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 SPEECH BY THE INSPECTOR-GENERAL OF POLICE, IGP KAYODE ADEOLU EGBETOKUN, Ph.D., NPM, ON DAY ONE OF THE PLANNED NATIONWIDE PROTEST (AUGUST 1, 2024) AT THE IGP CONFERENCE HALL, FORCE HEADQUARTERS, ABUJA. Protocols Fellow Nigerians and Compatriots, It is with grave sense of responsibility that I address you this evening. You will recall that upon several indications by various groups of their intent to commence a nationwide protest on 1st August, 2024, we rolled out several warnings based on actionable intelligence at our disposal indicating that some groups were mobilizing our youths for violent protests with intent to create anarchy in the country. While some groups claiming to be mobilizing for peaceful protests were doing so with violent undertones refusing to cooperate with the Police on measures to be taken to guarantee peaceful protest. 2. On the basis of these intelligence, the Police advised that the protests should be shelved at the instant time. Where the organizers insisted on

 Police arrest kidnappers who killed victim after collecting N200,000 ransom Operatives of the Edo State Police Command have arrested five suspected kidnappers over the alleged killing of an abducted victim, Smart Nwashiri, 29, after collecting N200,000 ransom. The Commissioner of Police, Funsho Adegboye disclosed this while parading the suspects before newsmen in Benin City. Adegboye gave the names of the suspects as Goodluck Ojieh, 37, (gang leader), Lucky Enagbonmien, 37, Victory Okoro, 32, Sunday Ernest, 32, and Daniel Udi, 29. He said the suspects committed the crime in Ologbo community in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area, near Benin City. The commissioner told newsmen that the suspects, who hail from Delta State but reside in Edo State, lured the victim into their hideout on the pretence of selling vehicle parts to him. He said the suspects were tracked and arrested in Delta State after a high-driven investigation. “The victim was lured on June 17, 2024, by the gang leader to a

 Rapper Vector reacts as Burna Boy denies receiving gifts from Wike, other politicians Popular rapper, Vector Tha Viper, has reacted to Grammy-winning singer, Burna Boy’s recent claim that he has never received political favours. Recall that ex-Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State had in 2021 announced he would give a plot of land and cash to Burna Boy as appreciation for winning the Grammy Award. However, in a statement in his X handle on Thursday, Burna Boy suggested that Wike didn’t fulfill his promise to him after he won the Grammy. He wrote: “No politician has ever given anything. Go ask wike where the land him give me or which money him give me. You think I’m your faves.” Reacting to Burna Boy’s post, Vector said, “Plenty matter no dey full basket.”

 PROTEST IN FCT: POLICE DID NOT ARREST JOURNALIST, JIDE OYEKUNLE. The FCT police command wishes to debunk the narrative making the rounds about the arrest of a photojournalist, Jide Oyekunle in the ongoing protest taking place around the eagle square, Abuja. Mr Jide Oyekunle was rather taken away from the perceived unsafe environment for his own safety after being advised to leave where he was standing to a safer location and he declined, as some of the protesters had suddenly become violent. While the protest is ongoing, it remains the duty of the police to protect lives and property. SP Josephine Adeh, Anipr  Police police relations officer For: the commissioner of police, FCT, Abuja. One more photo below. 

 PRESS STATEMENT  August 1, 2024. PROTEST IN FCT: NYANYA DIVISION NOT BURNT DOWN  Contrary to the news making rounds about Nyanya division being burnt down by violent protesters, the FCT police command wishes to state that it wasn't the police division that was burnt but rather the police container compartment at Nyanya checkpoint that was set ablaze and the attempt to vandalize the Tipper garage Police post by four (4) suspects, Mathias Jude 29 'm' of Nyanya Area D, Mohammad Ahmed 23, Abba Jibril 18 and Mohammad Haruna 18, who have been arrested. The commissioner of police FCT, CP Benneth C. Igweh, psc, mni while acknowledging the right of residents to protest, frowns at destruction of public or police infrastructure, as any violent protester arrested for destroying public property will be caused to face the wrath of the law. SP Josephine Adeh, Anipr  Police Public Relations Officer For: the commissioner of police, FCT, Abuja. More photos below. 

