PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 PRESS RELEASE CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS: POLICE ARREST 23 SUSPECTED ARMED ROBBERS, HOODLUMS, KIDNAPPER, RECOVER DANGEROUS WEAPONS. As IGP Commends Officers for Vigilance, Commitment to Safety. In furtherance of the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM., to commands and formations to emplace unalloyed anti crime strategies towards ensuring adequate safety and security during this festive period, operatives of the Nigeria Police Force across several states in the country have successfully apprehended multiple groups of armed robbers, cultists and hoodlums targeting fun seekers and engaging in gangsterism during Christmas celebrations.  On the 25th of December 2024, at about 1am, the police operatives attached to Lagos State Command, received a distress call that a group of hoodlums armed with dangerous weapons was operating around the Safejo area of Amukoko, Lagos State. The swift response by the police operatives to the scene led t...

 *Anambra Law Revision Committee submits report to Attorney General* By Chinelo Okeke  Anambra State Law Revision Committee has submitted 'the Reviewed Laws of Anambra State' to the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of the state, Prof. Sylvia Ifemeje. The submission was done at the Attorney General's Chambers at the Ministry of Justice, Jerome Udoji Secretariat, Awka. Prof. Ifemeje on receiving the draft copy of the laws said, "it will be submitted to Mr. governor after which it will be transmitted to the House of Assembly. "This law will help in achieving the governor's promise of correct dispensation of justice and will remove clogs in the wheel of justice delivery which will help in achieving the governor's mandate." She maintained that it would also help in academic setting for the academia, Judges, law students, lecturers even policy makers. Speaking, Barr. Ifeanyi Obiakor (SAN), member of the committee representing the Chairman of th...

 Police Officer allegedly shot and killed his girlfriend on Christmas Day in Johannesburg. A police officer is wanted for allegedly murdering his girlfriend, Chesnay Patricia Keppler, on Christmas Day in Eldorado Park, Johannesburg. Officer Mandla Goodman Buthelezi is accused of shooting Keppler, a 22-year-old Crime Prevention Warden, multiple times through the kitchen window after an altercation. Buthelezi had allegedly arrived at Keppler’s residence, where she was with her friends and mother, and attempted to force her into a state vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. After being overpowered by Keppler and her friend, Buthelezi retrieved his firearm from the vehicle and committed the crime before fleeing the scene.

 22 injur£d as bus rams into celebrants in Gombe A commercial bus rammed into a Christmas procession in Tumfure community, Gombe, on Christmas Day, injuring 22 people. The Tumfure community celebrants were on their way to the Government House and Gombe Emir’s Palace for homage when the accident occurred. Buhari Abdullahi, the spokesperson for Gombe State police, stated that the injured were taken to the Federal Teaching Hospital and Specialist Hospital. No fatalities were recorded. The police have launched an investigation. The Commissioner of Police tasked the Motor Traffic Department to carry out a thorough probe. Governor Inuwa Yahaya expressed sympathy to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the victims, pledging to cover medical expenses.

  A soldier attached to 3 division of the Nigerian Army, Rukuba Barracks, Jos, allegedly stabbed a tricycle rider, Abdullahi Muhammad, who was also a herder, to death. The Chairman of Gan Allah Fulani Development Association (GAFDAN), Garba Abdullahi, who confirmed the incident to newsmen, claimed the soldier k!lled Muhammad, a 26-year-old, at Gebu-Bassa, close to a gate of the barracks. He condemned the k!lling and called on the leadership of the division to ensure justice for the deceased. According to the GAFDAN chairman, the incident occurred around 7:pm when the deceased stopped to buy something close to the gate of the barrack. “After the deceased bought what he intended to buy, he entered his tricycle, and while reversing, he mistakenly stepped on the soldier’s leg. Realising what had happened, he got out of the tricycle and apologised, but despite this, the soldier, who was in mufti, slapped him, and an altercation ensued. Before long, the soldier pulled out his jackknife a...

