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  E-HAILING CAB DRIVER ASSAULT: NPF STANDS FOR JUSTICE, RULE OF LAW In reaction to a case of assault and threat to life making the rounds in the media space by Hon. Alexander Mascot Ikwechegh, representing Aba North and South Federal Constituency in Abia State against a bolt driver, Mr. Stephen Abuwatseya, who was to deliver a package to him at a residence in Zamfara Crescent, Maitama, Abuja on the 27th October, 2024. The Nigeria Police Force has commenced an impartial investigation into the matter and wishes to reaffirm its commitment and readiness to ensure justice is served accordingly.

 Taliban bans women from ‘hearing other women’s voices’ The Taliban has banned women from hearing other women’s voices in its latest attempt to impose a hardline version of Islamic law on Afghanistan. In a rambling voice message on Monday, the country’s minister for the promotion of virtue and prevention of vice announced the bizarre new restriction on women’s rights. The Taliban has banned women from hearing other women’s voices in its latest attempt to impose a hardline version of Islamic law on Afghanistan. In a rambling voice message on Monday, the country’s minister for the promotion of virtue and prevention of vice announced the bizarre new restriction on women’s behavior. Although precise details of the Taliban’s ruling are unclear, Afghan human rights activists have warned it could mean women are effectively banned from holding conversations with one another. In his message, minister Khalid Hanafi said: “Even when an adult female prays and another female passes by, she must...

 Hezbollah Picks Naim Qassem as New Leader to Succeed Hassan Nasrallah Lebanese militant group Hezbollah announced that Naim Qassem will become its new leader, replacing long-standing chief Hassan Nasrallah, who Israel assassinatedjust over a month ago. Hezbollah’s main decision-making body, the Shura Council, agreed to make Qassem, who’s been deputy leader since 1991, the new secretary-general, the group announced on Telegram on Tuesday. Qassem, who’s in his early 70s and used to teach chemistry, was not the obvious successor. Most analysts thought that would be Hashem Safieddine, a cousin of Nasrallah. Yet he was killed in a separate Israeli airstrike on Beirut in early October. Qassem’s election “signals continuity rather than change for both Hezbollah and its backer Iran,” said Lina Khatib, associate fellow at Chatham House, a London-based think tank. It “sends a message of reassurance to Hezbollah’s constituents and of resilience to Hezbollah’s opponents.” He is the most polit...

 Gisele Bündchen Is Pregnant with Baby No. 3, Her First with Boyfriend Joaquim Valente The model, 44, and boyfriend Joaquim Valente, 37, are expecting their first baby together, Bündchen's third, a source close to Bündchen confirmed to PEOPLE on Monday, Oct. 28. She is reportedly 'five or six months' along in her pregnancy. Bündchen has been dating the Jiu-Jitsu instructor since June 2023. Their baby will join Bündchen's son Benjamin Rein, 14, and daughter Vivian Lake, 11, who she shares with ex-husband Tom Brady. Bündchen, who served as a Victoria's Secret Angel from 1999 until 2006, was notably absent from the 2024 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show held on Oct. 15, despite a variety of past Angels' returns. Bündchen and Valente were first spotted together in November 2022, when the pair visited Provincia de Puntarenas (a province located on Costa Rica's coast) with her two kids. After originally denying a romantic relationship with her trainer, a love con...

 Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs accused of raping 10-year-old boy: New lawsuit Sean "Diddy" Combs has been accused of drugging and sexually assaulting a 10-year-old boy in a new lawsuit. The rapper, 54, allegedly assaulted the boy in a New York City hotel room in 2005. A second new lawsuit accuses the jailed hip-hop mogul of assaulting a 17-year-old would-be contestant on the reality television series Making the Band in 2008. They are the latest in a wave of lawsuits in which accusers allege they were sexually assaulted by Combs at parties and meetings over the last two decades. Combs' lawyers denied the two new claims and accused the plaintiffs' lawyer, Anthony Buzbee, of seeking publicity. Mr Buzbee says he is representing more than 150 of the rapper's alleged victims, and has filed at least 17 lawsuits. "Mr Combs and his legal team have full confidence in the facts and the integrity of the judicial process," an emailed statement said. "In court, the truth wi...

