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Showing posts from February 27, 2025

YOU LIED: ATIKU, WIKE RENEW FIGHT OVER CHOICE OF 2023 RUNNING MATE. (PHOTO).

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 You lied: Atiku, Wike renew fight over choice of 2023 running mate Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Minister of Federal Capital Territory,FCT, Nyesom Wike, have renewed their fight over the latter’s choice of running mate in the 2023 general elections. The two chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, who fell out with each other after the PDP presidential primaries that saw Atiku picking former Delta State governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, as running mate, are engaged in a war of words over what truly transpired. Atiku, in an interview, said he had no regret ignoring Wike for Okowa, adding that he acted according to the preference of party leaders. Atiku said PDP leaders had nominated three names, including Okowa, Wike, and Emmanuel Udom, former governor of Akwa Ibom, for the position. He added that Okowa was rated in the first position, followed by Wike who emerged second, and Udom third. Atiku said he decided to consult with the party in 2023 after facing criticisms for n...

A NORTH CAROLINA MAN WAS ARGUING WITH HIS GIRLFRIEND WHEN SHE LICKED HIM IN A COLD STORAGE SHED FOR DAYS WITHOUT FOOD AND WATER. SHE'S NOW FACING ATTEMPTED MURDER CHARGES. (PHOTOS).

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 A North Carolina man was arguing with his girlfriend when she locked him in a cold storage shed for days without food and water. She's now facing attempted murder charges. Police in Monroe, North Carolina, were called to a storage unit on Febuary 20th. Once officers were there, they were able to rescue a man that was trapped inside.  After he was freed, the unidentified man told police he and his girlfriend, Robin Deaton, had been in an argument 4 days earlier. As the two argued, Miss Deaton became enraged and subsequently locked the man inside of the storage unit saying, "this is what you get". That is where he would spend the next FOUR days in the pitch black cold. Eventually the man was able to find his phone and call for rescue. There is no information on how his phone became lost HOWEVER investigators stated the unit was "packed full with items" and that may be why it took four days to find it in the complete darkness.  The man was taken to a local hospita...

INDIANA: A KNOX COUNTY MAN HAS BEEN ARRESTED FOD STEALING A 345 IB CHURCH BELL AND THEN SELLING IT FOR SCRAP. (PHOTOS).

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 Indiana- A Knox County man has been arrested for stealing a 345 lb. church bell and then selling it for scrap.  Knox County deputies were notified of a vandalism incident at the Royal Oak Presbyterian Church in early February. While investigating, it was discovered the church's brass bell had been stolen. Investigators quickly got to work attempting to locate the culprit and (hopefully) return the bell. Unfortunately, during the course of the investigation, it was discovered "the bell had been cut up and sold to a recycling center for $724.00." Deputies were able to use this information to identify the suspect, 42-year-old Travis Heath. He was arrested on Tuesday, February 25th. Travis Heath was booked into Knox County Jail and is being charged with criminal mischief and theft. It is certainly sad to see a relic destroyed for scrap metal. More photos below. 

EFCC SEEKS COLLECTIVE ACTION AGAINST CORRUPTION. (PHOTO). #PRESS RELEASE.

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 EFCC Seeks Collective Action against Corruption The Executive Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr Ola Olukoyede has called on Nigerians from all walks of life to join hands together to tackle the menace of economic and financial crimes and other acts of corruption. He stated this in Abuja on Wednesday February 26, 2025 at the EFCC Academy, Karu, while declaring open the Anti-Corruption Collective Action Workshop themed “Strengthening Ethics and Behavioural Change against Corruption”.    Olukoyede,  who spoke through the Acting Commandant, EFCC Academy,  Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE1 Joseph Ogwiji  emphasized the significance of collective action as a preventive modality in tackling corruption stressing that “spirit of the Chairman is to have a preventive framework that will deter everyone from committing the crime and I am sure that is what pays off in all of the climes much more than the reactive or punitive measures adopt...

POLICE IN BLOOMINGTON, , ILLINOIS FATALLY SHOT A 15-YEAR-OLD MALE AFTER BEING CALLED TO THE SCENE OF AN "ARMED SUSPECT".(PHOTO).

