PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 EFCC Taskforce Arrests 34 Suspected Currency Speculators in Abuja Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, attached to the Taskforce on Currency mutilation, Dollarization of the Economy and Forex Malpractice, have arrested 34 suspected currency speculators  for alleged foreign exchange fraud. They were arrested on Friday, April 26, 2024 in a sting operation following credible intelligence about illegal sales of dollars at the Wuse Zone 4 area of the Federal Capital Territory Abuja.   The suspects are :Usman Mohammed, Abdullahi Nasir, Abubakar Saleh, Mohammed Kabir Ibrahim, Abubakar Ghadafi, Muktar Usman, Umar Abubakar Abba, Yakubu Sani, Aminu Abubakar, Muhammed Suleman Abara, Yusuf Tahir, Usman Lawal, Usman Lawal, Usman Umar, Amina Garba Rola, Muhammed Aliyu, Murtala Haruna, Sani Mohammed, Umar Farouk, Muhammed Sagiuru, Aminu Salisu, Lawal Bello, Munzali Hashim, Jamilu Suleiman, Mustapha Umar, Mubarak Tanimu, Adamu Garba, Mohammed Usman, Bello Musa, Saleh Moha

 TROOPS AVERT TERRORISTS' ATTACK IN SOKOTO, NEUTRALIZE 7, RECOVER ARMS Nigerian Army troops deployed for Counter-terrorism operations in North West region in conjunction with a team from the  Department of State Services (DSS) in a swift and coordinated effort to avert a potential disaster to save lives in Sokoto State, responded to a distress call, which resulted in the interception of an armed terrorists' group on rampage to wreak havoc in Modachi general area of Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State.  The joint operation  led to the elimination of some of the terrorists and the recovery of a significant cache of arms. The terrorists, who were in transit with several motorbikes, were met with strong resistance from the security forces, leading to the elimination of 7 terrorists. The troops also recovered seven AK-47 rifles, four motorbikes, two mobile phones, and four machetes. The successful operation is a testament to the dedication of the security forces in combating t

 *Dualization of Amawbia-Agulu-Nanka-Ekwulobia-Uga Roads.*  *ILLEGAL OCCUPANTS SHOULD BEGIN TO RELOCATE* Paul Nwosu  In line with Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo’s plan to bequeath an enduring road network to Ndi Anambra, the Government of Anambra State will soon embark on the dualization of Amawbia-Agulu-Nanka-Ekwulobia-Uga Roads. Though these are federal roads, they are primarily used by Ndi Anambra. Governor Soludo has therefore redesigned them for reconstruction to better facilitate commercial, industrial and agricultural activities across the areas they cut through. In the light of this, government wishes to advise property owners along those routes to begin to plan how to relocate them somewhere else. The law demands that any property along a federal highway must be set back 47.5 meters from the centre of the road. Anything short of that is in violation of the law and such a property will be regarded and treated as an illegal structure which we do not wish to happen. Government

 How American International School Abuja Agreed To Refund Over $760,000 From Money Paid By Kogi Ex-Gov Yahaya Bello For Children’s Tuition The American International School Abuja agreed to refund $760,910.84 paid for children’s tuition in advance by the former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, as revealed in a letter sent by the school to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. In December 2023, SaharaReporters exclusively reported the EFCC had seized $760,910.84 from the money that Bello paid to American International School, Abuja, as prepaid school fees for four children until graduation, over alleged money laundering. The anti-graft agency had contacted the school requesting a refund of the money believed to have been proceeds of corruption. In a reply letter from the school marked as exhibit H, it requested the EFCC to furnish it with an official written request to the effect and to also forward the commission's bank details for a refund. The reply letter seen by Sahara

