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 Currency Racketeer Bags Jail Terms in Lagos The Lagos Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Wednesday,  March 20, 2024, secured the conviction and sentencing of one Yusuf Isiaka, before Justice Ayokunle Faji of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos.  Isiaka was arraigned on  one-count charge bordering on Naira racketeering under Section 21(4) of the CBN Act. The charge reads: “That you, Yusuf Isiaka on the 17th of February 2024, in Lagos within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court engaged in hawking the total sum of N100,000 (One Hundred Thousand naira) in N500 naira note denomination, 'serial number: B/49 934847 to B/49 934849, B/49 934628 B/49 934629' issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 21 (4) and punishable under Section 21 (1) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (Establishment) Act, 2007."   Isiaka pleaded "guilty" to the charge when it was read to him.  In view

 Court Jails 25 Internet Fraudsters in Benin City Twenty five internet fraudsters were on Wednesday and Thursday 21, March, 2024 convicted and sentenced to various jail terms by Justices Efe Ikponmwonba and  M. Ituseli of Edo State High Court sitting in Benin City. The convicts are Joshua Osarumwense, Oziegbe Courage, Michael Osawowamen Enofe, Precious Ezomo, Favour Ezomon, Adetokunbor Oghamomwan, Amaize Victor Ohimah, Destiny Okpala, Emmanuel Benjamin, Williams Chinedu Onyeji, Michael Ugochukwu Davidson, Favour Victor, Aigbadon Nathaniel, Owas Palmer and Kelvin Aghator. Others are Samuel Endurance, Emmanuel Ogiehor, Oseni Usman, Success Bashorun, Hassan Usman, Omoruyi Stanley, Omoruyi Osasu, Festus David Ofuomadega, Omokaro Junior Aisosa and Okolo Oghenenyerhovwo. They were jailed after pleading guilty to one-count separate charges bordering on possession of fraudulent documents  upon arraignment by the Benin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. The cha

 Mississippi teacher killed by her 14-year-old daughter. According to the Rankin County (Mississippi) Sheriff's office, they received a call about a shooting on the 200 block of Ashton Way at around 5 p.m. on Tuesday. Once deputies arrived on scene they discovered 40-year-old Ashley Smylie deceased from a gunshot wound. Smyĺie's husband was on scene and also suffering from a gunshot wound to the arm. He told authorities he arrived home and found his wife dead and his 14-year-old step daughter brandishing a pistol. He said despite being shot in the arm he was able to take the pistol from her. After he had disarmed her she fled through the backyard. Police were able to find the teen a short distance from the home and arrested her.  She will make her first court appearance Wednesday, March 20. According to reports Ashley Smylie taught algebra at Northwest Rankin High-school.  Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragic loss.

 Former Professional Hockey player jumps to his death from hotel balcony.  According to reports the Bal Harbour, Florida police and fire departments responded to the St. Regis Bal Harbour resort Monday on March 18 to the report of a man jumping from a balcony. Once on scene, they discovered 42-year-old, Konstantin Koltsov, deceased from injuries he had  sustained. Miami Homicide responded also but concluded no foul play was involved. Koltsov was the #18 overall pick in the 1999 NHL draft. He spent his entire NHL career (144 games) with Pittsburgh. According to reports Koltsov was dating tennis star Aryna Sabalenka and was in town supporting her as she prepared for the upcoming Miami Open. Sabalenka is the second seed in the tournament and according to sources plans to play despite this personal tragedy. If you or anyone you know are experiencing intrusive thoughts, please call or text 988.

 Kentucky couple arrested for trying to sell their newborn twins! According to Jackson County deputies they received a tip that Jacquilyn Keith and Zachary Davis were attempting to sell their newborn twin babies for $5,000.00. The tip came in from Davis's sister-in-law who told them that the couple had agreed to sell their babies to her. She was able to provide deputies with screenshots and a recorded conversation as evidence of the claims. When questioned, both parents admitted they had agreed to sell their children, however they stated they wouldn't have gone through with it in the end. Both Davis and Keith were arrested on promoting human trafficking charges and are being held in the Jackson County Detention center.

