PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 Rachel Gupta made history by becoming the first Indian to win the Miss Grand International title. At the 12th edition of this global beauty pageant, held since 2013, Rachel triumphed over 69 contestants to secure the prestigious crown. The grand event took place on October 25, 2024, at the MGI Hall, Bravo BKK Mall in Bangkok, Thailand, where Rachel’s victory marked a proud moment for India. The 20-year-old from Jalandhar, Punjab, was one of the youngest contestants in the competition, and she defeated the hot favorite, CJ Opiaza from the Philippines, in the grand finale. Rachel’s charm, confidence, and outstanding performance helped her surpass other strong contenders, especially Opiaza, who had been a popular choice for the title. Opiaza was ultimately named the 1st Runner-Up in the competition. Luciana Fuster of Peru, last year’s Miss Grand International winner, crowned Rachel as her successor at the end of the event. The audience celebrated this significant achievement with lou...

 In a disturbing case, police officials reported that a 16-year-old girl in Uttar Pradesh was allegedly raped repeatedly by her father. According to rural police superintendent Sagar Jain, the victim’s mother died a decade ago, which left her vulnerable to the alleged abuse. This week, the brave teenager gathered the courage to report the heinous crime to the police, recounting the horrific experiences she endured at the hands of her father. She revealed that whenever she protested or resisted, he would brutally beat her. Despite her family members being informed about the situation and the Panchayat issuing a warning to her father, the alleged abuse continued. Based on her complaint, an FIR was registered, and the victim was sent for a medical examination. The accused father has been arrested, and further investigation is currently ongoing, as confirmed by Superintendent Jain. This disturbing incident underscores the urgent need for greater awareness and support for victims of chi...

 Moment £77m Russian air defence obliterated The Ukrainian military captured the moment a $100 million (£77million) Russian  Air defence system blew up spectacularly . Ukraine’s Defense Forces pinpointed the elite Russian BUK-M2 air defence system before wiping it out with a missile. The video shows the Russian air defence system uncovered in the middle of a forest in the Zaporizhzhia region. The Ukrainian Southern Command then unleashed a HIMARS MLRS missile, destroying the Russian installation with a huge explosion that could be seen from the sky. The Russian military crew operating the BUK-M2 died in the blast. Ukraine’s Defence Ministry shared a video of the strike, commenting: "Destruction of a Russian BUK-M2 air defence system is, of course, good. However, destruction of a Russian BUK with a spectacular fireworks finale is truly amazing." The BUK-M2, first developed by the Soviet Union, is designed to intercept aeroplanes, helicopters, drones and cruise missiles It usua...

 Gani Adams sues Igboho for N5bn for alleged invasion of privacy The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, has filed a ₦5 billion lawsuit against Yoruba Nation activist Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, at an Oyo State High Court.    Adams alleges that Igboho illegally recorded and released a private phone conversation between him and another individual without his consent, an action Adams claims has severely harmed his reputation.   In suit number M/1006/2024, Adams is seeking the enforcement of his fundamental rights, citing Section 37 of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, which guarantees the right to privacy. His statement highlights that Igboho’s actions were “unlawful, illegal, and unconstitutional,” describing them as “reckless and injurious” to his position as the Aare Ona Kakanfo.   According to Adams, the recorded conversation was shared publicly on social media in April 2024, which caused him “serious embarrassment.” He argue...

 A daring escape unfolded in Rabie Ridge, where suspects used snakes to scare off police, allowing some to flee. The incident occurred during a crackdown on suspected stolen vehicles, car jamming devices, live ammunition and drugs. Police managed to apprehend two suspects, but others escaped by using snakes to intimidate the EMPD officers. The Rabie Ridge Police Station, responsible for maintaining law and order in the area, responded promptly to the situation. They have a dedicated team for crime reporting, community policing and emergency assistance. In a surprising twist, members from the SPCA were called to the scene, and three snakes were removed. The suspects' unorthodox tactic has raised eyebrows, but the police remain committed to ensuring public safety. More photos below. 

