PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 Kidnapper Evans now prison teacher, willing to forfeit 14 trucks Convicted billionaire kidnap kingpin, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, alias Evans, has told the Lagos State High Court, sitting at the Tafawa Balewa Square, that he is now a teacher at the correctional centre in Kirikiri after obtaining a teaching diploma in economics from the Yewa College of Education, and is no longer a criminal. Evans said he was prepared to surrender all his property, as part of a plea bargain agreement, should the court consider his application on compassionate grounds. This was contained in his application for a plea bargain. He pledged to forfeit his 14 brand new trucks to the Lagos State Government for sale, with the proceeds to be transferred to the victims of his criminal activities, as part of the proposed plea bargain arrangement. This is the second time Evans has approached a court seeking a plea bargain for his involvement in the kidnapping. On January 30, 2025, Evans approached Justice Adeni...

 IBB: I hope true winners of past elections will be recognized – Peter Obi The presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has reacted after former Military President of Nigeria, Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (rtd), admitted the late Chief MKO Abiola was the winner of the June 12, 1993 election. IBB made the admission during the launch of his autobiography, ‘A Journey in Service’, on Thursday. “That accident of history is most regrettable. The nation is entitled to expect my impression of regret. “As a leader of the military administration, I accept full responsibility for all decisions taken under my watch,” IBB said. Obi, who was present at the event, wrote on his verified X account: “Today, I had the gracious honour of attending the launch of President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida’s long-awaited autobiography, A Journey in Service, at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja. “IBB’s contributions to Nigeria’s economy and his strong support for entrepreneurship...

 Student dies as classroom collapses in Yobe One student was reportedly killed when parts of a classroom block collapsed at the Government Girls Science and Technical College, GGSTC, Potiskum, Yobe State. According to reports, the incident occurred during class hours on Thursday. Other students were injured in the incident. It was gathered that the injured students were rushed to hospital for medical treatment. Details of the cause of the incident have not been ascertained as of the time of filling in this report. Government Girls’ Science and Technical College Potiskum is a public science and technical boarding school established in 1979 to provide girl-child education in Yobe State.

 2027: Nobody happy in Nigeria, NNPP will defeat APC, PDP – Kwankwaso Former Governor of Kano State and leader of the New Nigerian Peoples Party, NNPP, Rabiu Kwankwaso has said that nobody is happy with the current All Progressives Congress, APC-led administration. Kwankwaso stated this at the National Executive Committee, NEC, meeting of the party in Abuja on Thursday. The 2023 presidential candidate of the NNPP hailed Nigerians for supporting the party, assuring them that come 2027 he would be President of Nigeria. “We are all aware of the difficulties PDP is facing, all the challenges the APC is facing, because we all know that it is very difficult to remember anybody who is happy with the government of APC at all levels, especially at the national level,” he said. “Nigerians have witnessed the kind difficulties that we have never seen in the history of this country. “Poverty is everywhere. We have seen insecurity, the infrastructure has been decayed, and we have not seen any ef...

 Despite illegal self-help by APC Chairmen, we will uphold rule of law, hold election — Adeleke assures Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has urged politicians to adhere to the rule of law while encouraging voters to peacefully exercise their rights in the upcoming local government elections on Saturday. In a state broadcast yesterday, Governor Adeleke reassured the people of Osun that peace had returned following the recent unrest triggered by the unlawful takeover of local government secretariats by the court-sacked All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmen and councillors. He declared, “Osun State has regained its status as one of the most peaceful states in the federation.” Expressing condolences to the families and friends of those who lost their lives or sustained injuries during the illegal occupation of the secretariats, Adeleke stressed the importance of respecting the rule of law as the foundation for lasting peace in the state. “I particularly appreciate and commend ...

