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  Police Arrest Woman Who Concealed 124 Rounds Of Anti-Aircraft Ammunition In Palm Oil  Operatives of the Nasarawa State Police Command has arrested a female suspect, Hauwa Sani for concealing 124 rounds of anti-aircraft ammunition in a gallon of palm oil.  In a statement issued on Saturday, the state's Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ramhan Nansel, said the suspect was arrested alongside a 2-year-old child on Friday August 23 by police operatives attached to Keffi Division.  According to him, the suspect was also with a mobile phone and the sum of ₦78,500 while trying to smuggle the ammunition to Katsina State.  Mr Nansel noted that preliminary findings revealed that the female suspect received supply of the ammunition at Rafin Sanyi Village of Doma Local Government Area of Nasarawa state.  The Commissioner of Police, CP Umar Shehu Nadada has ordered the transfer of the suspect and exhibit to Force Intelligence Department, Force Headquarters Abuja for...

 Nigerian King, Oba Fredrick Obateru Akinruntan is the second richest King in Africa with a net worth of $300 million in 2014. He is the Olugbo of Ugbo Kingdom in Ondo State. He is the Founder of Obat Oil, which owns over 50 fuel stations and one of Africa's largest tank farms with a capacity to store 65 million liters of petroleum products. He owns real estate properties in the UK and Nigeria. He has a customised built 2012 Rolls Royce, $1 million wristwatch and 2014 Bentley. Source: Forbes

  NIA DG, Ahmed Rufai resigns NIA boss tenders resignation to President Tinubu In a surprise move, the Director General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ahmed Rufai Abubakar, has resigned from his position, effective immediately.  Abubakar submitted his resignation letter to President Bola Tinubu on August 24. The reasons behind Abubakar's sudden departure are still unclear, sparking speculation about the circumstances surrounding his exit. Abubakar, who was appointed NIA DG by former President Muhammadu Buhari in January 2018, has been at the helm of the agency for over five years.  His resignation comes at a time when the agency is critical in addressing Nigeria's security challenges.

 Luxembourg-The Richest Country In The World Per Capita Luxembourg is currently the richest country in the world based on its GDP per capita (PPP) of $143,742 according to the 2024 IMF report. Ireland, Singapore, and Qatar trail behind the world’s only grand duchy at $133,895, $133,737, and $112,282, respectively Many could assume that the world's richest country is among the larger world powers. However, this is so far from the truth. In fact, you would be surprised to find out that many of the planet's wealthiest nations are also among the tiniest. In a recent data report by Global Finance, which compared the domestic gross product (GDP) of countries around the world, it was unveiled that Luxembourg was the richest country in the world in 2024. With a GDP per capita of $143,743 (around £109,820), Luxembourg is over two times wealthier than the UK, the current GDP per capita of which stands at £58,880. The Global Finance report revealed that from 2010 to 2024, Luxembourg exper...

 Members of the Kennedy family denounce RFK Jr.'s decision to endorse Trump Multiple members of the Kennedy family denounced Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s decision to endorse former President Donald Trump, calling the move a "betrayal." "We want an America filled with hope and bound together by a shared vision of a brighter future, a future defined by individual freedom, economic promise and national pride," said a statement signed by five of the former independent presidential candidate's siblings. "We believe in Harris and Walz," the statement continued. "Our brother Bobby's decision to endorse Trump today is a betrayal of the values that our father and our family hold most dear. It is a sad ending to a sad story." The statement includes signatures from Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, Courtney Kennedy, Kerry Kennedy, Chris Kennedy and Rory Kennedy. Joe Kennedy III, a grandson of Robert F. Kennedy, reacted to the statement, sharing it on X ...

  China-Africa Summit Marks a New Chapter in Cooperation and Opportunity for Enhanced Partnership In anticipation of the upcoming China-Africa summit in Beijing, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong has emphasized that the current global landscape presents a prime opportunity to strengthen China-Africa relations.  He noted the importance of the summit in amplifying the voice of the Global South, particularly in shaping global governance reforms. As African nations increasingly pursue unity and regional integration, the timing for deepening cooperation with China couldn’t be better. President Xi Jinping is set to participate in the summit, where he will unveil new aid packages for Africa.  The event will gather representatives from 53 African countries, with China’s role as Africa’s largest trading partner and a central figure in the Belt and Road Initiative.

