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35-year-old jinx broken as FG commissions first NDLEA barracks in Yola - Investment in your welfare a call to higher responsibility, unwavering commitment, AGF Fagbemi charges personnel - Facility symbolizes Agencys commitment to staff wellbeing, determination to build a safer Nigeria - Marwa Thirty-five years after the establishment of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, the Federal Government on Tuesday 18th February 2025 commissioned the first barracks that will provide office and residential accommodation for officers, men and women of the anti-narcotics body with a charge to the personnel that the well-deserved investment in their welfare was a call to higher responsibility and unwavering dedication to duty. Speaking at the commissioning ceremony of the first NDLEA barracks in Yola, Adamawa state, Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, said the facility, which includes modern administrative offices, detention facilities...

 Police arrest 23-year-old for attempting to use nephew for ritual The Ekiti State Police Command has arrested a 23-year-old man, Solomon Fabiyi, for attempting to use his seven-year-old nephew, Jomiloju, for a money ritual. According to the state police spokesperson, SP Sunday Abutu, Fabiyi who resides with his parents and the victim in Ado-Ekiti, was arrested on Friday before he could carry out the ritual. Abutu in a message to our correspondent on Tuesday confirmed that Fabiyi confessed to the crime and was subsequently arraigned. He wrote, “He was arrested by our operatives on Friday, 14th February 2025 at about 19:00hrs through a tip-off while he was on the verge of using nephew for money ritual. “The suspect, his parents and the victim all reside together around Goshen Avenue, Adebayo Area, Ado-Ekiti. “He confessed to the commission of the crime and has been arraigned.” In a viral video on social media, the suspect explained that he had been directed by a local herbalist to f...

  BENUE ASSEMBLY RECOMMENDS THE REMOVAL OF CHIEF JUDGE OF BENUE STATE FROM OFFICE OVER GROSS VIOLATION OF THE ETHICAL CODE OF CONDUCT  The Benue State House of  Assembly has recommended the immediate removal of the Chief judge of Benue State, Justice Maurice Ikpambese from office over gross violation of the ethical code of conduct and despicable acts incompatible with the status of the judicial officer of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The House also recommends for immediate swearing in of the next -in- line judicial officer within the State as Acting Chief Judge of Benue State. The House took the decision Tuesday, February 18th, during a plenary presided by the Speaker, Chief. Hyacinth Aondona Dajoh. According to the correspondence sent to the house and read by the Majority Leader Comr. Saater Tiseer, Justice Ikpambese committed the following offences. 1. Abuse of office by issuing a directive to overturn the Benue State Electoral Law passed by the Benue State House of...

 ‘No kings on Presidents Day’: Protesters rage across nation against Trump and Musk Protesters in cities across America slammed President Donald Trump and Elon Musk to mark Presidents Day Monday in the wake of the DOGE dismantling of federal agencies. Activists, largely organized by the 50501 Movement and various branches of Indivisible, were honoring “Not my Presidents Day.” Demonstrators chanted “no kings on Presidents Day” to protest the power grab by Trump and his billionaire hatchet man Elon Musk, who’s dismantling the federal government as head of the Department of Government Efficiency. Protesters gathered at various city halls, state capitols and outside Tesla showrooms packed with Musk-made cars. A sign in an office window above a Tesla dealership in San Francisco informed protesters about Musk: “We hate him too.” One protester outside wearing a Musk mask flashed a “sieg heil” Nazi salute similar to the salute the tech billionaire used during a speech hailing Trump’s inaug...

 SECURITY IN ANAMBRA: POLICE ACTIVATES OPERATIONAL PLAN TO RE-ARREST TWO OF THE SUSPECTS INVOLVED IN THE MURDER OF LATE HON JUSTICE AZUKA: DIRECTS DISCIPLINARY ACTION AGAINST THE OFFICERS FOR THEIR NEGLIGENT ACT The Commissioner of Police *CP Ikioye Orutugu, fwc MNIPS PhD* on receipt of the report today 18th February 2025 about the escape of the two suspects involved in the murder of Late Hon Justice Azuka, Member Representing Onitsha 1 Constituency in the State House of Assembly. He has consequently deployed both human, operational and intelligence assets of the Command for the re-arrest of the suspects and directed immediate disciplinary action against the Officers found wanton in this regard.  Preliminary information reveals that following the confession of the criminal gang, two of the suspects assisting the Police Investigating Officers in an Operation to arrest the receiver and recover the Operational vehicles that the gang used in their deadly activities.  During t...