 U.S. Marshall's arrest wanted sex offender deep in a Louisana swamp living off of small game and rodents. Authorities received a tip in early March on the whereabouts of a fugitive sex offender. According to the tip, Brian Schaller was living deep in the swamp in the Atchafalaya Basin in Louisiana. A multiple agency force was set up to find and arrest Schaller. Authorities found Schaller this week living in a structure he had erected out of logs, tarps and parachute chord. Schaller had also used the parachute chord to set up snares to catch small game and rodents which he survived on. In addition he had used the parachute cord and tin cans to set up a makeshift alarm. Schaller was indicted in 2015 on a distribution of CP charge. He had an active warrant for Violation of S/O registry terms, as well as multiple sexual battery charges.  Authorities did a great job finding him. His hideout gave me serious  "The Lovely Bones" vibes. More photos below. 

 2 Utah teenagers were arrested in connection with the abduction and murder of a 21 year old man.  Taylorsville, Utah police were notified of a possible abduction around 4:15 p.m on Sunday. According to reports Alex Franco was seen getting into a white jeep Liberty.  Witnesses said they heard a possible gunshot before the vehicle sped away. A 3 day search for Franco ensued which sadly ended when law enforcement said he was found deceased from a single gunshot to the head in the remote Utah desert.  Police were able to locate the Jeep in Salt Lake City which in turn led to the arrest of a 15-year-old and 17-year-old suspect for the murder of this young man. Franco's family is in shock and horror and have no idea why their beloved family member met such a senseless and terrible fate. At this point there is no report of a motive or any connection between the three. We will update when more information is released.  Our prayers are with the family during this confusing and tragic time.

 We Must Avenge Their Deaths, Soldier Speaks on Colleagues Killed in Delta  A Nigerian soldier, identified as Egitanghan G, has expressed his desire to be part of any operation seeking to avenge the deaths of the military personnel who were killed during a peace keeping mission in Delta State last week. The soldier, who claims to be from Delta State, expressed outrage over what he called "rubbish comments" made about the deceased soldiers.  He highlighted his own experience fighting for his country and emphasized the sacrifices soldiers make to protect their homeland. In a video posted on his TikTok handle on Wednesday, he said in pidgin English, "This message na for my Niger Delta brothers. "When I dey read the comments about the things wey dem talk about our soldiers wey die for Delta State, na cry I dey cry because me na Delta boy. "I know the things wey I dey face for this country. I don go Maiduguri spend four years, fight. I know how many Maiduguri soldie

 Alleged N1.4bn Fraud: Court Adjourns Professor Uche Edwin’s Trial till May 20 Justice Dehinde Dipeolu of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos has adjourned the trial  of Prof. Uche Chigozie Edwin,  a defendant that allegedly defrauded maize farmers the sum of  N1.4billion,   till May 20, 2024, just as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC opened its case presenting its first witness.    The EFCC had on Thursday, February 15, 2024 re-arraigned Edwin, alongside his companies, Visionary Integrated Consulting Limited, NEMAD Associates Limited and Revamp Global Enterprise,  on 11-count charges bordering on conspiracy, retention and conversion of funds to the tune of N1,473,367,046.04 (One Billion, Four Hundred and Seventy-three Million, Three Hundred and Sixty-Seven Thousand, Forty-six Naira, Four Kobo).   One of the counts reads: “That you, Professor Uche Chigozie Edwin , Visionary Integrated Consulting Limited, Nemad Associates Limited and Revamp Global Enterprise,

 How social media criticisms, fear crippled my career – Cardi B Prominent American rapper Cardi B has opened up about how fear and social media anxiety affected her career. In a candid chit-chat with Complex 360 with Speedy Series, Cardi B Reflected on the hardships she endured, the psychological fights she battled, and how she overcame the fear that threatened to destroy her artistic abilities and career. As observed in the video, Cardi B, known for her upbeat personality and loud style, showed a more sympathetic side throughout the talk. The mother of two revealed that despite her tremendous success and millions of fans, the ongoing torrent of criticism and nasty comments on social media platforms has a deep impact on her, deterring her from participating in her skills and personal life. According to her, the pressure to always produce hits and maintain a specific image put her in a state of anxiety. She said: “I just feel like I lost myself with everything. A lot of music commenters

