PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 The Lagos State Police Command has arrested three domestic staff over the m*rder of Aribemchukwu, the daughter of Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia, a judge of the Federal High Court.  The medical doctor, who recently got married, was found de@d under suspicious circumstances in her Parkview Estate residence in the Ikoyi area of Lagos State on Wednesday morning, July 31, 2024.  A family source said she was k!lled on Tuesday night and her body was discovered this morning outside the gate of her residence. “It would appear that new household staff might have been responsible and tried to stage as if she was outside when it happened,” the source said.  “There are signs of an attempt to clean up blood inside the house and in the compound. This was indeed the handiwork, and we observe that they were newly employed less than a month, and she was alone in the house with them. “We all need to be super careful. Especially with new hires,” the source added.  The spokesperson of the command, SP Benj

 PRESS RELEASE POLICE FOIL IED ATTACK IN LAGOS, AS NPF ALERTS PUBLIC TO STAY VIGILANT, REPORT SUSPICIOUS OBJECTS IGP Commends EOD Personnel for Expertise Following a recent incident involving the dicovery and successful detonation of an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) on 31st July, 2024, by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Unit of the Nigeria Police Force, along Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, Ikeja, Lagos, the Nigeria Police Force wishes to alert all citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or objectsl to the nearest police station.  All members of the public are urged to stay alert and be aware of their surroundings, reporting any unusual or suspicious behaviour. Where one encounters an unfamiliar or suspicious object, please do not touch or move it. Rather, keep a safe distance and immediately inform the Police. The Nigeria Police reiterates that its foremost responsibility is to protect the lives a

 POLICE COMMITTED TO PEACEFUL PROTESTS, ABHOR VIOLENCE AND BREAKDOWN OF LAW AND ORDER The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Adegoke Fayoade, mni has assured Lagosians that the Command has emplaced necessary measures to ensure safety of lives and property, free flow of traffic and a peaceful environment for carrying out their respective lawful duties. This assurance has become imperative following news making the rounds about nationwide protests billed to start on Thursday, August 1, 2024, an action capable of grounding commercial activities and obstructing free flow of traffic. The Command will live up to its mandate of ensuring that no person or group of persons is allowed to infringe on the fundamental human rights of others, especially the right to freedom of movement and right to dignity of human persons. Also, the Command is in receipt of an order from a court of competent jurisdiction restricting peaceful public protest, rallies, procession and meetings to Gani Fawehinmi Fre

 Hezbollah confirms killing of top commander in Israeli strike on Beirut Lebanese armed group Hezbollah on Wednesday confirmed the assassination of its top commander Fuad Shukr in an Israeli strike on southern Beirut.. The confirmation came the day after Israel said it targeted Shukr in Tuesday's strike on the Lebanese capital and hours after Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated in Tehran. Follow our liveblog for all the latest developments in the Israel-Hamas war.. The Palestinian militant group Hamas said Wednesday that an Israeli strike in Tehran killed its political chief Ismail Haniyeh. A senior Hamas official said that Haniyeh's death "will not go unanswered" and Palestinian factions in the occupied West Bank called for a general strike and marches to protest his killing.         Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Wednesday vowed "harsh punishment" for Israel after the killing of Haniyeh.. Israel did not immediately c

 American woman rescued after being chained to a tree in India for 40 days. 50-year-old Lalita Kumar was rescued from her confinement in an Indian jungle over the weekend. According to reports, the emaciated woman was discovered after a local shepherd heard her cries for help. When going to investigate he found Kumar confined to a tree by an iron chain.  Authorities were called and were able to release Kumar from her bondage and rushed her to a nearby hospital. Her U.S passport as well as an expired Indian Visa were found near where she had been chained. Her jaw was severely locked and she could only say, "Husband chained me here. Left. Can't talk. Jaw locked."  Although officials are reporting that Kumar is still not healthy enough to give a comprehensive statement, her ex-husband is a suspect. They went on to say he had allegedly chained her to the tree after a domestic dispute.  They added she was extremely malnourished and had not eaten in 40 days.  The unnamed ex-hus