 Separatist Fighters Allegedly Burn Two Taxis in Bamenda Separatist fighters allegedly set two taxis on fire in Bamenda last evening, August  23.  Like they indicated months ago after a similar act in the same city, taxi drivers are now required to paint their vehicles blue and white, the colours of Ambazonia.  Taxi drivers who comply with these demands are accused of terrorism by the authorities, and those who reject the separatist’s order are abducted, killed or have their vehicles set on fire. 

 SANWO-OLU CONGRATULATES ACTING CJN, JUSTICE KEKERE-EKUN   Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has congratulated the newly appointed Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, saying the appointment is well deserved. Governor Sanwo-Olu, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, on Friday, said Lagos State is proud to produce the second female Chief Justice of Nigeria.  He said the uncompromising jurist is a good ambassador of Lagos State, particularly the State judiciary, where she served passionately for over two decades in different capacities before her elevation to the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court in 2004 and 2013 respectively. Governor Sanwo-Olu urged Justice Kekere-Ekun to uphold the highest standards of integrity, fairness, and justice, which she had been known for in the discharge of her duties and make the judiciary to remain the true hope for the common man.  He said: "On beha...

 SANWO-OLU TASKS MANUFACTURERS ON TECHNOLOGY, INNOVATION  Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has tasked manufacturers to embrace new technology and innovation as tools that can significantly enhance productivity, optimise production processes, reduce waste and improve the quality of goods produced.  Governor Sanwo-Olu gave the advice at the 57th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Ikeja Branch, held in Lagos on Wednesday, themed: “Improving productivity in our manufacturing sector through enhanced infrastructure and competitiveness”. Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade & Investment (MCCTI), Dr. Olugbemi Aina, Sanwo-Olu stated that in the age of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, technology and innovation are no longer optional but essential.  His words: “To remain competitive, Nigerian manufacturers must embrace new technologies such as automation, artificial intelligen...

 POLICE INTERCEPT CONVOY OF FIVE HIGH-POWERED VEHICLES LOADED WITH ILLICIT CIGARETTES WORTH OVER R1 MILLION, THREE SUSPECTS ARRESTED, AND ONE INVOLVED IN A FATAL ACCIDENT In a relentless pursuit of suspects involved in transporting illicit cigarettes, members of the Limpopo Provincial Flying Squad intercepted a convoy of five high-powered vehicles loaded with illicit cigarettes worth over R1 million and arrested three suspects on Friday, 23 August 2024, following a high-speed chase. The chase unfolded on the R519 Bergenek road towards Zebediela when a black Jeep from Polokwane, fully loaded with illicit cigarettes, failed to stop. The Jeep collided with a truck, overturned, and the driver, a foreign national, tragically passed away at the scene. The truck driver and passenger sustained injuries and were taken to a local hospital. Two additional suspects, a South African and a foreign national, were arrested in a Toyota Rav 4, while a third foreign national suspect was arrested in a...

 Virginia Good Samaritan shoots man that was attempting to carjack a vehicle with a small child inside. A shocking incident occurred at a Lee's Kar-Go convenience store in Tazewell County Viginia last Friday. At around 1 p.m. a man identified as 30-year-old Cody Dailey, began assaulting a female in an attempt to steal her truck. The woman began to frantically try to stop Dailey due to the fact her child was inside of the truck. Her screams brought nearby witnesses to her aid and one of those Good Samaritans was armed. As the armed man approached Dailey he began instructing him to immediately stand down.  Rather than stand down, Dailey charged the man and shoved him to the ground. At this point the man fired a single round striking Dailey in the chest. Law enforcement working nearby heard the gunshot and quickly responded. Once on scene, the officer's rendered aid to Dailey and he was airlifted to a nearby hospital where he was last reported to be in stable condition. Upon rele...

 7-year-old Louisiana boy fatally struck by school bus after exiting. Residents in the Terrebonne Parish are reeling after a recent tragedy. Jeremiah Falgout a 7-year-old student from Montegut Elementary School sadly lost his life just this Thursday.  After attending school, Jeremiah was let off at his scheduled bus stop on Highway 665. After dropping off children at the stop the driver began pulling away.  Somehow, the bus driver, (who passed sobriety tests after the fact), fatally struck Jeremiah.  Jeremiah was rushed to a nearby hospital where he passed away. The incident remains under investigation.  Our thoughts are with the family of Jeremiah.

