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 Teenager remanded for alleged murder of classmate in Ondo   A Chief Magistrate in Ondo State, Olateju Odenusi-Fadeyi, has remanded a 15-year-old female student of Anglican Grammar School, Arigidi Akoko, for allegedly stabbing her 17-year-old colleague, Habib Salau, to death. The magistrate ordered her remand at the Ondo State Juvenile Home in Akure, pending advice from the office of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP). The magistrate, however, did not take her plea. The student is standing trial for allegedly stabbing the 17-year-old deceased, Habib Salau, with a knife during a scuffle between them after school hours. The defendant was brought to court on a two-count charge of conspiracy and murder. The Prosecutor, Josephine Awana, told the court that the young offender and one other, currently at large, conspired to commit murder on October 3, around 3:30 p.m., at Imo, Arigidi Akoko. Awana alleged that the defendant killed Salau by stabbing him with a knife during a fight. T

 Tinubu performs groundbreaking of 1,068km Sokoto-Badagry superhighway project   President Bola Tinubu on Thursday performed the groundbreaking of the 1,068 kilometres Sokoto-Badagry superhighway project. The ceremony was held at the project site in Illela Local Government Area of Sokoto State. Represented by Gov. Ahmad Aliyu of Sokoto State, Tinubu said the project was part of his Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at encouraging infrastructure development and uplifting socio-economic activities in the country. He said the project was a bold vision to develop infrastructure, enhance national connectivity and help grow the economy. The president pledged to execute viable projects that aligned with the development priorities and population growth with commensurate infrastructure to connect every part of the country. He urged the people to support the Federal Government’s programmes, and charged them to take ownership of the road, adding that, “it is for your own good”. The Minister of Works, Se

 Tinubu appoints four ministers from Ogun President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Jumoke Oduwole to head the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, marking her the fourth minister from Ogun State in his cabinet. Daily Trust reports that it is uncommon to have more than two ministers from one state in the federal cabinet. During the Federal Executive Council meeting on Wednesday, Tinubu announced the appointment of seven new ministers. The new ministers include Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu, widow of the late Ikemba of Nnewi, as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs; and Jumoke Oduwole, ex-Executive Secretary to the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council, as Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment. Others are Dr Nentawe Yilwatda, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction; Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi, Minister of Labour and Employment; Idi Mukhtar Maiha, Ministry of Livestock Development; Rt. Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Ata, Minister of State, Housing and U

 FG charges nine over Akpabio’s impeachment rumour The Federal Government has filed a six-count charge against nine defendants over allegations bordering on disseminating false information on the recent rumour about the impeachment of the Senate President, Godswil Akpabio. The charge, marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/555/2024, was filed at a Federal High Court in Abuja on October 21 by the Deputy Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, A. A. Yusuf. The News Agency of Nigeria recalls that the defendants were alleged to have published the false information on October 16 that the Department of State Services laid siege to the National Assembly with a view to effecting Akpabio’s impeachment. The Federal Government sued the Incorporated Trustee of Order Paper (on whose online platform the false information was allegedly published), Oke Epia (Founder/Publisher and Executive Director of Order Paper), and Tony Okeke Ofodile (Head of Operations) as first to third defendants. Also joined as fourth a

   Lakers' LeBron James Pranks Son Bronny by Filling Car with Cereal for Nike Ad Being the son of the team's star player apparently doesn't get Bronny James out of being pranked. In fact, it doesn't even get him out of a prank by his own father. At least not in an ad. LeBron James pranked his son and teammate ahead of the Los Angeles Lakers' season opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday by filling his car with cereal. "Hey rook, you better not be late," he said before driving off. The younger James got a dig in as well by saying, "you're too old for this," to the 39-year-old It was a light-hearted moment for the two teammates ahead of what figures to be a historic moment during Tuesday's game. Watch video below. 

