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 143 Armed Robbers, Kidnappers, Arrested In Kaduna - CP Operatives attached to the Kaduna State Police Command have arrested 143 suspected kidnappers and armed robbers in different locations in the state between May and June 2024. The state Commissioner of Police, Audu Dabigi, disclosed this while addressing a press conference at the Police Headquarters, Kaduna, on Thursday, where assorted weapons recovered by operatives were displayed. The arrested suspects, he said, comprised 73 armed robbers as well as 70 bandits including their “wanted” marabout identified as Bello who was nabbed while preparing a charm for some bandits for onward operations. He added that no fewer than nine bloodthirsty bandits were killed by operatives of the command in the last two months. Dabigi said weapons recovered from the suspects included five AK47 rifles, seven locally made arms as well as 1,817 rounds of live ammunition. Other items recovered, according to him,  were eight motor vehicles of dif...

 Porn star Austin Wolf arrested following FBI investigation Adult film star Austin Wolf has been arrested and now faces child pornography charges following an investigation by the FBI, the Justice Department says.  Wolf, whose real name is Justin Smith, is accused of "sending and receiving hundreds of videos of child pornography via the Telegram application," according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York.  "I want to make it clear: those who distribute child sexual abuse images prey upon the most vulnerable in our society.  Each image is a crime scene, leaving lasting scars on innocent victims," FBI Assistant Director in Charge James Smith said in a statement. "The FBI is relentless in our pursuit of these perpetrators."  Smith, 43, has been charged with one count of distribution and receipt of child pornography – which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and maximum sentence of 20 years – and on...

 Ohio mom lashes out at social worker who 'groomed,' raped 13-year-old son The regret-ridden mother of a 13-year-old boy who was groomed and raped by his adult female social worker wishes she never let the predator in her home. In a statement read in court Thursday, the unidentified mother told Payton Shires, of Ohio, that the abuse has devastated her son and negated any faith she had in the nation's social services, the Columbus Dispatch reported. "Instead, he was manipulated, groomed and sexually abused by Ms. Shires," the statement read, according to the local newspaper. "I regret ever letting you in my house." Shires, 24, was sentenced to more than four years in prison and will have to register as a sex offender moving forward. She pleaded guilty to four counts of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor in May, along with other raps. The victim's mother said she began to notice alarming texts between Shires and her son late last year – including one...

 California firefighter dies at San Diego beach after disappearing during swim The body of a 25-year-old California firefighter was recovered off a San Diego pier early Thursday morning after a beach trip with family and friends, police said. The Oakland Fire Department confirmed via Facebook that Caedan Laffan died unexpectedly Thursday morning, and that "drowning appears to be the cause of death." Lt. Rick Romero with the San Diego Fire-Rescue said it was "possible" alcohol was involved, KUSI reported. His exact cause of death is undetermined pending an autopsy. Laffan's friends and family alerted lifeguards after the 25-year-old walked into the ocean about chest to waist deep near Crystal Pier in Pacific Beach, took a couple of strokes in the water, then disappeared from view.  The San Diego Police Department responded to the scene at 1:56 a.m., and a search began in the coastal area near Grand Avenue.  "We searched for a couple of hours with a rescue bo...

 Migrants to be booted from Logan Airport, governor says sanctuary state is full Migrants sleeping on the floors of Boston's Logan International Airport will soon be banned from doing so and Massachusetts officials are telling migrants currently at the southern border that its shelter system is out of space. More than 100 migrants have been using the facility as a shelter -- lining the floors of Boston's main air hub with makeshift beds and air mattresses -- but they will be prohibited from doing so from July 9 and instead be offered free tax-payer-funded accommodation at a former minimum-security dorm-like facility in Norfolk, Gov. Maura Healey announced Friday. The state has refurbished Massachusetts' Bay State Correctional Center, a former minimum-security dorm-like facility, which opened last week and can accommodate 140 migrants and homeless families, or about 450 people. The facility is located on the grounds of Massachusetts Correctional Institution (MCI), a medium-s...