 Google among investors putting $110 million into Nigeria’s Moniepoint Nigeria based fintech Moniepoint has raised $110 million in new funding from investors including Google to scale up digital payments and banking solutions across Africa, the company said on Tuesday. Moniepoint started operations in 2015 providing infrastructure and payment solutions for banks and financial institutions but has grown to also offer personal banking services. The latest funding round was supported by existing investors London-based Development Partners International and private equity firm Lightrock. Google’s Africa Investment Fund and Verod Capital came in as new investors. Sources close to the transaction said the new funding valued Moniepoint above $1 billion, giving it “unicorn” status – a term for tech firms with a valuation of a billion dollars or more. According to the company, the capital raised will be used to accelerate Moniepoint’s growth across Africa, building an all-in-one, seamlessly...

 Demanding new aircraft for Shettima insensitive – Peter Obi tackles Borno Speaker The 2023 Labour Party, LP, presidential candidate, Peter Obi, on Tuesday said it’s insensitive for anyone to demand a new aircraft for Vice President Kashim Shettima following the recent incident in the United States, US. The Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Abdulkareem Lawan, had claimed that Shettima’s life ‘is at risk due to the faulty presidential aircraft he is using to represent President Bola Tinubu in official engagements across the globe’. Reacting, Obi said the Speaker was unconcerned about the prevailing economic hardship confronting Nigerians. Posting on X, Obi wrote: “I just read a disturbing comment in the media space attributed to one of the supposed political leaders in the country that the life of the Vice President is in danger because of the faults recorded in his official aircraft. “The leader went further to urge the Federal Government to purchase a new aircraft for ...

 AFCON Qualifier: CAF Announces Dates For Super Eagles Final Matches The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) said the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has picked Nov. 14 and 18 for Nigeria’s final 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against the Republic of Benin and Rwanda. A statement on Tuesday by NFF, Match-day 5 clash with Benin Republic at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny on Nov. 14 will kick off at 8 p.m., Nigeria time. The Matchday 6 encounter with Rwanda will take place at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo on Nov. 18.

 LAGOS' HOS CONGRATULATES ONE DAY GOVERNOR FOR HIS COMMENDABLE LEVEL OF DILIGENCE, INTELLIGENCE  Lagos State Head of Service, Mr. Bode Agoro has commended Master Abdulazeez Abdulrahmon for his level of diligence, intelligence, and responsibility by earning the opportunity to serve as the One-Day Governor and leaders of his peers.  Head of Service stated this in his office on Monday while receiving Master Abdulazeez Abdulrahmon, his Deputy, Master Oki Sewanu as well as the Coordinator and Secretary to the State Government, Miss. Saheed Alimot Odere during a courtesy visit. He stressed that the One-Day Governor initiative is an inspiration to many young Lagosians who are eager to contribute positively to the State's development. Responding, the One-Day Governor, Master Abdulazeez Abdulrahmon appreciated the Head of Service, Mr. Bode Agoro for his good deeds for the entire Public Servants in ensuring that their welfare and well-being were adequately catered for. More photos ...

 PRESS RELEASE IGP, AFRICAN REGIONAL POLICE LEADERS ATTEND 12TH AFRIPOL STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING As IGP Harps on Regional integration The Inspector General of Police of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, has joined the representative of AU Secretariat, AFRIPOL Secretariat and Chairmen of all Sub Regional Police Committees in Africa to discuss on global and regional security issues as it affects the African continent at the ongoing 12th edition of African Union Mechanism for Police Cooperation (AFRIPOL) steering committee meeting holding today 29th to 30th October 2024, in Algiers, Algeria  This meeting has in attendance Chairmen of SARPCCO, CAPCCO, NAPCCO, Presidents, Vice Presidents, AFRIPOL and AU Secretariat staff amongst other dignitaries. The core purpose for the meeting is to address and deliberate on security and policing challenges faced in the African continent such as terrorism and terrorism funding, human trafficking, and cyb...