 Ekiti man sentenced to death for killing wife’s lover   In a landmark ruling, an Ekiti State High Court, Ado Ekiti Division, has sentenced 28-year-old Ayodeji Alomoge to death by hanging for the murder of a man having an affair with his wife. Alomoge stood trial on a count charge of murder, as outlined in the charge, which stated that “on 21st of June, 2022, at Ikere Ekiti, he murdered one Ogunleye Ayomide, contrary to Section 234 of the Criminal Law of Ekiti State, 2021.” The father of the deceased, Ige Ogunleye, provided a harrowing account to the police, detailing the events leading to his son’s death. He recounted receiving a distressing call informing him that his son had been brutally beaten by Alomoge and his associates. Upon arrival at the scene, he found his son submerged in a pool of blood with severe injuries to the head and mouth. Alomoge allegedly confessed to the act, citing Ayomide’s alleged affair with his wife as the motive for the attack. Prosecutor Kunle-Shina Adeye

 First Bank appoints five new directors as Otedola takes over In a significant development, First Bank of Nigeria Holdings Plc (FBN Holdings) has appointed five new directors, with billionaire Femi Otedola assuming the role of Chairman. The appointments were made known on Wednesday, signaling a notable shift in the leadership structure of the company. According to the announcement made to the Nigerian Exchange Group by the company’s Secretary, Adewale Arogundade, two new non-executive directors were appointed for FBN Holdings, namely Olusola Adeeyo and Viswanathan Shankar. Adeeyo, a former banker and former Chairman of AXA Mansard Insurance Plc, brings a wealth of experience to the role. Shankar, currently serving as the Chief Executive Officer of private equity investments firm Gateway Partners, previously held the position of CEO at Standard Chartered Plc. Additionally, Remilekan Odunlami was appointed as a non-executive director for First Bank, while Anil Dua and Fatima Ali were app

 Presidency to Currency Speculators: Dump your stock of dollars now to avoid sorrows, tears   The Presidency has issued a stern warning to forex speculators, urging them to divest their holdings of Dollars, as the Naira is poised to appreciate in value. Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu, conveyed this message via a statement posted on his official X handle on Thursday. In his statement, Onanuga urged currency speculators to act swiftly and dispose of their stock of dollars to avoid facing potential losses. He emphasized, “With backlog FX settled, Naira is set to appreciate further, faster. Currency speculators should quickly dump their stock of dollars to avoid sorrows and tears.” The warning comes in the wake of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) announcement that it successfully cleared the $7 billion foreign exchange backlog inherited by Governor Yemi Cardoso. Mrs. Hakama Sidi Ali, the Acting Director of Corporate Communications

 3 Idaho officers have been shot after a brazen prisoner escape from a Bosie, Idaho hospital.  Inmate Skylar Meade had been transported to Saint Adolphus Regional Medical Center for unscheduled treatment late last (Tuesday) night.  At around 2:15 a.m. on Wednesday morning, 3 correctional officers were in the process of beginning to transport Meade back to prison when an unknown assailant ambushed the officers.  The assailant opened fire striking two of the correctional officers while the third was shot by a responding Bosie PD officer. One correctional officer is in critical condition and the other two suffered non life threatening injuries.  The Bosie PD officer was responding to the report of an active shooter at the hospital, when he saw the correctional officer standing near the entrance with a weapon and fired on him striking the correctional officer.  The hospital was placed on lock down while they searched for the suspects, however the pair had already escaped in a gray four doo

 2 former New England female college hockey athletes identified as victims of double M/S in Miami over the weekend.  According to officials, Megan Moore, a 2021 college graduate, was living in a southwest Miami Condominium complex with 40-year-old Luis Napoles. Her friend 2022 graduate Sidney Capolino also lived with Moore and Napoles.  Officials report Moore and Napoles were dating and an apparent domestic incident occurred. Tragically, it ended when Napoles shot and killed Moore outside of the home before entering and shooting Capolino. He then took his own life. This is such a tragic end for two promising young ladies and our prayers go out to their families and friends. If you or anyone you know is experiencing domestic abuse please call the domestic abuse hotline at 1-800-799-7233. If you are experiencing intrusive thoughts please call 988. More photos below. 