 Lagos to convert General Hospital to eye centre The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, says the state government will designate one of its general hospitals as a centre for ophthalmic specialty to improve care for patients with eye conditions. Abayomi said this during the 4th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the Africa Retina Society on Thursday in Lagos. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was themed, “Upscaling Retinal Services in a Resource-Constrained Economy.” Abayomi said the centre would provide a world-class diagnostic, medical, surgical and ophthalmic services in Lagos and Nigeria. He stressed that the state would prioritise eye health, noting that the state was working on developing screening capacity of all its primary healthcare facilities to detect eye diseases early. “The conditions that affect the eyes very much reflect the conditions of the community in which you live. HIV, for example, was a major proble...

 Americans have been 'living in hell' under Biden - Trump Former U.S. President, Donald Trump says Americans have been “living in hell” under President Joe Biden, in his last words to end the presidential debate. Trump called Biden “a complainer” who has made the US unsafe and who has worsened the country’s reputation on the international stage. Trump also claimed that Biden’s policies on Iran allowed Hamas to carry out their attacks against Israel, and that “Ukraine should have never happened.” “For three and a half years, we’ve been living in hell,” Trump said of Biden’s time as president, the BBC reports. He brought up the series of pro-Palestinian protests in the US since the Israel-Gaza war erupted on 7 October, saying to Biden that “the whole country is exploding because of you, because they don’t respect you.” Trump then defended his track record on jobs, the economy and healthcare. “We’re a failing nation, but it’s not going to be failing anymore. We’re going to make it...

 Bisola Aiyeola slams blogger over Sharon Ooja’s fourth wife claim Actress Bisola Aiyeola has denied report by a blogger on Sharon Ooja’s husband, Ugo Nwoke. The blog claimed Ugo is a three-time divorcee in his 50s with three children from his previous marriage and Sharon is the fourth wife. Bisola vehemently denied these allegations, calling them lies and expressing support for the couple. She assured that the rumors would not dampen their happiness and ended with a declaration of love and unity for the couple. “My God. The Liessssssss you confidently Typed is no shock to me,na your way. But Guess what, you cannot Dampen my girls Peace at allllll at allllll “Please go and pack more lies okay cos on Saturday, we Shut the Buj down again. Ugo and Sharon forever,” Bisola wrote.

 List of celebrities at Sharon Ooja’s traditional wedding Sharon Ooja‘s traditional wedding to Ugo Nwoke on June 27, 2024, was a vibrant display of love, unity, and Nigerian culture. It was attended by many Nigerian celebrities, all coming together to rejoice in the couple’s union. The matching green Aso-Ebi materials, music, and food added to the festive atmosphere, making it a truly unforgettable experience. Here is a list of 16 Nigerian celebrities who attended Sharon Ooja’s traditional wedding: 1. Funke Akindele 2. Ebuka Obi-Uchendu 3. Bisola Aiyeola 4. Enioluwa Adeoluwa 5. Tomike Adeoye 6. Real Warri Pikin 7. Kie Kie 8. Ini Dima Okojie 9. Hilda Baci 10. Veekee James 11. Shaffy Bello 12. Nancy Isime 13. Mercy Eke 14. Erica Nlewedim 15. Beverly Osu 16. Timini

 Debbie Shokoya weighs in on controversy over Davido’s wedding guests Actress Debbie Shokoya has spoken out against the criticism and comparison surrounding Davido’s wedding to Chioma. She expressed disapproval of people focusing on negativity and comparing themselves to others, particularly when the couple has moved on to their honeymoon. Debbie prayed against poverty and joblessness, stating that she wants to achieve more in life than just giving opinions on social media.  She also emphasised the need to avoid unnecessary criticism and negativity, especially towards celebrities who are often under scrutiny. “Rich people do wedding, them don move on to the next agenda (expensive honeymoon). ‘Pøor man pikin dey there dey compare and complain!!! “Oh Lord, I shall never be pøor and jobless in my life. Social media and data will not be my only achievement in life to give stupīd opinions. Social media opinions toorh,” she wrote.

