PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 Slain Soldiers: It’s illegal to declare suspects wanted, says Falana Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has criticized the Nigerian Army’s decision to declare eight suspects wanted in connection with the killing of 17 soldiers in Okuama community, Delta State. Falana emphasized that it is illegal for the military to declare murder suspects wanted and warned against mishandling the case of the slain soldiers. In a statement on Thursday, Falana stated, “The decision of the Defence Headquarters to declare the murder suspects wanted is completely illegal.” He urged the federal government to direct the defence headquarters to transfer the investigation of the suspects involved in the gruesome murder to appropriate civilian authorities. Falana underscored that murder is not a military offence, and thus, it should be investigated by civilian law enforcement agencies rather than the military. “If the federal government fails to call the defence headquarters to order,” Falana cautioned, “the ...

 This is upsetting.  On 03/27/2024 at approximately 0055 hrs., (12:55 a.m.)  Fredericktown Police Department Officers were dispatched to Madison Medical Center for suspicious circumstances of an unresponsive juvenile.  Upon arrival, Officers were notified by medical staff that the juvenile was deceased and showed evidence of abuse or neglect.   The mother of the deceased juvenile was detained immediately at Madison Medical Center and Officers from Fredericktown Police Department located and detained the mother’s boyfriend for questioning.   The Missouri State Highway patrol division of drug and crime control Investigators were called to assist  in this investigation.  After all investigations and interviews were concluded, probable cause was obtained for                             Warrant Arrests on  Hayden W Rosener  Bond: $1,000,000.00 (CASH)   ...

 A Centralia woman that was ran over and dragged 40 yards tells her story on the one year anniversary of the incident. Update on a story from March 21, 2023. On that date, Centralia resident Aimee Aud was allegedly purposefully ran over by 25-year-old Elizabeth McLaughlin. After a year of waiting, and a year of healing, it appears the state's attorney is preparing to try Elizabeth in court after several continuances by a few different defense attorneys. A violent crime victim advocate recently reached out to the victim. Aimee is very thankful that she may have some closure soon.  A little over a year ago, Aimee was hit and dragged under a Yukon as the driver sped away from the scene for approximately 40 yards until Aimee's mangled body broke free from under the vehicle. On that particularly beautiful day, Aimee's boyfriend Jeff had his boss over to their home. Jeff Parker was currently running the business he worked at for his boss, Zackary Weaver. Zack had a medical emerge...

 PRESS RELEASE 2024 EASTER CELEBRATIONS: IGP DIRECTS CONTINUOUS VIGILANCE, PUBLIC SPACE SAFEGUARDING Extends Heartfelt Wishes to Christian Community on Easter Celebrations The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, reassures Nigerians of the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens and visitors during the upcoming Easter celebrations. In line with this commitment, the IGP has ordered round-the-clock security and protection of public spaces across the country. Under the directive of the IGP, all State Commissioners of Police (CPs) and their supervising Zonal Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs) have been tasked with deploying police personnel and operational assets to areas of likely security threats within their respective areas of responsibility (AoRs). Intensive and proactive visibility patrols will be conducted at all worship centres, train stations, highways, motor parks, airports, waterways, r...

 In a concerted effort to ensure road safety and regulatory compliance, the Lagos State Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS) conducted a comprehensive enforcement operation on Wednesday targeting unroadworthy vehicles across the state. The operation which resulted in the seizure of over 50 rickety commercial vehicles, focused on vehicles that failed to meet the prescribed minimum roadworthiness standards as seen in its brakes, wipers, lights, shocks and tyres, as stipulated in the State’s Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018. During the enforcement exercise which spanned various key locations including Costain, Ikorodu road, Ojuelegba, Yaba, Oyingbo, Ikeja, and Ojodu Berger, the Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIOs) while diligently scrutinising commercial vehicles to ensure compliance with safety regulations also enlightened the drivers on the danger in non-compliance, majority of which was the cause of road accidents. Debunking the misconceptions about the VIS’s enforcement focus which was...

 Court Jails 17 Internet Fraudsters in Bauchi Justices A. Muazu and M.A Sambo of the Bauch State High Court sitting in Bauch have convicted and sentenced seventeen (17) internet fraudsters to different jail terms.   The convicts were jailed after pleading guilty to one –count separate  charges upon their arraignment by the Gombe Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. They are: John Yakubu,  Adams Ogbu Adai, Anthony Favour, Londima Donendung, Anthony Osai Samuel, John Jerry,  Christianah Joseph, Adejumo Faruq, Emmanuel Shammah, Iliya Yakubu,  Godfrey Fidelis Namzy, Danjuma Aklahel, Michael Monday Auta, Alphonsus Jeremiah, Banabas Emmanuel, Jerry Emeka and Solomon Monday.    The charge against Auta reads; "That you, Micheal Monday Auta sometimes between 2023 and 2024, at Bauchi, Bauchi State, within the Jurisdiction of this honorable court, attempted to cheat by personation by pretending to be one Adriana Maria and...

