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 PRESS RELEASE PERSONNEL WELFARE: IGP APPROVES PROMOTION OF 10,581 INSPECTORS, RANK & FILE Reassures Prompt Promotion on Merit The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, has authorized the promotion of ten thousand, five hundred and eighty-one (10,581) deserving junior officers of the Inspectorate Cadre, and the Rank and File. In line with this directive, the Deputy Inspector-General of Police overseeing the Department of Finance and Administration (DIG DFA) has been tasked with coordinating efforts alongside the Commissioner of Police (Welfare) to commence the promotion process promptly. The breakdown of promotions includes nine thousand, eight hundred and thirty-one (9,831) Police Constables slated to be promoted to the rank of Corporal; eighty-one (81) Corporals to advance to the rank of Sergeant; and six hundred and sixty-nine (669) officers set to progress from the rank of Sergeants to Inspectors. The Inspector General of Police while emphasi...

 TROOPS BURST KIDNAPPERS’ DEN APPREHEND 3 SUSPECTS AND RESCUE VICTIM IN TARABA STATE   In a swift and successful operation, the Troops of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army have demolished a kidnappers' den, rescued a victim, and apprehended three suspected kidnappers in Taraba State. The operation, which took place in Kofa Adamu village of Takum Local Government Area, resulted in the safe release of a victim held captive by the criminals. Acting on credible intelligence regarding the activities and hideout of suspected kidnappers who abducted Mr. Hussein Adamu on March 26, 2024, in Kofa Adamu village and demanded a ransom of 2 million Naira, troops from the 93 Battalion/Sub-Sect 3A OPWS swiftly moved in and cordoned off the area and eventually rescued the victim. Furthermore, three suspected kidnappers involved in the abduction were arrested during the operation. The rescued victim is currently receiving medical attention at a secured facility, while the apprehended suspects are in...

 OBINABO PARTNERS THE POLICE IN APPREHENDING MAN WHO BRUTALLY BEAT UP LATE BOSS'S SISTER By Chidinma Ikeanyionwu Anambra State Women and Social Welfare Commissioner, Hon Ify Obinabo has collaborated with the Anambra State Police command in apprehending one Ikechukwu Okigbo for allegedly beating up Mrs Joy Nwabuobi in Awka. According to the victim, Mrs Nwabuobi, Mr Okigbo was her late brother's driver, but the issue  happened after she asked him to repark the car because of the constant complaints by the tenants. She also said that being the caretaker of the compound, she quietly urged Mr Okigbo, but unfortunately, the whole situation took a different turn when the middle-aged man pounced on her and left her with injuries. Reacting to the news, Hon Obinabo revealed that she took action immediately, and she was informed by partnering the police in arresting the culprit. The Women Affairs Commissioner noted that she won't relant until justice is served and warned other intendi...

 Lady Apostle Helen Ukpabio Unveils her new home in Uyo, the capital city of Akwa Ibom State.  She wrote 👇 Behold my new home in Uyo - RAAH VILLA. RAAH VILLA, meaning God has given me a home.  Indeed, this is the hand of God🙌🏽.  More photos below. 

 Rivers bad weather, cause of flights cancellation- Arik Air Arik Air has clarified that the incident that resulted in stranded passengers at Port Harcourt Airport on April 2 was due to adverse weather conditions. The airline gave the explanation in a statement signed by its Public Relations Manager, Adebanji Ola, on Thursday. Recently, viral videos showed passengers of Arik Air expressing frustration for being left stranded at Port Harcourt Airport after their flight to Lagos was cancelled. The affected passengers, scheduled for a flight from Port Harcourt in Rivers State to Lagos State, took to social media platforms to share their grievances.

 STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE  PRESIDENT TINUBU AT ECOWAS PARLIAMENT: STRONG AND DIRECT REPRESENTATION UNITES WEST AFRICA AMIDST FORCES OF DIVISION  President Bola Tinubu has called on ECOWAS member states to come together, strengthen ties, and reject forces bent on causing division within the community. Speaking at the inauguration of the Sixth Legislature of the ECOWAS Parliament, on Thursday in Abuja, President Tinubu, who is the Chairman of ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, said regional solidarity is imperative to strengthen the bloc's resilience and effectiveness at this critical juncture. He emphasized that member states can not afford to remain passive spectators while the community faces the threat of disintegration.  "We stand united against such forces and are committed to ensuring that our unity remains unshaken. We must ensure that cooperation amongst us is strengthened, with a view to building a sense of common destiny and purpose. No one ...

 In reply, please quote; Ref No. CZ.5300/FPRD/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.6/146 Date: April 4, 2024 The Director of News   ……………………………. PRESS RELEASE IGP HOLDS STRATEGIC MEETING WITH SENIOR POLICE OFFICERS, CONFIRMS ARREST OF 3,685 SUSPECTS IN 8 WEEKS N7.2bn Cheques Presented to Families of Deceased Officers in 9 Months — IGP The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, held a strategic meeting with strategic police managers comprising Deputy Inspectors General of Police and members of the Force Management Team, Assistant Inspectors General of Police, Commissioners of Police, and Tactical Commanders at the Force Headquarters, Abuja. During the meeting, the reported notable achievements of the Force in mitigating criminal activities nationwide within a period of eight (8) weeks since the last Conference, which included the arrest of 3,685 suspects, the rescue of 401 kidnapped victims, and the recovery of 216 firearms, 3,601 ammunition, and 82 vehicles.   ...

 Leaders Enjoined to Remain Focus Amid Criticism, Back Stabbing, Betrayal of Trust By David Okpala/Stella Okpala The Parish Priest, St Paul's Catholic Church, Akpo, Rev. Fr.  Cyriacus Ubah has called on leaders to remain focused amid criticism, back stabbing and betrayal of trust. "These ills must come, if managed properly, they become vehicle that drives one to his destiny, if mismanaged, it becomes distraction. "Jesus Christ Our Saviour came to the world doing good to humanity, healing the sick, uplifting the poor, paying tax to constituted authorities, among other good works. In return, they betrayed him and went as far as nailing him to the cross which drove him to his destiny of salvaging mankind from shackles and chains of sin." He said this in a homily during Thank You Mass organized in honour of Philanthropist, Nze O. G Chuma, at his compound, Agbelu Village, Akpo, in Aguata LGA, on April 1. The cleric said, "Nze O. G Chuma is a special gift from above t...

 Hero police dog rescues missing 3-year-old in Florida.  The missing boy was reported to police at around 11:30 a.m. on March 29th. In a very short time a massive search was underway, using all available assets. One asset however was up to the task and performed like a champ. With just a whiff of the child's blanket, Midnight (a police search dog) was off into the woods. His handler Corporal Clark couldn't keep up through the thick vegetation. Clark stated, "he was dragging me through the woods like he just wasn't going to stop."  Clark noticed Midnight was cutting himself up while making his way through the thick undergrowth. He realized Midnight was going to get there much faster on his own and he let him go. By the time Corporal Clark caught up to Midnight he was licking the little boys face and excitedly wiggling all around the young child.  Clark says Midnight looked up at him as if to say, "hey I got it, here it is." The toddler was quickly returne...

 Largest cash burglary in Los Angeles, California history. Thieves make off with $30,000,000 in Easter day burglary.  The astonishing burglary occurred Sunday night at an undisclosed money storage facility in Los Angeles County. Reports indicate the thieves were able to breach the safe once inside the facility.  According to official reports the theft went unnoticed until employees opened the vault on Monday morning. The heist is being reported as the largest cash burglary in Los Angeles history.