 PRESS STATEMENT NPF CONDEMNS VIOLENCE IN AMAGBA COMMUNITY, LAUNCHES INVESTIGATION INTO FATAL SHOOTING OF MR. ISRAEL OGBEIDE IGP Orders Heightened Police Presence in Conflict Zones The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) strongly condemns the recent violence in Amagba Community, Edo State, resulting in the tragic death of Mr. Israel Ogbeide. His body was discovered on October 19, 2024, at approximately 2:00 pm, bearing a fatal gunshot wound. Preliminary investigations suggest that this unfortunate incident is connected to a longstanding dispute between the Amagba and Obagie communities. In response to this grievous occurrence, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, has directed a thorough investigation to uncover the circumstances surrounding the shooting and ensure that those responsible are swiftly brought to justice. The Nigeria Police Force is fully committed to restoring peace and stability in the affected areas while ensuring the perpetrators face the fu

 Short people and drama” – Netizens slam Davido’s cousin Nikos for comparing her height with actor Chinedu Ikedieze Davido’s cousin Nikos has sent tongues wagging, due to her recent interaction with Nollywood actor Chinedu Ikedieze. In the video circulating the internet, Nikos could be seen excitedly exchanging pleasantries with the veteran actor. The video then cut to a clip where she was telling the person behind the camera that she was super excited to meet him Nikos also mentioned that she was thrilled by the fact that she had finally met someone she was taller than. This single statement quickly became the cause of an intense online debate.

 Steph Curry debuts ‘Gold Medal' Olympics shoe on NBA’s opening night The 2024 NBA Opening Night is officially in the books, and every team has either a win or loss in the standings. Naturally, the Golden State Warriors already find themselves at the top of the Western Conference. Not only did the Warriors blow out the Portland Trail Blazers 139-104, but their star point guard shined bright in a new pair of sneakers. Before starting his 16th NBA season, Warriors guard Stephen Curry debuted his Olympic-inspired hoop shoes. The Warriors star debuted some flashy new kicks before Wednesday's 2024-25 NBA season opener against the Portland Trail Blazers, rocking new Curry 12s that celebrate his Olympic Gold Medal win in Paris over the summer. The shoes are the new “Gold Medal” PE of the Curry 12, per NBA footwear reporter Nick DePaula, and feature American flag insoles and the names of Curry's family members along the midfoot. DePaula shared that Curry Brand gifted the Warriors s

 D'banj Launches Football Club - Koko FC, Joins Lagos Liga Barely a few days after ace producer and Mavin label boss Michael Collins Ajereh, aka Don Jazzy, moved from the music industry into the world of football to start his newest venture, Supremos Football Club, his former associate and singer Oladapo Daniel Oyebanjo, aka D'banj has also joined the trail. The team will compete in the inaugural season of the Lagos Liga competition, facing off against other teams, including Don Jazzy’s Supremos FC. KOKO FC will contend with Mavbrooks SC, Applebee FC, Firecrackers FC, Jarus FC, and Superstar FC for the coveted 50 million naira cash prize. Lagos Liga announced his team;s entry thus; "I greet you, Specialee! Welcome one of the clubs fighting for the Lagos Liga crown! Koko FC by the legendary Superstar. First of his kind in this clime, D'Banj. The Koko Master! @iamdbanj "With D'banj's pedigree and commitment to excellence as already expressed in music and bus

 US warns Musk’s Super Pac $1m-a-day giveaways may be illegal, reports say The US justice department has sent a letter to Elon Musk’s Super Pac warning that the billionaire and Tesla CEO’s $1m-a-day giveaways may violate federal law, according to multiple reports. A letter from the department’s public integrity section, which investigates potential election-related law violations, went to the Pac, reports in CNN and New York Times said.  South Africa-born Musk, who has thrown his support behind Donald Trump in advance of the 5 November election, announced on Saturday while speaking before a crowd in Pennsylvania that he was giving away $1m each day until election day to someone who signs his online petition supporting the US constitution. He handed $1m checks to two separate people over the weekend: one to a man in Harrisburg on Saturday and another to a women in Pittsburgh on Sunday. Another voter in North Carolina has won $1m. Between in-person campaign events in support of the Repub

