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Showing posts from December 24, 2024

AL-SHABAB SAYS ONE OF ITS COMMANDERS KILLED IN DRONE STRIKE. (PHOTO).

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 Al-Shabab says one of its commanders killed in drone strike Militant group al-Shabab said one of its top commanders, Mohamed Mire, was killed in a drone strike near Kunyo Barrow in Somalia’s Lower Shabelle Region, VOA reported. Al-Shabab did not say when the strike took place but blamed the United States for the killing. The United States military command in Africa, AFRICOM, late on Thursday confirmed conducting a Dec. 24 airstrike against al-Shabab, killing two militants some 10 kilometers southwest of Kunyo Barrow. The AFRICOM statement did not name the targeted militants but said no civilians were harmed. “The command will continue to assess the results of the operation and provide additional information as appropriate. Specific details about the units involved and assets used will not be released to ensure operational security,” said AFRICOM, which confirmed the strike was carried out in coordination with the Somali government. Somalia’s Ministry of Information issued a statem...

WEDDING GUESTS ABDUCTED ON KWARA HIGHWAY. (PHOTO).

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 Wedding guests abducted on Kwara highway At least five persons were reportedly abducted by gunmen on Saturday at Obbo-Ayegunle in Ekiti LGA of Kwara State. The victims were returning to their Odo-Owa base from a marriage ceremony held at Ope town in neighbouring Kogi State when they were abducted at about 4pm. They include Oloye Oyewole Abolarin, the head of hunters in Odo-Owa, and his wife, Funmilayo Abolarin, Tunde Oladipo and his wife, and one other person identified as Bose, all of Agbele Igbede compound in Odo-Owa community. The abductors have reached out to the family demanding a N100m ransom for their release. According to reports, family members and the community have started contributions towards meeting the demand of the kidnappers. They have also appealed to Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq and security agencies to come to the rescue of the family. An unconfirmed report indicated that another kidnap incident occurred on Monday along Omu-Aran highway. Efforts to reach the...

JAMAICAN COACH THRILLED WORKING WITH AMUSAN. (PHOTO).

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 Jamaican coach thrilled  working with  Amusan Foremost Jamaican coach Glen Mills has expressed  admiration at the professionalism and  attitude of 100m Hurdles World record holder and 2022 World Champions, Tobi Amusan. Amusan has  reportedly been training in Jamaica under Mills’ guidance since September, marking a new chapter in her career. Mills, widely regarded as one of the greatest sprint coaches in history is famous for helping Usain Bolt achieve unprecedented successes, including world records in the 100m and 200m WITH eight Olympic gold medals and 11 World Championship titles.  According to a Jamaican outlet, the athletics coach expressed his excitement at working with the Nigerian, stating  he’s  wowed with Amusan’s professionalism and commitment to excellence which he said, can propel her to greater heights.  “It has been a joy working with her because she is a true professional,” Mills reportedly told Jamaica-based  Sport...

FG WORKERS FACE GLOOMY CHRISTMAS OVET DELAYED DEC SALARIES. (PHOTO).

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 FG workers face gloomy Christmas over delayed Dec salaries Civil servants under the employment of the Federal Government are facing a low-key  Christmas celebrations following the delay in payment of their December 2024 salaries. The PUNCH also learnt that federal workers suffered delayed salaries in November 2024. Findings by our correspondents revealed that most federal workers received their November 2024 salaries during the second week of December. Multiple sources within the civil service told The PUNCH that the fault came from the office of the Accountant General of the Federation while other sources others noted that the delay was as a result of migration to a new payment platform. Speaking on the delayed salaries, our correspondent, who visited the Federal Secretariat on Tuesday morning, met with a few civil servants who expressed their grievances over the matter. A civil servant, who spoke under the condition of anonymity out of regard for civil service rules, said, ...

INTERPOL DECLARES 14 NIGERIANS WANTED FOR HUMAN, DRUG TRAFFICKING. (PHOTO).