 It is reported that Hlamulo Nicolas Mabasa (34) was found guilty of raping a 19-year-old girl in the bushes of Xikundu Xifaxani and Xikundu villages in 2020. The victim was at the main road waiting for transport to her home when the accused known to her emerged. He advised her to move from where she was waiting because it was not a safe spot. She then moved and walked with him. While on the way to a ‘safer spot,’ the accused suddenly demanded to have sexual intercourse with her. The victim refused. Subsequently, the accused assaulted her, produced a knife, and threatened to kill her. Thereafter, he raped her. She managed to escape and ran to the road where she got transport from another man who offered her a place to sleep. The following day, she went home, and the incident was reported to the police. The case was investigated by Sergeant Sydwell Hasani Chauke of Giyani Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS), and the suspect was arrested few days followin...

 Man sentenced to life imprisonment plus thirty years for murdering a traffic police officer during house robberies  Calvin Mphela Molomo (39) sentenced to life plus thirty years by Polokwane High Court for murdering Tshwane Metro Police Officer, Mmatlala Margaret Matlala (40) during house robberies in Gauteng.  The investigation was led by Sergeant Ramokone Lucy Mokhonoana, resulting in multiple convictions for Molomo.

 A 15-year-old juvenile from Centralia was taken into custody after an alleged accidental shooting of a 14-year-old female juvenile. He was released shortly afterwards due to "no space" at the juvenile facility.  Yesterday's incident unfolded at approximately 8:15 a.m. at a residence on East Rasback. A 14-year-old girl was accompanied by a friend while visiting two males at the residence. While visiting, one of the males produced a firearm to show everyone else. At some point, the firearm discharged and struck the 14-year-old female in the leg.  However, the initial 911 call reported the incident was "related to a fall". After the juvenile female was treated medically, the 15-year-old juvenile was taken into custody.  The 15-year-old male was taken into custody and charged with aggravated discharge of a firearm, aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, and aggravated assault.  However, when the minor was taken to a juvenile facility he was released due to there bein...

 FURTHER UPDATE ON MURDER OF ENUGU MUSICIAN: INVESTIGATION CONCLUDED, ORDERLY ROOM TRIAL OF THE IMPLICATED POLICE INSPECTOR COMMENCES ...CP Kanayo Orders Redeployment of Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad Commander Following the tragic and unwarranted shooting and killing of Enugu-based Ogene musician, Chikezie Okezie Nwamba "m" (a.k.a. Igbo-Jah), the Enugu State Command’s Criminal Investigation Department (State CID) has concluded its investigation into the incident. Consequently, the orderly room trial of the implicated Police Inspector, Ozonwanji Joseph, has commenced. This trial will facilitate the next course of action in accordance with the Nigeria Police Force’s disciplinary procedures. CP Kanayo reaffirms his commitment to ensuring that justice is done in the case and maintaining the highest standards of professionalism among all police officers in the State. He calls on the citizenry to continue to keep the faith and support the police, especially in bringing this case to a...

 I have Peace, Peace of mind wan finish me – Portable’s 3rd babymama, Honey Berry brags amid his latest drama with 4th babymama, Ashabi Honey Berry, the 3rd baby mama of controversial singer, Portable, has reacted to his latest drama with his 4th baby mama, Ashabi. We reported on Friday that Ashabi had shared a video of herself as she described herself as a blessed, happy, determined, grateful, and peaceful woman.  Portable, who was triggered by her post, blasted her as he stated that her love for fame made her have kids with him. He claimed that she was using her fake love to spoil his real love as he added that her leg wasn’t good. In another new series of posts, while explaining the cause of his latest tantrums, he warned her not to talk to his wife behind his back. He noted how anytime she mingles with his wife, he and his wife end up having issues as he vowed to impregnate one of her friends Taking to her Instagram page, Honey Berry, in a now-edited caption, shared a vide...

 Happy birthday to me, I am grateful to God for life and the gift of people - Nigeria Gospel music singer Tope Alabi grateful to God as she celebrate her 52 Years Birthday. Tope Alabi appreciate God glory and mercy on her life and sparing her life to witness new age. On the caption via her verified social media handle Tope Alabi said she is grateful to God for life and the gift of people and she noted that there is so much to be grateful for in her life. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME! I am grateful to God for life and the gift of people. There is so much to be grateful for!!! Don’t Don’t forget to join me and other ministers  for th00p0e Total Worship at 3pm. Venue: Student Union Building (SUB PITCH), Old Sports Complex, University of Ibadan.