 Taylorville, Illinois- Ashley Getz, 36, was arrested for child grooming, luring a child or guardian to commit S.O. or engaging in unlawful sexual conduct with a child.  According to reports, Ashley Getz was sending unwanted and inappropriate texts to minors. She is being held at the Christian County jail.  This is not the first time Ashley has been in trouble involving minors. In August of 2018 Ashley wrecked into a ditch while intoxicated. She allegedly had her 2 young children walk a mile for help. One of the children was wearing just a diaper. Getz faced child endangerment charges.  If you or someone you know received an unwanted text from this woman please contact the Christian County Sheriff's Department.  We will update.

 A 79-year-old woman killed by Bull Elephant while on safari. According to official reports a safari truck carrying 6 tourists began being stalked by a 5 ton,10 foot tall Bull Elephant. The guide tried to evade the elephant and sped away.  After approximately a half mile he was forced to stop when his route became blocked. Unfortunately the elephant caught up with them and began knocking the truck around like a child's toy. The elephant then flipped the car over. Sadly, a 79-year-old American tourist, Gail Mattson, passed away as a result of injuries sustained.  Four other tourists sustained minor injuries. The names of all individuals have not been released at this point. Our thoughts are with Gail and her entire family.

 Girl flogged by mother declared missing in Abia A 13-year-old girl, Miss Tochukwu Johnson, has been declared missing in Umuahia, Abia State, after she was allegedly flogged by her mother for pouring the family’s soup away. According to a statement by the Abia State Police Command, Tochukwu Johnson, a resident of Afara Majestic in Umuahia North LGA, went missing on March 22, 2024, after she left home for an unknown destination. The statement, signed by Police Public Relations Officer Maureen Chinaka, said the fair-skinned girl left home at Afara Majestic for an unknown destination after she was flogged by her mother for pouring away their soup. Her whereabouts remain unknown, despite efforts by relatives to locate her. The statement advised anyone with useful information that could lead to the whereabouts of the 4-foot-5-inch-tall girl to report to the nearest police station or the office of the PPRO of the Abia State Police Command.

 Court Summons Five Persons For Defamation Of Mercy Chinwo The Chief Magistrate Court, Wuse Zone 2, has summoned five social media users for “criminal defamation” of the reputation of gospel singer, Mercy Chinwo; and her husband, Blessed Uzochikwa.  In the court summons dated April 3, 2024, sighted by newsmen, Chief Magistrate Emmanuel Iyanna ordered the five defendants to appear in person before the court on April 23, 2023, to answer the charges levelled against the complainants. The complainants in the matter are Blessed Uzochikwa and Mercy Chinwo while the five defendants are Okoronkwo Ejike, Kingsley Ibeh, DJ Spoiltkid, Terrence Ekot, and Samuel Agozie. The suit stemmed from posts made by the defendants last week after the gospel singer and her husband posted a picture of their son on Instagram. After the picture of the baby, who was born in 2023, was posted, the defendants alleged that there was a resemblance between the baby and another gospel singer, Nathaniel Bassey, a...

Tinubu backs direct elections into ECOWAS parliament President Bola Tinubu, on Thursday, said he would support a proposal for the direct election of members into the parliament of the Economic Community of West African States. Tinubu said the move would give citizens of member states a say in who represents them. “As a one-time legislator myself, I look forward to reviewing the proposal regarding this matter. We stand to support the direct elections into ECOWAS parliament,” said Tinubu when he swore in 97 members into the 6th ECOWAS parliament at the Abuja International Conference Centre. His comments came on the backdrop of the ECOWAS parliament being peopled by existing lawmakers from the 15 member states. The President said, “The practice of directly electing public officers aligns with democratic principles, principles that Nigeria upholds “This principle is also in line with the spirit of the ECOWAS protocol on democracy and good governance. “We believe this will ensure that citiz...