 A Michigan mother is arrested after authorities find her 3 teenage children, abandoned for at least 3 years, while living in squalor. Police in Pontiac, Michigan were called to a home on Lydia Lane after the landlord requested a welfare check. The landlord informed authorities that he had not seen the renter since December and she had not paid rent since October. He had no Idea of the true horror taking place inside of the home. What police found upon gaining entry to the home was as heartbreaking as it was infuriating. There were three teenage children living in the absolute worst conditions you can imagine. A 15-year-old boy as well as 12 and 13-year-old girls had been isolated from the world and abandoned by their mother for around 3 years.  The 15-year-old boy told police they had been "living alone since 2020 or 2021". The three children hadn't attended school in their 3 years of isolation and survived on prepared food that was left on the porch weekly. Although foo...

 Court Sentences Banker to Jail for Fraud in Lagos   The Lagos Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has secured the conviction and sentencing of one Ugenyi Kalu, before Justice R.A. Oshodi of a Special Offences Court, sitting in Ikeja, Lagos for fraud.   The convict, a banker, was arraigned on a five-count charge, bordering on official corruption and gratification.   One of the counts reads: “That you, Ugenyi Kalu sometime in November 2016 in Lagos within the Lagos Judicial Division being the head of Lagos Region of NEXIM Bank, received monetary benefit for yourself in the sum of N4,000,000 (Four Million Naira) from one Obi Ogoh on account of the loan availed to his company Sevirg AgroAllied Mills Ltd by NEXIM Bank. Thereby committed an offence bordering on official corruption contrary to Section 8(1)(a) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000 and punishable under Section 8(1)(b)ii of the same Law." He pleaded...

 EFCC Arraigns Four more Chinese for Alleged Cyber-terrorism, Internet Fraud in Lagos   The Lagos Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, arraigned four Chinese before Justices M. Kakaki and Ayokunle Faji, both of the Federal High Court, sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos. The quartet are part of the 792-member syndicate of alleged cryptocurrency investment and romance fraud suspects arrested in Lagos on December 10, 2024 by officers of the EFCC in a surprise operation tagged “Eagle Flush Operation.”   While three of the defendants, Xia Guang Can, Li Xu Xin, and Zhang Xue Hui were arraigned on separate one-charge charges before Justice Kakaki, Lu Yubo was arraigned on a two-count charge before Justice Faji. The charges border on internet fraud, cyber-terrorism, possession of documents containing false pretence, advance fee fraud and identity theft.   The charge against Hui reads: "That you, ZHANG XUE HUI sometimes ...

 Burundi withdraws troops from eastern DRC Burundi is withdrawing its forces from eastern DR Congo where they had been fighting against M23 rebels, four sources said on Tuesday, in a further blow to the Democratic Republic of Congo army as it struggles to halt a rebel advance, Reuters reported. The pullout came as the UN human rights office accused M23 rebels of executing children in eastern DR Congo during their advance, which has seen the group seize the region's two largest cities. "The Burundian troops are withdrawing from Democratic Republic of Congo. A number of trucks filled with military arrived in the country since yesterday" through a border post, a Burundian army officer said, confirming movements also described by two UN sources and an African diplomat. Burundian soldiers fought alongside the Congolese to try to defend Kavumu, home to the airport that services Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province which fell over the weekend. It was the rebels' most s...

 PRESS RELEASE IGP PRESENTS INSURANCE CHEQUES TO FAMILIES OF FALLEN OFFICERS, UNVEILS POLICE INSURANCE CLAIM MANAGEMENT PORTAL In a continued effort to enhance the welfare of police personnel and their families, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, today, 18th February 2025, presented insurance benefit cheques to the next of kin of 706 fallen officers and unveiled the Nigeria Police Insurance Claims Management Portal (npfinsuranceclaimsmgt.ng) at the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Peacekeeping Hall, Force Headquarters, Abuja. Present at the event were members of the Force Management Team, Senior police officers, Insurance Industry stakeholders, and the beneficiaries of the scheme. The IGP emphasized the significance of this initiative in addressing the backlog of unsettled insurance claims dating from 2010 to 2023, which had caused financial hardship for many affected families. Through sustained efforts, the Force has successfully disbursed benefits to...

