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 Viral video: Army to investigate brutalisation of Nigerian by soldiers The Acting Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Olufemi Oluyede has ordered an investigation into the alleged Brutalization of a Nigerian following an argument between him, an officer, and two soldiers which was captured in a viral video Director of Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu made this known in a statement on Tuesday. He said, “The attention of the Nigerian Army (NA) has been drawn to a viral audio-visual recording circulating on social media platforms, purportedly showing a senior Army officer and 2 other soldiers in an altercation with a man and woman within the Abuja metropolis. “The circumstances leading to this incident are not clear at the moment. “However, the Acting Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has ordered an immediate investigation to unravel the true circumstances surrounding this altercation. “The NA remains committed to serving and protecting all la...

 Why all should be wise and smart for once” – MC Oluomo’s son, King West blasts Nigerians trolling his father after his portraits and items were reportedly thrown out of NURTW office in Lagos King West, the son of the new president of the National Union of Road Transport Workers NURTW, MC Oluomo, has blasted Nigerians for mocking his father over his items being thrown out of the NURTW office in Lagos Hours ago, a video made rounds of the former Lagos State NURTW chairman’s portrait and items being thrown out of his Lagos office following his move to Lagos. After his short lived victory, MC Oluomo’s many portraits and other items cleared out of the office of NURTW National President following his sack by Court of Appeal 😭😭🧎🏼‍♂️ — Oyindamola🙄 (@dammiedammie35) November 19, 2024 Reacting to it via his Instagram story, King West told Nigerians to be wise and smart, as he noted how if an immediate leader leaves office, a successor comes in.

 Senate to pay tributes to late lawmaker Ifeanyi Ubah The casket bearing the remains of the late Anambra South Senator is currently lying in state in the foyer of the White House wing of the National Assembly Complex. Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, APC – Ekiti Central, will, upon the commencement of plenary, move a motion stating: “That the Senate do now pay tributes in honour of late Senator Ubah, Patrick Ifeanyi (Anambra South) (3rd September 1971 – 26th July 2024).” The immediate family, close relatives, friends of the deceased, and leaders from Anambra and other Southeast states are already present in the Senate awaiting the start of the plenary.

 Presidency  Hails  Olukoyede  on Reforms  and Preventive Frameworks The Special Adviser to the President on Policy Coordination and Head, Central Delivery Coordination Unit, Hadiza Bala Usman has commended the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ola Olukoyede on the laudable reforms in the Commission, especially systemic development and frameworks in the area of  corruption prevention, stressing that his policy drives are practical and sustainable. She made this disclosure in Abuja on Monday, November 18, 2024 while on a visit to the Commission. In making a proposal containing guidelines on a performance charter for the EFCC, Usman  applauded Olukoyede for doing so much in the area of prevention, maintaining that the focus of the Commission would berth efficiency and effectiveness in the fight against corruption. On key performance indicators in the EFCC,  Usman stressed that, “anything that is not measured c...

 Calabar Court Jails Five Internet Fraudsters   Justice Rosemary Dugbo-Oghoghorie of the Federal High Court sitting in Calabar,  Cross River State on Monday,  November 18, 2024 convicted and sentenced five internet fraudsters to various jail terms.   The convicts: Michael Aregbesola (a.k.a Amin Deera), Adeleke Toba Richard(Alias Jason Avtandil), Mkpoikanke Emmanuel Udoh (a.k.a Tom Jones), Gideon Mishell Effiong (a.k.a Gianluca Jinoble) and Momodu John Modupe (a.k.a George Woods), were charged to court by the Uyo Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, for criminal impersonation, fraudulent messaging and money laundering.   One of the charges read: "That you, Adeleke Toba RIchard (Alias J AVTANDIL), on or February, 2024  in Nigeria, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, fraudulently took possession of the sum of Five Hundred US Dollars ($500), being property of Ms Bella, a United State Woman, which you re...

