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 What transpired between me and developer who claimed I was anti-Igbo – Wike The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has lamented how a land developer in Abuja who accused him of being anti-Igbo allegedly abused him via text messages. Wike stated that the Federal Capital Territory will take a new phase and will no longer be conducive for those with the intention of deceiving the government with land developer identities. The minister, in an interview granted to a group of journalists recently, said in the text message which he described as insulting, the land developer claimed that he vowed to deal with the Igbos. The minister said, “In his text, he said, ‘You said you want to deal with the Igbos.’ “Imagine such a blackmail. The land we are talking about, did he give it to the Igbos? How can you think you are too smart to tell the public that I said I will deal with the Igbos and people can sit down and listen to such a thing?” He stated that land grabbers prese...

 Oba of Benin suspends six officials for posing as palace emissaries to Ooni of Ife The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has suspended six functionaries for allegedly presenting themselves as the palace’s emissaries before the Ooni of Ife in a function. DAILY POST reports that a statement signed by Chief Sam Igbe, Iyase of Benin kingdom and made available to newsmen in Benin City named the suspended palace functionaries as Johnbull Igbinosun, Iduhonre (Ihogbe), S.E. Aigbiremwen, Efesieoghoba (Ogbelaka). Sam Igbe, who signed the statement on behalf of the Benin Traditional Council, BTC, also listed Ogbeide Osagie and Osamudiame Edo among the suspended functionaries. He said they were suspended for allegedly engaging themselves in a sacrilegious show of shame and falsehood against the Benin Custom. According to him, these individuals not only declared themselves subjects of the Ooni, but also rendered an inaccurate and disjointed account of the connection between the Benin Royal Dynasty ...

 Four Chinese Arrested for illegal Mining in Nasarawa Four Chinese have been arrested by the Mining Marshals of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, at an illegal mining site where lithium is sold at Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State. Spokesman of the NSCDC, Babawale Afolabi disclosed this in a statement on Saturday. “Following the commissioning of some specially trained NSCDC personnel as Federal Government Mining Marshals, the team has intensified efforts to clamp down on illegal miners sabotaging the economy of the nation. “The Mining Marshalls with a renewed vigour swung into action following credible intelligence and uncovered an illegal mining site where lithium is sold at Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State. “During the sting operation, the squad arrested four Chinese nationals who through preliminary investigation admitted that they were running an illegal site used for selling lithium,” the statement said. The Mining Marshall Commander, ...

 Tems Unveils New Single “Love Me Jeje”   Nigeria singer Temilade Openiyi, a songwriter popularly known as Tems has released her latest track, “Love Me JeJe,” via Since ’93/RCA Records. “Love Me JeJe” is the first single from Tems’ highly anticipated debut album, “Born In The Wild,” scheduled for release this May. The song, which translates to “Love Me Softly” in Nigeria, pays homage to Tems’ childhood and upbringing, featuring an interpolation of the Nigerian classic of the same name by Seyi Sodimu. Written entirely by Tems, “Love Me JeJe” is produced by Spax and Guilty Beatz. It offers listeners a glimpse into the artist’s unique blend of soulful vocals and infectious rhythms. Fans eagerly await the release of Tems’ album, anticipating more of her captivating storytelling and musical artistry. With “Love Me JeJe,” Tems continues solidifying her position as one of Nigeria’s most exciting talents, poised for global recognition.

 CDS: We must work hard to shame those who don’t like Nigeria’s blessings Christopher Musa, chief of defence staff, has called on Nigerians, irrespective of tribe or religion to unite and fight Nigeria’s common enemies. Speaking at the second edition of the Unity Schools Old Students Association (USOSA) sports carnival, Musa said the common enemies of Nigeria are terrorism, banditry, and other social vices. “Nigeria is challenged; so we need a united Nigeria to confront all the challenges we are facing. Nigerians must unite and confront the evil that is coming against us. So many people do not like the blessings we are having as a country,” NAN quoted him as saying. “We must shame them by working together as a team and together we will continue to move forward.” Musa said sport is a factor that unites people and stressed the need for Nigerians to foster peace and promote national unity. “At this sports carnival today, we are all one; we all love Nigeria. Nigeria gave us so much whi...

 BBNaija Star, Miracle Igbokwe Graduates With Distinction From US Aeronautical Varsity  Winner of the 2018 Big Brother Naija ‘Double Wahala’ show, Miracle Igbokwe, has graduated with distinction from the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Florida, USA. Miracle disclosed this on his Instagram story on Friday, sharing a video of the moment he climbed the stage to receive his certificate.  In June 2019, he further disclosed that he obtained his certification as an “Instrument Rated” pilot. He was also reported to have celebrated passing his Flight Instructor exam in 2023, as he completed his aviation training and earned pilot certification from US aviation authorities in 2024. Miracle was in aviation school before the BBNaija show and returned to complete his training immediately after clinching the grand prize.

