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 14th August, 2024 PRESS RELEASE DELTA STATE SECURITY DEATH OF A SUSPECTED KIDNAPPER AS DELTA STATE POLICE OPERATIVES ENGAGE SUSPECTED KIDNAPPERS ARREST THREE SUSPECTS, RECOVER TWO BERETTA PISTOLS,  ONE LOCALLY FABRICATED REVOLVER PUMP ACTION GUN, ONE PUMP ACTION GUN, AMMUNITION AND CARTRIDGES ARREST OF SUSPECTED CULTISTS, RECOVERY OF THREE LOCALLY MADE CUT0TO-SIZE GUNS, BATTLE AXES AND CARTRIDGES. 1. DEATH OF A SUSPECTED KIDNAPPER, AND RECOVERY OF ONE LOCALLY FABRICATED PUMP ACTION GUN, ONE BERETTA PISTOL, ONE PUMP ACTION GUN:  On  12/8/2024   at about 0430hrs operatives of CP Special Squad with base in Ughelli while on investigation alongside a suspected kidnapper Joel Ochuko Ofoye ‘m’ who was earlier arrested on 18/7/2024, the suspect led the operatives to Ewu community in Ughelli South LGA of Delta State in the trail of a gun runner who supply arms to them before their kidnapping operation. While they were at it, the team came under attack by the suspec...

 Cologne-Wahn, German military base on lockdown after suspected sabotage Germany's Cologne-Wahn military base has been sealed off after a suspected act of sabotage against its water supply, news outlets reported Wednesday. The base near Cologne-Bonn airport employs 4,300 soldiers and 1,200 civilians and is also home to a fleet of military aircraft used by Chancellor Olaf Scholz for international travel. According to news magazine Der Spiegel, authorities told employees at the base not to drink the tap water, as they believed it had been contaminated. They also found damage to a fence at the edge of the property. Police, military police, and the military intelligence agency MAD are all looking into the alleged crime, Spiegel said. Police cordoned off a large area and it was no longer permitted to enter or leave the barracks. "We have our reasons for taking this action, and we take the case seriously," a spokesperson for the Territorial Command in Berlin was quoted by Reute...

 Zulum: Dry Inland Port to Begin Operations in Maiduguri in Six Months Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has stated that the Maiduguri dry inland port will begin operations in six months. Zulum made this known on Wednesday in Lagos while addressing journalists after a courtesy call to the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Pius Akutah. The Governor expressed confidence that the establishment of the NSC, while providing job opportunities to young people, would also boost the state's economy. He said, “Establishing the inland dry port in Maiduguri will bring many opportunities to the government and people of Borno state. It will generate employment, taking thousands of young children off the street. This is very important. Zulum added, “Borno State shares a border with three countries, namely Niger, Chad and Cameroon. The inland dry port will enhance trans-border trade. This is what we are looking for. The relationship between our border countries will impr...

 PRESS RELEASE GUIDELINES FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF ZERO DUTY RATE ON SOME BASIC FOOD ITEMS 1. Drawing from the Presidential directives aimed at alleviating the hardship faced by Nigerians due to high prices of essential food items, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is pleased to announce that His Excellency, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR through the Honourable Minister of Finance and the Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Olawale Edun has approved the regulation for the implementation of a Zero Percent Duty Rate (0%) and Value Added Tax (VAT) exemption on selected basic food items. This policy is effective from 15th July 2024 and will remain in force until 31st December 2024. 2. This measure aims to mitigate the high cost of food items in the Nigerian market by making essential commodities more affordable for citizens. The initiative is part of the government’s broader efforts to address food security challenges and ensure that basic foodst...

 Cameroonian Actress "Mami Ton" in Critical Condition Following Stroke Cameroonian actress Céline Orgelle Kentsop, better known by her stage name "Mami Ton," is currently in critical condition after suffering a severe stroke. According to a family source, she has been unconscious since last Saturday and is receiving intensive care at the Douala General Hospital. The beloved actress experienced a hemorrhagic stroke during a ceremony last weekend. She was immediately rushed to the hospital, where medical professionals have been working tirelessly to stabilize her condition. As news of her condition spreads, fans and colleagues have expressed their deep concern for her well-being. Many have taken to social media, urging others to join in prayer for her recovery. While visits to the hospital are currently restricted, her family is encouraging supporters to reach out through her daughter, Nadage Mirette. Family Statement: "Good evening to all. Last Saturday, the act...