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 Police in Bloomington, Illinois fatally shot a 15-year-old male after being called to the scene of an "armed suspect". The deceased 15-year-old has been identified as Cole Turner. An autopsy shows he died as a result of multiple gunshot wounds. The incident unfolded at approximately 4:45 p.m. on Wednesday, February 26th. Police were called to the 700 block of Fairmont Drive. Several witnesses had reported seeing an armed individual in that area.  Once on scene, police made contact with Cole and officials report the situation progressed ultimately leading to officers opening fire on the 15-year-old.  Cole was given first aid on scene by officers but sadly was pronounced deceased on the scene. There has been no report of what type of weapon was in Cole Turner's possession at the time of his death. Although it was stated he was armed, there has been no mention of what type of weapon it was. Bloomington PD have not released any additional information and the Illinois State P...

A 15-YEAR-OLD OHIO BOY HAS BEEN ARRESTED AFTER FATALLY SHOOTING HIS MOTHER'S DOCUMENTED ABUSIVE BOYFRIEND. (PHOTO).

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 A 15-year-old Ohio boy has been arrested after fatally shooting his mother's documented abusive boyfriend.  Cincinnati deputies had already been to the home earlier in the day and charged 30-year-old Levonte Hyde with domestic violence only hours before the teenager meted out his own form of justice.  According to reports,  Hyde and the 15-year-olds mother were on their way to the grocery store when an argument erupted when Hyde called the mother a vulgar name. As the argument escalated, Hyde allegedly punched the woman several times in the face. Officers noted she had injuries to her face.  A warrant was placed for Hyde to be arrested. Details are emerging and it appears as if Mr. Hyde was hiding after the incident. The courts also requested an order of protection for the victim. There were years of abuse before this that were well documented. But this was apparently the last straw for the teenage son. A short while after the domestic incident, officers were c...

OYO LAUNCHES FREE HEALTH INSURANCE FOR 10,000 PRIMARY SCHOOL PUPILS. (PHOTO).

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 Oyo Launches Free Health Insurance for 10,000 Primary School Pupils The Oyo State Government has officially launched the enrollment of 10,000 public primary school pupils into its health insurance scheme. Speaking at the flag-off event in Ibadan, Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring a healthy learning environment for children. The initiative covers 90 schools across 18 local government areas, with enrolled pupils receiving insurance scheme ID cards. UNICEF Lagos Field Office Chief, Celine Lafoucriere, praised the initiative, stating that it aligns with efforts to achieve universal health coverage, ensuring no child is denied healthcare due to financial constraints. She emphasized that access to healthcare supports education, economic growth, and poverty reduction. The Chairman of OYOSUBEB, Nureni Adeniran, and Executive Secretary of OYSHIA, Olusola Akande, reaffirmed their commitment to the program’s successful implementation, describing it...

EFCC DOES NOT OPERATE TIK-TOK ACCOUNT. (PHOTO). #PRESS RELEASE

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  EFCC Does not Operate Tik-Tok Account The attention of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has been drawn to activities of some fraudsters who on Thursday, 27 February, 2025, organised a live session on a Tik-Tok platform using the Commission’s logo to generate traffic and defraud unsuspecting members of the public. The fraudsters used six fake accounts all bearing the logo of the Commission and names of non-existent directorates. Among the names and logos used for the fraudulent live session are: “EFCC of Nigeria”, “EFCC Lagos”, “EFCC Delta”, “EFCC of Benin”,” EFCC of Jos,” and “EFCC Saga.” The Commission has no Tik-Tok account and the public is advised to discountenance any such account bearing the insignia of the Commission.

RECRUITMENT OF POLICE CONSTABLES: MEDICAL SCREENING IS ONGOING IN 17 POLICE ZONAL HEADQUARTERS. (PHOTO). #PRESS RELEASE.

