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 BAUCHI STATE POLICE COMMAND PRESS RELEASE    04/02/2025 CRIME: Police operatives arrested six electric installation vandals, and stolen items were recovered. ...as three Gender-based violence suspects who threaten to kill victims apprehended, set to arraign in court. On the 25th December 2024, detectives attached to the Command while on night visibility patrol, intercepted one Hamza Mohammed ‘m’, aged 20yrs, of Gwallameji area of Bauchi, Mustapha Sa’idu ‘m’, aged 22YRS of Rafin Tambari conspired among themselves trespassed into a house situated at Rafin Tambari area of Bauchi and stole two wheels of vehicle tyre and two bags of cement valued two hundred and forty-nine thousand naira (N249,000) as estimated. As reported on the 14th of January 2025, the same gang, including one other member named Aliyu Musa ‘m’, conspired among themselves and vandalised an electric aluminium conductor belonging to Jos Electricity Power Company (JED) at Tambari housing Estate, Bauchi State....

 Government of Imo State  Press release Uzodimma appoints new GM for ENTRACO, five other Special Advisers Governor Hope Uzodimma has approved the appointment of Mr. Anthony Anyaehie as the new General Manager (GM) for the Imo State Environmental Transformation Commission ( ENTRACO). Anyaehie replaces Hon. Engr. Francis Chukwu, now nominated Special Adviser, Livestock. Other Special Advisers (SAs) whose approval the Governor has given include: Ebere Hilary - Environment Oluchi Sonate Praise - Event II. Abigail Chikere - Visual Communication (Photographic Media) I Aloysius Emmanuel Chinenye - Visual Communication (Photographic Media) II. The appointments are with immediate effect.

 RIVERS STATE POLICE COMMAND PRESS RELEASE. ARREST OF STREET SOLAR LIGHTS VANDALS/THIEVES AND RECOVERY OF EXHIBITS.  The Trans-Amadi Division of the  Rivers State Police Command,  on the 26th of January 2025 at about 0300hrs, acting on a credible piece of intelligence, has made a significant breakthrough in combating vandalism with the arrest of two suspects, caught  vandalizing and attempting to steal NDDC Street Solar Lights along Danjuma Drive, off Trans-Amadi road in Port- Harcourt.  The suspects, Shaibu Yusuf 'm' aged 30yrs, an indigene of Bolari Town in Gombe LGA of Gombe State and Ibrahim Abubakar 'm' aged 28yrs, an indigene of Katsina LGA of Katsina State, but all resident at Okuru scrap dump, Abuloma Community, Port- Harcourt. Items recovered from the suspects include:  * Solar Light Poles, * Solar Light Panels,  * Solar Light  Panel Bolts, * Solar Light Panel Nuts,  * A  knife.  The arrested suspects confessed to bein...

  The Senate has appointed Senator Orji Uzor Kalu as the pioneer Chairman Senate Committee on South-East Development Commission (SEDC), a newly created regional development commission signed into law by President Bola Tinubu.¹ Kalu, a former Abia Governor and current Chairman of the Senate Committee on Privatisation, is expected to lead the commission in achieving its objectives, including civil restitution, erosion control, security restoration, and infrastructure improvement. Senator Ken Eze was also appointed as the Vice Chairman of the committee, while other members will be announced later. The Senate confirmed the 18-member board of the SEDC, led by Dr. Emeka Nworgu as Chairman and Hon. Mark Okoye as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer. Other confirmed members of the board include: - Ugochukwu H. Agballah - Hon. Okey Ikenwa - Chief Hyacinth Ikpor - Chidi Echeazu - Ifeanyi Agwu - Nasiru Usman - Hamma Adama Ali - Kumo Edward David Onoja - Orure Kufre Inima - Daniel Akw...

  The Nigerian Senate has appointed Senator Austin Akobundu as the Vice Chairman of its Committee on Air Force. The announcement was made by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during a recent plenary session. Senator Akobundu, who represents Abia Central Senatorial District, brings a unique combination of military experience and legislative expertise to his new role. His appointment is expected to strengthen the Senate's oversight of the Air Force and support efforts to enhance its capabilities. As Vice Chairman of the Committee on Air Force, Senator Akobundu will work closely with other committee members to ensure effective governance and oversight of the Air Force. His experience and knowledge will be invaluable assets in shaping policies and decisions that impact the nation's air defense.