 Please help is presently on life support – Foluke Daramola makes a passionate appeal to Nigerians over her ailing colleague, Yusuf Olorungbebe Foluke Daramola Salako has passionately appealed to Nigerians over her colleague and production manager, Yusuf Olorungbebe. The movie star shared a video of the ailing actor on his hospital bed, as she revealed that the actor is currently on life support. Dropping his account number, she appealed to Nigerians to donate to help save his life as she stated that no amount is too small for him to live. She noted how their support will go a long way in helping them. I’m here again to plea on behalf of my very esteemed colleague and production manager, Mr Yusuf Olorungbebe; this is his state as of today, presently on life support 🙏🏻 Please, no amount is too small for him to live; your support will go a very long way in helping us thanks so much, everyone Over the years, Foluke Daramola has become a mouthpiece for ailing veterans, as she loves t...

 Woman sets herself ablaze in Jigawa state over marital issues  A 40-year-old woman named Fatsuma Bagobiri  in Garin Mallam village, Guri Local Government Area of Jigawa State, reportedly set herself on fire.  The Jigawa State Police Public Relations officer, DSP Lawan Shiisu Adam, confirmed that the tragic incident was reported on Thursday morning. Police officers from the Guri Divisional Police Headquarters promptly responded to the distress call. The woman's charred body was taken to the hospital and later released to the family for burial. Preliminary investigations revealed that the deceased had been battling depression ever since her divorce a few months prior. In response to this heartbreaking event, the Jigawa State Commissioner of Police, CP AT Abdullahi, urged citizens to turn to Almighty Allah for guidance, seek blessings through prayer, and seek wisdom from elders during difficult times.

 ‘Damagum, Anyanwu, Bature have destroyed PDP’ – Dino Melaye Former Kogi West senator Dino Melaye, on Saturday, accused the acting national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Iliya Damagum, Samuel Anyanwu, and Umar Bature of destroying the former ruling party. Melaye said the three chieftains have irredeemably destroyed PDP. Posting on X, the former lawmaker also hinted at the commercialisation and privatisation of the opposition party. According to Melaye: “End of the road for PDP as Damagum, Bature and Anyanwu irredeemably destroyed the party. We will talk about the commercialisation and privatisation of PDP. PDP is now once upon a time.” Recall that there were indications that the PDP National Working Committee, NWC, might sanction Damagum and National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu for an alleged letter to the Court of Appeal in Port Harcourt. The letter was seen as an anti-party activity, and some party leaders, including members of the National Executive Committee, NEC,...

 PRESS RELEASE 24:08:2024 To The Editors, CRIME: Apprehension of 21-Year-Old Orchestrating Fake Robbery to Sell Tricycle, Set to Face Court On August 20, 2024, the police operatives at 'C' Police Divisional headquarters took action and successfully arrested four individuals involved in a criminal conspiracy and attempted misappropriation of a tricycle. The tricycle, with registration number BAU 401 WB and body number 3566, was discovered in suspicious circumstances at Madina Quarters and reported to the 'C' Divisional Police Headquarters. Upon receiving the report, the Divisional Police Officer promptly led a team to the scene and apprehended four young men who were found attempting to dismantle and steal the tricycle. Upon further investigation, it was uncovered that the prime suspect, Muwafaqa Auwal, 21 years old, had conspired to fake a robbery of the tricycle. He had been entrusted with the tricycle by a neighbour for commercial use within the metropolitan area, but...

  Justin and Hailey Bieber announce birth of first child Canadian singer Justin Bieber has announced the birth of his first child with his wife Hailey Bieber. In an Instagram post, Bieber shared a picture of his newborn son's small foot. "Welcome home," Bieber wrote in the caption in the early hours of Saturday morning, revealing his name as Jack Blues Bieber. The photo shows the newborn’s tiny foot wrapped around a fuzzy blanket. Hailey Beiber reposted her husband's post on her Instagram stories, adding a teddy bear and light blue heart emoji. Katy Perry and Kylie Jenner were among the famous faces who congratulated the couple. Your blessing has arrived," Perry wrote as a comment to Bieber's post. Meanwhile, Jenner wrote: "I can't handle this little foot". Announcing their pregnancy in May, the couple shared a video and images of Hailey debuting her bump in a white lace dress. The 27-year-old American model and the pop singer got married in a s...

 Who is Kamala Harris' father? Economist Donald Harris absent from the DNC Kamala Harris’ father, her only living parent, was not in the audience with the rest of the vice president’s relatives during the most important speech of her political career Thursday night. Donald Harris, a leftist economist who turned 86 Friday, was conspicuously absent from the row of family that included husband Doug Emhoff and his two adult children, Cole and Ella, as well as Harris’ younger sister, Maya Harris, and her family at the United Center in Chicago. Vice President Kamala Harris spoke at length about her mother, Shyamala Gopalan Harris, during her speech on the final day of the 2024 Democratic National Convention where she formally accepted the Democratic nomination for president. She explained how her mother, a "five-foot-tall brown woman with an accent" who came to the U.S. from India at age 19, taught her and her sister, Maya, to "do something" about injustice. Harris al...

