PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

  Ukrainian Prisoner Claims Innocence Amidst Conviction for Collaboration "I don’t deserve to be here at all," insists Tetyana Potapenko, a sentiment more commonly heard from those unjustly imprisoned. Sitting in her maroon overalls, Tetyana is resolute in denying the Ukrainian state's accusations against her. Now one year into a five-year sentence, she is among 62 convicted collaborators at a prison near Dnipro, held in isolation from the general inmate population. Tetyana's hometown, Lyman, located near the front lines of the Donbas, was under Russian occupation for six months before being liberated in 2022. Despite her claims of innocence, Ukrainian prosecutors assert that Tetyana unlawfully assumed an official role under the occupiers, which included distributing relief supplies. She maintains that her actions were in line with her long-standing role as a neighborhood volunteer, a position she had held for 15 years, helping coordinate with local officials. As we c

 𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐰𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐚𝐛𝐲 𝐠𝐢𝐫𝐥 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐟𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐳𝐢𝐥 Nigerian woman Oyindamola Akinyera, known on Instagram, welcomed a baby girl aboard a Qatar Airways flight from Lagos to Brazil this past Saturday.  In an Instagram post on Wednesday, Akinyera shared the unexpected joy of giving birth mid-air, revealing she was en route to her “honeymoon and baby-moon” with her husband, David, after receiving medical clearance for the journey. More photos below. 

 OUR BROTHERS PETITION GOVERNOR ALIA TO THE PRESIDENT FOR APPEARING IN PICTURE WITH ME -SEN. GABRIEL SUSWAM 22nd August, 2024     "It is so ridiculous that some of our brothers wrote a petition in the national newspaper against our Governor, to the President that he is taking steps to destroy APC in the State. Governor Alia's crime is,  just because the Governor was seen in pictures with me on different occasions. Why must we reduce ourselves in the name of politics to that level? I will continue to appear in pictures with him, even from here we are going to snap together”. Sen. Gabriel Suswam yesterday at the burial of Tor Jerchira By Bede Bartholomew

 Abuja Court Jails Four Internet Fraudsters in Abuja   The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,  EFCC,  Abuja Zonal Directorate on Wednesday,  August 21, 2024 secured the conviction and sentence  of four internet fraudsters. The convicts:  Abdulrashid Umar, Ekemini Godwin, Anozie Emmanuel and Freedom John were jailed by Justice M. Adamu of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT High Court Maitama on a one- count separate charges bordering on obtaining by false pretence. Godwin’s  count reads, “That you Ekemini Godwin sometime in 2024 at Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court committed the offence of cheating by personation when you pretended to be one Ryan Williams,  a citizen of United States of America via Facebook social media account and as a result obtained the sum of $520 (Five Hundred and Twenty United States Dollars) from one Hae-Yun who is from Pennsylvania and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 321 and  punishable under 324 of the Penal Code

 EFCC Arrests Alleged Billionaire  Internet Fraudster and Money Launderer in Abuja   Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, arrested one Hyginus Nkwocha for alleged internet fraud and money laundering.    Nkwocha, 35, was arrested at Ever Green Estate, behind Millennium Estate, Lugbe, Abuja, following intelligence about his suspected involvement in internet fraud and money laundering.   Items recovered from him include  : a sum of $2,200 (Two Thousand Two Hundred Dollars), an iPhone 15 Pro Max, a Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, a Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, an iPhone 13 Pro Max, a MacBook, a gold chain and pendant, a gold bracelet,  a gold neck chain, Mercedes Benz ML 350, a Chevrolet Camaro, and a Mustang car.   Others include: some properties at Cookies Court 2, located in Ocean Palm Estate, Ajah, Lagos, Unit C8, Lugbe Airport Road, Abuja and Cookies Court 2, 2nd Avenue, Ocean Palm Estate, Ogombo, Lagos State.   The suspect will be cha

 Evangelist Kesiena c0ndemns, scolds church members who watch Sirbalo’s big ‘bum’ skits Kesiena Esiri, a prominent pastor in Delta State, criticized Christians who enjoy the comedy of Skitmaker Sirbalo. In a viral sermon, he expressed strong disapproval of Christians who find humor in Sirbalo’s skits, labeling them as misguided. Esiri condemned Sirbalo’s use of voluptuous women as mere props, describing it as a disgraceful display disguised as comedy. He characterized Christians who indulge in such content as spiritually deficient and warned them of the dangers of their actions. Esiri criticized Sirbalo for using curvy women as props, calling it disgraceful. He warned Christians indulging in such humor that they are spiritually lost and urged them to realign with God’s teachings to avoid serious consequences.

