PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 A Lexington Kentucky veteran fireman is fighting for his life currently after succumbing to the blaze he was attempting to battle. Ronnie Metcalf was fighting an early Tuesday morning house fire with other first responders when orders were issued to evacuate.   Once all responding crew members were outside they became aware that Ronnie was missing. Search teams re-entered the raging house fire and rescued Ronnie.  However, he is currently in Baptist Hospital fighting for his life after sustaining serious injuries.

 EFCC Arrests Five for Suspected Illegal Mining Activities in Ilorin Operatives of the Ilorin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested five persons for possession and conveyance of three truckloads of assorted solid minerals suspected to be mined without an appropriate licence. The suspects are three truck drivers and two truck boys. Their arrest, which was effected along Maraba road, Ilorin Kwara State and Ogbomosho, Oyo State between March 21 - 22, 2024, followed credible intelligence and surveillance. The suspects were arrested while conveying solid minerals suspected to be marble stone, white powder, lithium and lepidolite, to Shagamu and Alakija in Ogun and Lagos States respectively  for commercial purposes without a requisite licence. The Ilorin Zonal Command had on February 5, 2024 arrested 41 persons over suspected illegal mining activities and impounded 12 truckloads of assorted minerals mined without an appropriate licence....

 Court Jails 26 Internet Fraudsters in Benin City The Benin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, between Friday, March 22, 2024 and Tuesday March 26, 2024 secured the conviction and sentence of 26 internet fraudsters before Justices Efe Ikponmwonba and M. Itsueli of the Edo State High Court sitting in Benin City. The convicts are Balogun Oladipupo, Ehigiamusoe Desmond, Jeffery Enogieru, Awoke Godstime ThankGod, Gabriel Ugolo, Erhabor ThankGod Idahosa, Obaretin Osahebrunwen Samuel, Ilevba Endurance, Ilevba Isowanmwen, Osakhuwomwen Osayende, Eruangu Salvation, Destiny Osasenagu Osafanmen, Emmanuel Osafanmen, Azuka Victory Nzel, Enehizena Michael, Emmanuel Oladotun Oladotun, Abdulsalam Enakhe. Others are Cyril Nowanmagbe Ojo, Wisdom Desmond John, Samuel Joseph, Ime Joseph Etim, Imafidon Kelvin, Sylvester Gabriel, Victor Jonathan Chika, Ejike Favour Madukaku and Abdullahi Rahman They were jailed after pleading guilty to one-count separate charge borderin...

 If my success is your problem, you can never have rest of mind” Femi Adebayo tells Dayo Amusa Nollywood actor, Femi Adebayo has broken his silence on the ongoing drama between his wife, Aduke, and actress, Dayo Amusa. Taking to the comment section of her latest post, he stated that he now sees that the movie star is coming at him. Femi made it known that she wanted to pick a fight with the wrong person He stated that if her success is her problem, then she can never have rest of mind because he has just started. He advised her to channel the energy on her career and should stop trying to bring him down. “I now see that you truly want to come for me. You have actually done it with the wrong person. If my success is your problem, you can never have rest of mind because I have just started. It’s advisable you channel your energy to your career and not be too busy ok bringing me down”. The whole drama started after Dayo Amusa heavily criticized Femi Adebayo over Bobrisky winning the B...

  Sleep paralysis is fairly common, in ancient times it was usually attributed to evil spirits and the first medical account comes from 1664.  Modern science however tells us it's simply a brain glitch when coming into or out of the REM state of sleep.It's fairly common yet rarely spoken about publicly. People that suffer from sleep paralysis explain that it is extremely terrifying. The affliction causes some individuals to fight sleep because they are afraid it will happen again.  Science cannot explain the reoccurring hallucinations that usually accompany sleep paralysis. Scientists and experts claim the same figure is seen and described world wide by people suffering from sleep paralysis. The description hardly varies, he's always a tall man in an over coat or cloak with a wide brim hat and usually standing in the corner quietly watching. Do you have sleep paralysis? Have you seen Hat Man?

 Ondo gubernatorial aspirant, Akintelure dies One of the leading governorship aspirants of the All Progressives Congress APC in Ondo state, Dr Paul Akintelure is dead. He was said to have passed on in the early hours of today, March 26, 2024. Though details of his death were sketchy as at the time of this report. Akintelure, served as the running mate to the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu during the 2012 election under the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). UPDATED: ‘His Death Not Ordinary,’ Says Brother Of Late Ondo APC Guber Aspirant Facts have emerged on Tuesday over the passing of Dr Paul Akintelure, one of the prominent governorship aspirants of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo state.  This is just as the deceased’s younger brother, Mr Oladapo Akintelure, said his death was not natural. Akintelure, a medical doctor, jostling for the governorship ticket of the APC, was confirmed dead in the early hours of Tuesday. Daily Trust gathered that the...

