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 KANO STATE POLICE COMMAND 17TH JANUARY 2025 PRESS RELEASE   NPF CENTRAL MOTOR REGISTRY: POLICE IN KANO RECOVERS 2 MOTOR VEHICLES REPORTED STOLEN THROUGH e-CMR PLATFORM ... As CP Dogo Encourages Members of the Public to Utilize the Opportunity Provided by the NPF to Register their Motor Vehicles The Kano State Police Command has made significant strides in the recovery of two (2) motor vehicles reported stolen through the NPF Electronic Central Motor Registry (e-CMR) Platform.   2.  On 1st January 2025, a complaint was lodged by a resident of Abuja, stating that unidentified individuals approached him at his car stand located in Zuba, Abuja, expressing interest in a Toyota Corolla 2014 model. During a test drive, the two suspects brandished a pistol, threatened the victim, and subsequently fled with the vehicle including original documents and two keys. Similarly, on 4th January 2025, a Mercedes Benz C300 parked in front of Luxirian Event Center in Nassaraw...

 Felix Duke Pays Glowing Tribute To Late Founder Of Aibtonia Music Promotion  As preparations gear up for the tribute show organised by friends to honour late Harris Aibangbee Igiehon,(Aibtonia) in Lagos, at the Freedom Park, more artistes have continued to reminisce on their relationship with one of the biggest music promoters the country has produced and the impact  he had in their music career. One of them is ace musician and President of Creative Industry Group, CIG, Ambassador Felix Duke. He recounted with nostalgia how Aibtonia as he is simply known, built his music career from the early 90's when he came to Lagos and started in the industry as a drummer/percussionist. Duke recalled that through his Aibtonia promotions, his music promotion company, he lifted the music career of a lot of music artists like: Majek Fashek, Sir Shina Peters, Bright Chimezie, Daniel Wilson, Sonny Okosun, Onyeka Onwenu, Alex Zitto and  Ras Kimono among Amos Mcroy Jegg  many othe...

 Sell Off Or shut down by January 19: US Supreme Court Rules Against Tiktok App The Supreme Court ruled against TikTok on Friday, rejecting the social media company’s First Amendment challenge to the law that effectively bans it in the United States starting on Sunday. The unanimous decision may deal a death blow to the U.S. operations of the wildly popular app, which serves up short-form videos that are a leading source of information and entertainment to 170 million Americans, especially younger ones. “There is no doubt that, for more than 170 million Americans, TikTok offers a distinctive and expansive outlet for expression, means of engagement, and source of community,” the decision said. “But Congress has determined that divestiture is necessary to address its well-supported national security concerns regarding TikTok’s data collection practices and relationship with a foreign adversary. President Biden signed the law last spring after it passed Congress with wide bipartisan s...

 Kenya confirms more mpox cases as outbreak spreads Kenya confirmed two more cases of mpox, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 33, Anadolu Agency reported. Mary Muriuki, principal secretary at the Health Ministry, said in a press release that the cases were confirmed in the counties of Kericho and Taita Taveta, and that the outbreak has spread across 12 counties. The statement said as many as 225 contacts were identified, and 216 underwent the suggested 21-day monitoring. Nine were confirmed positive for mpox among the contacts. According to the official, the government has enhanced surveillance through active case searches, contact listing, tracing, investigation and symptomatic confirmation of confirmed cases. Control measures It has also initiated engagement efforts aimed at educating the public on mpox prevention and control measures. Mpox, caused by a virus in the same family as smallpox, is characterized by high fever and skin lesions known as vesicles. In 2022, ...

 Insecurity: Anambra House of Assembly Passes Homeland Security Bill 2025 To Establish Agunechemba Security Outfit  By Chizoba Okeke The Anambra State House of Assembly has passed a bill for a law to provide for the maintenance of internal security and order in the state and to establish the Anambra State Agunechemba and for related matters. The bill, which provides for the creation and operation of the security outfit, passed its first, second, and third readings during today’s plenary session. The primary objective of the outfit is to enhance security and combat crime in all communities across the State, as the Agunechemba Security Outfit will operate at three levels—community, local government, and state as the central command. The Speaker, Rt Hon Somotochukwu Udeze who presided during plenary read out the bill and the lawmakers unanimously adopted it through voice votes. The speaker commended the Assembly for its efforts over the past few months to deliberate and find solu...

