PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 ‘I was ambushed’: Sinaloa cartel leader ‘El Mayo’ details capture Ismael ‘El Mayo’ Zambada says he was taken against his will to US amid conflicting accounts of arrest last month.. The co-founder of the Sinaloa drug cartel says he was kidnapped in Mexico and delivered into United States custody against his will, in the latest chapter of a dramatic case that has sparked global attention.. “I was ambushed,” Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada said in a statement released through his lawyer on Saturday that he said aimed to clear up the rumours and misinformation surrounding his capture last month..

 Mia le Roux won the title of Miss South Africa. Mia le Roux was crowned Miss SA 2024 during the pageant finale at the SunBet Arena in Times Square, Pretoria, on Saturday, 10 August. After Chidimma Adetshina dropped out of the pageant, her spot was filled by Kirsten Khan and Kebalepile Ramafoko. The 10 beauty queens who competed to become Miss SA were: Layla Zoubair Lebohang Khoza Mia le Roux Nompumelelo Maduna Onalenna Constantin Ontshiametse Tlhopane Palesa Lombard Taahira Katz Kirsten Khan Kebalepile Ramafoko  IT'S THE FIRST TIME A CONTESTANT WITH A HEARING DISABILITY HAS WON THIS PAGEANT... Watch video below. 

 Sierra Leone court sentences soldiers to long jail terms for failed coup A military court in Sierra Leone has sentenced 24 soldiers to lengthy prison terms for their roles in a failed attempt to overthrow the government of President Julius Maada Bio last November. The sentences were read out in court late on Friday with the judge handing out prison terms ranging from 50 and 120 years on those convicted, Reuters reported. They were among 27 men court-martialled for participating in the attempted coup on Nov. 26 that saw gunmen attack military barracks, two prisons and other locations, freeing about 2,200 inmates and killing more than 20 people. The sentencing follows the jailing in July of 11 civilians, and police and prison officers for their role in the insurrection. A seven-member military jury found most of the court-martialled soldiers guilty by unanimous verdict after hours of deliberations. The men faced a total of 88 charges including mutiny, murder, aiding the enemy and steali

 Goni Idriss from Borno beats 49 participants from different countries to emerge 2nd position in 2024 International Qur'anic Recitation Competition that held in Senegal.  Albashir Goni Usman Goni Idris from Borno State, Nigeria, has emerged as the 2nd position winner in the 2024 International Qur'anic Recitation Competition held in Senegal where participants from over 50 countries competed, with the top position going to a Senegalese contestant. This achievement is no surprise to those familiar with his family background. The young international champion hails from the renowned scholarly family of Sheikh Goni Idris Annayim. Albashir has previously earned multiple international recognitions, notable among them are: 2nd position at the King Abdulaziz International Qur'anic Competition in Saudi Arabia in 2017, 1st position at the 2021 Kenya International Qur'anic Competition, others include Egypt, Ethiopia, Libya, and other international competitions. Albashir’s success br

 LASG INCREASES BLUE RAIL LINE TRIPS TO 72 PER DAY, INTRODUCES 25% FARE DISCOUNT FOR OFF-PEAK TRAVELS The Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Blue Line will from Monday, 12th August 2024 increase its number of trips from 54 to 72 per day. However, the current schedule for Sunday operations remained unchanged The Managing Director of Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), Engr. Mrs. Abimbola Akinajo announced this weekend that Blue Line train riders will now travel between Marina and Mile 2 in just about 18 minutes from the previous travel time of 25 minutes. According to her, the implication is that there would be a train every 18 minutes both ways, thus allowing commuters to plan their trips. Apart from this, Engr. Akinajo also announced a 25 per cent discount fare for commuters travelling within the off-peak period set at 10.00 am and 4.00 pm daily. The new train schedule is potentially expected to reduce journey times, encourage more riders to use the train system during o

 United States Win Olympic Women’s 4x400m Relay Gold A star-studded US quartet that included two-time Olympic 400m hurdles champion Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and 200m gold medallist Gabby Thomas powered home in 3min 15.27sec.. The United States won their eighth consecutive Olympic women’s 4x400m relay crown on Saturday to clinch the USA’s 14th track and field gold medal of the Paris Games..