 Kidnapper Confesses After Abducting Man in Limbe Lom Linus, in the picture above, was abducted from his home in the Livanda area of Limbe One Council around 10 AM on Tuesday by a young man armed with a Dane gun.  The family of the victim promptly sent XAF 10,000 as ransom, but community members quickly mobilized, tracking down and apprehending the kidnapper. Upon being caught, the assailant admitted that his original intention was to commit a robbery. 

 Diana Taurasi is now the most decorated Olympic basketball player of all time. 🥇Athènes 2004 🥇Pékin 2008 🥇Londres 2012 🥇Rio 2016 🥇Tokyo 2020 🥇Paris 2024 And in Paris, Kevin Durant made history as the only male basketball player to win four Olympic gold medals. 🥇Londres 2012 🥇Rio 2016 🥇 Tokyo 2020 🥇Paris 2024

 Biden Sees Ceasefire as Key to Preventing Iran’s Retaliation Against Israel  U.S. President Joe Biden has expressed hope that a ceasefire in Gaza could prevent Iran from launching retaliatory airstrikes against Israel following the assassination of a senior Hamas official in Tehran in late July. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have announced they are on "maximum alert," with the country bracing for a potential attack at any moment.  When asked whether he believed Iran would abandon its plans if a ceasefire and a hostage agreement were reached between Israel and Hamas, Biden responded, "That’s what I expect."  Reuters earlier reported that three senior Iranian officials had indicated - a ceasefire was the only way to convince Iran to hold off on retaliating, highlighting the fragile state of the current situation in the Middle East, where fears are growing that failed negotiations could ignite a broader regional conflict. The United States, Egypt, and Qatar are work...

  The woman that Tore Her Husband's International Passport At The MURTALA MUHAMMAD INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, A Few Days Ago Has Been Nabbed By The Authorities And Dragged To Abuja.……” Watch videos below. 

 LASG ANNOUNCES COMMENCEMENT OF TRANSFER INTO PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS The Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, has announced the commencement of transfer opportunities into Junior and Senior Secondary schools for students with genuine requests for transfer from public and private schools to public secondary schools in Lagos State. The notice of the transfer exercise issued by the Permanent Secretary Mr. Abayomi Abolaji, said it is designed to provide opportunities for students whose parents desire to change their schools due to relocation and economic reasons. The notice also reiterated that transfer could only be requested for students going to JSS II and SS I classes in public secondary Schools, stressing that the exercise, which commenced on Thursday, 8th August, will end on Friday, 30th August, 2024. The Ministry, therefore, implored all interested parents to submit a written application addressed to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry o...

 Senator Katung Reacts To Backlash From Southern Kaduna Indigenes, Vows To Improve Social Welfare Program Senator Sunday Marshall Katung, representing Kaduna South Senatorial District, has acknowledged mistakes made during the first phase of his N100 million social welfare intervention program's disbursement.  The intervention faced criticism from Southern Kaduna natives, alleging that most beneficiaries were loyalists, family members, and well-off stakeholders, rather than vulnerable individuals whom the program intended to benefit. In a statement, Senator Katung took full responsibility for the lapses and assured his constituents that the second and third phases will be improved.  Katung said he has reconstituted the disbursement committee, making specific changes to ensure a more effective and efficient program. He reaffirmed his commitment to the progress and development of Kaduna South, promising to see through various welfare initiatives and legislative responsibili...

 Ex-Bangladesh PM Hasina demands probe into protest ‘killings and vandalism’ Hasina’s statement comes hours after a court orders probe into her role in the death of a grocery shop owner during the protests.. Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has called for action against those involved in “killings and vandalism” in the country last month, her first comments since violent protests forced her to flee to India.. More than 300 people died in the demonstrations that began as student-led protests against quotas in government jobs spiralled into a larger movement seeking Hasina’s overthrow..