 I’ll rather die than apologise to Obi Cubana – VeryDarkMan Controversial critic, Verydarkman, has refused to apologise or delete a post criticising Obi Cubana, a billionaire businessman, despite pressure from Tunde Ednut, a blogger and mutual friend. Verydarkman blasted Obi Cubana for warning blogs against posting younger individuals who disrespect their elders, stating that Obi Cubana doesn’t help youths in society. Tunde Ednut tried to mediate, asking Verydarkman to delete the post for peace but Verydarkman refused, saying he’d rather die than apologise or delete it. He also threatened to post chats from anyone who tries to intervene on behalf of Obi Cubana, stating that he only worships his ancestors and God, not money or men.  “With all due respect @mazitundeednut I know l’m not supposed to post this but at this point this is a warning that anybody that calls me in respect of anyone I will post your chats, it’s crazy how the world didn’t drag tunde ednut when their billio...

 I don’t plan to make heaven – Actress Chika Lann Actress and filmmaker Chika Lann, has sparked controversy over views on Christianity and making heaven. In a video on her Instagram page, she stated that her goal isn’t to make heaven and admonished those telling her to repent to stop. Instead, she encouraged people to channel their energy into working hard and praying to their ancestors for wealth so they can experience “heaven on earth”. She argued that the desire to make heaven is the root of many people’s suffering.  “My goal is not to make heaven, so stop dropping comment like, ‘Repent heaven is real’. Instead of praying and waiting to go to heaven, it is better for you to start working hard and praying to your ancestors to make you to be wealthy so that you can able to live and experience heaven on earth. The reason why you are suffering today is because you want to go to heaven,” she said.

 Musicians earn more than footballers, says Portable Controversial singer Portable has weighed in on the debate about who earns more between musicians and footballers. He said musicians earn significantly more than soccer stars, claiming that music is a lucrative business. The ‘Zazzu’ crooner also stated that singers make more money than ritualists and fraudsters, citing Apple Music revenue as an example. Portable confidently asserted that musicians are at the top of the earnings scale, dismissing claims that footballers earn more.  He said in a video: “Music money is bigger than football money. Music is business. Musicians earn more than ritualists and fraudsters. Apple Music revenue is huge. Footballers can’t compete. “People saying footballers earn more than musicians don’t know what they are saying. Musicians are at the top.”

 Nigeria completes 30% action plan to exit FATF grey list Nigeria has moved closer to exiting the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) grey list. This connotes that Nigeria has increased monitoring of identified deficiencies in combating money laundering, terrorist financing, and proliferation financing. According to a statement released by the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), “Nigeria has completed 30% of the Action Plan developed as part of the greylisting process.” This progress report was well-received by the FATF, resulting in the approval of Nigeria’s third Progress Report at the June 2024 FATF Plenary meeting in Singapore. The FATF further acknowledged Nigeria’s efforts by granting two upgrades in this round. These positive developments suggest Nigeria is on track to exit the grey list in early 2025, as initially targeted. The statement noted that the NFIU Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Hafsat Abubakar Bakari, participated in the plenary meeting.  As the curre...

 JAMB releases 2024 supplementary UTME results The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has released the results of candidates of the supplementary Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). The supplementary UTME was conducted between Friday, June 21st and Saturday, June 22nd, 2024. JAMB’s spokesman, Fabian Benjamin, said the supplementary examination was conducted for 28,835 candidates, who were unable to be biometrically verified during the main 2024 UTME and were unable to take their examination. Benjamin directed candidates on how to check their results. He said: “To check their supplementary UTME results, candidates are to send UTMERESULT to either 55019 or 66019 through the same phone number they had used to generate their profile codes at the start of registration. “Similarly, the other category of candidates were those suspected to have been involved in examination malpractices during the main UTME but who were given a second chance to sit the examinatio...