 Atiku's daughter, Laila set to wed in Abuja Laila, the daughter of former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, is set to wed. Their wedding between Laila and Saleh Maitala, is scheduled to hold on Friday, August 23, 2024, at the National Mosque, Abuja.  Atiku, last year hosted the groom's family when they came to ask for Laila's hand in marriage. “It was much to my delight to host the family of Alhaji Iliyasu Maitala, who had come asking for the hands of one of my daughters, Ms Laila Atiku, in marriage. I thank Allah SWT for the opportunity of this day and pray for His grace and mercies upon the new relationship between our two families,” he wrote.

 STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE  PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES JUSTICE OLUKAYODE ARIWOOLA ON SUCCESSFUL PUBLIC SERVICE CAREER President Bola Tinubu congratulates Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, GCON, as he retires as Chief Justice of Nigeria after a successful public service career. Justice Ariwoola had served as Justice of the Court of Appeal in Kaduna, Enugu, and Lagos divisions before his elevation to the Supreme Court in 2011. He was sworn in as Chief Justice of Nigeria in 2022 and had also served the nation in diverse capacities as a judicial officer. President Tinubu commends the eminent jurist for his services to the nation, noting his impactful leadership of the judiciary and his efforts in enriching Nigerian jurisprudence, as well as in strengthening the fibre of the law. The President thanks Justice Ariwoola and wishes him the very best for the future. President Tinubu will swear in Justice Ariwoola's successor at the State House Council Chambers on August 23, 2024.  Chief Ajuri

 Governor Hope Uzodimma: "Nobody Can Accuse Me of Corruption" Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, confidently declared that no one can accuse him of corruption during his time as a public officeholder. The governor made this statement on Thursday at the Michael Okpara Leadership Lecture and Award 2024, held at the Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja. Speaking on the need for integrity in public service, Uzodimma emphasized that the rampant corruption in Nigeria is fueled by an excessive desire for wealth and a lack of discipline among leaders. He urged public officials to live within their legitimate means and avoid corrupt practices. Delivering his lecture titled "Service Above Others; Lessons from the Leadership Philosophy of Michael Okpara," the governor advocated for political leaders to emulate the values of the late Premier of Eastern Nigeria to create a more prosperous nation. In addition to his anti-corruption stance, Uzodimma announced that the ongoing reh

 Nigeria Needs Sound Financial System for development — Bagudu Minister of Budget and Economic Planning Senator Abubakar Bagudu has said Nigeria needs to attract more resources than it has to fund its development agenda. For this to happen, the nation must develop a sound financial system with integrity He spoke at the management retreat of the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit in Abuja noting that the 2050 Agenda of National Aspiration requires investment at least 100 billion dollars annually to achieve a GDP per capita of $33,000 or more by 2050. The minister revealed that the current financing level is smaller than that but explained that President Bola Tinubu’s administration had undertaken bold and courageous economic reforms to boost its revenue.  To buttress his point, he cited the $20 billion federal budget size, which he said was too small compared with other countries like Brazil and Indonesia, which have similar population sizes and have $750 billion and $210 billion budg

 Hold Davido responsible If anything happens to me,– Dammy Krane cries out following arrest Dammy Krane has broken his silence following his arrest over alleged defamation against his colleague, Davido We reported that days before Davido’s wedding, Dammy had called the singer a murderer, as he claimed that Davido was only getting married because Chioma caught him cheating. His statement had gotten him into trouble as Davido’s lawyer gave him 24 hours to retract all offensive publications against Davido on his social media handles. He was also asked to refrain from further publication of defamatory statements against Davido on any platform or risk facing legal actions. Unbothered with the lawsuit, Dammy Krane further alleged that he was a witness to what Davido did to the late Tagbo, who was his friend.

 Anywhere you find happiness, make it your home” – Nkechi Blessing admonishes fans as she counts down to 3rd anniversary with boyfriend Nollywood actress Nkechi Blessing Sunday is counting down to her 3rd anniversary with her boyfriend, Xxssive The single mother of one, via her Instagram page, shared a photo of her kissing her boo as she sent a message to her fans about love. She admonished them to make a home anywhere they find happiness.  Counting down to her anniversary, she noted how it has been 3 solid years with her boo, who she described as her joy giver. “Anywhere you find happiness, make it your home. Road to 3 solid years with the same person”.