 Haiti gangs unleashing drones to counter Kenya-led police - UN Haiti's powerful gangs are digging trenches, using drones and stockpiling weapons as they change tactics to confront the Kenyan-led police force deployed to wrestle back government control, a UN report has said. The annual report said violence had spiked with more than 3,600 homicides and 1,100 kidnappings between January and June, and 85 percent of the capital Port-au-Prince now ruled by the gangs, AFP reported. Gang leaders have strengthened defenses for the zones they control and placed gas cylinders and Molotov cocktail bombs ready to use against police operations. Human shields are another new tactic, with civilians prevented from evacuating, trapped in their homes and killed if they try to escape. Haiti has for years been beset by political, humanitarian and security crises, but its situation degenerated this year when armed gangs launched coordinated attacks and forced the prime minister to resign. A UN-backed i...

 Guinea dissolves dozens of political parties Guinea authorities dissolved dozens of political parties and placed two major opposition ones under observation late Monday, while the transitional government has yet to announce a date for elections, AP reported. The West African country has been led by a military regime since soldiers ousted President Alpha Conde in 2021. The West African regional bloc known as ECOWAS has pushed for a return to civilian rule and elections are scheduled for 2025. The mass dissolution of 53 political parties and required observation of 54 others for three months is unprecedented in Guinea, which held its first democratic election in 2010 after decades of authoritarian rule. The Ministry of Territorial Administration and Decentralization announced the moves based on an evaluation of all political parties begun in June. The evaluation was meant to “clean up the political chessboard,” according to the ministry. Ex-president's party The 67 parties that will...

 EFCC Arrests Four Suspected Bank Hackers in Abuja The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arrested Chima Anthony Nwigwe, suspected leader of banks’ hacking syndicate alongside three others: Effiong Victor Emmanuel, Mohammed Bello Mahmud, managing director, Downstone Ultimate Limited and Daminan Ali for alleged conspiracy, unauthorized access to banks’ computer systems and fraudulent withdrawal of depositors’ funds. They were arrested in a sting operation in Abuja following actionable intelligence about their suspected involvement in hacking, compromising databases of commercial banks, thereby causing fraudulent transfers and withdrawals through different digital platforms. The suspects would be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.

 Two Internet Fraudsters bag Four Years Jail Term in Port Harcourt   Justice S. Pam of the Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers state has convicted and sentenced two internet Fraudsters: Emmanuel Wisdom and Donald Etege to two years imprisonment each for impersonation and obtaining money under false pretence.   They were jailed on Tuesday, October 29, 2024 upon being arraigned by the Port Harcourt Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on one -count separate charge  bordering on obtaining money under false pretence and impersonation.    The lone count against Eteg's reads: "That yo Donald Etege sometime in 2024 in Port Harcourt Rivers State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court with the intent to defraud obtained the total sum of One Thousand Five Hundred Dollars Only ($1,500) from one Lisa Ricks under the pretence that you are a Bitcoin Trader, a pretence you knew to be false and thereby committed...

 RCCG suspends two pastors over homosexuality allegation, begins probe The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has suspended two pastors following allegations of homosexuality. The church announced the suspension in a memo dated October 28, 2024, and signed by Sunday Akande, its national overseer. The letter, addressed to the special assistant to the general overseer of administration, ordered a thorough investigation into the allegations against the pastors. The memo further stated that the church’s doctrine does not allow or tolerate any act of homosexuality, citing biblical references. Akande disclosed that the accused individuals have been temporarily relieved of their responsibilities within the RCCG. He said an investigation would be conducted within two weeks, adding that the probe would be handled confidentially, with “care and integrity, respecting all parties involved”. Read the memo below: This memo serves to inform you of serious allegations of homosexuality against...

