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 TWO SUSPECTED BIKE SNATCHERS BURNT TO ASHES IN MAKURDI Two suspected motorcycle snatchers have met their Waterloo in Makurdi, the Benue state capital, when they were burnt to ashes by mob action after they attempted to rob their victim around Nyon community. Our correspondent gathered that the incident took place at about 12 to 1am on Friday, April 19, 2024. A witness told our correspondent that the suspects were apprehended and lynched after the commercial motorcyclist popularly called okada man raised an alarm while the two were struggling to rob him. The witness who identified himself simply as Terna narrated that according to the okada man, he picked the two passengers from Katsina Ala street in High Level area of Makurdi town. He said “they told him to bring them to Nyon, a sub urban area of Makurdi. He said on getting to Nyon, they directed him into a street which he followed. “But because it was too late, when he got to a point, the okada man told his passengers to pay him ...

 Internet Fraud Academy Proprietor Bags 10 Years Jail Term in Uyo The Uyo Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has secured the conviction and sentence of the proprietor of Uyo Cybercrime Training Centre, Ikemesit Edet ((a.k.a Hustle Kingdom HK). He was jailed on Wednesday, April 17, 2024 after pleading guilty to two-count charges bordering on impersonation, love scam, hacking/editing of social media accounts and private criminal tutoring, upon his arraignment by the Uyo Zonal Command of the EFCC. Count one reads: That you IKEMESIT EDET IK sometime in January, 2024 in Nigeria within the jurisdiction of this Honorable court, being the occupier and a person concerned with the management of the premises situates and lying at No. 57 D-Line, Ewet Housing Estate, Uyo Akwa Ibom State, did knowingly permit the use of the entire aforesaid premises as a CYBERCRIME ACADEMY, also known as Hustle Kingdom (HK) where you recruited ten (10) young Nigerians between ag...

 NIGERIA POLICE HOUSING SUMMIT: BRIDGING THE GAP IN AFFORDABLE HOUSING FOR OFFICERS The Nigeria Police Force, under the visionary leadership of Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, is poised to tackle one of the most pressing issues facing its officers: affordable housing. In his mission to engender an efficient, effective, well-trained and highly motivated workforce, with deliberate efforts aimed at improving the capacity and welfare of all officers and men of the Force, the IGP has initiated the first-ever Nigeria Police Housing Summit which is scheduled for the 22nd-23rd of April 2024 at the Nicon Luxury Hotel, Abuja. This Summit would mark a significant step towards addressing the housing needs of police personnel across the country. Housing has long been a challenge for many officers within the Nigeria Police Force, with inadequate accommodation often affecting their well-being and performance on duty. Recognizing this critical issue, IGP Kayod...

 Ondo sports Commissioner denies assaulting journalist Ondo State Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Mr. Saka Yusuf-Ogunleye, has denied a report that he assaulted a journalist at his ward in Akure North Local Council, during the conduct of Saturday’s primary election of the All Progressives Congress (APC). An online publication had alleged in a report that the commissioner assaulted Mr. Tayo Ikujuni of News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). Yusuf-Ogunleye, who was addressing journalists at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) press centre in Alagbaka, Akure, said he was amazed by the publication, noting that his role was perverted from that of a peacemaker to the aggressor. “When the said journalist complained that his phone was snatched by some political thugs, I, in concert with other party chieftains around, intervened and his phone was retrieved but he later said he was molested when I left the scene. “There was no cause for any clash between me and him whatsoever and I w...

 TROOPS NEUTRALIZE TERRORISTS IN CLEARANCE OPERATIONS IN BORNO, NASARAWA, RECOVER ARMS In a proactive effort to maintain peace and security , troops of the Nigerian Army  successfully conducted clearance cum cordon and search operations in Borno and Nasarawa states, resulting in the obliteration of terrorists and recovery of firearms. On 19 April 2024 troops in  collaboration with hybrid Force, carried out a Clearance operation in Kana Village, Biu  Local Government Area of Borno State. During the operation, troops had an encounter with the terrorists around Nguma Village and neutralized  two terrorists in the firefight.The troops also recovered  two AK-47 rifles, one motorbike, 6 bicycles, and other sundry items abandoned by the fleeing terrorists. The clearance operation is still ongoing in the general area. In a different operation on the same day, acting on credible intelligence, Nigerian Army troops deployed in Nasarawa State conducted a Cordon and Sea...

