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 S. Africa shuts key border with Mozambique over unrest South Africa has announced the temporary closure of a busy border crossing with Mozambique due to the ongoing post-election violence in the neighbouring country. South Africa's Border Management Authorities said they received reports of vehicles being torched on the Mozambican side of the Lebombo Port of entry. "Due to these security incidents and in the interest of public safety, the port has been temporarily closed until further notice," Michael Masiapato, the commissioner of the Border Management Authority (BMA), said in a statement, Anadolu Agency reported. Mozambique has witnessed a wave of protests since late October when Daniel Chapo, the presidential candidate of Mozambique's ruling Mozambique Liberation Front party, was declared winner of the October 9 elections. High volume of travel Chapo, 47, won with a commanding 71% of the vote, defeating his closest challenger, Venancio Mondlane of the Podemos part...

  Sad to learn of the passing of the very first Miss World, Kerstin Margareta "Kiki" Håkansson, at the age of 95. Swedish beauty Kiki won the very first Miss World title back in 1951 and remains the only winner to be crowned in a bikini.  The pageant world sends its condolences to Kiki's son Chris and her entire family at the loss of an iconic queen. Rest assured that this trailblazing lady will never be forgotten. ACCORDING TO ANOTHER SOURCE: Kiki Hakansson, the first-ever Miss World, passed away at the age of 95. She died peacefully in her sleep at her home in California on Monday, November 4. Her family confirmed she was “comfortable, peaceful, and well cared for” in her final days. The news was shared via the official Miss World Instagram account. Born in Sweden, Kiki Hakansson made history in 1951 when she was crowned Miss World at the pageant held in London. Originally conceived as a one-time event for the 1951 Festival of Britain, the Miss World competition became ...

 Court  Jails Internet Fraudster for N12m Fraud in Maiduguri Justice Jude Dagat of the Federal High Court, Maiduguri has convicted and sentenced one Habila Dzarma Ishaku to nine years imprisonment. Ishaku was re-arraigned on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, by the Maiduguri Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, on two-count charges bordering on money laundering and cybercrime to the tune of N12,000,000.00 (Twelve Million Naira). Count one of the charge reads: “That you, Habila Dzarma Ishaku between 2023 and 2024 at Maiduguri, Borno State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable court did directly take possession of aggregate sum of N12, 000,000.00 (Twelve Million Naira) into your Opay Digital Services Ltd Account No. 8146406944, Habila Dzarma Ishaku , being the naira equivalent value for the Cash App, Pampay, and Gift Cards denominated in United States of America Dollars that you fraudulently received,  which sum you knew or reasonably ought ...

 PRESS STATEMENT GOVERNOR DAUDA LAWAL BANS ALL NON-STATUTORY DEDUCTIONS FROM ZAMFARA WORKER'S SALARIES Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal has ordered the immediate suspension of all non-statutory deductions, notably cooperative associations & commodity vendors deductions.  Zamfara state employees have raised multiple complaints regarding deductions made through the State Payroll system. In a statement issued in Gusau, the spokesperson for the governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, disclosed that the directive aimed at banning all non-statutory deductions made through the Zamfara State Government payroll. The statement reads in part: “In his resolve to sanitize the Zamfara State Payroll system for more efficient management of state civil servants' remuneration currently inundated with a lot of unauthorized and illegal deductions, Governor Dauda Lawal has ordered an immediate halt to all Non Statutory deductions from workers' salaries. “The decision was made due to numerous comp...

 Enugu Withdraws from Governors' Lawsuit Against EFCC and NFIU The Enugu State Government has withdrawn from the ongoing lawsuit filed by 16 state governments in the Supreme Court, which challenges the authority of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), and other anti-corruption agencies over state governments, particularly questioning their legitimacy since the states did not consent to their creation.   Enugu's withdrawal follows a similar move by three other states—Ebonyi, Anambra, and Adamawa—on October 23, reducing the number of plaintiffs in the case. Despite these withdrawals, the seven-member panel of justices at the Supreme Court has reserved judgment on the matter.   According to court documents obtained by our correspondent, Enugu State's Attorney General, Kingsley Udeh, filed an application for the state's withdrawal on October 21. However, the application could not be processed by the cou...