 Please Forgive me Daddy, Nkechi Blessing kneels as she begs Mr Latin and TAMPAN for forgiveness Nollywood actress Nkechi Blessing has publicly tendered an apology to the Theater Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners of Nigeria TAMPAN and its president, Bolaji Amusan, better known as Mr Latin We reported in 2021 that Nkechi and Iyabo Ojo had openly condemned the conduct of Baba Ijesha for allegedly defiling the foster daughter of Nigerian comedienne Princess, which the association wasn’t pleased with. They had also clashed with some TAMPAN members, such as Yomi Fabiyi and Lege Maimi, who kicked against them for openly condemning Baba Ijesha. Following this, Veteran actor Jide Kosoko, during a press briefing, took action against them as he barred directors in the association from working with them.  Reacting to it, Nkechi mocked the association’s decision, stating they were threatening to frustrate people who could feed their entire generation till the end. She went on to call...

 Good as you apologize, It takes a courageous person to apologize” – Damola Olatunji to Nkechi Blessing’s public apology to TAMPAN Nollywood actor Damola Olatunji has expressed pride in his colleague, Nkechi Blessing, following her public apology to Theater Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners of Nigeria, TAMPAN, and its president, Bolaji Amusan, popularly known as Mr Latin, at the entertainment awards in Canada. The internet was thrown into a frenzy when Nkechi Blessing knelt to acknowledge her errors to the TAMPAN publicly. She sought the forgiveness of the leaders and pleaded that her ban in the industry be lifted. After this, Damola Olatunji shared the viral clip on his page, acknowledging the actress’s humility and courage.

 Sin no more, you have been forgiven and i commend and admire your courage” – Mr Latin accepts peace as he forgives Nkechi Blessing Veteran Nollywood actor and president of Theater Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners of Nigeria, TAMPAN, Bolaji Amusan, popularly known as Mr Latin has accepted peace as forgives Nkechi Blessing.

 Press Statement RMAFC Applauds President Tinubu’s Directive  on Reducing Cost of Governance  .... Urges States to Follow Suit   The Chairman,  Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) Dr. Muhammad Shehu Bello,  OFR has commended President Bola Tinubu for his directive to reduce the size of the official convoys of ministers and chief executives in his administration as a means of reducing the high cost of governance, while urging state governments to also follow suit. RMAFC’s Chairman, Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu, in a statement over the weekend, said the decision would go a long way in reducing the high cost of governance, which is partly responsible for the reduction in the provision of infrastructure and social services and the consequent fall in investment, high level unemployment, and rising insecurity in the country. He added that no society can make meaningful progress unless it develops a competent and cost-effective management sys...

 Court stops JAMB from restricting underage students The Delta State High Court in Warri has issued an order restraining the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board from implementing its recent policy requiring a minimum admissible age of 16 years for university admissions in the country pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice filed against the board. JAMB, in a statement on October 16, stated that only candidates who will be 16 years old by August 2025 would be admitted to tertiary institutions. This directive was a follow up to the new policy that the ministry of education introduced which states the adoption of 18 years as the minimum age for admission into tertiary institutions. JAMB, however, made an exception for students seeking admission in the 2024/2025 session. Dissatisfied with JAMB’s directive, John Aikpokpo-Martins, a former Nigerian Bar Association chairman, Warri branch, dragged the admission board to court. The sole applicant, Aikpokpo-Martins ...

 Kano: Woman among 44 elected LG chairmen as Commission issues certificates The Kano State Independent Electoral Commission, KANSIEC, has presented Certificates of Return to winners of Saturday’s local government elections. KANSIEC chairman Professor Sani Malumfashi presented the certificates to the 44 elected council chairmen. Among those elected as council chairmen is a young woman, Sa’adatu Yushau Tudunwada. She was elected as the Chairperson of Tudunwada LGA. “The issuance of today’s Certificates of Return marked the concluding end of our mandate which we have carried out diligently and in accordance with the Constitution and the laws of the land,” the KANSIEC chairman said. Speaking to newsmen, Tudunwada promised to ensure equity for the people of her local government area, regardless of their party affiliation. The newly elected Chairman of Fagge LGA, Salisu Masu, expressed concern that the council is experiencing revenue shortages due to leakages. He said, “I will do all I c...