 IPMAN: Reduction in diesel price by Dangote refinery yet to reflect due to old stock Automotive gas oil (AGO), also known as diesel, sold for as high as N1,500 at fuel stations in Lagos and Abuja on Saturday. TheCable observed that Mobil and TotalEnergies fuel stations in Festac Town, sold for N1,300 per litre and N1,500 per litre, respectively. In Abuja, the price of the product was N1,450 per litre at Eterna, Banex, and N1,500 a litre at Emadeb, Kado. The prices have remained the same despite Dangote refinery announcing a reduction in its costs of diesel to marketers from N1,200 to N1,000 on April 16. Speaking on the issue, Abubakar Maigandi, president, Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), said marketers still have old stocks, hence the current price of the product. “It started recently. And there’s been an old stock. Very soon, I know the price will be normalised,” Maigandi said. He also said the drop in price favours oil marketers buying one million ...

 Tunde Onakoya sets new Guinness Chess Record Tunde Onakoya, Nigerian chess master, has set a new Guinness World Record for the longest marathon chess. He achieved the feat on Saturday. Clocking a time of 58 hours of continuously playing chess, he now push for 60 hours. Onakoya took to his X account on Saturday to announce the setting of a new chess record. He said: “We have done it. #LongestChessMarathon #58Hours #RecordBroken #NewRecordSet“ “We’re pushing to 60 hours guys. We’re not stopping yet. Let’s keep going. We have a fundraising goal to meet for the education of African children around the world. “This is our why – the reason we are doing this. Let’s demonstrate to the world the incredible power of love. Together, we can make this happen,” he said. The previous record was set by Norwegian players Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad, who played for 56-hour, 9-minute in 2018 and aimed at reaching 58 hours target. Onakoya is a Nigerian chess master, coach founder of Ch...

 AGN threatens lawsuit against Adanma Luke, others over boat mishap tragedy President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) Emeka Rollas has said the association is ready to sue Adanma Luke and the Association of Movie Producers (AMP) over the death of Junior Pope and others. Rollas stated this in an interview with Arise News. He said in part: “Our lawyers are already preparing documents because this matter is actionable. I’m only waiting for the small committee we have set up to give me the report on all that happened. “I also learnt that not only the day that Junior Pope died, the previous day, they still went on a boat without life jackets. “The Association of Movie Producers will hear from our lawyers, the Adanma Luke Production will also hear from our lawyers.” The Nation reported that Junior Pope was confirmed dead on the night of April 10 after several attempts to resuscitate him failed. The actor alongside make-up artist Abigail Frederick, and the production crew; Friday, Ol...

 President Tinubu Congratulates Tunde Onakoya On New World Chess Record President Bola Tinubu congratulates Mr. Tunde Onakoya on setting a new world chess record and sounding the gong of Nigeria's resilience, self-belief, and ingenuity at the square of global acclaim. Mr. Onakoya broke the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon on Saturday, after playing for over 58 hours and winning every match in tow. President Tinubu celebrates the Nigerian Chess Champion and founder of Chess in Slums Africa for the rare feat, but especially for the reason driving this compelling demonstration of character, which is raising funds for African children to learn and find opportunity through chess. The President states Mr. Onakoya has shown a streak customary among Nigeria's youth population, the audacity to make good change happen; to baffle impossibility, and propel innovations and solutions to the nation’s challenges, even from corners of disadvantage. The President affirms that...

 Landlord petitions Ogun police commissioner over alleged threat to life by tenants … says ‘he’s a drunkard, quarrelsome, fights with me, other tenants’ An Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State based cleric and landlord, Alhaji Abiodun Awojobi, has petitioned the state Commissioner of Police over alleged threat to his life by one of his tenants, Bolaji Banjoko. Awojobi, in his petition routed through the Area Commander of the Nigeria Police Force in Igbeba, Ijebu-Ode, alleged that Banjoko had continued to threaten his life always. He said despite giving the tenant a quit notice, he had continued to boast that he’ll only move out of the house whenever he feels like. Awojobi, therefore, pleaded with the police commissioner to call Banjoko to order, alleging further that he had continued to threaten him, his family members and other tenants in his house. His petition stated, “We have gone to Igbeba police station several times to report him and he has always been found wanting as the one to blame eve...