 My wife looks away when female fans flirt with me – Actor Deyemi Okanlawon Popular Nollywood actor Deyemi Okanlawon has praised his wife for her tolerance, saying she ignores female fans flirting with him. He explained that his wife doesn’t even follow him on social media. Speaking in a recent episode on the Deep Dive podcast hosted by comedian, Teju Babyface, Okanlawon said, “If look away was a person, that is my baby girl [my wife]. I remember one time I went out with friends and some lady tried to kiss me. Not once has my wife ever questioned me about female fans flirting with me. “My wife has not been following me on social media for years. She has never followed me on social media.” He said he never wanted to be an actor, stressing that he struggles to handle fame. “I don’t understand fame. I have never dreamt of being an actor. If certain things had happened the way I wanted it to happen, I would never have left the cooperate world,” he said. “In 2019, I quit acting. Fame is...

After friendlies, Super Eagles drop two places in latest FIFA ranking The Super Eagles have experienced a slight decline in the latest FIFA men’s ranking, which was released on Thursday morning. The three-time African champions dropped from the 28th position to the 30th position in the FIFA ranking. In the past month, the Super Eagles participated in two friendly matches. The team led by incumbent coach Finidi George secured a 2-1 victory against their perennial rivals, Ghana, but suffered a 2-0 defeat at the hands of the Eagles of Mali. Despite the drop in ranking, the Super Eagles maintained their third position in Africa, trailing behind the Atlas Lions of Morocco and the Terangha Lions of Senegal. The top five teams on the continent are completed by the Pharaohs of Egypt and the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire. Meanwhile, world champions Argentina retained their top position in the FIFA ranking.  

 I don’t like extremely funny guys – Singer Tyla on her ideal man Grammy-winning South African singer, Tyla, has said she isn’t fond of extremely funny men. Speaking in a recent interview with Capital Xtra, London, the ‘Water’ crooner said her ideal man is a dominant man. She said, “My biggest turn on is a dominant man. And my biggest turn off is guys that are funny all the time. I like funny guys but when they don’t know when to be serious it irritates me.” Meanwhile, Tyla in an interview with Power 106 FM, Los Angeles, talked about Chris Brown’s support for her music before she gained global prominence. “Chris Brown would come to my show, disguise and stay with the audience,” she recalled. Tyla hit international stardom after her song ‘Water’ became a global sensation after going viral on Tiktok. ‘Water’ won the maiden Best African Music Performance category at the 2024 Grammys.

 Speaker of South Africa parliament resigns over corruption probe Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, speaker of the South African parliament, has resigned from her position amid a corruption probe against her. Mapisa-Nqakula tendered her resignation on Wednesday and also stepped down as a member of the parliament. “My resignation is in no way an indication or admission of guilt regarding the allegations being levelled against me,” she said in a statement. Mapisa-Nqakula is alleged to have requested bribes in exchange for the awarding of contracts during her tenure as defence minister. She was defence minister between 2012 and 2021. Last month, security operatives raided her home as part of the corruption investigation. On Tuesday, she failed in a bid to prevent authorities from apprehending her. Mapisa-Nqakula’s resignation comes weeks before next month’s election in the country. Political analysts say the election may be difficult for the governing African National Congress (ANC) which has ...

 Air Peace increases Lagos-London flight capacity amid high demand Air Peace, Nigeria’s flag carrier, has announced an increase in capacity on its Lagos-London flights. The airline made the announcement on its X page on Wednesday. On March 30, Air Peace commenced its Lagos-London flight services. During an interview on Arise TV on April 2, Allen Onyema, chief executive officer of Air Peace,  said the airline sold out tickets for the Lagos-London flights until September. However, due to the high demand to fly with the airline, Air Peace on Wednesday said more seats have been created to meet the passengers’ needs. “Due to overwhelming demand and interest in our London route, we have decided to increase the capacity on the route,” Air Peace said. “This means that more seats are now available. “Air Peace would like to thank the Nigerian population, both in Nigeria and in the United Kingdom, for their support. “We do not take it for granted, and we will be doing our best to continu...

