...

 Betta Edu: Corruption allegations against Gbajabiamila baseless — Speaker Abbas The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has described corruption allegations leveled against Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, as baseless. Tajudeen stated this while addressing a press conference on the state of the nation on Thursday. The speaker called on security agencies to diligently investigate allegations leveled against Gbajabiamila. Recall that Gbajabiamila has been at the centre of allegations of graft involving suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu. But, while addressing the citizens, Abbas urged Nigerians to desist from fake news but welcomed constructive criticism to make government officials more accountable. He, however, pointed out that the allegations against Gbajabiamila are capable of undermining the nation’s democracy. He said, “There has been a rise in defamation campaigns on social media in...

 62-year-old woman gives birth in Lagos A 62-year-old woman, Mrs Fummi Akinade, has successfully delivered a baby boy in a private hospital in Lagos after 31 years of marriage without a child. The baby was conceived through In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) and delivered on Tuesday via caesarian section at 37 weeks. The baby was born at the StrongTower Hospital and Advanced Fertility Centre, a Lagos-based private medical facility. Akinade told newsmen on Thursday in Lagos that she married in 1992 but never had a child. Akinade said that she went through a series of gynecological treatments, including three previous IVF procedures that failed. She said that the fourth IVF became successful. She said that her husband had been supportive, adding that both of them remained optimistic that God would give them a child. “This is my fourth IVF attempt, but the others were not in this hospital. “When someone is looking for fruit of the womb,  the person will be moving from one hospital or g...

 Blue cards set to be introduced in football Blue cards are set to be introduced in professional football as part of sin-bin trials.  This will mark the first new colour of card widely used in 50 years. There are currently only yellow and red cards used in football. But the report claims that on Friday, the International Football Association Board, IFAB, will announce the revolutionary move. It is part of new measures that will see players removed from play for 10 minutes, if they commit a cynical foul or show dissent towards a match official. Players would now be sent off if they receive two blue cards in a match or a combination of a blue and a yellow. Elite trials could begin this summer, although top-tier competitions will be excluded from initial testing.

 A baby decapitated by a doctor during labor is finally ruled a homicide. We first wrote about the awful labor experience and extreme measures the hospital and staff went to to hide their actions over the summer. To summarize our original story; Jessica Ross and Treveon are suing the hospital and attending physician after the reprehensible actions. During labor Jessica's baby became stuck most likely due to the baby's shoulder becoming stuck behind the mothers pubic bone.  There are procedures to deal with this not entirely uncommon  birthing complication. However, Dr. Tracey St. Julian did none of these standard medical procedures, instead she forced Jessica to push for 3 hours after Jessica requested a C section. When continued pushing wasn't working St.Julian used excessive force to such a degree he decapitated the baby. Only then did she do an emergency C-section to deliver the deceased child, whom up until delivery was extremely healthy.  The gross negligence do...

 TROOPS APPREHEND NOTORIOUS GUNRUNNER, VIOLENT EXTREMIST AND INSURGENTS IN TARABA STATE ...Recover Arms, Ammunition and Cash In the ongoing operations by 6 Brigade Nigerian Army to ensure Taraba State do not become a safe haven for violent extremist groups and Insurgents, gallant troops of 93 Battalion under the Brigade has successfully apprehended a notorious gunrunner involved  in illegal dealings of arms and ammunition to criminals elements within Taraba State and other parts of the country.  Following credible intelligence on the activities of the arms dealer named Joshua Dutse Idah age 45, troops  trailed his movement which led  to his final arrest on 20 January 2024 in Ibi town of Ibi LGA while driving to Kaduna State in  a Blue Volkswagen Sharon vehicle with registration number Rivers SKN-390AA.  On interrogation, Dutse confessed he was going to Katsina State to bring in AK 47 Rifles and that he received part payment of 300,000 (Three Hundred Th...

 Bandits Threaten To Marry Bride, Sell 62 Wedding Guests The bandits who abducted women accompanying a bride to her matrimonial home at Damari, Sabuwa LGA of Katsina State last Thursday have released a video showing the captives. In the video, which is currently trending on social media, the bandits threatened to tie the wedding knot between the already married lady and one of them, unless relations of the captors paid a ransom of N100 million to them. Similarly, the outlaws vowed to sell off the ‘62 wedding guests’ that were kidnapped alongside the bride, if their demands were not met. During last Thursday’s attack on the wedding convoy, four members of a vigilante group were reportedly killed and no fewer than 55 wedding guests, including children, were snatched, and have since then been held hostage, according to villagers. The victims, including friends of the bride from Dandume, were ambushed at Sabuwa while travelling in an open van. In the footage, a gang leader, cladded in ...

