PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 Ukraine can forget about joining NATO – Trump United States President Donald Trump has ruled out the possibility of the U.S. offering security guarantees or NATO membership to Ukraine. Trump made this statement on Wednesday while addressing reporters at a cabinet meeting ahead of his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky’s visit to finalise an agreement on handing over natural resources. Trump confirmed that Zelensky would visit on Friday to sign the agreement following intense U.S. pressure to transfer rare earth materials used in aerospace and other technologies. When asked what concessions would be necessary to end the war, Trump unequivocally ruled out Ukraine’s membership in NATO, stating: “NATO you can forget about. I think that’s probably the reason the whole thing started.” The U.S. President insisted that his diplomatic approach was fostering a new spirit of compromise from Russian President Vladimir Putin, who, according to Trump, had previously “wanted the whole thin...

 Reno Omokri Is Shameless, Says El-Rufai Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai yesterday categorised ex-presidential aide Reno Omokri among those who lack “total shamelessness”. Omokri on Tuesday said the former governor was fingered as a major contributor to the genocide of Southern Kaduna Christians. But, El-Rufai yesterday responded to a post on X by Imran U. Wakili, who shared a photo of El-Rufai and Omokri, with the words: “The greatest thing a mentor can offer is the freedom, recognition, and opportunities you need to succeed in life, far more valuable than money. “A former minister who noticed you when you were unknown and helped you build a reputation has already given you everything. Unfortunately, wisdom has nothing to do with age!” El-Rufai, via his verified handle @elrufai, quoted Wakili’s post, adding the words: “Please Imran, let them be. “They are PR consultants and online influencers. It is a new profession thriving in the Renewed Hope era because propaganda c...

 Dangote Refinery Cuts Petrol Price to N825/Litre Dangote Petroleum Refinery has reduced the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to N825 per litre, marking its second price cut this month. This follows an earlier reduction from N950 to N890, bringing the total decrease to N125 per litre within 26 days.   The new price, effective Thursday, February 27, is aimed at easing the financial burden on Nigerians, particularly during Ramadan, while supporting President Bola Tinubu’s economic recovery efforts.   With this adjustment, petrol is expected to sell at N860–N865 per litre in Lagos and slightly higher in other regions. Dangote assured steady fuel supply, with over 500 million litres in storage, ensuring availability for both local and export markets.

 NAFDAC Seizes Over N1 Trillion Worth of Fake Drugs in Anambra, Calls for Stricter Punishment The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has urged the National Assembly to enact laws imposing life imprisonment or the death penalty for individuals involved in the sale of counterfeit drugs in Nigeria. NAFDAC Director-General, Mojisola Adeyeye, stressed the need for stricter penalties, citing the alarming prevalence of fake pharmaceuticals in the country. During a recent operation, including a raid on the Onitsha Head Bridge drug market, the agency seized counterfeit and substandard medical products valued at over N1 trillion. Speaking at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Adeyeye confirmed that the confiscated banned, expired, and unregistered drugs would be publicly destroyed in their respective seizure locations. She also called on lawmakers to amend the NAFDAC Act and the Counterfeit and Fake Drugs Act to include stricter penalties for offenders. “With t...

 Otedola Hosts Afrobeats Stars Wizkid, Burna Boy  Billionaire businessman Femi Otedola recently welcomed Grammy-winning Nigerian artists Wizkid and Burna Boy to his Lagos mansion. Sharing photos from the gathering on Wednesday, Otedola described the meeting as an opportunity to exchange ideas and celebrate Afrobeats' global influence. “A true privilege to host some of our biggest music icons @wizkidayo @burnaboy at my Lagos home. Always inspiring to share ideas and celebrate the global movement that is Afrobeats …F.Ote,” he wrote on X. The visit has stirred reactions on social media, with many users noting the absence of Davido, often regarded as part of Afrobeats’ “Big Three” alongside Wizkid and Burna Boy. One more photo below. 

