PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 African court hears DRC's case against Rwanda The hearing of an unprecedented case brought by the Democratic Republic of Congo against Rwanda over alleged human rights violations began on Wednesday amid the ongoing conflict in Kinshasa's eastern North Kivu province, Anadolu Agency reported. DR Congo filed the case at the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights in Tanzania in 2023 alleging human rights violations by Rwanda, including human trafficking, torture, and cruel or degrading treatment or punishment in eastern DR Congo, on the Rwandan border. Kinshasa claims that the M23 rebel group and Rwandan forces have been engaged in armed conflict in the eastern Kivu region since 2021, resulting in infrastructure destruction, thousands of displaced people, killings, and other human rights violations. DR Congo has asked the court to mandate Rwanda to remove its forces, stop supporting M23 as well as violating human rights, provide reparations, and let the court decide on compens...

 Liberia suspends 457 officials for failing to declare assets Liberian President Joseph Boakai, who has pledged to fight endemic corruption, suspended on Wednesday more than 450 government-appointed officials for failing to declare their assets, AFP reported. The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) identified 457 officials, including the minister overseeing the budget as well as ambassadors, as having not declared what they own before a November deadline, as required by the country's code of conduct for state officials. The officials have been "suspended for a period of one month without pay or until they submit the required declarations", the president's office said. Liberian law requires public functionaries to declare their assets when they take up and vacate their positions. 'Committed to good governance' Boakai, elected in November 2023, "remains steadfast in his commitment to good governance, integrity, and the rule of law", the statement...

  Anambra govt seals Okija Shrine The Anambra State government has intensified its crackdown on fake native doctors and criminal activities by sealing a shrine in Umuofor village, Okija, in Ihiala Local Government Area. The shrine, allegedly operated by Ekene Igboegbueze, a self-proclaimed native doctor who promises unsuspecting individuals super wealth, was shut down following numerous complaints from Okija residents. Special Adviser to the Governor on Community Security, Prince Ken Emeakai, stated that the government took action based on reports from the local community. “Igboegbueze’s business is illegal under Anambra State Homeland Security Laws,” Emeakai said, adding that properties acquired through the illicit trade have also been sealed. “All items found in the shrine will undergo forensic examination, and the results will determine further government action,” he added. Director of Operations for Agunechemba Security Outfit, Chinenye Ihenko, cautioned youths against patroniz...

 LASURA EMBARKS ON COMPLIANCE DRIVE, RECOVERY OF OUTSTANDING RENTS As part of efforts to ensure compliance with the Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency (LASURA) regulations, the Agency's General Manager, TPL. Animashaun Oladimeji has led a monitoring team to recover outstanding rents owed on properties managed by LASURA in Lagos Island. This follows the recent opening of the Annex Office of the Agency located at 44, Nnamdi Azikiwe Street, Lagos Island and aimed at enhancing revenue generation through the recovery of outstanding rents owed by property developers and individuals who failed to pay their rent as stipulated in rent or lease agreement.  According to Oladimeji, "The recovery of outstanding rent is crucial to the State Government's efforts to generate revenue and fund development projects. It will be a continuous exercise and we will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that all debts owed to the State are recovered. The monitoring team, led by the General Manager c...

 Court of Appeal Never Dismissed Our Case Against Datkems—Ogun Govt ...says company is purveying falsehood because it has no case The Ogun State Government has dismissed news reports claiming that the Court of Appeal dismissed an appeal filed by it in a case against Datkems, a company associated with the senator representing Ogun East in the National Assembly, Gbenga Daniel. In a statement issued by the Special Adviser on Media and Strategy to the governor, Hon. Kayode Akinmade, on Wednesday, the Ogun State Government noted that it merely withdrew one of the four appeals it filed against Datkems in the court after noticing an error in the title, adding that all the appeals are still pending against the company. This withdrawal, it said, was falsely misrepresented as a judicial victory with the intent to deceive the public, even while the Court of Appeal has yet to make any pronouncement on the substantive issues and while Datkems has yet to file any cogent response to the allegatio...