 Israel critic, ‘Squad’ member Ilhan Omar wins Minnesota Democratic primary Omar defeated former Minneapolis City Council member Don Samuels in primary for Minnesota’s 5th congressional district.. Democratic United States Representative Ilhan Omar, one of the progressive House members known as the “Squad” and an outspoken critic of Israel’s war in Gaza, has won her primary race in Minnesota.. Omar, 41, successfully defended her Minneapolis-area 5th district seat against a repeat challenge from former Minneapolis City Council member Don Samuels..

 North Korea set to reopen borders to foreign tourists The reclusive country has largely been closed to tourists since 2020, when it imposed strict COVID-19 border controls.. North Korea is set to reopen its borders to international visitors after years of strict COVID-19 border controls, say two Chinese tour operators.. Beijing-based Koryo Tours announced on its website on Wednesday that the reclusive country would be welcoming tourists to the northeastern city of Samjiyon and “likely the rest of the country” in December 2024..

 Thugs Cart Away Ganduje’s Corruption Trial Documents – Kano Govt Following the nationwide protest that turned violent in Kano State, the state government has confirmed that thugs stormed and severely damaged the premises of the Kano State High Court, carting away crucial documents related to corruption charges against the former governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, confirmed this to journalists when he paid a visit to the court for an on-the-spot assessment of the damages. He was accompanied by the Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Haruna Isah Dederi, the Chief Registrar of the High Court, Abdullahi Ado Bayero, and other high-ranking judiciary officials. In a statement made available to journalists by the governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Governor Yusuf described the incident as a “masterminded and stage-managed mission” aimed at disrupting the ongoing corruption cases against Ganduje, who is currentl...

 Naira weakens to N1,590 against the dollar in the parallel market. The Naira dropped to N1,590 per dollar in the parallel market, down from N1,580 per dollar on Monday. In addition, the Naira fell to N1,582.09 per dollar in the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange Market, NAFEM. Data from FMDQ showed that the indicative exchange rate for NAFEM rose to N1,582.09 per dollar from N1,570.99 per dollar on Monday, indicating an N11.1 depreciation for the Naira. The volume of dollars traded in the market declined by 18.2 percent to $201.43 million from $246.44 million traded on Monday. As a result, the gap between the parallel market and NAFEM rate narrowed to N7.91 per dollar from N10.8 per dollar on Monday. Isa Garba, a currency trader, attributed the Naira's depreciation to increased demand and low supply of the dollar. Today, the Naira depreciated against the dollar by N10. I bought a dollar at N1580 and sold it for N1,590, compared to yesterday's rate. Today, there is less suppl...

  Rivers court lacks jurisdiction to sack Okocha-led committee – APC The All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed strong opposition to the removal of the Tony Okocha-led caretaker committee in Rivers State, arguing that the Rivers State court does not have the jurisdiction to enforce such a decision. The party’s leadership insisted that the court's ruling undermines its authority to manage its internal affairs. This statement follows a ruling by the Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt, which on Monday nullified the sacking of the Emeka Beke-led executive of the APC in the state. The court, presided over by Justice Sika Aprioku, found that the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party acted beyond its powers by dissolving the elected executives under Beke's leadership. "The Rivers State court lacks the power to remove the Tony Okocha-led caretaker committee," the APC warned, emphasizing the court's overreach in its decision. The party further noted th...

 Libyan driver arrested for smuggling six Nigerian women A Libyan driver was arrested on Tuesday in the Bishr area of Libya for attempting to smuggle six undocumented female migrants from Nigeria. The arrest occurred during a routine police patrol, which intercepted the vehicle and detained the driver. Migrant Rescue Watch, an organization that monitors migrant activities, reported that the driver initially tried to mislead authorities by claiming that the six women were his family members. "The driver attempted to evade arrest by insisting the women were his relatives," the organization noted, but the authorities were not convinced by his explanation. Despite the driver's claims, the authorities proceeded to take both the driver and the women into custody. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges in controlling illegal migration in the region, with many individuals attempting to cross borders under false pretenses. The individuals involved have been transferred to ...

 Mark Zuckerberg unveils statue of his wife, Priscilla Chan, in their garden. "Bringing back the Roman tradition of making sculptures of your wife," the Facebook founder captioned the post. One more photo below. 