 Israel has agreed to send negotiators to a new round of talks over a ceasefire and hostage release deal, after a diplomatic push from the United States, Egypt and Qatar. The three nations released a joint statement on Thursday pushing for the talks to take place between Israel and Hamas on 15 August in Doha or Cairo. Hamas is yet to respond. The statement said a “framework agreement” was ready and that it had “only the details of implementation left to conclude”. The push for new talks will be seen as an attempt by the US and its partners to stop regional tensions from spiralling out of control, after Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated in Tehran last week.  Iran, blaming Israel, has vowed a response – though Israel has not commented directly on the killing. The statement invited Israel and Hamas to restart talks “to close all remaining gaps and commence implementation of the deal without further delay”. “As mediators, if necessary, we are prepared to present a final bridging

 ‘It’s Paris disaster,’ sports minister laments Team Nigeria’s Olympics performance.  The Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Enoh, has described Team Nigeria’s performance in the ongoing 2024 Olympics in Paris as “disappointing.” The minister made this known in a statement on X.com on Saturday.. According to Enoh, Team Nigeria’s failure to secure any medal at all “is a product of very many other things that need immediate attention.” He revealed that not only would he ensure that such does not repeat itself, but that in the forthcoming sports federation elections, he would ensure that the most appropriate candidates are voted in..

 Harris tells pro-Palestine protesters ‘now is time for ceasefire’ in Gaza People chanted ‘free, free Palestine’ during Democratic presidential candidate’s speech at Arizona rally.. United States Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris has told pro-Palestine protesters who interrupted her campaign rally in Arizona that now is the time for a ceasefire deal in Israel’s war on Gaza.. The demonstrators shouted, “Free, free Palestine” as Harris spoke to an estimated 15,000 people in the city of Glendale in Arizona, one of the states she’s vying to win to defeat her Republican opponent Donald Trump..

 Ogun First Lady distributes cash, food to boost breastfeeding.  The wife of Ogun State Governor, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun has offered cash and food items to over 200 nursing mothers, towards improving the well-being of mothers and children in the state.. Mrs. Abiodun, according to a statement on Saturday, presented the gifts during an awareness programme organised by her office in celebration of Breastfeeding Week with the theme, “Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support for All”. The programme was held at Ilisan Primary Healthcare Center, Ilisan Remo, Ikenne Local Government Area of the state.. The First Lady reiterated her dedication to promoting breastfeeding through sensitisation, education and community engagements, to enable mothers, families and the general populace to know the significance of exclusive breastfeeding in particular..

 Adeleke urges unity among Osun monarchs. Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has urged traditional rulers in the state to strengthen unity among themselves.. Adeleke made the call during the coronation of his wife, Mrs Ngozi Adeleke, as the Erelu Soludero of Erinmo Ijesa.. Represented by the State Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr Tola Faseru, Adeleke praised the Elerinmo of Erinmo Ijesa, Oba Odunayo Ajayi, for bestowing the title upon his wife, describing it as a clear demonstration of affection and respect for his family.. A statement from the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, issued in Osogbo on Saturday, included Adeleke’s remarks: “I must congratulate my dear wife for this honour and the family. This chieftaincy title represents our government’s and the Adeleke family’s ongoing commitment to supporting the people of the state. I thank Kabiyesi for this recognition. It will inspire us to do even more for Osun State.”

 Pastor Ready to Stock Up on Miracle Soap: 'Just Tell Me the Recipe to End Nigeria's Suffering! I am also interested in the miracle soap. If NAFDAC really approves a soap as a miracle soap that will prevent Nigerians from suffering, they should tell us the ingredients that make up the soap that will stop Nigeria from suffering. Because I will personally buy 10 trailer loads of it. - Pastor Abel Damina

 Grammy-winning South African singer Tyla has condemned the bullying of Chidimma Vanessa Onwe Adetshina, a Miss South Africa finalist, who recently pulled out from the contest after she attracted scrutiny over her nationality. Adetshina, a model of Nigerian and Mozambican heritage, became the centre of a nationality row in July after she qualified for the round of 16 of the Miss South Africa beauty pageant. She recently withdrew from the competition despite being a Top 11 Finalist, after the South African Department of Home Affairs alleged that her mother may have committed fraud and identity theft.