 APC suspends former Minister Aregbesola The immediate past Minister of Interior Rauf Aregbesola has been suspended by the All Progressives Congress (APC) for alleged anti-party activities and outbursts against President Bola Tinubu, former Governor Chief Bisi Akande and others.  The Nation recalled Aregbesola, a two-term Governor, was at loggerhead with his successor, Adegoyega Oyetola whose re-election he opposed openly.  He allegedly teamed up with opposition forces for 2022 Osun governorship elections and 2023 general elections. In 2022, he said he had prayed to God to bring down the party leadership, including Tinubu and Akande, and outburst greeted by wide condemnation. The leadership of APC from Ward 8, Ifofin, Ilesa  where the ex-Governor hails from set up a disciplinary committee to investigate and found him guilty of anti-party activities.  Sequel to a letter by the Secretary of State Disciplinary Committee, Comrade Waheed Adediran dated October 24, 20...

 ‘I’ve never had sex with any man’ — suspended RCCG pastor breaks silence Ayorinde AdeBello, a pastor suspended by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), has vehemently denied allegations of homosexuality. The allegations led to his suspension, along with another pastor, as announced in an RCCG memo dated October 28, 2024. The memo, signed by Sunday Akande, RCCG’s national overseer, ordered a thorough investigation into the allegations and temporarily relieved the accused individuals of their responsibilities within the church. Akande emphasized that the church’s doctrine does not tolerate or allow any act of homosexuality, citing biblical references. AdeBello took to his Instagram page to deny the allegations, stating, “I never engaged in sodomy with male teenagers”. The pastor said his prolonged silence was misconstrued as an “admission of guilt”, prompting his response. AdeBello clarified that a viral WhatsApp screenshot being circulated was misquoted and taken out of cont...

 Ayatollah Khamenei's New X Account Suspended The social media platform X on Monday suspended a new account linked to Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, which shared messages in Hebrew. Early Monday, a brief note on the suspended account stated, "X suspends accounts which violate the X Rules." The suspension occurred following Israel's first open airstrikes against Iran, in response to a ballistic missile attack by Iran against Israel on Oct. 1. It wasn't immediately clear what the X violation was. Khamenei said in a speech on Sunday that Israel's strikes-in response to Iran's ballistic missile attack this month which saw about 200 cruise missiles fired - "should not be exaggerated nor downplayed," while stopping short of calling for retaliation. The newly suspended X account, which was created on Sunday, began with a message in Hebrew that read, "In the name of God, the most merciful," a standard Islamic greeting. The s...

 French Student, 24, kills himself after botched beard transplant A 24-year-old French man tragically ended his life after a disastrous beard transplant in Turkey, according to his devastated father. Mathieu Vigier Latour splashed out €1,500 ($1,500) for the operation in March, which was significantly cheaper than what it would have cost in France. However, instead of returning home with the perfect beard, he lost 1,000 grafts of hair and had 4,000 transferred from his head to his face. The botched procedure left him with an irregularly shaped beard and hair growing at an unnatural angle, which his father described as “hedgehog-like." Jacques Vigier Latour told BFM TV: "He was suffering, he wasn't doing well. He was in pain, suffered from burns, and he couldn't sleep." After paying over a thousand euros for the procedure, Latour discovered that his surgeon was actually an estate agent and not qualified to perform the surgery, reports the Telegraph. This traumatic...