Nigerian Lady Driving From London To Lagos Involved In Car Crash  Popular Nigerian travel content creator Pelumi Nubi was engaged in an automobile accident while travelling from London to Lagos. Pelumi shared a picture of the now-wrecked vehicle she had been travelling in on her Instagram account on Tuesday. The windscreen was destroyed and the front of the automobile was badly deformed. She was also seen being carried in an ambulance in the footage. Pelumi captioned the post: “Say a prayer for me”. In November, Pelumi planned a solo travel from London to Lagos. She commenced the trip on January 30. Initially, Pelumi stated that she would arrive in Lagos on March 23. She clarified, however, that the postponed date was due to border issues she was having in multiple countries. Pelumi Nubi further disclosed that the borders of Liberia and Sierra Leone refused to let her in. Watch video below. 

 26/3/2024 PRESS RELEASE ARREST OF A SUSPECTED KIDNAPPER/ARMED ROBBER/CULTIST,  RESCUE OF THREE KIDNAPPED VICTIMS; AND THE RECOVERY OF ONE LOCALLY MADE CUT TO SIZE DOUBLE BARREL GUN WITH ONE CARTRIDGE AND OTHER SHARP WEAPONS CP Abaniwonda Olufemi lauds officers of the Command for their continued vigilance and efforts to curb kidnapping and other crimes in the State. On 25/3/2024 at about 2030hrs, while a concerned citizen (name withheld) was going about his hunting in the thick forest in Egbudu-Akah community Aniocha South LGA, he sighted a group of people suspected to be kidnappers, and their helpless kidnapped victims. He quickly ran out from the bush and reported what he had seen to the police. Upon receiving this information, the DPO in a meticulously coordinated operation, mobilized his patrol team and men of the vigilante, as they charged swiftly into the forest on a rescue mission. While the operatives were about to draw close to the den of these kidnappers, they were s...

 Our National Identity Must Transcend Religion, Ethnicity – Minister    A sure way for a cohesive Nigerian identity that transcends religion, ethnicity, and political affiliation, is through a compelling national narrative that inspires trust and confidence amongst Nigerians, Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, has said.    The Minister spoke at the maiden National Spokespersons Summit organised by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), in conjunction with the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation on Tuesday, in Abuja.    Speaking on the theme of the summit, “Change Narrative, Change Society,” the Minister said, that in recognition of Nigeria’s diversity, there exists the need to create a cohesive national identity that transcends ethnicity, religion, and political affiliations through the crafting of a compelling national narrative, which inspires trust and confidence among Nigerians.  ...

 PRESS RELEASE  Digitilisation: Housing Ministry Launches Official Website In line with the digitalisation in the Federal Civil Service, a new web portal has been unveiled by the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development  The domain nane of the website is www.fmhud.gov.ng. It is the first stand alone website of the Ministry since it was demerged from the former Ministry of Works and Housing. Unveiling the website, the Permanent Secretary,  Marcus Ogunbiyi, PhD, highly commended the efforts of the department of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) under the leadership of the Director in charge, Marcus Amiolemen for their tenacity in ensuring that the activities of the Ministry are showcased to the world through the website creation. Ohunbiyi acknowledged the endeavour of the ICT department in the improvement of the Ministry’s Internet Connectivity, noting that the accomplishments were good steps in the right direction towards DIGITALIZATION, which i...

 LAWMA CONDUCTS FIRE DRILL EXERCISE  As part of LAWMA's comprehensive Health and Safety program, a Fire Drill exercise was conducted at the Headquarters (HQ), Ijora-Olopa, this morning.  This proactive measure aimed to ensure the preparedness of personnel in handling emergency situations effectively.  The exercise also underscores Authority's commitment to prioritizing the safety and well-being of its employees, emphasising the importance of swift and coordinated responses to potential fire incidents. More photos below. 

  BALTIMORE BRIGDE COLLAPSES AFTER BEEN HIT BY A SHIP The landmark Francis Scott Key Bridge in the US city of Baltimore has collapsed after a cargo ship collided with it. Several vehicles that were crossing the bridge, plunged into the waters of the Patapsco River. As many as 20 people are believed to be in the water, according to Baltimore fire department. Emergency personnel rushed to the scene and rescue operations are under way. The container ship, named Singapore-flagged Dali, was on its way to Colombo in Sri Lanka, when it struck a column on the 47-year-old bridge, causing it to collapse. A number of vehicles, including "one the size of a tractor-trailer" plunged into the water below, they added. The massive rescue operation is being led by Baltimore fire department, the US Coastguard and other agencies from the state of Maryland. The head of communications for Baltimore fire department, Kevin Cartwright, described the situation as a "dire emergency". "Ou...

