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 The president of Botswana has threatened to send 20,000 elephants to Germany in a dispute over the import of hunting trophies. Germans should "live together with the animals, in the way you are trying to tell us to", Mokgweetsi Masisi told German daily Bild on Tuesday. "This is not a joke," said Masisi, whose country has seen its elephant population grow to some 130,000. Botswana has already offered 8,000 elephants to Angola and another 500 to Mozambique, as it seeks to tackle what Masisi described as "overpopulation". Conservation efforts "We would like to offer such a gift to Germany," Masisi said, adding that he would "not take no for an answer." The African leader argued that conservation efforts have led to an explosion in the number of elephants and that hunting is an important means to keep them in check. The herds of elephants were causing damage to property, eating crops and trampling residents, he told the German paper. Germa...

 Important - Do you know this man? This is a scary story. Illinois man charged after disturbing kidnapping attempt.  28-year-old Jonatan Luna-Carrasco was arrested March 30th and charged with kidnapping.  These charges stem from a chilling and calculated incident which occurred on February 25th. The police in Gurnee received a 911 call in which a woman said her friend had been kidnapped. A short time later an injured woman was reported hysterically knocking on doors and asking for help. The victim and her friend went on to share the details of their ordeal with authorities. The women, who were from Whitewater, Wisconsin, told deputies they had left a Waukegan bar earlier in the evening . As the women drove down Route 41, Luna-Carrasco pulled alongside their vehicle. He then told the women they had a flat tire and he would change it for them.  When the girls pulled over, Luna-Carrasco offered for the 22-year-old victim to sit in his vehicle to stay warm while he chang...

 South Africa: parliamentary speaker faces imminent arrest over graft charges South Africa’s parliamentary speaker faces imminent arrest over corruption charges after a court on Tuesday dismissed her bid to block police and prosecutors from arresting her. Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, who is a senior member of the ruling African National Congress party, is accused of receiving bribes from a defense contractor while she was defense minister. According to prosecutors, she received 11 payments totaling $135,000 between December 2016 and July 2019. She sought another bribe of $105,000 but that wasn’t paid, prosecutors said. Opposition lawmakers have called for her to step down from her position as speaker over the allegations. Mapisa-Nqakula last week launched an urgent court bid to block her arrest, but a judge at the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria dismissed her application on Tuesday. Speaking to reporters after the judgment was delivered, National Prosecuting Authority spokesman Mt...

Taylor Swiift, an American music artist, has joined Forbes’ World’s Billionaires List for the first time, with $1.1 billion (£877 million), followed by Sam Altman, the developer of the AI chatbot ChatGPT, with $1 billion (£800 million). LVMH French luxury goods mogul Bernard Arnault and his family topped the list, with an estimated $233 billion (£185 billion). According to Forbes, the record is 2,781 billionaires by 2024.The total is 141 more than last year and 26 more than the previous record, achieved in 2021. Forbes stated that the wealthiest were wealthier than ever, with a total of $14.2 trillion (£11.3 trillion). Singer-songwriter Swift entered the rich list after achieving megastar status. She stole the show at this year’s Grammy Awards, becoming the first performer to win the prize for album of the year four times. Her album 1989 (Taylor’s Version) was also the best-selling vinyl LP of last year.Swift’s success is not just confined to the world of music. Her mere presence at Am...

 The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has frowned against an Easter Message from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) which it says “undermines the efforts of countless Nigerians working towards fostering mutual respect among diverse religious groups”. The FIRS in an Easter post on social media allegedly displayed a Point of Sale (POS) machine with a caption that reads, “Jesus paid your debts, not your taxes”, which drew a wide range of criticism especially among Christians. According to a statement signed by the President of CAN, Archbishop Daniel Okoh condemning the act, says the public institution, which should be the bastion of exemplary conduct, has been implicated in disseminating content that is widely regarded as offensive and derogatory to the Christian faith. The President of the apex Christian association in the country said, the Easter period, was a time of solemn reflection and sacred observance for Christians and should not be juxtaposed with civic obligati...