 Anambra To Launch Operation Farm To Feed Campaign In LGAs By Chukwuka Ugokwe The Anambra State Government is to launch "Operation Farm To Feed Campaign" in all the 21 Local Government Areas to step down the initiative to the grassroots. The State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo had in August 2024, championed and launched the programme to encourage food production even at a subsistence level to fight hunger. The State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Forster Ihejiofor, made this known while receiving a delegation from Small Women Farmers Organisation In Nigeria (SWOFON) in his office. He explained that during the launch, farm inputs and liquid organic fertilizers would be distributed to small holder farmers across the local government areas. "This year, we want to take Farm To Feed Campaign to another level. The local governments are going to be launching their own version. "During the launch, seedlings, seeds and bio enhancers will be distributed to farmers. So, we ...

 Shehu Sani reveals how to settle Kano Emirate tussle. Former Kaduna Central Senator Shehu Sani has admonished the Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi, and the deposed Emir, Aminu Ado Bayero, to settle the Kano Emirate tussle. Sani suggested that Emir Sanusi and Ado Bayero should take to a soccer field to resolve their differences. Posting on X, Sani wrote: “Kano Emirate tussle: High Court is the quarter-finals, Appeal Court is the semi-finals, and Supreme Court is the final. “The scores so far are 1:1. I predict a penalty kick between Team Brother Aminu FC and Team Brother Sanusi FC.” The Abuja Division of the Appeal Court had nullified the order of the Federal High Court in Kano. The Kano Federal High Court had nullified Sanusi’s appointment following an emirate tussle in Kano State. The order nullifying Sanusi’s appointment was issued by Justice Abubakar Liman of the Kano Division of the Federal High Court on June 20, 2024. However, the Appeal Court had dismissed the ruling of the Fed...

 Serie A: Lookman scoops Atalanta’s December Goal of the Month. Ademola Lookman has won Atalanta’s Goal of the Month for December. Lookman won the award for his brilliant strike in Gian Piero Gasperini’s side 3-2 UEFA Champions League defeat to Real Madrid on December 10. The winger fired past Thibaut Courtois after turning Lucas Vazquez inside the box. The 27-year-old won 46% of the votes, with Belgium Charles De Ketelaere coming second with 38% votes. Tommaso Del Lungo and Andrea Bonanomi came third and fourth respectively. It’s the first time Lookman will be winning the individual accolade this season.

 Liam has no resemblance to Mohbad ~ Singer’s father, Joseph Aloba. The father of late singer Mohbad, Joseph Aloba, has reiterated his doubts over the paternity of Liam, his grandson. Mohbad died on September 12, 2023, and was buried on Sept. 13. His body was exhumed on September 21, for an autopsy by the Lagos state police command. Following the controversies caused by his sudden death, Joseph Aloba who was vocal about his demands for justice, called for the probe of Mohbad’s wife, Omowunmi and a DNA test to confirm Liam’s biological connection to him. However speaking during his latest interview on Silverbird Television, Aloba stated that Liam doesn’t look like his late son, hence the need for a paternity test. Interviewer; Liam looked like Mohbad? Aloba responded; “No, with what I am seeing, he’s not my grandson. As a father, they are supposed to bring the child to me. “When I demand DNA, they were supposed to say ‘Daddy go and do it at your convenient time. It has become public...

 Cultism, Ritual Killings: Ogun Won't hesitate to Sign Death Warrants of Condemned Criminals-AG The Ogun State Government has said that it is considering signing the Death Warrants of condemned criminals sentenced by competent courts to serve as a deterrent to those who may want to commit heinous crimes in the state. The State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Oluwasina Ogungbade (SAN), made this known on Friday after inspecting inmates and facilities at the Correctional Centre, Ibara, Abeokuta. The Attorney General, who was conducted around by officers of the Centre, expressed concern over the increase in criminal activities like ritual killings, kidnapping, cultism, and other heinous crimes in recent times in the state. According to Mr. Ogungbade, the state government is ready to take the bull by the horns by implementing the law through signing the Death Warrants. He observed that despite the proactive measures put in place by security agencies in tackling crime...

 Olukoyede Tasks Liberia’s Anti-graft Agency on Asset Recovery   The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede has charged the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission, LACC to prioritize asset recovery in its operations. He gave the charge on Friday, January 17, 2025 when a delegation of Liberia’s anti-graft body, led by Dr. Miatta Jeh paid him a courtesy visit at the EFCC’s Corporate Headquarters following the completion of their training at EFCC’s Academy, Karu, Abuja. The EFCC boss noted that taking away the proceeds of crime limits the ability of the corrupt and the fraudulent to fight back and helps serve as a deterrent to all those who engage in corruption and fraudulent acts. “I want to encourage you to make asset recovery one of your keys to success. Let it be at the forefront of your operations.  Because the moment you deprive suspects of access to the proceeds of their crime, you have weakened them. They wouldn't have...