 Tributes as Odegbami mourns son’s death Nigerian football legend Segun Odegbami has been inundated with condolences following the heart-breaking news of his son, Oluwagbeminiyi’s passing. Fans, friends, and family members have been reeling in shock after Odegbami shared a heartfelt tribute on his Facebook page titled “Oluwagbeminiyi Omo Odegbami – The Gentle Pilgrim Returns Home!”  “The thought of writing about Oluwagbeminiyi Omo Odegbami in the past tense is utterly incomprehensible,” the football legend wrote, his words heavy with emotion. Odegbami recounted how, brimming with creativity just a day before Good Friday, Oluwagbeminiyi messaged his father seeking guidance on their documentary project. Odegbami, encouraging his son’s independence, urged him to press forward with his ideas. Odegbami described Oluwagbeminiyi as a “gifted, multi-talented young man” whose abilities extended far beyond the realm of the documentary. He lauded his son’s writing skills, poetic lyricism...

 I quit negative attention not music, American singer Lizzo makes U-turn American singer, Lizzo has made a U-turn on supposedly ‘quitting’ music.  Clarifying, Lizzo said she wasn’t referring to music when she said ‘I quit.” The Nation reported that the four-time Grammy winner recently lamented that she is constantly being bullied for clout, and said she was “quitting.” The 35-year-old clarified that what she meant was quitting giving “negative energy attention.” Speaking in a video message shared via her Instagram page, Lizzo stated: “When I say I quit, I mean I quit giving any negative energy attention… What I’m not gonna quit is the joy of my life, which is making music.”

 How I got my stage name – Actor Segun Arinze Actor Segun Arinze has narrated the scenario that brought about his name switch from Segun Aina to the popular Arinze.  He spoke on the ‘TalktoB‘ podcast hosted by his colleague, Biola Bayo, where he said that he used the stage name Segun Arinze while pursuing a musical career. According to him, he was born Segun Aina but the stage name ‘Segun Arinze’ stayed with him after he was accidentally introduced as such during a 1991 concert. He said: “I was also singing. In 1991, I was told someone wanted to sign me. ‘We are going to sign you on’. He came from Sony Music. So he called me and I signed the contract. He signed. And then he said ‘Okay we are going to start recording.’ “I went to Ife to do Dramatic Arts. My dad did not like the idea because he wanted me to be a lawyer. At a point in time, I thought he was not going to pay my school fees to go and read drama. “Then the National Theatre was running an open theatre then… ‘welcome ...

 Olubadan: Ibadan elders wade in on Ladoja, Obas feud Prominent elders in Ibadanland have met former Governor Rasidi Ladoja, who is also the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland over the feud between him and some High Chiefs promoted to the status of Obas in the town. The Nation gathered that Ladoja, and other High Chiefs who are now Obas are at loggerheads over the stool of Olubadan of Ibadanland. The stool of Olubadan of Ibadanland became vacant following the demise of the 42nd Olubadan, Oba Lekan Balogun, at the University’ College Hospital (UCH) at 81. The Nation learnt the next Olubadan, according to traditional arrangement in Ibadanland, is the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin. Going by Ibadan chieftaincy arrangement for Olakulehin to become Olubadan, he must be nominated by the next person to him in his line Otun Balogun Tajudeen Ajibola, at a meeting convened by the most senior chief in the other line, (Ladoja) within 21 days of the demise of the monarch. Shortly after ...

 EFCC Arrests 39 for Suspected Internet Fraud in Benin City Operatives of the Benin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Thursday, April 4, 2024 arrested 39 suspected internet fraudsters at different locations in Benin City. The suspects were arrested following actionable intelligence on their suspected involvement in computer -related fraud. Items recovered from them include eight exotic cars - three Mercedes-Benz GLK, one Mercedes Benz C300 4 Matic, two Lexus ES350, Toyota Venza and Toyota Camry cars.  Others are  laptops and phones The suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded. More photos below.