 South Africa vows to continue case against Israel despite Trump's threats South Africa has vowed not to withdraw its genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), despite the Trump administration's threats and aid cut, Anadolu Agency reported. There is “no chance” South Africa could withdraw its case it filed in December 2023, Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola told the Financial Times. “Standing by our principles sometimes has consequences, but we remain firm that this is important for the world, and the rule of law,” he added. South Africa was the first nation to drag Israel to the ICJ over its genocidal war on Gaza that has claimed more than 48,000 lives and reduced the enclave to rubble. A ceasefire that took hold on Jan. 19 is currently in place. Executive order Last week, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order, halting financial aid to South Africa in retaliation for a new land appropriation law it claims seizes property from the coun...

 A Nebraska woman loses her life just 1 day after her ex bonds out of jail for domestic violence and violating an order of protection. 26-year-old Jamie Hagen suffered an assault at the hands of 54-year-old Casey Kindt on December 16th, 2024. On that date she was physically assaulted and both her and her daughter were threatened by Kindt. Kindt ultimately was charged with third degree domestic assault resulting in injuries, child abuse and making terroristic threats. Jamie spoke with local police and the victim's unit and filed a protection order against Kindt.   Kindt would eventually post bond on the initial charge but was arrested again in January when he violated the protection order. After this,  prosecutors asked to have bond revoked for Kindt. However, Judge C. Jo Peterson (pictured last) only increased his bond to $75,000. Sadly, on Saturday February 8th, police received a 911 call from a distressed juvenile. Once on scene they discovered Jamie deceased from ...

 NSCDC Arrests Two for Illegal Revenue Collection in Kogi The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Kogi State Command, has paraded two suspects in Lokoja for illegally collecting revenue and selling tickets in the state. Parading the suspects, Musa Baba (52) and Muhammed Usman (32), the NSCDC spokesperson, Abdullahi Aliyu, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to enforcing the Kogi State government's ban on illegal revenue collection. Aliyu described the act as criminal conspiracy and illegal revenue collection, stating that the suspects were caught on February 11, 2025, selling tickets to motorcycle riders at Paparanda Square, Lokoja. He added that they would be charged in court upon completion of the investigation. One of the suspects, Musa Baba, claimed he obtained the tickets from one El-Bashir, who allegedly presented himself as an accredited revenue consultant for the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service (KGIRS). However, he insisted he was unaware the tickets were ...

 FG Considers Ban on 60,000-Litre Tanker Trucks Amid Rising Fatalities The Federal Government is considering banning 60,000-litre capacity tanker trucks, capping them at 45,000 litres, due to rising tanker-related accidents, which have caused 486 deaths in under three years. NMDPRA Chief Executive, Engr. Farouk Ahmed, revealed that in: 2025, five accidents led to 121 deaths, 79 injuries. 2024, 11 incidents caused 341 deaths, 124 injuries. 2023, two accidents resulted in 24 deaths, 5 injuries. To enhance safety, the government has implemented driver training, anti-spill safety valves, and safe-to-load protocols. However, NARTO opposes the ban, arguing it could jeopardize N300bn investments, as 2,000 such trucks are currently in operation, each costing N150m. NUPENG also stressed the need for driver health checks and better road conditions. Stakeholder discussions on the proposal are ongoing.

 Ghana Declares Ex-Finance Minister Ofori-Atta Wanted for Corruption Ghana’s former finance minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, has been declared wanted by the country’s Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) over corruption allegations. Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng accused him of causing financial loss to the state and warned that authorities would enforce his return if he failed to return voluntarily. Ofori-Atta, who served under ex-President Nana Akufo-Addo, allegedly authorized the release of $58 million in state funds for the controversial National Cathedral project, despite initial claims it would be privately funded. He is also accused of approving $11.8 million at the request of the presidential chief of staff, even though the cathedral project has been stalled for two years. Additionally, the former minister is linked to a disputed $83 million contract between the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Ltd (SML), allegedly made without proper approval. A...