 The Yobe State government has revealed plans to establish a new secondary school specifically for students with disabilities, aimed at enhancing inclusive education opportunities within the state. Professor Adam Idris, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, made the announcement during a visit by the Community of Practice (CoP) team, which advocated for transparency and social accountability. The visit took place at his office in Damaturu, the state capital. The Commissioner, represented by the Director of Schools Management, Bukar Modu Adam, noted that students with special needs have traditionally been sent to schools in Maiduguri and other states.  He stressed the government's commitment to providing inclusive education within Yobe State and outlined plans to establish a dedicated secondary school to meet this goal.

 The Senate has warned Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to immediately comply with financial regulations, following the release of the Auditor General’s report that revealed massive financial mismanagement.  The Senate  also  made it known  that it will impose sanctions on any MDA found  failing to address the findings in the report.  Senator Garba Madoki,who is  the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Legislative Compliance, stated this at a workshop on legislative oversight organized by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) in partnership with the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS).  Senator Madoki expressed concern over the frequent failure of MDA heads to appear before the Senate when summoned, stressing that the Senate would no longer tolerate such behavior.

  Enugu Council Chairman Appoints Special Assistants On ‘Yam, Pepper, Garden Egg’ The chairman of Igbo Etiti Local Government Area in Enugu State, Mr Eric Odo, has made two key appointments focusing on developing the agricultural sectors of “yam, pepper, and garden egg.” While one Ezeugwu Ogbonna was appointed as the Senior Special Assistant on agriculture, focusing on yam and pepper, Nwodo Ugonna serve as Special Adviser on garden egg and pepper. In an appointment letter dated November 1, Ogbonna’s appointment is temporary and at the pleasure of the executive chairman. Ogbonna is expected to report to the executive chairman at Ogbede for briefing and deployment. It is worth noting that Igbo Etiti LGA is one of the 17 local government areas in Enugu State. The appointment letter cited by The Recorderng on Tuesday, partly read: “I am pleased to inform you that the executive chairman Igbo Etiti LGA has approved your appointment as senior special assistant to the local government chai...

 Beyoncé to Headline NFL Christmas Day Game Halftime Show Global superstar Beyoncé will headline the halftime show for the 2024 NFL Christmas Day game between the Houston Texans and the Baltimore Ravens. The singer announced the exciting news on her Instagram, revealing that she will perform during the high-profile matchup. Beyoncé’s performance is expected to feature her hit song "Cowboy Carter" from her groundbreaking country album, marking its debut in a live performance. This will not be her first appearance at a major NFL event—she previously headlined Super Bowl XLVII in 2013 and performed alongside Coldplay and Bruno Mars during the 2016 championship game. At 43, Beyoncé has recently made history as the most-nominated artist in Grammy history, securing 11 nominations for this season’s awards.

 Four Nigerian Students Jailed in UK After Knife and Baseball Bat Fight Four Nigerian students have been sentenced for their roles in a violent altercation in Leicester on November 4, 2021, involving knives and a baseball bat. The fight, which occurred in the early hours of the morning on New Park Street, left an 18-year-old man with multiple stab wounds, requiring hospital treatment. The suspects were identified after an extensive investigation that included CCTV analysis, phone tracking, and public appeals. In a six-week trial that concluded in October, the following sentences were handed down on November 14: - Destiny Ojo, 21, from Plumstead, London: Seven years for violent disorder, attempted grievous bodily harm (GBH), and GBH with intent. - Habib Lawal, 21, from Bexley, London: Five years for violent disorder, attempted GBH, and GBH with intent. - Ridwanulahi Raheem, 21, from Lambeth, London: Three years for violent disorder and possession of a bladed article. - Joshua Davies...

 FG Lifts NYSC Posting Restrictions, Targets Private Sector to Tackle Unemployment The Federal Government has lifted the ban on National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) postings to private sector organisations, allowing corps members to be deployed to companies in sectors such as banking, oil, and gas. This policy change, effective from the 2024 Batch ‘C Orientation Course, is aimed at combating youth unemployment and enhancing job market preparedness.  The new directive, announced by Minister of Youth Development Comrade Ayodele Olawande, replaces the previous restriction, which limited postings to education, agriculture, health, and infrastructure sectors. The government argues that the former policy hindered corps members from gaining relevant experience in their field of study. This shift is part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s strategy to create more employment opportunities and improve skills alignment for graduates entering the workforce.

