PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 $370,000 Internet Fraud: How an Alleged Fraudster & Family Defrauded Me-  American Victim The third Prosecution Witness, PW3, in the ongoing trial of Nwachi Chidozie Kingsley, on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, told justice U.P Kekemeke of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT,  High Court, Abuja, how the defendant and his entire family allegedly conspired and defrauded her of the sum of $370,000 (Three Hundred and Seventy Thousand United States Dollars). The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, is prosecuting Kingsley on a two-count charge bordering on stealing, obtaining by false pretence and criminal possession of fake documents to the tune of $370,000(Three Hundred and Seventy thousand United States Dollars). One of the counts against him reads: “That you, Nwachi Chidozie Kingsley sometime in 2021 in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of the High Court of Federal Capital Territory, Abuja with intent to defraud obtained the total sum of Three Hundred and Seventy Thou...

 Gov Uba Sani Moves To Reinstate Piriga Monarch Dethroned By El-rufai Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has said that his administration is committed to upholding the rule of law by reinstating Chief Jonathan Zamuna as the Chief of Piriga in Lere Local Government Area of the state. Sani made this known during a meeting with the Kaduna State Council of Chiefs. He stressed that the traditional rulers were the backbone of any government due to their closeness to the people. “Traditional institutions remain a stabilizing force in our communities and our state as a whole,” Sani stated. According to the governor, the pillar of any government is nurturing citizens’ engagement and involving them in decision-making, which must be accorded all the respect. He highlighted the critical role of the traditional institutions as stakeholders deserving of their position. Sani underscored his administration’s respect for the law, saying that he would abide by the court’s judgment on June 10, 2024, wh...

 CGC Urges Officers to Uphold Oath of Service for National Security ...Warns Officers Against Being Defaulters The Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, has called on officers to honour their oath of service, particularly in fulfilling their national security mandate.  The CGC, who was on an operational visit at Apapa on Thursday, 04 June 2024, addressed officers of Apapa Area Command on the current security threats in the country. He highlighted the critical role of customs officers in safeguarding the nation's borders.  Recounting the recent seizure of Arms and military accoutrements at the Lagos Airport and a similar seizure in Onne Port, the CGC emphasised the onerous tasks on officers to address the national security emergency in the country.  He said, "Declarations made by these people who go through our desks are inside our system. What it means is that we have an onerous responsibility to address the national security emergency that we face i...

 PRESS RELEASE FG ANNOUNCES NEW RATES FOR MINING SERVICES  The Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has  unveiled a transformative new rates regime for services rendered by the Ministry’s departments and agencies, marking  a significant step in the ongoing efforts by the present administration to enhance the sector's economic consolidation and international competitiveness. Dr Alake made this disclosure today during a press briefing held today in the Ministry's Headquarters Office in Abuja. Recognizing the improved services enjoyed by stakeholders, Dr. Alake emphasized the necessity of adjusting rates to reflect the substantial investments made by the government. The new rates ensure that those who benefit from these services contribute equitably to the sector's sustainability. ''For instance, we supervised the successful implementation and conclusion of the mineral sector support for economic Diversification, MinDiver project''...

 WE YEARN FOR THE RETURN OF A PEACEFUL AND PROSPEROUS PLATEAU STATE, SAYS CAS AS HE MEETS GOV MUTFWANG The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar has stated that he remains hopeful that the peace and tranquility once enjoyed on the Plateau will soon return as the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and other security agencies work tirelessly to rid the state of all criminal elements. According to the CAS, having served as an instructor in the Air Force Military School Jos back in the days, he knows and appreciates the peaceful nature of the good people of Plateau State and looks forward to its return so as to enable the citizens thrive. He however notes that in resolving the security issues in Plateau State, the need for a whole-of-government approach involving the government, security agencies, traditional leaders, community representatives, and religious leaders to address the underlying issues driving the conflict is necessary. According to him, “All stakeholders must com...