 Healthcare providers urge NAFDAC to reduce cost of GMP certificates.  Healthcare Equipment and Allied Equipment Products Providers of Nigeria has urged the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control to reduce the cost of Good Manufacturing Practice certificates for medical devices.. HEPAN also lauded President Bola Tinubu for signing the executive order to increase local production of medical and other healthcare products.. Recall that in June, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, announced that President Tinubu had signed an executive order to increase local production of healthcare products, including pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, devices such as needles and syringes, biologicals, medical textiles, and more.. Pate said the order is pivotal to the success of the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain, which was approved in October 2023 by the President.. He explained that the order introduces zero tar

 "Moscow to appeal to global bodies to recognize Ukraine’s actions in Kursk as terrorism According to Valery Fadeyev, the Ukrainian attack on Russia’s borderline Kursk Region resulted in civilian fatalities The head of Russia’s Presidential Council for the Development of Civil Society and Human Rights Valery Fadeyev Peter Kovalev/TASS MOSCOW, August 9. /TASS/. The head of Russia’s Presidential Council for the Development of Civil Society and Human Rights (HRC), Valery Fadeyev, has told TASS that he is preparing an appeal to international organizations to recognize that the Kiev regime’s deliberate killings of civilians in the Kursk Region are terrorist acts. "Right now, I am drafting an appeal to relevant international bodies, including human rights ones, with a demand to recognize the terrorist nature of the Kiev regime’s actions in the Kursk Region," he said. According to him, the Ukrainian attack on Russia’s borderline Kursk Region resulted in civilian fatalities. &qu

 "Ukraine taking heavy losses in Kursk – Moscow Kiev has lost nearly 1,000 soldiers and over 100 armored vehicles over the past several days, Russia’s Defense Ministry has said Russian forces continue to inflict heavy losses on Ukrainian troops that crossed the border into Kursk Region earlier this week, the Defense Ministry in Moscow reported on Friday, providing an estimate of Kiev’s casualties in the incursion.According to the ministry, Ukraine has lost up to 945 soldiers as well as 102 armored vehicles, including 12 tanks and 17 armored personnel carriers. The figures include more than 280 troops and 27 armored vehicles destroyed over the past 24 hours in areas bordering Kursk Region, Moscow added.  The report also stated that Russian airstrikes have recently destroyed five Stryker armored personnel carriers as well as a Ukrainian military column that consisted of a tank, four APCs, and a Kozak combat vehicle.  The ministry added that the operation to repel and destroy Ukraine

 Human-hyena bond in Ethiopia inspires new animation 'The Legend of the Hyena Man'   In #Harar, Ethiopia, a remarkable relationship exists between humans and hyenas, attracting tourists. Two filmmakers, Joshua Faber and Elshadye Temesgen, are creating an animated film called "The Legend of the Hyena Man" inspired by this phenomenon. The film combines elements from Ethiopian and #Nigerian cultures. Joshua Faber explains, "We spoke about the Ethiopian culture and how men live with hyenas. I then came across an article on hyena men in Nigeria, and I thought to myself, there could be a good story here." The project has gained recognition, with Faber stating, "Durban loved the story, and we got selected for the Pitch and Finance Forum of the 2024 Durban FilmMart. We were mentored for six months, and, last month, we won the Hidden Talents Award provided by the Hidden Hand Studios." The filmmakers are now seeking funding for further development. Faber not

 Federal Ministry Of Environment Advances Nigeria's Green Initiative Under the leadership of the Minister from Kaduna State, Malam Balarabe Abbas Lawal, the Federal Ministry of Environment is making significant progress in achieving President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Green Initiative.  The Ministry's focus on job creation, youth employment, and economic development is yielding impressive results. GROUND-BREAKING INITIATIVES In 2024, the Ministry launched the National Clean Cooking Policy, aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving health, and creating millions of jobs across Nigeria. By collaborating with local manufacturers and training youths in clean cookstove production, the Ministry is combating climate change and empowering communities with sustainable livelihoods. SUSTAINABLE PROJECTS The Ministry is driving Nigeria towards a low-carbon future through initiatives like: - Constructing solar-powered streetlights and boreholes across various states - Hands-on trai