 ICJ allows AU to participate in genocide case against Israel The International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Thursday granted the African Union permission to participate in a case on Israel's obligations regarding UN activities in occupied Palestinian territories, Anadolu Agency reported. "The International Court of Justice has authorised the African Union, at its request, to participate in the advisory proceedings on the Obligations of Israel in relation to the presence and activities of the United Nations, other international organisations, and third states in and in relation to the occupied Palestinian territory," a statement from the ICJ read. The African Union is likely to be able to provide information on the question put to the court's general assembly, it said. Therefore, the union will present a written statement on that question by February 28, 2025, according to the statement.

 EFCC Arraigns Lawyer for Alleged N1.3bn Forex Fraud in Uyo   The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Uyo Zonal Directorate, on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, arraigned a legal practitioner Barrister Alexander Uchenna Ozougwu before Justice Sergius Onah of the Federal High Court sitting in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, for allegedly defrauding his victims to the tune of N1, 323, 850. 000. 00 (One Billion, Three Hundred and Twenty Three Million, Eight Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) through a bogus foreign exchange investment scheme.   He was arraigned on six –count charges bordering on obtaining money by false pretence in contravention of  provisions of Section 18(2)(d) of the Money laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022.   Count one of the charges against him reads; "That you Alexander Uchenna Ozogwu sometime in September 2024 in Nigeria, within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, did take possession of the total sum of Two Hundred and Sixt...

 FCT President Cup: EFCC FC to Battle FWC FC in the Final The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Football Club will on Saturday, February 22, 2025 battle Family Worship Center, FWC Football Club of Abuja in the final encounter of FCT President’s Cup. The four times champions and the current cup holders, EFCC FC earned a semi-final victory over Galadima FC when Striker Obinna Uchechukwu scored in the 64th minute to seal victory at 1-0 on Monday, February 17, 2024. Speaking on his expectations for the Saturday’s game, EFCC FC Coach, Kabiru Adeyemi stated that his target was to retain the trophy as his eyes were fixed on qualifying for the CAF Confederation Cup through the national finals. “This isn’t my first time of playing in this tournament and this will be my sixth final with EFCC FC of Abuja, so I can say one way or the other, I’ve known the rudiments of the FA CUP, but I give glory to the Almighty because there is one thing in FA Cup, which is don’t underrate any t...

 "Come and See Me" – Gospel Singer Agnes Iroh Accuses Olamide of Sampling Her Song Gospel singer Agnes Iroh has publicly called out Nigerian rapper Olamide for allegedly sampling her song Follow the Ladder in his 2014 track Our Lord Jesus. In a statement, Iroh urged Olamide to meet with her, implying that the use of her song was unauthorized. The issue has sparked discussions among fans regarding music sampling and copyright in the Nigerian music industry.

 Edo Governor Okpebholo Defends Oshiomhole, Dismisses Godfather Claims Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has come to the defense of Senator Adams Oshiomhole, describing him as a supportive leader who gives him a free hand in governing the state. Okpebholo dismissed claims that Oshiomhole is a dictator, saying the senator allows him to make decisions without interference.  The governor also denied being a puppet of certain godfathers, saying Almighty God used various individuals to support his governorship ambition.

 IDF Confirms Red Cross Received Bodies of Four Israeli Hostages in Gaza The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed on Thursday that the Red Cross has received four caskets containing the remains of Israeli hostages from the Gaza Strip. According to an IDF statement, the bodies are being transferred to Israeli forces in Gaza. "The Red Cross has informed us that four caskets containing deceased hostages have been handed over, and they are now being transported to the IDF and Israel Security Agency (ISA) forces in Gaza," the statement read. Meanwhile, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the remains would be sent to the national forensics center for identification. Israeli radio station Kan reported that the IDF is planning a memorial ceremony in Gaza for the four victims, identified as 84-year-old Oded Lifshitz, Shiri Bibas, and her two young children, Ariel and Kfir. Reports indicate that the transfer was part of a ceasefire agreement with Ham...