 Thank you, Lagosians for the timely information. Together, we can overcome insecurity.  This morning at about 1am, responding to a distress call about the presence of armed men on Agoro Street, Mushin, our tactical team based in Surulere swiftly moved in and arrested Sherrif Mustapha ‘m’ aged 42 and Suturat Lateef ‘f’ aged 28 while one other escaped.  The suspects led the police to 1, Moshalashi Street, Mushin where the following were recovered: 1. Two (2) AK 47 rifles  2. ⁠One (1) K2 Assault rifle 3. ⁠One (1) Red Rufer rifle  4. ⁠Three (3) pump action rifles 5. ⁠Two (2)locally made single barrel pistols 6. ⁠Five (5) magazines 7. ⁠Fifty seven (57) live cartridges 8. ⁠Seventy (70) 5.56 live ammunition 9. ⁠Twenty seven (27) 9mm ammunition 10. ⁠one (1) expended 5.56 ammunition 11. ⁠One (1) dagger 12. ⁠Three (3) walkie talkies 13. ⁠Nine (9) international passports  Investigation is ongoing! If you see something, say something. Security is everyone’s business! More photos below. 

 Rivers: Protesters reject money for 'pure water, transport fare' from Fubara …Protesters insist on good governance, alleviation of suffering by the masses Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara on Thursday commended the peaceful disposition of people who came out to participate in the protest against bad governance in the State. Fubara spoke while addressing the protesters in front of Government House, Port Harcourt. The Governor said he was happy that the protesters were peaceful while ventilating their anger over the economic situation in the country. However, our correspondent reports that the protesters rejected the governor’s promise to give them money to buy ‘pure water’ and for transportation as they described the offer as embarrassing The protesters had earlier marched from Pleasure park along Aba road and made a stop over at the Federal government Secretariat as well as GRA junction before arriving at Government’s House, accompanied by security operatives. The protesters h

 EndBadGovernance protest: Nigerians already winning – Oby Ezekwesili declares Former Education Minister, Oby Ezekwesili has given an update on the ongoing nationwide protest. Ezekwesili said despite attempts by the Nigerian Government to muzzle the protest, Nigerians are already winning. She reminded the political class that no force on earth has ever successfully oppressed a set of people permanently. Posting on X, Ezekwesili wrote: “With The People of Nigeria. “Is it not now evident that the Citizens of our country have already won this? “How else can one explain this massive counter-operation of @NigeriaGov to muzzle Citizens and quell a protest that is themed #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria ? “Wisdom should have the Nigerian Political Class know that historically, no force on earth has ever successfully oppressed a People permanently. “Bad Governance has factually oppressed and destroyed the lives and future of Citizens. “When the People then muster the courage to ask that you stop it,

 Security agencies have identified senator sponsoring protest, says Wike Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), says security agencies have identified a senator who sponsored protests in the nation’s capital. On Thursday, a youth-led nationwide protest against the rising cost of living kicked off. Speaking after a security council meeting in Abuja, Wike said the unnamed senator provided food for the protesters. “We also have information that a senator had to invite some security agencies to lead some of them to go and provide food for the protesters,” the minister said. “That is sponsorship. A senator is providing food for protesters. “At the appropriate time, security agencies will invite the senator and find out how you will be sponsoring this kind of thing against the government of the day.” Wike said there is intelligence suggesting that protesters want to destroy public property on Friday. “You saw what happened today where some people tried to move into Eag

 1 million households have benefited from FG’s Cash Transfer Scheme – Wale Edun The Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, has announced that approximately 1 million households have benefited from the federal government’s cash transfer programme since its relaunch.  Edun disclosed this information during a World Press Conference on Wednesday in Abuja.  He noted that around 300,000 payments were made in the past week, with about 5 million individuals benefiting from the scheme to date.  “There are times when what is planned and the timetable that is planned sometimes slip, but the answer is not to now throw out the effort. The answer is not to stop. The answer is to keep going and trying.   “That was the case with the direct payment for 15 million households covering 75 million people. At first, it didn’t quite go according to plan so there was a pause and now under a much better and technologically strong configuration, payments to individuals have started going out again.   “Since it was res