 BREAKING NEWS!  :  ANOTHER LEGAL VICTORY  ! Almighty God, the shield and protector of the widow has done it for me yet again! Presently at the  High Court of Justice, Enugu  where judgement has just been delivered in my favour as Trustee and Executor of the Will of Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu in Suit no.E/398/2013 , and validating the last wishes and testamentary dispositions of my late husband Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu who passed away on 26th November 2011.  The judgement also affirmed Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu’s position regarding those he acknowledged as his offspring. My thanks go to God,who always shows up for me, and always on time; to my Lawyers, Barrister Emeka Onyemelukwe and Barr Ngozi Abafor; to Barr James Ezike, for staying the course through this case which has lasted 11 years, and to others, who, through their support and encouragement we have come this far. To God be the glory! Please thank Him with me. One more photo be...

 BOAT REGATTA: LASG ANNOUNCES POSTPONEMENT Lagos State Government has postponed the highly anticipated Lagos State Boat Regatta originally slated for Easter Monday, 1st of April, 2024.  A release issued today by the State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, said the postponement of the event comes as part of the government's efforts to ensure optimal participation and enjoyment for all attendees. It noted that the Boat Regatta is a hallmark event in Lagos' cultural calendar for celebrating the vibrant maritime heritage of the state, while providing a platform for showcasing traditional boat racing and cultural performances  The Ministry assured all stakeholders and Lagosians that the rescheduled date will allow for better coordination and preparation, promising an unforgettable experience for residents and visitors alike.  The statement reads, “The Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, being the coordinating Ministry for the event, apologized for any ...

 STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE PRESIDENT TINUBU APPEALS TO RELIGIOUS LEADERS: DO NOT DENIGRATE NIGERIA IN YOUR SERMONS; PRAY FOR THE NATION INSTEAD    President Bola Tinubu has called on religious leaders to refrain from vilifying or denigrating the nation in their sermons.  Speaking during Ramadan Iftar with traditional rulers and religious leaders at the State House on Thursday in Abuja, the President emphasized the important role of religious leaders in shaping public opinion and fostering a sense of unity among citizens. He urged the leaders to be more constructive in their criticism of those in elective positions.  President Tinubu also declared that his administration is determined to turn Nigeria’s challenges into prosperity.  He reiterated that no terrorist can defeat the collective will of Nigerians, no matter how hard they try to prey on innocent citizens.  He urged traditional and religious leaders to forge a strong bond with the government to d...

 9-year-old California boy leads police on a short lived low speed chase which ended next door to his school. When officer Terry Dunn noticed a vehicle stopped in the middle of an intersection in Oroville, CA, he used his PA to tell them to move. Once he cleared the intersection he got in behind the vehicle and the chase began. The driver fled through a gas station lot and into a vacant lot next to a local school before stopping and reversing into Dunn's Patrol car. Officer Dunn exited his vehicle and began cautiously approaching the vehicle. This is when he noticed the perp had an "usually small head." As he was assessing the situation, to his surprise a 9- year-old boy stuck his head out the car window and said, "I'm sorry, I was just trying to get to school." After calling the school and the boy's parents it was confirmed he did indeed go to the school he had driven to and believed he was just trying to get there. He was eventually sent on his way to ...

 EFCC Arrests 74 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Ogun Operatives of the Ibadan Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Thursday, March 28, 2024 arrested seventy-four(74) suspected internet fraudsters in Ogun State. The alleged fraudsters were arrested at Government Residential Area, G.R.A, Shagamu,  in Ogun State following surveillance and intelligence  exposing their suspected internet-related  offences. Items recovered from them include seven exotic cars, three laptops, 124 mobile phones, one PlayStation 3 game, two motorcycles and other incriminating documents. They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.  More photos below. 

 EFCC Arraigns Two for N20.5m Fraud in Kano The Economic and Financial Crime Commission, EFCC  on Monday,  March 25, 2024 arraigned  Sufiyanu Yahaya and Mudassir Rabiu Idris before  Justice ibrahim Musa Karaye of the Kano State High Court on  one- count separate charges bordering on  misappropriation of funds to the tune of N20,500,000( Twenty Million, Five Hundred Thousand Naira) only. While Yahaya allegedly misappropriated a sum of N11,500,000 (Eleven Million, Five Hundred Thousand Naira  Only) belonging to a petitioner meant for the supply of rice,  Idris allegedly misappropriated the sum of N9,000,000( Nine Million Naira only) belonging to a petitioner meant for the purchase of 360 pieces of solar panels. The charge against Yahaya reads: ‘’That you Safiyanu Yahaya sometime in September 2022 in Kano State within the jurisdiction of this honourable court misappropriated the sum of N11,500,000.00 for the supply of Rice sent to your corporate...

