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 Afenifere Condemns Invasion of Oyo state Secreteriat Apex pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere, has strongly condemned the invasion of the Oyo Government Secretariat in Ibadan by some members of the Yoruba Nation agitators on Saturday.                        Also condemning the invasion of the Assembly, the socio-cultural group, in a statement issued on Sunday by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Jare Ajayi, said those who invaded the Assembly did not act in the interest of the Yorubas whom they claim to be representing. Afenifere insisted that there is no such thing as the Democratic Republic of Yoruba as requested by the group of invaders as the Yoruba nation is an integral part of Nigeria. “Yoruba is an important component of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. And as is well known, there cannot be a sovereign republic within an extant sovereign republic. “At the moment, Yoruba are indigenous in Ekit...

 Setting the Records Straight on Investigations of Humanitarian Ministry The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has noticed the rising tide of commentaries, opinions, assumptions and insinuations concerning its progressive investigations into the alleged financial misappropriation in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development. At the outset of investigations, past and suspended officials of the Humanitarian Ministry were invited by the Commission and investigations into the alleged fraud involving them have yielded the recovery of N32.7billion and $445,000 so far. Discreet investigations by the EFCC have opened other fraudulent dealings involving Covid -19 funds, the World Bank loan, Abacha recovered loot released to the Ministry by the Federal Government to execute its poverty alleviation mandate.  Investigations have also linked several interdicted and suspended officials of the Ministry to the alleged financial malfeasance....

Lagos Police Recover 12 Bags Of Stolen Flour, Sugar  Policemen attached  to the Elere Division of the Lagos State Police Command, on Sunday, recovered no fewer than 12 bags of flour and sugar stolen from a burgled shop in the Iba area of the state. The command's Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, disclosed this in a post on his X handle on Sunday. Hundeyin's caption read, "Patrol officers from Elere Division stopped a Volkswagen bus containing bags of flour and sugar at about 3.40am.  "Upon sighting the police, the occupants abandoned the vehicle and fled.  "Investigation revealed that the goods were stolen from a burgled shop in Iba." The PPRO added that the stolen goods have been returned to the owner, and efforts are on to arrest the fleeing suspects. He wrote, "Goods have been handed over to the rightful owner. While the vehicle remains on our custody. Efforts are on to apprehend the thieves." Credit: X| BenHundeyin

  "I condemn in the strongest terms the Iranian regime's reckless attack against Israel," says UK PM #RishiSunak on Iran drone attack on Israel  Israel’s war on Gaza live: Iran fires over 300 drones, missiles at Israel Israel says more than 300 drones and missiles launched at it from Iran, Iraq and Yemen, adding that the vast majority of them have been intercepted. Iran says it carried out the attack in response to an Israeli raid on the Iranian consulate in Syria on April 1 and says the matter can now “be deemed concluded”.

 19 dead, two missing after Indonesia landslide Published April 14,2024 19 DEAD, TWO MISSING AFTER INDONESIA LANDSLIDE At least 19 people have been found dead and two more are missing after a landslide in central Indonesia, local authorities said on Sunday. The dead and two survivors were evacuated from two landslide-hit villages in Tana Toraja regency, South Sulawesi province on Saturday evening, said local disaster agency head Sulaiman Malia. "There have been 19 fatalities, with 4 deaths in South Makale and 15 others in Makale villages," Malia told AFP on Sunday. "Currently, we are still searching for other victims," he said, adding that there are still two individuals reported missing, presumably buried under the landslide debris. Tana Toraja and its surrounding areas have been "continuously hit by heavy rainfall, especially over the past week, with hardly any stop", Malia added. The heavy rainfall eroded the soil of residential areas located on mountai...

 Sydney mall attacker had mental illness, 'nothing' to suggest terror motive The 40-year-old knifeman, Joel Cauchi, roamed the packed shopping centre killing six people and seriously wounding a dozen others. Australian police said a 40-year-old itinerant with mental illness was behind a Sydney shopping centre stabbing rampage that killed six people, including a new mum whose nine-month-old baby is still in hospital with serious wounds. New South Wales police Assistant Commissioner Anthony Cooke said the assailant, who was shot dead by a senior police officer at the scene on Saturday, was Queensland man Joel Cauchi. Five women and one male security guard were killed in the attack as Cauchi roved through a packed shopping centre in the city's Bondi Junction neighbourhood with a large knife. Twelve more people are still in hospital. "The sound of people screaming was horrific," said eyewitness Daphi Kiselstein, who was shopping at the time of the attack and took refu...