 NAAT threatens indefinite strike, gives FG 14-day ultimatum The National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding immediate action on its pending demands or face an indefinite strike. NAAT President, Comrade Ibeji Nwokoma, announced this decision on Wednesday during a peaceful protest at the University of Maiduguri. Nwokoma expressed disappointment at the Finance Minister’s refusal to pay withheld salaries, despite President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval. He described the situation as “unfortunate and regrettable” and questioned the government’s commitment to resolving issues affecting NAAT members. According to him, “The refusal by the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy to effect this approval raises more questions than answers on the true commitment and sincerity on the part of Federal Government in resolving the issues and in alleviating the sufferings of Nigerians, partic...

 ECOWAS Court and ICRC Strengthen Partnership to Promote International Humanitarian Law in West Africa The ECOWAS Community Court of Justice (CCJ) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) have reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the domestication and enforcement of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) across West African nations.   In his opening remarks at the ICRC-ECOWAS IHL Workshop in Abuja, Justice Ricardo Claudio Monteiro, President of the ECOWAS Court, highlighted the importance of collaboration between the two organizations, noting the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the ECOWAS Court and the ICRC in Nigeria. The MoU is intended to bolster the implementation of IHL in the Lake Chad region and West Africa at large. Yann Bonzon, Head of the ICRC Delegation in Nigeria, emphasized the critical role of IHL in alleviating the suffering of civilians caught in armed conflicts. He also praised the ECOWAS Court for its key ro...

 Olukoyede  Commissions  EFCC's  Chemical Forensics Laboratory in Port Harcourt   The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr.  Ola Olukoyede, on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, commissioned  a Chemical Forensics Laboratory in its Port Harcourt Directorate,  Rivers State to enhance and fast-rack its oil and gas investigations and strengthen its Extractive Industry Fraud  Section.     The Laboratory, which took two years to build, would enable the EFCC to conduct comprehensive analysis of  petroleum products and crude oil samples for investigative and prosecutorial activities.  Olukoyede described the project as a significant milestone in the history of the Commission in its journey towards advancing transparency and accountability in the oil and gas sector. "We celebrate a significant milestone in the Commission's journey towards advancing transparency and accountability in the oil an...

 ACTING COAS CONDOLES LATE LIEUTENANT GENERAL LAGBAJA’S FAMILY  The Acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede has paid a condolence visit to Mrs Mariya Lagbaja and other family members of the late Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, Nigeria's 23rd Chief of Army Staff who passed on Tuesday 5th November 2024 after a brief illness. Gen Oluyede paid the condolence on Wednesday 6 November 2024, at the Flag Staff House, Niger Barracks Abuja,  accompanied by Principal Staff Officers of the Army Headquarters, Corps Commanders, and General Officers Commanding of the Nigerian Army. Paying tribute to the late COAS,  Gen Oluyede extolled his gallantry, dedication, and legacies throughout his service years in the Nigerian Army and the Armed Forces of Nigeria in general.  In a succinct message penned in the condolence register opened in honour of the late COAS, the Acting COAS stated, "It is with a huge sense of loss, albeit responsibility ...

 6th November, 2024 PRESS RELEASE ARREST AND DEATH OF SUSPECTED KIDNAPPERS/ARMED ROBBERS, AND CULTISTS,  AS OPERATIVES OF CP-SAT ENGAGE SUSPECTED KIDNAPPERS, RECOVER ONE AK-47 RIFLE, TWO BERETTA PISTOLS, AND SUSPECTED STOLEN VEHICLES 1. DEATH OF SUSPECTED KIDNAPPERS, AND RECOVERY OF ONE AK-47 RIFLE, ONE BARETTA PISTOL:  On 28/10/2024 at about 1948hrs Operatives of CP - Special Assignment Team ( CP - SAT ) stormed a criminal hideout along Ewheru - Patani Road In Ughellli LGA, during the operation, they were ambushed by the suspected hoodlums, the team engaged them in a fierce gun duel during which two of the suspects sustained bullet injuries. One Beretta Pistol loaded with two(2) rounds of live ammunition, and one AK-47 rifle loaded with six(6) rounds of live ammunition were recovered. Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were allegedly responsible for terrorizing Warri - Sapele road, Masogar axis some killings in Oghara and Ughelli. The injured suspects ...