Governor who appointed you works for me - Mr Macaroni slams SSA to Sanwo-Olu Actor and skit maker, Debo Adedayo, popularly known as Mr Macaroni has slammed Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s media aide, Wale Ajetunmobi, for calling him out on X (Twitter). Recall that Ajetunmobi made reference to Macaroni and Sanwo-Olu's connection in response to a tweet that featured a picture of Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke embracing President Bola Tinubu's son, Seyi. He described the comedian’s attitude towards the governor as childish, saying, "This is the way Gov. Sanwo-Olu has been treating Debo Macaroni despite his childish behaviour. Sanwo-Olu will say, ‘he is my son.’ That Macaroni is opposed to his government doesn’t mean the Governor would treat him like an outcast. Humanity before politics.” Responding to Wale via his X page on Friday, Macaroni stated that Sanwo-Olu took an oath to defend the people of the state. Hence, he is not doing him or any Lagosian a favour. He wrote, “...

 STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE PRESIDENT TINUBU SYMPATHIZES WITH VICTIMS OF KARU MARKET FIRE IN FCT President Bola Tinubu receives the news of the fire incident, which affected sections of Karu Market in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with deep sadness. On Thursday evening, fire ripped through a swathe of the market, destroying property and other valuables. President Tinubu extends his heartfelt sympathies to all the traders affected by this distressing incident, and assures them of his administration's full support. The President urges caution and adherence to essential safety measures to prevent fire outbreaks and other accidents. Chief Ajuri Ngelale Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity) June 28, 2024. Watch video below. 

 STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE  PRESIDENT TINUBU CELEBRATES DEPUTY SECRETARY-GENERAL OF THE UNITED NATIONS, AMINA MOHAMMED, AT 63  President Bola Tinubu extends his warm congratulations to the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Her Excellency, Ms. Amina Mohammed, GCON, as well-wishers around the world celebrate her 63rd birthday. Ms. Mohammed, a leading advocate of the environment, education, and the Sustainable Development Goals, has applied herself, in many capacities, to the service of Nigeria and the global community. She coordinated the Taskforce on Gender and Education for the United Nations Millennium Project from 2002 to 2005 and has served meritoriously on numerous international advisory boards and panels. She was Nigeria's Minister of Environment from 2015 to 2017 and is credited for mobilizing all government and non-government oil and gas stakeholders to achieve the launch of the Ogoniland clean-up, among several other governance innovations. President...

 Funeral rites for late Nollywood actor Mr Ibu begin in Enugu The late Nollywood actor, John Okafor, popularly known as Mr. Ibu, will be laid to rest on Friday, June 28, in his hometown of Amuri, Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State. Videos circulating on social media on Friday reveal the arrival of his body as family, friends, and colleagues gather to bid him a final farewell. A night of tribute was held in his honour on Wednesday, in Enugu State, with fellow actors Charles Anwurum and Victor Osuagwu, among those who paid their last respects. Earlier this month, it was reported that the Actors Guild of Nigeria held a candlelight procession to pay tribute to Mr. Ibu and other deceased actors at Unity Fountain in Abuja. A novelty football match was also organised by Rangers International Football Club and celebrities, among others, to honour Mr. Ibu. The actor died on March 2, 2024, after a prolonged sickness. In October 2023, Mr. Ibu revealed his struggle with diabetes. ...

 Court Jails Two for Impersonation in Kaduna   Justice R.M. Aikawa of the Federal High Court, sitting in Kaduna has convicted and sentenced the duo of Onah Henry Chinonso (a.k.a Sandra Morales) and Puklong Michael Longhom (a.k.a Robertech) to prison for internet fraud.   The convicts were prosecuted by the Kaduna Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on separate one-count charges, bordering on criminal impersonation on social media.   Chinonso’s charge reads: “That you, Onah Henry Chinonso (a.k.a Sandra Morales), male, sometimes in May, 2024 in Jos, Plateau State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, fraudulently impersonated one Sandra Morales (a female American, residing in Miami, United States) on 'Facebook' (an online social media application), with intent to gain advantage for yourself and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 22(2)(b)(i) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention etc)Act, 2015 and punishabl...

