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 Apple's statement on minerals must be 'verified': DRC International lawyers for the Democratic Republic of Congo welcomed Apple's decision to stop sourcing minerals from there due to worsening conflict, but said they would press ahead with their cases against the company in Europe. Criminal complaints were filed against Apple subsidiaries in France and Belgium this week on behalf of DR Congo, accusing the tech firm of using conflict minerals in its supply chain, Reuters reported. DR Congo is a major source of tin, tantalum and tungsten, so-called 3T minerals used in computers and mobile phones. But some artisanal mines are run by armed groups involved in massacres, rapes and other crimes, say UN experts and rights groups. 'Satisfaction and caution' Apple said on Tuesday that it strongly disputes the claims and has told suppliers they must not use the minerals in question sourced from DR Congo or Rwanda. The lawyers representing DR Congo said on Wednesday they w...

Abia State Community Policing Vigilante has arrested an electric cable thief, simply identified as Samuel, while vandalizing power installations along Isi Court-Ikputu road in Isiala Ngwa area. While two out of the three thieves escaped with their operational tricycle, the leader of the syndicate identified as Samuel, from Ebonyi State was apprehended by the Community Policing Vigilante. The arrest of the suspect was made known by the Commander of Abia State Community Policing Vigilante in the area, K.C. Martins. Martins, who said that efforts have been intensified by his men to arrest the two fleeing members of the criminal gang, commended Governor Alex Otti’s administration’s determination protecting the lives and property of the people in the State. Confirming the arrest, the Commander of Abia State Community Policing Vigilante, Daniel Iheadindu charged his men to sustain their efforts in ridding Abia communities of criminal elements, even as he advised youths to shun crime and enga...

 Zamfara Governor’s Wife Facilitates Marriage for 100 Orphans, Offers Support to Grooms The wife of the Zamfara State Governor, Huriyya Dauda Lawal, has overseen the marriage of 100 orphaned girls in the state. The brides, who were well cared for prior to the ceremony, received full attention for their beautification. Each bride’s dowry, amounting to 151,000 Naira, was covered by the Governor’s wife. In addition, Huriyya Dauda Lawal provided essential household items, including furniture such as cushions, beds, wardrobes, mattresses, and kitchen utensils. Furthermore, she offered financial assistance of N50,000 to each groom to help them start their businesses and achieve self-sufficiency. Hajiya Lawal encouraged the brides to respect their husbands and practice patience. She also assured them that the Zakkat and Endowment Board would be available to offer support should any marital issues arise.

 Taraba: Police Commissioner Calls for Peaceful Coexistence Between Herders and Farmers The Taraba State Commissioner of Police, Ukachi Peter Opara, has urged for greater peace and understanding between herders and farmers in the state. During a meeting with the leadership of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Jalingo on Thursday, Opara highlighted the importance of dialogue and cooperation for long-term development. He emphasized that peaceful coexistence between these groups is crucial for their livelihoods and for fostering economic growth and stability in the state and the nation. Opara commended MACBAN for its readiness to collaborate with the police in promoting peace and security in Taraba. He reassured that the police would continue to work diligently to protect lives and property and pledged to leave no stone unturned in maintaining peace and stability in the state. MACBAN Chairman, Alhaji Ya’u Ibrahim Barewa, expressed the association’s f...

 PSC Promotes Over 8,000 Police Officers On Wednesday, the Police Service Commission (PSC) approved the promotion of 8,053 senior police officers. Earlier in the week, 11 Commissioners of Police were promoted to the rank of Assistant Inspectors General (AIGs), and 16 Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs) were elevated to the rank of Commissioners of Police (CPs). Additionally, 21 Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs) were promoted to DCPs, and 57 Chief Superintendents of Police (CSPs) moved up to Assistant Commissioners (ACPs). According to a statement by the PSC's spokesperson, Ikechukwu Ani, the total number of promotions included 1,348 Superintendents of Police (SPs) promoted to Chief Superintendents, 876 Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs) promoted to Superintendents, and 5,829 Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASPs) promoted to DSPs. Among those promoted were Anjuguri Manzah, DCO at Onne Port Division; Ihunwo Josephine, Zonal Public Relations Officer, Zone 13 Ukpo; M...