 Alleged N1.38bn Fraud: EFCC Arraigns Jude Okoye, Ex-P-Square Manager   The Lagos Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, arraigned Jude Okoye Chigozie, older brother and ex-manager of Paul and Peter Okoye of the defunct P-Square music group, before Justice A.O. Owoeye of the Federal High Court, sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos. He was arraigned alongside his company, Northside Music Ltd, on a seven-count charge bordering on money laundering to the tune of N1.38billion, $1million and £34,537.59. One of the charges reads: “That you, Jude Okoye Chigozie and Northside Music Ltd sometimes in 2022, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did directly acquire a landed property known as No 5, Tony Eromosele Street, Parkview Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos worth N850,000,000.00 (Eight hundred and fifty million naira) only, which money you knew or reasonably ought to have known forms part of proceeds of unlawful act and ...

  Cardi B Secures $1.2M Repayment Plan in Defamation Case Against Tasha K American rapper Cardi B, born Belcalis Almánzar, has secured a $1.2 million repayment plan from media personality Tasha K as part of her $4 million defamation judgment. According to Rolling Stone, a judge finalized the agreement on February 24, requiring Tasha K to pay $1.2 million in monthly installments over five years. While this does not cover the full amount, Cardi B retains the right to pursue the remaining balance after five years. As part of the settlement, Tasha K agreed to stop making defamatory statements about Cardi B and her family on any platform, including podcasts and social media. However, Cardi B is not restricted from commenting on Tasha K. Background: Cardi B won a $4 million defamation lawsuit against Tasha K in 2022, after the YouTuber falsely claimed the rapper had herpes, used cocaine, and worked as a prostitute.

 EFCC Arraigns Lawyer over Alleged N41m Fraud in Enugu   The Enugu Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC has arraigned one Barrister Ifeanyichukwu Okonkwo before Justice E. N. Oluedo of the Enugu State High Court, sitting in Independence Layout, Enugu for fraud.   He is facing prosecution on a one-count charge, bordering on stealing by conversion to the tune of  N41million. The offence is contrary to Section 342 of CAP 30, Criminal Code Law of Enugu State and punishable under Section 353 (L) of the same Law.   The charge reads: “That you, Ifeanyichukwu Okonkwo on or about the 23rd day of November, 2015 in Enugu within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, fraudulently converted to your own use, the sum of Forty-one Million Naira (N41, 000, 000. 00) being money received by you from one Onyishi Maduka Samuel for the family of late Ifemelunma Okoye, in your capacity as the liquidator of Ifemelunma and Company Enterprises Limit...

 A government school teacher from Yusufguda, Hyderabad, has blamed mass media, especially the Pushpa films, for negatively influencing students.  Speaking to the Education Commission, she expressed concern over students’ reckless behavior, including inappropriate hairstyles and vulgar language. She said both government and private schools are facing this issue, and as an administrator, she feels like she is failing to control the situation. The teacher also mentioned that disciplining students has become difficult because punishments could put them under pressure, leading to serious consequences. She stated that even calling parents does not seem to help, as students do not care about the complaints. According to her, mass media is responsible for this change, and the Pushpa films were released without considering their impact on young minds. Her comments sparked mixed reactions on social media. Some users agreed that movies influence students’ behavior, while others felt she ...

 A 51-year-old man from Assam, Putul Kumar Gohain, was brutally murdered in Delhi, with police arresting three people in connection with the crime.  Gohain had been missing since February 17, and the accused admitted to killing him and disposing of his body in a river. However, his remains have not yet been recovered. Gohain worked for a private copyright investigation firm and was allegedly targeted due to a business dispute. According to police reports, Nitin Yadav, the prime suspect, was involved in manufacturing fake materials for the Anchor Company. Gohain had been investigating Yadav’s illegal activities, which reportedly led to the fatal attack. Sources suggest that Yadav and his associates planned the murder to silence him. Social media posts of Yadav show his links with Congress leaders, as he has been seen in several pictures with party figures. The tragic death of Gohain has left his family devastated. He was the sole breadwinner, supporting his wife, a daughter in ...

 Idemili NBA Sensitizes Lawyers on Anti-Money Laundering and Combating Financing of Terrorism Rules for Legal Practitioners  By Uzo Ugwunze The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Idemili Branch, has sensitized their members on the latest Review of Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) Rules for Legal Practitioners to foster transparency and accountability. Speaking over the weekend during the first 2025 Bar meeting of the NBA Idemili Branch at the Fountain Bar Center Ogidi High court, Idemili North LGA, Anambra State, the Chairman of the Branch, Barr. Mrs Chidi Betsy Nnaji said that the purpose of the sensitization cum training program was to prevent misuse of legal services for financial crimes. According to Nnaji who was recently elected the Chairman of all Chairmen, NBA Anambra State, the resolution made in our National Executive Council (NEC) meeting was to ensure that this latest rules are brought to the knowledge of lawyers through all NB...