 Edo PDP chairman, Aziegbemi regains freedom from kidnappers The Edo State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Tony Aziegbemi has been released from the clutches of kidnappers.Dr. Aziegbemi, who was kidnapped by a gang of gunmen near his house in Benin, 11 days ago, was reportedly set free by his abductors in the early hours of today (Tuesday, 26 March). Sources had it that he arrived at his GRA residence at about 3 am to the waiting arms of his family members and close friends. Speaking on his mobile phone early this morning, the Edo PDP chairman said that he was happy to be back home with his family. “I am back home with my family. I am fine. I am just trying to rest and will talk to you later,” he told a journalist. Circumstances surrounding his release are however unclear, as of the time of this report. It is not clear if a ransom was paid for his release as the abductors had reportedly demanded a princely sum of N500 million before setting him free. The State P...

 Chinese Who Killed Lover In Kano Sentenced To Death Justice Sanusi Ado Ma’aji of Kano state high court sitting at Miller road, Bompai, has found Quandong Geng, a Chinese national, guilty of killing his girlfriend, Ummulkusum Sani Buhari (Ummita). Geng had invaded the residence of Ummita in September 2022 and stabbed her to death during an argument. He had fled the scene but was subsequently arrested by the police and arraigned. During cross examination in court, he had said Ummita broke his heart by getting married to another person as he had plans of settling down with her. Geng added that when they started preparation for their wedding, he bought her wedding dresses worth N1.5 million, sweets and other dresses they will wear on their wedding day and ‘Asoebi’ for her friends and N700,000 new notes for spraying on the wedding day. “I went to Sokoto to see her family members where I spent N700,000. “On the 13th September 2022, she requested some money to be used in the house she is...

 STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE  PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES ACE BROADCASTER, SULAIMAN ALEDEH, ON 50TH BIRTHDAY President Bola Tinubu congratulates veteran broadcaster, Mr. Sulaiman Aledeh, as he turns 50 years old on March 26, 2024. Mr. Aledeh is the Publisher of Gatekeepersnews.com, and with over two decades of career in journalism spanning radio, television, and digital media. He was a co-anchor of Sunrise Daily, where he captivated audiences every morning with incisive analyses and his affable style of delivery. As Mr. Aledeh marks his Golden Jubilee, the President wishes him many more prosperous years in his noble endeavour. Chief Ajuri Ngelale  Special Adviser to the President  (Media & Publicity) March 26, 2024

 "Mr Zack Orji is alive 💯💯💯💯💯💯 Please ignore misschief makers who enjoy circulating fake news. This is to show how wicked some people can be. It is totally unacceptable. @actorsguildofnigeria  @abkingyakub  @k8henshaw  He will not die but live to declare the good works of God in Jesus name 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏"

 Don’t question deaths of Nollywood movie stars – Rita Edochie Nollywood veteran actress, Rita Edochie, has urged Nigerians to refrain from questioning the deaths of movie stars, saying death is only a displeasing call of nature that comes knocking and cannot be avoided. The well-known actress, who took to her Instagram page @ritaedochie to frown at questions like “What is happening in Nollywood?” said death is inevitable; “It knocks at everyone’s door, not just actors alone.” “Celebrities are humans as well; the same way other people in different walks of life die, that is the same way celebrities die too,” she said. She further stated that people easily react to news of the death of celebrities, either positively or negatively, due to their popularity, following the impacts they had made in the entertainment industry. “If teachers, doctors, lawyers, businessmen, and women, even pastors can die, then what is so different about the deaths of filmmakers? “People, especially in Niger...

 Okuama: Its a crime to push, slap or kill soldier man – Comedian Ali Baba Nigerian comedian, Atunyota Akpobome, popularly known as Ali Baba, has condemned the recent killing of 17 officers of the Nigerian Army in Delta, describing it as highly abominable. Akpobome, who condemned the act in an interview with newsmen in Lagos, said the gruesome murder of the soldiers smacked of eroding societal values. According to the comedian, the murder of soldiers showed that the nation is suffering from poor moral education in the country. “Killing another human being is bad, the killing of anybody that works for an institution, especially an institution like the army that protects the people, is worse “Overseas, when you are travelling, they (airport authorities) board the military personnel first as well as retired officers. “What it means is that we need to begin to know our values totally in the country. This is unfortunate. “You do not respect the military that protects you, you went ahead...