 First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu pays condolence visit to Lagbaja’s family Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu has paid a condolence visit to the family of the Late Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Taoreed Lagbaja. The First Lady was accompanied on the visit by the wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima and the wife of the National Security Adviser, Hajia Ribadu. They were received by the wife of the Chief of Defence Staff, Mrs Oghogho Musa. While comforting the widow, Mrs Mariya Abiodun Lagbaja and the children, Oluremi Tinubu noted that the Lord only can determine when a man dies. She urged the family to be comforted by the good life and legacies the late COAS left behind. She equally urged the children to remain focused and pursue the ideals their father lived for. The Late Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Taoreed Lagbaja, died after a period of illness at the age of 56 years. More photos below. 

 NFF In Discussion With Dangote, Others On Payment Of Foreign Coach - President The President, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Gusau has said that they are in discussion with the Dangote, MTN, Baba Ijebu on the payment of foreign coach, BSNSports.com.ng reports. Gusau made this known at the National Assembly on Wednesday while defending the 2025 budget before the House Committee on Sports. NFF engaged the services of Bruno Labbadia as Super Eagles Coach before the deal broke down few days after announcement.  Reacting to whether or not the federation is it ready to engage any foreign coach, Gusau said payment has been a big issue of embarrassment to Nigeria and are in discussion with sponsors to take care of the payment. "We are currently in discussion with Dangote Group, BUA, MTN, Baba Ijebu and others on the payment of foreign coach. Though, Eguavoen is doing well, but if we must engage a coach, we must make sure that the issue of payment is sorted. Until last Feb...

 20 Killed in Imo After Tipper Collides with Bus A tragic crash in Imo State has claimed 20 lives, including a bus driver and two conductors after a tipper truck collided with an 18-seater commercial bus at Njaba Bridge.  The tipper swerved to avoid a pothole and hit the bus, killing 18 passengers. The driver of the tipper was seriously injured and unconscious.  Local residents helped remove trapped bodies, and the victims were taken to the morgue.

 Dangote’s bid for monopoly, recipe for disaster in Nigeria – Marketers tell court Three major oil marketers have told the Federal High Court in Abuja that the planned monopoly of the energy sector by Dangote Petroleum Refinery will spell doom for the country’s oil sector. According to the oil marketers, Dangote’s plan to monopolize the oil sector is a recipe for disaster in the country. The three marketers – AYM Shafa Limited, A. A. Rano Limited and Matrix Petroleum Services Limited – in their replies to a suit filed by Dangote Petroleum in a suit marked FHC/CS/ABJ/1324/2024, told the court that the plaintiff does not produce adequate petroleum products for the daily consumption of Nigerians and that there is nothing before the court to prove the contrary. Dangote had in September 2024 sued the Nigeria Midstream And Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Nigeria National Petroleum Corporaiton Limited (NNPCL), AYM Shafa Limited, A.A.Rano Limited, T. Time Petroleum Limi...

 President Paul Biya Celebrates 42 Years in Power Today, November 6✊🇨🇲👑 Paul Biya, now 91, has been president of Cameroon for 42 years, making him the world’s longest-serving leader. His rule, which started on November 6, 1982, has experienced a firm grip on power, backed by loyal officials in key roles. Originally a prime minister, he became Cameroon’s second head of state after independence from France in 1960. Over the years, he has been nicknamed “Popol” and “The Sphinx” for his elusive, strategic style. Despite economic challenges and social issues, he has maintained control with allies in top positions, from the National Assembly to the military. In 2018, he won a seventh term, though the election faced criticism for low turnout and accusations of fraud. Opposition figures like Maurice Kamto, who contested the results, faced imprisonment.  Cameroon’s Anglophone regions have also seen turmoil. Calls for more regional autonomy turned into a movement for independence, le...