 MNJTF troops repel terrorists attack on military base in Cameroon, neutralise 10 Troops of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) operating under Sector 1 in Mora, have successfully repelled a coordinated attack by Boko Haram/ ISWAP terrorists on the military base at Darak in Cameroon.  The Chief Military Information Officer of the MNJTF, Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, in a statement on Thursday, said the operations led to the elimination of 10 terrorists in the early hours of Wednesday. He said the attack began at dawn, with the terrorists launching assaults from multiple directions at the Darak military base. In a fierce gun battle, troops swiftly engaged the terrorists, eliminating 6 terrorists   and forcing the others to flee with varying degrees of gunshot wounds. According to MNJTF, 5 soldiers sustained injuries during the encounter and are currently responding to medical treatment. Colonel Osoba noted that in a follow-up operation, troops laid ambush f...

 Friedkin Group Completes Takeover of Everton Football Club The US-based Friedkin Group has officially completed its takeover of Premier League club Everton, the club announced on Thursday. The acquisition was made through Roundhouse Capital Holdings Limited, a subsidiary of the Friedkin Group. With this deal, Everton becomes the 10th Premier League club to be under majority American ownership, with the Friedkin Group purchasing a 98.8% stake in the Liverpool-based club. In a statement, Marc Watts, the new executive chairman, expressed pride in the acquisition, stating: “Today marks a significant milestone for The Friedkin Group as we take on the responsibility of this historic football club. We are committed to ushering in a new era of success for Everton, both on and off the field. Ensuring immediate financial stability has been our primary focus, and we are pleased to have achieved this. While restoring Everton to its rightful place in the Premier League will take time, today ma...

 Kogi CJ Grants Release to 27 Inmates with the Help of NGO The Chief Judge of Kogi State, Justice Josiah Majebi, has facilitated the release of 27 inmates from six correctional facilities in the state. These individuals had been detained due to their inability to pay fines and compensation. The releases were made possible through the efforts of the Victory Idewele Foundation, which paid the outstanding fines and compensation. Justice Majebi visited the correctional centres from Monday to Wednesday to oversee the process. At Koton-Karfe Maximum Security Correctional Centre, two inmates were granted freedom. Mustapha Idris, who owed N50,000, was released, while Kehinde Amaka, who was sentenced to one year with a N300,000 fine, will remain in custody until January 15, 2025, to serve the rest of his sentence. Additionally, 20 inmates were released from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kabba, and 5 from Ankpa. Justice Majebi emphasized the importance of ensuring no inmate is unju...

 FCT High Court admits ex-Gov Yahaya Bello to N500m bail Justice Maryanne Anenih of the the Federal Capital Territory High Court has granted the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, bail in the sum of N500 million with three sureties in like sum. Justice Anenih had on December 10 refused the ex-governor’s bail application, saying it was filed prematurely. While delivering the initial ruling, she said that having been filed when the 1st defendant was neither in custody nor before the court, the instant application was incompetent. There was, however, room for the governor’s lawyers to file a fresh application for bail and apply for hearing date. The former governor is facing an alleged money laundering trial to the tune of N110bn, along with two others. He had pleaded not guilty to the 16-count charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). At the day’s proceedings, Counsel for the former governor, Joseph Daudu, SAN, informed the ...

 Police Detain Principal Over Ibadan Children’s Carnival Stampede The Oyo State Police Command has detained Mr. Abdullahi Fasasi, the principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan, in connection with the tragic stampede that occurred at the school on Wednesday. Fasasi was invited by the police on Wednesday afternoon and has been in custody since then. The incident, which took place during a children’s carnival organized by Naomi Silekunola, the estranged wife of the Ooni of Ile-Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, resulted in the deaths of at least 32 children. Sources close to Fasasi confirmed that he was invited to the police station around 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday and was detained immediately upon arrival. He is currently being held at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in the Iyaganku area of Ibadan. As of now, he has not been released.

 NINE VEHICLES IMPOUNDED AS OCHA BRIGADE CLAMPDOWN ON ILLEGAL PARKS.  Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra; Ocha Brigade enforcement team have arrest nine (9) commercial drivers and impounded nine (9) vehicles for operating illegal parks and obstructing vehicular movement at New Market road, main market Onitsha.    The agency had in previous weeks, directed transporters to use the various government approved parks for loading and offloading of passengers, as their activities on these road have caused Ndi Anambra so much traffic and untold hardship.  The MD/SG is determined to ensure a traffic free yuletide season, and ensure that the our roads are safe for travelers and road users, irrespective of their destination.  Those arrested has been arraigned by the agency and will be charged to court for violation of the State Government directives on illegal parks.  Solution is here!!! For all your complaints, inquiries and submissions call any of our help lin...