Naira depreciates to N1,500/$ at parallel market The Nigerian naira, on Wednesday, depreciated to N1,500 at the parallel section of the market. The rate is a 3.45 percent decrease from the N1,450 per dollar recorded on Monday. Currency traders in Lagos, also known as Bureau De Change operators (BDCs), quoted the buying rate of the greenback at N1,490 and the selling price at N1,500 — leaving a profit margin of N10. At the official window, the local currency appreciated by 1.05 percent to N1,418/$ on Wednesday — from N1,433/$ on Tuesday. According to FMDQ Exchange, a platform that oversees official foreign exchange (FX) trading in Nigeria, the naira traded as high as N1,510 and as low as N896.28 — with a daily turnover of $203.93 million. Meanwhile, on February 1, 2024, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), continued its foreign exchange market reforms by removing the limit on the FX rate quoted by international money transfer operators (IMTOs). “For the avoidance of doubt, by this circula...

 Portable slams Nigerians for celebrating Super Eagles' win amid hardships Controversial singer Habeeb Okikiola, known by his stage name Portable Omoolalomi, has criticized Nigerians for celebrating the victory of the Super Eagles against South Africa. It’s common knowledge that the Super Eagles secured a win against South Africa in the semi-final of the 2023 African Cup of Nations on Wednesday. In the aftermath of this triumph, Portable has expressed disappointment with Nigerians for directing their attention towards football rather than addressing the challenges facing the nation. He pointed out the deplorable state of the roads and environment, the escalating value of the dollar, widespread hunger, and other pressing issues. Despite these hardships, many are celebrating the Super Eagles’ victory, with some even sacrificing their last resources to watch the match. Portable emphasized that the enthusiasm invested in football should instead be utilized to reduce hunger and mitigate...

 Nigeria, World Bank to strengthen bilateral ties – Edun The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun says  Nigeria and the World Bank are working toward strengthening mutually beneficial bilateral relations. Edun said this when he received  the World Bank Managing Director of Operations, Ms. Anna Bjerde, who was on on a two-day visit to Nigeria. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Bjerde’s visit is in furtherance with the bank’s engagement with Nigeria on critical aspects of the development agenda. Edun urged more support for the country, while expressing the hope that the multilateral institution would appreciate the country’s reform efforts. “The World Bank has been part of the progress report and we commend all their efforts,” he said. Earlier, Bjerde said that she was in Nigeria to further the World Bank’s engagement on critical aspects of the country’s development agenda She said that the World Bank had  more than 30 ...

 AFCON: FG makes promise to Super Eagles The Federal Government has promised to reward the Super Eagles for their commitment and dedication in reaching the final of the ongoing African Cup of the Nations  in Cote D’Ivoire. Vice President Kashim Shettima made the promise on behalf of the Federal Government when met with the Super Eagles following their win over the Bafana Bafana of South Africa. The Super Eagles made this known  this in a statement shared on their official X handle early Thursday. ” “The Federal Government has promised to reward the Super Eagles for their commitment and dedication in reaching the final of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivore. “Vice President Kashim Shettima told the players and their officials in the dressing room, following their hard-fought victory over South Africa in the semi finals on Wednesday, that the government and people of Nigeria are proud of their accomplishment. “The VP was in company with Governors Dapo Abiodun ...

 Loss to Nigeria difficult to take, South Africa’s coach says South Africa’s head coach Hugo Broos feels his side played better against Nigeria in Wednesday’s semi-final encounter which they lost 2-4 on penalty kicks. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Bafana Bafana came back from a goal down to take the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) game to extra time. Reacting to their defeat, Broos explained that his side played much better and deserved to win the game. “Football can be hard sometimes, when you look at the performance of my team today (Wednesday), and then there were the penalty kicks. Then you lose the penalty shootout  and you are not in the finals. “It’s  hard to accept that, because we played a very good game today. I think we were the best team in the first half, we got the best chances, Nigeria didn’t have any chance. “In the second half, they had few chances which resulted in a goal and we changed something tactically, and we came back,” he s...