 PRESS BRIEFING HELD BY THE LAGOS STATE POLICE COMMAND ON FRIDAY, JULY 5, 2024 AT THE COMMAND HEADQUARTERS, IKEJA Gentlemen of the press, it is our delight to inform Lagosians that the Lagos State Police Command under the stewardship of CP Adegoke Fayoade, mni recorded a major breakthrough yesterday, Thursday, July 4, 2024. Our intelligence gathering assets yielded very credible and actionable intelligence about a dangerous and very notorious gang of kidnappers planning to kidnap some high net-worth individuals in Lagos.  Upon receipt of this intelligence about two weeks ago, CP Fayoade directed the Command’s tactical teams to commence work on it. They followed up closely, monitored dutifully and were able to determine that the gang was going to strike yesterday in Ladipo area of Lagos State. With the benefit of this information, we were able to proactively prepare for them and more or less laid an ambush for them. The kidnappers who were caught unawares would not give up easi...

 Delta monarch, Dein of Agbor, meets Marwa, warns drug dealers to flee his kingdom . Seeks partnership with NDLEA Frontline traditional ruler in Delta state, Dein of Agbor, His Royal Majesty Benjamin Ikenchuku Gbenoba has met with the Chairman/Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) to seek a partnership that will end the activities of drug dealers in his kingdom. Welcoming the monarch to his office, Marwa expressed the readiness of the Agency to collaborate with all stakeholders including traditional rulers and community gatekeepers to ensure that the scourge of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking is stamped out from communities across the country. “We’re at the moment deploying our personnel to the local government areas to establish our presence at the grassroots to further our advocacy against substance abuse and enforce the law against those dealing in illicit drugs at that level. Towards that, we met with ...

 Hungary's leader meets Putin in Moscow to discuss Ukraine war, sparking EU criticism Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban met Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday to discuss peace in Ukraine, drawing warnings from fellow European Union leaders against appeasement and an insistence that he did not speak for the EU. Hungary assumed the six-month rotating presidency of the bloc on Monday. Five days in and Orban has visited Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv and formed the "Patriots for Europe" alliance with other right-wing nationalists. Now, he has chosen to go to Moscow on a "peace mission", days before a NATO summit that will address further military aid for Ukraine against what the Western defense alliance has called Russia's "unprovoked war of aggression". European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that only unity and determination within the 27-nation EU would pave the way to a just and lasting peace in Ukraine...

 Ukraine's army retreats from positions in strategic town as Russian troops close in Ukraine’s army has retreated from a neighborhood in the outskirts of Chasiv Yar, a strategically important town in the eastern Donetsk region that has been reduced to rubble under a monthslong Russian assault, a military spokesperson said Thursday. Chasiv Yar is a short distance west of Bakhmut, which was captured by Russia last year after a bitter 10-month battle. For months, Russian forces have focused on capturing Chasiv Yar, a town which occupies an elevated location. Its fall would put nearby cities in jeopardy, compromise critical Ukrainian supply routes and bring Russia closer to its stated aim of seizing the entire Donetsk region. The Ukrainian army retreated from a northeastern neighborhood in the town, Nazar Voloshyn, the spokesperson for the Khortytsia ground forces formation, told The Associated Press in a written message Thursday. Ukraine's defensive positions in the town were ...

 French film director faces preliminary charges of rape, assault of actresses A prominent French film director has been handed preliminary charges of rape, sexual assault and violence by a French judge investigating a case involving actresses, the Paris prosecutor's office said Thursday. Benoît Jacquot, who has more than 50 director credits in film and television, has become one of the most prominent figures in a belated reckoning within the French movie industry and beyond over sexual violence and physical abuse. French actress Judith Godrèche, who alleges that Jacquot raped and physical abused her in a six-year relationship that began when she was 14 years old, has taken a lead role in kickstarting the #MeToo wave. The movement struggled for traction before she spoke out publicly earlier this year and emboldened other actresses to do so. The Paris prosecutor's office said the judge is investigating allegations against Jacquot made by actress Isild Le Besco and another actress...

 Trump challenges Biden to second presidential debate Former President Trump on Thursday challenged President Biden to another debate, this time with no moderators.  In a Truth Social post, Trump requested a "no holds barred" and "all on" discussion with Biden about the future of the country.  "Let Joe explain why he wants Open Borders, with millions of people, and many violent criminals from parts unknown, pouring into our once great Nation, or why he wants Men Playing in Women’s Sports, or demand ALL ELECTRIC VEHICLES within five years, or why he allowed INFLATION TO RUN RAMPANT, destroying the people of our Country, and so much more. "It would also, under great pressure, prove his 'competence,' or lack thereof. Likewise it would be yet another test for me. What a great evening it would be, just the two of us, one on one, in a good, old fashioned Debate, the way they used to be. ANYTIME, ANYWHERE, ANYPLACE!!!"  A spokesperson for President B...