 Charge protesters in your custody to court or face the law – Falana warns Police Rights activist, Femi Falana, has asked the Nigeria Police to charge the protesters remanded in prison custody to court before August 25 or face legal action. The lawyer also accused the authorities of preventing legal representation for the protesters, leading to their being remanded in prison. Falana gave the ultimatum in a statement entitled ‘HALT THE CLAMPDOWN ON PROTESTERS’. He said, “Out of the 2,111 arrested suspects, 1,403 have been arraigned in various courts. Painfully, the suspects were ordered to be remanded in prison custody due to a lack of legal representation. “The suspects were denied legal representation even though the Nigerian Bar Association had publicly announced its intention to provide lawyers to defend them. “We have also confirmed that individual lawyers who had applied for the bail of the detained suspects in police stations were not informed that they were going to be arraigned

 Imo LG Poll: Election may not hold in 3 council areas – ISIEC boss The Imo State Independent Electoral Commission (ISIEC) has declared that elections may not hold in three local government councils – Onuimo, Okigwe and Orsu – due to insecurity. The Chairman of the Commission, Charles Ejiogu made the disclosure during an interface with the various security outfits in Owerri. He hinted that the major operational challenges facing the Commission in the discharge of its duties ahead of the upcoming elections is protection of staff and election materials. Ejiogu noted that electoral officers cannot get easy access to some LGAs for routine verification of polling units and collation centres in line with operational guidelines. The ISIEC boss said that in the absence of any circumstances beyond the Commission’s control, the date for the election, Saturday September 21, remains sacrosanct. He commended Governor Hope Uzodinma whom he said has created enabling environment for the Commission to

 You can’t get 50% of husband’s properties after divorce under Nigerian laws – Lawyer tells women Activist lawyer, Madubuachi Idam, on Thursday said Nigerian laws frown at a woman getting 50 percent of her husband’s properties during divorce. Idam warned that women who push their husbands into court marriage with the intent of sharing his properties during divorce should know that such is alien to the Nigerian law. In a chat with newsmen, the lawyer noted that the spouse would be made to provide evidence of contributing towards the acquisition of such a property. According to Idam: “The law that awards 50% or any percentage of a man’s property to his wife during divorce is strange to the Nigerian soil. “Women who push their man to have them married statutorily (court marriage) with an intention to share in their property during divorce should be informed that such law is alien to Nigeria. “Statutory marriage (court marriage), does not aid a Nigerian woman to reap where she did not or h

  I can’t be intimidated to resign, says PDP chair  The Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Ambassador Umar Damagum, has confidently stated that no one can pressure him into stepping down from his position. It is important to note that the PDP has been dealing with internal disputes both before and after the 2023 elections. Damagum has been repeatedly blamed by party members for contributing to the ongoing crisis. He said ” Let me send a message to everyone talking about Damagum this, Damagum that – I cannot be intimidated. The more you mention me, the more popular I become.” He mentioned that the criticisms only enhanced his popularity, and he is even considering running for the presidency due to this increased recognition. While speaking at the ongoing inauguration of the National Reconciliation and Disciplinary Committees, chaired by Olagunsoye Oyinlola and Tom Ikimi respectively, Damagum expressed frustration with individuals who lack knowledge of the National

 Obi cautions FG over NLC president’s police summons Former governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, has expressed concern over the recent invitation of the Nigeria Labour Congress President, Joe Ajaero, by the Nigeria Police Force. In a statement on Thursday via X, Obi emphasised the sensitivity of the situation, given Ajaero’s critical role as the leader of the nation’s workforce. Obi said, “The anxiety generated by Nigeria Police’s invitation to the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Mr. Joe Ajaero, for an interview should not be unexpected given the critical position he holds as leader of the nation’s workforce. The NLC is an interlocutor of the Federal Government on various labour disputes and other national interest issues.” Obi urged that due process be observed, stressing that the allegations against Ajaero are serious, but it remains unclear whether these charges relate to personal conduct or his responsibilities as the NLC leader. He added, “Extreme caution must thus

 Teacher's sexual assault of a learner uncovered in Tzaneen  A 53-year-old Limpopo teacher, accused of sexually assaulting a 13-year-old Grade 7 learner at a school outside Tzaneen, is expected to apply for bail today in the Bolobedu Magistrate’s Court. The teacher was arrested last week after the learner’s mother discovered explicit text messages on her daughter’s phone. The mother alleges that the teacher gave the learner R50 in exchange for her silence.