 Court Jails Six for Internet Fraud in Ilorin Justices Haleema Saleeman and Mahmud Abdulgafar of the Kwara State High Court, sitting in Ilorin have convicted and sentenced six persons to jail for fraud. The convicts are: Akingbehin Temitope Oluwaseyi, Ajayi Elijah Olaoluwa, Samsom Babatunde Ilesanmi, Quadri Olamilekan Lamidi, Kolawole Kehinde Moses and Olatunji Elija Olabisi. They were prosecuted by the Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on multiple charges that bordered on retention of proceeds of criminal activities, cheating, impersonation and internet fraud. Oluwaseyi, (a 25-year-old car dealer), Olaoluwa, Ilesanmi and Lamidi were dragged before Justice Saleeman while the duo of Moses and Olabisi were prosecuted before Justice Abdulgafar. The charge against Oluwaseyi  reads: “That you, Akingbehin Temitope Oluwaseyi,  sometime between 2021 and 2024 at Offa, within  the judicial division of the Kwara State High Court, did...

 EFCC Arrests 25 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Yahoo Academy Operatives of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Thursday January 16, 2025 arrested 25 suspected internet fraudsters in a cybercrime training centre  in Benin City, Edo state The suspects’ arrest at their hideout was triggered by credible intelligence that indicated  the apartment being used as a yahoo academy or training school for internet-related fraud and other fraudulent activities. Items recovered from the suspects include six exotic cars, laptops and phones. The suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

 Migrant boat capsize in West Africa leaves over 40 Pakistanis dead More than 40 Pakistanis are feared to have drowned in the capsizing of a boat off West Africa's Atlantic coastline, which has emerged as a primary point of departure for irregular refugees aiming to reach Europe. President Asif Ali Zardari expressed grief over the deaths and stressed the need for strict measures to curb human trafficking, TRT Afrika reported. Zardari's comments in a statement late Thursday came after a Spain-based migrant rights group, Walking Borders, said 50 people had died on their way to the Canary Islands and that 44 of them were Pakistanis. The group said the migrants began their journey on January 2. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also expressed his sorrow over the deaths. Pakistan said its embassy in Morocco had informed that a boat carrying 80 passengers, including some Pakistanis, had set off from Mauritania and capsized near Dakhla, a Moroccan-controlled port city in the disputed West...

 Governor Fubara Urges New Rivers CP to Address Cultism and Kidnapping Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has urged the newly appointed Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, to prioritize tackling cultism and kidnapping in the state. Fubara made this call during a courtesy visit by Adepoju and senior officers of the State Police Command at the Government House in Port Harcourt. The governor also advised Adepoju to avoid attending late-night meetings that could escalate political tensions in the state. He encouraged the new CP to use his deep understanding of the local landscape to effectively combat crime. This directive follows a tragic incident in Eleme Local Government Area, where a Dutch expatriate working with the state government, along with his driver and security aides, drowned after their vehicle plunged into a river while reportedly trying to escape a kidnapping attempt. In response, Adepoju, who took office as the 47th Commissioner of Police on January 4, ass...

 PRESS RELEASE BUDGET PRESENTATION: IGP CLARIFIES BUDGET PRESENTATION "DRAMA" AT NATIONAL ASSEMBLY, CALLS FOR CITIZEN’S COOPERATION The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, on January 17, 2025, addressed the incident that occurred during the presentation of the Nigeria Police Force 2025 budget to the Joint Committees on Police Affairs and Police Institutions at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja, on January 16, 2025. The IGP described the disruption as unnecessary and avoidable, clarifying that the document he presented was shared with all committee members beforehand. The IGP explained that two versions of the budget documents were provided to the committee members: a comprehensive copy and an abridged version. While both contained same figures and facts, the abridged version used simplified language to facilitate understanding. At the start of the session, the committee members unanimously agreed with a motion that the IGP should present t...

 SANWO-OLU APPOINTS OGUNLOLA AS NEW EXECUTIVE SECRETARY, LAW REFORM COMMISSION Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has approved the appointment of Mrs. Oluyemisi Adefoluke Ogunlola as the new Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Law Reform Commission for a Five-Year term, effective from the 15th January, 2025. A statement signed by the Head of Service, Mr. Bode Agoro said Mrs. Ogunlola's appointment was based on her exceptional dedication, diligence, and selflessness in her duties. While wishing her a rewarding and impactful tenure, Agoro expressed confidence in her ability to drive an impactful change in the Commission to justify Mr. Governor's confidence and trust in her. Before her appointment as the Executive Secretary of the Law Reform Commission, Mrs. Oluyemisi Ogunlola was a Director, (State Counsel) GL 17, in the Ministry of Justice.