 LAGOS STATE SAFETY COMMISSION WARNS NIGHTCLUBS AGAINST OVERCROWDING  The Lagos State Safety Commission has observed a concerning trend of overcrowding in several clubs and lounges across the city in recent days.  This was recently disclosed by the Director-General/CEO, Lagos Safety Commission, Mr. Lanre Mojola, who stated that despite the Government's support of the vibrant nightlife and the economic benefits it brings, it must be emphasised that there is a paramount need for nightclub owners/operators to strictly adhere to the authorized occupancy limits as approved by the Commission. According to him, on no account should any nightclub allow overcrowding, which poses significant safety risks, including the potential for fire hazards, smoking in public spaces, compromised emergency exits, and increased likelihood of accidents. These risks, he said, endanger not only the lives of patrons but also the staff and the general public. Mojola noted that the State Government st...

  Syria's new government has appointed Anas Khattab to lead the country's intelligence agency.  This move is part of the government's efforts to restructure the country's institutions after the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime. Anas Khattab, 37, from Jayrud, a town in the Damascus countryside, has been chosen for this key role. Interestingly, he was one of the leaders of the Syrian terrorist group Jabhat al-Nusra, which has been banned in Russia. Khattab, also known as Abu Ahmad Hudood, has played a significant role in leading operations against ISIS and al-Qaeda in Idlib.

 Israeli airline El Al has canceled flights to Russia following the plane crash near Aktau. “Due to events in Russian airspace, El Al is suspending all flights on the Tel Aviv-Moscow route for the next week. The situation will be reassessed next week, and a decision on resuming flights will be made. Passengers will be notified shortly,” the airline’s press service announced.

 Azerbaijan  has Confirm that a Russian Missile Shot Down Plane In Kazakhstan plane A passenger aircraft belonging to Azerbaijan Airlines crashed near the Kazakh city of Aktau after being targeted by Russian air defense, according to Euronews. Azerbaijani government officials report that the plane was struck by a surface-to-air missile launched by Russian forces. Sources speaking to Euronews indicate that the missile was fired while the aircraft was flying over Grozny, where drone activity had been observed. The missile detonated near the plane, causing shrapnel to injure both passengers and crew. Additionally, sources from the media reveal that the damaged aircraft was denied permission to land at Russian airports when the pilots requested an emergency landing. Instead, they were instructed to continue flying over the Caspian Sea toward Aktau. Euronews also discovered that the plane's GPS navigation system was disrupted for the entire duration of the flight over the sea. Subs...

  LeBron James Makes History as Lakers Edge Warriors in Thrilling Christmas Day Victory LeBron James made NBA history with his 11th Christmas Day victory as the Los Angeles Lakers narrowly defeated the Golden State Warriors 115-113. Despite losing Anthony Davis early to an ankle injury, the Lakers held their ground. James, the team’s leader, scored 31 points, while Austin Reaves, like a clutch closer in a tight race, sank a game-winning lay-up with one second remaining. Reaves also posted an impressive triple-double with 26 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists. The Warriors, led by a scorching hot Stephen Curry with 38 points and eight three-pointers, staged a late comeback. But Reaves’ last-second basket kept the Lakers ahead, sealing the victory despite Davis' absence.

 Chelsea Stunned by Fulham The boxing day fixtures are not going as planned for top teams in the EPL. Earlier, Manchester City drew with Everton and now Chelsea, an alleged title contender experienced a devastating defeat after taking the lead in the 16th minute of the game. Cole palmer opened the scoring but in the 82nd and 95th minute, Fulham scored to get the advantage over Chelsea. With Manchester City and Chelsea dropping points, Liverpool just have to win to increase the lead.