  Unilorin student commits suicide over hardship A Mass Communication student of the University of Ilorin (name withheld) has committed suicide in Ilorin. The Guardian gathered that the student took a poisonous substance to take his own life at his residence at Oke-odo axis of Tanke, Ilorin. The 200-level male student, according to colleagues, committed suicide because of the current economic hardship in the country. Our correspondent learnt that the deceased ended his life last week when his roommate had left for lectures. “We just returned to find a suicidal note that explained his inability to cope again and decided to take the substance and died,” a friend who preferred anonymity stated. Before his death, the student was on a Cumulative Grade Point Aggregate of 4.5 academic standing. A source in the varsity who pleaded anonymity told our correspondent that the deceased was being trained and sponsored by his widow’s mother. He said the deceased committed suicide “due to alleged ...

 Anambra Guber : Cleric Prophesies  Soludo's 2nd Tenure As Market Holds 2025 Maiden Prayer Session By Juliana Nwachukwu  As Independence National Electoral Commission (INEC), fixes Anambra State Gubernatorial election for November 8 this year, a cleric, Ven. Dr, Zubby Akudo, from Our Saviour Anglican Church, Ugwuagba Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area, has prophesied that Governor Chukwuma Soludo would be re-elected. He made the prophecy during the 2025 maiden prayer session of traders at Old Motor/Car Parts Dealers, Mgbuka Obosi, themed, "I Have Set An Open Door For You", a special prayer with thanksgiving, praises and worship. In his sermon, he reminded the people that enemies of progress will always seek for the downfall of the progressives and urged them not to be deterred by their antics once they have faith. "Whenever you are progressing, your enemies would increase in number, those seeking for your downfall will be many, they would be fighting for your...

  SWEDISH POLICE SAY ABOUT 10 PEOPLE KILLED IN SHOOTING AT ADULT EDUCATION CENTER Swedish police said that about 10 people, including the gunman, were killed during a shooting Tuesday at an adult education center. But a final death toll and a conclusive number of wounded hadn't yet been determined. The damage at the crime scene was so extensive that investigators were unable to be more definitive, said Roberto Eid Forest, head of the local police. The shooting happened on the outskirts of the city of Orebro, which is located about 200 kilometers (125 miles) west of Stockholm. Police said that the death toll could rise. Eid Forest told reporters that the suspected gunman was among those killed. Police believe the perpetrator acted alone. He wasn't previously known to police, officials said. The school, called Campus Risbergska, serves students who are over age 20, according to its website. Primary and upper secondary school courses are offered, as well as Swedish classes for imm...

 Canada Bans U.S Alcohol, Cancels Trips & Boos US National Anthem Canadians have canceled trips south of the border, banned U.S. alcohol and other products and even booed at sporting events after U.S President Donald Trump announced 25% tariffs on most of Canada's goods on Saturday. Though Trump had pledged to put tariffs on Canada and Mexico before taking office, the perceived act of economic warfare on a country that is so close to the United States culturally and geographically still came as a shock to many Canadians. "It feels like Trump wants to restructure the world order," Drew Dilkens, mayor of the Canadian border city of Windsor, said in an interview. "He's willing to start with his closest ally… If he's willing to do this to Canada, what's he willing to do to everybody else?" Dilkens said about C$400 million ($272 million) in trade crosses the Ambassador Bridge linking Detroit and Windsor every day. For his 240,000-person community, the...

 Brazilian prison using geese for security Officials at a prison in Brazil have discovered that geese can provide security. The geese patrol the fenced perimeter between the prison yard and the outer walls. Nine geese have taken up residence at a Brazilian prison to patrol a grassy strip between the inner and outer walls of the prison, acting as one of the last obstacles between hopeful escapees and their freedom. The idea came to the guards when they were harassed and cornered by a gang of geese. They immediately recognized the animal's aggression, and combined with a struggling economic situation at the prison, decided to give it a shot. Despite only clocking in at nine pounds, the gaggle of geese are extremely territorial and aggressive toward anyone who dares get too close. Their main tools of attack are charging nearby ne're-do-wells and their loud vocal chords which allow them to erupt in honks and screams that can quickly alert human prison guards. "The geese are li...

 STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE   PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES TEMS ON GRAMMY AWARD, APPLAUDS OTHER NIGERIAN MUSIC STARS   President Bola Tinubu congratulates Nigerian music sensation Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, on winning the Best African Music Performance award at the 67th annual Grammy Awards held in Los Angeles on Sunday night.   On behalf of the entire nation, President Tinubu commends the singer for her unique artistry, which has brought pride to Nigeria on the global stage for the second time.   The President celebrates the rise of a new generation of young and multi-talented Nigerian musical artists who have propelled Afrobeats to international prominence, projecting the country's reputation as a powerhouse of musical innovation, creativity and cultural influence.   "From Africa to Antarctica, Asia to Australia, Europe to the Americas, the Nigerian music industry, particularly, Afrobeats has become a source of national pride, promoting a ...

