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 PUBLIC NOTICE MISUSE OF NAME, OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR-GENERAL OF POLICE The Nigeria Police Force is concerned about the persistent unprofessional conduct of a few Police officers which undermines the standards and reputation of the Nigeria Police Force. Despite repeated warnings and disciplinary actions taken against those who have been exposed, some officers are still engaging in these shameful acts that erode public trust. Even more alarming is the fraudulent use of the name and office of the Inspector-General of Police to perpetrate these illegal acts. The intention behind this tactic is to intimidate victims into believing that the IGP is aware, and approves of their illegal activities. As a result, victims are often deterred from reporting these incidents to higher authorities. We urge members of the public to report any misconduct by Police Officers to their superiors, the Heads of the Complaint Response Units (CRU) in their states or the Commissioner of Police in the state....

  The Hardship in Nigeria won’t end even if Tinubu remains in power for 300 years – Deji Adeyanju Human rights activist and lawyer Deji Adeyanju has stated that President Bola Tinubu will not be able to alleviate the hardships in Nigeria, even if he were to remain in power for 300 years. Adeyanju argued that the difficulties faced by Nigerians will persist under Tinubu's leadership because he lacks solutions to the ongoing issues. He made these comments during an interview with DAILY POST, where he also addressed various topics, including the prosecution of EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protesters and the presidential ambitions of Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi. In response to a question about his views on the current state of the country, Adeyanju likened Nigeria to a concentration camp where citizens are trapped. He suggested that if the United States were to make its borders visa-free for Nigerians, we would see how many would choose to stay. He described Nigeria as a place where the ...

  Former Osun Deputy Gov Emerges As Owa Obokun Of Ijesaland Former Osun State deputy Governor, Prince Clement Adesuyi Haastrup of Bilaro Oluodo Ruling House has been elected as the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, in Osun. It was gathered that Haastrup defeated nine other candidates in a selection process held at the llesa West Local Government Secretariat.

 Kidnapped Travellers To Ekiti Regain Freedom After Ransom Payment Some travellers abducted on Emure-ile Road in Emure Local Government Area of Ekiti State have regained their freedom from the kidnappers’ den.  The victims, who were traveling in an 18-seater bus, were abducted on Sunday night by gunmen while returning from Onitsha in Anambra State to Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital. The gunmen reportedly contacted the families of the victims, demanding N30 million per person for their release.  However, the victims were released in the early hours of Wednesday morning after paying ransoms ranging from N1 million to N2 million to the kidnappers. Narrating his ordeal, the driver of the bus, Mr. Sunday Emmanuel, recounted that the incident occurred very close to Emure-Ekiti shortly after they left Eporo-Ekiti.  He revealed that he was released in the early hours of Christmas Day following a ransom payment of N1.5 million, while other passengers reportedly paid ransom...

  A 24-year-old woman, Ntombizodwa Hlatshwayo, 24, was allegedly stabbed to death by her fiancé in South Africa.      Advocacy group, Women For Change, disclosed this in a statement on Friday, December 27, 2024.      According to the group, the young woman was k!lled in Turffontein, Johannesburg, on 11 December 2024.   “Ntombizodwa’s fiancé was immediately arrested by the police. This case was never reported by the media. We are heartbroken over the loss of such a beautiful soul. Fly high,” the statement read.

 At 39, Cristiano Ronaldo wins Best Middle East Player 2024 at the Globe Soccer Awards! 🏆🔥 Still the 🐐, proving hard work and determination never age. Is there a better role model in sports? 🙌 More photos below. 

American actor Hudson Meek dies after falling from moving vehicle Popular American teen star Hudson Meek has passed away. He died at the University of Alabama Hospital on December 21, 2024, after falling from a moving vehicle on December 19. The young actor, who gained fame for his role in the 2017 film 'Baby Driver,' was just 16 years old. In an Instagram post announcing his death, his family expressed their heartbreak, stating: “Our hearts are shattered to announce that Hudson Meek has gone home to be with Jesus. At just 16, he achieved so much and touched the lives of everyone he encountered. Please keep Hudson’s family and friends in your thoughts as we cope with this sudden and tragic loss.”