 Putin was presented with a BRICS bill at the summit The BRICS alliance has taken a step towards challenging the US dollar’s dominance by unveiling a prototype of its highly anticipated currency at the ongoing summit in Kazan, Russia. Russian President Vladimir Putin was seen holding a mock-up of the “BRICS bill,” featuring the flags of the five member nations – Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa – interconnected in a circle. The displayed currency note has a value of 100 and showcases additional flags on its reverse side, likely representing countries interested in joining the alliance, such as Mexico, Egypt, Nigeria, and Bahrain. As Putin held the new BRICS bill in his hand, it became clear that the group’s intent is not only to shift economic power but also to challenge the dominance of the US dollar in global trade.   Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the urgent need for reform in the international financial architecture, highlighting BRICS’ crucial role in promot

 North Korean balloon dumps rubbish on South Korean presidential compound a second time Trash carried by a North Korean balloon fell on the presidential compound in central Seoul on Thursday for the second time, raising concerns about the vulnerability of key South Korean sites. The incident comes after the rival Koreas ramped up threats and rhetoric against each other over North Korea’s claims that South Korea flew drones over its capital Pyongyang to scatter propaganda leaflets this month. No dangerous items were found in the rubbish that was dropped on the ground when one of the North Korean balloons burst over the South Korean presidential compound on Thursday morning, South Korea’s presidential security service said in a statement. North Korea has sent thousands of balloons carrying bags of rubbish like plastic and paper waste into South Korea since late May in a resumption of a Cold War-style psychological campaign. The trash that fell on the South Korean presidential compound in

  Former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Arrested on Sex Trafficking Charges Former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Mike Jeffries has been arrested, alongside his British partner Matthew Smith, on charges of sex trafficking. The pair are accused of exploiting young male models at lavish events in the US and overseas, promising job opportunities with the fashion brand while subjecting the men to abuse.  The arrests ,which also included an alleged middleman, James Jacobson, come after a year-long investigation by US prosecutors and the FBI. Jeffries, who led Abercrombie & Fitch from 1992 to 2014, and his partner have previously denied any wrongdoing. Abercrombie & Fitch has declined to comment. Breon Peace, US Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, said during a press conference that the indictment alleges Jeffries and Smith subjected men to “invasive and violent sexual contact” without their consent. Peace described the operation as well-organized and heavily funded to ensure se

 Ministers, Heads Of Agencies Restricted To 3-vehicle Convoy — Tinubu In a move to cut the cost of governance, President Bola Tinubu has restricted ministers, ministers of state, and heads of agencies of the federal government to a maximum of three vehicles in their official convoys. Tinubu, through a statement by his media aide, Bayo Onanuga, said no additional vehicles will be assigned to them for movement. The cost-cutting measure was announced today in a statement signed by the President. In January this year, President Tinubu took significant steps to reduce government expenditure by reducing his entourage on foreign trips from 50 to 20 officials while approving 25 for local trips. He similarly reduced the Vice President’s entourage to five officials on foreign trips and 15 for local trips. In the directive issued today, President Tinubu also ordered all ministers, ministers of state, and heads of agencies to have at most five security personnel attached to them. The security team

  Alleged $6bn Fraud: EFCC Amends Charges, Advances more Evidence against Agunloye The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC has altered the seven-count charges against the former Minister of Power, Olu Agunloye and advanced additional evidence against him. Agunloye is facing prosecution by the EFCC before Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the Federal Capital Territory,  (FCT) High Court, sitting in Apo, Abuja  on issues bordering on official corruption and fraudulent award of Mambilla  Power Project contract to the tune of $6billion (Six Billion US Dollars).   At the last court proceedings, prosecution counsel, Abba Muhammad, SAN, drew the attention of the court to some  amendments in the seven-count  charges and additional proofs of evidence advanced against the defendant earlier filed before the court and urged the court to allow the defendant take his plea in the light of the amendments, while defence counsel, Adeola Adedipe, SAN objected to the admission of the amendments on th