 NBS website hacked, Bureau issues warning against fake reports The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has confirmed that its official website has been compromised by unidentified hackers. This announcement was made in a statement posted on the bureau’s official X (formerly Twitter) account on Wednesday. The NBS urged the public to disregard any information or reports claiming to be from the bureau that are shared through unofficial sources until the website has been fully restored. The bureau assured the public that its technical team is actively working to resolve the issue and restore the site as quickly as possible. The statement read, “This is to inform the public that the NBS website has been hacked, and we are working to recover it. Please disregard any message or report posted until the website is fully restored.” A visit to the website confirmed the breach, with the homepage displaying the message, “Page Hacked.” Subsequent attempts to access the site resulted in an “Inte...

 Customs announces VAT removal from LPG, CNG The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the removal of Value Added Tax (VAT) on Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) also known as cooking gas, and the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). It also announced zero per cent import duty for the products. Its National Public Relations Officer, Mr. Abdullahi Maiwada broke the news in a press statement. The statement said: “In alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu commitment to enhancing Nigeria’s investment climate and increasing domestic gas utilisation, the  Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) announces the implementation of fiscal incentives under the Presidential Gas for Growth Initiative. “Pursuant to Part 1, Section 5 of the Customs and Excise Tariff Act, machinery, equipment, and spare parts imported for Nigerian gas utilisation are now subject to a zero percent (0%) import duty rate. “This exemption encompasses all equipment related to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Liquefied Petroleum...

 Ganduje To Visiting APC Leaders: Oyo Important, Tinubu Can’t Afford To See A Beautiful Fowl With Vulture Head The national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has called on party members across the country to prioritise the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027, describing it as a “task that must be done.” Speaking on Wednesday during a meeting with Oyo state APC stakeholders in Abuja, Ganduje also directed the party to intensify efforts to reclaim Oyo state from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2027 elections. The meeting had in attendance the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu; members of the state’s National Assembly caucus; the acting state chairman; and other party chieftains. Ganduje emphasised the importance of unity among party leaders and members in Oyo state, noting that only a united front can achieve the dual goals of ensuring President Tinubu’s re-election and regaining control of the state. “We must wo...

 Defamation: I owe you no apology, APC chairman replies Ighodalo  The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Edo State, Jarrett Tenebe, on Wednesday, said he stood by his allegation that the Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate, Asue Ighodalo, is corrupt and owes him no apology. Tenebe disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja by his lawyer, Dr. Blessing Agbomhere. Agbomhere, in the letter, said, “We further want to state unequivocally that our client did not defame your client in any way, and as such, there is no need for a public apology or retraction of comments made in the alleged video. “But if your client decides to stretch this issue further by going to court, we will rely on the defence of justification in accordance with the report of the Edo State Vehicle Recovery Committee, whose report indicted your client and the preliminary report of the Edo State Asset Verification Committee.” The Edo APC chair had, in a viral video on 10th December, accused...

 Funsho Adeolu celebrates 20th wedding anniversary with romantic promise to wife  US-based Nigerian actor Funsho Adeolu has shared a heartfelt message to his wife as they celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary.  On his Instagram, Adeolu posted a touching tribute, accompanied by a slideshow of cherished memories from their two decades together. He expressed his gratitude to God for their remarkable journey, filled with unforgettable moments and milestones.  In his anniversary message, Adeolu praised the deepening bond between him and his wife, calling her his rock, best friend, and soulmate. He thanked her for being his steadfast partner and promised a lifetime of love, along with a fresh commitment to their future together. “20 years? Wow! I am grateful to God for this memorable and adventurous journey filled with memories, moments, and milestones Our bond grew stronger each year, my rock, my best friend, and my soul mate. Thank you for being my partner in every se...

 God Almighty has been faithful in my 38 years.  Happy Holidays. 🇳🇬-AJuri Ngelale.  ‘God has been faithful’ – Tinubu’s ex-spokesman Ajuri Ngelale breaks silence Former Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to President Bola Tinubu, Ajuri Ngelale, said on Wednesday God has been faithful to him. Ngelale made the remark while celebrating his 38th birthday. He posted the remark on his Facebook page while updating his profile photo, showing him and a former United States Secretary of State and Special Envoy on Climate Change, John Jerry, at a previous function. He wrote, “God Almighty has been faithful in my 38 years. Happy Holidays.” On September 7, Ngelale stepped down from his position as Tinubu’s spokesman. Ngelale also stepped down as the Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action and Chairman of the Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen. A statement by the presidency said Ngelale submitted a memo to Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, informin...