 A 28-year-old man has been arrested and charged with statutory rape after allegedly impregnating a 13-year-old girl in Seshego, Polokwane. The two met at a shopping complex in January 2024 and began communicating before becoming intimate in May 2024. The girl only revealed the incident to her aunt after experiencing complications, and medical tests confirmed she was eight months pregnant in November 2024. She gave birth to a baby boy on Christmas Day, 25 December 2024. The police were informed, and a statutory rape case was registered for further investigation. The suspect was arrested by the Seshego Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences Unit on 26 December 2024 and is expected to appear in the Seshego Magistrate’s Court soon.

 UN Security Council approves new Somalia mission The United Nations Security Council authorized an African Union stabilisation and support mission in Somalia - known as AUSSOM - on Friday that will replace a larger AU anti-terrorism operation from January 1, 2025, Reuters reported. Somalia's security has been underwritten by foreign resources since Ethiopia invaded in 2006, toppling an militant-led administration but galvanising an insurgency that has since killed tens of thousands of people. The European Union and United States, the top funders of AU forces in Somalia, wanted to reduce the number of AU peacekeepers due to concerns about long-term financing and sustainability, sources told Reuters in June. Negotiations about the new force had proven complicated, they said. The United States abstained from the UN Security Council vote on Friday over its funding concerns. The remaining 14 council members voted for the resolution.

 Senegal's PM Announces Decision to End Foreign Military Presence in the Country Senegal's Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko announced the decision to close all foreign military bases in the republic's territory, Sputnik reported. He made this statement in a policy speech to parliament, outlining the government's strategy until 2050. "The government has decided to close all foreign military bases on Senegalese territory," Sonko stated. "This decision reflects our determination to strengthen national sovereignty and reorient the country's defense policy." The prime minister clarified that this step was taken at the initiative of the Senegalese president. There are three French military facilities located in Dakar, with approximately 300 military personnel stationed there.

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has signed into law a budget of Seven Hundred and Fifty Billion, Two Hundred and Eighty-Two Million, Two Hundred Thousand Naira (750,282, 200,000₦750,282,200,000 for the 2025 fiscal year. Speaking while assenting to the bill passed by the Abia State House of Assembly, Governor Otti commended the lawmakers for their diligence in scrutinizing and passing the appropriation bill promptly. He described the budget as a tool that would empower his administration to deliver on its promises to the people of Abia State as well as drive infrastructural development and sustain economic growth. “I want to thank specially, the House members and the leadership of the House for doing such a thorough job in record time. I want to commend you for being thorough. That’s actually what our government is about. “We pride ourselves as a serious-minded government, so anything we present, we are ready for scrutiny, and I want to thank you for a great job you did in scrutiniz...

 Anambra Speaker Hails Governor Soludo, Wife On 32nd Marriage Anniversary By Chizoba Okeke  The Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, has described Gov. Chukwuma Soludo and his wife, Nonye, as a perfect match in terms of family life, training, and public service. Felicitating the Anambra State number one family as they marked their 32nd marriage anniversary, Rt. Hon. Udeze noted that Gov. Soludo and his wife have given governance in the state a human face, as evidenced by the numerous developmental achievements they have recorded. The Speaker encouraged Ndi Anambra, especially politicians, to intensify support for Gov. Soludo's administration in order to move the state to enviable heights. He emphasized that the 32 years of marriage between Gov. Soludo and his wife, have been fruitful in all ramifications, with their marriage continuing to grow in love, peace, and unity, blessed with wonderful children from God. Rt. Hon. Udeze prayed that ...

 Anambra State Govt cautions Diasporans Against Buying State Lands By Gab Alokwe  Anambra people living in The Diaspora, who returned for the Yuletide celebrations, have been advised to be wary of land racketeers, who take advantage of their ignorance to sell unapproved lands to them. Addressing the press in Awka, the State Commissioner for Lands, Prof. Offornze Amucheazi, SAN, said it has become worrisome, how such unsuspecting diasporans are swindled of their hard-earned monies just because they failed to do the due diligence. He noted that his Ministry has simplified processes of inquiring about land status and securing land titles, urging the people to always make use of such available platforms to verify the status of such lands before  buying. The Commissioner said he has done a lot to put things in order in his ministry, urging the people to always verify with the Ministry of lands before  purchasing any land. The Anambra Lands Commissioner noted that the atte...