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 RECRUITMENT OF POLICE CONSTABLES  Medical screening is ongoing in 17 Police Zonal Headquarters  The medical screening exercise for invited candidates in the ongoing 2022 Recruitment of Police Constable has since commenced. The exercise, scheduled for Feb 26 - Mar 12, 2025, is currently taking place at designated centres in the 17 Police Zonal Headquarters.  Recall that Computer-Based Test (CBT) held on 5th – 6th March, 2024, and the first batch of successful applicants were called-up for training. Other candidates who participated in the CBT are hereby advised  to log on to the recruitment portal https://apply.policerecruitment.gov.ng to check their application status and print invitation slip. Thanks  ACP OLUMUYIWA ADEJOBI  Force Public Relations Officer  Force Headquarters Abuja  27th February, 2025.

BLASTS KILL 11 AT RALLY IN EASTERN CONGO, REBELS SAY. (PHOTO).

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 Blasts kill 11 at rally in eastern Congo, rebels say Explosions killed 11 people and wounded 65 at a rally held by M23 rebels in the eastern Congo city of Bukavu on Thursday, the leader of the rebel alliance said, blaming President Felix Tshisekedi for the violence, Reuters reported. Congo's presidency, which says neighbouring Rwanda is backing the insurgents, said on X there had been "several" deaths and blamed "a foreign army illegally present on Congolese soil". Neither side offered evidence for their claims. The incident risked further escalating the war in the mineral-rich east of Democratic Republic of Congo, which has already drawn in several neighbouring countries. Corneille Nangaa, leader of a rebel alliance that includes M23, said at a press conference that grenades used were the same type as employed by Burundi's army in Congo. Reuters could not independently verify this. Burundi has had soldiers in eastern Congo for years, initially to hunt down...

OBASA'S SUPPORTERS STORM LAGOS ASSEMBLY, DEMAND REINSTATEMENT. (PHOTO).

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   Obasa’s Supporters Storm Lagos Assembly, Demand Reinstatement Supporters of Mudashiru Obasa, the ousted Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, gathered at the assembly complex on Thursday, calling for his reinstatement. Obasa arrived in the afternoon, escorted by security aides, as a viral video showed his supporters holding placards and chanting in his favor. He was removed as Speaker on January 13 while abroad, with Mojisola Meranda swiftly replacing him. Upon his return on January 25, he was met by a large crowd of loyalists. Since his removal, Obasa has contested its validity, maintaining that he remains the legitimate Speaker. Meanwhile, speculation is growing that Meranda is facing increasing pressure to resign. Earlier today, reports emerged that security aides assigned to the current Speaker had been withdrawn, further fueling uncertainty over the assembly's leadership.

RAMADAN: SULTAN OF SOKOTO CALLS FOR MOON-SIGHTNG ON FEBRUARY 28.(PHOTO).

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 Ramadan: Sultan of Sokoto Calls for Moon-Sighting on February 28 The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has urged Muslims across Nigeria to look for the new moon of Ramadan on Friday, February 28, 2025. In a statement from the Sultanate Council, the Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Islamic Religious Affairs, Prof. Sambo Wali Junaidu, highlighted the significance of moon-sighting in determining the start of Ramadan. Muslims who spot the crescent moon are advised to report their observations to local leaders for transmission to the Sultan. The sighting, which falls on the 29th of Sha’aban 1446 AH, will officially signal the beginning of Ramadan, a sacred month of fasting, prayer, and charity. The Sultan has consistently emphasized the importance of this practice to ensure a unified observance of Ramadan across Nigeria.

BURNA BOY'S MOTHER, NOMINATED FOR BEST MANAGER BY MUSIC WEEK AWARDS. (PHOTO).

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 Music Week Awards: Burna Boy’s Mother, Bose Ogulu, Nominated for Best Manager Bose Ogulu, mother and manager of Nigerian singer Burna Boy, has been nominated for Manager of the Year at the 2025 Music Week Awards. The prestigious awards ceremony is set to take place in London, United Kingdom, on May 8, 2025. The organizers announced the nomination on Wednesday, February 26. Ogulu will compete for the award alongside other top industry managers, including Neil Hughes, Alistair Goldsmith, and Wes Banton. Notably, she previously won Manager of the Year at the 2022 Artist & Manager Awards in London.