 Dangote Refinery Reduces Petrol Price to N899 Per Litre Company’s spokesman Anthony Chiejina said the price reduction is designed to ease transport costs during the festive period. This will help to ease transport costs during this holiday season, Dangote Refinery is offering a holiday discount on PMS. From today, our petrol will be available at N899.50 per litre at our truck loading gantry or SPM. Furthermore, for every litre purchased on a cash basis, consumers will have the opportunity to buy another litre on credit, backed by a bank guarantee from Access Bank, First Bank, or Zenith Bank,” said Chiejina.

 Mali renames colonial French street names Mali followed Burkina Faso and Niger on Wednesday in renaming streets and squares in its capital to get rid of their French colonial names, AFP reported. Streets bearing the names of members of France's colonial administration have been rebaptised in Bamako, according to a decree by the junta chief. Cedeao Avenue (the French acronym for the Economic Community of West African States or ECOWAS) is also now named after a new strategic confederation that Mali has formed with Burkina Faso and Niger – the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). In all, nearly 25 names have been replaced, among them boulevards, streets, squares and public establishments. Niger and Burkina Faso have already made several changes to street and monument names in the last two years. In October, Niger renamed several historic sites in its capital Niamey which previously bore references to old colonial master France. Mali has been ruled by the military since back-to-back coups ...

 Fire Ravages Anambra Timber Market A fire that broke out late Wednesday night at the Ogbosisi Timber Market in Onitsha, Anambra State, has caused extensive damage to several goods. An X user named Omaletocracy shared footage of the fire, showing traders desperately attempting to salvage their items as the flames spread. The video was captioned: “Head bridge mkt Onitsha is on fire 18/12/2024.” In a statement issued on Thursday morning, Anambra State Police spokesperson Tochukwu Ikenga confirmed that no lives were lost in the blaze. Ikenga further revealed that the area had been cordoned off to prevent looting by criminals. He added, “The quick response of the Police and Fire Service personnel to the fire outbreak at Ogbosisi on 18/12/2024 at 8:45 pm helped to bring the situation under control.” The spokesperson emphasized that an investigation had begun to determine the cause of the fire, although the value of the destroyed goods has not yet been determined.

 Petrol Landing Cost Drops to N970 per Litre – Marketers In a positive sign for the downstream sector's stability, the Major Energy Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN) has announced a slight decrease in the landing cost of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), or petrol, which fell to N970 per litre in December 2024, down from N971 per litre in November 2024. This decrease comes amid a similar drop in crude oil prices, which fell to $73.77 per barrel from $74 per barrel the previous week. According to MEMAN's daily energy bulletin, which was shared with Vanguard, the new landing cost is based on a crude oil price of $73.91 per barrel (Brent) and an exchange rate of N1,533.57/$. However, MEMAN also cautioned that international petroleum product prices are subject to significant volatility, influenced by geopolitical and economic factors, including developments in the Middle East, market trends in China, and the recent outcome of the U.S. elections. The foreign exchange rate is also f...

 ALGON Rejects Suspension of Edo Council Chairmen, Seeks Tinubu’s Intervention The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) has strongly condemned the Edo State House of Assembly’s recent suspension of 18 local government chairmen across the state. In a statement released in Taraba State on Thursday, ALGON’s National Executive Council (NEC) and Board of Trustees (BOT) criticized the suspension, calling it a serious violation of democracy and constitutional order. The suspensions came after Governor Monday Okpebholo accused the chairmen of failing to comply with his directives by not submitting financial records to the state government. The statement, signed by ALGON’s National Publicity Secretary, Hamisu M. Anani, expressed deep concern, describing the action as a "setback for democracy and an abuse of power." ALGON noted that the chairmen were not given an opportunity to defend themselves and argued that the suspension violated a Supreme Court ruling that upholds ...

 Anambra's IGR Increases by Over 100% in One Year Anambra State has seen a significant surge in its monthly Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), growing from ₦2.2 billion to ₦5.2 billion over the past year—an impressive increase of more than 100%. This achievement was shared by Amara Oyeka, Senior Special Assistant to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on IGR, during the presentation and validation of a study conducted across 21 major markets in the state’s three senatorial zones. The research was part of the Tax for Service Project, implemented by the Tax Justice and Governance Platform (TJ&GP) in partnership with the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) and supported by Oxfam Nigeria. Despite the growth, Oyeka pointed out significant challenges. He revealed that many wealthy citizens in the state avoid paying taxes, and over 50% of collected revenue is often diverted into private hands. “We have a situation where revenue collectors are wealthier than the government,” Oyeka...