 The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB has uncovered about 1,665 fake A’level results during the 2023 Direct Entry, DE registration exercise. Professor Is-haq Oloyede, the Registrar of JAMB made this known in Abuja when he received the leadership of the National Association of Nigeria Colleges of Education Students. According to Professor Oloyede, out of this figure, 397 were from colleges of education, 453 from university diplomas and the rest were from other A’level certificates. The Board noted that the A’level results verification regime was implemented in response to the system’s endemic corruption and was meant to restore the integrity of this component of the admission process. He stated that it should be of great concern if no one respects the certificate one holds; therefore, there is a need to protect the integrity of A’level certificates needed to achieve admission through mechanisms that will withstand the test of time. However, JAMB revealed that out of th...

 Anti-labour practices: Telecoms workers begin strike Thursday The Private Telecommunications and Communications Senior Staff Association of Nigeria has declared an indefinite strike effective midnight on Thursday, April 4, 2024. The union said the decision was deemed necessary due to the relentless anti-labour practices against field engineers perpetrated by subcontractors. The telecoms union disclosed this in a statement sent to newsmen on Tuesday. According to PTECSSAN, the subcontractors include Reime Group, All Streamenergy Solutions Limited, Uppercrest Limited, Tyllium Nigeria Limited, and Specific Tools and Techniques Limited, which are purportedly engaged in projects awarded by Huawei Technologies Nigeria Limited. The union said the grievances against these subcontractors include the appalling working conditions resembling modern-day slavery, a lack of entitlements commensurate with workers’ efforts, and the absence of adequate security measures, especially during late-nigh...

  Israeli Troops Withdraw From Gaza’s Al-Shifa Hospital After Two-Week Siege  Israeli military forces on Monday said they have withdrawn from the Al-Shifa medical complex in Gaza City following a two-week siege. Israel Defense Forces said the IDF and ISA have completed operational activity in the area and had exited the area of the hospital.  It also said its troops killed terrorists and located numerous weapons and intelligence documents throughout the hospital.  “IDF and ISA troops have completed precise operational activity in the area of the Shifa Hospital and exited the area of the hospital,” the Israel Defense Forces said, using an acronym for Israel’s domestic security agency Shin Bet. “The troops killed terrorists in close-quarters encounters, located numerous weapons and intelligence documents throughout the hospital, while preventing harm to civilians, patients, and medical teams.” According to CNN, a Gaza Civil Defense spokesperson, on the scene said that ...

 Man Lounging In His Balcony Shot Dead In Abeokuta  The Ogun State Police Command on Monday confirmed that gunmen shot a man dead in front of his house in Abeokuta, the state capital. The command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Omolola Odutola, stated that two gunmen alighted from an unregistered Toyota Corolla vehicle and shot the man in his head as he was lounging in front of his house on Sunday. The assailants, she said, fled the scene immediately. She stated that upon hearing gunshots, neighbours raised an alarm and placed a call to the police to report the incident. Police got to the scene and found the man lifeless in a pool of his own blood, she also stated. Odutola added that doctors at the State Hospital, Abeokuta, confirmed the man dead and the body was deposited at the hospital’s morgue for autopsy. She stated also that no arrest had been made, but that investigations had gone underway.

 At about 3am, patrol officers from Ikeja Division arrested one Parfa Samson aged 38 along Works Yard Road with about 35 yards of vandalized cable while his partner took to his heels with their cutting tools. Investigation is ongoing. One more photo below. 