Body of makeup artiste, Abigail Frederick, who d!ed in boat mishap alongside Jnr Pope and three others exhumed Her body was exhumed today April 14 and is now being taken to her homestate, Akwa Ibom, where she will be laid to rest. More photos below. 

 MIDDLE BELT YOUTH FORUM APPLAUDS GOV. ALIA FOR CREATING NEW WARDS IN LOCAL GOVERNMENTS 14th April, 2024     The All Middle Belt Youth Forum (AMBYF) has applauded the Benue State governor, Dr. Hyacinth Alia, for creating more wars in the state. The Forum, in a statement signed by Comrade Aluh Moses Odeh, its National Leader, said it was happy that the governor, by his action, had studied and understood why past administrations did not perform maximally, hence the actions being taken by him since he mounted the saddle of governance. It noted that the governor’s background as a Catholic Priest gave him the strength to withstand all pressures from detractors. The AMBYF stressed that Governor Alia had taken a bold step to deliver the dividends of democracy by paying attention to the Local Government Areas, which had remained the cash cow to past governors, to ensure free access and connection to the grassroots. It stated: “Two weeks ago the state government organised a t...

 PRESS RELEASE REWARD: POLICE SETS TO AWARD DESERVING OFFICERS FOR EXEMPLARY PERFORMANCE As IGP Showers Encomiums, Impressed with Junior Ranks' Excellence The Nigeria Police Force is set to reward deserving officers for their exemplary performance and dedication to duty at the Nigeria Police Awards and Commendations Ceremony scheduled to be held on the eve of Monday 15th April, 2024 at the Congress Hall of the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja. The ceremony which aims at motivating officers and men of the NPF to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and service will recognize and honour gallant, industrious, committed, honest and patriotic officers of the Force whose nominations were thoroughly scrutinised by the award Committee, and inspire officers to be more committed to their work by emulating award winners. The nominees for the awards and their respective categories include SP Ogunmolasuyi Busola Mariam (Lagos), CSP Mustapha Mohammed Musa (Ekiti), and SP Kasumu Rilwan Oluporo ...

 As a man, it’s so painful that a child you went through a lot to train will abandon you when they make it in life - Comedian Deeone promises to send N500k to co-BBNaija star Phyna’s father as he initiates a public fundraiser for him Comedian Deeone has kick-started a public fundraiser for co-BBNaija star, Phyna's father by promising to send N500k to him.    Deeone in a video he shared, stated that as a man, it is painful for a child you went to through a lot to train to abandon you when they make it in life. The comedian also stated that this same “child” is spearheading “giveaways” on social media and also contributing to expensive parties.  Deeone further called for a linkup with Phyna's father and also enjoined members of the public to contribute and help him.

 NIGERIAN ARMY TO INVESTIGATE  PERSONNEL ALLEGEDLY INVOLVED IN DEATH OF HOTEL MANAGER IN UMUAHIA The Nigerian Army (NA) is deeply concerned by the alleged unprofessional conduct of some of its personnel in the tragic death of a hotel manager in Umuahia, Abia State, as reported in some online media. In response to this unfortunate incident, the Chief of Army Staff has promptly ordered a comprehensive investigation to ascertain the facts and bring to book, anyone found culpable. The NA extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased Manager  Mr Achimugu James Etubi  and the Nigerian Air Force Officer Cadet Emmanuel Chidiebere Onyemereche and assure the public that every effort will be made to ensure that justice is served. The Army is committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and discipline, and therefore any personnel found culpable of wrongdoing will face appropriate legal sanctions. Furthermore, the NA reaffirms its unwavering...