 Onitsha Correctional Centre To Be Used As Open Varsity Centre January ...As Obi, Archbishop fete inmates By Juliana Nwachukwu Arrangements have been perfected for Onitsha Correctional Centre to be used as centre for Open University come January next year sequel to its upliftment by the Open Air University personnel who on oversight of the facilities endorsed  it as a centre sequel to its high standard of equipments. The Chaplain of St Maximilian Kolbe Chaplaincy Onitsha, Rev.Fr. Bathlomeo Okpalugo, made this known at the Correctional Centre shortly after a special Concelebrated Mass by the Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha, His Grace, Most Rev Dr Valerian Okeke with the inmates to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. According to Fr. Okpalugo, the Open Air University officials on inspection of the facilities at the Onitsha Correctional Centre, confirmed that none of the Correctional Centres in Nigeria has acquired the kind of structures that are in Onitsha centre with the ultr...

 STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE LAGOS IMAM TO PRESIDENT TINUBU AT JUMAT PRAYER: YOU HAVE NOT DISAPPOINTED US President Bola Tinubu observed the Jumat prayer at the Lekki Central Mosque in Lagos on Friday afternoon alongside the Muslim faithful. It was the President's first public outing since attending prayers at the Alausa Central Mosque last Friday. In his sermon, the Chief Imam of Lekki Central Mosque, Ridhwan Jamiu, urged people to be grateful to Allah during times of fortune and patient during adversity. He reminded the faithful that unwavering hope and faith are essential to believers, even in challenging circumstances. Acknowledging the President's presence, Imam Jamiu offered prayers for his success in leading Nigeria towards peace, security, and prosperity. The Imam assured the President of the steadfast prayers and support of the Muslim Ummah as he governs the nation. "We are proud of you. I remember that we encouraged people to vote for you during the campaigns. We t...

 SANWO-OLU COMMISERATES WITH JIGAWA STATE GOVERNOR ON SON, MOTHER’S DEATH   Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has commiserated with his Jigawa State counterpart, Umar Namadi, on the death of his eldest son, Abdulwahab, who died in a car accident on Thursday. Sanwo-Olu also extended his condolences to the Namadi family and the entire people of Jigawa State over the demise of the Governor's mother, Hajiya Maryam Namadi, who died from an illness on Wednesday.  Governor Sanwo-Olu, in a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, expressed his heartfelt sympathy over the deaths of Maryam and Abdulwahab Namadi. He urged Governor Namadi, the deceased's family, friends, associates and the entire people of Jigawa State to take the death of Abdulwahab as an act of God. ”No doubt, the death of a loved one is usually painful as it is irreparable, but we must always take solace in God, who gives and takes.  ”On behalf...

 Where sorrow increases, Divine consolation increases all the more. We announce the death of our dear Rev. Fr. Tobias Okonkwo who died yesterday evening as he was shot death around 7pm and 8pm by unidentified assailants, at Ihiala, along Onitsha-Owerri expressway. May his gentle soul rest in peace. Amen

 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...

  Tensions Rise Over Panama Canal: Mulino Denies Trump's Claims of Chinese Military Presence Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino has rejected claims made by U.S. president-elect Donald Trump regarding the presence of Chinese soldiers at the Panama Canal. In a recent post on his Truth Social account, Trump accused Panama of "ripping off" the United States with high shipping rates and threatened to reclaim control of the canal if the situation did not improve. Mulino dismissed Trump's assertions as "nonsense," asserting that there is no Chinese military presence in the canal and emphasizing that the waterway is entirely under Panamanian control. He reiterated that discussions about reducing tolls for U.S. ships or relinquishing control of the canal are out of the question. This controversy follows Panama's diplomatic shift from Taiwan to China in 2017, which has led to a complex relationship between the two nations. Mulino characterized the ties with Chi...

 UK businessman battles for life, seeks arrest of attackers A United Kingdom-based businessman, Mr. Akinleminu Blessing, who is currently battling for his life after being shot by hoodlums, has pleaded with the Ondo State Police Command and the office of the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 17, not to sweep his case under the carpet.  Akinleminu stated that he was attacked and shot in the stomach by political thugs in Idanre, Idanre Local Government Area of the state.  In a statement signed by his lawyer, Mr. John Olowookere, Akinleminu accused the police of treating the case with kid gloves. He noted that none of his attackers have been arrested since the incident was reported. According to the statement, “That upon the gunshot received by our client on the side of his stomach from the assailants, Our client was rushed to the University of Medical Sciences Specialist Hospital, Akure, Ondo State, where he was given medical treatment before he was moved by the f...