 Reps panel to Umahi: You have no plan to fix deplorable roads — your priorities misplaced The house of representatives committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) has berated David Umahi, minister of works, over the state of roads across the country.  During an interactive session on Thursday, Remi Oseni, chairman of the committee, claimed that Umahi is getting his priorities wrong. Addressing the committee, Umahi attributed the deplorable state of roads to a dearth of resources. The committee chairman disagreed with the minister, stating that funding is not the problem. “You are not here to tell us what we already know in the area of resources,” Oseni said. “So, if you are telling us the reason you have failed in fixing our road infrastructure is because of resources — don’t let me take you up on that because you concentrated your energy as a minister on less priority issues. “Don’t discuss resources. All the roads that we have across the country have failed. If yo...

 Pasuma addresses controversy with Taye Currency at Ibadan show Wasiu Alabi Pasuma, the renowned Lagos-based Fuji legend, seemed to have indirectly addressed the ongoing issue between himself and protégé, Taye Currency, during a recent show in Oluyole, Ibadan, Oyo State. Pasuma, who had remained silent since the controversial statement by Currency went viral, took the opportunity during a live performance to express his thoughts through a metaphorical storyline.  He recounted a tale of a cat and its owner, where the owner, despite feeding the cat, was scratched by it in return.  Although Pasuma did not directly mention Currency’s name, the audience easily decoded the message. Ijoba Fuji, as Pasuma is fondly called, explained that while he wouldn’t discard the cat, he would distance himself from it to avoid further scratches. He cautioned his drummer against playing insulting sounds, noting that some people could interpret their meanings.  Pasuma emphasized his prefer...

 Air Peace denies plan to hike airfare One of the major airlines in the country, Air Peace, has denied plans to increase its one-way flight fare from Lagos to Abuja to N200,000. A post recently went viral indicating that Air Peace’s one-way flight would now cost N200,000 from November 1, 2024. The post claimed that the one-way flight fare on the airline would increase from N114,000 to N200,000 starting next month. However, in a statement released on Saturday, the airline said the post suggesting a 100% fare increase, featuring an image of Chairman Mr Allen Onyema, is false and did not originate from the airline. It added that its management has not released any official statement regarding a fare increase as claimed in the post. The statement read, “We would like to categorically state that this information is false and did not originate from Air Peace. “We have not released any official statement regarding a fare increase as described, and any announcements regarding our pricing w...

 A 15-year-old accused of taking the lives of his entire family attempted to stage the scene putting the blame on his deceased brother.  The entire community of Fall City, Washington woke up to shocking news on the morning of October 21st. An entire family had lost their lives over night with only two siblings surviving and 5 family members found deceased inside of the home. As more information slowly came out the community's shock turned into disgust and horror. According to the Kings County Sheriff's office they received a call at approximately 5 a.m. to the report of someone possibly taking their life. As authorities arrived on scene and cautiously made their way into the home they were not prepared for what they found. Once inside of the home, they found 5 members of Humiston family deceased inside. The deceased included both parents, Mark and Sarah Humiston, and 3 children of varying ages. The original 911 call had been made by the couple's 15-year-old old son who told...

 Woman who kept a tampon in for 8 hours at a wedding ended up fighting for her life in ICU from Toxic Shock Syndrome. A Texas mother of 3 is warning women nationwide of the very real dangers of Toxic Shock Syndrome. Ashley DeSkeere says that when she attended a friend's wedding in September she made a nearly fatal error when she left a tampon in for 8 hours. Ashley says she usually changes them every 4 hours but on that day she was distracted by the days events. Even so, she would have never believed only 8 hours would have been enough time to cause a fatal case of Toxic Shock Syndrome.  Two days after the wedding, Ashley woke up with a bad case of the chills and vomiting. She believed she must have caught a stomach bug at the wedding. Within 72 hours after the first reaction she was struggling to breathe and her blood pressure had dropped to dangerously low levels. Her husband rushed her to the hospital where doctors diagnosed her with Toxic Shock Syndrome.  Ashley would...

 Igbo Community Confers Chieftaincy Title On Gov Uba Sani The Igbo Community in Kaduna State has honored Governor Uba Sani with the chieftaincy title of Ezi Enyi Ndigbo (True Friend of the Igbos).  This recognition, presented during the 2024 Igbo Cultural Day Celebration, celebrates the governor's dedication to rebuilding trust, enhancing security, and promoting unity in the state. Governor Sani, in his acceptance speech, commended the Igbo community for their industriousness, resilience, and contributions to the state.  He emphasized the attractive business incentives Kaduna offers, reinforcing its status as a top state for ease of doing business.  To further support Igbo entrepreneurs, Governor Sani announced the allocation of land for a new Spare Parts Market, with plans to personally inaugurate the project with a groundbreaking ceremony. More photos below. 