 LASCOHET WELCOMES 800 NEW STUDENTS ... Stresses Discipline, Innovation  The Lagos State College of Health Technology (LASCOHET), Yaba, has welcomed over 800 students into various programmes for the year 2024/2025 academic session, urging them to prioritize excellence and discipline in their educational pursuits. Speaking during the 25th matriculation ceremony held at the College premises on Thursday, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Tertiary Education, Mr. Adeniran Kasali, underscored the importance of academic excellence in the Educational system of the 21st century. The Permanent Secretary, who was represented by Mr. Yakub Abdulfatai Olayemi, emphasised academic excellence and discipline as integral parts of quality education. Kasali encouraged students to think beyond the classroom by actively seeking ways to add value to themselves through determination, a zeal to learn, and discipline. He also stressed that innovation and skill development are critical fo...

 STATEHOUSE PRESS STATEMENT   PRESIDENT TINUBU COMMENDS NIGERIAN GOVERNORS FOR SUPPORTING TAX REFORM INITIATIVES   President Bola Tinubu expresses his appreciation for the Nigeria Governors' Forum following their unanimous endorsement of the four Tax Reform Bills currently under consideration by the National Assembly.   President Tinubu lauds the governors for their bold leadership and commitment to fostering unity among leaders nationwide, transcending regional, ethnic, and political barriers to advance Nigeria's development.   Thursday's productive consultation between the Nigeria Governors' Forum and the Presidential Committee on Tax and Fiscal Policy is a commendable example of cooperation between the Federal and State governments.   He extends special commendations to the Chairman of the Governors' Forum, Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, for successfully galvanising support among his peers for these transformative tax bills to rejuvenate th...

 Three Nigerians Sentenced in U.S. for $2M Fraud Scheme Targeting Elderly Three Nigerians have been sentenced in the U.S. for their involvement in a fraudulent scheme that targeted elderly victims. Fatai Okunola, 38, from Kalamazoo, received over 10 years in prison and was ordered to pay more than $730,000 in restitution. His sentence includes five years for making false statements during naturalization and 10 years for money laundering, with the terms running concurrently. Two Dallas residents, Oluwaseyi Adeola, 34, and Ijeoma Adeola, 36, were also sentenced. Oluwaseyi received nearly three years in prison and was ordered to pay approximately $410,000 in restitution, while Ijeoma was given three years' probation for concealing a felony and must pay just under $49,000 in restitution. The defendants worked with accomplices in Nigeria to target U.S. residents, primarily elderly individuals, by creating fake identities and establishing relationships through social media, phone, and te...

 EU Allocates €510m in Humanitarian Aid for Nigeria, Sub-Saharan Africa The European Union (EU) has announced a humanitarian aid package of €1.9 billion for 2025, with €510 million designated for Nigeria and other sub-Saharan African nations. According to a statement from the European Commission on Thursday, the funds will be distributed across regions including West and Central Africa, the Sahel, the Lake Chad Basin, North-West Nigeria, Central Africa, the Great Lakes region, and the Greater Horn of Africa. The aid aims to address escalating humanitarian crises, which are projected to impact over 300 million people globally in 2025. Hadja Lahbib, EU Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness, and Crisis Management, emphasized the need for safe and unhindered access to affected populations, noting that funding alone cannot resolve these challenges without adherence to international humanitarian law. “With more than 300 million people requiring humanitarian assistance in 2025, the EU i...

 Nigerians in UK Prison Service Face Housing Struggles, Sleep in Cars Nigerians are taking up roles as prison officers in the UK under a new skilled worker visa program introduced in October 2023 to address staffing shortages. However, many face significant housing challenges, with some resorting to sleeping in cars or camping near prisons due to a lack of accommodation provisions. Reports reveal that approximately 250 foreign nationals, primarily from Africa, have been recruited, driven by online promotions within the Nigerian expat community. While the recruits undergo assessments and training, critics argue that the process, relying on Zoom interviews and six weeks of training, is insufficient for effective prisoner management. The influx has also highlighted integration issues in rural areas and raised concerns about underqualified personnel being hired.

 Governor Okpebholo Hires 360 Cleaners into Edo Civil Service Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has employed 360 cleaners from the state’s three senatorial districts into the civil service, according to Dr. Anthony Okungbowa, the State Head of Service. During a briefing in Benin, Okungbowa highlighted the administration’s commitment to people-focused initiatives, noting that the new recruits have been deployed to various ministries and parastatals to strengthen the workforce. He explained that the previous administration relied on contractors and consultants to hire cleaners, resulting in poor wages and job insecurity. Cleaners under that arrangement earned between N20,000 and N30,000, with no assurance of stable employment. In contrast, Governor Okpebholo’s directive ensures direct employment for cleaners, guaranteeing them the state’s N70,000 minimum wage and improved job security. “This initiative marks a departure from the contractor-led system, providing better pay and digni...