 Lost Tomb of Pharaoh Thutmose II Discovered in Egypt After 3,500 Years British Egyptologists have uncovered the long-lost tomb of Pharaoh Thutmose II, a ruler of Egypt’s 18th Dynasty, nearly 3,500 years after his reign. The tomb, identified as C4, was found 2.4 km west of the Valley of the Kings in Luxor, in an area previously associated with royal women’s burials. Led by Professor Piers Litherland of the University of Cambridge, the excavation revealed a grand staircase, a blue ceiling with yellow stars, and religious inscriptions confirming the pharaoh’s identity. However, unlike Tutankhamun’s tomb, no treasures or mummified remains were found. Experts believe Thutmose II’s body was relocated due to flooding, and a mummy discovered in the 19th century may not actually belong to him. Thutmose II, who ruled for an estimated three to thirteen years (1493–1479 BCE), was part of the 18th Dynasty, a golden era of Ancient Egypt that included rulers like Hatshepsut, Amenhotep I, and Tut...

 Fire Explosion at Cawthorne Channel Leaves Many Feared Dead, Crew Members Missing A massive fire outbreak at the Cawthorne Channel facility in Bonny, Rivers State, has caused panic, with fears of multiple casualties and a major oil spill into surrounding waters. Search operations are ongoing for missing crew members, while the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) faces calls for compensation and environmental remediation. Community leader Daniel Pollyn confirmed that the fire, which erupted on February 19, 2025, engulfed two flow stations near Degema LGA. While no local residents were affected, he blamed NNPCL’s negligence for the disaster and demanded an investigation, clean-up, and compensation. The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria) reported that crude oil had spilled into Bonny waterways, calling on the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) to assess the damage and hold those responsible accountable. As of 24 hours after ...

 France hands over sole military base in Côte d'Ivoire France on Thursday withdrew from its sole military base in Côte d'Ivoire, in West Africa, according to media reports. France’s Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu attended the official decommissioning ceremony at the base, local media reported. Côte d'Ivoire, a former French colony, will continue cooperating with France on the military level, as previously announced by Ivorian Defense Minister Tene Birahima Ouattara, 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. Waning influence France's military presence in Africa has been steadily declining in recent years as several nations in the region, including Chad, Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, pushed out the forces of the former colonialist power. French troops curr...

 Illinois woman arrested for shooting husband's dog "out of jealousy".  Dekalb County deputies received a peculiar call on Tuesday, February 18th.  52-year-old Tracy Picciariello called deputies and told them she had gotten into an argument with her husband the night before. She went on to explain that during the argument she had retrieved a firearm and shot one of her husband's dogs. When police questioned Tracy's husband, he confirmed she had in fact shot one of his dogs the previous evening.  He told deputies that the two had been arguing because she was angry at the attention he paid to the dogs. Sadly, he was forced to put the dog down himself due to the injuries the dog had suffered.  Tracy Picciariello has been charged with aggravated cruelty to an animal.

 Rwanda says DRC criticism of Arsenal, Bayern and PSG deals threatens regional peace Rwanda on Thursday described recent criticism of its Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Paris St Germain sponsorship deals by the Democratic Republic of Congo’s foreign minister as a threat to regional peace and stability, Reuters reported. Earlier this month DRC's foreign minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner urged the three clubs to end their "blood-stained" sponsorship agreements with "Visit Rwanda", questioning the morality of such partnerships while fighting raged in eastern Congo. Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have seized key parts of eastern Congo in recent weeks in what is the gravest escalation in more than a decade of a long-running conflict rooted in the spillover into Congo of Rwanda's 1994 genocide and the struggle for control of Congo's vast mineral resources. "The Government of Rwanda rejects recent attempts by the Democratic Republic of Congo to undermine Rwanda’s i...

 France Moves to Ban Marriage for Undocumented Migrants France’s Senate has approved a bill seeking to prohibit undocumented immigrants from getting married in the country, as part of the government’s efforts to tighten immigration laws. The proposed legislation, backed by Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau and Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin, passed its first reading in the upper house on Thursday, with 227 votes in favor and 110 against. The bill, which aims to prevent sham marriages and curb residence permit loopholes, will now move to the National Assembly for further consideration. However, it contradicts a 2003 ruling by France’s Constitutional Council, which stated that a person’s irregular status alone should not prevent them from marrying. Critics, including Greens senator Mélanie Vogel and Socialist politician Corinne Narassiguin, have condemned the bill as unconstitutional and fueling xenophobia. The move was reportedly sparked by a 2023 case, where a northern France ma...