  The UK High Court hands down its ruling on WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange’s most recent appeal against extradition to the US, which took place last month. The judges refused to allow his immediate extradition, and ruled that he can appeal on three of the nine grounds in his appeal if the US and UK governments cannot provide assurances relating to these aspects of his appeal by April 16. The three grounds for appeal are that Julian "might be prejudiced at his trial by reason of his nationality", which, as a result, might curtail his right to freedom of expression under Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights (or, in the US, his First Amendment rights), and that his extradition might be "barred by inadequate specialty / death penalty protection." However, the judges refused to accept arguments by Julian’s lawyers on six other grounds, including that his proposed extradition is illegal because it is political in nature, and extradition for political r...

 UN SECURITY COUNCIL PASSES RESOLUTION CALLING FOR GAZA CEASEFIRE. UN Security Council has called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, after the US did not veto the measure in a shift from its previous position. It also demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. It is the first time the council has called for a ceasefire since the war began in October after several failed attempts. The move by the US signals growing divergence between it and its ally Israel over Israel's offensive in Gaza.

 TOGOLESE LAWMAKERS ADOPT NEW CONSTITUTION.  Togolese lawmakers have adopted a new constitution, moving the country from a presidential to a parliamentary system and giving parliament the power to elect the president of the small West African country. The president will be chosen without debate by lawmakers for a single 6 years term and not by the public, according to the new text. The vote comes less than a month before the next legislative elections in Togo, but it is not yet known when the change, which was approved with eighty-nine votes in favour against one, will come into force. Currently, the president can serve a maximum of two five-year terms.

  GOVERNOR Fubara dissolves Rivers State Taskforce on sanitation. ... DIRECTS Hon. Prince Ohia, his SA on Environment, to take over the Sanitation Affairs pending the appointment of Rivers State Waste Management Agency ( RIWAMA) Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has announced the dissolution of the State Task Force on Sanitation. Governor Fubara, announced the dissolution during a meeting with the State Task Force on Sanitation and refuse contractors in Government House, Port Harcourt on Tuesday. The State Chief Executive said that the task force ceases to exist with immediate effect. He directed the Special Adviser on Environmental Sanitation, Prince Obi Ohia, to take charge of the agency until government takes a decision on the leadership of the Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA).

 PRESS RELEASE OUR CRIMINAL JUSTICE ADMINISTRATION HAS IMPROVED AS WE PROSECUTED 29,052 CASES IN ONE YEAR – FPRO As IGP Pledges Commitment to Justice, Effective Role-Playing in Criminal Justice System The Nigeria Police Force under the focused leadership of the 22nd indigenous Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, and following his pledge to ensure that perpetrators of crime are brought to justice swiftly and fairly, has successfully prosecuted a total number of twenty-nine thousand, and fifty-two (29,052) criminal cases across the country in the last one year.  This outstanding achievement results from the staunch dedication and diligence exhibited by investigative officers in consonance with the various legal teams in Commands and Formations nationwide culminating in the successful conclusion of most of these cases in relentless pursuit of accountability and the rule of law. Remarkably, of the 29,052 cases prosecuted, seventeen thousand, six h...

 "MOSCOW CONCERT ATTACK: Four Men Charged to court for terrorism" Russia has charged four men accused of attacking a Moscow concert hall, resulting in the deaths of at least 137 people.  Three of them were escorted to a Moscow court, while the fourth arrived in a wheelchair. All are charged with committing an act of terrorism. Although the Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attack, Russian officials have alleged Ukrainian involvement, a claim Kyiv dismisses as “absurd.” The accused, identified as Dalerdzhon Mirzoyev, Saidakrami Murodali Rachabalizoda, Shamsidin Fariduni, and Muhammadsobir Fayzov, appeared in court bearing signs of physical abuse, with reports indicating brutal interrogation tactics were used.  They are to remain in pre-trial detention. The attack occurred when four gunmen stormed the Crocus City Hall during a rock concert, causing casualties and setting fires. The attackers were apprehended in the Bryansk region, and seven others have been...