  FG SETS GUIDELINES FOR INVESTING IN ITS $500M BOND OFFER  The Federal government has given directives to investors seeking to invest in its latest $500m bond financial instrument  This was made known in a Frequently Asked Questions document provided by the Debt Management Office on its website. According to the Debt Management Office's Frequently Asked Questions document, Nigerian citizens, including those living abroad, must have a Bank Verification Number and a National Identification Number to subscribe to the domestic dollar bond, which was issued on Monday. The $500 million bond is part of a broader $2 billion program, aimed at attracting local and foreign investors. Eligible participants include Nigerians resident in Nigeria, those in the diaspora with foreign exchange savings abroad, and foreign institutional investors. The document stated that subscription to the Domestic FGN US Dollar Bond cannot be made by cash as all payments must be made through electronic transfers i

 Justice Olukayode Ariwoola bows out as the CJN A valedictory session of the Supreme Court of Nigeria is currently ongoing in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory for the outgoing Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola. Former President Muhammadu Buhari appointed Ariwoola as acting CJN in June 2022 following the resignation of Justice Tanko Muhammad on health grounds. Justice Ariwoola was subsequently sworn in October of the same year following his confirmation by the Senate. Ariwoola was appointed a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria in 2011. He was a Justice of the Court of Appeal between 2005 and 2011 after having been elevated from the State High Court of Oyo State. The event brought together eminent legal Practitioners from the Bar and Bench across Nigeria. On his remark, the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), described Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, as an outstanding jurist, a communal Personality, who prioritize the need of the people

 9 DAYS AFTER…Pressure Mounts For Rescue Of 20 Abducted Medical Students ....CSOs, NANS seek their safe return | Say security agencies not doing enough  ....Police comb Benue forest in search of victims  ....Families struggling to raise ransom Three of the 20 medical students of University of Jos and University of Maiduguri who  were kidnapped in Benue State nine days ago Three of the 20 medical students of University of Jos and University of Maiduguri who were kidnapped in Benue State nine days ago The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and some Civil Society Organisations have expressed anger over the continued captivity of the 20 medical students kidnapped in Benue State. The medical students, who are from the University of Maiduguri and the University of Jos, were on their way to Enugu for a conference when they abducted in Benue State and have now spent nine days in captivity. NANS and the CSOs have now call for immediate action to rescue the 20 medical students. In

 Chinese investors Zhongshang seize another $57m Nigerian jet in Canada A Chinese firm, Zhongshang Fucheng Industrial Investment Ltd., has finalised the repossession of a luxury jet owned by Nigeria in Canada. Peoples Gazette reports that Zhongshang recently received a change of custodian paperwork for the Bombardier 6000 type BD-700-1A10 aircraft from Canadian authorities in Montreal after a Canadian court issued a judgement that empowered the firm to seize the jet from Nigeria. “The court granted orders for Zhongshang to seize the plane earlier this year, but the change of custody from Nigeria to Zhongshang was only recently concluded,” a person familiar with Zhongshang’s activities said anonymously. “Zhongshang will not stop seizing Nigeria’s assets worldwide until the last cent of the arbitration awards has been paid.” According to the report, Judge David Collier of the Superior Court of Quebec quashed Nigeria’s arguments to keep ownership of the aircraft on March 21, 2024. Records

 ‘People die everyday’ – Seun Egbegbe recounts prison experience Nigerian filmmaker and producer Seun Egbegbe has recounted his experience during his time in prison. Speaking in his latest interview with actress Biola Adebayo on the ‘Talk to B’ podcast, Egbegbe said he prayed fervently for survival during his stay in jail. While appreciating God for saving him, the filmmaker noted that inmates are dying daily in prison. “People died every day in that prison. It is not a good place. I told God that if you truly exist, then I must leave here alive. “If you go and return, thank God. Know that He loves you and has given you a second chance to live. “There is a cell for new prisoners; it is called ‘welcome cell’. If 20 people were brought in overnight, at least two would be found dead by the following morning.” DAILY POST recalls that Seun Egbegbe was remanded in February 2017 after being accused of obtaining money by pretence from 40 Bureau De Change operators to exchange large sums of nai