 At about 12:25am, patrol officers from Ilupeju Division intercepted 44-year-old Tosin Kumoliga along Cappa area vandalizing wire mesh fences. He was subsequently arrested and will be prosecuted accordingly. One more photo below. 

 EPE GENERAL HOSPITAL ORGANISES SENT-FORTH CEREMONY FOR RETIRED STAFF The General Hospital, Epe, recently organised a sent-forth ceremony for one of its respected staff and former Head of Health Management Information System, Mrs. Margaret Oludipe, who retired from active service of the State Government following her attainment of the statutory 60 years retirement age and a fulfilling 33 years in the Lagos State Civil Service,  The Chairman Health Service Commission Dr. Atinuke Onayiga, while speaking at the event held at Epe General Hospital, described the retiree as a very good person, a woman of excellence, very reliable, always ready to serve and ever active. In her words: "This woman is very hardworking, she is never tired of making sure all T's are crossed and all I's are dotted. I pray that you will continue to live in good health and abundance while in retirement". Speaking in the same vein, the MD/CEO GH, Epe Dr. Oluseyi Adesola said: "Mrs. Oludipe has b...

 LASG REITERATES CONTINUOUS SUPPORT FOR CULTURAL FESTIVAL The Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, has reiterated the continuous support of the present administration to promote local cultural festivals across the State. This is part of strategies initiated to stimulate the indigenous culture, tradition and heritage of Lagosians and attract investors to various tourist spots In Lagos, The Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Hon. Idris Aregbe disclosed this in his remarks at the 11th Annual World Egbe festival held recently at Suntan Beach, Lagos. Aregbe, represented at the event by the Chief Executive Officer, Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture, Mr. Idowu Johnson, expressed his satisfaction with the organisation of the festival which attracted more tourists than usual. He reiterated the commitments of the State Government to continue to support the World Egbe Cultural Festival annually to portray unit...

 German police arrest 11 Nigerians for dating scam and money laundering German Police have arrested 11 Nigerian nationals suspected to be members of a Black Axe group behind a large-scale dating scam and money laundering.  The Bavarian police in a statement on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, said that the gang was involved internationally in “multiple areas of criminal activity” with a focus in Germany on dating scams and money laundering. The police said the dating trick was a “modern form of marriage fraud”, adding that “Using false identities, the fraudsters for example signalled their intention to marry and in the course of further contact repeatedly demand money under various pretexts," The police further said that the money was subsequently transferred to Black Axe in Nigeria “via financial agents.” According to the authorities, in the process, the gang used a “commodity-based money laundering” scheme where products, often with a seeming “charitable purpose” were bought and d...

  Five confirmed dead, 70 cars burnt in Rivers tanker explosion Five people have been confirmed dead and over 70 cars burnt in the tanker explosion at the Eleme section of the East-West Road in Rivers State on Friday night. EARLIER REPORT: No fewer than four persons were feared killed following a multiple explosion at the Eleme section of the East-West Road in Rivers State on Friday night. ACCORDING TO ANOTHER SOURCE: Several Feared Dead As Tanker Explosion Causes Fiery Carnage On East-West Road In Rivers A massive, fiery carnage on the East-West Road in Rivers State has destroyed more than dozens of vehicles, scourged goods worth estimated billions, and claimed an unconfirmed number of lives. The devastating incident happened on Friday night along the Eleme axis of the road, which has long been neglected, increasing motorists’ risks. Reports suggest that the tragedy was triggered when a tanker, navigating the dilapidated road, was hit by another heavy-duty vehicle, igniting flames...

 How I hired a tech professional to delete my leaked adult video from the web and smartphones – Singer Tiwa Savage Nigerian singer and actress Tiwa Savage recently shared her struggles in dealing with the aftermath of her leaked adult tape in an interview with Angie Martins at Power 105.1 in New York. Tiwa Savage described the distress she faced in October 2021 when she was threatened by blackmailers due to the private video.  The renowned Afrobeats artist admitted that the leaked tape, featuring personal moments with an ex-partner, caused her significant anguish, particularly as a mother. Tiwa Savage shared her concerns about the leaked tape affecting her son, Jamil. It was the first time she publicly discussed the issue in three years, expressing relief at being able to handle and minimize the impact swiftly.  To prevent further circulation, Tiwa Savage enlisted help from an IT specialist to remove the video from online platforms and personal devices. She admitted, “I w...