 Governor Aliyu reacts to military airstrike that killed civilians in Sokoto   The Governor of Sokoto State, Ahmed Aliyu, has reacted to the killing of civilians in military airstrikes at Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa villages in Silame Local Government Area of the state. The Nation reported that at least 10 civilians were reportedly killed on Christmas day in the airstrikes against Lakurawa terrorists. Aliyu said in a statement that he is “in direct communication with the leadership of the Nigerian Army to ensure a thorough investigation into the circumstances that led to this tragedy.” He added that the state government would do everything it can to support the affected families and engage with the relevant authorities to prevent such occurrences in the future. He wrote: “It is with a heavy heart that I address you following the tragic incident in the communities of Gidan Bisa and Runtuwa in the Silame Local Government Area. This heartbreaking event, caused by an accidental misfire...

 Big Brother Naija Star Mercy Atang Welcomes a Beautiful Baby Girl! Former Big Brother Naija housemate, Mercy Atang, has given birth to a healthy and adorable baby girl. Friends, family, and fans are thrilled to welcome the new addition to her family. This exciting news has sparked widespread celebration on social media, with many congratulations messages.   As Mercy begins this new chapter in her life, she is surrounded by love, support, and well-wishes from all corners. Here's to a wonderful journey of motherhood! 🎉🎉🎉🎉🥰.  More photos below. 

  Tragedy Strikes: Fatal Bus Accident in Norway Claims Lives and Injures Many A tragic bus accident in Norway has resulted in the deaths of at least three people and left several others injured. The incident occurred around 1:30 PM local time in the Hadsel district, where the bus veered off the road and partially submerged in Åsvatnet lake. The vehicle was reportedly carrying 58 passengers, many of whom are foreign nationals. In addition to the fatalities, four individuals sustained serious injuries, with three being airlifted to Stokmarknes Hospital for treatment. Rescue efforts have been complicated by heavy snowdrifts and strong winds in the area. Emergency services, including fire, ambulance, and police teams, responded promptly to the scene, and all passengers have since been evacuated from the bus. The Norwegian Red Cross is deploying teams to assist, while local authorities have established a crisis team and designated a hotel as a reception center for affected families. Pri...

 KANO STATE POLICE COMMAND 27TH DECEMBER, 2024           PRESS RELEASE KANO STATE POLICE COMMAND RECOVERS AND RETURNS STOLEN TRICYCLES TO OWNERS The Kano State Police Command has successfully recovered two tricycles stolen by suspected thieves. The recovery was made possible through a well-coordinated intelligence-led raid on criminal hideouts in Dambatta LGA, Kano State, on December 9, 2024. 2.  Recovery and Return of Tricycles: The owners of the two tricycles appeared at the Command's Headquarters and proved ownership. The first tricycle, with registration number KGM 246VC, was stolen after the suspects drugged the tricycle rider, Mamman Musa. The victim received medical treatment at Murtala Mohammed Specialists Hospital Kano and was later discharged. 3.  The second tricycle, with registration number KMC 319 VK, was also stolen using the same modus operandi. The owner, Sani Ismail, appeared at the Command's Headquarters and proved ownership. 4....

  December in Nigeria is too much - Tyla speaks on enjoying Detty December in Lagos South African singer, Tyla Laura Seethal, says she is having the time of her life in Nigeria this yuletide holiday.    Tyla arrived in Nigeria just before Christmas and has been spotted at a number of parties living it up.   In an interview with The Beat FM 99.9, Tyla said she saw the videos of the parties in Nigeria and had no choice but to come and experience them.   “I saw those videos (parties) and I said I’m coming. December in Nigeria is too much.” Her visit is part of a larger trend of international stars flocking to Nigeria for the festive season, drawn by the country’s thriving music scene, energetic parties, and cultural richness.   Tyla, 22, shot to global recognition with her song ‘Water’.

 Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other leaders paid tribute to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who passed away on Thursday. Modi laid a wreath at Singh’s mortal remains, while Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP President JP Nadda visited Singh’s residence to offer their condolences. As a mark of respect, India will observe a seven-day mourning period, during which all government events planned for the day have been cancelled. The Congress party also announced a seven-day mourning period, postponing its founding day celebrations. Singh’s funeral is scheduled for Saturday, with arrangements being made for his final resting place near Raj Ghat, where Mahatma Gandhi lies. The public can pay their respects at the Congress headquarters on Saturday before the funeral. A Cabinet meeting on Friday will finalize the schedule for the ceremonies. Prime Minister Modi described Singh as a pivotal figure in shaping India’s economic policies, highlighting his significant contributions to...

 In a shocking incident in Nandyal, Andhra Pradesh, a middle-aged couple, Subba Rayudu (45) and Saraswati (38), tragically died by suicide after their son, Sunil Kumar, expressed his decision to marry a transgender person. The couple had consistently opposed the relationship, feeling deeply humiliated by societal stigma and unable to accept their son’s choice. Sunil, a 24-year-old engineering graduate turned auto-rickshaw driver, had been in a three-year-long relationship with the transgender community, but his parents remained steadfast in their disapproval, fearing societal backlash. Their distress intensified when associates of Sunil’s partner allegedly harassed the couple, demanding repayment of $1.5 lakh that Sunil had borrowed. Unable to cope with the humiliation and social pressure, Subba Rayudu and Saraswati consumed pesticides on the outskirts of Nandyal. They were rushed to the government general hospital but succumbed to the poison despite treatment efforts. The tragedy ...

 Simran Singh, a 25-year-old Instagram influencer and freelance radio jockey, was found dead in her apartment in Sector 47, Gurugram, on Thursday, as per police reports. Originally from Jammu and Kashmir, Simran was known for her engaging content and had nearly seven lakh followers on Instagram. Her last post was dated December 13. A friend staying with her alerted the police upon discovering her body. Police suspect the death to be a case of suicide, although investigations are ongoing. Simran’s body has been handed over to her family, who are grieving the loss of their beloved daughter. She was affectionately called “Jammu Ki Dhadkan” (Heartbeat of Jammu) by her fans, a title reflecting her popularity and connection with her roots. Prominent leaders from Jammu and Kashmir expressed their condolences. Farooq Abdullah, President of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC), and J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah described her death as a tragic loss. They highlighted her “v...

 CDS insists military avoided mistakes and promises probe amid Sokoto airstrikes: The Chief of Defense Staff, General Christopher Musa, has insisted that there was no mistake in the military airstrikes targeted at the members of the Lakurawa terrorist group in Sokoto on Wednesday A fighter jet bombed two communities in the Silame Local Government Area of the state, killing at least 10 innocent villagers and injuring several others. The Sokoto State Government claimed that 10 people who lost their lives in the strikes were “innocent villagers.” However, visiting the North-Western State a day after the incident, the CDS while addressing journalists at the Giginya Cantonment Sokoto, maintains that those killed were criminals.

 PLATEAU ELDERS ENDORSE INCLUSIVE GOVERNANCE, TRANSFORMATION UNDER GOVERNOR CALEB MUTFWANG The Elders of Plateau State have endorsed the pragmatic leadership of Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, aimed at fostering unity and inclusive governance for the rapid transformation of the state. During a luncheon at the Banquet Hall, New Government House, Rayfield Jos, the most respected citizens expressed their views on security and good governance under Governor Mutfwang. Former Military Governor of the State, Rear Admiral Samuel Bitrus Atikum, applauded Governor Mutfwang for initiating governance on a sincere and inclusive note. He highlighted the Governor’s holistic approach to road construction and rehabilitation in the Jos/Bukuru Metropolis, considering all communities without bias. Admiral Atikum praised the Governor’s determination, resilience, and forthright thinking in addressing the myriad of security challenges in the state. He called for the support of elders across ethnic and ...

 Osun State Governor Pardons Man Sentenced to Death for Stealing fowl: Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has granted pardon to Segun Olowookere, who was sentenced to death in 2014 for armed robbery, along with his accomplice, Sunday Morakinyo. This move follows recommendations from the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy . Olowookere's case gained widespread attention on social media, with many claiming he was sentenced to death for stealing a fowl. However, the Osun State Judiciary clarified that he was actually convicted of armed robbery, including robbing a poultry in 2010 . In addition to Olowookere and Morakinyo, 51 other inmates were also pardoned by the governor. These inmates were convicted of various offenses, including simple and capital crimes.