 WORLD MALARIA DAY: LAWMA BOSS MAKES CASE FOR CLEAN ENVIRONMENT The Managing Director/CEO of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, has underscored the importance of maintaining a clean environment, to combat the spread of malaria. He said this in a statement marking this year’s World Malaria Day, themed: 'Accelerating the fight against malaria for a more equitable world'.  The World Health Organization (WHO) had noted that approximately 249 million cases of malaria were reported worldwide in 2022, with an estimated 608,000 deaths, occurring mostly in tropical and sub-tropical regions, and remaining a major global challenge. He said that while malaria was primarily transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes, the prevalence and severity of the disease could be significantly reduced through preventive measures, anchored on a clean environment, as one of the most effective strategies. According to him, "In the fight against malaria, prev

 BSc Law: Anyim Vera under fire for seeking financial help to maintain ‘celebrity’ status Anyim Vera, a member of Dunamis International Gospel Center, DIGC, who went viral recently after she was accused of lying during a testimony in the church has come under heavy criticism. Recall that on April 15, a video clip which captured the Senior Pastor of the church, Dr Paul Enenche obstructing Vera’s testimony of being a law graduate, went viral on the social media. Enenche, who wondered how a supposed law graduate would speak incorrect English, asked some questions for clarification. Vera, in her response, said she did a BSc in law at the National Open University of Nigeria, prompting the clergy to send her back to her seat, saying the testimony was a lie. The triggered reactions from Nigerians who demanded that the pastor must apologize to the church member. The church later apologized. In a recent video posted on her Facebook page, Vera was heard appealing to Nigerians to assist her finan

 I lost a relationship because I refused premarital sex – BBNaija Ifuennada Big Brother Naija reality star Iheme Faith Uloma, aka Ifuennada, has revealed that she lost a relationship because of her stance against premarital sex. Taking to her Instagram page, she shared a video where she blatantly stated that “I don’t believe in sex before marriage.” She captioned the video, “I’ll always say no to premarital s*x even if it breaks my heart. God over man.” In another post, the reality star stated that she was humiliated, mocked, and even disrespected by her partner because of her stance against premarital sex. Ifuennada wrote, “Because of my new life, I lost a relationship I invested so much of myself in. In fact, I was humiliated, mocked, and disrespected by this person. “I’m not gonna lie, I was deeply hurt, but I’ll never choose man over God. “My goal is to live a life that pleases God no matter who or what I have to say goodbye to. “God’s plans for me are far better and greater than a

 I prefer rich cheating partner to faithful broke one – BBTitans Yvonne Big Brother Titans reality star Yvonne Godwin has said she would rather stick to a rich man who cheats than be in a relationship with a faithful poor man. According to her, cheating is not a deal-breaker so long as there is mutual respect. Speaking on a radio interview in Lagos, Godwin said: “I prefer dating a rich man that cheats on me to a faithful broke man. “Men are the same. You see that money? You can never take money out of relationship. I’m not saying it’s okay to cheat. Please, don’t cheat on me. “You know the worst thing? When a broke man now cheats on you it’s like double suffering. So, I would rather stick to a rich guy that would apologise and keep it moving. But when the disrespect gets too much because I hates disrespect, especially when it’s on a public platform. I’m very big on respect. So if you disrespect me, I’m going to walk away.”

 Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road: Demolition Of Buildings Begins Saturday The Federal Government says the demolition of buildings on the right of way of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road will begin on Saturday. The Federal Controller of Works in Lagos state, Korede Keisha, made this known during a press briefing in Lagos on Thursday. She asked all those whose houses were marked for demolition to come to the Ministry’s Secretariat in Lagos to sort out whatever process was required by the ministry. She said the demolition squad would move in on Saturday to begin the removal of the marked properties. The Minister of Works Dave Umahi recently said the Lagos-Calabar coastal road construction will cost N4bn per kilometre.   The 700 km Lagos-Calabar coastal road will be constructed for N15 trillion, and a kilometre of the road will cost N4 billion. It is designed to connect Lagos to Cross River, passing through Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom states, before culminating in Cross Rive