 I want to be a source of joy for Nigerians – Nwabali Stanley Nwabali, the goalkeeper for the Super Eagles, has stated that he wants to be a source of happiness for Nigerians following the semi-final victory over Bafana Bafana of South Africa. The Chippa United goalkeeper spoke this in the post match interview where he was awarded the man of the match award on Wednesday. He said: “I don’t really know how I am feeling. When I look around, because of Nigerians, I only want to make them happy and just make them feel good. “I did not even expect this thing coming my way now but I give God the glory and I want to say a very big thank you to everyone, my club, Chippa United family, and my coaches here who always guide me. “Today showed me that it’s going to be a D-day for us in the final but you know football, you can never predict but I wish it is going to come our way. “They always know this slogan ‘you no go gree for anybody’ and I really want to do more for Nigeria, I love them all. ...

 What my father told me before Grammys night – Davido Grammy-nominated singer, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has disclosed what his father, Adedeji Adeleke, said to him before the commencement of the just concluded 66th Grammy Awards ceremony. The 2024 Grammy Awards was held at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Sunday, February 4, 2024.  Davido, who is a first time Grammy nominee, failed to secure any of the three categories he was nominated for, as all Nigerian nominees lost out. However, speaking during a recent interview with Rolling Stone, the singer said his father told him that he remains a legend regardless of the night’s outcome.  He insisted that being nominated for the just concluded 66th edition of the Grammys Awards is enough to make him proud of himself. He said: “Being nominated alone is enough to make me proud of myself. I just want my song to be heard on the radio once or twice in the beginning, but for it to transcend to this is just amaz...

 Yahaya Bello: Kogi group issues ultimatum to EFCC, threatens protests The umbrella body of Kogi indigenes living outside the state, Kogi in Diaspora Association, has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to halt its unwarranted witch-hunt of ex-governor Yahaya Bello. The group threatened peaceful mass protests and civil disobedience should the anti-graft agency fail to back out from the alleged calculated attempt to tarnish the image of Bello. The Kogi in diaspora association, in a press statement issued after its meeting on Wednesday in Abuja, condemned the decision of EFCC to slam corruption charges against the former governor, saying it would not fold its hands and allow Bello to be ridiculed over baseless allegations. It lamented that the EFCC’s decision would go a long way to rub off negatively on the investment drive in Kogi State. The statement signed by the association’s co-convener, Seyi Olorunsola, called for a public apology f...

 Corps member dies watching Nigeria, S/Africa penalty shootout A member of the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) serving in Adamawa State died during the penalty shootouts of the match between Nigeria and South Africa of Wednesday evening. It was gathered Thursday morning that the youth corper, identified only as Samuel from Kaduna State, died just before the last kick that ensured Nigeria’s victory in the match. A witness, who gave an account of the incident  in a social media post, said: “We lost one Nigerian during our victory celebration over south Africa at our sports viewing center here in Numan. “The corps member who is serving in Numan from Kaduna State fainted before the kick of the winning goal.  “He died before they could reach the hospital in Numan. May his soul rest in peace.” The NYSC  Coordinator in Adamawa State, Jingi Dennis, said he was awaiting greater details of the incident.  The coordinator said in a conversation Thursday morning: ”I rec...

 Why I’m single, by South Africa’s Tyla reveals Grammy-winning South African singer, Tyla has opened up on her relationship status and preferred choice of man. Revealing in a recent interview with Power 96.5 FM, Miami, Tyla said she is single. According to her, she is single because she wants to focus on her music career in the meantime. Speaking of men, the ‘Water’ crooner said she prefers a man who plays video games over a man who is a habitual clubgoer. The host asked: “Would you rather have a boyfriend who plays video games a lot or a boyfriend who is always in the club?” Tyla replied, “Video games all day. A club guy? No! What the hell? “I would rather have a boyfriend who plays video games than a boyfriend who is at the club every weekend. At least, I know the guy who plays video games will always be home with me. I also love being at home.” On why she is single, she said: “Yes, I am single. I’m not playing with all of that right now. I am focusing on the prize.”

 Kizz Daniel to fly fan to UK after Super Eagles semi-final win Afrobeats singer, Kizz Daniel is set to fulfill his promise to fly a lucky fan to the UK following Nigeria’s victory over South Africa at AFCON. The Nation reported that the Super Eagles on Wednesday defeated South Africa in the semi-final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.  Nigeria will now face the host country, Ivory Coast in the final on Sunday, February 11.  The fan had taken to X app before the clash between Nigeria and South Africa  to plead with the singer to fly him to his next show in the UK if the Super Eagles win and surprisingly, Kizz Daniel agreed. Following Nigerians’ victory, Kizz Daniel urged the fan to go get his visa ready as he is flying him to the UK. “Vado if Super Eagles wins today, take me to your next show, Ovo Arena,”he pleaded. In a follow-up post he tweeted, “Oga where you dey, con go do your Visa o. UK yah The fan replied, “I dey Nigeria vadooo I am in your DM, the great Vado...