 Alaafin Stool: Oyo Mesi appeals as court strikes out case against Makinde An High Court sitting in Awe has struck out a case filed by kingmakers in Oyo (Oyo Mesi) against Governor Seyi Makinde, Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General and the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters on the vacant stool of Alaafin of Oyo over administrative defect. Alaafin stool became vacant after the death of the Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, at 82 after ruling for 52 years. The claimants in the suit no HOY/14/2023 are the Bashorun of Oyo, Chief Yusuf Layinka; Lagunna of Oyo, Chief Wakeel Oyedepo; Akinniku of Oyo, Chief Amusa Yusuf; Areago Bashorun, Chief Wahab Oyetunji and the Alapo of Oyo, Chief Gbadebo Mufutau. The claimants were seeking court injunction restraining Makinde and his agents from overruling their choice on the selected candidate for the vacant stool. According to them: “Due diligence was followed in the selection/appointment of the candidate for filling the vacant...

 Court Jails 20 Internet Fraudsters in Benin City The Benin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,  on Wednesday and Thursday April 17 &18, 2024  secured the conviction and sentence of 20 internet fraudsters before Justices Efe Ikponmwonba and M. Itsueli of the Edo State High Court sitting in Benin City. The convicts are: Blessing Daniel, Kingsley Okoroafor, Amos Ohwofa, Eromosele Victory, Oba Nicholas Destiny, Lucky Osaro, Edema Emmanuel John, Obazee Precious, Akinyemi Seun, Ufumwen Victor, Enoch Ehigiator, Adurotimi Olakunle Justin, Oserei Clinton and Oserei Abraham. Others are Obazee Gabriel, Richard Godfrey Obazee, Ricard Israel, Paul O. Endurance, Destiny Ajimi and Ejiwe Blessing Julius They were jailed after pleading guilty to one-count separate charge bordering on obtaining by false pretence, possession of fraudulent documents upon arraignment by the Benin Zonal Command of the  EFCC. The charge against Ajimi reads: That you De...

 EFCC Grills 11 Suspected Oil Thieves in Lagos   Operatives of the Lagos Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have commenced investigation of 11 suspected oil thieves and one vessel, MT SAISNIL II, handed over to the Commission by the Nigerian Navy, NNS Beecroft, Apapa, Lagos.   The suspects are: Jimoh Olusola, Akinrodoye Tobias, Idolor Ogun, Blessed Udoh Michael, Fineface Zorte, Victor Ime Edem, Shofela Bode, Adejokun Taiye Emmanuel, Golden A. Javan, Yekini Lukman, and Ajayi Oluwole.   The vessel and the crew were  intercepted and arrested on February 7, 2024 by officers of the Nigerian Navy for allegedly involving in illegal oil bunkering and Automatic Identification system (AIS) infractions at Abo Oilfield, Ogogoro Community, Ondo State.    The suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.  

 FAAC Shares N1.1trn March 2024 Revenue To FG, States, LGCs The Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) on Friday shared a total sum of N1.123 trillion March 2024 Federation Account Revenue to the three tiers of government after its April meeting in Abuja. A statement by the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation Bawa Mokwa indicated that in March 2024, import duty, value-added tax, (VAT) Gas Royalty, companies’ income tax (CIT), and others increased considerably while excise duty, oil royalty, Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT), Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL) and CET Levies recorded decreases. FAAC in a communique at the end of the April meeting, revealed that the N1,123,391,000,000 total distributable revenue comprised distributable statutory revenue of N311.233 billion, distributable VAT revenue of N511. 879 billion, EMTL revenue of N14.754 billion, and exchange difference revenue of N285.525 billion. The communique...

 Plateau Govt Condemns Fresh Killings As Residents Protest Over Attack   The Plateau State Government has condemned the attack on Chikam, a community neighbouring the Plateau State University in Bokkos Local Government Area where three persons including a student of the school were killed. According to the Plateau State Commissioner for Information and Communication Musa Ashoms, the killing which prompted protests by students, was saddening. “People just in their sleep lose their lives. So, we are using this opportunity to call on security agencies,” he said. “They have done really well but we are urging them to redouble their steps to do more in the area of arresting and prosecuting the perpetrators of this evil because we would be going back and forth if we do not have any arrests after all these attacks.” “So, as a government, we frown against this act, and like I said, the government and people of Plateau State are sad with this happening,” the commissioner added. The...