 Abducted NDLEA Officers in Delta Released After Several Days in Captivity The NDLEA officers who were kidnapped in Delta last Thursday night have been freed. The officers were released on Sunday night after being held by suspected drug traffickers in the area.  Mr. John Kennedy, spokesperson for the NDLEA Delta State Command, confirmed the officers' release in Asaba, stating that it came after significant pressure from the Agency and other law enforcement bodies.  Kennedy clarified that one senior officer was abducted separately from his orderly, and another officer was kidnapped at a different location. However, he did not provide further details regarding arrests or whether a ransom had been paid for their release.

 Fubara Vows to Redesign Port Harcourt Township and Rebuild Creek Road Market Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has pledged to rebuild the Creek Road Market in the old Port Harcourt Township into a modern facility, providing traders with a better working environment and giving the city a fresh appearance.  The governor explained that this initiative is part of his administration’s commitment to fully implement the Urban Renewal Policy, prioritizing the needs of the people. Fubara made the announcement during a visit to the market on Tuesday, where he observed the ongoing trading activities along Creek Road and surrounding streets.  He emphasized that revitalizing Port Harcourt as a "Garden City" will require transforming it into a livable urban space that ensures sustainable development. However, this goal, he noted, cannot be achieved without properly designating areas for trade.  Fubara also reflected on the previous administration's decision to relocate tr...

 Edo Women Protest Rising Cult Killings, Cite Impact on Marriages and Family Life Hundreds of young women took to the streets of Benin City on Tuesday to protest the increasing number of cult-related killings in Edo State. The women, aged between 20 and 35, expressed their frustration over how the violence has led to the deaths of many young men, turning some women into widows and making it harder for others to find husbands. Dressed in black, the protesters called on the Edo State Government, traditional leaders, religious organizations, and security agencies to intervene and put an end to the killings. They marched to the Edo State House of Assembly and the Nigeria Union of Journalists' secretariat to voice their concerns, warning that the ongoing violence was causing a shortage of available men in the community. One of the protesters, Miss Precious Ikponmwen, shared her distress over the impact of the killings, saying, "Many young girls are turning into widows in their 20s ...

  Adetshina receives grand welcome to Nigeria after making history as Miss Universe's first runner-up                               Chidimma Adetshina who made a historic milestone by emerging as the first runner-up at the Miss Universe 2024 pageant has returned to Nigeria. In a video circulating online, Adetshina was seen being received in grand style with fans chanting thanksgiving songs in various dialects to celebrate her victory. The Miss Universe 2024 pageantry event took place at the Arena CDMX in Mexico City, where Denmark’s Victoria Kjaer Theilvig was crowned Miss Universe, succeeding Nicaragua’s Sheynnis Palacios, the 2023 titleholder. Adetshina's participation came amidst earlier headlines when she withdrew from the Miss South Africa 2024 pageant following controversy surrounding her ties to the country. Watch video below. 

 Why I returned Range Rover gift - Tiwa Savage Afrobeat Star, Tiwa Savage, has explained why she rejected a Range Rover car gift from a man. During a Q&A session on Beat FM, she explained: “I received a car for my birthday, but I returned it because I wasn’t feeling the guy.” She explained that although the car was a birthday gift, she chose to return it to avoid giving him false expectations. When asked if she would accept any gift similar she answered: "Yes! But on one condition: if I’m not interested in the person, I’ll send security to escort him away while keeping the car.”

 Two More LGAs in Borno State join Open Defecation Free List in Nigeria Biu and Shani local government areas in Borno state have made the list of 130 local government areas in Nigeria declared open defecation free . This came to light when the state authorities in collaboration with UNICEF and other partners launched the Borno state Open Defecation Free Roadmap and flagged off campaign for  ODF Borno state. The occasion which  held at the Musa Usman Secretariat in  Maiduguri also  featured decoration of the wife of the Borno state Governor, Dr Falmata Babagana Umara Zulum as the wash Ambassador and presentation of ODF certificates to Biu and Shani local government chairmen . One more photo below. 