 Speaker Udeze Urges Love, Unity, and Prayer for Anambra's Growth in Christmas Message By Chizoba Okeke The Speaker, Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Somtochukwu Udeze, has said that the understanding of the reason for Christ's birth and His power of salvation is greater and more important than the merriment associated with the season. In his Christmas message, Hon Udeze, who expressed deep gratitude to God for granting people the grace to participate in this year's Christmas celebration, urged Christians to exhibit love for one another, emphasizing that love is both a commandment and a Christian virtue. The Speaker called on politicians and affluent citizens to use part of their wealth to positively impact people's lives, adding that through their spread of love and kindness to those around them, the gospel of Jesus Christ would be made practical. He urged Ndi Anambra to continue praying for the current administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo, which, accordin...

 ILLUSTRIOUS OBOSI INDIGENES ORGANIZE YOUTH CONFERENCE FOR YOUTHS By Chiedu Uche Okoye Ambassador IK Okoma, an oversea-based business man and Oby Ajegbo, a lawyer, organized  a youth conference for youths in Obosi, the aim of which is to re-direct their footsteps to the path of moral rectitude and awaken their latent potentialities.  The youth conference, which had the theme, "Awakening The Giant in You", took place at the Obosi town hall.  The well-attended conference started with an opening prayer said by Bishop Sam Chidoka, who said that the conference was an occasion for turning around the destination of the young generation.  The key-note address was presented by the same Bishop Chidoka, who urged the students to identify their gifts and use them positively while Prof. Nnamdi Onyire narrated how he overcame poverty to achieve his life goal.  Rev. Albert Green's speech presentation dwelt on types of empowerments, such as mental, physical, financial, and...

 KANO STATE POLICE COMMAND 26TH DECEMBER, 2024 ARREST OF SUSPECTED ARROWHEAD BEHIND THUGGERY ESCALATION IN KOFAR MATA QUARTERS KANO On December 24, 2024, at approximately 8:40 pm, a team of Policemen deployed at Kofar Mata/Zango junction near Murtala Mohammed Specialists Hospital Kano, arrested one Kabiru Jamilu, 21 years old, popularly known as 'Awu', a resident of Zango Quarters Kano. The suspect was identified as the mastermind behind the resurgence of Daba fighting between Kofar Mata and Zango youths. Key Findings: - Kabiru Jamilu confessed to spearheading the fighting during preliminary investigations. - Further investigations led to the arrest of Umar Garba, 32, a resident of Zango Quarters Kano, who was found in possession of a sharp long knife. - Both suspects have been transferred to the Command's Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and will be charged to court upon completion of the investigation. Call to Action: The Commissioner of Police, Kano State Command...

  Former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh reportedly passed away on Thursday at the age of 92. The senior Congress leader was admitted to AIIMS Delhi in critical condition on Thursday evening after his health deteriorated. Sources stated that Dr. Singh breathed his last at the hospital on Thursday evening. Congress leaders, including Priyanka Gandhi, were seen arriving at AIIMS Delhi earlier in the evening. A post on X by Robert Vadra expressing condolences was later deleted. An official confirmation from the family or the hospital is still awaited.

 Man lures friend to Kogi burial ground, slits throat The Kogi State Police Command has arrested a man, Abdulmuqeet Musari, for allegedly luring his 19-year-old friend, Usman Tijani, to a burial ground, robbing him of N200,000, and slitting his throat in the Adavi Local Government Area of the state. Tijani, a Point-of-Sale operator and a 200-Level Cybersecurity student at Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara, was attacked on December 24, 2024. He was later found critically injured and is currently undergoing surgery at a Lokoja hospital. A family member of the victim, Zainab Avosuahu, who narrated the incident, disclosed that the suspect on Tuesday allegedly lured her nephew into the bush, collected N200,000 from him, and slit his throat. “We received a shocking call from my sister on Tuesday that left us devastated. Please, this is a call for justice for my nephew, whom his friend dragged to the bush, collected 200k from, and still had his throat butchered. “He i...