 I didn’t shake gov’s hands out of respect – Ahmed Musa Amid a social media storm surrounding a controversial video clip showing his greeting gestures, Super Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa has defended himself. He described his action as a sign of cultural respect while calling for a shift in attention towards the pressing issues facing the nation. Musa’s remarks follow a video that went viral online on Monday showing him shaking hands with the Kano State deputy governor while seemingly ignoring Governor Abba Yusuf, although he was bowing to him. However, reacting in a statement on Tuesday, Musa said, “It has come to my attention that on a moment captured almost a month ago, has unexpectedly become the centre of attention on social media. It is disheartening to see a simple act of cultural respect blown out of proportion.” Explaining the significance behind his gestures, the footballer emphasised the deep-rooted traditions of the Northern culture. “In our Northern culture, the gesture ...

 Häte him or love him, he is one of the greatest music icons” 2baba gives accolades to Burna Boy Legendary singer, Innocent Idibia better known as 2baba or 2face has given accolades to award-winning music star, Burna Boy. As many continue to debate who is the biggest between the trio, Burna Boy, Davido, and Wizkid, 2baba seems to have shared his opinion as he gave accolades to Burna. He noted how the singer has worked, proven, and stamped himself as one of the greatest music icons. He added that whether people hate him or love him, it doesn’t change fact. He gave a shout-out to those behind Burna Boy, helping him with his dreams.

 Iyabo Ojo pens a lovely note to Paul Okoye as she celebrates his birthday anniversary  If there’s one thing Iyabo Ojo will do when it comes to her man Paul Okoye, it is to show him off, and she did just that as she celebrated his birthday In addition to a cute video collage of their moments together, Iyabo Ojo penned a lovely note to Paul Okoye, and here’s what she wrote; “Baby, first & foremost, i want to thank God almighty on your behalf..Thank you, Lord, for keeping Obim, blessing him, protecting him, uplifting him, promoting him, guiding him, and most importantly, loving him with all of you, I’m forever grateful, Lord

 PRESS STATEMENT World Autism Awareness Day April 2nd, 2024. As we mark World Autism Awareness Day, I celebrate the unique strengths and creativity of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The journey for families with loved ones who are autistic can be challenging. Today, I salute and celebrate their unwavering love and dedication. I also recognize the crucial role of community organizations in providing support, resources, and opportunities for individuals with Autism and their families. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial to ensure individuals with Autism, reach their full potential.  I urge parents and caregivers to be attentive to developmental milestones and seek professional help if any concerns arise. Together we can create a world where individuals irrespective of who they are and whatever challenges they face in life,  are empowered, included, and celebrated for their unique gifts.  God Bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria  *Senato...

 PRESS RELEASE ALIGN YOURSELF WITH GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS AND VISION -OLUREMI TINUBU The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Senator Oluremi Tinubu has urged youths in the country to align with government programs and vision. She said this will enable them to maximize the various opportunities that are available.  The First Lady was speaking while receiving in the audience at her office at the State House, Abuja, Executives and members of the Youth Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria, YOWICAN. Senator Oluremi Tinubu pointed out that the Association and the Church to preach the gospel of unity more. “We should promote our ‘Nigerianness’ rather than ethnicity or culture. Yes, we are not saying we should not recognize these but we should realize and promote our togetherness. We are first and foremost Nigerians. We need that place of unity”. “There is a need for you youths to have role models who will teach you what to do and how to do them, just as the bible talks...

 Bassirou Faye Sworn In As Senegal’s Youngest President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, a left-wing pan-Africanist, was sworn in Tuesday as Senegal’s youngest president after sweeping to a first-round victory on a pledge of radical reform 10 days after he was released from prison. The 44-year-old has never before held an elected office but several African leaders attended the ceremony in the new town of Diamniadio, near the capital Dakar. “Before God and the Senegalese nation, I swear to faithfully fulfil the office of President of the Republic of Senegal,” Faye said before the gathered officials. He also vowed to “scrupulously observe the provisions of the Constitution and the laws” and to defend “the integrity of the territory and national independence, and to spare no effort to achieve African unity”. The formal handover of power with outgoing President Macky Sall will take place at the presidential palace in Dakar. Faye was among a group of political opponents freed from prison 10 days ...