 Why Yoruba Nation Agitators’ Buildings Were Demolished – Oyo Govt The Oyo State Government says the demolition of buildings allegedly belonging to Yoruba Nation agitators was based on a court order.  This is according to the Oyo State Commissioner for Lands, Housing, Survey, and Urban Development, William Akin-Funmilayo, who spoke at the sites of the demolished buildings located separately at Shagari area, Toye Oyesola Street, Boluwaji and at Zone 4, Irorun Oluwa Community, Fatusi Ayegun road, Odo Dudu area, both in Oluyole Local Government Area, Ibadan. He advised residents of the state to always report any strange, suspicious, or threatening activity in their vicinity to the appropriate authorities immediately after they notice such. This move came a day after 29 suspects were arraigned in court by the police for treasonable felony and other offenses. The state government had on April 16, 2024 demolished the buildings being used by the agitators of the Yoruba Nation who inv...

 Police detain Yahaya Bello’s ADC, security details The Nigeria Police Force has detained a female police officer who was the aide-de-camp to embattled former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello. The ADC was arrested alongside other police officers attached to 48-year-old Bello, and is being detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Their arrests and detention followed a Thursday night order by the Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, directing their immediate withdrawal from the former governor. Senior police sources, who spoke to newsmen on the condition of anonymity because they did not have authorisation to comment publicly on the matter, noted that the officers were arrested on the suspicion that they aided and abetted Bello’s escape from operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, who had gone to effect his arrest at his Abuja home on Wednesday.  “The ADC and the other police details attached to ...

 Why passport applicants need letters from states of origin -NIS The Nigerian Immigration Service has justified its decision to demand proof of state of origin from passport applicants. It also clarified recent concerns surrounding the passport renewal process, stating that applicants are not obligated to travel to their states of origin before they can obtain the required indigenship documents. The clarification comes in response to a tweet by X user, Tayo Oviosu, expressing frustration over the alleged requirement to obtain a letter from one’s state of origin for passport renewal. Oviosu questioned the logic behind such a policy, particularly its practicality for individuals like himself who have limited ties to their states of origin. Oviosu tweeted, “I gathered that now, to renew your passport, you need to get a letter from your state of origin showing that you are from there. “What sort of stupid policy is this? “So I should go to Edo State, which I have visited two or three t...

 Ortom slams Melaye, calls him ‘liability’ to PDP The immediate past governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom on Friday advised Senator Dino Melaye to find for himself a dignifying vocation. Ortom gave the advice through the statement issued by his media aide, Terver Akase, following the verbal attack by Melaye on the former governor during the North Central Zonal meeting held in Abuja on Thursday. Melaye had berated the former governor for his statement in Port Harcourt supporting the government of President Tinubu and accused him of (Ortom) anti-party activities during the 2023 general election. Melaye who noted that Ortom ought not to be allowed to attend the party’s meeting also took to social media showing his altercation with Ortom. Responding to Melaye’s verbal and social media attack, the former governor in a statement titled, “Melaye: ‘A leopard won’t change its spots, time to graduate from thuggery’ described the senator as a ‘liability not only to PDP, but also to the good ...

 Gov Ododo didn’t help Yahaya Bello escape EFCC arrest — Commissioner, Fanwo Kogi State Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, has claimed that Governor Usman Ododo did not shield ex-Governor Yahaya Bello from arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. Fanwo stated this while speaking on Channels Television on Friday. “Governor Ododo did not assist in Bello’s departure from his residence; the EFCC’s claims are misinformation aimed at furthering their objectives. “Bello is not evading anyone; the existing court injunction protects his fundamental rights,” he said. Fanwo also insisted that a state high court injunction protects Bello from harassment by the EFCC. He noted that Governor Ododo remains a law-abiding leader who respects the rule of law and the Constitution of Nigeria. EFCC operatives had laid a siege at Bello’s house in Abuja. But Ododo arrived at the residence and hours after he drove out, there were reports that Bello snuck out with him. The EF...

 Don’t run when EFCC invites you – Cubana Chief Priest tells Nigerians Popular socialite Pascal Okechukwu, aka Cubana Chief Priest, has urged Nigerians not to evade the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. He said operatives of the anti-graft agency don’t manhandle suspects, adding that they only “investigate and prosecute.” He noted that the EFCC would always catch those who run away from invites or resist arrest regardless of where they hide. The socialite praised the hospitality of the agency, stressing that they serve three-square meals in their cell. On his Instagram page, Cubana Chief Priest wrote: “The Eagle will always fly so high to catch you wherever you hide. “No need to run when @officialefcc invites you, just pull up and answer them, they don’t bite, they don’t beat, they only investigate and prosecute. For their cell, toilet & bathroom dey, even breakfast, lunch & dinner is served so tell me why are you running.” Cubana Chief Priest was recently arr...