 NLC Shuts Down IBEDC Over Dismissal of 3,000 Workers Operations at the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) were halted on Tuesday as the Oyo State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) staged a protest against the recent dismissal of over 3,000 employees. Led by Chairman Kayode Martin, union members barricaded IBEDC’s headquarters, disrupting activities and causing traffic congestion from Challenge to Dugbe in Ibadan. The demonstrators, chanting solidarity songs, demanded the immediate reinstatement of the affected workers and full implementation of the national minimum wage. Martin condemned IBEDC’s outsourcing agents, accusing them of exploiting workers through unpaid wages and arbitrary salary deductions. “We are here to protest the unjust and inhumane treatment of workers. Over 3,000 employees have been thrown into the job market without justification after dedicating years of service to this company,” Martin said. The NLC also listed seven key demands, incl...

 Appeal Court Upholds Oba Olaoye’s Installation as Soun of Ogbomoso The Court of Appeal in Ibadan has upheld the selection and installation of Oba Ghandi Olaoye as the Soun of Ogbomoso, overturning a previous ruling by the Oyo State High Court. Justice Yargata Nimpar, leading a three-member panel, ruled that the lower court lacked jurisdiction to hear the case, as the plaintiffs failed to follow administrative procedures before filing the suit. The court, therefore, set aside the earlier judgment that declared Olaoye’s selection “irregular.” Following the ruling, the respondents’ counsel, Abiodun Ogunjumi, expressed dissatisfaction and announced plans to appeal the decision at the Supreme Court.

 NNPC Refutes Claims of Importing 200 Million Litres of Petrol The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has denied reports that it recently imported 200 million litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). In a statement issued on Tuesday by its Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, the company clarified that it has not imported any petrol in 2025. Soneye dismissed the report as either “lazy and unprofessional journalism” or a “deliberate attempt by economic saboteurs to mislead the public.” He emphasized that NNPCL does not control private marketers’ import activities and described attributing all fuel imports to the company as misleading. While reiterating that NNPCL has not imported petrol this year, the company stated that it retains the right to do so if necessary to ensure energy security. NNPCL also condemned the spread of misinformation and warned that it would take legal action against those responsible for spreading false reports.

 Tension Rises in Ogoni Over MOSOP’s Exclusion from Oil Exploration Talks A potential crisis is brewing in Ogoni, Rivers State, following the alleged exclusion of the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) from ongoing consultations regarding oil exploration. MOSOP President, Fegalo Nsuke, warned that neglecting the group’s input could spark unrest reminiscent of the 1990s crisis in the oil-rich region. While urging Ogoni people to maintain peace, he assured them that the issues surrounding oil resumption would be resolved for the benefit of both the people and the Federal Government. Speaking at a meeting with MOSOP kingdom coordinators in Bori, Nsuke criticized the Federal Government’s approach, stating it contradicts President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive for an inclusive process. He accused certain individuals of prioritizing personal gain over the interests of the Ogoni people and misleading the president. “The president directed consultations with all stakehol...

 National Assembly Revises 2025 Budget to Correct Errors The National Assembly has reversed its earlier decision on the 2025 budget bill, passed last week, to rectify errors in capital and recurrent expenditure allocations. Both the Senate and House of Representatives had approved the bill on Thursday, February 13. However, while the overall budget remains ₦54.9 trillion, adjustments were made—capital expenditure was reduced by over ₦500 billion, while the same amount was added to recurrent expenditure. According to reports, the revised figures place recurrent expenditure at ₦13.588 trillion and capital expenditure at ₦23.439 trillion. The budget has sparked mixed reactions, with some critics expressing concerns that the adjustments could contribute to rising inflation.

 Nasarawa Assembly Confirms 16 Commissioner Nominees The Nasarawa State House of Assembly has approved the appointment of 16 commissioner nominees submitted by Governor Abdullahi Sule for inclusion in the State Executive Council. The confirmation followed a two-day screening exercise on February 17 and 18 at the Assembly complex in Lafia. Announcing the decision on Tuesday, Speaker Rt. Hon. Danladi Jatau congratulated the nominees and urged them to focus on development-driven policies once sworn in. He also emphasized the need for integrity in their roles. “We have confirmed the nominations of Hon. Umar Tanko Tunga (Awe LGA), Dr. John D.W. Mamman (Kokona LGA), Hajiya Munirat Abdullahi (Doma LGA), Mr. Gabriel Agbashi (Doma LGA), Barr. Isaac Danladi Amadu (Karu LGA), Princess Margaret Itaki Elayo (Keana LGA), and Dr. Ibrahim Tanko (Keffi LGA),” he stated. He further listed Hon. Mohammed Aga Muluku (Nasarawa Eggon LGA), Hon. Aminu Mu’azu Maifata (Lafia LGA), CP Usman Baba (Rtd) (Lafia...