In a long-awaited disclosure, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, Nigeria’s former military leader, has confirmed that the late Chief Moshood Abiola emerged victorious in the historic June 12, 1993, presidential election. The revelation was unveiled during the launch of Babangida’s autobiography, A Journey in Service, on Thursday in Abuja.  Former Vice President Prof. Yemi Osibanjo, who reviewed the book, conveyed Babangida’s assertion that Abiola, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate, secured both the highest number of votes and the necessary nationwide support to become president.  Babangida admitted that the decision to annul the election marked the most trying chapter of his personal and professional journey.  He expressed satisfaction, however, that President Muhammadu Buhari later validated Abiola’s win by conferring on him the prestigious Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR) title, an honor traditionally reserved for heads of state.

Former Head of State Yakubu Gowon expressed gratitude to ex-military president Ibrahim Babangida for his support and contributions to Nigeria’s growth during a book launch event in Abuja on Thursday.  Gowon highlighted the challenges he faced while in office, including being accused of treason, and noted that while President Shagari later lifted that accusation, it was Babangida who ultimately reinstated his military rank and restored his dignity.  He also acknowledged Babangida’s significant efforts for the nation and emphasized their long-standing friendship that spans several years.

  Nana Akufo-Addo, the immediate past President of Ghana, urged African nations to work together to address their challenges during a book launch honoring former Nigerian military president General Ibrahim Babangida in Abuja on Thursday.  Akufo-Addo emphasized that African countries should not depend on foreign aid, pointing to the COVID-19 pandemic as evidence that nations prioritized their own needs before offering assistance. He highlighted how countries like Senegal, Nigeria, South Africa, and Rwanda have begun producing their own vaccines as a step toward self-reliance. He also noted that the pandemic exposed critical gaps in healthcare infrastructure across the continent, prompting some governments to invest in hospital construction. The event drew prominent figures, including President Bola Tinubu, former President Goodluck Jonathan, ex-Head of State Yakubu Gowon, and Abdulsalami Abubakar.  Jonathan praised Babangida, asserting that Nigeria’s history remains incomp...

 Human Leg Discovered in Selwane River, Identity Unknown Selwane village was shaken by a disturbing discovery yesterday when a human leg was found in a local river. Authorities have confirmed that no other body parts were recovered, making it difficult to determine the victim’s identity. Local residents alerted authorities after spotting the limb floating in the water. Law enforcement and forensic teams were quickly dispatched to the scene to investigate. At this stage, it remains unclear whether the leg was severed due to an accident, criminal activity, or natural causes. Authorities have urged anyone with missing relatives or information that could assist the investigation to come forward.

 PRESS RELEASE IGP DECORATES 3 NEWLY PROMOTED ASSISTANT INSPECTORS-GENERAL OF POLICE, 16 COMMISSIONERS OF POLICE. The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, today, Thursday 20th February 2025, at the Goodluck Jonathan International Peacekeeping Centre, Force Headquarters, Abuja, decorated nineteen (19) Senior Police Officers with their new ranks amidst cheers from families, friends, and well-wishers. The decoration ceremony saw the elevation of three (3) Commissioners of Police to the rank of Assistant Inspector-General of Police. The newly decorated AIGs include AIG Garba Ahmed, AIG Nemi Edwin Osigoboka Iwo, and AIG Salman Garba Dogo. In addition, sixteen (16) Deputy Commissioners of Police were promoted to the substantive rank of Commissioners of Police. The decorated CPs include CP Cyriacus Enechukwu, CP Gombit Bangs, CP Rosemary Akpan, CP Ayodele Adeyemi, among others. The event was graced by notable dignitaries, including Prince Ma Sani-Omolori; ...