NDIC SEEKS LAWYERS' SUPPORT IN RECOVERING CLOSED BANKS' ASSETS. (PHOTO).

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 NDIC Seeks Lawyers’ Support in Recovering Closed Banks’ Assets The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has called on external solicitors to assist in recovering assets from closed banks. NDIC Managing Director, Dr. Bello Hassan, made the appeal at a seminar in Abuja, emphasizing the role of asset recovery in settling uninsured deposits, contractor claims, and liquidation dividends. He cited the collapse of Heritage Bank, highlighting the complexities of bank liquidation and the need for legal expertise. He stressed that NDIC plays a dual role in litigation, representing depositors and creditors while pursuing debt recovery. Dr. Hassan reaffirmed that legal support is crucial to fulfilling NDIC’s mandate, particularly in orderly bank liquidation. He praised external solicitors for their efforts, noting that their contributions have improved legal diligence, judicial decisions, and public awareness of deposit insurance in Nigeria.

ACTOR GENE HACKMAN, WIFE AND PET, FOUND DEAD IN HIS NEW MEXICO HOME. (VIDEO/PHOTO).

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 Actor Gene Hackman found deceased inside of his New Mexico home alongside his wife and pet dog, both were also deceased. Police do not suspect foul play. Gene Hackman was 95-years-old. ACCORDING TO ANOTHER SOURCE: Actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, 64, were found dead alongside a dog in their New Mexico home on Wednesday afternoon, local law enforcement told ABC News. The couple was found during a welfare check after their neighbor called in concerned about their well-being, Santa Fe County Sheriff's Public Information Officer Denise Avila said. "Foul play is not suspected as a factor in those deaths at this time however exact cause of death has not been determined," the office said in a statement. The Academy Award-winning actor, who starred in "The French Connection," "The Conversation" and "The Royal Tenenbaums," among dozens of other Hollywood hits, was 95. The investigation into the deaths is "active and ongoing,"...

COURT DISSOLVES 13-YEAR MARRIAGE OVER DOMESTIC ABUSE AND DISRESPECT. (PHOTO).

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 Court Dissolves 13-Year Marriage Over Domestic Abuse and Disrespect A Lugbe Grade 1 Area Court in Abuja has dissolved the 13-year marriage between Gaminana Aminat and her husband, Musa Abdulrahab, citing allegations of disrespect and physical abuse. Presiding judge Aliyu Kagarko granted Aminat’s request for divorce under Islamic law and directed her to observe the mandatory three-month “Iddah” period before remarrying. Aminat told the court that her husband had been mistreating her and showing disregard for her and her parents. She alleged that Abdulrahab frequently resorted to violence over minor disagreements and insulted her family when they tried to intervene. Despite efforts from relatives to mediate, Abdulrahab reportedly refused to change his behavior. Aminat stated that she could no longer endure the abuse, neglect, and lack of respect, prompting her decision to seek divorce. The respondent, Abdulrahab, did not oppose the dissolution of the marriage.

IBEDC REFUTES CLAIMS OF LAYING OFF 3,000 WORKERS. (PHOTO).

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 IBEDC Refutes Claims of Laying Off 3,000 Workers The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) has dismissed reports suggesting it recently terminated 3,000 employees, calling the claims inaccurate and misleading. In a statement on Tuesday, IBEDC clarified that its total workforce is approximately 2,500, making it impossible to dismiss more workers than it employs. “The total number of IBEDC employees is around 2,500. How could we possibly dismiss more than our total workforce?” the statement read. The company emphasized that such large-scale layoffs would severely impact its operations and ability to serve customers. It also condemned the misinformation linking it to issues affecting another organization and its staff, urging journalists and the public to verify facts before spreading false reports. “As a responsible corporate entity committed to ethical human resource practices, we encourage the media and the public to confirm details before publishing misleading reports,”...

NAF LAUNCHES INVESTIGATION INTO CLASH BETWEEN PERSONNEL AND CIVILIANS. (PHOTO).