 Willie James Pye: Georgia executes inmate 28 years after conviction Pye was convicted of killing his former girlfriend three decades ago. A Georgia man convicted of the killing of his former girlfriend three decades ago was put to death Wednesday evening in the state’s first execution in more than four years. Willie James Pye, 59, received an injection of the sedative pentobarbital and was pronounced dead at 11:03 p.m. at the state prison in Jackson. He was sentenced to death for his conviction in the November 1993 abduction, rape and shooting death of Alicia Lynn Yarbrough. Pye was asked by the warden whether he wanted to say any final words, and he indicated no. When asked if he wanted a prayer said for him, he indicated that he would. A member of the clergy then said a brief prayer, asking God to help Pye experience some grace and mercy.

  Real Madrid prepared new long term contract proposal for Andrij Lunin  Current deal expires in June 2025 but Real want Lunin to stay at the club and extend contract in next months. It will also depend on Lunin’s decision, Real Madrid now trust Lunin for present and future waiting for Courtois.

  Martin Greenfield, a Holocaust survivor whose custom-suit empire counted US presidents and celebrities among its clientele, died on Wednesday aged 95, according to the New York Times. Widely considered one of the best tailors in the United States, Greenfield believed clothing had saved his life. Born Maximilian Grunfeld to a Jewish family from a part of Czechoslovakia that is now in Ukraine, he was imprisoned at Auschwitz as a teenager and tasked with washing the guards' clothes. After being beaten for accidentally ripping a Nazi's shirt, he mended it and wore it underneath his uniform for the remainder of his time at the concentration camp, where it was mistaken as signifying special privileges. "The day I first wore that shirt was the day I learned clothes possess power," he wrote in his memoir "Measure of a Man: From Auschwitz Survivor to Presidents' Tailor". Greenfield was freed in the 1945 liberation of Auschwitz, which was supervised by then US p

 TROOPS NEUTRALIZE TERRORIST MASQUERADING AS POLICE OFFICER IN SOKOTO, DESTROY HOUSE FOR COVERTLY TREATING INSURGENTS In a recent sting operation, Nigerian Army troops, working in collaboration with vigilantes have eliminated a dangerous terrorist, who has been masquerading as a police officer in Sokoto to perpetrate heinous crimes. The violent extremist who was eliminated on Wednesday 20 March 2024 had often employed disguise to deceive and kidnap unsuspecting victims. The sting operation was conducted following credible intelligence and the suspect was neutralized a gun battle with the troops. The troops also uncovered and destroyed a house used as a covert facility by insurgent kingpins to store drugs and administer treatments to wounded insurgents. In a separate counter insurgency operation in Taraba State, troops neutralized another insurgent in Kutoko Village, in Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State. The  offensive resulted in the recovery of an AK-47 Rifle and a Magazine

 NEMA blames water scarcity as fire razes four Lagos buildings The Lagos zone of the National Emergency Management Agency has blamed the escalation of the fire incident that engulfed four buildings in the Idumota area of the Lagos Island Local Government Area of the state on the lack of a water source. The NEMA State Coordinator, Ibrahim Farinloye, disclosed this in a telephone interview with PUNCH Metro on Wednesday. According to Farinloye, the emergency responders were faced with the challenge of water supply that could have aided the effective quelling of the fire, preventing the escalation and the level of damage caused by the fire. He stressed that there was no water source within proximity of the fire incident, thereby forcing the fire vehicles to go in turn to get water. Farinloye said, “The major problem we had today was the lack of a water source. We have over 10 firefighting appliances and in the whole of Lagos Island, there is nowhere we can source water. So, each of these f

Man rapes minor for three months, bags 20-year jail term A Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja on Wednesday convicted and sentenced a man, Dennis Okubiat, to 20 years imprisonment for raping a 12-year-old girl for three months, which caused urinary incontinence. Justice Ismail Ijelu held that the victim had testified that she went for evangelism and, in the process, went to check on the convict, who had not been coming to church after the pastor of her church said they should visit members who had not been seen in church for some time. He said that she testified that because she respected Okubiat as an elder of their church, she went to check on him and then helped him wash plates and clean his house. The victim further testified that after she was done, the convict offered her Garri because she loved Garri so much. “So, he gave me garri and groundnut to drink, and I slept off. When I woke up, I saw a white substance in my private part, and I woke Okubiat up and asked him what happ

 Davido’s cousin, Tunji Adeleke calls out editing him out of a picture Tunji Adeleke, cousin to Grammy-nominated singer, Davido, has humorously called out the singer for cropping him out of a joint photograph. Tunji took to his X app to mimic Davido over his caption on the post, rephrasing it as “They all come together to crop me out the picture.” He wrote: “They all come together to crop me out the picture … but God working tirelessly! 2024 year of being intentional.”