 NERC Doubles Reconnection Fees for Meter Bypass Violations The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has introduced stricter penalties for unauthorized meter access, tampering, and bypassing, doubling the reconnection charges for offenders. In an amended order dated February 17, 2025, and released on Tuesday, NERC authorized electricity distribution companies to disconnect customers found tampering with their meters without prior notice. Under the new directive, offenders will now pay ₦100,000 for non-MD single-phase meters and ₦200,000 for three-phase meters, up from ₦51,000 and ₦103,000, respectively. Additionally, reconnection costs for meter bypass offenders have been set at ₦10,000 and ₦50,000. The amended order, which took effect on January 22, 2025, replaces the previous regulation from 2017 and aligns with the Electricity Act 2023 and the Customer Protection Regulations 2023. NERC stated that the new measures aim to curb illegal access to electricity, ensure co...

 STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE   PRESIDENT TINUBU MOURNS CHIEF EDWIN CLARK   President Bola Tinubu is deeply saddened by the passing of Chief Edwin Clark, former federal commissioner of information and respected leader of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF).   Chief Clark, 97, was born on May 25, 1927, in Kiagbodo, Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State.   He led an illustrious life marked by dedicated service, at different times, to the nation and his community as a councillor, state and federal cabinet member.   He was also a passionate advocate for resource control, economic and environmental justice in the Niger Delta.   On behalf of the federal government, the President extends his condolences to the Edwin Clark family, the Ijaw nation, the people of the Niger Delta, and the government of Delta State.   President Tinubu mourns Chief Clark and describes his passing as a deeply sobering loss.   Reflecting on the life of the late statesman, ...

 SON Seizes Fake and Counterfeit Goods Worth Over N20bn The Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON) has confiscated counterfeit and substandard products valued at over N20 billion, according to its Director General, Dr. Ifeanyi Okeke.   Speaking at a sensitization campaign for maritime stakeholders on Monday, Dr. Okeke—represented by Director of Corporate Affairs, Mrs. Talatu Ethan—outlined the agency’s efforts to combat the proliferation of fake products in key sectors, including LPG gas cylinders, tires, cables, aluminum roofing sheets, and lubricants.   “In the lubricants sub-sector, we have launched a ‘name and shame’ initiative targeting substandard manufacturers, importers, and dealers following thorough verification exercises,” he stated.   Dr. Okeke revealed that the seized products, many of which posed serious health and safety risks, had been publicly destroyed across SON-designated dumpsites nationwide. The agency has also intensified legal ...

 Hit-and-Run Driver Fatally Strikes FUNAAB Professor in Abeokuta Residents of Ajebo Road Housing Estate, Kemta, Abeokuta, are mourning the tragic death of Professor Oladipo Ademuyiwa, a Biochemical Toxicology expert at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB). He was killed by a hit-and-run driver on the newly rehabilitated Kemta-Somorin road on Sunday.   Prof. Ademuyiwa, in his early 60s, had just stepped out of a cab and was attempting to cross the road when a speeding driver struck him and fled the scene.   Dr. Ayo Ajasa, Chairman of the Ajebo Road Housing Estate Community Development Association (CDA), described the professor’s death as preventable, blaming the government’s failure to install speed breakers despite multiple community appeals.   “This tragic incident highlights the urgent need for government intervention to prevent further loss of life,” Ajasa stated. “Despite repeated pleas, no action has been taken to implement nec...

 Côte d'Ivoire to rename military base after French handover France is due to hand over its only military base in Côte d'Ivoire on Thursday in an official ceremony to be attended by French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu, Anadolu Agency reported. The Port-Bouet military camp, officially the 43rd BIMA marine infantry battalion's camp located near the former capital of Abidjan, will be renamed after the Ivorian army's first chief of staff, Thomas d'Aquin Ouattara. The West African country will still continue cooperating with France on the military level, its defense minister said Tuesday. “We agreed upon a new partnership (with France),” Ivorian Defense Minister Tene Birahima Ouattara told French broadcaster RFI. 'Cooperation continues' “The military cooperation continues with France. There is no rupture in reality,” the minister added. He stressed that the move was part of France’s desire to “restructure its presence in Africa.” France has now been kicked ...

 Over 200 killed in RSF assault on Sudanese villages - group Sudanese paramilitaries have killed more than 200 people including women and children in a three-day assault on villages in the country's south, a lawyer group monitoring the war said Tuesday, AFP reported. The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), locked in a nearly two-year war with the regular army, "attacked unarmed civilians in areas with no military presence" in Al-Kadaris and Al-Khelwat villages in White Nile state, according to Emergency Lawyers, which documents rights abuses. It added that the RSF carried out "executions, kidnappings, enforced disappearances and property looting" during the assault since Saturday, which has also left hundreds injured or missing. According to the lawyer group, some residents were shot at while attempting to flee across the Nile River. Some have drowned as a result, the lawyers said, calling the assault on villagers an act of "genocide". Since April...