 GOV. ALIA VOWS TO DEMOLISH PROPERTY HOUSING KIDNAPPERS, YAHOO BOYS IN BENUE  27th April, 2024     Alia who disclosed this on Friday, during a press conference in Makurdi, said also that that he would soon meet with all hotel owners in the state over the issue. He said intelligent reports available to him revealed that some hotels and properties in the state were shielding kidnappers and Yahoo boys. He said if any hotel or property was confirmed to be housing or shielding criminals, it would be demolished immediately. He added that Benue was no home for cultists and that all people residing in the state must learn to play by the rules or leave. He said the government would establish a call centre where people can call 24/7 to report on general security issues. He said the security of lives and property was the topmost priority of his administration and nobody would be spared if found breaching the state’s security. He said his visit, as well as the 19 northern g...

 JOINT AIR STRIKES BY NAF AND NIGERIEN AIR FORCE ELIMINATE TERRORISTS, DESTROY HIDEOUTS In line with its collaborative efforts with the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF), the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) and the Nigerien Air Force, on 23 April 2024, carried out air interdiction strikes on terrorists’ hideouts in Damasak and Mobbar Local Government Areas (LGA) of Borno State. The terrorists had attempted to attack troops of Sector 4 of the MNJTF at Lada, a border town between Niger Republic and Nigeria, and subsequently fled across the border into Nigeria. The fleeing terrorists who were on 8 motorcycles were later tracked to 2 locations situated at Zarri village, located about 28 km east of Damasak and Mala Alide in Mobbar LGA of Borno State. They were observed hibernating in the Village with their motorcycles hidden under trees. Subsequently, airstrikes from the Air Component of OPHK and Nigerien Air Force, under the watchful eye of Niger's Intelligence Survei...

 Restructuring of EFCC:  Olukoyede Appoints   Chief of Staff, Zonal Directors  The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede has appointed Mr. Michael Nzekwe as his Chief of Staff. He has also appointed Zonal Directors for each of the 14 Zonal Commands of the Commission.  Nzekwe, topnotch investigator, lawyer and former Commander of the Ilorin Zonal Command of the EFCC, is a course one officer of the Commission. He has served in various departments in the Commission, including Legal and Prosecution Department, Department of Operations (now Department of Investigations), Department of Internal Affairs ( now Department of Ethics and Integrity),  Servicom, and Asset Forfeiture Department. A seasoned administrator, he has attended several trainings and courses home and abroad, including the Advance Defence Intelligence Officers Course organised by Defence Intel Agency, DIA. The appointment takes immediate e...

 Shut Up If You Have Nothing To Contribute To Benue, Alia Blasts Ortom Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State, on Friday, urged his predecessors including, Chief Samuel Ortom, to refrain from interfering in his administration, warning that he would not allow anyone to  destabilise his government. Our correspondent reports that Ortom while in his speech during his 63rd birthday anniversary marked with a public lecture in Makurdi on Wednesday advised the governor to sheath sword against Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, for the sake of development of the state. But in his response to the former governor’s advice, Alia while briefing to journalists on his return from USA, Friday morning, averred that he would not allow anyone to destabilise his administration as he maintained that they have had their own term. “I can’t allow anyone whether a former governor or Civil Servant.  If you are a former governor and you have nothing to contrib...

 Oyo: 14 suspected thugs arrested over attack on electoral officials No fewer than 14 suspected political thugs have been arrested for attacking electoral officials and allegedly snatching ballot papers meant for election in Kajola local government area of Oyo State slated for Saturday. Chairman, Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission, OYSIEC, Isiaka Olagunju, confirmed the attack on Friday. Olagunju maintained that the Divisional Police Officer in the town had been mandated to arrest the suspects. He further debunked rumors claiming that ballot papers were snatched during the attack. Olagunju said, “That is not true. The fact is that there was an attack on our officials last night. Our officials were attacked at our office at Okeho. No ballot paper was snatched. “In fact, the DPO of Okeho and other security agencies followed our Electoral Officer back to Ibadan. They just went back to Okeho now. And we have directed the DPO of Okeho to arrest the suspects.”