 Fubara Swears In Sam Anya, Four Others As New Commissioners, Two SAs Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has worn in five new commissioners and two special advisers at the executive chambers of the Government House in Port Harcourt. Addressing the newly appointed officials on Wednesday, the governor urged them to refrain from responding, either verbally or through actions, to the provocations of his political opponents. He said the intention of his opponents is to divert his administration’s focus from achieving its set goals, saying it is important to maintain focus and dedication to the administration’s objectives. To Fubara, the appointments are made to better equip the cabinet to deliver on its promises to the people of Rivers State. He said in the end, the people of the state who are interested in seeing results would not be bothered about how many court judgments secured or the number of protests on the streets. Governor Fubara expressed his appreciation for the dedica...

 Sudan’s military leader rejects peace talks, demands RSF withdrawal Sudan’s army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan on Wednesday ruled out a ceasefire until the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) withdraw from occupied cities, rejecting U.S.-backed peace talks set to begin in Genev, according to Sudan Tribune. “Military operations will not cease until the last militia withdraws from the cities and villages they have violated and colonized,” Burhan stated. He also dismissed calls for peace, asserting that “there can be no peace while the rebel militia occupies our homes.” The U.S. special envoy to Sudan, Tom Perriello, confirmed on X (formerly Twitter) that the Sudanese army declined to participate in the Geneva talks. However, he emphasized ongoing U.S. efforts to end the conflict and noted the RSF’s commitment to negotiations. Burhan vowed to continue the fight, stating, “We will work tirelessly to celebrate the next Army Day with our country cleansed of the militia.” The conflict...

  Chidimma has accepted to contest in Miss Universe Nigeria. If she wins, she'll be on her way to Miss world . Congratulations. Watch video below. 

  Reps Withdraw Bill Seeking Jail Term For Those Refusing To Recite New National Anthem.   Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen has withdrawn the controversial Counter Subversion Bill which stipulates that any Nigerian who refuses to recite the national anthem shall be fined N5 million, face a 10-year prison sentence, or both.  The withdrawal followed the outrage and opposition that trailed the provisions of the planned legislation which many have described as draconian and anti-democratic. The Bill, sponsored by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, is set for its second reading, where its general principles will be debated.  According to the proposed legislation, anyone who destroys a national symbol or a place of worship shall be liable to the same punishment. The Bill “stipulates that anyone found guilty of destroying national symbols, refusing to recite the national anthem and pledge, defacing a place of worship with intent to incite violence, or under...

 Finnish Gov’t Confirms Legal Actions Against Simon Ekpa’s Secession Activities The Finnish government has confirmed that it is taking legal action against a prominent pro-Biafran agitator linked to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Simon Ekpa, over his involvement in secessionist activities in Nigeria’s South-East region. Finland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Elina Valtonen, made this disclosure during a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday. Valtonen, who was in Nigeria along with her Nordic counterparts, revealed that the case involving Ekpa is now being handled by Finnish courts, following a report by the Nigerian government. “The case of Ekpa, whose activities were reported to the Finnish government by the Nigerian authorities, is now before Finnish courts,” Valtonen stated during the conference. Simon Ekpa, who refers to himself as the Prime Minister of Biafra, has been a vocal advocate for sit-at-home orders in the South-East, despite the IPOB leadership suspending th...

 37 die in Oyo, Ogun auto crashes …16 dead, 16 injured—FRSC No fewer than 25 people were feared dead, yesterday in an accident on the Ojo-Iwo Road section of the Ibadan-Lagos expressway, near the Agbowo/Ajao area in Oyo State. Also, the Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, yesterday, said 12 persons were burnt to death, while four others sustained injuries, in an accident that occurred on Lagos-Ibadan expressway. The accident occurred when a trailer loaded with roofing sheets collided with an 18-seater Hummer bus, a Micra taxi, and a Honda CR-V car. But Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, officials said: “16 people were killed, 16 injured while two were not injured.” Giving further statistics, FRSC officials said the accident victims include 14 male adults, 10 female adults and 11 children. According to FRSC, Iwo Road command, a commercial bus with number plate, MUB 20 LG, Micra taxi with number plate, BDJ 520 YC, a CRV with number plate, KRD 707 ER and articulated truck with re...