 We’ll no longer accredit observer groups that don’t submit reports – INEC The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said it will no longer accredit civil society organisations and other bodies as observer groups if they fail to submit their observation reports of previous elections. INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja at the first quarterly consultative meeting with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs). Yakubu said INEC will continue to partner with Civil Society Organizations, saying the commission appreciates the observations and recommendations contained in their election observation reports. He said, “Some of the reforms and innovations introduced by the Commission over the years draw from your observation reports. However, while many of you have submitted your reports, some accredited observers are yet to do so for the general election, supplementary elections, off-cycle elections, bye-elections, and re-run elections. “May I ther

 Mohbad’s autopsy results to be ready in next 4 weeks Dr Richard Somiari, Director of Lagos State DNA and Forensic Centre, on Wednesday said that results of an autopsy conducted on deceased singer Ilerioluwa Aloba (a.k.a Mohbad) would be ready in the next three weeks or four weeks. Somiari gave the assurance while testifying during a corner’s inquest into the death of the singer. The witness was cross-examined on Wednesday by defence counsel  in the inquest. Recall the musician died on Sept. 12, 2023,  and was buried the following day. He was aged 27 years. His death generated controversies, prompting Lagos State Government to direct a coroner’s inquest into the death. The inquest, which began on Oct. 13, 2023, is taking place at the Ikorodu Magistrates’ Court. Somiari told the Coroner, Magistrate Adedayo Shotobi: “We expected to get the first set of autopsy results in three to four weeks and re-confirm to authenticate the cause of the death. “We searched for multiple possibilities, to

 ‘What God cannot do doesn’t exist’ is a silly slogan – Patrick Doyle Ace Nollywood actor, Patrick Doyle has shared his thoughts about the slogan ‘What God cannot do does not exist’. The thespian stated that the slogan is silly while noting how other slogans ‘blunt the efficacy of profound scriptures’. In a recent Facebook post, the thespian bemoaned that despite the fact that the slogan has been proven to be “nonsensical”, people still chant it. He cautioned Christians to be wary of using phrases to avoid introducing “false teachings”. “Some people are just too obstinate to admit their folly. Even after that slogan “What God cannot do doesn’t exist” has been proven to be silly, they still continue to chant it, ” he wrote. “The work of bringing things into existence was completed by God on the 7th day of creation. To speculate that some things “don’t exist” and couch that irrational possibility in a slogan is insulting. “Slogans, no matter how woke they sound, have the power of attriti

 Iyanya narrates how a social media troll inspired the title of his new album Nigerian music star Iyanya made a comeback in 2022 with his hit single 'Like' featuring Afrobeats heavyweights Davido and Kizz Daniel. In an interview, Iyanya talked about his latest album 'Once Upon A Cat' on which he features a crop of emerging artists. When asked about the motivation behind the album title and his decision to collaborate with emerging artists, Iyanya said that the album title was inspired by the comment of a social media troll. Readers will recall that last year, social media was agog after Davido classified Burna Boy as a new cat (new crop of Afrobeats superstars) along with Rema, and Asake. The statement polarised fans who attempted to classify who passes as a new cat and an old one. Amidst the conversation, one social media user asked where would Iyanya be classified and another user replied "that one is once upon a cat" in pidgin. Iyanya revealed that he and h

 Abia Former Governor’s Pension: Ikpeazu, Theodore Orji didn’t pay me a dime as pension — Senator Orji Kalu Reactions have continued to trail the bill passed by the Abia state house of Assembly, which scrapped pensions paid to Former Governors of the state and their Deputies. Former Governor of Abia state and Senator representing Abia North senatorial district Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has debunked rumors that he was paid pension by his successors, according to Punch, one of the Senators aide said, “As a former governor of the state, T. A. Orji did not pay him (Kalu) a dime as pension and Okezie Ikpeazu continued in the same manner.” In a similar development, another former Governor of the state, Senator T A Orji’s Liaison Officer, Ifeanyi Umere, said the ex-governor had not been receiving a pension. “Throughout as the governor of Abia for eight years, T. A. Orji has not received any penny as pension,” he said, calling on the state Assembly to come out with any evidence available to them.