 France Creates African Command Within Armed Forces The French government has established an African command within the country's armed forces, appointing Brig. Gen. Pascal Ianni as its commander, Sputnik reported. Paris is reviewing its military presence in Africa and the French army has set up an African command for the continent, according to the government's decree. Discussions of the creation of the African command were being held against the backdrop of Paris reducing the number of its troops on the continent, sources told AFP earlier in the month, adding that the country's government planned to reduce its contingent in West and Central Africa to several hundred troops as part of an updated, more restrained partnership. Paris plans to deploy about 100 troops in Gabon and Senegal, down from 350 previously deployed in each country. Military presence in Cote d'Ivoire is reportedly to be reduced from 600 to about 100, while in Chad, France will deploy around 300 troop...

 What I love about Nigerians – SteffLondon British Jamaican rapper Stephanie Victoria Allen, popularly known as SteffLondon, has explained why she loves Nigeria and its culture. The singer disclosed this in an interview with radio host ‘Henrieveill’ on Tuesday. When asked what she loved about Nigeria and its culture, she answered, saying: “Ooh, my gosh, there’s so many things, music, food. I like the people, the banter. They are so funny, very vibrant, and very colourful, like everything is in your face. It’s very loud. They remind me of Jamaicans but in a different way.” She added: “I like your tradition; I feel like, as Jamaicans, we’ve been stripped of that. We’ve just got dancehall, good food and vibes. were just nice people, but we ain’t really got; the cultural aspect has been taken away from us.” Steff had done a Nigerian-themed video that featured dances, Ankara and the use of Pidgin and Yoruba languages in her ‘Can’t Let You Go’ video. In December 2022, the singer also hos...

 Shehu Sani warns Northern leaders: Attempt to remove Tinubu in 2027 could threaten Nigeria’s unity Former Kaduna lawmaker Shehu Sani cautioned Northern leaders against attempting to oust President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 Presidential elections, warning that such a move could dangerously divide Nigeria.  Speaking on Arise Television, Sani urged Northern leaders to engage with policies and initiatives under Tinubu's administration that could benefit Northern Nigeria instead of solely pursuing political power. He highlighted regional challenges such as insecurity and poverty, emphasizing the need for effective governance and equitable development across the country to foster unity and stability.

 Nigeria’s Supreme Court discharges army sergeant from death penalty The Supreme Court has discharged and acquitted a Nigerian Army sergeant, Akawu Bala, of the death sentence imposed on him by the General Court Martial of the Nigerian Army. The respite came the way of the embattled army sergeant after spending 12 years in Kaduna prison waiting for ratification of the death sentence passed on him. Delivering judgement in an appeal he lodged at the Supreme Court on March 16, 2017, a five-man panel of justices of the Supreme Court unanimously discharged him from the death penalty. Sergeant Bala was accused by the Nigerian Army of shooting Isa Mohammed on December 9, 2012, when he was attached to the African Petroleum Station at Sabon Tasha, Kaduna, with an AK-47 gun. The victim of the gunshot was said to have died on December 10, 2012, at Saint Gerald’s Catholic Hospital in Kaduna. Following his indictment, he was put on trial for murder, which is punishable under Section 106 of the ...