  Alleged N110.4b Fraud: Court Dismisses Bail Applications of Yahaya Bello’s Co-defendants   Justice Maryanne Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT,  High Court, Maitama, Abuja, on Thursday, October 24, 2024 dismissed oral bail applications of  Abdulsalam Hudu and Umar Oricho, who are co-defendants with the former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello in a N110.4 billion fraud case, preferred again them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. While defence counsel, J.B. Daudu, SAN and A.M. Aliyu, SAN, representing Hudu and Oricho, respectively argued that their clients were due for release from the holding facility of the Commission, prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, opposed their release on the basis of mere oral applications. Justice Anenih upheld the prosecution’s objection, stating that the bail applications should be made in writing. "You must come formally," she said, emphasizing the importance of following proper legal procedures. Hudu and Ori

  Alleged $6.2m Fraud: Emefiele Awarded Contracts without Bidding Processes-Witness The10th Prosecution Witness, (PW10),  Stephen Salau Gana,  in the trial of former governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Godwin Emefiele has disclosed  before Justice Hamza Mu’azu of the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT) High Court Maitama, Abuja,   that the company, April 16 16 Investment Limited, belonging to Sa’adatu Ramalan Yero, a staff of the apex bank was awarded a contract for the supply of vehicles to the CBN, valued at N99.9 million by direct procurement without a competitive bidding process. Led in his testimony by prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo SAN, the witness who was head of CBN’s Procurement Office during Emefiele’s tenure,  revealed that a CBN governor’s threshold of  contract approval was N100 million and that direct procurement was adopted only  in cases where there was only one sole manufacturer, distributor or representative, or in cases of emergency or where the goods are ava

 Chad denies supplying weapons to Sudan's RSF Chad has denied "amplifying the war in Sudan", which has killed thousands of people, by arming the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, warring against the Sudanese army for over a year, AFP reported. Chad's government was accused of aiding the RSF by Sudan's Darfur Governor Minni Minnawi, who heads a faction allied with the Khartoum government. On Wednesday, Minnawi told radio station RFI he had travelled to Paris to "ask France to halt the role of the Chadian government in the transit through its territory of non-humanitarian aid – military equipment – to RSF-controlled areas in Sudan." Chad, which has taken in some 680,000 refugees from Sudan – more than any other country – rejected the claims on Thursday. "Chad has no interest in amplifying the war in Sudan by supplying weapons," said foreign minister and government spokesperson Abderaman Koulamallah, pointing out that Chad was "one of the ra

 Africa records 134 new polio cases: WHO Africa has recorded 134 new polio cases in at least seven countries, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced on Thursday. WHO regional director for Africa, Matshidiso Moeti, in a message to mark World Polio Day 2024 said the circulating variant polio type 2 has been found in Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Mali, Niger and Nigeria. In 2024 alone, 134 polio type 2 cases were detected as of September 5, Moeti disclosed, Anadolu reported. She said significant improvement in polio eradication has been recorded in the Southern African region with no case of poliovirus reported in South Africa since 2022, hoping for an end to the virus in Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania and Zambia. Unity among countries Moeti commended the unity among the countries in the Lake Chad Basin and Sahel to tackle "a new and pressing challenge." She urged countries to step up the campaign to end polio on the continent. World Polio Day is c

 Egypt hosts Hamas to revive Gaza ceasefire talks An Egyptian security delegation met with a delegation of Hamas leaders in Cairo as part of efforts to resume the Gaza ceasefire negotiations, Egypt's state-affiliated Al Qahera News TV said on Thursday, citing an unnamed official source, Reuters reported. Egypt and Qatar have acted as mediators between Israel and Hamas in months of talks that broke down in August without an agreement to end fighting that began when the Palestinian group launched attacks on southern Israel on October 7, 2023. Hamas-run Al Aqsa TV said later on Thursday, citing sources, that a Hamas delegation, headed by chief negotiator and deputy Hamas Gaza chief Khalil Al-Hayya, arrived in Cairo to meet with the head of general intelligence agency, Hassan Mahmoud Rashad. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday that he welcomed Egypt's willingness to advance a deal for the release of hostages in the Gaza Strip. Earlier in the day, Qatar and Wa