 BENUE STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY TO AMEND CHIEFTAINCY LAW FOR MORE EFFICIENCY  10th August, 2024     The Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Chief Hon. Hyacinth Aondona Dajoh has said Benue Assembly will amend the Benue Chieftaincy law to provide for the construction of befitting offices and accommodations for traditional rulers in the state Chief Dajoh made the statement during an interface with Ter Tyoshin, HRH Chief Daniel Ayua Abomtse in Naka, Gwer West LGA Chief Dajoh stated that when the amendment is passed into law, traditional rulers will have   befitting accommodation and offices for effective administration In his speech, Ter Tyoshin, HRH Chief Daniel Abomtse appreciated the speaker for his purposeful leadership, adding that one of the important section of the Chieftaincy law that should be amended is section 12 to upgrade second class chiefs to first class to be on par with Local Government Chiefs in other states. Chief Abomtse said such amendment will reform the tra

 When Doubting Thomas Gets a Lawsuit Instead of a Miracle! - Fr Kelvin Ugwu  On a normal-normal, if a supposed "unbeliever" doubts the miracle you claim you can perform in God's name, you leave him to God or show practical evidence of your miracles. . even Jesus did the same when Thomas doubted his resurrection, he appeared again to the disciples just to clear Thomas' doubt and win him to himself. But because we are in the abnormal-normal, you rather take the "unbeliever" to court to intimidate him for challenging you because you also believe in your own lies that you are the most powerful man of God and major prophet whom God gave the keys of life and death. Mtchwww! - Fr Kelvin Ugwu

How Gunmen Kidnapped Kogi Journalist’s Wife, Kids In Kaduna The wife and two daughters of a Kogi-based journalist, Muhammed Bashir, were among 10 members of the same family kidnapped by gunmen in Kaduna State on Thursday. Bashir’s wife, alongside the two daughters, had arrived in Kaduna earlier in the day to spend the holiday with her family in a suburb Kaduna metropolis. The journalist informed his colleagues about the development in Lokoja, the capital of Kogi State, in a brief statement on Friday evening. According to him, his family left Abuja that same Thursday for Kaduna but were kidnapped at their residence the same day at night. He said he had contacted the Police and the Department of State Services (DSS) and was informed that actions were being taken to rescue the victims and apprehend their abductors.  

 I’m cautious in considering deliberate attempts to sabotage Dangote Refinery – Atiku Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar says he’s being cautious in considering any deliberate attempts to impede the progress of the Dangote refinery. Atiku urged Nigerians to take resolute actions to provide reassurance that both internal and external forces are not collaborating to prevent the nation from reaping the benefits of the refinery. “Each parent eagerly awaiting the arrival of a child will dutifully undertake the necessary measures to ensure that the nurturing and development of this precious blessing remain a primary focus. This fundamental principle applies equally to investments, whether they be local or international in nature. “With this understanding, I am cautious in considering any deliberate attempts to impede the progress of the Dangote Refinery, a significant private sector project positioned to meet our energy and forex needs. “Alongside numerous fellow citizens of goodwill, I ca

 Kaduna Government Ban Unverified’ Protests After Violent Demonstrations   The Kaduna State Government has warned that it would no longer tolerate any protest not cleared by security agencies. The government also said that criminals masquerading themselves take advantage of protests to loot and vandalize public and private property and unleash terror on innocent citizens as witnessed on August 1st and 5th, 2024 in Kaduna and Zaria metropolitan cities. This was contained in a statement issued on Saturday by the Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan. He said the ugly events of 1st and 5th August  are clear indicators that criminals are pursuing an agenda to plunge the state into chaos, and are ready to camouflage these designs with otherwise genuine protests. “The consequences of these plans, if allowed to flourish, are better imagined. The Kaduna State Government and security forces will not stand by and allow an anti-state agenda to run uncheck

 TO: MISS CHIDIMMA ADETSHINA DATE: AUGUST 9, 2024  DEAR MISS ADETSHINA,  We at Miss Universe Nigeria have been closely following the developments regarding your decision to bow out of the Miss South Africa beauty pageant.  We acknowledge the circumstances surrounding your withdrawal and understand the challenges you may be facing. In light of these events, we want to extend our support and encouragement. We believe that your journey in the world of pageantry is far from over and that there are still numerous opportunities for you to showcase your talent, grace, and beauty. As a Nigerian by heritage, we would like to formally invite you to participate in the Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 pageant. This is an opportunity to represent your father's native land on an international stage, and we believe you would be an outstanding contender. We encourage you to consider this opportunity and take part in a competition that celebrates the strength, inteligence, and diversity of Nigerian women