 IMPORTANT NOTICE!! ANAMBRA STATE GOVERNMENT HAS NOT AUTHORIZED THE TRENDING ANNOUNCEMENT ON WOMEN WHO DO NOT WEAR UNDERWEAR.  The trending announcement by the town crier in Abagana, Njikoka LGA, wherein the announcer stated that ladies who move about without underwear (bra and pants) would be arrested, is neither from the State government nor Agunechemba Security Outfit. Such trivial matters do not have any legal support and cannot be the focus of the State government or its law enforcement agencies at this time it is focused on ridding the State of every form of criminality. While this is not to encourage indecent dressing in our communities, it is important to make this clarification so as not to derail the focus of our law enforcement under any pretext.  Kindly disregard any such distracting announcement and remember to continue supporting the Security Agencies with credible information on criminals around our communities — if you see something, say something! — Mazi ...

  A political crisis is unfolding in Osun State, with the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) calling for a state of emergency after reported killings. However, the state government has swiftly rejected this call, accusing the APC of orchestrating violence to achieve their goals. The crisis began when reinstated local government chairmen and councillors attempted to resume office, claiming to enforce a court ruling. This move was met with resistance in several areas, including the state capital Oshogbo, resulting in the death of at least two people, including a reinstated council chairman, Remi Abbas. Senator Basiru, responding to the crisis, suggested that the Federal Government declare a state of emergency, citing attacks on innocent people by "uncontrollable PDP thugs." However, Alimi, rejecting this call, accused the APC of deliberately causing mayhem and urged the president to reject their demand. The ruling PDP and opposition APC are trading blame, each claiming ...

 Kentucky juvenile acts in self defense and opens fire on 2 armed home invaders... taking the lives of both. Manchester (Kentucky) Police Department responded to the report of a home invasion/ shooting in the early morning hours of Saturday, Febuary 15th. Upon arrival, police located 2 men inside of the home suffering from gunshot wounds.  51-year-old Jeffery Allen was pronounced deceased on scene while 44-year-old Roger Smith was attended to by Clay County EMS. Smith was then transported to Advent Health where he would later die from his injuries. Kentucky State Police began investigating the incident and a shocking tale emerged. A juvenile was home alone when the two men forced entry into the home. Police believe the home invasion was an attempt to steal the firearms contained inside of a safe in the home. When the juvenile saw that both men were holding firearms, the child ran and retrieved a firearm. The youth then opened fire on the assailants, striking both before fleein...

 Ogun State Nears 24-Hour Power Supply as Abiodun Commissions Plant Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has announced that a 30-megawatt Independent Power Plant, set to provide uninterrupted electricity to key areas, particularly Abeokuta, will be commissioned in eight weeks. The project, developed in partnership with the private sector, is the first phase of the Ogun State Light Up Project, with plans to expand capacity to 100 megawatts.   Abiodun assured that substantial parts of Abeokuta would soon enjoy 24-hour power supply. The plant, which primarily runs on compressed gas with a diesel backup, will begin soft commissioning within two to three weeks. It will initially serve government offices, hospitals, police stations, and higher institutions, with expansion plans for private homes and industries.   Following the federal government’s decision to deregulate electricity, Ogun State is investing in power generation, with similar plants planned for Sagamu, Ije...

 Portable appeals to Nigerians and his fans for support after being declared wanted by the Nigeria Police Force.  Watch video below. 

 Federal appointee escapes assassination over Osun LGA’s takeover …driver, police orderly shot The Executive Director of Project Implementation at the Federal Housing Authority (FHA), Remi Omowaiye on Monday escaped assassination by a whisker along Osogbo/Ilesa road. The Nation gathered that the incident occurred around 2:05 PM on Monday in front of Ilesa West local government area when the ex-Commissioner for Works was en route to Osogbo. According to sources, Omowaiye had mobilized members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Ilesa to Police Command Area Command to seek their protection so as for the reinstated local government executives to resume councils. Meanwhile, they left the police headquarters in Ilesa for APC secretariats where they were dispatched to their homes. While the ED was returning to Osogbo in a white Toyota Hummer bumper, he ran into an ambush in front of Ilesa West local government as the bus was riddled with bullets. Speaking with The Nation shortly a...