 House of Reps Asks CBN To Withdraw Old Naira Notes, Release Sufficient New Notes Nigerian Lawmakers have urged the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to ensure wide circulation of new notes of N200, N500 and N1000 as well as begin a gradual withdrawal of the old notes from circulation. This call was made after a motion raised by Adam Victor Ogene (LP, Anambra), demanding that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) should kick-start awareness programmes for Nigerians to be aware and prepare for the deadline of December 31, 2024. Contributing to the discussion, the Labour Party lawmaker recounted the hardship, frustration, controversy and chaotic situation the implementation of the policy earlier caused in 2023. He added that the scarcity of the new currency notes led to untold hardship in the nation as a result of the CBN’s inability to supply new versions of the changed currency notes. "Going by the Supreme Court’s subsequent ruling and order, the N200, N500 and N1000 notes shall cease to

 President Tinubu speaks on his vision for the livestock industry  OPENING ADDRESS DELIVERED BY PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU GCFR, AT CONSULTATIVE WORKSHOP ON LIVESTOCK REFORMS IN NIGERIA ON 24 OCTOBER 2024 AT THE STATE HOUSE BANQUET HALL, ABUJA   I am delighted to join you today at this consultative workshop dedicated to one of the most critical aspects of our nation's development: the livestock sector. This area of our economy is close to my heart and central to our administration's vision. We owe ourselves and future generations the mission of accomplishing it in our time.    I congratulate the Presidential Livestock Reforms Implementation Committee for facilitating this essential dialogue between stakeholders and the public.    Our shared mission is clear: we aim to transform the livestock sector from its current subsistence model into a thriving, commercialised industry, an industry that significantly contributes to Nigeria's Gross Domestic Product and provides decent j

 STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE   NEGLECTING LIVESTOCK FARMING IN THE PAST WAS A MISTAKE THAT SHOULD NOT BE REPEATED, SAYS PRESIDENT TINUBU   President Bola Tinubu, speaking in Abuja, reassured the public that past mistakes, such as neglecting livestock farming and relying on dairy imports, will be avoided. He pledged a robust framework to stimulate prosperity in the sector, instilling confidence in his commitment.    The President, who opened a two-day Consultative Workshop on Livestock Reforms on Thursday at the State House Conference Centre, pledged government support in revamping and repositioning the sector to create employment and attract foreign Direct Investment (FDI).    “The livestock sector is critical, and we will give all it needs to bring value to our country. Stakeholders, I assure you that you will not regret the collaboration and investment in this sector.   “It is about time that we do it right. A country of over 200 million people and cannot serve our children one pint of

  NNPC Confirms Crashed Helicopter Was Conveying Its Staff NNPC has confirmed that the helicopter that crashed on Thursday was hired by it and conveying some of its staff This is a statement issued by the Corporation  HELICOPTER INCIDENT EN ROUTE TO NNPC’s FPSO - NUIMS ANTAN On the 24th of October 2024, about 11:22am, we lost contact with the Helicopter – Register Number: 5NBQG, engaged by NNPC Limited, that took off from Port Harcourt NAF Base en route the FPSO – NUIMS ANTAN. The helicopter was operated by East Winds Aviation. There were 8 persons on board (6 passengers and 2 crew members). The appropriate authorities have been contacted, including the Ministry of Aviation, who have since issued a press statement. Search and rescue missions are currently ongoing. So far, three (3) bodies have been recovered. We shall continue to monitor the situation and provide regular updates as the events unfold. Our prayers are with the passengers, crew and their respective families at this very d

PRESS RELEASE NIGERIA MARKS THE 2024 GLOBAL MEDIA AND INFORMATION LITERACY WEEK, IN ABUJA.  The Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, will on Friday 25th October 2024 at the Conference Centre of the National Open University of Nigeria, NOUN, declare open a symposium jointly organised by the International Media and Information Literacy Institute (IMILI), the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation and the UNESCO, Abuja office.  The Symposium themed; Empowering Nigerians through Digital Literacy: Navigating the New Media Frontiers for Inclusive Public Information”, is part of activities lined up to celebrate this year’s Global Media and Information Literacy Week.  The United Nations has set aside October 24th to 31st annually as the Global Media and Information Literacy (GMIL) week to mobilize stakeholders and raise awareness on the need for a media-literate society and to track the progress made since the proclamation of the Global Media Informati