 TROOPS NEUTRALIZE TERRORISTS, RESCUE KIDNAP VICTIMS, CAPTURE ARMS IN SERIAL OPERATIONS ... AS NOTORIOUS BOKO HARAM FIGHTER SURRENDERS Troops of the Nigerian Army deployed for counter terrorism operations across the country in a display of unwavering courage and dedication on Monday 29 July 2024 conducted series of operations that resulted in the rescue of abducted persons, neutralization of a notorious terrorist, interception of illegally refined Automated Gas Oil (AGO) and seizure of arms. A notorious Boko Haram fighter also surrendered to the troops. In Kogi State, troops responded swiftly to a distress call along the Obajana Oshokoshoko road, where some civilians were abducted and taken into the forest. The troops moved in swiftly to locate the victims, where they had fierce gun battle with the kidnappers and successfully extricated the hostages.   Similarly , in Benue State, troops acting on actionable intelligence engaged terrorists  in a fierce battle along the Gbeji Afia road i

 PRESS RELEASE PROTEST: IGP ADDRESSES VIRTUAL CONFERENCE WITH SENIOR OFFICERS, HARPS ON ALERTNESS, PROFESSIONALISM Warns Against Spread of Fake News The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu EGbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, on Wednesday 31st July, 2024, addressed a virtual conference with Senior Police Officers from across the country, focusing on critical issues of preparedness, deployment, and the maintenance of law and order during the planned nationwide protest in the country. In his address, the IGP emphasized the importance of maintaining a high level of alertness and professionalism within the force, noting that the safety and security of the nation depend on the vigilance, gallantry, and readiness of our officers in the Police and other security agencies. The IGP highlighted the need for continuous preparedness and strategic deployment of police officers to respond to any situation while maximally equipped, and ready to handle any scenario that may arise. Stressing the critical

 PROPOSED PROTEST: CG'S EMERGENCY SECURITY BRIEFING: KESHINRO SUMMONS URGENT MANAGEMENT MEETING IN LAGOS. The Lagos State Commandant has also strongly and clearly, stated that the command will not condone any act of vandalism, of critical national assets and infrastructure in the state  before, during and after ... The State Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps ( NSCDC), Lagos State Command, Mr Adedotun Keshinro has immediately, summoned, an urgent all important management meeting, which held, earlier today, Wednesday, 31st July, 2024, at the State Headquarters. The urgent security  meeting involved all Heads of formations; departments, units, tactical, special unitis and officers in charge of various overt and covert operations, points and beats across the state. This unrelenting and immediate action, of the Lagos State Commandant is in absolute pursuance of the marching order given by the Corps' Commandant General, Dr Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, OFR, to all Zona

 Pax Jolie-Pitt, the 20-year-old son of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, was hospitalized in Los Angeles after crashing his electric bicycle into a car on Los Feliz Boulevard. The accident occurred when he rear-ended a car at a red light intersection, reportedly without wearing a helmet. Emergency services found Pax with hip pain and a possible minor brain bleed. He was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment, where Jolie joined him, and sources described him as stable. The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed a severe traffic collision involving a man in his early 20s riding a scooter at the time of the accident on July 29th.

 France, Britain dominate triathlon after Seine suspense Paris (AFP) – France and Britain dominated the podiums in the Olympics triathlon on Wednesday, which finally began in the Seine after days of suspense over whether the river would be clean enough for racing. Cassandre Beaugrand took the women's gold ahead of Switzerland's Julie Derron and Britain's third-placed Beth Potter.. In the men's competition, which had to be delayed by 24 hours after the Seine failed water tests, Alex Yee stormed to a dramatic victory by passing rival and friend Hayden Wilde from New Zealand in the final stretch.. Frenchman Leo Bergere finished third. "I started to find my legs with about 3k to go and I said to myself 'I'll give myself one last chance to make this happen'," Yee told reporters of his late surge, adding that British legend Alistair Brownlee had shouted him on during the last lap.. All the attention during the build-up had been on the Seine, which was th