 RE: REPENTED BOKO HARAM MEMBER ENLISTED INTO NIGERIAN ARMY SLITS WOMAN'S THROAT IN ENUGU BARRACKS, HIDES CORPSE   The attention of the Nigerian Army (NA) has been drawn to a publication by Sahara Reporters on 13 April 2024 tilted, "Repented Boko Haram Member Enlisted into Nigerian Army slits Woman's throat in Enugu Barracks, Hides Corpse."   Much as it is highly regrettable that a young lady lost her life in the hands of a man with whom she was in an amorous relationship, the incident should not be latched on to insinuate a laughable claim that the dastardly act was committed by a repentant Boko Haram recruited into the Nigerian Army.   It is pertinent therefore to clear the air on the allegation as insinuated by Sahara Reporters.  The NA has at no point in time, either in the past or present enlisted repentant Boko Haram members to its strength. However, considerations were given to Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) who in the fight against terrorism ...

 NIGERIAN ARMY TROOPS AMBUSH TERRORISTS ON TRANSIT TO CAUSE HAVOC IN KADUNA, NEUTRALIZE 2, RECOVER ARMS Nigerian Army troops deployed for Counter- terrorism  Counter-insurgency operations in the North West on Saturday 13 April 2024 successfully ambushed and neutralized two terrorists transiting with arms in Kaduna. The operation, which took place in Rafin Sariki Village of Giwa Local Government Area, was a prompt response to actionable intelligence on the presence of terrorists transiting with a sack containing weapons. The troops laid in ambush for the terrorists and engaged them in a gun battle, that neutralized two of the terrorists. The gallant troops also recovered one AK-47 rifle, 52 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and one locally fabricated revolver frame. The Nigerian Army remains committed to ensuring the safety  and security of the citizenry and the nation in general. The NA will thus, continue to take decisive actions against terrorists activities in the r...

 ICPC Disputes Misleading Vanguard Newspaper Headline, Highlights Significant Anti-Corruption Achievements Contrary to the sensational headline, the ICPC wishes to reaffirm its robust efforts in combating corruption across Nigeria. The Commission is actively pursuing numerous cases in various states of the Federation, exemplifying its unwavering commitment to upholding integrity and accountability. Among the on-going legal proceedings is a notable 22-million-naira contract scam currently under litigation at the Federal High Court in Makurdi, Benue State, emphasizing the ICPC’s proactive approach to addressing corruption at all levels of society. Additionally, cases are being pursued in federal high courts located in Abuja, Plateau, Katsina, Kaduna, Jigawa, Bauchi, and Nasarawa States, demonstrating the breadth and depth of ICPC’s operations. As Nigeria’s foremost anti-corruption agency, the ICPC operates with integrity. transparency and accountability are her watchwords, ensuring u...

 PRESS RELEASE                14/04/2024 The Editors,                                CRIME BULLETIN  THEFT: Bauchi State Police Command intercepted a stolen truck with over N30 million worth of goods, and the suspect was arrested On the 12th of April, 2024, the Toro Divisional Police headquarters received a distress call reporting the theft of a trailer truck parked at the Maraban Jos trailer park area of Kaduna state. The stolen truck contained 35 tons of groundnut oil worth about thirty million Naira (30,000,000) and was en route from Umuahia to Kano state with a DAF CF 85 model. The Divisional Police Officer immediately led operatives to track down the truck, which was intercepted while heading towards Bauchi state.  A preliminary investigation revealed that the driver of the truck had made a detour around the Maraban Jos trailer park to take a bath. ...

 Iran versus Israel: We are on the verge of WW3, says PeacePro ...Prepare to defend Africa, it urges AU A peacebuilding think tank, Foundation for Peace Professionals also known as PeacePro has declared that the world is on the verge of World War III, after Iran drops missiles on Israel in retaliation of the attack on its embassy without adequate response from United Nations Security Council. PeacePro said that, the escalation of crisis between Iran and Israel is an indication of a wider conflict. In a statement by the Executive Director, Mr Abdulrazaq Hamzat, PeacePro said that the failure of United Nations to quickly provide adequate intervention is a signal the global body has effectively lost control of the global system and the magnitude of conflict the world will experience in coming months cannot be imagined. According to Hamzat, nations are no longer united and the voice of the United Nations is lost, an indication that the fibric holding global peace has practically collap...