 Pope launches 2025 Jubilee Year with opening of Holy Door Pope Francis has launched a special jubilee year for Roman Catholics during a ceremony on Christmas Eve at the Vatican. The Pope marked the start of the jubilee by opening the usually bricked-up Holy Door at St Peter's Basilica. In the quiet of Christmas Eve, Pope Francis opened the Holy Door of St. Peter's Basilica, launching what he called a "Jubilee of Hope." As the doors opened, the bells of the basilica began to peal. After the reading of a brief passage from the Gospel of John in which Jesus describes himself as "the door," Pope Francis briefly left the atrium of the basilica, creating some confusion. But when the cardinals in the front row sat down, the others did likewise. Three minutes later, the pope returned. He was pushed in his wheelchair up the ramp to the Holy Door. In silence, he raised himself from the chair to knock five times, and aides inside slowly opened the door, which had been...

 This Is A Demonization Of Catholic Church - Archbishop Reacts As Police Detain Bishop, Others Over Abuja Stampede The police in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT)have apprehended some officials of the Catholic church in Abuja over the stampede that killed 10 people during the distribution of food items at the weekend. According to Daily Trust, all those who were arrested on Monday morning have been taken into detention. The arrests came against the background of demands by the Islamic activist group, Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) for the arrest of those behind the event and a similar one in Okija, Anambra State, where 22 persons were confirmed dead in a billionaire businessman’s house. MURIC had demanded that organisers of a similar tragic charity event in Ibadan, Oyo State, who were taken to court and remanded in prison custody, should be released if those of the Abuja and Anambra events would not be given similar treatment. Reacting to the arrest and detention of his church off...

 Iran Lifts Ban On Whatsapp And Google Play Iranian authorities have lifted a ban on Meta’s (META.O) instant messaging platform WhatsApp and Google Play (GOOGL.O) as a first step to scale back internet restrictions, Iranian state media reported on Tuesday. The Islamic Republic has some of the strictest controls on Internet access in the world, but its blocks on US-based social media such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube are routinely bypassed by tech-savvy Iranians using virtual private networks. “A positive majority vote has been reached to lift limitations on access to some popular foreign platforms such as WhatsApp and Google Play”, Iran’s official IRNA news agency said on Tuesday, referring to a meeting on the matter headed by President Masoud Pezeshkian. “Today the first step in removing internet limitations… has been taken,” IRNA cited Iran’s Minister of Information and Communications Technology Sattar Hashemi as saying. Social media platforms were widely used in anti-governm...

 Press Release   Niger Republic’s Military Leader’s Allegations Against Nigeria Are Baseless - FG  The Federal Government of Nigeria strongly rejects allegations made in a viral video by the military leader of Niger Republic, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, claiming non-existent collusion between Nigeria and France to destabilize his country. These claims exist solely in the realm of imagination, as Nigeria has never engaged in any overt or covert alliance with France - or any other country - to sponsor terrorist attacks or destabilize the Niger Republic in the wake of the undemocratic change in the leadership of that country.  President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), as Chairman of ECOWAS, has demonstrated exemplary leadership, keeping the doors of the sub-regional body open to re-engaging Niger Republic despite the political situation in the country. Nigeria remains committed to fostering peace, harmony, and historic diplomatic ties with Niger. Nigeria’s Armed Forces, in...

 2.1 tons cocaine seizure: 4 drug lords get 28yrs in jail, forfeit VGC houses, N67m, $50,000  - Their conviction and forfeiture of their assets a historical blow to illicit drug trade, says Marwa Four drug kingpins arrested in connection with the historic seizure of 2,139.55 kilograms of cocaine at an Ikorodu residential estate in 2022 have been convicted by a Federal High Court, Lagos, presided over by Justice Yellim Bogoro who sentenced them to various jail terms totaling twenty-eight (28) years with hard labour.   The convicts: Soji Jubril Oke, 71; Wasiu Akinade, 55; Emmanuel Arinze Chukwu, 67; and Kelvin Christopher Smith, 44, a Jamaican, were charged with six counts in charge number: FHC/L/607C/2022 in October and December 2022, while the trial of the fifth suspect, Oguntolure Sunday arraigned along with them is still ongoing in court. The charges border on conspiracy to form and operate a drug trafficking organization (DTO); management and financing of a DTO; import...