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 NAF Launches Investigation Into Clash Between Personnel and Civilians The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has initiated an investigation into a confrontation between its personnel and civilians that took place on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, in Unguwan Gangare, Barakallahu, Kaduna State. In a statement on Thursday, Air Vice Marshal Olusola Akinboyewa, NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information, confirmed that some individuals sustained injuries during the incident and are currently receiving medical treatment at the 461 NAF Hospital. “Additionally, we deeply regret the loss of a life and have reached out to the deceased’s family to offer our condolences and assure them of a thorough investigation to ensure justice,” the statement read. The NAF reaffirmed its commitment to discipline and professionalism, stating that a full inquiry is underway. “Any personnel found culpable will be held accountable in line with our commitment to justice and transparency,” Akinboyewa added. He urg...

COURT GRANTS BAIL TO EX-NHIS BOSS USMAN YUSUF AMID CORRUPTION TRIAL. (PHOTO).

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 Court Grants Bail to Ex-NHIS Boss Usman Yusuf Amid Corruption Trial A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to former NHIS Executive Secretary, Usman Yusuf, who is facing corruption charges filed by the EFCC. The charges include embezzlement, abuse of office, and improper contract awards, with allegations of inflated purchases and unauthorized deals. Yusuf, who had been remanded at Kuje Correctional Facility, claims the case is politically motivated, linking his arrest to his criticism of President Tinubu’s policies. He described his detention as a crackdown on dissenters and highlighted poor conditions in Kuje Prison. The EFCC dismissed his claims as diversionary, insisting that Yusuf had refused to cooperate with investigations. With bail granted, the trial is set to continue.

RAMADAN: NAFDAC WARNS AGAINST CHEMICAL RIPENING OF FRUITS. (PHOTO).

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 Ramadan: NAFDAC Warns Against Chemical Ripening of Fruits The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in Adamawa has cautioned fruit sellers against using chemicals for ripening and urged consumers to remain vigilant. Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Yola on Thursday, NAFDAC Coordinator Gonzuk Bedima warned that calcium carbide—commonly used in welding—is often used to ripen fruits like bananas and oranges, posing serious health risks, including cancer. He noted that NAFDAC had previously sensitized fruit sellers and would intensify awareness efforts, especially with the fasting season approaching when fruit consumption increases. Bedima advised consumers to be cautious, explaining that chemically ripened fruits often appear ripe externally but remain unripe inside. “If you suspect fruits have been ripened with chemicals, avoid buying them, as they are hazardous to your health,” he warned, urging the public to report such cases to NAFDA...

MANUFACTURERS SUPPORT TAX REFORMS, DEMAND ACTION AGAINST ILLEGAL LEVIES. (PHOTO).

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 Manufacturers Support Tax Reforms, Demand Action Against Illegal Levies The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has praised the Federal Government for introducing four executive bills aimed at overhauling tax administration while urging a crackdown on illegal levies imposed by non-state actors. Speaking on Thursday at the House of Representatives Committee on Public Finance’s public hearing on the tax bills in Abuja, MAN President Francis Meshioye described the reforms as timely, emphasizing that their proper implementation would enhance Nigeria’s fiscal and tax administration. “The tax bills are timely, and we believe their implementation will set new standards in tax administration across the country. However, we also urge an end to the coercive tactics of non-state actors,” Meshioye stated.

UPDATE: OBASA HOLDS PLENARY WITH FOUR LAWMAKERS AFTER FORCING CHAMBER OPEN. (PHOTO).

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 Lagos Assembly: Obasa Holds Plenary with Four Lawmakers After Forcing Chamber Open Embattled former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, is currently leading a plenary session with only four lawmakers in attendance. The session commenced after security personnel forcibly opened the chamber doors. As of 3:00 PM, the proceedings were ongoing and continued past 3:30 PM. Meanwhile, over 26 other lawmakers were present within the assembly complex but refused to enter the chamber, showing allegiance to the incumbent Speaker, Mojisola Meranda. More details to follow…

NATASHA CALLS FOR LIVE BROADCAST OF SENATE PROBE FOR TRANSPARENCY. (PHOTO).