 Bandits kill 13 farmers in Niger Gunmen suspected to be bandits have killed 13 persons on their farms at the Ijuwa fringes of the Alawa community of the Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State. The LGA Chairman, Akilu Isyaku, who confirmed the killing in Minna on Wednesday, said the bandits shot nine of the victims to death while four others were killed at a different location the same day. A resident who spoke to newsmen said the bandits targeted the community over allegations that members supplied intelligence to security agencies on bandits’ movements. Meanwhile, Niger State acting Governor Yakubu Garba described the attack as satanic and callous. In a statement, Garba condoled with the affected families, community members, and the entire people of Shiroro LGA over the unfortunate incident. The attack reportedly occurred at a time when farmers were expected to spend more time on their farms. It was gathered that several other farmers far away from the scene of the attack had d

 2025 budget will be based on needs assessment, says Gbajabiamila The Federal Government has announced plans to allocate funds in the 2025 budget based on a thorough needs assessment, prioritising essential projects and agencies.  It said It will ensure that funding allocated to agencies are based on actual requirements. Chief of Staff to the President, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, disclosed this while speaking to journalists after a one-day fact-finding tour of government agencies under the State House, emphasising the need for prioritisation given the limited resources available. Gbajabiamila questioned the current funding and performance of various agencies, considering their mandates and relevance to the administration’s vision and the Renewed Hope Agenda.  He hinted at the possibility of merging or scrapping underperforming agencies to optimize resources. ”In any country in the world, resources are limited. For us it is about prioritizing. Where are we so far? What have the agencies don

 Obasanjo mourns Ayoola, says late ex- ICPC Chair bathed in honour, dignity Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has mourned former Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Justice Emmanuel Ayoola, saying he left behind a name thoroughly bathed in honour and dignity.  Ayoola, one of the nation’s eminent and most revered jurists, died at 90 on Tuesday.  Obasanjo, in a condolence letter to the Head of Ayoola Family, a copy which was made available to journalists by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, said the news of the death came to him in Congo Brazzaville as “a jarring shock.” The former President, who appointed late Ayoola as chairman of the ICPC during his administration, stated that throughout his entire career in the Public Service, the late legal icon exhibited and demonstrated very good leadership qualities, wisdom and wealth of experience as well as rare qualities of commitment and courage, always upholding the che

 66-year-old Missouri man selflessly loses his life saving children struggling in Smithville Lake. David Moore was enjoying a day on Smithville Lake with friends on a pontoon boat. The peacefulness of the day was interrupted when David noticed a 5-year-old and another individual, who were not wearing life vests, begin to struggle as they were being pulled away from their boat. David who spent his life as a contractor showed zero hesitation as he plunged into the water to enact a rescue. David, who was not wearing a life vest, was able to recover both individuals and get them back to the boat. However tragedy struck when the current suddenly began to pull David away. The shocked individuals who witnessed the entire ordeal say "David's head popped out of the water three times before submerging" to not be seen again. Missouri State Police were able to recover David's body later that day.  They are urging everyone on the water this summer to wear a life vest. No matter ho

 NAFDAC Seizes Three Tankers For Transporting Vegetable Oil With Petrol Tanker In Lagos The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has seized three petrol tanker trucks in Apapa, Lagos, for allegedly transporting crude edible vegetable oil.  According to NAFDAC in a statement on Wednesday, the oil had been "trans-loaded into the tankers from an edible oil depot," raising concerns about the potential health risks. The agency highlighted that using petrol tankers to transport edible oil could lead to "chemical contamination from the tankers' previous use," posing a serious threat to public health.    The seized tankers were subsequently escorted to a processing facility in Sango-Ota, where the crude soy oil was handed over to the Southwest Zonal Office of NAFDAC for further regulatory action.   In response to this incident, the Director-General of NAFDAC has established a committee tasked with developing guidelines and a code of ethi

 At least 17 killed in blast at pharma factory in India A blast in an Indian pharmaceutical factory has killed at least 17 people with chemicals burning the skin off several of the 34 injured, police said Thursday. The Hindu newspaper reported that the force of the blast had been so strong, it left severed body parts scattered around the site. The incident took place during lunchtime at the factory, which began operating in 2019, said District Collector Vijaya Krishnan. Some 380 employees work two shifts at the plant. Many workers escaped unhurt because they were on lunch break. The company manufactures intermediate chemicals and active pharmaceutical ingredients, local media reports said. Secretary Yuvaraj said the initial investigation showed “there was some vapour leak that led to chemical reactions, which caused the explosion”. The state government has ordered an inquiry into the incident. Officials said they were scanning security camera footage and questioning the injured to deci