 Japa: US Embassy in Nigeria changes visa service provider.  The United States Embassy in Nigeria has announced that its operation in its Abuja and Lagos consulates will be handled by a new visa services provider, starting August 26, 2024.. The decision was announced on the official website and verified social media pages of the American embassy.  The U.S. embassy revealed that Nigerian applicants who had already booked an appointment date would no longer have access to the U.S. travel website from August 16, however, adequate provisions are being made for the existing and prospective applicants as it migrates to a new service provider.. Applicants whose interviews are scheduled between August 16 and August 26, 2024 “will no longer have access to your ustraveldocs.com account after August 16, 2024…” READ MORE..

 Ex-BBC presenter Edwards pleads guilty to indecent child images charge. Former BBC news anchor Huw Edwards, one of the most recognisable faces on UK television, pleaded guilty Wednesday to three counts of making indecent images of children.. The 62-year-old — who resigned from the BBC in April on “medical advice”, six months after he was arrested — faces a maximum prison sentence of 10 years and a minimum of 12 months.. Wearing a dark suit and blue tie, Edwards sat impassively during the 25-minute court hearing as he admitted receiving 41 indecent images of children on WhatsApp, including seven of the most serious type.. Under English law, electronic communications involving indecent imagery of children — including receiving and downloading pictures and videos — can constitute the offence of making indecent images of children..

 S’Falcons bow out of Olympics after 3:1 defeat to Japan. Super Falcons of Nigeria have crashed out of the Paris 2024 Olympics after losing 3:1 to Japan on Wednesday.. Japan raced to two goals up by Maika Hamano and Mina Tanaka in the opening minutes before wrapping up the victory with another goal by Hikaru Kitagawa after Jennifer Echegini thought she had given the Nigerians a lifeline.. Nadeshiko Japan finished as Group B runner-up, two points behind World Champions, Spain who beat Brazil 2:0.. Echegini replacing Esther Okoronkwo in the line-up had her beautiful goal the only shining light in another below-par performance by Randy Waldrum’s team..

 EFCC Arraigns Two for Land Fraud in Gombe   The Gombe Zonal Directorate  of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has  arraigned the duo of  Aminu Shehu and Martha Dauda Hassan before Justice A. Muazu of the Bauchi State High court sitting in Bauchi.   The duo were  arraigned  on Monday, July 29, 2024 on  three- count charges of criminal  conspiracy and obtaining by false pretence  to the tune of  N950,00 (Nine Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira).   Count one of the charges reads : That you  Aminu Shehu and Martha Dauda Hassan sometimes in October 2022 at Bauchi, Bauchi State within the jurisdiction of this honourable court  did agree amongst yourselves to dishonestly induce one Danlami Inuwa to deliver into your possession the sum of N950,000 as payment for a land space located at urban market Bauchi Kasuwan Waya and into account of Martha Dauda  Hassan domiciled in Union Bank with account number 00526243624 and thereby Commits an offence contrary to Section 96 and punish

  Protest: Please, Give Tinubu More Time, Senate Begs Nigerians The Senate has asked promoters of the nationwide protests to halt their plans in the interest of the nation. Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced this after a closed-door emergency session of Senators in Abuja, on Wednesday. Various groups in the country are planning to stage a nationwide protest from August 1 to August 10, following the rising cost of goods and services, poverty and hunger in the country. Akpabio said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is just one year, but has initiated policies that would benefit Nigerians in a near future hence, they should be patient. He said initiatives such as the signing of the national minimum wage bill into law, establishment of the North West and South East Development Commissions, granting of local government autonomy among others would reduce hunger and poverty in the country. “The Senate urges protesters to give the government more time,” Akpabio said. H