 Navy Thwarts Attempt to Siphon Petroleum Products, Arrests Nine in Lagos The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Beecroft has foiled an attempt by vandals to siphon petroleum products into 408 drums loaded on a wooden boat near the Lagos anchorage. Seven suspects, allegedly fleeing to Benin Republic, were arrested along with three pumping machines and eight Yamaha 40HP outboard engines. The Western Regional Control Centre of Falcon Eye Alignment had alerted the NNS Beecroft Quick Response Team (QRT) at Tarkwa Bay about the suspicious movement. In a separate operation, two additional suspects were arrested in the Topo, Badagry axis while allegedly assisting smugglers’ boats. They were caught with a 40HP Yamaha outboard engine, and intercepted phone conversations suggested they had been hired to supply it. Furthermore, on February 11, 2025, the Navy intercepted 28 bags of Cannabis Sativa, weighing over 756kg, at Long Jetty, Ibeche Beach. The suspects fled upon sighting the QRT. Handing over th...

 EFCC Arraigns 16 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Enugu The Enugu Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC has arraigned 16 (sixteen) suspected internet fraudsters before Justice Folashade O. Giwa-Ogunbanjo of the Federal High Court, sitting in Independence Layout, Enugu State. The defendants are: Ibemere Gerald Ifechukwu, Ngwu Chidozie Henry, Onwugbolu Charles, Okeke Emmanuel Ebubechukwu, Ikechukwu Augustine Ibeanu, Samuel Obi Chidera, Chukwuemeka Emmanuel Chinsed and Onoja Sampson Kingsley. Others are: Chukwudi Francis Chinenye, Nwodo Nelson Obinna, Muolukwu Ikenna Anthony, Ebuka Peter Ejiofor, Okonkwo Nonso Chijioke, Ngwu Chidozie Sylvester, Duru Christopher and Seth Hyacinth Chidera. While Emmanuel, Ebubechukwu, Henry, Chidera, Christopher, Francis and Charles were arraigned on separate two-count charges, the rest of the defendants were arraigned on separate three-count charges, all bordering on fraudulent impersonation, possession of fraudulent ...

 Alleged N90.4m Fraud: Former NHIS Boss Knows Fate on Bail  Feb 27   Justice Chinyere E. Nwecheonwu of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Kuchiako, Kuje, Abuja, on Wednesday, 12 February 2025, adjourned till February 27 for ruling on the bail application of former Executive Secretary, National Health Insurance Scheme, Professor Usman Yusuf. Yusuf was arraigned on a five-count bordering on embezzlement, conferring undue advantage, and fraud to the tune of N90, 439, 178.00 (Ninety Million, Four Hundred and Thirty Nine thousand, One Hundred and Seventy Eight Naira only). Arguing against the application for bail by the defendant, prosecution counsel, Francis Usani in a counter affidavit, informed the court that the offences alleged against the defendant impact on the general well-being of the common man in Nigeria, tarnishing also the image and reputation of the country as a whole and diminishes government’s efforts to sustain development in the country. “The evidence ...

 𝐀𝐬𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐖𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐘𝐁𝐍𝐋, 𝐔𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐢𝐥𝐬 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐋𝐚𝐛𝐞𝐥 Acclaimed Nigerian singer, Ahmed Ololade, popularly known as Asake, has officially announced his exit from YBNL Nation, a record label founded by Olamide. The news confirms earlier speculations about Asake's departure from the label. Asake marked his exit from YBNL by releasing his latest single, "Why Love," under his own record label, Giran Republic. Notably, the singer had recently paid tribute to Olamide in his song "Military," which dispelled rumors of a feud between the two artists. Asake initially joined YBNL Nation in February 2022 and later secured a distribution deal with Empire in July 2022. Despite parting ways with YBNL, Asake will continue to work with Empire under the existing agreement.

  Doctor Arrested for Treating Wounded Bandits in Katsina Security operatives in Katsina State have arrested a medical doctor, Lawan Ado, for allegedly providing medical care to notorious bandits, including a wanted kingpin, Usman Modi Modi. Ado, who hails from Safana Local Government Area, was apprehended following intelligence reports linking him to the treatment of injured criminals. Sources indicate that Ado confessed to treating several wounded bandits in their hideouts across the state. According to him, his first patient was Usman Modi Modi, who sustained injuries during a clash with the Yan Kyanbara vigilante group. “He was initially taken to a hospital in Taskiya, but two days later, they brought me to continue his treatment. I was paid N18,000 for my services,” Ado revealed. Further investigations uncovered that Ado had traveled to multiple locations to provide medical aid to other criminals, including a bandit identified as Karanboguwa. His arrest marks a significant bre...