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 Natasha Calls for Live Broadcast of Senate Probe for Transparency Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has demanded that her Senate probe be aired live, emphasizing that Nigerians deserve full transparency in the process. Referred to the Senate’s Ethics and Disciplinary Committee after a dispute with Senate President Godswill Akpabio over seating arrangements, Akpoti-Uduaghan stated she is prepared to face the panel but insists the proceedings must not be held behind closed doors. In a statement on her Facebook page on Thursday, she noted that she had previously refrained from commenting on Senate matters but now feels compelled to speak out. She urged Nigerians to closely follow the probe, assuring that she would advocate for complete openness. More details to follow…

INDUSTRIAL COURT REJECTS INJUNCTION TO HALT ACCOUNTANT GENERAL APPOINTMENT. (PHOTO).

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 Industrial Court Rejects Injunction to Halt Accountant General Appointment The Industrial Court of Nigeria, presided over by Justice Rekiya Haastrup in Abuja, has declined an interlocutory injunction seeking to halt the appointment process for a new Accountant General of the Federation. The court ruled on Wednesday that the issues raised in the application would be addressed in the main case, making an injunction unnecessary. The claimant, Joshua Kadmi Luka, represented by his attorney, Ibrahim Angulu, SAN, requested an expedited hearing due to the case's significance and timing. Justice Haastrup subsequently adjourned the matter to March 25, 2025, for further proceedings. Speaking to journalists after the session, Angulu explained the court’s decision, stating, “We applied for an injunction, but the judge declined, citing public interest and the need to avoid a leadership vacuum.” Luka, a Director in the Federal Civil Service, filed the case after being excluded from the selectio...

POLICE WITHDRAW SECURITY ESCORTS ASSIGNED TO LAGOS SPEAKER, MERANDA- AIDE. (PHOTO).

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 Police Withdraw Security Escorts Assigned to Lagos Speaker, Meranda – Aide In an unexpected move, all police escorts assigned to the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Meranda, as well as those securing the Assembly complex, have been withdrawn with immediate effect, leaving both the Speaker and the legislative premises without security. Confirming the development, the Speaker’s Special Adviser on Information, Mr. Victor Ganzallo, expressed concern over the sudden withdrawal of security personnel. “As of now, all security assigned to the Speaker has been withdrawn, leaving her unprotected,” Ganzallo stated. He warned that the Speaker is now “vulnerable and exposed to potential threats,” calling for urgent action to address the security gap. The reason behind the withdrawal remains unclear, and there has been no official response from the Lagos State Police Command or the state government regarding the situation. The development has sparked concerns abo...

TWO NURSING MOTHERS, EIGHT OTHER INMATES FREED IN OGUN. (PHOTO).

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 Two Nursing Mothers, Eight Other Inmates Freed in Ogun Two nursing mothers and eight other inmates of the Nigerian Correctional Center in Ibara, Abeokuta, Ogun State, regained their freedom on Wednesday after being unable to meet their bail conditions. The released individuals, comprising three women and seven men, had been held for various offenses. Among them were two women carrying their babies on their backs. Reports has it that the Olu of Itori, Oba Abul-Fatai Akamo, secured their release by paying their fines in celebration of his 21st year on the throne. He also provided them with transportation fare to return home and donated other essential items to the correctional facility. Accompanied by the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Saka Matemilola, the monarch encouraged the inmates to remain hopeful and assured them of a brighter future. Oba Akamo also donated N2 million to the correctional center and expressed gratitude to the State Controller, Adesina Abioye, and other correctiona...

U. S, TO DISCHARGE TRANSGENDER TROOPS UNLESS GRANDTED WAIVERS. (PHOTO).

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 US to Discharge Transgender Troops Unless Granted Waivers The Pentagon announced on Wednesday that transgender troops will be removed from the U.S. military unless they receive individual waivers. This directive was revealed in a Pentagon memo included in a court filing related to a legal challenge against President Donald Trump’s late-January executive order, which sought to ban transgender individuals from serving in the military. “Service members diagnosed with gender dysphoria or exhibiting related symptoms will be processed for separation from military service,” the memo stated. However, the policy allows for case-by-case waivers if a compelling government interest justifies retaining a service member, particularly in roles critical to military operations. To qualify for a waiver, personnel must demonstrate that they have never attempted to transition and must show 36 consecutive months of stability in their assigned sex without significant distress or impairment in social, o...