 He shared all these pictures with the caption "To two of the most beautiful creations of God; To two of the best Joy Givers on earth; To two pure souls God has made; To two of the calmest people on earth; To the two loves of my life! Zane & Lush Happy birthday to the baby of the house and mummy of the house! Your birthdays bring so much joy and make February extremely exciting each year! I love you guys so so much my babies......Happy birthday Koko & Lush baby! Let's have fun all day!💃🏾🥰😍🥰😍💃🏾". More photos below. 

 South Africa's Ramaphosa urges 'rules-based' global order The erosion of multilateralism threatens global growth and stability, President Cyril Ramaphosa warned at a G20 finance meeting in South Africa marked by the absence of the US treasury secretary, AFP reported. Two days of talks of finance ministers and central bank governors from the world's leading economies opened a week after a meeting of G20 foreign ministers was snubbed by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio who complained of its "anti-Americanism". "The erosion of multilateralism presents a threat to global growth and stability," Ramaphosa said in his opening address. "At this time of heightened geopolitical contestation, a rules-based order is particularly important as a mechanism for managing disputes and resolving conflict," he said. America's snub "Multilateral cooperation is our only hope of overcoming unprecedented challenges, including slow and uneven growth, ris...

 26th February, 2025 PRESS RELEASE OGWASHI-UKU SECURITY- CP OLUFEMI ABANIWONDA ORDERS REDEPLOYMENT OF DPO,  DIRECTS THE IMMEDIATE DEPLOYMENT OF TACTICAL TEAMS TO VARIOUS POINTS IN OGWASHI-UKU; HE ASSURES DELTA STATE'S RESIDENTS, PARTICULARLY THOSE IN OGWASHI-UKU, OF THE COMMAND'S UNFLINCHING RESOLUTION IN TACKLING THIS MENACE HEAD-ON The Command is aware of a series of complaints emanating from Ogwashi-uku circulating on WhatsApp and other social media platforms of incessant kidnapping and armed robbery in the area.  The Commissioner of Police Delta State, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, has directed the Deputy Commissioner of police operations DCP Aina Adesola to deploy tactical teams to Ogwashi-Uku and the area Commander Ogwashi-Uku to coordinate the operation.  In compliance with this directive, deployments of combat operatives were drawn from Dragon Patrol, Eagle-Net, and Rapid Response Squad (RRS) and posted to various nipping points in Ogwshi-Uku. In the same vein, the ...

 Ogoni Women Threaten Nude Protest Over Planned Oil Resumption …Decry Exclusion from Consultation Process Women from the Ogoni ethnic nationality in Rivers State have warned they will stage a nude protest if the Federal Government proceeds with plans to restart oil extraction in their region without addressing longstanding concerns. Operating under the Ogoni Women Coalition for Sustainable Environment, the group—comprising 15 women’s organizations, including Mba Okase Initiative, Eedee Ladies of Tai, De Voice of Eleme Women Association, and League of Queens International—issued a joint statement rejecting the proposed resumption of oil activities. Dr. Patience Osaroejiji, leader of Mba Okase Initiative, stated in Port Harcourt that Ogoni women would take to the streets unclothed if their concerns were ignored. "If the government disregards our demands and proceeds with oil exploration, we will stage a mass nude protest until our voices are heard," she declared. The women lame...

  In a move that highlights the importance of forgiveness and second chances, the Imo State House of Assembly has pardoned and recalled four of its suspended members. The recalled members are: - Henry Agbasonu, representing Ezinihittee Mbaise state constituency - Chidiebube Ogbunikpa, representing Okigwe - Dominic Ezerioha, representing Oru-West - Sam Otuibe, representing Ahiazu Mbaise state constituency The recall follows a positive review of the report by the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges, led by Kanayo Onyemaechi. The committee's report revealed that the suspended lawmakers had shown remorse and pleaded for leniency and forgiveness during their appearance before the committee¹ ²[3). After presenting the report, Speaker Chike Olemgbe put the matter to a vote, which was moved by Chisom Ojukwu and seconded by Clinton Amadi. The lawmakers commended the House leadership and the Committee on Ethics and Privileges for their leniency, and the suspension was lifted following a...