 Reps Summon Customs Boss Over Senior Officers’ Refusal to Retire The House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions has summoned the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, to explain why some senior officers have refused to retire despite reaching their due dates. The summons follows a petition alleging that certain Assistant Comptrollers and Comptrollers remain in service unlawfully. Reps Threaten NIMC DG with Arrest Over Contract Dispute The Committee has also threatened to arrest the Director General of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Abisoye Coker-Odusote, for failing to appear before it regarding a contract dispute with Truid Limited. The firm alleges that NIMC breached an agreement on a tokenization system deployed in 2021. The Committee warned that if she fails to attend the next hearing, the Inspector General of Police will be directed to compel her attendance.

 Niger State to Reduce Food Prices During Ramadan The Niger State Government has announced plans to implement measures that will lower food prices during Ramadan. Governor Mohammed Umaru-Bago made this known on Wednesday while receiving a delegation from the Gates Foundation at the Government House in Minna. He stated that the state had harvested over one million metric tons of maize and, through Niger Foods, had stabilized food prices. The governor also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to partnering with the Gates Foundation on agriculture, livestock production, aquaculture, and housing. Additionally, he revealed plans to increase the state’s cropping seasons from one to three annually and called for collaboration in irrigation to boost food production and combat climate change. Representatives from the Gates Foundation commended the governor’s agricultural investments and highlighted underfunding and climate change as key challenges affecting agriculture in Africa. The ...

 Lagos Assembly Calls for More Public Toilets to Tackle Open Defecation The Lagos State House of Assembly has raised concerns over the widespread issue of open defecation and urged the state government to construct more public toilets to curb the practice. During a plenary session, lawmakers condemned the increasing prevalence of open defecation, particularly in areas such as Oshodi, Mile 2, and Agege. The Assembly called on Local Government Areas (LGAs) and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) to collaborate with private organizations in building adequate public toilet facilities and intensifying awareness campaigns against open defecation. Stephen Ogundipe, representing Oshodi I, emphasized that Lagos, as a smart city, must take decisive action to improve sanitation and environmental sustainability. Deputy Speaker Mojeed Fatai reiterated the responsibility of LGAs and LCDAs in providing public toilets, stating that such facilities would enhance public hygiene and reduce open d...

 Tax Reform Bills Clear Second Reading in House of Representatives The four tax reform bills submitted to the National Assembly by President Bola Tinubu in 2024 have passed their second reading in the House of Representatives. The bills, which include the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, the Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill, were debated in the Green Chamber on Wednesday, six months after being transmitted to the legislature following recommendations from the Taiwo Oyedele-led Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms. With their passage through second reading, the bills will now proceed to a public hearing for further scrutiny. The proposed reforms have faced widespread controversy, drawing criticism from opposition politicians and northern governors, who have called for their withdrawal. During the debate, most lawmakers supported the bills, but Rep. Sada Soli raised concerns that some sections might co...

  Jordanian King Abdullah II agrees to accept 2,000 Gaza children as Trump eases off US aid threat Jordan’s King Abdullah II met with President Donald Trump on Tuesday, announcing that his country would take in 2,000 critically ill children from the war-torn Gaza Strip. However, the discussion quickly turned to a broader issue as Trump pressed the Jordanian leader to accept more Palestinians, suggesting that such a move would allow the United States to claim Gaza without cost. One of the things that we can do right away is take 2,000 children that are either cancer children or in a very ill state to Jordan as quickly as possible,” Abdullah said during their meeting in the Oval Office. His statement comes just a week after Trump stunned many by suggesting that the U.S. could take over Gaza and transform it into the “Riviera of the Middle East.” According to reports from New York Post, Trump’s remarks reflect his broader approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which has long be...