 NJC to select Ariwoola’s successor Friday The National Judicial Council is set to meet on Friday, August 16, to decide on the successor of the outgoing Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola. Ariwoola is billed to bow out on August 22, when he will attain the mandatory retirement age of 70. An impeccable source at the Supreme Court told our correspondent on Tuesday that the NJC had fixed a meeting for Friday to deliberate on who becomes the next CJN. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to speak to the press, noted that whatever name(s) was decided on at the NJC meeting would be forwarded to President Bola Tinubu for consideration. The source said, “The NJC has fixed Friday to meet to take a decision on the name to be forwarded to the President on who the next CJN would be. No name has been sent to the President yet as the NJC has not even met.” The Supreme Court currently has the full complement of 21 Justices. In the lo...

 Chelsea facing transfer ban, points deduction with Premier League set conclude investigation Chelsea are facing a possible transfer ban, with Premier League CEO Richard Masters giving an update about investigation into the club for potential financial breaches when Roman Abramovich was owner of the club. Abramovich owned the Blues between 2003 and 2022, until he was sanctioned by the UK government. The 57-year-old was eventually disqualified as a director of the club, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. When the Todd Boehly-led consortium took over in May 2022, they reported the cases of incomplete financial information during Abramovich’s tenure. The Guardian and Bureau of Investigative Journalism later reported have since revealed that leaked documents showed how Abramovich allegedly used offshore companies to make transactions to agents and associates, which appeared to benefit Chelsea. These alleged payments ran into tens of millions of pounds and could therefore have brea...

 FULL LIST: NELFUND Clears 22 More Institutions For Student Loan The Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) said it has cleared an extra 22 state-owned tertiary institutions to apply for student loans. The implementation of the student loan scheme is President Bola Tinubu’s flagship project in the education sector. The statement posted via @NELFUND on X said, “The Nigeria Education Loan Fund has announced that students from the following 22 state-owned tertiary institutions can now apply for loans on its portal: nelf.gov.ng “This followed a review by the committee responsible for the Student Verification System. Prior to this, 86 state-owned institutions were cleared, bringing a total of 108 institutions whose students are now able to apply,” the statement posted via @NELFUND on X said. The onboarding of the 22 state-owned institutions brings total number of approved state institutions to 108. The development comes barely one month after the fund was set up by President, Tinubu. The...

 We Did Not Fix ₦600/Litre Petrol Price — Dangote The management of the Dangote Refinery has dismissed reports of a fixed petrol price of ₦600/litre, calling them “speculative announcements” with no basis. This was contained in a statement signed on Tuesday by the Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer, Dangote Industries Limited, Anthony Chiejina. The denial comes following reports by some publications, that the refinery was in talks with oil marketers, and that petrol may sell for as low as ₦600 per litre. The company, however, emphasised that it has not partnered with the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), and will communicate through official channels. It states, “Our attention has been drawn to headlines announcing “Marketers Project N600/litre for Dangote Petrol” published in Punch Newspapers on Tuesday, August 13, 2024. “We would like to clarify that the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) is not our business p...

 How New Health Policy Will Help Bring Back Nigerian Doctors From Diaspora ­— Minister The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Pate, has said the new National Policy on Health Workforce Migration will help bring back Nigerian healthcare professionals, including doctors who are currently working in various countries abroad. His stance follows the Federal Government’s approval of the health policy to address the continued exodus of Nigerian doctors from the country. Pate in a post on his official handle on X on Monday reaffirmed the government’s commitment to tackling the challenges surrounding healthcare human resources in the country. He said President Bola Tinubu had approved the policy while presiding over the Federal Executive Council meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. “This policy is more than just a response to the ongoing exodus of healthcare professionals; it’s a comprehensive strategy to manage, harness, and reverse health worker migra...

 NNPCL postpones P’Harcourt refinery kick-off sixth time The Port Harcourt Refining Company, a refinery under the management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited in Rivers State, has again failed to commence operations after about six postponements. It was observed that promises made to Nigerians by the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources and NNPC about the refinery have continued to witness multiple failures. Since December 2023, NNPC, which is in charge of all the government refineries, has given Nigerians different dates, assuring citizens that the refinery would begin the sale of refined products soon. In July, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the NNPC, Mele Kyari, stated categorically that the refinery would come into operation in early August. The same Kyari said in 2019 that the NNPC would deliver all the country’s four refineries before the end of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration. While appearing before the senate recently in July, Ky...