 A Florissant, Missouri mom is behind bars after a witness came forward with a startling tale of a "zip-tied 5-year-old" and other heinous abuse allegations.  26-year-old Alease Chambers is behind bars on a litany of charges after a guest in her home went to police with an absolutely harrowing story. The witness (who identified herself as a friend of Alease) approached police in Florissant on Monday, February the 17th. The witness told officers that she was spending the night with Alease on Sunday evening when she witnessed multiple incidents of abuse. The woman claimed that Alease singled out a 5-year-old boy for extensive and abusive punishments.  She alleged the boy was locked in a closet with a dresser pushed in front of it. She went on to claim Alease forced the child to do wall squats for an unreasonable amount of time, stating it was "longer than anyone in the military should". She also witnessed Alease repeatedly beating the boys knuckles with her phone! Sad...

 EFCC Commences Investigation of Suspected Oil Thieves, Six Trucks The Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has commenced the investigation of seven suspected oil thieves and six trucks handed over to it by 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army on Wednesday,  February 19, 2025. Major D.R. Okoh , who represented the Commander,  Headquarter 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army at the handing over in Benin stated that the six trucks conveying 45,000 litres each of suspected illegal petroleum products were intercepted by troops of 4 Brigade Operation Wabaizigan at Upper Sakponba and Ologbo, along Benin Sapele Road, Benin City. According to him,  preliminary investigations showed that though they had approval to evacuate waste condensate oil, the trucks were arrested with products suspected to be condensate instead of condensate waste. Receiving the suspects and the trucks on behalf of the Commission, Usman Abdullahi Nuhu, an deputy Superintendent of the ...

 Senator Natasha Disrupts Plenary Over Seat Reassignment Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, disrupted Senate proceedings on Thursday after discovering that her seat had been changed without her consent. During the plenary session, presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Chief Whip Senator Mohammed Ali Monguno raised a point of order, highlighting Akpoti-Uduaghan’s seating position as improper. Before Monguno could conclude, Akpoti-Uduaghan engaged in a heated exchange, prompting the Sergeant-at-Arms to intervene and attempt to escort her out. Despite Akpabio's efforts to restore order, she demanded an explanation for the change in her seating arrangement. The situation was eventually brought under control after the public address system was shut down, and plenary resumed. Watch video below. 

   Zimbabwean gardener Pardon Danhire has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for brutally murdering Nadine Terblanche and her son with an axe. Danhire was allegedly hired by Terblanche’s boyfriend, Frederick Stapelberg, who promised him R100,000 to carry out the killing in order to claim her assets. ACCORDING TO ANOTHER SOURCE: NEWS: Zimbabwean gardener-turned-hitman, Pardon Danhire, has been sentenced for his involvement in the brutal axe murders of Gauteng woman Nadine Terblanche and her son, Ruandre Voster, in November 2023. The Johannesburg High Court sentenced Danhire, aged 37, to 25 years imprisonment for each of the murders. The murders were committed under the direction of Frederick Stapelberg, Terblanche’s partner, who allegedly orchestrated the killings to access her assets. Stapelberg hired Danhire to carry out the murders, promising him R100,000 for the job. According to the Gauteng division of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Danhire cooperated with the...

 NSCDC GOES TOUGH ON VANDALS ARREST 17 SUSPECTS FOR DESTRUCTION OF TELECOM AND POWER INSTALLATIONS IN YOBE.  The Commander of the Commandant General's Special Intelligence Squad Commandant AS Dandaura and his men have arrested 17 notorious suspects for their alleged involvement in Vandalism of Electrical power Installations, Telecommunications Masts and other sundry offences in Yobe. Narrating the ordeal and rigour encountered in unravelling the suspects hide out; Commandant Dandaura hinted that the CG'S SIS acted upon the marching order of the NSCDC Commandant General, Dr Ahmed Abubakar Audi mni, OFR who has zero tolerance for all acts of vandalism of government utilities and economic sabotage. He relayed that the NSCDC in  recent times have clamped-down on Telecommunication equipment, Power Transmission Gadgets, Rail and Pipeline Vandals. "Acting on the CG marching order, we   raided 3 separate warehouses in Damaturu, Yobe State as we earlier gathered intellig...