  OpenAI: Elon Musk an 'unhappy, insecure' person says OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, denies receiving formal offer On February 11, 2025, Elon Musk made a buyout offer of $97.4 billion to acquire OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT. This initiative aimed to restore OpenAI to its original status as a non-profit research laboratory. However, Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, quickly declined this proposal, harshly challenging Elon Musk in the process. The CEO of OpenAI Declines Elon Musk’s Offer and Harshly Challenges Him In response to Elon Musk’s buyout offer for OpenAI at $97.4 billion, Sam Altman provocatively suggested, to buy Twitter(rebranded as X) for $9.74 billion, referencing Musk’s initial purchase price of $44 billion in 2022. This retort heightened tensions between the two men, once co-founders of OpenAI in 2015. Musk departed the company in 2018 due to disagreements over its direction, particularly its transition to a for-profit model. Musk expressed concerns regarding OpenAI’s evo...

 North Korea Condemns U.S. Plan to Relocate Gaza Residents North Korea on Wednesday criticized the United States over former President Donald Trump’s proposal to redevelop the Gaza Strip by taking control of the war-torn territory and relocating its residents. In an editorial, Pyongyang’s state media outlet, KCNA, described the plan as a "bomb declaration", adding that global opposition is growing against the U.S. stance. “The U.S. must wake up from its outdated delusions and immediately cease actions that violate the dignity and sovereignty of other nations,” the editorial stated. KCNA further accused the U.S. of pursuing hegemonic ambitions, citing Trump’s past remarks about making Canada the 51st U.S. state and taking over Greenland. “The sovereignty, right to self-determination, and territorial integrity of nations should never be treated as bargaining chips or the subject of U.S. mockery,” the report emphasized. Trump has recently reaffirmed his position on a potential U...

 Edo Govt Orders Immediate Closure of AAU Satellite Campuses The Edo State Government has announced the immediate shutdown of all satellite campuses of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma. In a statement issued on February 11, 2025, and signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Ikhilor, the government mandated that all academic programmes and courses must now be conducted exclusively at the university’s main campus in Ekpoma. The statement emphasized Governor Monday Okpebholo’s commitment to enhancing the university’s standards, citing the government’s substantial investments in the institution as the reason for the policy change. Additionally, the university’s Governing Council and management have been instructed to enforce the directive without delay.

 Man City's lack of belief and ageing team exposed by ruthless Real Madrid Manchester City's fans started the night by unfurling a huge flag taunting Real Madrid and Vinicius Junior for their angry reaction to Rodri beating the Brazilian to last year's Ballon d'Or. 'Stop Crying Your Heart Out' was the message, the words of the Oasis hit accompanied by an image of Rodri kissing the coveted trophy at the ceremony boycotted by Real in protest at the decision. Firing barbs at the most ruthless and experienced operators in Champions League history is a dangerous occupation, and so it proved. All the tears belonged to City and their supporters at the final whistle after a trademark smash-and-grab late surge gave Real a potentially decisive 3-2 advantage after the first leg of this play-off to reach the last 16 of the Champions League. Real's relentless, concrete-clad confidence in themselves and street wisdom honed over years of experience and triumphs, saw them t...

 SEDC Sets $200bn Economic Target for South East by 2035 The South East Development Commission (SEDC) aims to grow the region’s economy to $200 billion by 2035, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of a $1 trillion national GDP. Speaking at his inauguration, Managing Director Mark Okoye expressed gratitude to the 10th National Assembly and the Senate Committee on Regional Commissions for their role in establishing the commission. He highlighted the urgent need for infrastructure investment, citing over 2,500 active erosion sites, high unemployment, and a challenging business environment in the region. To address these challenges, SEDC plans to: Rebuild critical infrastructure damaged during the Civil War. Collaborate with state governments, private sector investors, and development partners. Focus on security, investment climate, technology, innovation, agriculture, and industrialization. Engage traditional and religious leaders, academia, and civil society to ensure inclus...

 Oyebanji’s Aides Resolve Tax Dispute Between EKIRS and Printers' Association The Senior Special Assistants to the Ekiti State Governor on Tax and Revenue Matters, Hon. Ayodeji Adarabierin, and IGR, Hon. ‘Yomi Oso, have successfully mediated a tax dispute between the Ekiti State Internal Revenue Service (EKIRS) and the Association of Professional Printers of Nigeria (APPON). The disagreement stemmed from allegations of arbitrary taxation and unfair assessments imposed by EKIRS on APPON members. Following weeks of tension, the governor’s aides facilitated negotiations and dialogue between both parties, ensuring a peaceful resolution. Reaffirming Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s commitment to a fair and transparent tax system, the officials emphasized the importance of engaging stakeholders, including taxpayers and government agencies, to maintain a conducive business environment. They also pledged to prevent future disputes by acting as intermediaries between EKIRS and taxpayers. APPON Ch...