 Again, EFCC Arraigns 11 Chinese for Alleged  Cyber-Terrorism, Internet Fraud in Lagos The Lagos Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, arraigned 11 Chinese and a company, Genting International Co. Ltd., before Justice C.J. Aneke of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos.  The defendants are: Liu Ke Fan, Huang Hai Tao, Zhang Kian Feng, Wua Wang and Xiao Xin.  Others are: Wang Hong Lin, Wu Yong An (a.k.a Zenga Niu), Chen Yuan (a.k.a Xiao Doa), Chen Dong Dong (a.k.a Cun Zhao) Weng Mao Rong, (a.k.a A Xiang and Wang) and Xiong Wei (a.k.a Xiao Bai). They are members of the syndicate of 792 alleged  cryptocurrency investment and romance fraud suspects arrested on December 10 , 2024 in Lagos during a surprise operation tagged “Eagle Flush Operation” by operatives of the EFCC. The suspects were arraigned on separate charges bordering on alleged  cybercrimes, cyber-terrorism, possession of docum...

 Alleged Money Laundering: Court Adjourns Mompha’s Trial Till March 13   Justice Mojisola Dada of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos has adjourned till March 13, 2025 further hearing in the trial of Ismaila Mustapha for an offence bordering on alleged money laundering.    The Lagos Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, had on January 12, 2022 arraigned Mompha alongside his company, Ismalob Global Investment Limited, on an eight-count charge bordering on conspiracy to launder funds obtained through unlawful activity, retention of proceeds of criminal conduct, laundering of funds obtained through unlawful activity, failure to disclose assets and property, possession of documents containing false pretences and use of property derived from an unlawful act.   One of the counts reads: "Ismaila Mustapha, Ahmadu Mohammed (at large) and Ismalob Global Investment Limited, sometime in 2016, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of...

 Breaking news The suspect: Obinna Anene 'm' aged 33yrs of Amene Village, Abagana, who was mentioned as the principal suspect in the case of burning and killing of a 74-year-old woman, Alice Anene, at Abagana on 27/01/2025, has been arrested.  He is being transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Homicide SCID Section Awka for a debrief.  Further details shall be communicated, please. *SP Tochukwu Ikenga* Police Public Relations Officer, Anambra State Police Command. Awka. 4th February, 2025

 LASODA SUPPORTS CIVIL SERVANTS WITH DISABILITIES WITH WORK TOOLS The Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA) has presented work tools and assistive devices to about 50 civil servants with disabilities in the state. Cheques of N1,100,000:00 (One Million, One Hundred Thousand Naira) each were also handed to 11 individuals to procure prosthetics, aimed at enhancing their independence and productivity. Speaking during the official presentation of the items, which took place at the STO Resource Centre, Ikeja, on Monday, the General Manager of LASODA, Mrs. Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, emphasised that the initiative was designed to empower, promote inclusion, and increase accessibility for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), particularly those employed by the State Government. She noted that, in recent years, the Agency had received numerous requests from state civil servants with disabilities seeking work tools to help them perform their duties. This presentation is a step toward fu...

 NiMET predicts high rainfall in May, June The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) has predicted high-intensity rainfall likely resulting in flash floods between May and June 2025 in coastal cities of the country. The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, made this disclosure while presenting the annual climate prediction for the year 2025 in Abuja. He also revealed that the onset of rain is predicted to be delayed over the northern and central states of Plateau as well as parts of Kaduna, Niger, Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba, Adamawa, and Kwara. While early onset is expected over the southern states of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Anambra, and sections of Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Lagos, Edo, Enugu, Imo, and Ebonyi. The rest of the country is predicted to have a normal onset. Also, earlier than long-term average end-of-rainy season is predicted over parts of Zamfara, Katsina, Kano, Kaduna, Jigawa, Plateau, Bauchi, Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Taraba, Niger, Kwara, Kogi, FCT...