 Funke Akindele gets new car over success of ‘A Tribe Called Judah’ movie Popular actress Funke Akindele has been surprised with a brand new car at an event organised to celebrate her movie ‘A Tribe Called Judah‘ after setting a new record of N1 billion at the box office. The event with the title “A Toast To Funke Akindele” took place on Wednesday night to honor the actress for her incredible accomplishment of grossing over a billion in Cinemas. A star-studded guest list included Iyabo Ojo, Eniola Ajao, Sola Sobowale, Taaooma, Bisola Aiyeola, Groovy, Timini, Diadem, Adunni Ade, Yvonne Jegede, Simi Drey, Kehinde Bankole, Omowunmi Dada, the cast of “A Tribe Called Judah,” and many more. The celebration was organised in association with GAC Motor Nigeria and FilmOne Entertainment. A brand-new car, courtesy of GAC Motor, was surprisingly gifted to Funke Akindele, making it the highlight of the evening and adding even more excitement. Following the car gift some netizens condemned the a...

 Insecurity: Go all out for drug barons, cartels, Marwa charges NDLEA commanders . Sets targets for commanding officers in 2024 tasking orders Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) has tasked Zonal Commanders, State Commanders and Area Commanders of the Agency to go all out and smoke out drug barons still in hiding as well as dismantle their cartels as part of ongoing efforts to totally cut off drug supply to elements involved in criminalities across the country. Marwa gave the charge in his meeting with Directors and all Commanding Officers of the Agency at its national headquarters in Abuja where he commended them for the unprecedented successes achieved so far and tasked them not to rest on their oars. He said no effort must be spared to remove illicit drug equation from the security challenges facing the country. According to him, Within the limit of our resources, we have been able to push boun...

 Asagba of Asaba passes on The traditional ruler of Asaba, the Delta state capital, His Royal Majesty, Obi (Prof.) Joseph Chike Edozien, has reportedly passed on. Edozien who was the 13th Asagba of Asaba, joined his ancestors on Wednesday. The Asagba of Asaba only recently commenced activities marking his 100th birthday anniversary….

 NLC, TUC issue 14-day nationwide strike notice to FG zu The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, have issued a 14-day nationwide strike notice to the Federal Government. Their grouse is the non-implementation of the 16-point agreement between organised labour (NLC and TUC) and the Federal Government on October 2, 2023. Leaders of the NLC and TUC are sad that, despite organised labour’s efforts to ensure industrial peace, the government seems unperturbed by the mass suffering and hardship across the country. The October 2 agreement was “focused on addressing the massive suffering and the general harsh socioeconomic consequences of the ill-conceived and ill-executed IMF/World Bank-induced hike in the price of PMS and the devaluation of the naira. These dual policies have had, as we predicted, dire economic consequences for the masses and workers of Nigeria.” NLC and TUC, in a statement, lamented that “it is regrettable that we are compelled to ...

 KWASU deputy bursar dies watching Super Eagles AFCON semi-finals Ayuba Abdullahi, the deputy bursar of Kwara State University, Malete, is dead. He reportedly died on Wednesday night, while watching the semi-finals between Nigeria and South Africa in the ongoing AFCON. Sources close to the deceased but who spoke on condition of anonymity said Abdullahi went to a sports centre in the Sango area before he started feeling uneasy. “The Deputy Bursar watched the Nigeria/South Africa match from the beginning till the end of the extra time, till it was time for penalty kick. “He complained that he was feeling dizzy, so he said he needed to go back home and rest not knowing that his BP had gone up. “On getting home, he collapsed and was rushed to a private hospital in Sango and he was referred to the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital and before he could be attended to, he died. “He was buried on Thursday morning according to Islamic rites,” one of the sources said. A statement by the ...

 44 ENVIRONMENTAL OFFENDERS SENTENCED TO COMMUNITY SERVICE A Magistrate’s Environmental Special Offences Court of Lagos State District, sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Tuesday and Thursday this week, imposed ₦25,000 and ₦15,000 fines respectively on 44 environmental offenders, with an option of community service, for engaging in indiscriminate waste disposal. The offenders carried out six hours and four  hours community service respectively, at Olusosun bus stop, Ojota and Ikoyi Magistrates’ Court premises. Dropping your waste indiscriminately in the state is an offence punishable by law, defaulters will not be spared. More photos below.