 A man in Uganda has made headlines for fathering 102 children with his 12 wives.  Musa Hasahya Kasera, a 70-year-old resident of Mukiza village in eastern Uganda, revealed that his family became so large he started forgetting the names of his children. To manage the situation, he created a register to record their names and keep track of his massive family. Musa, who is also a grandfather to 578 grandchildren, shared that supporting his large family has been a constant struggle. Hunger and limited resources have made life challenging for him and his loved ones. On average, he has eight or nine children with each of his wives, adding to the growing pressure of providing for everyone. The media reports that Musa resorted to giving his wives contraceptive pills after realizing the challenges of raising such a large family. His first marriage took place in 1972 when he was just 17 years old. Over the years, he married 12 women, one after another, and continued having children wit...

ANANMBR POLICE RECOVERS THE VEHICLE OF KIDNAPED HON AZUKA AS CP ITAM CHARGES THE DEPLOYED OFFENSIVE TEAMS TO REDOUBLE EFFORT FOR POSSIBLE RESCUE Following an intense ongoing operation, Police Operatives attached to the Inland Town Divison have recovered the vehicle of Mr Justice Azuka, Honourable State House of Assembly member representing Onitsha North Constituency, who was kidnapped on 24/12/2024 by 9:20pm, while returning home at Ugwunapampa road, Onitsha by yet unidentified persons. The separate rescue team sighted the abandoned vehicle at Upper Iweka Road.  Meanwhile the Commissioner of Police *CP Nnaghe Obono Itam* has charged the deployed rescue team to intensify efforts for the possible rescue of the Honourable member. _Further development shall be communicated, please._ *SP Tochukwu Ikenga* Police Public Relations Officer   Anambra State Police Command   Awka   *26th December, 2024*

 Regional challenges cost Egypt around $7 bln of Suez Canal revenues in 2024, Sisi says Events in the Red Sea and regional challenges cost Egypt around $7 billion in revenues from the Suez Canal in 2024, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said on Thursday, Reuters reported. Egypt lost more than 60% of the canal's revenues in 2024 compared with 2023, Sisi added in his statement, without going into details on the events. Houthi fighters in Yemen have carried out nearly 100 attacks on ships crossing the Red Sea since November in solidarity with Palestinians in Israel's more than year-old war in Gaza. The attacks have forced shipping firms to divert vessels from the Suez Canal to longer routes around Africa, disrupting global trade by delaying deliveries and sending costs higher.

  Beyonce, Blue Ivy bring glam to NFL Halftime Show on Christmas It was a happy Christmas for NFL fans and those who swear by Beyonce's music as Queen Bee performed at the NFL Halftime Show Performance which streamed on Netflix. It was a Merry Christmas for Bey fans as Beyonce put up an outstanding half-time show during the Baltimore Ravens vs Houston Texans Christmas game. Beyonce stunned her fans as she brought her daughter Blue Ivy to the game along with guests like Post Malone and Shaboozey to the stage. Along with many other songs that she performed, the highlight was tracks from her latest album, Cowboy Carter. Beyonce was introduced to the game with a pre-recorded intro as she rode through Houston's NRG Stadium's tunnels. She was pictured on a white horse and was seen singing “16 Carriages”. She then sang a cover of The Beatles' “Blackbird”. She also sang songs like “Ya Ya” and “My House”, followed by “Riverdance”. She teamed up with Shaboozey for “Sweet Honey Bu...