 Ogun teacher arrested, suspended after student‘s death The Ogun State Government has suspended a teacher alleged to have beaten and punished one Monday Arijo, an SS2 student of Obada Grammar School, Obada, Idi-emi. It was gathered that the teacher’s action reportedly led to the demise of the student. The student ,Monday Ariyo , was punished, after a statement he made, which said to have angered his teacher. Late Monday was beaten 24 times, and asked to perform 162 frog jumps, which led to his death. The incident, which happened on Friday, also led to the immediate arrest of the teacher. Also, the Principal of the school, Mrs. Tamrat Onaolapo has been queried for allowing corporal punishment to be used on the pupil against the established rules and regulations in the state. The principal was given 24 hours to explain her actions and why disciplinary decisions should not be taken against her for acting against the instructions of constituted authority. This was contained in a statem...

 Philadelphia DA sues Elon Musk group to stop $1 million lottery for voters The Philadelphia District Attorney's Office filed a lawsuit seeking to stop a political action committee controlled by billionaire Elon Musk from awarding $1 million to registered U.S. voters in battleground states, CNBC reported on Monday. Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner, a Democrat, filed the civil lawsuit against Musk and his pro-Trump group, America PAC. “America PAC and Musk are lulling Philadelphia citizens – and others in the Commonwealth (and other swing states in the upcoming election) – to give up their personal identifying information and make a political pledge in exchange for the chance to win $1 million,” the lawsuit alleges. “That is a lottery. And it is indisputably an unlawful lottery.” A spokesperson for Musk’s super PAC did not comment on the lawsuit and instead highlighted the group’s latest $1 million winner, announced Monday – a registered voter from Hastings, Michigan. In...

 Queen Camilla Bursts Into Tears as King Charles References Mortality Amid Cancer Treatment Queen Camilla burst into tears when King Charles referenced mortality while speaking about his fight against cancer in a Samoa village on Saturday. “I will always cherish this part of the world and hope to return one day,” King Charles said and added that they would take “very special memories” from their time in the island. The tour concluded with a traditional Ava ceremony in the village of Siumu, where the king was honoured with the title of To’aiga-o-Tumua. He appeared touched by the warm reception he received throughout the visit. "I shall always remain devoted to this part of the world and hope that I survive long enough to come back again and see you," King Charles told the crowd. "We shall take away with us, I promise you, very special memories of our time here. We thank you for our wonderful gifts." While some reports indicated that Queen Camilla was seen laughing to...

 Everything has its own time” – Afeez Owo speaks on how he found peace as he vacation in Canada Veteran Nollywood actor Afeez Owo Abiodun has opened up about how he found peace while vacationing in Canada. Taking to Instagram, Afeez Owo shared a photo of himself and some of his colleagues such as Esther Kalejaiye, Iya Ibadan, Abiola Bayo, Ademola Tijani and others, in Canada. He also shared beautiful moments from the award ceremony and photos of himself touring the city. Sharing this post, Afeez Owo said he found peace when he consoled himself that things don’t just happen. They happen for a purpose. He also consoled himself by saying that there is time for everything.

 You are an amazing sister-in-law and an addition to our family” – Iyabo Ojo tells in-law as she welcomes her to Nigeria, makes promise to her  Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo has kept to her promise to welcome her in-laws in grand style to Nigeria In September, when her daughter, Priscilla visited Tanzanian, Iyabo Ojo penned a note to her in-laws for embracing Priscilla with warmth and acceptance.  She said their kindness meant everything to her, as she promised to shut down the city of Lagos and give them a grand welcome anytime they visited Nigeria The movie star has kept to her promise, as she shared a video of the grand welcome she and Priscilla gave to her boyfriend’s sister. Praising her, she described her daughter’s sister-in-law as amazing and a precious addition to their family. She stated that her kindness and thoughtfulness have touched their hearts. Iyabo promised to give her an unforgettable experience and shower her with love, laughter, and adventure in Lagos.