 MAPOLY May Expel 49 Final-Year Students Over Fake ND Results ….. Reinstates Students’ Union Executive Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY) may expel 49 final-year Higher National Diploma (HND) students after a result verification process revealed they allegedly submitted fake National Diploma (ND) results for admission into the HND programs. The verification update, released by the institution, identified affected students across departments such as Mass Communication, Pharmaceutical Technology, Marketing, Science Laboratory Technology, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, and Accountancy. Fake results were reportedly sourced from institutions including The Polytechnic, Ibadan; Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro; Adeseun Ogundoyin Polytechnic, Eruwa; and Ibarapa Polytechnic, Eruwa, Oyo State. MAPOLY’s Public Relations Officer, Yemi Ajibola, explained that the verification process was part of routine checks to authenticate documents submitted by students. He noted that while some results...

 Anyanwu Remains PDP National Secretary for Now – Abdullahi The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has announced that Senator Samuel Anyanwu will remain its National Secretary following a stay of execution order halting the enforcement of an Appeal Court judgment that removed him from the position. Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Ibrahim Abdullahi, stated at a press briefing in Abuja that the party, being law-abiding, must adhere to the court’s directive. Abdullahi disclosed that the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Maitama issued an interim injunction restraining the party from enforcing the Appeal Court ruling that recognized Ude Okoye as National Secretary. The order was filed by Imo State PDP Chairman Austine Nwachukwu. He noted, “As a law-abiding party, we are obligated to respect the court order and will defend the party’s position during the hearing scheduled for January 8 and February 5.” Abdullahi urged party members to remain calm and law-a...

 Lagos Assembly Announces New Leadership Following Obasa's Impeachment The Lagos State House of Assembly has appointed four new principal officers after the impeachment of former Speaker, Mr. Mudashiru Obasa, on Monday. The newly sworn-in Speaker, Mrs. Mojisola Meranda (APC-Apapa 1), announced the changes during Friday’s plenary session. Obasa was impeached by 32 out of 40 members over allegations of gross misconduct. Additionally, the Clerk of the House, Mr. Lekan Onafeko, was suspended for alleged financial impropriety, and all standing committees established by the former speaker were dissolved. Meranda explained that the new appointments reflect the recent shift in the House's leadership. The new principal officers are: Majority Leader: Mr. Temitope Adewale (APC-Ifako-Ijaiye 1) Deputy Majority Leader: Mr. Adedamola Kasunmu (APC-Ikeja 1) Chief Whip: Mr. Setonjo David (APC-Badagry 2) Deputy Chief Whip: Mr. Babatunde Saani (APC-Kosofe 2) The reorganization aims to align the As...

 Police Declare 51-Year-Old Man Missing in Ekiti, Seek Public Assistance The Ekiti State Police Command has declared Alhaji Odema Moses, a resident of Olatuji Street, Off Federal Poly Road, Ado-Ekiti, missing. According to the police, Moses left home on December 19, 2024, and has not returned since. In a statement released on Thursday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abutu Sunday, confirmed that an investigation is underway to determine his whereabouts. Describing the missing man, SP Sunday said, "He is 51 years old, light-skinned, without tribal marks, 5.8 feet tall, and speaks English fluently." The Police have appealed to the public for assistance, urging anyone with relevant information to contact the nearest police station or call 09064050086.

 OPERATION GOLDEN PEACE: SIGNIFICANT ACHIEVEMENTS BY 3 DIVISION/OPERATION SAFE HAVEN IN THE JOINT OPERATIONS AREA Troops of 3 Division/Operation SAFE HAVEN continue to make substantial progress in ensuring the safety and security of lives and property within the Joint Operations Area (JOA). Through intensified kinetic and non-kinetic operations, security forces have recorded remarkable achievements, particularly along the Plateau-Taraba State borders. These efforts, focused around Bangalala and Kinishi Forests spanning Wase and Karim Lamido LGAs, have led to the elimination of multiple bandits, the destruction of criminal structures, and the successful rescue of 18 kidnapped individuals. The rescued victims have since been reunited with their families after proper documentation by relevant authorities.  Notable Arrests and Recoveries Include: • Troops from Sector 5 apprehended five bandits in Tarangol, Bokkos LGA, and recovered 3 fabricated rifles, ammunition, and daggers. • A...