  SS1 Student Of Malex Secondary School Enugu commits suicide after battling with depression.  My brothers and sisters always check on your family, friends and love one.  Many people are going through a lot these day. We should also learn to be kind to people in real life and on social media.  More updates later

 Nollywood veteran actor Ogunjimi is dead The Nigerian movie industry has again been thrown into mourning after the news of the death of another veteran, Yoruba Actor Ganiyu Oyeyemi, popularly known as Ogunjimi, surfaced on social media on Friday. Ogunjimi’s death was announced by a Yoruba actor, Kunle Afod, in a post on his Instagram page.Mourning the actor, Afod wrote, “We tried our best but God loves you more. “May his soul rest in peace. Baba Ogunjinmi, RIP, Sun re oooo.” At the time of writing this report, the cause of death has not yet been ascertained.

 GOVERNOR UZODIMMA RECOGNIZED BY NAHCON FOR COMMITMENT TO RELIGIOUS INCLUSIVITY  Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State was honored with an Award of Excellence by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) during his visit to the Hajj House for his commitment to religious inclusivity.  In his reaction, Governor Uzodimma extended his gratitude to the Chairman of NAHCON, Malam Jalal Ahmad Arabi, and the entire commission for recognizing the efforts of his administration in promoting unity among diverse religious communities.  As the 2024 Hajj season approaches, Governor Uzodimma reiterated the state's intensified collaboration with NAHCON to support and facilitate the spiritual journey of Muslim brethren. He assured the public of the government's unwavering resolve to promote inclusivity and unity through governance.  More photos below. 

 RELEASE. COMMITTEE FOR DEFENCE OF HUMAN RIGHTS AND CENTRE FOR ANTI CORRUPTION AND OPEN LEADERSHIP: MONTHLY PANEL SESSION. LAGOS NSCDC STATE COMMANDANT SAYS PERSONNEL ARE FOCUSSED ON FULFILLING STATUTORY FUNCTIONS, ENLIGHTENS GENERAL PUBLIC ON CORPS' DISTINCTIVE AND UNAMBIGUOUS ROLES. "The NSCDC has existed since the year 1967, precisely during the Nigerian Civil war and we are greatful to the government for regularizing us as a substantive Paramilitary Agency in the year 2003," Keshinro said. The State Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps ( NSCDC ), Lagos State Command, Mr Adedotun Keshinro joined other stakeholders in the security ans safety sector to discuss and defend the roles of the NSCDC, so far in ensuring the peace and tranquility enjoyed by the government and the citizens in the sate. The Lagos State Commandant was also posed with questions touching grey areas in the conduct of the Corps' personnel while discharging their duties in the state

 Popular Apostle and traditional rule Chibuzor Gift Chinyere  decides to boycott Dstv  He wrote this 👇 Finally….. It’s a decision I did not want to make, but necessary I make it. Millions  of Nigerians can no longer  meet up with the current prize of DSTV/ GOLD TV subscription because of the current economic reality in Nigeria. So as my current subscription is expiring, I shall not be renewing my DSTV subscription until DSTV reduces the prize. Starting from today I will be searching for alternatives that I will be watching news because basically is majorly news and OPM TV which is a 24 hours television station I watch when am chanced. But DSTV, NO to renewal of subscription until prizes are reviewed downwards.  From HRM KING APOSTLE CHIBUZOR GIFT CHINYERE  IS IT NOT TIME NIGERIANS TAKE A BOLD STEP AGAINST DSTV?.  One more photo below. 