Former Super Eagles forward, Peter Odemwingie admitted that switching from football to golf was difficult for him. Odemwingie quit the round leather game six years ago after an impressive career that saw him play for clubs in Russia and England. The 43-year-old graduated from golf school last month and is now a professional in the sport. The former Locomotiv Moscow of Russia player revealed that the Nigerian spirit in him helped him scale through the tough hurdle. “I am someone who has a goal. I gave it a good shot. It was hard,” Odemwingie told Channels Sport. “People quit this degree in year two; many boys can’t cope with the volume [of study].” It was hard. “But my Nigerian spirit helped me persevere through the year two when there was a lot to do study-wise.” Odemwingie played for Premier League clubs, West Brom, Cardiff City and Stoke City during his active days He represented Nigeria at two FIFA World Cups and scored 11 times for the three-time African champions.

 Flag Hoisting At Nassarawa Palace A Publicity Stunt – Kano Govt In a recent development in the lingering royal tussle in Kano, the state government has dismissed the hoisting of traditional and official flags at the Nassarawa Palace where the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, resides, describing it as a mere attempt to gain public attention. The flag, a symbol of authority that signifies the Emir’s presence, is typically raised at 6 a.m. and taken down at 6 p.m every day. It remains down when the emir is away from the palace or traveling. On Thursday morning, the flag was observed to be raised at 6 a.m. at the Nassarawa palace, igniting discussions and speculations. Both Aminu Ado Bayero and Muhammadu Sanusi II continue to lay claim to the Kano Emirate throne and perform all traditional and royal rites. Bayero was deposed and Sanusi was reappointed by the state government following an amendment to the state’s Emirate Law. The same flag is also hoisted at the Gidan Rumfa palace,...

 Court Jails Immigration Officer in Gombe,  One other in Bauchi   Justices H.H Kereng and Muazu Abubakar of the Gombe State High Court, Gombe and Bauchi State High Court, Bauchi have convicted and sentenced Dabiet Onyemi Gilbert and Saleh Haruna to different jail terms for fraud.    Gilbert, an  employee of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) was  prosecuted on a one-count charge of obtaining by false pretence to the tune of N800,000.00 (Eighth Hundred Thousand Naira) by the Gombe Zonal Command  of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, while Haruna faced a two-count charge bordering on forgery.   Gilbert’s charge reads: “That you Dabiet Onyemi Gilbert on or about 28th May, 2021 in Gombe, Gombe State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable court, with intent to defraud, obtained the sum of N800,000 (Eighth Hundred Thousand Naira) from Akoh Daniel Accoustic by falsely representing that the said sum was for job placement with ...

 Rapper Nicki Minaj pause her performance to congrats Davido and Chioma on their wedding.  Watch video below. 

 Tanzania singer Diamond Platinum praised Singer Davido for kindness he showed him 10 years ago The musician while congratulating Davido on his wedding to Chioma wrote this on this  10 years ago you denied taking money from me for a collabo , you offered to do it for Free “ Diamond Platnumz  “ When I was trying to get an audience in Nigeria 10 years ago you gave me a verse that changed my career .   You paid your flight and came over to Tanzania and we recorded it . When we asked about payments you said it’s okay . It has always been about growth to you .  You love seeing others big and that’s why you’ve become the biggest, the 001 of Africa . They say no one is good but you are good my brother .  No one can pretend for 10 years to be Good , God bless your home “ Diamond Platnumz  In life we really rise by lifting others   Ten years is not a joke and Diamond still remember that OBO has a good heart for offering him a verse for free that ...

 Voting underway in Iran's presidential election following leader's death in helicopter crash Iranians started voting on Friday for a new president following the death of Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash, choosing from a tightly controlled group of four candidates loyal to the supreme leader at a time of growing public frustration. State television showed queues inside polling stations in several cities. More than 61 million Iranians are eligible to vote. Polls were due to close at 6 p.m., but are usually extended as late as midnight. The election coincides with escalating regional tension due to war between Israel and Iranian allies Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, as well as increased Western pressure on Iran over its fast-advancing nuclear program. While the election is unlikely to bring a major shift in the Islamic Republic's policies, its outcome could influence the succession to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's 85-year-old supreme leader, in power since 19...