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 INTERPOL declares 14 Nigerians wanted for human, drug trafficking •Some of the wanted persons. Photos: INTERPOL No fewer than 14 Nigerians have been declared wanted by the International Police for offences ranging from human trafficking, drug trafficking, robbery, cheating, and forgery, among others. PUNCH Metro gathered on Tuesday from Red Notices published on the INTERPOL website that the 14 Nigerians were wanted by different countries where they had allegedly committed the crime. The notices identified the wanted persons as Felix Omoregie, Jessica Edosomwan, Uche Egbue, Jude Uzoma, Chinedu Ezeunara, Benedict Okoro, Ikechukwu Obidiozor, and Alachi Stanley. Others are Bouhari Salif, Timloh Nkem, Austine Costa, Okromi Festus, Akachi Vitus and Mary Eze. According to the notices, Omoregie is wanted by the Belgian authority for allegedly leading a criminal organisation that exploits minors for prostitution. It read, “Family name: Omoregie, Forename: Felix, Gender: Male, Date of birth...

ATIKU, KWANKWASO, OTHERS KNOCK TINUBU OVER CONTINUED BORROWING. (PHOTO).

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 Atiku, Kwankwaso, others knock Tinubu over continued borrowing Monday’s media chat by President Bola Tinubu has come under strong criticism from 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, and his New Nigeria Peoples Party counterpart, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, among other members of the opposition. In their reactions on Tuesday, Atiku and Kwankwaso particularly flayed the President for announcing  plans to continue borrowing loans to execute infrastructural projects as well as his ‘no going back on fuel subsidy removal’ statement. Speaking through his media adviser, Paul Ibe, on Tuesday, former Vice President Atiku criticised the All Progressives Congress-led government for “borrowing without purpose.” He stated, “Which financial discipline have you seen? Nothing has changed ever since he became President. It is just the same Tinubu that we know. The economy and security are not better. They are being reckless with the nation’s resources. “All...

PRIMATE AYODELE RELEASES 2025 PROPHECIES ON TINUBU, ATIKU, NNAMDI KANU, WIKE, OTHERS. (PHOTO).

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 Primate Ayodele releases 2025 prophecies on Tinubu, Atiku, Nnamdi Kanu, Wike, others The Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele on Friday released a 94-page compilation of prophecies for the year 2025. Ayodele’s prophecies touched on issues around Nigeria’s political scene in the incoming year. He said President Bola Tinubu will make moves to impeach the Speaker of the House of Representatives. In the compilation tagged ‘Divine messages for the year 2025 and Beyond’, Ayodele also issued prophecies touching on the health sector, aviation and maritime industry, economy, education and different countries of the world. Other areas the popular prophet touched on include energy and power, financial institutions, ICT, security and paramilitary, religion, terrorism, entertainment, judiciary, oil and gas, Labour union, and traditional institution. Parts of the compilation of prophecies read: “I foresee that at the beginning of the year 2025, Nigeria will experi...

YULETIDE FESTIVITIES: IGP EXTENDS WARM FELICITATIONS, ASSURES SAFETY ACROSS COUNTRY. (PHOTO). #PRESS RELEASE.

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 PRESS RELEASE YULETIDE FESTIVITIES: IGP EXTENDS WARM FELICITATIONS, ASSURES SAFETY ACROSS COUNTRY Reaffirms Comprehensive Safety Measures. The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM., extends heartfelt greetings and warm wishes to all citizens celebrating this joyful time of the year on behalf of all officers of the Nigeria Police Force. In this delightful moment to come together with family and friends, to share in love, peace, and the spirit of giving, the NPF wishes everyone safe, joyous, and memorable festivities. As we commemorate the festive season, it is also vital to prioritize the safety and well-being of all. Therefore, the Force once again reiterates its commitment to ensuring that our communities across the country remain safe as the festivities unfold. To this effect, the Inspector-General of Police has ordered Police Operatives to remain on heightened alert during the holiday period. Comprehensive safety measures are being implemented, a...

UNI-ABUJA: PROFESSORS PROTEST ALLEGED MOVE TO IMPOSE AISHA MAIKUDI AS VC, SECURITY AGENTS ATTACK JOURNALISTS. (PHOTO).

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 UNIABUJA: Professors protest alleged  move to impose Aisha Maikudi as VC,  security agents attack journalists Rather than thaw, the crisis ravaging the University of Abuja (UNIABUJA) over the selection of a new Vice-Chancellor (VC) has deepened. Following the exit of Prof Abdul Rasheed Na’Allah,  it is believed some powerful forces are trying to impose  Aisha Maikudi as the new VC. But, some professors believe Maikudi is ineligible under the advertised criteria. On Saturday, they openly protested the plot to 'impose' her. One of them was seen shouting "It is not possible. We will never allow somebody who is ineligible to preside over our academic affairs. This is a university environment. Enough of this academic imposition". Security agents were immediately drafted to prevent a breakdown of law and order. Some journalists who were covering the protest were manhandled. Their vehicle was also vandalised. The professors came out to protest, following reports of a ...