 My father raised me to be a modern day woman” – DJ Cuppy Florence Otedola, popularly known by DJ Cuppy, has taken to the X-Platform to reveal what her father’s impact had done in her life. She expressed that her father had raised her to be a modern-day man even though she was his daughter. She also gave a shout-out to him in her words. She expressed, “Shout-out to the real Femi Otedola for raising me to be a modern-day man even though I am his daughter.” About a week ago, DJ Cuppy had announced that 2024 was already her best year yet. Sharing recent gorgeous images of herself on the X-Platform, she remarked on the fact that it’s only been a quarter of the year but it was already her best year yet. It’s also recorded that in the beginning of the year, January, DJ Cuppy had announced her major plans for 2024. She expressed that she wanted to be her healthiest, prettiest, and most successful version in 2024. She had also revealed in the same January that she was going to give the gym as

 WHAT GOV. SANWO-OLU SAID ON MINIMUM WAGE The Lagos State Government has not increased the minimum wage, contrary to the impression in some media reports, which emanated from the unveiling of Eko Cares – the umbrella for the various interventions to protect the poor against the effects of the prevailing economic hardship. The event was held at the Governor’s Office in Ikeja on Wednesday. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has been erroneously quoted as saying that a new minimum wage of N70,000 had been announced. This is wrong. Mr. Governor never said so. He said since January, civil servants had been earning the N35,000 wage award directed by the Federal Government.  In other words, those earning N35,000 now earn N70,000. He did not announce a new minimum wage of N70,000.  His words: “I know that by the grace of God very very soon we'll see a new minimum wage that will be approved for the Federal Government and the State government. The civil servants and all public officers, they know t

 Abuja American School writes EFCC, to refund Yahaya Bello’s $760k children’s school fees The American International School of Abuja has asked the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to provide “authentic banking details” for the refund of fees paid for the children of Yahaya Bello, immediate-past governor of Kogi state. Bello allegedly paid $720,000 in advance as fees for five of his children from the coffers of the Kogi State Government. The children are in Grade Levels 2 to 8 at the school. On April 17, EFCC operatives laid siege on Bello’s residence in Abuja in an attempt to arrest him over an alleged N80.2 billion fraud. While the operatives were at the house, Usman Ododo, governor of Kogi, arrived at the property and reportedly whisked Bello away. In a letter addressed to the Lagos Zonal Commander of the EFCC, the school said the sum of $845,852 has been paid in tuition “since the 7th of September 2021 to date.” AISA said the sum to be refunded is $760,910 because it had ded

  Many trapped as building collapses in Kano An unknown number of workers have been reportedly trapped at a collapsed building in Kano State.  The building is located in the Kuntau area of Gwale Local Government Area of the state. At least, 11 persons are trapped under the rubble, sources disclosed to. Rescue operations are currently ongoing while some corpses have been recovered. Two persons were rescued to have been rushed to the hospital by officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps. Details later…

 NIGERIAN ARMY SALUTES MAZI OSITA IHEME FOR CONTRIBUTING TO EFFORTS AIMED AT PROMOTING UNITY, PEACE, STABILITY IN NIGERIA Mazi Osita Iheme MFR also known as Pawpaw, a peaceful, accomplished and globally celebrated Nigerian has been an advocate for unity, peace and stability in Nigeria over the years. He has been actively engaging with various platforms to promote unity and understanding among different groups in the country. His efforts have been focused on fostering dialogue and finding common ground for the betterment of all Nigerians. During the 2023 general election, Mazi Osita Iheme was seen engaging with various media personalities, including those associated with IPOB. His interactions were open, devoid of any misgiving and clearly aimed at understanding different perspectives and promoting peaceful coexistence. His willingness to engage with diverse voices demonstrates his commitment to inclusivity and understanding. Recently, Mazi Osita Iheme was invited by the Nigerian milita

  *Commissioner Ify Obinabo's Heroic Rescue of 11 Year Old Victim of Abuse Sparks Scholarly Support from Enugu State Government* By Nwakor Sandra Chidinma  In a heart-wrenching incident in Onitsha, Anambra State, Governor Chukwuma Soludo's swift intervention, alongside the Women and Social Welfare Commissioner, Honorable Ify Obinabo, has brought justice and hope to 11-year-old Happiness Nwafor. The young girl, hailing from Enugu State, was subjected to brutal abuse by her employer, self-proclaimed lawyer Adachukwu Chikelu-Okafor. Reports reveal that Happiness endured unimaginable cruelty at the hands of her employer, leading to severe injuries that left her hospitalized. The situation escalated when Adachukwu callously abandoned the child, naked and injured, at a relative's residence, attempting to evade accountability. However, justice prevailed as Governor Soludo's administration swiftly responded to the distressing situation. With the support of the Women and Social