 A 23-year-old Tennessee man is in jail after a video recently went viral showing him "violently slamming a small baby's head" against a bed mattress covered with clothing while he was allegedly angry at the baby for crying.  Ricky Storm Casey from Soddy-Daisy, Tennessee, was arrested on Monday (the 5th) at his place of employment. Hamilton County Sheriff's Office placed Mr. Casey under arrest after a video surfaced of him holding a small baby's head and slamming it into a mattress several times, rapidly. The video from 2021 was extremely hard to watch. No one is certain why the video suddenly resurfaced, however, many people reached out to us to let us know that they had reported the mother and father for suspected child abuse since around that time. One individual that came forward is a mandated reporter. They are concerned with the mother not being charged since it is alleged she is the individual who filmed the violent incident involving her baby. "She sh

 Florida deputy rips off bulletproof vest mid-run before plunging  into lake to save missing boy. Volusia County Sheriff's office received a report of a missing 5-year-old boy at around 7:30 p.m. Tuesday evening. Upon arrival to the residence deputies learned the child who is on the spectrum had escaped from a second story door. The family was alerted when an alarm went off, however by the time they checked, the child was no where to be found. After deputies learned the boy was attracted to water they rushed to a nearby lake. As deputy Wes Brough arrived on scene he heard the child's voice and spotted him clutching onto a log. Deputy Brough showed zero hesitation as he raced towards the child.  Bodycam footage shows him ripping of his bulletproof vest as he charged ahead. He then plunged into the dark waters and scooped the child up carrying him to saftey.  Deputy Brough doesn't consider himself a hero and thanks God for putting him in the right place at the right time.

 ‘It Can Be Done By Quota,’ NAFDAC Boss Backs Affirmative Action For Women In Govt The Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, has drummed support for the active involvement of women in governance. The former Professor of Pharmaceutical at Roosevelt University in the United States said any country that does not embrace active women’s participation in the running of the day-to-day affairs of government is “missing big time” and “cannot grow”. She spoke on Friday. “First of all, I need to thank my husband because he is sacrificing a lot. That I am working this hard at this time in our lives. “Any country that doesn’t include women in its governance, that country is not going to grow because God has given everybody endowment, different endowments to contribute to the society,” she said. “If it is going to be done by quota, why not? We are missing out big time if we don’t involve women. “We are wired differently,

 No Kobo of Abia Resources Will Be Stolen Under My Watch—Governor Alex Otti   Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti has vowed that no Kobo from the resources of Abia state will be stolen under his administration. Governor Otti stated this at the Seventh Day Adventist Church, Eastern Nigeria Union Conference Headquarters, Ayaba Umueze, Aba while declaring open the 4th Pastors’ Kids Association Convention 2024 with the theme, “Advancing The Gospel In A Digital Era”. The Governor emphasised that corruption and stealing is forbidden in his government. He challenged all to live by example in their little corners. “In our administration, corruption and stealing are forbidden. So, when you see or hear people making noise in the media, it’s because they are unable to continue to feed fat on resources that belong to all of us and i can assure you that under my watch, Abia resources, not even one kobo of it will be stolen”. Gov. Otti stated. Governor Otti urged the Pastors children to remember the

 Tunisian president pledges strict measures against irregular migration Tunisia's president has vowed that the north African country would not tolerate irregular migration in it's territories, according to a report by Anadolu Agency. According to a statement by the presidency, Kais Saied said during a meeting with Ivorian Foreign Minister Kacou Adom that Tunisia "welcomes its African brothers and is committed to treating them humanely, but it will not allow any irregular migrants to exist on its soil." During the meeting at the Carthage Palace in the capital Tunis, Saied stressed the "necessity of adopting a comprehensive approach to irregular migration in order to put an end to this phenomenon, eradicate its deep-rooted causes, and combat the criminal networks that are behind it and engage in human trafficking and organ trade." On an almost weekly basis, Tunisian authorities have been announcing the thwarting of attempts by irregular migrants to reach Europ