 Court quashes Debe’s suit, awards Ojukwu’s will to Bianca The Enugu State High Court presided over by Justice A.O Onovo has thrown away for lack of merit, a suit initiated by the late Chief (Dr) Debe Odumegwu Ojukwu (who claimed to be the first son of the late Ikemba Nnewi, Dim Chukwemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu) against Ikemba’s window, Mrs. Bianca Ojukwu. Debe had gone to court challenging the authenticity of Ikemba’s will, arguing that as the first son of the late Biafra leader, his name was supposed to be contained in the will which his name was not therein. Debe further claimed that Ojukwu’s will was tampered with and sought from the court for an order restraining the defendant, Mrs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu from interfering with the administration of the estate of the late Ikemba, as well as a declaration that Ojukwu died without writing any will. He also claimed entitlement to letters of administration of the late Odumegwu-Ojukwu’s estate. The Biafra leader, Ojukwu, died on November 2...

 NYSC certificate forgery: Court grants Bayelsa senator N50m bail A Federal Capital Territory High Court in Apo has granted the senator representing Bayelsa Central, Benson Konbowei, a N50m bail. The senator, who was arraigned on Tuesday on three counts bordering on forgery of the National Youth Service Corps exemption certificate among others was allowed to go home pending the ruling on his bail application fixed for Thursday. The counsel for the prosecution, Rubben Egwaba, had opposed the bail application for the defendant. He noted that the defendant would interfere with his trial if granted bail. He said, “While the charge was filed, the defendant took several steps to interfere with the matter. He also wrote a lot of petitions against me to truncate the matter. We urge My Lord to refuse the application.” The counsel for the defendant, Gordy Uche (SAN), urged the court to grant his client bail, assuring the court he would not jump bail if granted one. Ruling on the bail applica...

 Court Ordered Release Of 313 Suspected Terrorists To Borno Govt – DHQ The Defence Headquarters on Thursday said a Federal High Court in Borno ordered the release of no fewer than 313 suspected terrorists arrested by the military. While briefing journalists in Abuja on the military operations, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Buba Edward, said the court ordered their release for lack of evidence to nail the suspects after the investigation. “During the week, as a follow-up to a court order of the Federal High Court in Maiduguri, a total of 313 suspects in detention for terrorism-related offenses were to be released to the Borno State government. “The court ordered the release for want of evidence after the conclusion of the investigation and other ancillary matters. “Accordingly, they would be handed over to the Borno State Government for further action,” the defence spokesman said, adding that the cases were prosecuted by the Department of Prosecution and th...

 NIGERIA SECURITY AND CIVIL DEFENCE CORPS ( NSCDC ). LAGOS STATE COMMAND. PRESS STATEMENT. EASTER: LAGOS NSCDC  DEPLOYS TWO THOUSAND ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY PERSONNEL TO PROTECT CRITICAL NATIONAL ASSETS AND INFRASTRUCTURE, KESHINRO FELICITATES WITH CHRISTIAN FAITHFULS. In line with the recent charge of the Commandant General, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), CG Ahmed Abubakar Audi, PhD, mni, OFR, Zonal Commanders and State Commandants of the Corps, across the federation, to ensure sustainable peace, security and safety of lives and property and with a marching order to intensify strong focus on our mandates, the Lagos State Commandant, Mr Adedotun Keshinro has deployed, two thousand one hundred and fifty ( 2,150 ) officers and men to also ensure the effective protection of critical national assets and infrastructure in the state, before, during and after this year's Easter celebration. The Command has identified all locations where these critical national assets...

 The survival mentality of Nigerians is a curse - Mr Macaroni  Activist and actor, Mr Macaroni, has asserted that the average Nigerian's survival mentality and mindset is a curse and not a blessing. The comic voiced his stance during a recent interview with media personality, Biola Adebayo, stressing that the 24-hour hustling spirit is not something to be proud of. Mr Macaroni noted that Nigerians are too quick to accept everything thrown their way. "What I have noticed about Nigerians? Our survival mentality. We think it is a blessing but it is a curse. The average Nigerian is a survivor, it is in our system we always find a way to make it work. A person who didn't have money to go to work the day before would make it to work somehow, they may not know how but they would eventually. A person who doesn't know how they would eat would somehow eat." Pointing at the status quo and how challenging situations are often shrugged off in a heart-lighted manner, the actor ...