 Kaduna Electric Fires 900 Employees, Promises Pension Payments ‘In Due Course’ As Workers Declare Indefinite Strike The Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company (Kaduna Electric) has laid off 900 employees, as affected workers, saying their net benefits will be paid into their accounts later and pension will come “in due course”. Following their dismissal, the workers have declared indefinite strike. In a statement released on January 31, 2025, and obtained by SaharaReporters, Kaduna Electric announced that the services of the staff members were no longer required. Sources told SaharaReporters that 900 workers were affected by the sacking. “Kaduna electric has sacked 900 staff members and paid only 10% of supposed benefits. Indefinite strike has been declared,” a source in the company said. SaharaReporters learnt that the sacking comes amid a Monthly Performance Review meeting chaired by Dr. Umar Abubakar Hashidu, Managing Director and CEO of Kaduna Electric and the Chairman of the...

 French Court Sentences Director Christophe Ruggia for Assaulting Actress Adèle Haenel A French court has found film director Christophe Ruggia guilty of sexually assaulting actress Adèle Haenel between the ages of 12 and 15 in the early 2000s. Ruggia, 60, was sentenced to two years under house arrest with an electronic bracelet and an additional two-year suspended sentence in what is considered a landmark #MeToo trial in France. The court determined that Ruggia exploited his position of power over Haenel, subjecting her to frequent inappropriate behavior during meetings at his home over three years, isolating her from her support network. Despite his denial of any wrongdoing, Haenel, now 35, was the first major French actor to publicly accuse the film industry of enabling sexual abuse after the rise of the #MeToo movement. She initially came forward in 2019, alleging that Ruggia repeatedly touched her inappropriately during and after filming Les Diables (The Devils). As the verdic...

 Impeached South Korean President Yoon Faces Court Hearings on Removal Impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol appeared in court on Tuesday as hearings continued to determine whether he will be officially removed from office following his controversial declaration of martial law. Yoon, who was arrested in mid-January on insurrection charges, remains in detention but has been attending impeachment hearings at the Constitutional Court, which will decide his fate. If the court upholds the impeachment, a new presidential election must be held within 60 days. His declaration of martial law on December 3 sparked political turmoil, suspending civilian rule and deploying soldiers to parliament. The opposition-led parliament overturned the decree and later impeached him, leading to his arrest—the first for a sitting South Korean head of state. Yoon denies ordering military commanders to remove lawmakers from parliament to block their vote, a claim contradicted by opposition MPs and a...

 Tokyo Court Upholds Suspended Sentence for Former Nissan Executive Greg Kelly A Tokyo High Court on Tuesday upheld the six-month suspended sentence of Greg Kelly, a former Nissan executive and aide to Carlos Ghosn, rejecting appeals from both prosecutors and the defense. Kelly, a 68-year-old American, was arrested in 2018 alongside Ghosn on charges of helping to conceal the ex-CEO’s income. However, Ghosn fled Japan in 2019, leaving Kelly to face trial alone. The court previously acquitted Kelly for financial years 2010-2016 but found him guilty for 2017, handing him a three-year suspended sentence in 2022. Prosecutors had sought a two-year prison term, alleging he helped under-report Ghosn’s income by 9.1 billion yen ($60 million). Kelly, now in the United States, learned of the verdict by phone. His lawyer, Yoichi Kitamura, confirmed plans to appeal to Japan’s Supreme Court, questioning the decision’s rationale. Prosecutors have yet to announce whether they will also appeal. Mea...

 Osun Communal Clash: Wole Oke Calls for Peace and Justice Wole Oke, the lawmaker representing Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency, has expressed deep sorrow over the violent clash in Esa Oke, Osun State, which resulted in multiple casualties. In a statement from his media office, Oke commended security agencies for their prompt response in preventing further escalation. He condemned the killings, emphasizing that violence is never a solution and urging the community to embrace peace. Calling for an impartial investigation, he stressed that justice must be served for the victims. He also appealed for the release of wrongfully detained individuals and free medical care for the injured. The crisis erupted following the appointment of Prince Timileyin Oluyemi Ajayi as the Olojudo of Ido-Ayegunle. In response, Governor Ademola Adeleke has ordered the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the attacks.

 Suspended Ogun Monarch Arraigned for Assault The Ogun State Police Command on Tuesday arraigned the suspended Olorile of Orile Ifo, Semiu Adewale Ogunjobi, for allegedly assaulting a 73-year-old chief, Abraham Areola. Ogunjobi was charged with conspiracy, assault, and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace. According to police spokesman Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the monarch, who was seen in a viral video attacking the elderly chief, was granted bail, and the case was adjourned to March 6, 2025. Adejobi assured that justice would be served, reaffirming the police's commitment to upholding the rule of law.