 Eniola Ajao’s ‘Beast of two worlds’ grosses N63m in four days Filmmaker Eniola Ajao is elated as her cinematic debut “Beast of Two Worlds,” grossed an amazing N63.2 million in four days in cinemas. The “Beast of Two Worlds,” which debuted on Friday, March 29 accomplished an incredible record by becoming the highest-grossing picture on its first day in 2024. Eniola Ajao expressed profound gratitude to Nigerians for their unwavering support, which played an important role in the film’s success. She thanked her Instagram friends and followers for their support despite her error a few days before. “ALL GLORY, I BRING BACK TO THE MOST HIGH GOD. NIGERIANS SHOWED UP AND SHOWED OUT!!! Thank you everyone. We asked you to show your support and you outdid yourselves. Thank you for loving this masterpiece that we created! Thank you for breaking this records with us “BIGGEST OPENING FOR A NOLLYWOOD FILM IN 2024, HIGHEST GROSSING FILM FOR THE WEEKEND, BIGGEST EASTER OPENING FILM EVER, THIRD HIG...

 TROOPS NEUTRALIZE 5 EXTREMISTS, FOIL KIDNAP ATTEMPTS, RECOVERS CACHE OF ARMS AND AMMUNITION IN TARABA In a significant operation aimed at maintaining peace and security in Taraba State,  troops of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army have neutralized 5 violent extremists, foiled kidnapping attempts and recovered a substantial cache of arms and ammunition. The troops while acting on actionable intelligence on the plan of the extremists to kidnap some church members returning from church program in Wukari along Tor - Tse and Takum road acted decisively. Troops of 93 Battalion deployed in Wukari swiftly swung into action and tactically lied in wait for the violent extremists and the Insurgents In the early hours of today 2 April 2024.  The troops made contact with the extremist and engaged them in a fierce fun battle  leading to the neutralization of 4 extremists and recovery of 2 AK 47 Rifles, 1 Pump Action Rifle and 2 AK 47 Magazine. Similarly, on 27 March 2024 troops while on Pa...

 Deputy Police Commissioner Found Dëäd In Apartment A Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Gbolahan Olugbemi, has been found dead in his house in Ogbomosho, Oyo State.  Olugbemi who was of the Lagos Police Command, had gone to celebrate the Easter holidays. The senior police officer who was celebrated for his role during the #EndSARS protest died in a mysterious circumstance. The incident has thrown officers attached to Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) into instant mourning. When Daily Trust visited FCID office in Lagos, officers were seen in groups of twos and threes discussing the incident. But the police through the FCID spokesperson, ASP Aminat Mayegun, have said that they were going to investigate his death, adding that the former Personal Assistant to late DIG Israel Ajao and late CP Young Arebamen could not have committed suicide as being rumoured. A police source at FCID said some persons would be invited for questioning over the incident. Among them are ...

 NIGERIAN ARMY TROOPS CLEAR TERRORISTS' ROAD BLOCKADE IN ZAMFARA, NEUTRALIZE TERRORISTS IN KATSINA, RECOVER ARMS In continuation of efforts to curb terrorists' activities in the Northwest region,  Nigerian Army troops in two separate operations conducted in Zamfara and Katsina States on Monday 1 April 2024, cleared road blockades  mounted by terrorists to kidnap  passengers and neutralized the terrorists.  In Zamfara State, troops on a fighting patrol to curtail terrorists' activities responded to a distress call on the blockade of Anka-Bagega road, mounted by terrorists to frustrate free movement of motorists and goods, as well as to serve as an  entrapment to abduct unsuspecting civilians. The vigilant troops rapidly mobilized to the scene and engaged the terrorists in combat, compelling the terrorists to abandon their mission and scampered in disarray. Troops  recovered  an AK-47 rifle, 2 AK 47 Magazines, 5 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition a...