  Aviation workers at the Port Harcourt International Airport staged a solidarity march on Wednesday to express their opposition to the Federal Government's alleged plan to concession the airport without their involvement. The workers, under the umbrella of the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) and the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), carried placards urging the government to include them in the concession process. Razaq Animashaun, Chairman of ATSSSAN, emphasized that the workers are not against concessions but are opposed to any process that lacks transparency and excludes key stakeholders. "If they want to concession the airport, the union should be involved so that we can know where our staff belongs to because we don't want job losses," Animashaun said.¹ Akagha Emmanuel, ANAP Chairman at the airport, questioned the government's decision to proceed with the concession plans despite a pending court case. ...

  The Special Offences Court in Lagos has denied a request by Godwin Emefiele, the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), to remove Justice Rahman Oshodi from his corruption trial. Emefiele's legal team, led by Olalekan Ojo, SAN, had accused Justice Oshodi of bias and urged him to recuse himself from the case, citing that the judge allowed a leading question from the prosecution despite the defense's objection.¹ However, in his ruling on Wednesday, Justice Oshodi dismissed the request, stating that the allegations of bias were unsubstantiated. The court held that judicial bias alone is insufficient to justify disqualification or recusal, adding that it must be personal or based on judicial reasoning. The judge subsequently ruled that the application for his recusal lacked merit and promptly rejected it. This decision paves the way for the corruption trial to continue.

 A content creator was arrested after posting videos of her "urinating on items in a grocery store" and a subsequent investigation uncovers multiple gross videos, of the same nature, dating back years.  Keene Police Department (New Hampshire) received a tip alleging 23-year-old Kelli Tedford, a self described content creator, had posted videos of her urinating on products in a local business. On Febuary 14th the department launched an investigation into these claims and the results were both disgusting and shocking. The investigation concluded that Tedford had posted videos on the internet of her urinating on items at Monadnock Food Co-Op. As a result of Tedford's gross attempt at internet fame, Monadnock Food Co-Op issued a recall on raw walnuts, cornmeal, coconut shreds, polenta and both red and white quinoa. Sadly this did little to negate the fact that the investigation uncovered multiple videos dating back to 2021 where Tedford had urinated on products in grocery sto...

 Court Grants Bail to Three Lagos Assembly Staff Over Alleged DSS Assault A Federal High Court in Lagos has granted N3 million bail to three Lagos State House of Assembly staff accused of assaulting DSS operatives during a February 17 operation linked to the Assembly’s speakership dispute. The DSS charge sheet alleges the defendants obstructed officers, spread false information online, and attempted to incite unrest. The charges violate the Criminal Code Act and Cybercrimes Act. The court set March 24, 2025, for the trial's commencement.

 Police Arrest Robbery Suspects, Recover Stolen Car and Valuables The Lagos State Police Command has arrested two suspects for allegedly robbing a Toyota Corolla, laptops, and a mobile phone. Confirming the arrest on Wednesday, the command’s spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, stated that officers from the Surulere Division in the Ikorodu area apprehended the suspects around 2:00 a.m. following a tipoff from the car owner. He explained, “Police operatives swiftly responded and pursued the robbers as they attempted to escape with the stolen vehicle and other valuables. Their efforts led to the immediate arrest of two suspects and the recovery of the car, while one suspect managed to escape.” Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, praised the officers for their swift action and directed that those involved in the arrest be commended at the command headquarters. Additionally, he ordered that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Yaba, fo...

 Judge Rejects Request to Withdraw from Emefiele’s Trial Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Lagos State Special Offences Court in Ikeja has dismissed a request for his recusal from the trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele. Delivering his ruling on Wednesday, Justice Oshodi stated that the defence’s allegations of bias were unsubstantiated and lacked evidence to warrant his withdrawal from the case. The defence team, led by Olalekan Ojo, had orally applied for the judge to step down on Monday, citing a perceived likelihood of bias based on previous rulings. However, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) counsel Rotimi Oyedepo opposed the request, asserting that the proceedings had been conducted fairly. After reviewing the arguments, Justice Oshodi ruled that the application had no merit and dismissed it, stating, “The claims of bias have not been substantiated. Accordingly, the request for recusal is denied.”