 𝗥 𝗞𝗲𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝟯𝟬-𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗝𝗮𝗶𝗹 𝗧𝗲𝗿𝗺 R&B icon R Kelly has launched an appeal to overturn his 30-year racketeering sentence, issued in 2022. The musician was convicted of racketeering and trafficking after a high-profile trial in New York in 2021, culminating years of accusations against him throughout his career. Although he was absent from the appeal, his lawyer Jennifer Bonjean contends that prosecutors failed to substantiate their racketeering claims or prove his involvement with multiple women. Bonjean argues against the notion that Kelly’s staff were aware of illegal activities transpiring behind closed doors, emphasizing their limited involvement in administrative tasks. “There were rules and things, [the staff] did these anodyne tasks that were perhaps a little unusual, but not that put them on notice that what was happening behind closed doors was illegal,” she said. Assistant US attorney Kayla Bensing, representing the prosecution, portrays Kel...

 How 34-year-old Nigerian US Naval Officer, Aregbesola Died in Red Sea A Nigerian-born United States Naval Officer, Michael Aregbesola, has died in the Red Sea after falling overboard while in operation. In the statement provided on the Naval website, the Pentagon wrote, “The U.S. Navy on Saturday identified the Sailor lost overboard from USS Mason (DDG 87) while operating in the Red Sea, March 20. “Aviation Machinist’s Mate 2nd Class Oriola Michael Aregbesola, assigned to the ‘Swamp Foxes’ of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 74, was deployed with a detachment aboard Mason, which has been operating in the U.S. 5th Fleet since November.He will continue on in the heart of every Swamp Fox and our brothers and sisters in the IKE Carrier Strike Group. Our deepest thoughts and prayers are with his family,” the statement added. Aregbesola, of Florida, joined the Navy in July 2020. He reported to HSM-74 in December 2020. In October 2020, immediately after he was recruited, Aregbes...

 ‘I won hands down’ – Bobrisky speaks on Best Dressed Female Award Controversial Nigerian crossdresser Idris Okuneye, aka Bobrisky, has said he merited the ‘Best Dressed Female’ award he won at a recent event.  Reactions have continued to trail the recognition of Bobrisku as the Best Dressed Female at movie premiere in Lagos over the weekend. However, reacting via his Instagram account, Bobrisky insisted that he won the award fairly. He boasted that he beat those who claimed to be “real women” to the award. He wrote, “I love my sisterhood no cap! But e get some haters among them. Una dey claim real women blabla but I won hands down. Who come be the real woman now? Don’t play!”

 Bobrisky fires back at Portable over Best Dressed Award In response to Portable’s criticism of winning a Best Dressed Award in a female category, Bobrisky has fired back. Taking to Instagram, Bobrisky slammed Portable, stating that Portable should learn to mind his own business. He went on to warn that God would deal with Portable for his remarks and threatened to take action against him, insinuating an end to Portable’s career. Bobrisky concluded by suggesting that Portable, of all people, should refrain from speaking out, labeling him as a “dirty boy.” “@portablebaeby ogun wan kpa ur mama? Wetin concern me with ur life? I resemble ur fellow people in d BI. ghetto? Na God go pemish you. If you try shik with me iwill take you to where they will deal with u and you ur deed career will end finally. Olomiber uku Omcale People are talking diety boy is talking boy come put mouth ewww 6portablebaeby you stink.”

 Dayo Amusa kicks as Bobrisky named ‘Best Dressed Female’ Actress Dayo Amusa slammed the judges at a recent event for awarding popular transgender, Bobrisky as the Best Dressed Female at a movie premiere She argued that the act was a form of mockery to the women present at the premiere. Amusa said that it was disrespectful to the women present at the event and that their efforts were watered. She took to her Instagram page to address the unjust treatment. Her words: “I was at a colleague of mine premiere yesterday, they said the best dressers are to be picked; one female and one male best dresser. Don’t get me wrong, the winner could be anyone but definitely not a crossdresser. I mean, what’s wrong with us? I don’t understand it. I cannot imagine the judges disrespecting every woman who was there. You had to pick a winner, a female best dressed and a male best dressed and you watered the efforts of all the women at the event by giving the best-dressed female to a crossdresser. I do...

 How IPOB, other terrorist groups are funded, by NFIU Crowd-funding, betting platforms and online transfers have been listed by the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU)  as channels through which terror organisations receive funds for their activities. A  part of a recent newsletter by NFIU’s Counter-Financing of Terrorism Department,  specifically highlighted how the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) received funds. It also gave an insight into how a young man from the North-central got cash believed to be ransom for a kidnapping. The name of the 24-year-old Nigerian was not given by NFIU which  said  IPOB also   has “a concerning financial structure such as monthly dues and  services   for ESN (Eastern Security Network.” ESN is IPOB’s armed wing. The NFIU added that  IPOB has affiliates made up of Nigerians in 22 countries that have registered at least 27 entities under the group’s name.  Seven of the registratio...