  Tuesday 02nd April 2024. FIVE CRIMINALS ARRESTED  WITH HOME MADE GUN IN NCD. Three common criminals were among five men arrested by police last night at Erima in Port Moresby.  Acting NCD Central Commander Assistant Commissioner Peter Guinness said police were responding to a robbery incident at Waigani when they stumbled across a grey sedan with five male occupants.  The car was stopped at Erima and one of them who attempted to flee was wounded and arrested.  Police also found a home made pistol and a black bag inside the impounded vehicle. ACP Guinness said three of them identified as Wialu Kupa Kupsy from Southern Highlands Province,  Jay Jay from Goilala in Central and the wounded suspect identified as Dominic Dom  of Simbu were known to police. The two others arrested among the group will be identified and profiled when they are interviewed by members of the Armed Robbery Squad today, according to ACP Guinness. The acting Commander said the susp...

 ANAMBRA STATE GOVERNMENT TO LOOK INTO THE ALLEGED MURDER OF LATE IFEOMA PHILOMENA AJULUCHUKWU  By Chidinma Ikeanyionwu  Anambra State Government through the Ministry of Women and Social Welfare is set to look into the alleged murder of late Ifeoma Philomena Ajuluchukwu.  Late Ifeoma Ajuluchukwu, a 69 year old widow, has been said to be murdered by her stepson Chiugo Emmanuel Ajuluchukwu after she was brutalized in her compound in Ojoto, Idemili South council area of the state.  This was made known after the son Onyebuchi Christopher Ajuluchukwu reached out to the Honourable Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Hon Ify Obinabo, regarding the matter.  According to the son, his late father married two wives but unfortunately lived with only his mother while the first wife remarried a long time ago and wedded in Porthacourt but upon the first wife's death, the son who is equally his step brother Chiugo Emmanuel Ajuluchukwu trained by his mother swore nev...

 Adamawa Police nab kidnapper Raymond at point of collecting ransom The Adamawa State Police Command on Monday said it has arrested one Roland Raymond at the point of collecting N600,000 ransom. A statement on the X handle of the command, said Raymond, 32 years, was arrested for the offence of criminal intimidation associated with kidnapping. The police said the suspect was arrested following a report by Alhaji Yahaya Congo and Abraham Paul, who stated that the suspect called them via phone and demanded the sum of N600,000 or risk being kidnapped. The statement read, “The Adamawa State Police Command has arrested one Roland Raymond, 32 years, a resident of Detti village, Ganye LGA, for the offence of criminal intimidation associated with kidnapping. “The suspect was arrested following a report by Alhaji Yahaya Congo and Abraham Paul, who stated that the suspect called them via phone and demanded the sum of N600,000 risk being kidnapped. “Upon receipt of the complaints, the police i...

 I won’t pay 273 aides appointed by Attorney-General, says Aiyedatiwa Ondo Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has said that he would not pay the 273 lawyers appointed as aides by his Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Olukayode Ajulo. Ajulo had said the appointment of the 273 lawyers was to enhance provision of excellent, independent and ethical legal services to the State as well as protecting the rights of its people. Ajulo said the aides presented a multitude of ideas to and he approved their appointments as Honorary Advisers and Technical Advisers. “They will provide invaluable guidance to reinforce the vision of the Office of the Attorney-General of Ondo State to be the best public law office in Nigeria,” he said. But Chief Press Secretary to Governor Aiyedatiwa, Ebenezer Adeniyan, said the 273 aides would not be paid from the state coffers. Adeniyan said the appointments did not have the imprimatur of Governor Aiyedatiwa.

 Odumeje sends warning to critics Controversial prophet, Chukwuemeka Cyril Ohanaemere, popularly known as Odumeje, has issued a stern warning to his critics. Odumeje, who is the General Overseer of the Mountain of Holy Ghost Intervention Deliverance Ministry, vowed to summon his critics to the ‘citadel’, where they would see that true power exists. Addressing his members, Odumeje decried Nigerians making a mockery of him on social media. He vowed never to take any legal actions or call the police against critics mocking him on social media. According to Odumeje: “If you speak against me in media, when I look at the video and watch the way you talk against me, lie. I don’t call police, I don’t call lawyer. I will summon you to citadel and to Santussanitorial. That’s where you will agree that there is power.” Recently, the Anambra-based cleric had dismissed widespread claims that he’s a fake prophet. Odumeje distanced himself from the use of fake powers or native doctors being the so...