 Press Release PERSONNEL WELFARE: PSC APPROVES IGP's PROMOTION  RECOMMEDATION FOR 7194 INSPECTORS TO RANK OF ASP As IGP reassures improved welfare package for personnel across board Following recommendation by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D, NPM, the Police Service Commission(PSC) has approved the promotion of Seven Thousand One Hundred and Ninety-Four (7194) Inspectors who passed the Departmental Selection Board (DSB), to the substantive rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP11). The newly promoted officers have been charged to put their acquired experience to maximum use in line with the modern standards of policing and discharge their duties in accordance with the provisions of the law. The Inspector-General of Police while congratulating the affected officers, reiterated the commitment of the Force under his leadership to improved welfare for officers and men of the Force, and ensuring promotions are timely and merit based. ACP OLUMU

 Update from Kano Loots taken back from #EndBadGovernance protesters in Kano State. At approximately 10:00 AM today, groups of hoodlums, under the guise of participating in the nationwide protest, launched attacks on several establishments in Kano State. These incidents have disrupted public order and safety, necessitating immediate action by the Kano State Police Command. The following incidents were reported: - Attacks on Supermarkets: Several supermarkets at Nassarawa Quarters were attacked, resulting in significant property damage and theft. - Arson at NCC Office: Multiple motor vehicles at the NCC office, Audu Bako Secretariat, along Government House Kano, were set ablaze. The fire has since been brought under control through swift intervention. Arrests and Recoveries: - A total of 157 suspects have been arrested in connection with these criminal activities. - An exhibit AK-47 rifle was recovered at the High Court. - A large quantity of looted properties has also been recovered fr

 South Africa urges probe into Israel's assassination of Haniyeh South Africa has called for an investigation into the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, the political bureau chief of the Palestinian group Hamas, TRT Afrika reported. Hamas and Iran announced on Wednesday morning the assassination of Haniyeh in an airstrike targeting his residence in Tehran, a day after he attended the inauguration of Iran's new President Masoud Pezeshkian. In a statement on Thursday, South Africa's Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) condemned the targeted assassination and called for a "thorough investigation". Such assassinations ''violate international law and the principles of human rights, undermining global efforts to promote peace and stability in the Middle East," Minister of International Relations Ronald Lamola said in the statement. "Any form of extrajudicial killing is a blatant violation of these principles and extra judicial

 Police Tear-Gas Protesters At Lekki Tollgate  Policemen tear-gassed defiant #EndBadGovernance protesters at the Lekki Tollgate in Lagos on Thursday morning. The Lekki Tollgate, now symbolic for civil demonstrations following the #EndSARS nationwide protests against police brutality in 2020, was initially deserted on Thursday morning as protesters marched against hunger and hardship in different parts of Nigeria. However, around 11 am, protesters emerged at the Lekki Tollgate bearing placards with different inscriptions that conveyed their dissatisfaction against the current administration of President Bola Tinubu. Chanting solidarity songs, the protesters lamented the hunger in the country and urged the government to do something as quickly as possible. “We just want the country to be stable. People are hungry. People are dying. We are not coming to fight; we only want the government to do something,” a female protester said. Scores of security agents including policemen, soldiers, of

 Protest: Fight in me died during EndSars – Burna Boy breaks silence Afrobeat multi-award-winner Damini Ogulu, popularly known as Burna Boy has broken his silence over the nationwide hunger protest. Recall Nigerians on Thursday hit the streets to express their dissatisfaction over bad governance and the hike in food prices by way of protest. Taking to his X account on Thursday, Burna Boy said that the fight in him for protest died on October 20, 2020 during the EndSARS protest. He warned his fans against calling his name this time around that a protest is rife across the country. He wrote, while quoting a tweet he posted on October 20, 2020, “The fight in me Died on this day. Ogun go doggy anybody wey call my name this time around. The 'Higher' crooner went on to take a dig at Nigerian politicians like the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, claiming they don't keep to their promises. Taking to his X handle again, he wrote:  "No politician has ever given anything. Go ask wike w