 Those against tax reform bills are enemies of Nigeria — Okupe An erstwhile presidential spokesman, Doyin Okupe says opponents of the proposed tax reform bills are enemies of the country. According to him, the bills are pro-poor and pro-development. Okupe, who stated this in Lagos on Thursday, said that no right thinking person would stand against the reforms meant to protect the poor and tackle corruption. “Any right-thinking human being who has had the opportunity in these last two months or so to listen and to read what the tax reforms are all about and goes against it, is an enemy of the country. “We are saying that majority of poor people should not pay tax, how can anybody be against that? “These reform bills are saying that companies that are not making money cannot be taxed arbitrarily. Their taxation will be based on revenue that they have generated and profit that made, not on turnover. “And if your turnover is below 50 million, you are exempted, should anyone oppose this...

  Investigation Underway After Body Found in United Airlines Plane's Landing Gear Compartment A body was discovered in the landing gear compartment of a United Airlines Boeing 787-10 after Flight 202 landed in Maui on Christmas Eve. The deceased person's identity and how they accessed the compartment, which is only reachable from outside the plane, are still unknown. United Airlines is cooperating with law enforcement authorities, and Maui Police have launched an investigation. No additional details have been provided, and authorities are continuing their efforts to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

  Asake unfollows everyone including Olamide and YBNL Nigerian artist Asake has sparked chatter on social media following his recent actions involving his YBNL mentor, Olamide.  The artist, known for his hit "Lonely At The Top," unfollowed all accounts on Instagram, including Olamide, and took YBNL out of his bio.  This has led many online to speculate whether he has officially severed ties with Olamide and the YBNL label.

 Kano State Governor Gifts Christian Groups 20 Million Naira to Celebrate Christmas. Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, has conveyed heartfelt Christmas wishes to Christians, encouraging them to cultivate mutual respect and live in peace.  He emphasized the significance of unity, love, and brotherhood, noting that Nigeria's advancement relies on promoting harmony among various communities.  Additionally, Governor Yusuf revealed a contribution of N20 million to certain Christian organizations to assist with their Christmas festivities in Kano.

 Fire outbreak at FIIRO office in Lagos curtailed — LASEMA A fire outbreak at the Federal Institute of Industrial Research (FIIRO) office in Oshodi, Lagos has been successfully extinguished, according to the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA). A statement by LASEMA Permanent Secretary, Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, on Thursday, said damping down as well as search and rescue operation has been concluded. According to him, the agency received distress calls at 22:20hrs and activated the State’s Emergency Response Plans and its Response Team from Cappa Base in Oshodi. Upon arrival at 22:22hrs, LASEMA’s Eagle Response Team from Cappa Base discovered a generator house engulfed by fire. Information gathered by LASEMA revealed that the fire ignited as a result of overheating of the generator in operation. Oke-Osanyitolu noted that preliminary investigations conducted by the Agency’s Response Teams revealed the immediate cause of the incident to be overheating from the ge...

 Sporting sack Amorim successor Pereira Sporting have appointed Rui Borges as head coach after sacking Joao Pereira, who lasted just over a month in charge at the Portuguese club following Ruben Amorim's departure. Pereira took over as boss of the Lisbon side soon after Amorim left to become Manchester United head coach in November, but he endured a difficult spell at the helm. Sporting lost four of their eight games under Pereira, form which has resulted in them being knocked off the top of the Primeira Liga, with rivals Benfica leapfrogging them into first place. Borges has left Vitoria Guimaraes to become Sporting boss and has signed a contract until June 2026, with the deal including an option for a further one-year extension. "The time for me is right," said Borges, whose first game will be against Benfica on Sunday. "It's always right. I'm very positive, I believe things happen when they have to. It's an opportunity we've all worked for." A...