 JAMB Warns Against Illegal Registration Centers as 1,021 Candidates Register in Jigawa The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has cautioned candidates registering for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and Direct Entry (DE) to avoid unauthorized registration centers, warning that doing so could lead to the cancellation of their registration. JAMB’s Public Relations Officer in Jigawa State, Mukarram Adamu, issued the warning in Dutse, revealing that 1,021 candidates have registered in Jigawa so far, out of a nationwide total of 201,867. He noted that registration is being conducted only at 12 approved Computer-Based Test (CBT) centers in the state. Adamu emphasized that these approved CBT centers were established to ensure a smooth and fraud-free registration process, while preventing irregularities. He reassured candidates that JAMB is committed to making the process seamless and efficient. As the registration exercise continues, Adamu expects ...

 Cameroon's Paul Biya Turns 92 After Over 40 Years in Power Cameroonian President Paul Biya, the world’s oldest head of state, marks his 92nd birthday on Thursday, having spent more than four decades in office. However, he has yet to confirm whether he will seek another term in this year’s October elections. Despite the uncertainty, many—including the divided opposition—believe he will run for an eighth term. Following the controversial 2018 elections, Biya further tightened his grip on power, with dissent often met with repression, arrests, and imprisonment, according to human rights organizations. Last month, government spokesperson Rene Emmanuel Sadi stated that Biya would announce his decision on candidacy "at the appropriate time." Meanwhile, he has not designated a successor, making discussions on his potential replacement a sensitive topic. Concerns about Biya’s health intensified last year after he vanished from public view for weeks. Officials later confirmed he ...

 Fire Ravages Ahmadu Bello University Community Market A fire outbreak on Tuesday night devastated the community market at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, destroying multiple shops and causing significant losses for traders and students. According to eyewitnesses, the fire originated in four shops before rapidly spreading across the Maami Market, a key commercial hub for students and staff. The affected area housed computer centers, restaurants, clothing shops, and other essential businesses. Despite the swift response from the university’s fire service, the flames had already inflicted severe damage before being brought under control. The cause of the fire remains unknown, but authorities are expected to launch an investigation into the incident.

 Suspected Human Trafficker Arrested in Sokoto, Two Libya-Bound Women Rescued The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Illela Border Command, Sokoto State, has apprehended a suspected human trafficker, Sirajo Illela, and rescued two women attempting to travel illegally to Libya. According to a statement by the Command’s Comptroller, Tony Akuneme, the arrest took place at the suspect’s family residence in Yar Kara, Illela Local Government Area, on February 12. The rescued victims, Maryam Akinosi (40) from Ogun State and Olatunde Abidemi (26) from Oyo State, lacked valid travel documents, and initial investigations confirmed they were en route to Libya. Akuneme revealed that Illela had long been on the wanted list of both the NIS and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for facilitating illegal migration through Illela border routes. While handing over the suspect and victims to NAPTIP, Akuneme reaffirmed the NIS’s dedication to combating human tra...

 Saudi Arabia to Invest $5 Billion in AI Data Center A Saudi firm is set to invest $5 billion in constructing an artificial intelligence (AI) data center in the futuristic city of NEOM, according to state media reports. The agreement, signed between DataVolt and NEOM, will fund the development of a fully sustainable AI data center with a 1.5-gigawatt capacity, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) stated. The facility will be built in Oxagon, an industrial hub within NEOM, which is envisioned to become the world’s largest floating industrial complex. NEOM, a key project under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 initiative, includes The Line, a 170-kilometer mirrored megacity designed to accommodate up to nine million residents by 2045. However, recent estimates suggest 300,000 residents by 2030. Saudi Arabia’s ambitious NEOM project also includes Sindalah, a luxury Red Sea resort, which became the first operational part of the development in late 2024. The initiative aligns with ...