 ‘How Onyeka Onwenu died in my presence’ – Peter Obi reveals late singer’s final moments Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, on Wednesday revealed that late singer, Onyeka Onwenu, died in his presence in Lagos.   Onyeka Onwenu died on Tuesday night after attending the birthday ceremony of Stella Okoli, Managing Director of Emzor Pharmaceuticals. Obi in a post on his official X handle said the singer collapsed at the event after a beautiful performance of her iconic songs and was rushed to a hospital in Victoria Island, Lagos. He said despite the efforts of the medical personnel, the singer was unfortunately pronounced dead after about two hours. Obi stated that it was a devastating moment for him witnessing the “tragic event that will forever be etched in my memory”. “I was present at the event where the iconic song star, Onyeka Onwenu, performed a couple of her songs ending up with her famous song, ‘One Love Keep Us Together’. “It was a beautiful performance,

 LAGOS GOVT STRIKES DEAL WITH U.S. INSTITUTE TO ENHANCE PROJECT MANAGEMENT EFFICIENCY  .'This critical time requires resources be allocated to where most needed’ — Sanwo-Olu Lagos State Government, on Tuesday, sealed a partnership agreement with the United States (U.S.)-based Project Management Institute (PMI) to set a new benchmark in infrastructure development and governance. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu supervised a short ceremony held at the State House in Marina, where Project Implementation and Monitoring Unit (PIMU) of the State Government inked the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the American partner to enhance quality project management practices across 45 project executing Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in the State. Lagos is currently handling 1,830 capital projects across the State, with each project at varying level of efficiency. The deal would enable the State Government optimise its resources and  drive seamless project execution. Sanwo-Olu earlie

 *An Enduring Impact of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu's Life* By Paul Nwosu  Chief Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Iwuanyanwu (September 4, 1942 - July 25, 2024) lived his life as a renaissance man, a special being versed in multiform undertakings. Engineer, contractor, politician, sports administrator, publisher, community leader, philanthropist and businessman, Chief Iwuanyanwu excelled in diverse fields. He passed away as the 11th President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo. The great man famously hailed as Ahaejiejemba Ndigbo was born in Umuohii Atta in Ikeduru Local Government Area of present-day Imo State. He studied Civil Engineering at the esteemed University of Nigeria, Nsukka, but his education was interrupted by the civil war fought between 1967 and 1970. He served diligently in the Research and Production (RaP) Directorate of Biafra during the civil war. He eventually graduated from UNN in 1971, and started his working career at the Nigerian Construction and Furniture Company (NCFC), and bec

 I was hungry – Man tells court why he stole tubers of yam An unemployed man, Cletus Gandu, 40, on Wednesday confessed that he stole two tubers of yam because he was hungry. The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC charged Gandu with criminal trespass and theft. Gandu told the Magistrates’ Court in Kafanchan, Kaduna State that “hunger pushed me to steal yam on two occasions. I beg for leniency.” The presiding judge, Michael Bawa, reserved sentencing until Aug.6, following the defendant’s guilty plea. Bawa ordered that he should be remanded. Earlier, the NSCDC Prosecutor, Mr Marcus Audu told the court that the complainant, Alice Daniel reported the matter at the corp’s office in Kafanchan on July 15. Audu alleged that the defendant stole the yams from the complainant’s farm in Zonkwa on two occasions. He said that the offence contravened the provisions of sections 327 and 270 of the Kaduna State Penal Code Law.