 WhatsApp may exit Nigeria over $220m fine One week after Nigeria’s Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission imposed a $220 million fine on WhatsApp for a data privacy breach, the company may suspend its operations in the country due to further regulatory demands. Sources close to the situation indicate that Meta, WhatsApp’s parent company, is contemplating the withdrawal of certain services from Nigeria. Alongside the substantial fine, the FCCPC has directed WhatsApp to cease sharing user data with other Facebook companies and third parties without explicit user consent. The commission also requires WhatsApp to disclose details about its data collection practices and to enhance user control over data usage. In response, a WhatsApp spokesperson emailed TechCabal, “We want to be clear that, technically, based on the order, it would be impossible to provide WhatsApp in Nigeria or globally.” The spokesperson criticized the FCCPC’s order as flawed, asserting that it inaccurat

 Akpabio didn’t say he would eat while others protest -Aide Kenny Okolugbo, Consultant Communications and Strategy to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has debunked claims that the Senate President said he would be “eating while protesters are protesting.” Okolugbo, in a statement made available to our correspondent on Thursday, emphasised that Akpabio never made such remarks. “He (Akpabio) was merely quoting the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission who remarked that the Niger Delta Youths have greatly benefited under his and the Amnesty boss’ leadership,” Okolugbo explained. He further clarified that the Senate President, during his visit to the NDDC-sponsored youths stakeholders summit in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Tuesday, highlighted that the Niger Delta region, despite ongoing challenges, has not resorted to protests. He noted that Akpabio, being the highest-ranking government official from the region, empathised with the people’s hardships, ackno

 "With every ending comes a new beginning! I am so grateful to have shared this season with you, you have brought me more love, more life and most of all renewed my power! Reminded me that I can have it all! You’ve reminded me that I never have to choose between life, love, and my passion! I love you so much and can not wait for you to witness what you helped me accomplish, what you pushed me to do! It’s so much easier taking life’s twists, turns and test laying down, but you, your brother and your sister have shown me why it’s worth it to push through!". One more photo below. 

  Singer, Tems postpones release of her music video due to the ongoing Nationwide protests. "Out of respect for the on going protest at home🇳🇬, I have decided to postpone the release of Burning music video. Praying for the safety of those outside at this time." "May the voice of the people be heard🕊️💖"

 Why I chose to protest – Nursing mother protests with her infant after her husband was killed by bandits. A woman in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has disclosed why she joined the "End Bad Governance in Nigeria" protest despite being a nursing mother. The woman came for the protest with her infant in her hand. She joined other protesters at Eagle Square in Abuja. According to the woman whose identity was not revealed, her husband was killed by bandits in Katsina State and this spurred her to participate in the protest. She added that police are shooting teargas at protesters gathered at Eagle Square and she questioned if they wanted to kill her baby. "I came to protest the hardship in Nigeria and the police are shooting tear gas at us. Do they also want to kill my baby? People cannot eat. Things are hard," she said, according to Newsmen. 

  Borno imposes 24-hour curfew after bomb attack rocks market The Borno State Government has announced an immediate 24-hour curfew across the state. This is in response to the tragic detonation of an improvised explosive device in Kawori Market, Konduga area of Borno State on Wednesday night. The explosion suspected to be carried out by a Boko Haram suicide bomber resulted in the deaths of 16 individuals and critical injuries to several others. Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, disclosed this in a Thursday press release obtained by newsmen. Titled, “Imposition of Curfew,”, the statement noted that the bomb explosion prompted Governor Babagana Zulum, to consult with top security officials before implementing this measure. According to the statement, the curfew aims to restore law and order and ensure public safety. It read, “In view of the constitutional mandate of the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security and law enforcement agencies toward the preserv

 Coalition Of Indigenous Middle Belt Organizations Demands Nigeria's Restructuring, Sets National Conference In Kaduna The Coalition of Indigenous Middle Belt Organizations (CIMBO) is set to host a National Delegates Conference on August 9-10, 2024, in Kaduna, Nigeria. The Middle Belt groups made this known in a statement signed by the coalition Chairman, Timothy Gandu, made available to KADUNA POLITICAL AFFAIRS on Thursday.  The conference aims to discuss and consolidate demands for restructuring and constitutional reform under the theme "Restructuring and Enactment of the Peoples Constitution: Panacea to Peace and Good Growth of the Nation." The Coalition demanded the restructuring of Nigeria, saying this would give room for the participation of indigenous nationalities in government. The Middle Belt groups lamented the non-implementation of the 2014 National Conference (2014 Confab) report.  The coalition said the "conference recommended the creation of more state