 Our order stoping PDP’s congresses in Abia still subsists – Court rules Abia State High Court, Bende Judicial Division, presided over by Justice C.U. Okoroafor, has told the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that its earlier order restraining the party from holding state, local government and ward congresses in Abia State has not yet been vacated. The court order, which is dated October 25, was pursuant to the suit marked HB/3/2024, filed by Francis Etuzu, Chidindu Kalu Kalu, and Enyinnaya Ogbu. The court also ordered that contempt proceedings be served on the PDP National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu; Abia PDP Caretaker Committee Chairman, Alwell Asiforo Okere; and the Caretaker Committee Secretary, Kenneth Madubuike. Defendants in the suit include the PDP (excluding the claimants), the National Chairman of the PDP, the PDP National Financial Secretary, the PDP National Organizing Secretary, and the PDP National Legal Adviser.

 No plan to cede LG funds – Abia government replies NLC The Abia State Government has reacted to the letter sent to the Speaker of Abia State House of Assembly and jointly signed by the state chairman and secretary of the Abia State chapter of the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, where the organised labour alleged that there’s a bill sent to the State House of Assembly by the executive seeking to cede 90 per cent of local government funds to the State leaving the LGAs with 10 per cent. In a statement signed by Ferdinand Ekeoma, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, the Abia State government described the letter as disrespectful and baseless. He said that at no time did the executive arm of government send any bill to the Abia House of Assembly seeking to get 90 per cent of LGA allocation ceded to the state. According to the statement: “We challenge the NLC leadership who obviously fell prey to the mischievous and unsubstantiated fake news being circulated by some op...

 AFCON 2025: Libya files appeal against CAF’s decision to award match to Super Eagles The Libyan Football Federation, LFF, has decided to appeal the decision of the Confederation of African Football, CAF, to award Nigeria three goals and three goals over their botched 2025 African Cup of Nations qualifier. According to a Libyan outlet, alwasat.ly, they consider the verdict unfair. The LFF has now hired Tunisian lawyer, Ali Abbas, to defend its position in the case. The Match Day 4 fixture was scheduled to be played in Benina on October 15, but was cancelled after the Nigerian delegation saw their flight diverted. Players and officials of the Super Eagles were then held hostage in an abandoned airport for at least 17 hours. LFF have also been ordered to pay a fine of $50,000, with payment due within 60 days of notification of the present decision.

 Dismiss more ministers, Ndume tells Tinubu The lawmaker representing Borno South senatorial district, Ali Ndume, has called for the sacking of more slacking ministers from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet. Ndume, in a statement on Saturday in Abuja, said some other ministers who were not performing should be sacked. The lawmaker applauded Tinubu’s recent cabinet restructuring, particularly the creation of the Ministry of Regional Development to oversee all regional commissions. He said, “We saw President Tinubu’s cabinet reshuffle last week, which was a masterstroke. “More needs to be done as some ministers are still ‘missing in action. “I’m particularly pleased about establishing the Ministry of Regional Development to oversee regional commissions. The President’s decision to streamline ministries also exemplifies his commitment to reducing the cost of governance.” He encouraged Tinubu to pursue his de-dollarisation policy further by positioning Nigeria to join BRICS (Brazil, Russ...

 NDLEA intercepts US, Europe-bound drugs in shoe soles, N16.6b opioids at seaports . Recovers 2,760kg illicit consignments in Lagos shrine, underground storage in Lekki Consignments of opioids concealed in soles of shoes and hair attachments heading to the United States, United Kingdom and Cyprus have been intercepted by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, Ikeja Lagos and three courier companies in the state. A total of 2,118 pills of tramadol concealed in soles of 13 pairs of shoes going to Cyprus were seized at the export shed of the Lagos airport on 12th October 2024 and additional 380 tablets recovered from the home of the sender, Okenwa Kelvin Uchenna during a follow up operation in Enugu on Thursday 24th October. A cash of N968,880 and a Toyota Avalon car marked UWN 389 AS, were also recovered from the suspect at the time of his arrest.  Not less than 293 ampoules of promethazine and pentazoc...