 INEC to publish credentials of 17 Edo governorship candidates on Saturday The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is set to publish the credentials of 17 governorship candidates in Edo State and their running mates on Saturday, March 30, 2024. The commission’s National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, made this known on Wednesday, March 27, 2024. Olumekun said INEC will display copies of Form EC9 along with all academic credentials and other documents submitted by each candidate at the state headquarters and the 18 local government offices across Edo State. He said, “Following the conclusion of party primaries, 17 political parties have uploaded their candidates’ nomination forms for the Edo State Governorship Election by the deadline of 6 pm on 24th March 2024 when the dedicated portal automatically shut down. “The personal particulars of the governorship candidates and their running mates will be published on ...

 Allow us build seaports, railways to develop the South-East - Ohanaeze tells FG The apex Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has reiterated its call for restructuring of the country and the creation of additional states in the Southeast. The President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu made the call during Ohanaeze Ndigbo Retreat with the theme “Ako Bu Ije” (Development with Wisdom) on Wednesday in Enugu. Iwuanyanwu, who said Ohanaeze was not happy with the 1999 Constitution as amended, called for restructuring of Nigeria where power would devolve from the Federal Government to the State Government. This, he said, would help the state have a reasonable autonomy to develop at their own pace without any hindrance from the Federal Government. “It will enable us to build our own seaports, railways and other infrastructure to develop the zone,” he said. While calling for the creation of an extra state in the zone, the Igbo Leader lamented ...

 Rescued Kuriga school children reunited with their families The rescued Kuriga Students have been united with their families at a reception at Katuru Road in the State Capital, by the Kaduna State Government. The rescued students and their families expressed gratitude to the governor for giving their quest for freedom relentless attention and effort. Represented at the event by the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Abdulkadir Meyere, Governor Uba Sani expressed the administration’s determination to ensure the freed pupils study up to university and urged the parents to remain steadfast in prayers for their children’s safety. Idris Abdullahi ( Madakin Kuriga), the representative of the Kuriga community, expressed gratitude to the Governor of the State for “giving his all, to freeing our children and consistently consoling us in moments of tensions, until formal handing over of our children”. He also hailed the government for paying sufficient attention to the royal fathers of...

 Hoodlums Attack, Set Police Station Ablaze In Anambra Hoodlums have attacked and razed the Neni Divisional Police station in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State. Emerging reports suggest that the attackers numbering about thirty stormed the area at about 2am in the morning on Thursday, wreaking havoc on several buildings. The State Police Public Relations officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the hoodlums attacked the police station with Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). Alleged Certificate Forgery: Court Grants Senator Friday Benson N50m Bail He, however, stated clearly that the hoodlums did not take away any arms or kidnap any police personnel. The police imagemaker further disclosed that the hoodlums were forced to flee after the police operatives subdued them in a superior fire-power adding that tactical operations are still ongoing in the area. Mr Ikenga assured that more updates on the sad incident will be availed to the public in no time. He did not give much deta...

 PRESS RELEASE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT COMMITS TO SUSTAINED COLLABORATION WITH UNICEF ON WASH POLICIES AT GRASSROOTS LEVELS The Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Telumum Ustev, FNSE, has reaffirmed the Federal Government's dedication to continuing its partnership with UNICEF to enhance the implementation of WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) policies at the grassroots levels nationwide. Prof. Utsev reiterated this commitment during a courtesy visit by UNICEF Chief of WASH, Dr. Jane Bevan, to his office in Abuja today. He highlighted ongoing consultations with State Governments and Investors to leverage the WASH sector's value chain, emphasizing the need for robust collaboration with UNICEF to expand projects to grassroots communities. He underscored the crucial significance of achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2030 targets for WASH projects across Nigeria, ensuring maximum benefits for the populace. The Honourable Minister fu...

 PRESS RELEASE PATE ADVOCATES MEDICAL INCLUSIVENESS FOR PERSONS LIVING WITH DISABILITIES The Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, has identified inclusiveness in healthcare services for persons living with disabilities. Pate made this assertion at the inaugural meeting with the National Steering Committee Initiative on Disability Inclusiveness Healthcare, recently in his office. The Minister urged members of the committee to connect themselves with relevant stakeholders to ease the activities of people with disabilities. He assured members that agencies under the Ministry of Health, would uphold the Act on people with disabilities to enable them have access to the services of the agencies. Speaking further, the Minister advocated for the production of assisted devices in Nigeria, which should be incorporated in the social health insurance scheme so that some barriers faced by persons with disabilities can be identified and tackled. He be...