 An attorney granted bail after helping his client to escape from a lawful custody in Giyani  The Giyani Magistrate's Court has granted a 35-year-old attorney Austin Mabasa R2000 bail after he appeared in court today for allegedly aiding his client, 35-year-old Olando Chichongoe to escape from lawful custody. Hawks spokesperson in Limpopo, Warrant Officer Lethunya Mmuroa says Mabasa was arrested on Thursday by the Hawks Organised Crime Investigations unit in Musina. He has also been charged with conspiring to escape lawful custody, and interfering with police duties in Giyani. Mmuroa says the matter was postponed to the 7th of October for further investigation, and Chichongoe was denied bail.

 Shehu Sani Raises Alarm Over 600 Nigerians Who Refused To Return After Lesser Hajj In Saudi Arabia Former Nigerian senator and human rights activist, Shehu Sani, has expressed concerns over the growing number of Nigerians who travelled to Saudi Arabia for 2024 lesser Hajj and have refused to return home. Sani made this known in a post on his X handle on Friday. According to Sani, more than 600 Nigerians have not returned after performing the religious pilgrimage. He warned that the situation could lead Saudi authorities to tighten their visa regulations, making it more difficult for Nigerians to visit the country in the future. "Over 600 Nigerians who travelled to Saudia for lesser Hajj refused to return and this will compel the Saudi Authorities to tighten their visa rules," Sani said. "Many of those who want to travel will likely be tossed." However, many Nigerians have been calling on the government to address the situation and ensure that the actions of a few d...

 Nigeria secures release of 20 kidnapped students Nigerian police authorities have secured the release of 20 students who were kidnapped on their way to a convention in the north-central state of Benue last week, they said on Saturday, in a post on X. The victims, who are medical and dental students, were headed to the southeastern state of Enugu, when they were kidnapped by armed gunmen, Reuters reported. Armed gangs have been kidnapping villagers, students and motorists for ransom in northern Nigeria, with security forces unable to end the practice. "We confirm the release on Friday of our brothers and sisters and some other Nigerians who have been in captivity in Ntunkon forest, Benue state," Nigerian police spokesperson Olumuyiwa Adejobi said. He said no ransom was paid, rather they were "rescued tactically and professionally".

 Niger to Reduce Medical Fees by 50% Starting in September In a move aimed at improving access to healthcare for the rural population, the Nigerien government has announced a 50% reduction in medical fees at all public health facilities. The changes, effective September 1, will impact a range of services, including consultations, hospitalizations, and examinations, Sputnik reported. The reform also includes significant measures to ease the burden on families: childbirth will now be free, and the 150,000 CFA franc ($256) lifetime fee for dialysis has been eliminated. The government explained the decision by citing social justice concerns, emphasizing the limited access to healthcare in rural areas. By lowering the cost of medical services, they aim to encourage more people to seek treatment and improve overall health outcomes.

 Man with special needs passes away after being left in a hot car by his caregiver. At 4:43 p.m., August 20th, the Johnston County, North Carolina Sheriff's office received a frantic 911 call from 55-year-old Rogers Inge Jr. According to reports Inge began telling dispatchers he was responsible for a man's death in his care after leaving him in a hot car.  Inge, who was driving at the time, was instructed to pull over at a nearby Firestation where he was met by deputies and EMS. Sadly it was too late for Dontarious Batts. Dontarious Batts was a nonverbal individual. He was always smiling.  Inge told deputies on scene he had left Batts inside of his car while he worked his second job as a janitor at Cleveland High School.  He reported he had left Batts (who he is paid to care for) in his car with the windows up and engine off at around 8 a.m. Inge said he had checked on him around 10 a.m. but when he went to his car after his shift at 4:17 p.m., Batts had passed away....

 A Nigerian criminal apprehended with fraudulent South African documents in Sunnyside, Pretoria. More update later  More photos below. 

  Fake rides: Bolt counts losses after Nigerians, South Africans’ e-fight Ride-hailing service, Bolt has lamented that its “financial losses” following the order-a-ride prank between Nigerians and South Africans. The prank, which emerged amid ongoing rivalry between Nigeria and South Africa, forced Bolt to restrict inter-country ride requests between the two countries. The ride-hailing company also blocked an undisclosed number of riders leading to huge financial losses and disruption of service in both countries. Speaking on the issue, the Country Manager of Bolt, Yahaya Mohammed, said the company had launched an investigation to evaluate the financial losses recorded. Mohammed said the company would enforce more sanctions, including restricting access to Bolt app by both Nigeria and South Africa users. He hinted that the company might compensate drivers who suffered losses. “What we did was to block high volume of where these orders were coming from in both Nigeria and South Afri...