WE WON'T ALLOW SHARIA LAW IN SOUTHWEST- YORUBA YOUTHS. (PHOTO).

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 A group known as Yoruba Nation Youths, has rejected plans to introduce Sharia law or establish Sharia courts in the South-West. The group, in a statement by its diaspora leader and Homebase Leader, Messrs Ayodele Ologunloluwa and Oyegunle Omotoyole, said they are prepared to defend their ancestral land against any attempts to impose Sharia law. The statement comes after reports that the Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria (Oyo State Chapter) has scheduled January 11, 2025, for the inauguration of a Sharia court in Oyo town. The event will reportedly take place at the Muslim Community Islamic Centre, Oba Adeyemi High School Road, Mobolaje area, Agbogangan, Oyo.   Reacting to the development, the youths described the proposal as “laughable” and vowed to mobilize resistance efforts if the plan proceeds. “We will resist any move to impose Sharia law or courts in Yorubaland. “Yoruba culture and traditions are distinct, and any attempt to introduce alien laws will be met with fie...

LWC RESTORES WATER SUPPLY TO PARKVIEW ESTATE, IKOYI, ASSURES RESIDENTS OF IMPROVED WATER SUPPLY. (PHOTOS). #PRESS RELEASE.

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 LWC RESTORES WATER SUPPLY TO PARKVIEW ESTATE, IKOYI, ASSURES RESIDENTS OF IMPROVED WATER SUPPLY Lagos Water Corporation (LWC) has restored water supply to the residents of Parkview Estate, Ikoyi of Lagos State, after a recent shutdown for rehabilitation works at the Alexander Mini Waterworks. The Corporation's Managing Director, Engr. Mukhtaar Temitope Tijani disclosed this at a recent meeting on the project held on Monday at the LWC Headquarters, Water-House, Ijora, Lagos, adding that rehabilitation works were important to complete the overhauling of critical components of the waterworks to improve service delivery to the affected areas. He thanked the residents for their patience, cooperation, and understanding during the shutdown period and reassured them of the Lagos State Government's commitment towards effective water delivery in the State. While wishing Lagosians Merry Christmas and New Year in advance, Engr. Tijani urged residents to use water prudently during and afte...

GAY COUPLE GET 100 YEARS IN PRISON FOR RAPE OF ADOPTED SONS. (PHOTO).

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 A gay couple from Georgia, William Zulock, 34 and Zachary Zulock, 36, have been sentenced to 100 years imprisonment without the possibility of parole for committing heinous s£xual offences against their adopted sons, according to the Walton County District Attorney’s office.    The victims, two brothers now aged 12 and 10, were adopted through a Christian special-needs organization.  The couple presented a facade of a loving family, residing in an affluent Atlanta suburb. Zachary worked in banking, while William held a government job, maintaining an outward image of normalcy.  Behind closed doors, the couple subjected the boys to regular s£xual abuse, compelling them to engage in s£xual acts and recording the incidents to produce p£d0philic p0$n0gr@phy. The abuse reportedly began when the children were merely three and five years old. Evidence indicates Zachary boasted about the abuse to friends.  A friend told police Zachary sent a Snapchat message saying...

GUNFIRE EXCHANGE BETWEEN DRC ARMY, ALLIES KILLS SEVEN. (PHOTO).

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 Gunfire exchange between DRC army, allies kills seven An exchange of fire between the Congolese army and a militia group fighting alongside it has killed up to eight civilians in the country's troubled east, sources told AFP on Tuesday. Since 2021, the Rwanda-backed M23 militia has seized swathes of territory in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, displacing thousands and causing a humanitarian crisis. The Congolese armed forces (FARDC) have been fighting to recover territory, backed by groups of militia known as Wazalendo. But on Monday fire was exchanged between the Congolese army and Wazalendo in a village in North Kivu province just outside the provincial capital Goma. "The inhabitants of the village ... were unpleasantly surprised by exchanges of fire between Wazalendo and FARDC based in this village on December 23," civil society leader Thierry Gasisiro told AFP. He said that "seven people were shot dead, four people were injured and several damages were rec...