 NIGERIAN ARMY ON SUSTAINED  ONSLAUGHT AGAINST VIOLENT EXTREMISTS, CAPTURED   ARMS AND AMMUNITION IN TARABA The Troops of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation WHIRL STROKE have once again demonstrated their unwavering determination to eliminate terrorism, insurgency and other criminal activities in Taraba State. In recent operations conducted by the gallant soldiers, significant successes have been achieved in thwarting attacks, apprehending suspects and recovery of arms and ammunition.  The troops of 93 Battalion Sub-Sector 3B OPWS, acting on credible intelligence, carried out clearance operations in Rikwenmakpawere and Alaha villages in Ussa Local Government Area. A foiled attack at Kweserti village prompted the swift response of the troops, who engaged the armed militias with superior firepower, forcing them to retreat in disarray. During the operation, two extremists were neutralized, and 1 AK-47 magazine along with 7 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition were recovered from th

 News Release  ICPC Case: Court Orders Arrest of Former DG of National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies A Federal High sitting in Apo, Abuja has ordered the arrest of former Director General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, Professor Ladi Aisha Hamalai for her failure to appear in the corruption case preferred against her by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).   The Court presided over by Hon. Justice C. O. Oba issued the bench warrant on Monday, 22nd of April, 2024, for the arrest of the professor following her repeated failure to show up in the court.    The ICPC Counsel had informed the court that this is the fourth consecutive time that the former DG of NILS failed to honour the invitation of the Commisssion to appear in the case having been properly served.   In the suit charge number: FCT/HC/CR/312/23, the ICPC is accusing Professor Hamalai of using her office to confer corrupt advantage

 Use PPE! A 37-year-old man, while using a circular saw machine to cut laminated doors at a construction site in Iju-Ishaga, sustained a deep cut on his leg. He was immediately taken to a hospital where he was confirmed dead. One more photo below. 

 PRESS RELEASE NNPC Ltd Says Cause of Tightness in Fuel Supply Resolved The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) wishes to clarify that the tightness in the supply of Premium Motor Spirit currently being experienced in some areas across the country is as a result of logistics issues and that they have been resolved. It also wishes to reiterate that the prices of petroleum products are not changing. It urges Nigerians to avoid panic buying as there is a sufficiency of products in the country.  Olufemi Soneye Chief Corporate Communications Officer NNPC Ltd. Abuja   25 April, 2024

 SOLUDO DOESN'T HATE JOURNALISTS; RESOURCES ARE SCARCE - NWOSU.    Rose Oranye Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Sir Paul Nwosu has advised journalists to see themselves as partners with government and play their roles responsibly, even as he stated that Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo CFR does not hate journalists but is constrained by available resources. Reacting to the social media reports where the Chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council, Dr Odogwu Emeka Odogwu claimed that Governor Soludo is an enemy of journalists,  Nwosu said he was taken aback by the report given that there was no provocation for the outburst. "I have been a member of NUJ for over 35 years and more importantly, Dr Emeka Odogwu is my friend. So, if there were issues,  I expect we would have discussed it but to the best of my knowledge, there was none. I am surprised he talked about subvention; that they applied for subvention to the government and it was rejecte