 Police Break Silence On Arrest Of Whistleblower PIDOM Officials from the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) have apprehended Bristol Tamunobiefiri, also known as PIDOM. The arrest took place on August 5, 2024, in his hotel room in Rivers State. A statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobion said he was arrested on allegations of “committing serious offences that undermine the integrity of government operations”. The statement added that there were several allegations levelled against the suspect, including unlawful possession, leakages of classified documents, cyber-related offences, and others. “We will do due diligence in carrying out a thorough investigation into the cases.” The statement further added that the force will leave no stone unturned to continually enforce the law and bequeath to Nigerians a more secure nation. The confirmation comes after investigative journalist, David Hundeyin, revealed that the anonymous whistl...

 Not all films are cinema-worthy, says Kunle Remi Actor Kunle Remi has shared his expert insights on the distinct differences between cinema-worthy films and those suited for television. In an exclusive interview with Hiptv News, Remi highlighted that the term “cinematic” is often misused, with many filmmakers and audiences confusing TV-quality productions with true cinematic experiences. He stressed that creating a genuinely cinematic film requires a specific level of quality, style, and effort. The actor praised director Kunle Afolayan’s work as a prime example of good cinematic value, noting that Afolayan’s focus on cinema might not translate to success in TV film direction. Remi also shared his ability to recognise when a film is rushed or poorly executed, even if labeled as cinema-worthy. He encouraged emerging filmmakers to embrace constructive criticism and not take offense at feedback from critics or audiences. According to him:  “Not everybody understands what cinema ...

 Dispatch rider killed in multiple crashes on Lekki-Epe expressway A dispatch rider riding along the Lekki-Epe Expressway in Lagos State was killed in an accident following a multiple-vehicle collision on Friday. This is just as two other persons sustained a fractured leg injury in the accident that occurred near the Chevron end of the expressway. According to a statement on Friday by the Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, Adebayo Taofiq, the accident involved a high-capacity bus with number plate AKD 952 XZ, a KIA RIO car with number plate BDG 853 DA and a motorcycle with number plate KTU 695 QK. Narrating how the accident occurred, Taofiq stated that “preliminary investigation revealed that the high-capacity ‘T&M’ bus lost control due to brake failure while speeding, colliding with an oncoming ‘KIA RIO’ vehicle. “The impact caused the KIA RIO to crash into a dispatch motorcycle in the opposite direction. The dispatch ...

 No plan to establish military base in Nigeria, says US The Department of Defense West Africa Coordination Element Lead, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM). Maj. Gen. Kenneth Ekman, said the United States is not considering establishing a military base in Nigeria. Speaking to journalists on the aftermath of their walking out of Niger Republic, Ekman said: “I am aware of no discussions between U.S. and Nigerian authorities on placing a U.S. base in Nigeria as a result of the Niger withdrawal. “So if strategy is war on a map, and if the problem we’re trying to solve is Sahelian-based violent extremism, and if the U.S. is not functioning in Niger, then where should we be? “That’s what led us to an outside-in approach relative to the Sahel. Does that make sense? So outside-in. And then anytime you talk about outside-in, the important question is, what is Nigeria’s role, given the strength of the nation, given the closeness of our partnership? So it’s a very natural question. “And I’m not su...

 Benin Republic, Niger enjoy smuggled fuel as Nigerians keep vigil at petrol stations ...How we get fuel from Nigerian smugglers – Niger petrol dealer ...Petrol hits N850/litre at depots, filling stations raise prices While many Nigerians are keeping vigil at filling stations to fuel their vehicles, motorists in the neighbouring countries of Benin Republic and Niger are enjoying fuel smuggled from Nigeria, a Saturday PUNCH investigation has shown. Our correspondents, who visited the two countries discovered that the smuggled petrol was being sold by black marketers, whose rates were cheaper than those operating in filling stations. Findings show that drivers often patronise the black marketers because their rates are cheaper than those who buy from the filling stations. Saturday PUNCH gathered the higher value of cefas (CFA) to naira made the Nigerian smuggled fuel attractive to citizens of the two countries. Nigeria is witnessing the fifth major fuel crisis since President Bola Ti...