ETHIOPIA DENIES SOMALI ALLEGATIONS OF ATTACK IN GEDO REGION. (PHOTO).

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 Ethiopia denies Somali allegations of attack in Gedo region Ethiopian government has denied Somali allegations that Ethiopian troops operating under the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) launched an attack on Somali National Army (SNA) forces in the Doolow district of the Gedo region, according to Somalia's Hiiraan News Agency. In a statement released Tuesday, Ethiopia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs dismissed the accusations, describing them as baseless and instigated by unnamed elements to derail the normalization of relations between Ethiopia and Somalia.  "The allegation is not true," the statement read. It further claimed that third parties, intent on destabilizing the Horn of Africa, were behind the incident. These actors, the ministry stated, are perennial spoilers of peace in the region and should not be allowed to undermine the commitment of Ethiopia and Somalia to stability. The Ethiopian government reiterated its dedication to strengthening...

LASG REAFFIRMS ZERO TOLERANCE FOR NOISE POLLUTION DURING/AFTER YULETIDE . (PHOTOS). #PRESS RELEASE.

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 LASG REAFFIRMS ZERO TOLERANCE FOR NOISE POLLUTION DURING/AFTER YULETIDE  The Lagos State Government has reiterated its commitment to a zero-tolerance policy on noise pollution, particularly during the Yuletide season and beyond.  Speaking at a Press Conference held on Monday at the Ministry of Environment Conference Room in Alausa, Ikeja, Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab alongside the General Manager LASEPA, Dr. Babatunde Ajayi, highlighted the government’s proactive measures to curb excessive noise and safeguard public health. Mr. Wahab acknowledged that the festive season brings heightened celebrations and activities that often lead to increased noise levels. While recognising the joy and significance of these festivities, he emphasised the need to prioritize the health and well-being of Lagos residents by reducing noise pollution.  He warned that unregulated noise poses significant health and environmental risks, which the g...

LAGOS FIRST LADY COMMENDS MARKET LEADERS ON HYGIENE, SANITATION IN MARKETS. (PHOTOS). #PRESS RELEASE.

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 LAGOS FIRST LADY COMMENDS MARKET LEADERS ON HYGIENE, SANITATION IN MARKETS … Urges Them To Be Vgilant During Yuletide  Wife of the Lagos State Governor, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu has applauded the efforts of Market Leaders in the State for ensuring hygiene in markets and strict adherence to standard practices in the State, stating that this result has been possible because of the unrelenting efforts of the Iyaloja/President-General, Chief Mrs. Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, who has continued to engage Market Leaders across the State on best practices in markets. The First Lady disclosed this today during a one-day seminar on Market Sanitation and Security for Market Leaders in Lagos East Senatorial District, held at the Babajide Sanwo-Olu International Model Market, Ikosi-Isheri Local Council Development Area. While thanking facilitators who have continued to educate market stakeholders on improved ways to transform waste into wealth and how to safeguard their health, lives and properties...

LAGOS PILGRIMS ARRIVE SAFELY AT JORDAN. (PHOTOS). #PRESS RELEASE.

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 LAGOS PILGRIMS ARRIVE SAFELY AT JORDAN The Lagos State Pilgrims, accompanied by officials from the Lagos State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board and the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), arrived safely in Amman, Jordan's capital city.  The pilgrims, led by the NCPC Executive Secretary, Bishop Stephen Adegbite, departed from Murtala Mohammed International Airport on Sunday, December 22, via Air Anka flight JAV3102. Upon arrival in Jordan on Monday, December 23, at 7 am local time, the pilgrims were warmly welcomed with festive fanfare by their Jordanian hosts, led by Tabar Tours' General Manager, Ms. Shada. Shada expressed her delight in hosting the Lagos contingent, highlighting the significance of their visit as the first batch of pilgrims to kick-start this year's exercise. The Board Secretary of the Lagos State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Mrs. Florence Yetunde Gbafe shared her excitement about the successful trip despite initial obstacles. She advised th...