UNILORIN kicks out 19 students for alleged exam practices, misconduct University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) has expelled five students for alleged examination malpractices and hostel racketeering. The institution also rusticated 14 others for alleged misconduct. In a statement, UNILORIN Director of Corporate Affairs, Kunle Akogun, said the approval for the expulsion/rustication of the affected students by the Vice Chancellor, Wahab Egbewole (SAN), was sequel to the recommendations of the Students’ Disciplinary Committee at its 220th/221st meeting. The statement said the affected students were penalised for offences ranging from misconduct to theft, examination malpractices, hostel bed-space racketeering and extortion, beating a fellow student, admission racketeering, extortion and assault. It said the penalties for the offences committed by the students included rustication for either one semester or one academic session, including expulsion. The affected students were in various academic le...

 London man Ahmad jailed 11 years for raping woman An east London man Hafiz Ahmad, 29,who repeatedly raped a woman has been jailed for 11 years by the Snaresbrook Crown Court. This follows investigation by Met Police. Ahmad, 29, of Redbridge was sentenced to 11 years’ imprisonment on Thursday, 28 March , 2024. He was convicted at the same court on 11 October 2023 having been found guilty of rape and making threats to kill. According to the police, detectives launched an investigation after a woman came forward on 13 November, 2020 to report that she had been raped by a man on four occasions. The police said because the attacks happened at Ahmad’s house there was limited evidence during the early stage of the investigation. The Met said specially trained officers spoke at length to the victim-survivor and she told them how she had suffered a campaign of abuse which had started in 2018. Officers acted quickly and Ahmad was arrested on 14 November 2020. According to the police, furthe...

 Okuama killings: How soldiers, villagers died — Eyewitness •Says Bayelsa militant leader, Amagbein not from Okuama •Notes leader from Okoloba led the Army to Okuama •Reveals the conspiracies, what transpired on March 14 •Allow Okuama to bury their dead – Residents UGHELLI — A leader of the Okuama community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, (names withheld), has opened up on what led to the killing of 17 soldiers, and a yet-to-be-ascertained number of natives in the community on March 14. He explained that a leader from Okoloba in Bomadi Local Government Area, embroiled in a land dispute with Okuama, was the person who led soldiers to the community to fight a personal agenda on the fateful day. The Okuama leader, who spoke exclusively to Vanguard, yesterday, also cleared the air on the Bayelsa–based militant leader, Amagbein, whose Defence Headquarters, DHQ, Abuja, published his photo on its wanted list, saying he was not from Okuama, and not in any way connect...

 FIVE NATIVE DOCTORS SURRENDERS THEIR LIVES TO GOD AS HRM KING APOSTLE CHINYERE ORGANIZED MONTHLY FASTING AND PRAYERS IN OHANKU COMMUNITY. There was  great Joy and excitement today, Monday 1st April 2024 in Ohanku ancient kingdom as five native doctors gave their lives to God and totally surrendered their shrines.  The event took place in  Ohanku community during a monthly fasting and prayers organized by  His Royal Majesty King Apostle Chibuzor Gift Chinyere who is the King of Ikwuorie Autonomous community.  His Majesty on acceptance of staff of office declared 1st day of every month as fasting and prayers in Ohanku community. He also announced a global crusade in April for the total cleansing and liberation of the community.  Recall that Ikwuorie Autonomous community in Ohanku Ndoki have been without a king for the past 10 years. The community needed someone who will stand on the gap for them. They needed someone who will advance peace, progress and ...