 SANWO-OLU DECLARES OPEN FIVE-DAY WORKSHOP ON TRIAL ADVOCACY FOR OPD LAW OFFICERS  The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, declared open a five-day workshop on trial Advocacy for law officers of the Office of the Public Defender (OPD), Lagos State Ministry of Justice. The advocacy workshop will focus on the criminal and civil implication, examination and cross-examination of an expert witness, employment issues and instituting cases at the National Industrial Court. The Governor, represented by Mr. Sesan Ogundeko, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-Government Relations, described the training programme as a significant step forward in his administration's ongoing commitment to ensuring access to Justice for all Lagosians, particularly the most vulnerable.  He commended the Honourable Commissioner/Attorney General, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, for his unwavering commitment to redefining Justice in the state through his visionary ...

 FCT: Wike notifies Apo Mechanic Village traders on imminent relocation The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has said that traders at the Apo Mechanic Village will have no choice but to relocate for the interests of the public. Wike made the declaration during the inspection of the ongoing construction of the left-hand service carriageway of the OSEX from Ring Road 1 (Nnamdi Azikiwe Expressway) to Wasa Junction on Tuesday. The Apo Mechanic Village is located along the road corridor of the OSEX. The minister assured that the committee on the relocation of the traders was doing its job to relocate them to a permanent site in Wasa in the overriding interest of the public. He said the traders were already aware that the road project will pass through the area, adding that the FCTA was not envisaging any problem on the issue of relocating the traders. “The committee is doing their work. You know that the road is going to pass through that area. So, that is no...

 Israeli PM Netanyahu sacks defense minister Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has sacked his defense minister, Yoav Gallant. Netanyahu and Gallant had clashed publicly over the course of the more than year-long war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip and in the Middle East. Netanyahu said he fired Gallant due to trust issues and “gaps” between them in the management of the war. “In the midst of a war, more than ever, full trust is required between the prime minister and defense minister,” Netanyahu said in a statement. “Unfortunately, although in the first months of the campaign there was such trust and there was very fruitful work, during the last months this trust cracked between me and the defense minister.” Netanyahu has reportedly nominated Israel’s foreign minister, Yisrael Katz as Gallant’s replacement. However, Gallant in his own statement vowed that the “security of the state of Israel always was, and will always remain my life’s mission.” Gallant’s firing occurred sh...

 Bandits raping our women, Benue community cries out People of Ukwonyo community in the Ufia Kingdom of Ado Local Government Area in Benue State have raised concerns over going attacks and harassment faced by women at the hands of armed invaders in their farmlands. Community members expressed worry, yesterday, saying that the persistent threat has created fear among residents, making it increasingly difficult to continue with their daily farming activities. National Publicity Secretary of Ufia Development Association (UDA), Comrade Jude Onwe, told journalists in Makurdi, that going to farm or going to fetch water and firewood has now become a problem in the area, urging the federal and state governments to intervene. Onwe said their women could no longer go to their farms without been accompanied by the menfolk because the bandits are on prowl in the vicinity, attacking and assaulting females. He said, “We are all afraid and that is why farming in our area has reduced. Once these a...

 Court Jails Businessman for N1.1m Fraud in Maiduguri Justice Aisha Kumaliya of the Borno State High Court, Maiduguri on Tuesday, November 5, 2024 convicted and sentenced Ali Bukar Jidda to six months imprisonment.   He was jailed upon being arraigned by the Maiduguri Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,  on one-count charge bordering on misappropriation  to the tune of N1, 126,000.00( One Million, One Hundred and Twenty Six Thousand Naira only). The lone-count charge reads: “That you, Ali Bukar Jidda, that sometime in June, 2020 at Maiduguri, Borno State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, being entrusted with dominion over certain properties to wit; N1, 126,000.00  by Umar Odo Soja, for supply of food items did dishonestly misappropriated the said sum and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 311 of the Penal Code Act Cap 102 Laws of Borno State of Nigeria and punishable under Section 312 of the ...