 NDLEA Destroys 25 Tons of Illicit Drugs in Kogi The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has destroyed 25 tons of illicit drugs in Kogi State. Speaking in Lokoja on Wednesday during the public destruction of the seized substances, NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd.), represented by the Director of Operations and General Investigation, Ahmed Suleiman Ningi, warned that the confiscated drugs could have worsened insecurity in Kogi and across the country if left in circulation. Providing a breakdown, Marwa revealed that the destroyed substances included 20,000 kg of Cannabis Sativa, 476 kg of Tramadol, 2,393 kg of Codeine-based syrup, and various other narcotics, totaling 25,229 kg. He highlighted alarming statistics from the 2018 National Drug Use Survey, which showed that 14.3 million Nigerians aged 15-64 abuse drugs, with 10.6 million specifically using cannabis. He emphasized that these figures reflect serious health and security concerns, underscoring NDL...

 Kano Police Arrest 17 Suspects Over Attempt to Evict Former Emir Bayero The Kano State Police Command has foiled an alleged attempt to forcibly take over the Nassarawa Palace of the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero. Seventeen suspected thugs accused of orchestrating the planned eviction of the former emir have been arrested. Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, confirmed the arrests, stating that security forces had taken proactive steps to prevent a breakdown of law and order in the state. Kiyawa disclosed that intelligence reports had indicated plans for a violent protest, prompting security agencies to deploy personnel to strategic locations across Kano. He assured that investigations were ongoing and those responsible would face justice. The police also issued a stern warning against unlawful gatherings, processions, or violence, emphasizing that security forces would respond decisively to any disruptions. Citizens were urged to remain vigilant and r...

 Ogun Court Sentences 21-Year-Old to Six Months in Prison for Stealing Fowl A Magistrate’s Court in Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, has sentenced a 21-year-old man, Adebanjo Segun, to six months in prison for stealing a fowl. The Public Relations Officer of the Ogun State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ogbonnaya Dyke, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday. According to the statement, Segun was arrested on February 19, 2025, for stealing a hen. Investigations revealed that he had committed a similar offence in December 2024 but was pardoned as a first-time offender. “Following the discovery of his previous offence, he was arraigned before the Ago-Iwoye Magistrate’s Court on February 20, 2025, under Section 430 of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun State, Nigeria, 2006. After pleading guilty before His Worship O.F. Adeduntan (Mrs.), he was convicted and sentenced to six months’ imprisonment,” the statement read. Another Suspect Jailed for Stealing Generator ...

 Oyo Government Demolishes Illegal Structures on Acquired Lands in Ibadan The Oyo State Government has demolished illegal structures built on government-acquired lands in Ibadan. The demolition exercise took place in Podo, Top One Garden in Oluyole LGA, and Dizengoff in the Kolapo Ishola area. Commissioner for Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, Williams Akin-Funmilayo, stated that the government would not tolerate any encroachment on its properties. He described those occupying the lands as “land grabbers” rather than legitimate owners or users. Akin-Funmilayo further explained that prior to the demolition, the government had issued revocation notices to occupants and had properly gazetted the land. “These lands belong to the Oyo State Government, and we will not allow any illegal occupation. Under Section 3, Subsection 1 of the Oyo State Real Property Protection Law, 2017, anyone found guilty of land grabbing faces up to 15 years imprisonment,” he stated. He reiterated Governo...

 Trump Proposes $5M ‘Gold Card’ Residency Permit for Wealthy Investors Former U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans on Tuesday to introduce a new "gold card" residency permit, offering a fast-track route to U.S. citizenship for wealthy individuals willing to pay $5 million. Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump explained that the initiative aims to attract job creators and help reduce the national deficit. "We’re going to be selling a gold card. You have a green card, this is a gold card. We’re putting a price of about $5 million on it," he told reporters. Trump, who has prioritized mass deportations of undocumented migrants in his second term, stated that the new permit would be a means for affluent individuals to live and work in the U.S. "A lot of people want to be in this country, and they’ll be able to work, provide jobs, and build companies," he added. Sales of the residency permits are set to begin within two weeks, with Trump estimating that u...