 Eniola Aluko becomes first black woman to own Italian club Former England women’s player, Eniola Aluko, has become the first black woman to own a club in Italy. Aluko has acquired a major stake in FC Como’s female team. The 37-year-old confirmed this in a post on her X page, where revealed she is a part of a $100 million ownership group, known as Mercury 13, which acquired a majority stake. Como Women was only established in 2020, and they use a 3,700-capacity stadium. They currently play in the top flight of the Italian Serie A. Eniola, who is the sister of former Super Eagles player Sone Aluko, was born in Lagos to Nigerian parents in 1987. But she eventually naturalized to England and played for the Three Lionesses.

 Widow cries for justice as husband’s alleged killers threaten her from prison A 32-year-old widow, Mrs Christiana Onyebuchi Apugo from Umuawa Alaocha community of Umuahia North LGA of Abia State has alleged that her late husband’s brother, one Victor Orisara Apugo who is being detained in the custody of Nigerian Correctional Facility is threatening to deal with her if he is released from prison. Mrs Apugo who made the allegation in an appeal she made to the Abia State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ikechuckwu Uwanna, said Mr Victor Apugo and some other suspects who are standing trial for their alleged involvement in her husband’s murder on November 7, 2022, are sending messages to her, bragging that they will deal with her if they are freed on April 17, 2024 when their trial comes up. According to the widow, her husband, Mr Onyebuchi Orisara Apugo was on Monday, November 7, 2022, tied to a tree and beaten to death by a group of boys who were allegedly invited by he...

Ondo monarch dies 11 months after ascending throne Julius Omomo, the Olojoda of Oda kingdom, has died at the age of 83.  Ade Adelakun, a family source, confirmed the monarch’s death on Sunday. Adelakun said the traditional ruler died on Saturday after a brief illness. He described Omomo as a “humble, decent and down-to-earth monarch”. Adelakun said the monarch’s domain witnessed peace and development during his reign. Omomo was installed monarch on May 30, 2023, and was crowned in December of same year. His ascension to the throne was met with litigation. Members of the ruling house described his installation as illegal and an invitation to anarchy. They said that the installation was not approved by the kingmakers and the people of the community. Stakeholders said despite an appeal challenging Omomo’s nomination as monarch for the community, the state government approved his installation. “The notice of Appeal was communicated to the state governor, the state Attorney General and ...

 Tension in Kano as Ganduje set for arraignment on April 17 Palpable fear and uncertainty have enveloped Kano as the government of Abba Kabir Yusuf moves to arraign the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and a former Governor of the State, Dr Umar Abdullahi Ganduje, over allegations of financial misappropriation. Some residents are reportedly planning to vacate their homes for fear of mayhem by political thugs in the state. The ruling New Nigeria People’s Party, NNPP, and the state government filed charges against Ganduje, his wife and six others at the Kano State High Court last Tuesday. The NNPP-led administration in the state had last week launched an assault on two major grounds, a commission of Inquiry to probe Ganduje’s eight years tenure and litigation over alleged abuse of office. Support for or against the impending litigation in the volatile city had dominated political discussion on local radio stations, and social media amid caution and threat. Man...

 Printing of JAMB slip: Beware of fake sites, police warn 2024 UTME candidates As candidates prepare for the 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME, scheduled to commence on April 19, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, and the Nigeria Police have warned them against patronising fake sites for printing slip. The two organisations gave the warning at a joint news conference in Abuja on Saturday. The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the emergence of several fake websites created by unscrupulous individuals with the intention of misleading candidates had been observed. Therefore, he said, there was a need for candidates to beware of their tactics. According to him, these fake sites are designed to deceive innocent candidates into providing personal details. These include registration numbers, email addresses, and phone numbers exploited for malicious purposes. “Both JAMB and the Nigeria Police Force condemn these fraudulent act...

 Your Exams Conducted During Eid-El-Fitr Holiday Are Illegal, Islamic Group Tells Enugu Universities An Islamic human rights advocacy group, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has declared examinations taken in two universities in Enugu on Tuesday and Wednesday, April 9 and 10, 2024 as illegal, null and void. In a statement issued on Saturday, the group's Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, described the examinations as illegal and unacceptable by any standard because they were taken on days declared as public holidays by the Nigerian Government. The group called for the cancellation of the examination and tests. It said, "Reports reaching us from the University of Nigeria Enugu Campus (UNEC) and the Federal University of Allied Health Sciences, Enugu, reveal that both institutions ignored the holidays declared on Tuesday and Wednesday by the Federal Government (FG). While the former conducted examinations on Salah day, the latter held two tests on that day. "The...