 PRESS RELEASE COAS' DEATH: IGP SHELVES ALL PERSONAL, SOCIAL ENGAGEMENTS IN HONOUR OF LATE LT. GEN LAGBAJA Commiserates with Family, Nigerian Government, Armed Forces  The Nigeria Police Force is deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja on November 5, 2024. To pay tribute, the Inspector-General of Police has cancelled led all non-essential personal and social engagements and non-urgent commitments for the next two days. General Lagbaja was a highly respected figure, known for his tireless efforts in combating insurgency, armed banditry, and violent extremism. His dedication to the Nigerian Army and the nation earned him great admiration. The Inspector-General's gesture reflects the deep respect and appreciation for General Lagbaja's remarkable service.  The Nigeria Police Force extends its heartfelt condolences to Mr president and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and General Lagbaja's fami...

 Governor’s Wife Distributes Starter Packs, As Agric Comm Underscores Importance Of Mechanisation By Chukwuka Ugokwe The Anambra State Governor's Wife, Dr Mrs Nonye Soludo, has distributed starter packs to 12 youths who have completed training in equipment fabrication under the Value Chain Development Programme. Additionally, she flagged off the distribution of agricultural processing equipment, machinery, and open-body tricycles aimed at supporting the productivity of rice and cassava farmers, especially women’s farming cooperatives. The initiative is part of the State's  Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP), a decade-old scheme focused on supporting rice and cassava farmers.  VCDP  has been instrumental in enhancing food production, modernizing agricultural processes, and creating market opportunities.  Mrs. Soludo emphasized the program’s achievements in fostering improved processing facilities, noting that such investments benefit vulnerable groups and b...

 Senate urges Fed Govt to initiate policies for local miners The Senate has urged the Federal Government to initiate a policy that will protect local miners and their businesses. The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals Development, Ekong Sampson, made the call when he led members of the committee on an oversight visit to the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and some of its agencies in Abuja. Other members of the committee on the visit included Kabeeb Mustapha (Vice Chairman – Jigawa Southwest), Minority Whip Osita Ngwu (Enugu West), Diket Plang (Plateau Central), Onyeka Nwebonyi (Ebonyi North) Mohammed Ogoshi Onawo (Nasarawa South), Prof. Anthony Ani (Ebonyi South) and Okechukwu Ezea (Enugu North). Agencies under the ministry which the committee visited include the Nigerian Mining Cadastral Office and the Nigerian Solid Minerals Development Fund. The Senate committee had expressed concerns about recent mining rates increase and its potential to stifle local min...

 Nigeria, ECOWAS to improve energy data methods Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has said the computerised National Energy Information System (NEIS), a collaboration between Energy Commission of Nigeria and ECOWAS Commission (ECN), will enable better programming and improve energy planning. During the launch at ECOWAS headquarters in Abuja. Nnaji said: “The Energy Commission of Nigeria is cognisant of the need to improve energy data collection methods by setting up systems, which respond to our data needs…’’ ECN’s Director General and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Abdullahi Mustapha, said: “The commission is charged with the responsibility of strategic planning and coordination of national policies in the field of energy. In doing so, the commission collates, analyse and publish information on energy planning.’’ Statistician General of the Federation and Chief Executive Officer of National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Prince Aderemi Adeniran, said: “The pro...

 Reps move to amend Pension Reform Act Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Pensions, Husseini Mohammed Jallo, said on Tuesday that the House is planning a comprehensive review of the Pension Reform Act to bring it in conformity with modern realities.  Speaking with newsmen in Abuja, Jallo also disclosed the committee was looking into the request by some para-military agencies who want to exit the Contributory Pension Scheme.  Jallo said after implementing the current Pension Reform Act 2014, for two  years, there was the need to amend the law to correct some of the deficiencies in the law.  He also disclosed that the Committee news finalising the report of its recent investigation into the administration of the Nigeria pension assets and the plight if retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme referred to it by the House.  He regretted that two pension fund administrators, NPC Pensions and FTC Pensions refused to appear before the comm...