 Former Georgia school staffers, best friends accused of sex with students A pair of close friends from Georgia who were part of each other's wedding parties have been charged for allegedly bedding male students at the Georgia school district where they worked. Calhoun City Schools staffers Railey Greeson and Brooklyn Shuler were allegedly sleeping with students between October 2021 and January 2022, according to 11Alive. Authorities said Greeson had sex with two students between Oct. 29, 2021 and Jan. 3, 2022, while Shuler was allegedly intimate with another male during the same period. The ages of the targeted students were not released. Shuler and Greeson – who referred to themselves as "ride or die" friends online – are now facing first-degree charges of sexual contact by an employee, according to the New York Post. If convicted, they could each face up to 25 years in prison or a fine of up to $100,000. Police did not disclose if they were classroom teachers in the di...

 I'M IMPRESSED WITH THE JOB YOU'RE DOING IN ABIA, OBA OF LAGOS TELLS GOVERNOR ALEX OTTI.  The Oba of Lagos, His Eminence , Rilwan Akiolu (The Eleko of Eko) has expressed joy and satisfaction with the performance of the Governor of Abia State, His Excellency,  Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, in the last one year as the Governor of Abia state, describing it as heartwarming and impressive.  Governor Otti who is a long time younger friend and close associate of His Eminence, Oba Akiolu, was warmly received by the Oba at his private residence in Lagos. The Oba could not hide his joy and excitement as he poured encomiums on Governor Otti for his performance in Abia, and encouraged him to continue to make his people and friends proud by redoubling his efforts towards rendering quality services to the people of Abia State. The Oba expressed his willingness to visit Abia soon to see things for himself. The Abia Chief Executive who was humbled by the Oba's statesmanly kind words of encour...

 US to complete withdrawal from Niger's Air Base 101 on Sunday The U.S. military is set to complete the withdrawal on Sunday of its personnel from Niger's Air Base 101 in the nation's capital and then shift its focus to exiting a major drone base in the coming weeks, a U.S. general said on Friday, Reuters reported. Niger's ruling junta in April ordered the U.S. to withdraw its nearly 1,000 military personnel from the country, in an embarrassing setback for Washington that followed a coup last year. Before the coup, Niger had been a key partner in the U.S. fight against insurgents in the Sahel region of Africa, who have killed thousands of people and displaced millions more. Washington is searching for a Plan B in West Africa but officials caution that U.S. intelligence on fast-growing extremist groups in the region is dimming. Air Force Major General Kenneth Ekman, who is on the ground in Niger to coordinate the departure, said the U.S. exit from Air Base 101 will be fi...

 PRESS RELEASE 4th July, 2024 The editors, CRIME BULLETIN CHILD ABUSE On 3rd July 2024 at about 1705hrs information received from the ward head of Gwallagan Mayaka area of Bauchi that he received information from a good Samaritan a resident of his ward revealed that his wife Amina (not real name) who informed him that she saw a 5yrs old boy of their neighbours tied with a chain inside a room situated at the same address (Gwallagan Mayaka) and she immediately check-up the boy to confirm and found the boy lying tied with the chain unconscious.  On receipt of the information, a team of detectives led by CSP. Mubarak S. Baba DPO D’ Division (Dutsen Tanshi) moved to the scene and rescued the boy. During interview, the victim Identified himself as Hussaini Abubakar ‘m’ 5yrs old, he revealed that he was treated inhumanely by his biological father Abubakar Nuhu ‘m’ 50yrs AKA Wanzam of Gwallagan Mayaka, he further stated that he was incarcerated with the exception of all humane treatme...