 *SECURITY IN ANAMBRA: JOINT SECURITY TEAM ARRESTS A NOTORIOUS KIDNAPPER/ARMED ROBBER IN IHIALA, RECOVERS ARMS, VEHICLE AND OTHER INCRIMINATING ITEMS* _As CP Itam commends the synergy between the security operatives and the vigilance and courage of the public in providing actionable intelligence_ Security team comprising of Police and AVG Operatives in the early hours of 23/12/2024 arrested one Pablo Mamu ‘M’ aged 38years from Ughelli, Delta State and recovered one OFN rifle, one locally made pistol, one live 9mm Ammunition, eight live cartridges and one black Lexus 330 jeep with a different plate number  Abuja reg nos: ABJ 159 LC and Enugu JRV 928 SX. The Joint Security Team acted on credible information provided, burst the suspect in his harbor and during a search conducted the above exhibits were found.  The Commissioner of Police, _CP Nnaghe Obono Itam_, while commending the synergy between the security operatives and the vigilance of the public in providing actionabl...

 A woman in China and her accomplices have been sentenced to prison for orchestrating a marriage scam to defraud her husband.  The plan involved accusing the husband of visiting a prostitute, allowing the woman to file for divorce and keep the bride price – a traditional payment in China often exceeding 100,000 yuan ($13,700). The case took place in Longli County, Guizhou Province, and was reported by the South China Morning Post (SCMP). The woman, identified as Ms. Xiong, and her boyfriend, Mr. Li, were in debt earlier this year when they sought financial help online. They met two men who suggested the fraudulent scheme. The men explained that by framing the groom, Ms. Xiong could secure a divorce without returning the bride price. Initially hesitant, Ms. Xiong agreed after being persuaded by her boyfriend and the men. Ms. Xiong later met Mr. Bao, a prospective groom, through a matchmaking agency. After a brief courtship, they married, and Mr. Bao paid a bride price of 136,66...

Former Minister of Women Affairs, Uju-Ken Ohanenye, on Wednesday said she has no regrets over some actions she took as minister. Since her appointment in August 2023, Ohanenye has been marred by controversy in office, including her threat to sue the United Nations (UN) for allegedly mismanaging funds meant for Nigeria. She was fired by President Bola Tinubu on October 23, alongside four other ministers at the time – Lola Ade-John (Tourism), Jamila Bio Ibrahim (Youth Development), Tahir Mamman (Education) and Abdullahi Muhammad Gwarzo (Housing and Urban�Development). Two months later, she weighed in on some issues regarding her stay in office, saying she did her best as minister within the year she held sway at the Women Affairs Ministry. “I have a responsibility given to me to man that place and make sure things go right. I wouldn’t have tolerated anybody trying to rubbish deceit given to me,” she said. “There must be an impact on people. I’m glad that I didn’t give such chance, and I ...

 Niger Republic’s Head of State, General Abdourahamane Tiani, has alleged that France is providing financial support to Nigerian authorities to establish a military base in Borno State. Tiani said the plan is purportedly to destabilize Niger and its neighboring countries. Zagazola Makama, a Lake Chad Basin counterterrorism and insurgency expert, made this known in a post on his X handle on Wednesday. Makama said the Niger’s junta leader made the claim during a recent address, accusing France of meddling in the region and harboring ulterior motives. “France has even offered to give money to Nigerian authorities to establish a base in Borno State, with the sole aim of destabilizing our countries. “We have informed Nigerian authorities, including Nuhu Ribadu and Ahmed Abubakar Rufa’i, of a massive conspiracy to destabilize Niger. “The Gaba Forest, located on the border between Sokoto (Nigeria) and Niger, was chosen as a base by terrorists recruited by France and ISWAP. “Unfortunately,...