 ‘Doctors tried to save her’ — Onyeka Onwenu’s sons speak on last moments Onyeka Onwenu and her sons Abraham and Tijani Ogunlende, the sons of Onyeka Onwenu, the late singer, have spoken about their mother’s passing. Onwenu collapsed at the 80th birthday party of Stella Okoli, founder of Emzor Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Company, in Lagos. She was confirmed dead at Reddington Hospital in Lagos. In a statement on Wednesday, Onwenu’s sons revealed that the doctors “made every effort to save her life”. They described their mother as a “national treasure, an icon and legend” whose impact will be deeply felt. Abraham and Tijani also expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love and support from the public and dignitaries. “It is with heavy hearts that I and my brother wish to announce the passing of our mother, the much loved Onyeka Onwenu. She passed away last night, Tuesday July 30 2024, in Lagos Nigeria,” the statement reads. “She was rushed to the hospital after an amazing last perfor

 STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE PRESIDENT TINUBU MOURNS ICONIC ARTISTE, ONYEKA ONWENU President Bola Tinubu extends his profound condolences to the family of the late Ms. Onyeka Onwenu. Ms. Onwenu was a singer, songwriter, actor, journalist, activist, and politician. President Tinubu mourns the passing of the Queen of Songs, whose edifying and mellifluous rendition, 'One Love', in the 1990s evoked a fervour of fellowship and harmony. The President recalls the many artistic interventions of the late musical icon in promoting public good, noting her classic collaboration with King Sunny Ade on 'Wait for Me', a melodic campaign on family planning in the 1980s. President Tinubu celebrates the life of the versatile and extremely gifted artiste who applied herself to the whole gamut of artistic enterprise and expression, bringing joy and laughter to many.  The President condoles with the entertainment industry, the Imo State Government, and the numerous fans of the departed star o

 Sports Minister To Probe Favour Ofili’s Exclusion From Paris Olympics The Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, has said he will probe the exclusion of Nigerian athlete, Favour Ofili, from the 100m Women’s event at the ongoing Paris 2024 Olympic Games. On Tuesday, the sprinter announced that she will not be competing in the 100-metre race at the ongoing Olympics in Paris due to administrative failures by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria and the Nigerian Olympic Committee. “It is with great regret that I have just been told I will not be competing in the 100 meters at this Olympic Games. I qualified, but those with the AFN and NOC failed to enter me. I have worked for 4 years to earn this opportunity. For what?” Ofili wrote on Instagram. Reacting in a statement on Wednesday, the minister said the “Athletic Federation of Nigeria and the Nigeria Olympic Committee must ensure that Ofili is not deprived of the opportunity to compete in the races for which she is qualif

 MTN Resumes Operations After Nationwide Shutdown Telecommunications provider, MTN, has resumed nationwide operations after a nationwide shutdown on Tuesday. On Wednesday, MTN announced its return to operations via X (formerly Twitter), confirming that its physical shops would be open to customers from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm. “Y’ello customer, please note that our shops nationwide will be open today, 31 July. Operating hours: 8.00 am-3:00 pm. We are also available 24/7 to support you via digital channels,” the operator said. The firm closed shop on Tuesday following customer outrage and vandalism of its properties in connection with disconnection of subscribers who failed to link their SIM cards to their National Identification Numbers. Over the weekend, many subscribers found themselves unable to access their phone lines after failing to verify their NINs with SIMs, leading to their numbers being blocked in compliance with NIN-SIM linkage regulations. This blockage prompted thousands of s

  Abia State University Announces One-Week Lecture-Free Period Amid Nationwide Protest In response to the planned nationwide protest set to begin on August 1, 2024, Abia State University has announced a one-week lecture-free period to ensure the safety of its staff and students. The announcement was made by the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Onyemachi M. Ogbulu, and communicated in a letter dated July 31, 2024. The Senate of Abia State University has approved the lecture-free week, effective immediately from July 31, 2024. This decision is intended to allow students ample time to prepare for the upcoming 2023/2024 First Semester examinations, which are scheduled to commence on Tuesday, August 13, 2024. The university has also advised all staff and students to avoid unnecessary travel during this period to ensure their safety. The letter was signed by Dr. Acho Elendu, the university’s Registrar, who urged the university community to adhere to the guidelines provided. One more p