 Australia Floods: 82-Year-Old Woman Found Dead in Queensland An 82-year-old woman has been confirmed dead in the ongoing floods devastating communities in northern Queensland, Australia. According to police, her body was discovered in a cane paddock on Tuesday. She was last seen inside a two-story house on Monday evening, a nearby resident reported. This comes just two days after a 63-year-old woman lost her life when a rescue boat capsized in Ingham floodwaters. Northern Queensland has been inundated with nearly two meters of rainfall since Saturday, and the Bureau of Meteorology has warned of potential severe thunderstorms and more localized flooding in affected areas.

 US Vice President JD Vance to Attend Paris AI Summit US Vice President JD Vance is set to participate in an artificial intelligence summit in Paris next week, according to a French diplomatic source on Tuesday. The event, scheduled for February 10-11, will bring together top tech leaders and representatives from 80 nations, serving as a wake-up call for Europe as it navigates AI challenges posed by the United States and China. Among the notable attendees are OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, Google CEO Sundar Pichai, DeepMind’s Demis Hassabis, and Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei. It remains uncertain whether X owner Elon Musk, who leads the AI venture xAI, will accept his invitation. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will co-host the summit, with Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz also expected to attend. The event will take place at the Grand Palais, a historic venue built for the 1900 Universal Exhibition i...

 Governor Abba Yusuf Inaugurates Sharia and Zakkat Commissions Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has officially sworn in the Chairmen, Commissioners, and Members of the Sharia Commission and Zakkat & Hubusi Commission. The announcement was made on Monday through a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa. During the inauguration, Governor Yusuf emphasized that the appointments were based on merit, competence, and trustworthiness, expressing confidence in the appointees' ability to discharge their duties with dedication, integrity, and commitment. He tasked the Sharia Commission with fostering unity among Muslim sects to promote peace, stability, and socioeconomic development in Kano. Similarly, he urged the Zakkat & Hubusi Commission to implement effective alms collection strategies from wealthy individuals to support the less privileged and alleviate poverty in the state. Newly Appointed Officials Sharia Commission Chairman: Sheikh A...

 Notorious Bandit Kingpin Released from Niger Republic Prison, Returns to Nigeria A notorious bandit leader, Kachallah Bammi Yarma, who was jailed in Niger Republic in 2015, has been released after completing his sentence and has returned to Katsina State, Nigeria. Counterterrorism expert Zagazola Makama revealed this in a post on X, describing Bammi Yarma as one of the deadliest bandits in the region. He was captured in 2015 while smuggling arms on camels in Danmusa, Katsina State, leading to the seizure of 1,000 livestock and the disruption of a key bandit supply chain. Intelligence reports indicate that top bandit leaders have been welcoming him back with firearms gifts, sparking concerns of an escalation in violent attacks across Katsina, Zamfara, and Sokoto states.

 Gold Mine Collapse in Kenya Traps 12 Miners A gold mine collapse in western Kenya has left 12 miners trapped, authorities confirmed on Tuesday. According to Kakamega County police commander Daniel Makumbu, the mine partially caved in on Monday night while about 20 miners were inside. Eight have been rescued, while search and rescue operations continue. Authorities have urged bystanders to stay away from the site due to its fragile condition, warning that their presence could hinder rescue efforts. Kenya’s mining sector remains largely unregulated, despite recent growth, with miners facing poor safety conditions and threats from organized crime groups. A 2022 report by Africa’s Institute for Security Studies revealed that legal small-scale gold mining contributed $224 million to the Kenyan economy and employed about 250,000 people. In May 2024, at least five miners died after heavy rains caused an unauthorized gold mine to collapse in the Hillo area near the Ethiopian border.

 37 Students Expeled From Nasawara State University For Allegedly Forming WhatsApp Group to Plan Protests Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), has rusticated 37 students for one academic session over their alleged involvement in “criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbance of public peace, and cyber-stalking.” According to official documents obtained by SaharaReporters on Monday, dated December 9, 2024, and January 21, 2025, the students were sanctioned for their participation in a WhatsApp group allegedly created to organize a protest against the university’s decision to introduce a third semester. Following the discovery, the affected students were summoned before the Students’ Disciplinary Committee.  The University Senate, at its 123rd Regular Meeting on October 31, 2024, reviewed the committee’s findings and approved the recommendation to rusticate them for the 2024/2025 academic session. In a letter titled “Rustication for One Academic Session”, signed by the Registrar...