 Husband Allegedly Attempts Crippling Wife With Pestle Over Minor Misunderstanding  By Chidinma Ikeanyionwu  One Tochukwu Obumneme from Obosi has allegedly attempted crippling the wife Chizoba with a pestle over a minor misunderstanding.  The incident that took place in their house in Asaba was said to have escalated after he left the wife at her parent's house in Onitsha for delaying him without remorse  The complainant Mrs Chizoba Obumneme noted that it first started as a threat till he went to the kitchen, brought the pestle and hit on her leg stating that this is not the first time he has raised his hands on her. After she lodged her complaint, the husband was invited for a peaceful meditation at the office of the Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare which he didn't not honor but rather threatened his wife and the social welfare officer for inviting him. The women affairs boss, Hon Ify Obinabo, after listening to the complaint, promised to get justice f...

 Benue Police to Partner with Public Complaints Commission (PCC) The Benue State Police Command has announced plans to collaborate with the Public Complaints Commission (PCC) to enhance its existing Police Complaints Response Unit (CRU).  The announcement was made on Monday by the Benue State Commissioner of Police, Steve Hassan Yabanet, during a meeting with the Federal Commissioner of the PCC, James Oche, at his office.  This new initiative aims to streamline the referral of civil cases received by the Police Complaints Response Unit to the Public Complaints Commission, fostering better inter-agency cooperation. Commissioner Yabanet assured that cases falling outside the police’s jurisdiction and involving civil matters would be referred to the PCC, allowing the police to focus on addressing criminal activities and other critical issues impacting public safety. He also committed to providing personnel from the police command to support the PCC’s work, particularly in en...

 Governor Zulum Criticizes Leaders for Ignoring Polygamy in IDP Camps Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum has expressed concern over the rise of polygamy in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps, where some individuals have taken multiple wives despite struggling to provide for their families. In a viral video shared on social media, particularly on TikTok by Kawu Garba, Governor Zulum criticized both state and national politicians for avoiding the issue, fearing it might cost them votes during elections. “The question is, which Islamic leader has spoken out against this? Which politician has opposed this situation?” Zulum asked. “All they say is, ‘I won’t speak out.’ They are more focused on campaigning and winning elections. They refuse to address the issue because they fear the IDPs might vote against them.” Zulum pointed to an example of a man who arrived at the camp in 2011 or 2012 with one wife but now has four, highlighting the economic burden this creates for the state. ...

 Barcelona Reject Arsenal’s €90m Bid for Raphinha, Demand €100m — Report Barcelona has reportedly turned down Arsenal’s €90 million offer for Brazilian winger Raphinha, insisting that they will only entertain offers of €100 million or more for the 27-year-old. Raphinha, who has been in superb form this season, is considered an indispensable player by the Catalan club. With 12 goals and 10 assists in just 17 appearances, the Brazilian has firmly established himself as a key figure under manager Hansi Flick, who has even handed him the captaincy. Arsenal, who previously attempted to sign Raphinha from Leeds United in 2022 before his move to Barcelona, have renewed their interest in the player. However, their initial €90 million bid was promptly rejected. According to Spanish outlet *Fichajes*, Barcelona has made it clear that they will not consider offers below €100 million for Raphinha. “His versatility in attacking roles has made him an essential part of Barcelona’s squad, and the ...

 NSA Hands Over 58 Rescued Victims To Kaduna Government The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, on Saturday handed over 58 rescued individuals to the Kaduna State Government following their liberation during joint security operations. The victims were officially presented by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, to the Kaduna State Chief of Staff, Sani Limankila, who represented Governor Uba Sani during the ceremony. General Musa clarified that no ransom was paid for the victims' release. “This success was achieved through the combined efforts of the military and other security agencies," Musa stated. "The operation utilized both kinetic and non-kinetic methods, highlighting the importance of collective action, not just military interventions." He emphasized the necessity of collaboration at all levels, including the Presidency, the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Ministry of Defence, and the Kaduna State Government...