 *2024 NFFG NEGA Awards: Felix Duke wins again in Frankfurt* GIVEN , LIVING LEGEND AWARD  Nigerian dancehall music king Felix Duke was awarded alongside several other entertainment industry stars in Frankfurt, Germany, at this year’s Nollywood Film Festival Germany (NFFG) and Nollywood Europe Golden Awards (NEGA).  The event set aside to celebrate and honour the achievements of Nigerian filmmakers and artists on the global stage yearly had most of the Alist entertainers in attendance. Felix Duke who is also the President of the Creative Industry Group of Nigeria (CIG),in his appreciation message in a recent chat with journalists, expressed his delight in picking up another award to add to his medals of honor.  Duke lit up the stage bringing back memories of his days as the dancehall king of the Nigerian music industry.  Felix Duke was awarded in Frankfurt alongside several other celebrities that attended the event like Sarian Mathins, Kalu ikeagwu , Queen Blessing Ibigieson , President

 On October 11th, Sen. Ifeanyi Ubah will officially depart from this world. It’s hard to believe!.  Read flyer for more details. 

 Stranger than fiction: Woman born with male, female sex organs fathers two children Heartbroken after two failed relationships with men, 30-year-old Queen Obukoko, born with male and female sex organs, tells Godfrey George how she impregnated two women with her dominant male organ, the stigma associated with being intersex, and the dream to one day get married to a man she loves after undergoing a gender reassignment surgery Growing up, Queen Obukoko knew she was different. Although physically, she looked like other girls, her voice was deep and huskier than that of boys her age. Also, she noticed a penis-like growth around her groin. Confused, her parents thought it was a benign growth and tried everything to ‘treat’ it. In an interview on Facebook with media personality, Lucky Udu, Obukoko said she became conscious of her condition when she turned 15. Day 5 - Hunger protesters take to the street as they continue to express their grievances. | Punch0.00 / 0.00 Sunday PUNCH had also e

 ‘No survivors’ in Brazil plane crash with 62 aboard – official An airplane carrying 57 passengers and four crew crashed Friday in Brazil’s Sao Paulo state, killing everyone on board, the airline said. The aircraft, an ATR 72-500 operated by Voepass airline, was traveling from Cascavel in southern Parana state to Sao Paulo’s Guarulhos international airport when it crashed in the city of Vinhedo. Voepass initially said the plane was carrying 58 passengers, but a statement later on the airline’s website revised the figure to 57. Images broadcast on local media showed a large plane spinning as it plummeted almost vertically, while other footage showed a large column of smoke rising from the crash site in what appeared to be a residential area. “There were no survivors,” the city government in Valinhos — which was involved in the rescue and recovery operation in nearby Vinhedo — said in an email sent to AFP. Vinhedo, with about 76,000 residents, is located approximately 80 kilometers (50 m

 How I dispossessed people of their money — Suspected pickpocket Suleiman A 48-year-old man arrested on a charge of pickpocketing in Adamawa State has confessed to the act. The man, Abubakar Suleiman of Mararraban-Mubi in Hong Local Government Area, said he operated mostly in Uba, Mararraban-Mubi and Michika in the northern part of the state, as well as in Jimeta, in the metropolitan Yola North LGA. Arrested by the police while he was allegedly in the process of stealing money from a co-passenger in Keke NAPEP along the Bank Road axis of Jimeta, the suspect said he usually made false calls while on board Keke NAPEP to distract the attention of fellow passengers, thereby gaining the opportunity to execute his plan. Suleiman, who said he is better known as a provision seller, added that he has been in the act of pickpocketing for over two years. He is currently being held by the police, to whom he made his confessions. The Adamawa State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Suleiman Nguroj

 Suspected cultists kill hotel manager in Kwara Gunmen suspected to be cult members of the Eiye Confraternity, on Thursday night shot dead the manager of a hotel in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital. The deceased who was identified as Anthony Balogun was the one running the hotel owned by his mother before the unfortunate incident. The sad incident occurred at about 8 pm on the ill-fated night inside the premises of the hotel located in Olunlade area of the Ilorin metropolis. Two gunmen allegedly entered the hotel and requested to see the manager. The deceased, who thought that they were prospective customers, came out of his room to meet them at the reception. The assailants reportedly called him out of the reception and shot him at close range on the chest, according to sources. They were said to have macheted him on the head, hands and legs after some gunshots. Kwara State Police Commissioner, Victor Olaiya, who confirmed the development, said it was the outcome of the 8/8 cultists ac