 NAFDAC Set to Reopen Sealed Drug Markets in Abia Today The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) will today, February 26, lift the seal on sections of Ariaria International Market, Eziukwu Market, and Tenant Road drug markets in Abia State. These markets were previously shut down due to alleged involvement in the sale of fake and expired drugs. However, according to government sources, any shop found guilty of such activities will remain sealed. The decision to reopen the markets follows extensive negotiations between NAFDAC and Governor Alex Otti. In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, Governor Otti emphasized that those involved in the distribution of counterfeit drugs would face strict penalties. The statement read: "After extensive discussions with NAFDAC at the highest level, Governor Alex Chioma Otti has secured the agency’s commitment to reopen sections of Ariaria International Market, Eziukwu Market, and Te...

 Visa-on-Arrival Policy Enhanced, Not Abolished – Minister The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has clarified that Nigeria’s Visa-on-Arrival (VOA) policy has been upgraded, not scrapped, as previously reported. Speaking after a closed-door meeting with the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) in Abuja, Tunji-Ojo addressed concerns over the policy changes. His remarks were echoed in a statement issued by PEBEC Director-General, Princess Zahrah, who emphasized the government’s commitment to streamlining business processes and reducing bureaucratic hurdles. The minister explained that while the VOA policy remains in place, new regulations now require pre-arrival clearance from Interpol, criminal record systems, and other security agencies in real time. “The Visa-on-Arrival process is not being scrapped; it has been upgraded for greater efficiency and security. Travelers will still be able to apply online for short-stay visas, with approvals granted w...

 PRESS RELEASE INTERNAL SECURITY: OPERATIVES RAID CRIMINAL HIDEOUT IN TARABA, RECOVER ARMS, AMMUNITION; RESCUE KIDNAPPED VICTIMS IN OYO. As Police Assures of Rescue of Prince Ojajuni In line with the ongoing efforts of the Nigeria Police Force to combat crime, particularly organized crime, the Force has made significant breakthroughs, including the recovery of illegal firearms, the arrest of suspects, and the rescue of kidnapping victims. These successes underscore the commitment of the police force to ensuring the safety and security of the good citizens of our dear country. Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force across the country have geared up efforts in combatting various sorts of organized crime including banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery and the likes. In Taraba State, Police Operatives acting on credible intelligence, successfully stormed a criminal hideout in the Wamunchi dry season rice farms on February 26, 2025. The operation resulted in the recovery of one AK-47 rifl...

 Jonathan, Jega decry political interference on INEC appointments Former President Goodluck Jonathan and former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Attahiru Jega, have decried the influence of political interference on the appointments of electoral commissioners.  Jonathan and Jega spoke on Tuesday at a conference organised by pro-democracy and advocacy group Yiaga Africa in Abuja. The event was tagged, ‘Reflection Conference on Democratic Elections in West Africa’. “The electoral commission must be fully independent and we must have credible people. Political leaders who are so domineering and over-pressuring you (INEC staffers) to do what is wrong should resign and leave,” Jonathan said. On his part, Jega said, “There is political interference in the appointment or removal of electoral commissioners and other election officials.” He said citizens, civil society organisations and drivers of changer should continue to mobilise effectively for cred...

 Five Dead, 20 Missing as Speedboats Collide in Delta At least five people have been confirmed dead, while 20 others remain missing following a collision between two speedboats along the waterways in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State. The tragic incident, which occurred on Monday evening, involved boats transporting passengers returning from a burial ceremony. Eyewitnesses attributed the crash to poor visibility, noting that many passengers were not wearing life jackets. Delta State Police Command spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed the accident on Wednesday, stating that six injured survivors had been rescued and were receiving treatment at a hospital in Warri. “This is a tragic accident, and we are working with marine units and local divers to locate the missing passengers,” Edafe said. A witness, Emmanuel Okoro, described the scene as chaotic, with people screaming for help. “Some managed to swim to safety, but many others disappeared beneath the water,” he r...