AGBERO REMAINS BANNED IN EDO STATE. (PHOTO). #PRESS RELEASE

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  EDO STATE December 23, 2024  GOVERNMENT SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT The Edo State Government wishes to recall the earlier ban on unlicensed agents and touts from revenue collection across the State. The direction, which only recognized Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS) licensed Agents, was to ensure the protection of the citizenry from any form of extortion as well as safeguard State revenue collection processes from any leakage. 2. Following from the foregoing and for purposes of emphasis, Edo State Govemment has fully resolved that the System of revenue collection in the State shall solely be predicated on the existing template developed by the Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS) in conjunction with the Local Govermment Councils and the various Associations in the State. 3, On the strength of the above, the State Government has sternly placed a serious ban on direct cash collection in respect of revenue collection in the State. Security Agents have been put on alert...

GOV OKPEBHOLO SIGNS N675BN 2025 BUDGET INTO LAW. (PHOTOS). #PRESS RELEASE.

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 PRESS RELEASE  OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR  EDO STATE GOVERNMENT  GOV OKPEBHOLO SIGNS N675BN 2025 BUDGET INTO LAW Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has signed the 2025 Appropriation bill of N675 billion, tagged 'Budget of Renewed Hope for A Rising Edo' into law after the bill was passed by the Edo State House of Assembly.  Assenting to the bill at the Government House, Benin City, Governor Okphebholo said the budget would revive the economy of Edo State and deliver the dividends of democracy to the people of the State. Governor Okpebholo said: “I have just signed into law, a budget of 675,220,058,858.52 tagged a renewed Hope budget for a rising Edo. It is hoped that the 2025 approved budget will revive the economy of Edo State and deliver the dividend of democracy to the good people of the state." He also mentioned that, in preparing the budget, special care was taken to ensure that a larger percentage was appropriated for capital expenditure, stressing t...

PRES. TINUBU'S 2024 CHRISTMAS MESSAGE TO NIGERIANS. (PHOTO). #PRESS RELEASE.

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 PRESIDENT TINUBU'S 2024 CHRISTMAS MESSAGE TO NIGERIANS Dear Fellow Nigerians, On this joyous Christmas Day, I extend my heartfelt greetings to Christians across Nigeria and worldwide as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, as narrated in the Holy Scriptures. Christmas embodies the fulfilment of divine prophecy and symbolises the triumph of love, peace, and unity. It is a poignant reminder that light can emerge even in the darkest times, bringing solace and hope. This belief resonates with people of all faiths. Indeed, God is with us. Recent tragic events in Ibadan, Okija, and Abuja deeply sadden us, and our thoughts are with those who continue to suffer from these heartbreaking incidents. We earnestly pray that such misfortunes do not revisit our families and communities and that the lives of innocents are never again cut short. I offer my deepest sympathies to the families enduring pain and loss this year, whether from floods, fires, or accidents. May we all find comfort and s...

WOMEN ONLY GET MUCH SUPPORT IN THE INDUSTRY MUST WE HAVE BREAST AND YANSH TO ALSO HAVE SUPPORT- AYO MAKUN CRIES OUT OVER LACK OF SUPPORT FROM HIS COLLEAGUES. (PHOTO).

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 Women only get much support in the industry Must we have breast and y@nsh to also have support – Ayo Makun cries out over lack of support from his colleagues  Nollywood actor and comedian Ayodeji Richard Makun, professionally known as AY Comedian, has cried out over the lack of support from his colleagues A few days ago, Ayo Makun released his highly anticipated film, The Waiter, on the big screen. The film stars Regina Daniels, Seyi Okanlawon, Toke Makinwa, Ayo Makun and the like. Following the reception and the loss of income from the film, the father of two took to the micro-blogging X app to lament the lack of support from his fellow men. Makun lamented how men only support entities who have breasts and bottoms, despite the other gender working hard to stay relevant and uphold their responsibilities. He bragged about being the only man left in filmmaking who has not given up and vows to continue pushing his movie personally.

CONSTITUTION OF ABIA STATE CHRISTIAN PILGRIMS WELFARE BOARD.(PHOTO). #PRESS RELEASE.