 Former NEC Chairman Humphrey Nwosu Is Dead Professor Humphrey Nwosu, the chairman of the National Electoral Commission (NEC), now known as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), from 1989 to 1993 has been confirmed dead. Nwosu, born on October 2, 1941, breathed his last in a Virginia hospital in the United States. Appointed by the then military dictator, General Ibrahim Babangida, Nwosu oversaw the election that many still regard as the freest and fairest in the nation's history. In that presidential election, Chief Moshood Abiola of the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP) triumphed over Bashir Tofa of the defunct National Republican Convention (NRC). Nwosu's commission introduced the novel Option A4 voting system and the Open ballot system. Despite his efforts, Nwosu was forced to halt the release of the election results by the Babangida regime before the final tally could be announced. In July 2024, the House of Representatives called on President Bola Tinub

 How Mother Of 3 Begged Kaduna Court To Order Ex-husband To Stop Visiting Her House A mother of three, Amina Rabiu on Tuesday prayed a Shari’a court sitting at Magajin Gari, Kaduna state to order her former husband, Tahir Usman to stop visiting her in her house. The complainant told the court that the defendant divorced her three months ago following a misunderstanding. She noted that the divorce was the second divorce since their marriage, she therefore prayed the court to confirm the two divorce pronunciations “He usually comes to my house and makes moves to sleep with me after the divorce. I want this honourable court to intervene and warn him to stay away from me," she said. ”I want the court to grant me custody of our children and compel him to take care of his responsibilities as a father, “she prayed. On his part, the defendant who was represented by his counsel, Muhammad Garba, said, “my client only issued one divorce pronunciation on the complainant and that was a long ti

Nigeria Customs Service Football Team Reaches Quarter-Finals in 2024 Maritime Cup The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) football team has secured a quarter-final berth in the ongoing 2024 Ships and Ports Maritime Cup after defeating the Nigerian Shippers Council 2-1 on Tuesday. This was stated in a release issued by Afolabi Ajayi, the Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College (NCCSC), on Wednesday, 23 October 2024. According to the statement, Superintendent of Customs Buhari Sani scored the opening goal of the Group B encounter in the 32nd minute before Assistant Superintendent of Customs Mikhal Abubakar doubled the lead for the Grey Wolves in the 53rd minute. The Nigerian Shippers Council pulled one back in the 60th minute, but the Nigeria Customs Service held on for the valuable three points until the final whistle. The victory secured the NCS a place in the competition's quarter-finals, having won their first group match against Apapa Ports and Termin

 Shooting Behind Unizik Gate Axis Leaves Four Dead No fewer than four persons have been killed after suspected cultists invaded Ifite Awka area, behind the school gate of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State in an early morning attack on Thursday. Eyewitnesses, who live around Witness Garden, Ifite-Amansea Road, said gun-wielding hoodlums invaded the axis around 9:30am on Thursday and opened fire on some persons suspected to be members of a rival cult group, thereby causing chaos and panic in the area. From information gathered, the attacking suspected cultists were looking for members of the rival cult group who were said to be hanging around the vicinity of Unizik School Gate. In his reaction to the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed that a team of policemen has taken over the scene of the shooting. According to him, preliminary information showed that the armed men, unprovoked, started shooting sporadically and some bullets, fatally,

 Three Die In Nigeria Helicopter Crash Three persons have been confirmed dead in a helicopter crash that occurred in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, on Thursday.  The accident occurred at 11:22 a.m. along the waterways in Port Harcourt when the helicopter, a Sikorsky SK76 with registration 5NBQG and operated by East Wind Aviation, was en route from Port Harcourt Military Base (DNPM) to the Nuimantan oil rig. A total of eight persons were confirmed on board, said a spokesperson for the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Odutayo Oluseyi. The aircraft ditched into the waters near Bonny Finima in the Atlantic Ocean, the authorities said in a statement, adding that rescue efforts have been activated. The ministry said the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) and neighbouring aerodromes have been notified, adding that search and rescue operations have commenced with the support of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and other relevant agencies. “While n