 GBADEGESIN DRIVES BOLD INITIATIVES AT LAWMA By Bolaji Israel Lagos, the bustling metropolis of Nigeria, is home to over 20 million people. With such a massive population, managing waste and maintaining hygienic environment become a daunting task. However, one man has risen to the challenge, not only making significant impacts in that regard but also creating excellent models for neighbouring states of the nation to emulate or replicate. Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, the visionary managing director/CEO of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), has been a key force, spearheading innovative and bold ideas that are transforming the way the city handles its waste and sustains the environment, in line with multiple direct 2015 United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals - clean water and sanitation (SDG 6); sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11); and responsible consumption and production (SDG 12). As a cosmopolitan technocrat widely travelled across the globe, well equipped with wor

 President Tinubu Bans Foreign Trips for Ministers, Other FG Officials President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered a ban on all foreign trips by Nigerian Ministers and other government officials under his administration. The President gave the directive in a letter signed by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and addressed to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume. President Tinubu directed an embargo on all foreign trips in the letter, dated 12 March 2024. However, according to the letter, the exemption could be given to “trips deemed absolutely necessary”. A minister, who preferred not to be named because he has no permission to speak on the matter, said he received a copy of the letter from the presidency. President Tinubu in the letter, expressed concerns over the rising cost of foreign trips embarked upon by government officials amid Nigeria’s dire economic situation. According to the letter, the ban will last 90 days in the first instance and will come in

 How gunmen kidnapped A’Ibom couple, abandoned twin babies UYO— GUNMEN, last Sunday evening, kidnapped one Nyaknobong Etuk and his wife in front of the gate of their residence at Akpasak Estate, Mbiabong, off Oron Road, Uyo, leaving their infant twins abandoned. It was gathered, yesterday, that the couple, natives of Oruk Anam Local Government Area of the state, went shopping along Oron Road in Uyo that Sunday and left their twin babies in the care of their house help. It was learned that when they returned home that Sunday evening and hooted the horn of their car, but nobody came to open the gate for them, until the suspected kidnappers arrived in a mini-bus decorated with camouflage tarpaulin and ordered them out of their car. They whisked them away in their mini bus to an unknown destination. A family source, who spoke to newsmen in confidence, yesterday, expressed concern that the twins dedicated in the church about six months ago cried uncontrollably since the incident occurred. T

 Tobi Amusan strikes gold in 100m hurdles at African Games Nigerian hurdles sensation, Tobi Amusan ran a time of 12.89 seconds on Wednesday to win the Women’s 100 metres hurdles at the African Games in Ghana. After a false start scare, Amusan flew to an easy win. She completes a hat-trick of African Games titles with that win. Amusan defeated Sidonie Fiadanantsoa of Madagascar  who ran at time of 13.19 seconds to finish 2nd. Faith Osamuyi of Nigeria just missed out on a podium finish as she ran 13.77 seconds in 4th place. Amusan is the current world record holder in the 100 metres hurdles with a time of 12.12 seconds which she set at the 2022 women’s 100 metres hurdles semi final in Eugene Oregon. She is the current Commonwealth and African champion in the 100m hurdles, as well as the meet record holder in those two competitions. Amusan became the first ever Nigerian world champion and world record holder in an athletics event when she won the 2022 World Championships 100m hurdles gold

 Leave vegetable sellers, petty traders alone, Gov Nwifuru warns tax collectors Gov. Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi has warned revenue officers in the state against collecting taxes from vegetable sellers and other petty traders. This is contained in a statement issued by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Mr Monday Uzor, in Abakaliki on Wednesday. The governor gave the warning during the swearing-in of members of the Revenue Appeal Commission in the state. Nwifuru described the collection of taxes from vegetable sellers as inhuman and urged them to avoid such acts. He said there was no reason to collect tax from people selling their farm produce in the local markets. “I want you to go for big big business owners. “I have told the Revenue Service, I don’t want you to go to the Village markets and be collecting tax from vegetable sellers, I have said it times without number. “I don’t see reasons we should be taxing people who are selling what they got from their farms,” he advised.