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 23 DECEMBER, 2024. PRESS RELEASE: CONSTITUTION OF ABIA STATE CHRISTIAN PILGRIMS WELFARE BOARD. I am directed to convey His Excellency's approval for the appointment of the following persons as Chairman and members of the Abia State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board: 1. Apostle Dr. Emmanuel Otutubuike Agomuo  – Chairman 2. Archbishop Dr. Chikezie Emmanuel Elekwa (JP) – Member 3. Rev. Prof. Mosy Madugba – Member 4. Rev. Ojo Ojo Uduma (JP)  – Member 5. Bishop Manasses Okere (JP) – Member 6. Bishop Dr. Udo U. Nmeregini – Member 7. Most Rev. Dr. Uma Onwunta – Member 8. Pastor Uche Nwokeohuru – Member 9. Rev. Fr. Gabriel Kalu – Member  10. Pastor Ugochukwu             Kingsley Chimereze  –                       Member  11. Pastor Chioma Ibezim,              Ph.D  – Member This appointment takes immediate effect.  Ctz. UKOHA N...

ISRAEL CONFIRMS: FORMER HAMAS LEADER HANIYEH ASSASSINATED IN TEHRAN. (PHOTO).

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 Israel Confirms: Former Hamas Leader Haniyeh Assassinated in Tehran  In a dramatic revelation, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has admitted to Israel's role in the July assassination of former Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran.  This marks the first public acknowledgment of the operation, which had been previously denied by Israel but blamed on them by Iran and Hamas. Katz made the announcement during an event at the defence ministry, warning that Israel will continue to target hostile leaders: "Anyone who raises a hand against Israel will have his hand cut off.  The long arm of the IDF will strike and hold them accountable." Haniyeh, who was advocating for a ceasefire in Gaza, was killed on July 31 in Tehran via an explosive device reportedly planted weeks earlier.  Katz also hinted at future military action targeting leadership figures in Yemen.

MONEY LAUNDERING: EFCC ARRAIGNS BUSINESSMAN, AKINDELE AKINTOYE FOR $35M FRAUD. (PHOTOS). #PRESS RELEASE.

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 Money Laundering:  EFCC Arraigns Businessman,  Akindele Akintoye for $35m Fraud The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Monday, December 24, 2024, arraigned a businessman, Akindele Akintoye before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja, on charges bordering on money laundering and contract fraud.   Akintoye allegedly collected $35million from the Nigeria Content  Development and Monitoring Board to build a 2000 barrel- per -day refinery, jetty, gas plant, data centre, and tank farm at Brass Free Trade Zone, Okpoama community in Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. He allegedly mooted the idea of the project to the Board and the NCDMB embraced it with a counterpart funding to the tune of $35million. He allegedly received the funds through the bank account of Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited and funneled  the funds into four of  his companies: Platform Capital Investment Partners, D...

ETHIOPIA-SOMALIA: INTELLIGENCE CHIEFS MEET AMID THAWIN TIES. (PHOTO).

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 Ethiopia-Somalia: Intelligence chiefs meet amid thaw in ties Ethiopian intelligence chief Redwan Hussien met with his Somali counterpart Abdullahi Mohamed Ali on Tuesday to advance security cooperation and reinforce commitments outlined in the Ankara Declaration, a pact between the two countries reached through Türkiye's mediation earlier this month. Announcing the meeting in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa on X, Hussien highlighted that the discussions focused on mutual security challenges and emphasized unity against detractors trying to derail progress. “As a follow-up to the Ankara Declaration, we both vowed to move forward and keep detractors from near and afar who are bent on derailment at bay,” Hussein said, Anadolu reported. The meeting coincided with the arrival of a Somali delegation led by Ali Omar, the minister of state for foreign affairs and international cooperation, also aimed at reinforcing commitments under the Ankara Declaration. Turning point Signed on Decemb...

PROTESTS ERUPT IN SYRIA AFTER CHRISTMAS TREE IS SET ON FIRE, SPARKING TENSIONS OVET RELIGIOUS MINORITIES. (PHOTO).

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 Protests Erupt in Syria After Christmas Tree is Set on Fire, Sparking Tensions Over Religious Minorities Protests erupted in Syria after a Christmas tree was set on fire in Suqaylabiyah, a Christian-majority town, just before Christmas Eve. The act, blamed on foreign fighters, angered the local Christian community. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the Islamist group that helped overthrow Assad, detained those responsible and vowed to protect minorities. In a gesture of solidarity, an HTS leader assured the crowd the tree would be repaired and even displayed a cross. The incident led to further protests across Syria, with demonstrators in Damascus denouncing foreign fighters and expressing fears for the future of Syria’s Christian community. Many carried crosses and Syrian flags, chanting that they would not stay if they could no longer practice their faith freely. The unrest highlighted growing concerns over the treatment of religious minorities in a country still recovering from years...