 LP, PDP kick as US report says 2023 poll reflected Nigerians’ will ABUJA — The opposition Labour Party, LP, and Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday, expressed shock over how the United States 2023 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices arrived at its conclusion that the 2023 polls reflected the will of Nigerians, despite widespread irregularities. However, the All Progressives Congress, APC, and the Presidency hailed the report but said the party did not need external validation of its victories at the polls. The report published by the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labour, US Department of State, highlighted human rights practices and violations in different countries, including Nigeria. It said the last general elections in Nigeria reflected the will of the populace, despite widespread irregularities. Picking holes in the conclusion, LP and PDP said they are committed to deepening democracy in Nigeria and averting a one-party state. Highlights of report The report s

 Man recounts how mom burnt his travel documents because he hissed at her A man identified as naetochukwu01 on X has recounted how his mother’s action changed the course of his life when she burnt his travel documents two weeks before he was due to travel to Australia to play soccer. Naetochukwu01 posted this on his X handle on Thursday in response to a post about the father of Nigerian chess master Tunde Onakoya, revealing he initially opposed his son’s passion for chess. In his post, Naetochukwu01 explained that at the age of 15, he was scouted to go to Melbourne, Australia, to play soccer; however, the incident that occurred two weeks before he travelled “changed the trajectory of his life.” He wrote, “I no been wan talk but e no spoil😂. When I was 15, I got scouted to play for a team in Melbourne, Australia. Two weeks to leave for Melbourne. One faithful Sunday, my mom came home from church and was yelling at me, so I hissed at her, and, she became furious (typical African mother)

 FG launches manhunt for fleeing 109 Suleja inmates, recaptures 10 Federal Government has launched a widespread manhunt for 109 fleeing inmates who escaped from the Suleja medium security custodial centre on Wednesday night following torrential rainfall that destroyed some parts of the facility. The FG assured that all security agencies have been alerted to apprehend the fleeing inmates and ensure their immediate return to the facility. 119 inmates reportedly escaped from the facility but 10 of them were immediately apprehended. Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who visited the Suleja Centre following the incident to assess the extent of damage and obtain further information, said government was considering relocation of the Custodial centre. Tunji-Ojo said runaway inmates have ample time to return on their own to the facility as all their biometric information would be released to the public as soon as possible. The Minister lamented that there were some gaps in reporting l

 Gombe Court Jails Charcoal Producer for N7m Fraud Justice H.H. Kereng of the Gombe State High Court sitting in Gombe, Gombe State has convicted and sentenced President of National Association of Charcoal Producers and Exporters, Edu Babatunde Azeez to one year imprisonment.   Azeez and his company, Ablims Limited were jailed  on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 after pleading guilty to a  two-count  charge of conspiracy and obtaining under false pretence upon being arraigned by the Gombe  Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.   One of the count charges reads: “That you Edu Babatunde and Ablims Limited sometimes in December, 2022 at Gombe , Gombe State within the jurisdiction of this honourable court fraudulently obtained the sum of N7,183, 750.00 (Seven Million One hundred and Eighty - Three Thousand and Seven Hundred and Fifty naira) from one Ayanbisi Ismail by falsely representing the money to be for exporting charcoal to Saudi - Arabia , a representation which

 ONSA Arms Deal: N4.6b was Traced to Bafarawa’s Son-Witness Tells Court   The Second Prosecution Witness,  2PW, Hamza Abdullahi in the trial-within-trial of former Sokoto State governor, Attahiru Bafarawa and four others, on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, told Justice Y. Halilu of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT,  High Court, that a sum of N4.633billion was traced to the account of Dalhatu Investment Limited where Bafarawa’s son, Sagir Attahiru Bafarawa and one other,  simply identified as Nasir,  were directors, with the former being the sole signatory to the company’s bank account.   Abdullahi stated that in 2015,  he was the second-in-command of Special Task Force, Fraud Investigation on Arms, Defence Equipment Procurement in the Office of the National Security Adviser, ONSA,  on the activities of 78 companies that received money from ONSA without justification, adding that Dalhatu Investment Limited was among the companies.   “From the report we received from ONSA, when we scrutiniz