 Nigeria Reaffirms Commitment To Climate Action At COP29 In Azerbaijan Nigeria's Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Abbas Lawal, has reiterated the nation's steadfast commitment to addressing the global climate crisis during the 29th Conference of Parties (COP29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Azerbaijan. Speaking on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the minister showcased Nigeria's climate agenda, outlining key initiatives designed to achieve a sustainable and resilient future.  These include: Energy Transition Plan: Expanding renewable energy capacity and promoting energy efficiency. National Adaptation Plan: Strengthening resilience to the adverse effects of climate change. Carbon Market Framework: Driving emissions reductions while fostering green economic growth. Climate Finance Advocacy: Championing increased global funding and the operationalization of the Loss and Damage Fund. The minister highlighted the importanc...

 News Flash President Tinubu transmits Medium-Term Expenditure Framework and the Fiscal Strategy Paper to House of Reps for consideration and approval. President Tinubu requests Senate and House approval for 2.2billion dollars external borrowing President Tinubu seeks confirmation of 3 nominees a S Commissioners for INEC.

 Sudan RSF fighters deny accusations of war crimes Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, accused of mass atrocities in their 19-month war with the army, on Monday denied responsibility for violations and said they were committed to peace. Members of an RSF delegation, speaking to journalists in Nairobi, Kenya, also refuted widespread reports of receiving weapons from the United Arab Emirates, AFP reported. "We don't get any assistance from any country whatever," said delegation head, General Omar Hamdan Ahmed, speaking through an interpreter. Sudan has been mired in war since April 2023 between the army, led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the RSF, led by his former deputy, General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo. War crimes allegations Both sides face accusations of war crimes, including targeting civilians, shelling residential areas, and blocking or looting aid. The RSF specifically stands accused of rampant looting, village sieges, and systematic sexual violence...

 Nigeria starts mpox vaccination Nigeria started mpox vaccinations on Monday, administering shots to health workers and people with weak immune systems at hospitals in the capital Abuja, more than a month after the programme was scheduled to start, Reuters reported. Africa's most populous nation, Nigeria received its first batch of 10,000 doses of the mpox vaccine from the United States in August after the World Health Organization declared mpox a global public health emergency for the second time in two years. Nigeria, one of the African countries where mpox is endemic, has recorded 94 confirmed cases and no deaths since the start of this year, the WHO said in a report last month. At the Federal Medical Centre in Abuja, health workers wearing gloves and masks administered mpox shots to 30 people, marking the start of the vaccination campaign. "It is not a mass vaccination but target-ringed vaccination for health care workers and immuno-compromised persons, that is, people liv...

 Sudan war: Paramilitary forces 'ready to resume talks' Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has said they are prepared to return to negotiations with the government “if there are serious initiatives.” The statement was made during a press conference in Nairobi, Kenya by Brigadier General Omar Hamdan, the head of the RSF's negotiation team, AA reported. In May 2023 with the mediation of Saudi Arabia and the US, talks were held in Jeddah between representatives of the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF. The discussions led to the Jeddah Declaration, in which both parties committed to refraining from military actions that could harm civilians, emphasizing the protection of civilians and adherence to international human rights law. “The RSF does not reject peaceful solutions at all,” Hamdan said. “We are ready to return to negotiations if there are genuine initiatives in this regard.” There has been no official comment from Sudanese authorities. Hamdan’s comments cam...

 BAUCHI STATE POLICE COMMAND PRESS RELEASE    19/11/2024 CRIME: Command arrests ex-convict, six other suspects for various offences, stolen items recovered ...As CP MM Auwal assures serene "ember" months, more aggressive stance against miscreants. In alignment with its enduring commitment to maintaining public safety, particularly as the yuletide season approaches, the Bauchi State Police Command has put in place a robust strategy against criminal activities across the state.   Recent operations have yielded significant outcomes:     On November 17, 2024, acting on credible intelligence, officers from the Yelwa Divisional Police Headquarters led by the DPO successfully apprehended six individuals suspected of involvement in criminal conspiracy, armed robbery, aiding and abetting criminal activities. The arrested individuals are:   1. Musa Umar, aged 17   2. Ibrahim Mohammed, aged 17   3. Bilal Musa, aged 17 ...