 Iyabo Ojo and Mercy Aigbe’s daughter link up after years apart In a recent development, Iyabo Ojo’s daughter, Priscilla, and Mercy Aigbe’s daughter, Michelle, have linked up again after years apart.  Recall that a few years back, the duo were completely inseparable, but following Mercy Aigbe’s daughter Michelle going outside the country to study for her college degree, they both seem to have grown apart in the public eye. However, in a recent picture shared by both Priscilla Ojo and Michelle, they are both seen posed up together, looking completely ravishing and stunning. Priscilla had also captioned it, “Reunited.” Michelle had also taken to her page to share gorgeous photos of the two of them with the caption, “Hello Lagos.”

 Erdogan urges humanity to stop more breaches of international law in Gaza In letter to Pope Francis, the Turkish president says lasting peace, stability in Middle East is not possible without fair resolution of Palestine-Israel issue. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called upon people worldwide to speak out against the Israeli bombing of hospitals, schools, mosques, and churches in Palestine's Gaza. "Humanity must prevent further violations of international law in Gaza," Erdogan said in a letter to Pope Francis on Saturday, emphasising that innocent people and civilian infrastructure should never be targeted, even in times of war. Stressing that killing is forbidden in all Abrahamic faiths, he said humanity "must raise its voice against the deliberate bombing of hospitals, schools, mosques and churches that should not be violated, even in wartime." "The challenges that we face, particularly the indiscriminate Israeli attacks in Gaza, where death...

 Pirates in Somalia free Bangladeshi ship Pirates in Somalia have received ransom and released a Bangladeshi ship that they seized in March 2024. Somali pirates freed a Bangladesh-flagged cargo vessel and its 23 crew early on Sunday after the ship owners paid a ransom, the company said. The MV Abdullah was carrying more than 55,000 tonnes of coal from Maputo to the United Arab Emirates when it was seized by dozens of pirates around 550 nautical miles (1,000 kilometres) off the Somali coast a month ago. The seizure came amid a surge in Somali pirate activity, with international naval forces diverted from the Gulf of Aden into the Red Sea to guard against attacks on shipping by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels. The MV Abdullah's owners, KSRM Group, negotiated with the bulk carrier's captors and the vessel sailed for Dubai early on Sunday Bangladeshi time, a spokesperson said.

 Pregnant woman, widow arrested over N3.2m counterfeit cash, lethal illicit substance . As NDLEA recovers 900,000 opioid pills, 1,347.4kg cannabis in Kano, Kogi, Imo, Edo, Ogun, Ondo, Ekiti raids Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, have intercepted a commercial bus conveying N3.2million counterfeit cash owned by three suspects: eight-month pregnant Favour Peter, 24; Esther Adukwu, 27, and Ochigbo Michael, 39, who were arrested at Jabi park in Abuja in a follow up operation on Tuesday 9th April following the seizure of the fake naira notes in Lokoja, Kogi state. This is even as NDLEA officers in collaboration with men of the Nigerian Navy Ship Lugard base, Lokoja intercepted 37-year-old Aliyu Lawal along Lokoja-Abuja road on Monday 8th April and recovered 620  blocks of cannabis weighing 310kg from him, while 10 sacks of the same psychoactive substance weighing 98kg were seized along Okene-Lokoja-Abuja express way by NDLEA operatives from Jama Obodo, ...

 My wife’s desire for a girl pushed me to father five boys – 82-year-old accountant VICTORIA EDEME speaks to an 82-year-old retired accountant, James Aina, on his career journey, family, and life after retirement Can you recollect your early years? My name is Elder James Olanrewaju Aina. I was born on 17th of January, 1942 in Koro, a little town in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State where I hail from. I am the last of five children and the only one surviving at the moment. As a child, I was playful and rascally. But I related very well with my mates despite being rascally. I was a footballer and was very liked. At that time, the real football we have now was not in vogue so we played tennis ball. I was very good at it and anytime we had a holiday, I would gather the kids together and we would play. I attended my primary school in Ilorin and my secondary education at Government College, Keffi (now Nasarawa State University). Keffi was in Plateau State at that time. I remembe...