 Man designated 'Hausa King' of Benin dumps ambition, begs for forgiveness Alhaji Danjuma Garba Binkola, the man who was to be installed as Garkuwan Hausawan (Hausa traditional ruler) of Benin, has abandoned his ambition and begged for forgiveness. The Benin Traditional Council had on Thursday raised alarm over the planned installation of Hausa traditional ruler in the ancient kingdom on Thursday, describing the move as an affront to the Benin tradition However, in a twist, Alhaji Binkola who was to be coronated on 5 May, was seen in a viral video begging the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II for forgiveness. Binkola who spoke Pidgin English in the video, pleaded that he was ignorance of the significance of the move to install him as the Garkuwan Hausawan Benin. He explained that he knows the traditions and customs of the people of the state, having been born and raised in Edo State, the same way his father, Alhaji Garuba was born and raised in Benin. He, however, said that he did no...

 12 die in Kano auto crash, six in Kaduna Road crashes that occurred on Thursday and Friday at Gaya Junction in Kano State and Tashar Yari in Kaduna State claimed the lives of 18 people. The fatal road crashes have prompted the Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps, Dauda Biu, to condemn the use of substandard tyres and excessive speeding by drivers on Nigerian roads. Biu, in a statement signed by the corps spokesperson, Jonas Agwu, on Friday, urged motorists to prioritise safety and comply with regulations. According to investigation reports submitted to the Corps Marshal, the Gaya Junction crash which occurred on Friday, involved two vehicles: a Toyota Hiace bus and a Hijet bus with number plates KTG 190 XB and KTG 501YG, respectively. The crash, caused by speed limit violation and tyre burst, resulted in injuries to 16 individuals and the loss of 12 lives, including the driver. Meanwhile, the Tashan Yari crash which happened on Thursday involved a total of 57 people, with 30 ...

 Naira abuse: EFCC planning to arrest me – Portable cries out Controversial singer Habeeb Okikiola, aka Portable, has alleged that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, is planning to arrest him over alleged Naira abuse. Portable, who is currently abroad, claimed that the operatives of the anti-graft agency would pick him up once he lands in Nigeria. The ‘Zazu’ crooner, who recently came out to beg EFCC to forgive him if they have any evidence against him abusing the Naira, said he is now being targeted after self-acclaimed social media activist, VeryDarkMan asked the agency to come after him for allegedly abusing the Naira. Speaking in a recent Instagram live session with fans, Portable said: “I am scared. The EFCC is planning to arrest me when I return to Nigeria because VeryDarkMan name-dropped me. “VeryDarkMan abi VeryDarkBrain, you talk too much. Leave talk for people who have something reasonable to say. Are you a law enforcement officer? Your opinions on public...

 Insecurity: Nigeria Is A Disgrace To The World – T.Y Danjuma A former Chief of Defence Staff, General Theophilus Y. Danjuma, (rtd), says that Nigeria’s security challenges have made the country become a laughing stock and a disgrace to the world. General Danjuma, while speaking at the annual Nwonyo Fishing and Cultural Festival in Ibbi Local Government Area of Taraba State on Friday, advised that urgent steps must be taken to address the security challenges facing the country. “Nigerian authority must take urgent measures to  redeem the battered image of the country by addressing the security challenges confronting  the nation,” he said. The retired General maintained that no person, especially foreigners, would be willing to come to the country to invest or visit tourist sites when their security was not guaranteed. “No person or group of persons will want to come to our state or country if we continue to kill and butcher ourselves,” he noted. The retired general furthe...

 Ondo Governorship: Meet Those Contesting For APC Ticket Today By Tosin Tope, Akure The contestants for the governorship ticket of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State will today know their fate as the 171,922 certified delegates decide who will fly the flag of the party in the November 16 governorship election. Drawn from the 203 wards in the 18 local government areas of the state, the delegates have to decide whether the current governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has done enough to earn their franchise to contest for the election or a new face among the 15 other aspirants should be given the opportunity to compete for the state’s top job. Inaugurating the seven-member governorship primary election committee headed by the Kogi State governor, Usman Ododo on Thursday, the party’s embattled national chairman, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, appealed to them to collaborate and be focused to ensure a hitch-free process. The aspirants are Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the incumbent governor; ...