 Rain hampers rescue work in India’s Kerala as landslides’ death toll rises. Hopes of finding survivors fade as rescuers sift through slush and rocks and pull bodies from debris in southern Indian state of Kerala.  Hopes of finding more than 180 missing people alive waned as rescue workers searched through mud and debris after landslides set off by torrential rains killed at least 194 people in southern India.. The rescue work was challenging in a forested, hilly area while more rain fell on Thursday, said PM Manoj, a spokesman for Kerala state’s top elected official. Nearly 40 bodies were found downstream after being swept some 30km (20 miles) down the Chaliyar river from the area in Wayanad district where the main landslides occurred. Body parts were also recovered.. Torrents of mud and water swept through tea estates and villages in hilly areas in the district early on Tuesday. They flattened houses and destroyed bridges, and rescuers had to pull out people stuck under mud and debri

 Malaysia PM Anwar slams Meta after Facebook removes post on Hamas’s Haniyeh Malaysian prime minister accuses US-based social media platform of ‘cowardice’ and acting on behalf of Israel.. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has accused Meta of “cowardice” after the social media company removed his Facebook post on the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh.. Malaysia is a supporter of the Palestinian cause, and Anwar has repeatedly condemned Israel’s war on Gaza and its actions in the occupied West Bank..

 Anambra Assembly want Gov. Soludo to mobilize, acquire, gazette land for industrial agricultural hub By Anastasia Agunwa/Chizoba Okeke/Gloria Abugu Anambra State House of Assembly has called on Gov. Charles Soludo to direct the Commissioner for Industry and his counterpart in the Ministry of Agriculture to mobilize, acquire and gazette land for an industrial agricultural hub in all the 21 Local Government Areas. This is to encourage investors, the actualization of think home philosophy and possibly create jobs for the teaming youths. This was sequel to a motion sponsored by the member representing Ihiala 11 constituency, Hon. Golden Iloh and was unanimously adopted by the House through voice votes put up by the Speaker during plenary on July 30. The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze who presided over the plenary described the motion as a way of encouraging the State Government to acquire more land for the interest of the public. According to him, there are lots of inves

 *Anambra Youths Pay Solidarity Visit to Gov. Soludo - Say No To Protests* By Paul Nwosu  The leaders of the youth organizations in Anambra State paid a courtesy visit to Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo CFR, on Wednesday, July 31, at the Governor's Lodge, Amawbia, and stated that they will not undertake any protests whatsoever in the state. And the situation reports coming in from the major urban centres of the State including Awka the capital today, Thursday, August 1, show that they have made-good their assurance.  The leaders of Ohanaeze youths, National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Anambra State Association of Town Unions (ASATU) youths etc. stressed that they cannot join the nationwide protests because Anambra State under the watch of Governor Soludo is peaceful and progressing steadily such that they would not partake of any disturbances that may lead to riots and the destruction of the great infrastructural developments put in place by the government.   The yout

 A heartbreaking loss for 50 Cent. His grandfather, the man who raised him, has passed. A life dedicated to family, now honored and remembered. Rest in peace 🕊️ IN AN EARLIER ARTICLE ABOUT HIS REAL FATHER: "I have never met my father and I don't ever wanna meet him. There are mîstakes that I made earlier in life that he could've helped me not to make them if he was there for me." 50 Cent  "I grew very pôor and I lôst my mother when I was about 8 and I didn't really understand at that point. They would consistently tell me that my mum wasn't coming back and I'm like No! She's coming back. My grandfather would just look at me and say that, he really doesn't understand dęath but I only understood that my mum was déad and gone forever later in life. I never knew my father and I never actually met him. Some people have that parent that they actually want in their lives for a long time but I don't ever wanna meet my father. It's not because

  Police Declare 24-hours Curfew In Kaduna State After Hoodlums Allegedly Attacked Police Officer, Looted And Destroyed Public And Government Property More photos below.