 Guinea court finds former junta leader guilty in 2009 stadium massacre trial A court in Guinea on Wednesday found former junta leader Moussa Dadis Camara and seven other accused military commanders guilty of crimes against humanity in a 2009 stadium massacre trial, Reuters reported. Their charges that included murder, rape, torture, kidnapping were reclassified to crimes against humanity, the court said. Four other accused were found not guilty. Camara, 60, was the ruler of Guinea when more than 150 people were killed during a pro-democracy rally on Sept. 28, 2009. Camara, who like the other accused, had denied the charges and pleaded not guilty, was sentenced to 20 years in prison by the judge. Tens of thousands of people had gathered at a stadium in Conakry to press him not to stand in a presidential election the following year. Many were shot, stabbed, beaten or crushed in a stampede as security forces fired teargas and charged the stadium. An unknown number of women were also rape

 Tribunal Dismisses DStv, GOtv Price Hike Case The Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal (CCPT) has struck out a subscription price hike case instituted against MultiChoice Nigeria.  A three-member tribunal struck out the suit following a request by the claimant, Festus Onifade, to withdraw his case against MultiChoice. Onifade who made an oral application for the withdrawal said he no longer intends to proceed with the matter. He also expressed the view that MultiChoice would leverage the period of the court’s annual vacation to argue its appeal at the Court of Appeal and frustrate his case. “I am abandoning this matter. I am withdrawing this case,” he said while explaining that he had filed the suit to challenge the alleged oppressive attitude of multinationals toward Nigerian consumers. Counsel to MultiChoice, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Moyosore Onigbanjo stated that he had no objection to the claimant’s request to withdraw. Counsel for the Federal Competition and Consumer P

 *Anambra Son, Okafor Leads The World In Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering* Paul Nwosu  A Nigerian Naval Officer from Ogbunike, Anambra State, Lieutenant David Chukwudera Okafor has been selected among internationally recognized maritime professionals to serve as a judge for the 2023-2024 International Ship Design Competition. Okafor is to design the 2023-2024 terms of reference for a RoPax ferry for the Niger River waterway in Nigeria that can accommodate 150-200 passengers and space for cargoes and 15-20 four-wheelers vehicles (which could include lorries and trucks) to ply from Onitsha Jetty to Idah Jetty and from Onitsha Jetty to Ndoni Jetty on the Niger River to address the issue of unsafe transportation of passengers and cargos in the region.  The competition, being organized by the Worldwide Ferry Safety Association is aimed at preventing ferry fatalities and expanding safe ferries globally. It was initiated in response to the tragic record of ferry fatalities in parts of d

 UN Security Council lifts territorial arms embargo on CAR The UN Security Council on Tuesday lifted a territorial arms embargo on the Central African Republic that was put in place in 2013 after civil war broke out, but which the country's foreign minister said was now "unjust," AFP reported. The unanimously adopted resolution scrubbed the sanctions that were already watered-down last year when Security Council members agreed to exempt government forces from the embargo. However, while lifting the territorial embargo, Tuesday's move introduced a separate ban on sales to "armed groups" operating in the country until the end of July 2025 – a measure that was already effectively in place. "This diplomatic victory is a first step that restores dignity to the Central African Republic and its people, making Central African diplomacy a model of perseverance and determination in the quest for a fairer world," said CAR foreign minister Sylvie Baipo-Temon.

 Sudan has agreed to attend ceasefire talks in Geneva Sudan's government conditionally accepted on Tuesday an invitation to attend U.S.-sponsored peace talks in Geneva, raising hopes that the talks could advance efforts to end a 15-month-old war. The government is aligned with the army in its war with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The army has shunned recent bids to restart ceasefire or peace negotiations, with Islamists who hold sway in its ranks calling for a military victory. The Geneva talks would be the first major effort in months to get the army and the RSF to sit together. The RSF accepted the U.S. invitation soon after they were proposed last week, Reuters reported. "The government said (in its reply to the invitation) that it was the party most concerned with saving the lives and dignity of the Sudanese people, and so it will cooperate with any entity that aims to do so," the Sudanese foreign ministry said in a statement. The war has caused the wo