 Nigeria in talks with Saudi Arabia to strengthens economic ties A Nigerian delegation, headed by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, is in Riyadh to enhance economic ties between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia. According to a statement on the Ministry of Finance’s official X handle, the delegation represents President Bola Tinubu and the Presidential Economic Coordination Council.  It has initiated a series of strategic meetings with key Saudi institutions and government officials to strengthen bilateral cooperation. During talks with the Saudi Export-Import Bank (Saudi EXIM Bank), the delegation explored mechanisms for export credit and insurance to boost trade and investment opportunities.  The Saudi EXIM Bank expressed its commitment to fostering stronger ties with Nigerian financial institutions and signaled interest in participating in future transactions involving Saudi government entities.  These discussions aim to expand ma...

 Akeredolu’s widow rejects Aiyedatiwa’s memorial lecture for late gov Betty Akeredolu, widow of the late former Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, has rejected the planned memorial lecture in his honour, organised by the state government. The lecture, scheduled for Friday in Akure, is part of a series of activities to commemorate the first anniversary of Akeredolu’s death on December 27, 2023. The state government had announced that renowned lawyer, Femi Falani (SAN), would deliver the lecture, with Bashorun Seinde Arogbofa serving as the chairman of the Akeredolu Leadership Lecture Series. However, Betty Akeredolu took to her X account on Wednesday to distance herself and her family from the event. She accused the state government of not involving the Akeredolu family in the planning and claimed they were not invited to the occasion. In her post titled “Re: Purported Aketi lecture by Ondo Lucky can’t be serious!”, Betty expressed her discontent, saying, “Which legacy? Lectu...

 Police arrest ex-convict for armed robbery two days after release from jail An ex-convict, John Agbontean has been arrested by operatives of Edo State Police Command over alleged robbery. A statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Moses Joel Yamu said the suspect was arrested in connection with a robbery incident at the Restoration Gospel Ministry, situated at no. 11 Oviasuyi Street off Ogiemwenke in Benin City. The PPRO said Agbontean’s arrest came two days after he had served a jail term for another crime. The suspect was arrested with a cut-to-size gun while attempting to rob the church. “Upon interrogation, the suspect confessed to being an ex-convict who gained his freedom from Oko Prison, Benin-City on 19/12/2024. “He stated that he and his accomplice, one Ola whose surname is unknown now at large, conspired to rob the aforementioned church of the proceeds from the Church’s end-of-year harvest thanksgiving where he was arrested in the process while his accomplice...

 Three Nigerians placed on FBI most-wanted list for $6m fraud Three Nigerians, Nnamdi Benson, Richard Uzuh, and Felix Okpoh, have been placed on the United States Federal Bureau of Intelligence’s Most-Wanted list for their alleged involvement in a $6m Business Email Compromise scheme. PUNCH Metro gathered on Wednesday from notices published on the FBI website that the trio were part of a syndicate that allegedly defrauded over 70 businesses in the US. The notice stressed Benson’s role in the scheme, indicating that he allegedly provided bank accounts to receive proceeds from the fraudulent transactions. It noted that Benson was also suspected to be involved in romance and advance fee fraud scam and was indicted by a US court in August 2019. The notice read, “Nnamdi Orson Benson is wanted for his alleged involvement in a Business Email Compromise scheme that defrauded over 70 different businesses in the United States resulting in combined losses of over $6,000,000. “Benson allegedly...

 FACT CHECK: Claims of Airstrikes on Innocent Villagers in Silame LGA Found to Be False By Zagazola Makama  Reports circulating about alleged airstrikes on innocent villagers in Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa, two communities in Silame Local Government Area of Sokoto State, have been found to be false. Contrary to the claims that over ten villagers were killed and several others injured during an airstrike, the locations targeted in the airstrikes were identified as known hideouts of the Lakurawa bandits. These communities in question had been largely abandoned by their original residents due to persistent banditry and were subsequently repurposed as enclaves for criminal activities. Intelligence sources contacted by Zagazola  confirmed that the airstrikes were the result of weeks of intelligence gathering and careful surveillance of the bandits’ movements.  The sources said “We received consistent intelligence reports from the Sokoto State Government and security agencies r...