 EFCC Arrests Three for Impersonating Christian Cleric Operatives of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,  have arrested three suspected fraudsters -  Odion Victor, Amos Godwin and Ayomide Michael for impersonating Evangelist Chukwuebuka Obi of Zion Prayer Movement Outreach on social media platforms to defraud unsuspecting members of the public. The suspects  were arrested  following credible intelligence that uncovered how they allegedly cloned the social media accounts of Obi and deceived many of his church members to give money towards treatment of some purported sick people, sow seeds for spiritual breakthrough or for special prayers, with  the money paid into the bank accounts of the fraudsters. The suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

 STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE  PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES UK LABOUR LEADER, SIR KEIR STARMER, ON ELECTION VICTORY President Bola Tinubu extends his warm congratulations to Sir Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour Party, on the victory of his party in the United Kingdom general election. As a former leader of the opposition in Nigeria, President Tinubu specially notes the determination and courage the incoming Prime Minister of the United Kingdom demonstrated throughout his years in the opposition and as the leader of the Labour Party. The President states that the party's ability to reform, mobilize, and position itself for victory after 14 years clearly affirms the leadership qualities of Sir Starmer. President Tinubu also congratulates the citizens and the government of the United Kingdom, describing the Kingdom as an abiding model of democracy and Nigeria's long-standing partner. The President looks forward to deepening relations between Nigeria and the United Kingdom in...

 Newly Sworn-in Anambra West TC Chairman, Nnazor, Vows to Support Gov Soludo's Vision  By Felix Igboanugo The new Transition Committee Chairman,  Anambra West LGA Mr Fidelis Nnazor has promised to align his administration with the vision of the state governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo. Speaking shortly after his inauguration in Awka, Mr. Nnazor thanked God for making the event a successful one, promised to uphold the values of transparency, accountability, and good governance. Mr. Nnazor highlighted his plans to prioritize the needs of ndi Anambra, expressed his commitment to key into the vision of the state governor, pledging to work diligently towards the development and progress of Anambra West Local Council. He disclosed that his administration would run an all-inclusive government in line with the mantra of  "Onye Aghana Nwanne Ya" of All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), to ensure that Anambra West was not left out in the transformative agenda of the state governm...

 Court delivers judgment in suit seeking Ganduje’s removal September 18 A Federal High Court in Abuja, on Friday, fixed Sept. 18 for judgment in a suit seeking the removal of Dr Abdullahi Ganduje as National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Justice Inyang Ekwo fixed the date after counsel to the plaintiff, Benjamin Davou; and lawyers to the defence adopted their processes and made their submission for and against the case. The plaintiff; the North Central APC Forum, led by Saleh Zazzaga, had filed the suit to queried the propriety of Ganduje’s appointment as the Chairman of the APC when he is not from the North Central geo-political zone. In the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/599/2024, the plaintiff listed Ganduje, the APC and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as 1st to 3rd defendants respectively. The plaintiff wants the court to, among others, restrain Ganduje from further parading himself as the chairman of the APC. Evening Roundup: Stories making wav...

 Actress Biola Bayo petitions Adenike for faking death Actress Biola Bayo has revealed that a guest on her podcast, “Talk to B”, faked her death after sharing a disturbing story of s3xual struggles and addiction. The guest, identified as Nike, claimed to have engaged in s3xual activities with dogs and later announced her suicide, which Biola shared on social media. However, Biola’s team investigated the inconsistencies in the story and discovered that Nike was alive. She wrote: “Press Statement. Miss Adenike Adewodun’s ‘Fake Death’ Antics “Our attention has been drawn to various reactions that have trailed the death of our guest on ‘Talk to B’, Miss Adenike; quite expectedly, but these are the facts . Evening Roundup: Stories making waves in The Nation - The Nation0.00 / 0.00 “Talk to B is a tell it all podcast created by award winning actress, Dr Abiola Adebayo to provide a listening ear for those who need someone to talk to, or assist in crowdfunding for those who seek help. “We’...

 Rivers judgement: Oko-Jumbo heads for Supreme Court The Victor Oko-Jumbo-led lawmakers have confirmed the filing of an appeal at the Supreme Court challenging the judgement of the Appeal Court delivered on Wednesday in Port Harcourt.  Oko-Jumbo insisted that he remained the Speaker  despite the Appeal Court judgement. He said they “strongly believes that the Court of Appeal was in error when it held that the Rivers State High Court lacked the Jurisdiction to hear and determine Suit no. PHC/1512/CS/2024”. He spoke while addressing his camp during a plenary at the temporary facility used for Legislative businesses in Port Harcourt on Friday. Oko-Jumbo declared that he remained the authentic Speaker because there could not be two Houses of Assembly in Rivers State. Oko-Jumbo in a statement by Dr. Gillis West said that the seats of Martin Amaewhule and 24 other former lawmakers remained vacant as declared by the then factional  speaker, Edison Ehie, on 13th December, 20...