 Osun: Adeleke, Assembly lose as court affirms Justice Ojo as Chief Judge The National Industrial Court sitting in Ibadan has affirmed Justice Adepele Ojo as the Chief Judge of Osun State. The decision was contained in a judgment delivered by Justice Peters in a suit numbered NICN/IB/62/2023, on Wednesday in Ibadan. The court granted all the reliefs sought by the Osun Chief Judge against the Osun State Government and Osun State House of Assembly, including an order of perpetual injunction restraining both the executive and legislative arms of government from removing her as the number one judicial officer in the state. Matters came to a head between the Osun State Government and Justice Ojo in 2023 when the Osun Assembly passed a motion suspending her as Chief Judge of the state. An acting Chief Judge, Justice Olayinka Afolabi was appointed in her place but he refused to turn up the next day for swearing in. Justice Ojo had dragged the state government and State Assembly to Nationa...

 Oyo restricts movement on Saturday from 6am – 4pm Movement would be restricted for the duration of Saturday’s local government election in Oyo State, the State Government announced on Friday evening. The restriction will help officials of the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC) to conduct the poll without hindrance. Election would hold into councillorship and chairmanship positions in the 33 local government areas of the State between 8 am and 3 pm. In an update on its verified ‘x’ handle on Friday evening, it said: “Please note this important announcement regarding movement restrictions in Oyo State on Saturday 27, April 2024 “The Oyo State Government has declared total restriction of movement tomorrow, Saturday, 27th of April 2024, the restriction will be in place from 0600 hours to 1600 hours. “Only providers of essential services are exempted from these restrictions.”

 King Charles III to resume public duties next week after cancer treatment The British monarch, King Charles III, will resume his public duties next week following a three-month break to focus on his treatment and recuperation. A few months ago, the British monarch was diagnosed with an undisclosed type of cancer and has been receiving treatment. However, Buckingham Palace on Friday said the monarch would be visiting a cancer treatment centre on Tuesday, the first of several public appearances he will make in the coming weeks. According to the palace, one of his first major engagements will be to host a state visit by the emperor and empress of Japan in June. The palace didn’t provide an update on the king’s treatment but said his medical team is “very encouraged by the progress made so far and remains positive about the king’s continued recovery.” Charles continued his state duties, including reviewing government documents and meeting with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, after his dia...

 Chess master, Tunde Onakoya’s parents get house gift By Jide Ajia Chessmaster, Tunde Onakoya,  finds himself engulfed in emotions as an unnamed good Samaritan graciously gifted a house to his parents. The development is coming on the heels of Tunde’s breaking of the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon in New York. While the official verdict on Tunde’s record-breaking endeavoir remains pending, the spirit he exhibited throughout the marathon has already won him admiration and acclaim from far and wide. Overwhelmed by the gesture towards his parents, Onakoya took to his X handle to pour out his heartfelt gratitude on Friday. Despite his father’s initial skepticism towards his passion for chess, Onakoya acknowledged his unwavering support in myriad other ways. He wrote, “Today, an angel blessed my parents with a new home. It stands as the epitome of the greatest act of kindness I’ll ever witness in this lifetime. Thank you. “My mother toiled as a janitor in the ...

 P-Square ordered to pay N25 million fine by Supreme court P-Square members, Peter and Paul Okoye, along with their brother Jude Okoye, have been directed by the Supreme Court of Nigeria to compensate a promoter with the sum of N25 million. The court’s ruling favoured Mr. Patrick Arueze, who accused the musicians of violating a contractual agreement. Arueze had invited them to perform at a show in Benin City in 2011, but they failed to appear, prompting him to file a lawsuit against them at the Edo State High Court presided over by Justice Esther Edigin as she then was, for a breach of contract. Attempt by the Okoyes to reverse the judgment through a motion dated 3rd of October, 2016 was dismissed by the court. Dissatisfied by the decision, the artistes filed a motion of stay of execution at the Court of Appeal, Benin Division which was dismissed and they later issued a cheque through one of the commercial banks. However, when the cheque was presented to the bank, the musicians ins...

 Outcries Over State Recognised Vigilantes In North-West   The security outfits established by various state governments, especially in the North-West, are being accused of indiscriminate arrests and killing of suspects, as well as innocent people without recourse to judicial processes, findings by Daily Trust Saturday revealed. But those charged with the responsibility of managing the outfits have debunked the claims of extrajudicial killings, though some admitted what they described as “overzealousness” by some of the operatives. It was alleged that in some states, long lists of suspected bandits, their supporters or sympathisers have been arrested and ultimately killed, and such acts are allegedly being carried out without recourse to the police and other law enforcement agencies. So far, the Katsina State Community Watch Corps (CWC), Zamfara State Community Protection Guards (CPG), Kaduna State Vigilantes Service (KADVIS) and the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps (CGC) ha...