 Ogun Govt Shuts Obada Grammar School, Suspends Principal Over Pupil's Death ...as government's delegation visits family of late student The Ogun State Government has shut down Obada Grammar School, Obada, Idi-emi over the death of Master Monday Arijo, an SS2 student of the school. This followed the arrest and suspension of the teacher allegedly responsible for the death of the student on Friday last week as a result of corporal punishment. The Principal of the school, Mrs. Tamrat Onaolapo, who was earlier issued a query for allowing corporal punishment to be used on the pupil against the established rules and regulations in the state, has also been suspended. The closure of the school was based on the directive of the state governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, who has also directed that a panel should be set up to investigate the circumstances that led to the unfortunate incident. The governor has promised that those liable by the outcome of the investigation will be made to face th...

 Abuja will look different by 2027 - Wike The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, says Abuja will look different by the time President Bola Tinubu finishes his first tenure in 2027. He said this is due to monumental infrastructural development. Wike stated this at the inauguration of the upgrading of War College/Army Checkpoint Road and other ancillary roads in Ushafa, Bwari Area Council, Abuja, on Monday. He said that as far as infrastructure was concerned, by the time this administration ends in 2027, Abuja would be completely different. He said that beyond infrastructural development in the city, the area councils were also being transformed with more than 15 projects currently ongoing. The Minister, who listed the projects and were confirmed by the area councils’ chairmen, added that three other projects would be inaugurated for construction in satellite towns. “When we came on board I did say that under Tinubu’s administration, when he makes a prom...

 Edo leaders warn Obaseki against last-minute recruitments, contract awards Political leaders and other critical stakeholders in Edo State have raised the alarm over alleged deliberate moves by the outgoing administration of Governor Godwin Obaseki to create problems for the incoming administration of Senator Monday Okpebholo.  Media reports in the last few weeks have revealed moves by Obaseki to undermine the incoming administration of Okpebholo, with last-minute recruitment into the State’s civil service, award of contracts, and appointments into agencies and boards. The leaders, drawn from the three Senatorial Districts of the State, warned that if Obaseki doesn’t stop his deliberate “manipulation and ungodly acts”, they’ll be forced to confront him. Speaking through a pro-democracy group, Initiative for Democratic Advancement and Free Speech, the leaders in a statement in Abuja said Obaseki has lost touch with reality since his candidate, Asue Ighodalo lost the governorshi...

 Senate postpones screening of Bianca Ojukwu, other ministerial nominees The Nigerian Senate has postponed the screening of President Bola Tinubu’s new ministerial nominees. This is to enable the nominees to conclude all aspects of documentation and pre-screening exercises. The screening exercise was initially scheduled to hold on Tuesday but the red chamber of the National Assembly said the exercise has now been shifted to Wednesday.  Tinubu last Wednesday sacked five ministers and nominated seven new ones, who are awaiting Senate confirmation. Tinubu also re-assigned 10 ministers to new ministerial portfolios. The President nominated Bianca Odumegu-Ojukwu as the Minister of State Foreign Affairs, while Nentawe Yilwatda was designated as the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, officially bringing an end to the tenure of the suspended Betta Edu. Others nominated by the President were Maigari Dingyadi as the Minister of Labour and Employment, Jumoke Oduwole ...

 Angry youths lynch armed robber, set another ablaze in Calabar Two armed robbers who had terrorised Atim Edem Rise and Efio Okoho neighborhoods of Calabar South LGA in Cross River State were violently killed yesterday by angry youths. The names of the suspects were not immediately available at the time this report was filed. Eyewitnesses confirmed that both resided in the same neighborhoods. One eyewitness, Reuben Akabom, said that during the wee hours of Tuesday morning, a young man, not more than 35, was caught while burgling a home in the Efio Okoho neighborhood. Luck ran out for him this time, as the terrorized residents, tired of his persistent robberies, were able to overpower him, according to residents. “He was dragged to the Efio Okoho junction in front of a private hotel. “The robber was mercilessly beaten, and they brought condemned tyres, where he was reportedly burnt.” Our reporter arrived when his charred remains were being evacuated, probably for burial at an undisc...