PETROAN MOVES TO PREVENT NATIONWIDE SHUTDOWN OVER UNPAID N100BN BRIDGING CLAIMS. (PHOTO).

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 PETROAN Moves to Prevent Nationwide Shutdown Over Unpaid N100bn Bridging Claims The Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has initiated discussions with the Nigerian government to address the N100 billion bridging claims owed to petroleum marketers, aiming to prevent a nationwide shutdown. PETROAN President, Billy Gillis-Harry, made this known in a statement on Wednesday, following a seven-day ultimatum issued by the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) over the unpaid claims. In an update, PETROAN emphasized its intervention to facilitate a swift resolution of the debt, warning that a shutdown of the sector could lead to fuel scarcity, economic instability, and hardship for Nigerians. Gillis-Harry called on IPMAN and other industry stakeholders to collaborate in pushing for the settlement of the outstanding claims. “The Petroleum Products R...

TAIWAN DETAINS CHINESE SHIP CAPTAIN OVER UNDERSEA CABLE DAMAGE. (PHOTO).

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 Taiwan Detains Chinese Ship Captain Over Undersea Cable Damage Taiwanese authorities have detained the captain of a Chinese cargo vessel accused of severing a subsea telecom cable off the island, a court announced on Thursday. The Togolese-registered ship Hongtai was intercepted by Taiwan’s coast guard on Tuesday after a crucial undersea cable connecting Taiwan’s Penghu island group was cut. The vessel, flagged under a convenience registry, had a crew of eight Chinese nationals and was reportedly backed by Chinese funding. The Tainan District Court ordered the detention of the captain, identified by his surname Wang, citing him as a flight risk. “Wang’s actions led to the severing

TENSION ESCALATES AS EMIR BAYERO'S RESIDENCE REMAINS SEALED. (PHOTO).

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 Tension Escalates as Emir Bayero’s Residence Remains Sealed The residence of the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, remains sealed following a police takeover amid rising tensions between rival political factions. Security forces blocked access to the area, citing intelligence reports of a planned violent protest. Social media videos alleged that supporters of former Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso were planning demonstrations against President Bola Tinubu’s involvement in Kano’s Emirate dispute. However, no official response has been issued by the Kwankwasiyya movement or the Kano State Government. The Emirate crisis stems from former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje’s 2019 restructuring of the Kano Emirate, which led to the dethronement of Muhammadu Sanusi II in 2020. The NNPP-led government later reversed this decision in 2024, reinstating Sanusi, sparking a legal and political struggle. Currently, the Kano State Government supports Sanusi, while the Federal Government is seen as bac...

FG TO REVIEW ELECTRICITY TARIFFS FOR BAND B, C CUSTOMERS.(PHOTO).

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  FG to Review Electricity Tariffs for Band B, C Customers The Federal Government has announced plans to adjust electricity tariffs to address disparities in the current billing system and attract investment in the power sector. Speaking at the public presentation of the National Integrated Electricity Policy and Nigeria Integrated Resource Plan in Abuja, the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, expressed concerns over the slow transition of customers to Band A due to the reluctance of Distribution Companies (DisCos) to invest in infrastructure. Currently, Band B customers, who receive 17–18 hours of electricity daily, pay ₦63 per kilowatt-hour, while Band A customers, with just two additional hours, are charged ₦209 per kilowatt-hour. Adelabu described this pricing as unfair, emphasizing the need for a more balanced tariff system. “We will review the tariffs—not necessarily increase them—but to enhance last year’s progress and facilitate investment in power infrastructure,” he clar...

KANO STATE TO SPONSOR 1,002 MORE STUDENTS FOR OVERSEAS STUDIES. (PHOTO).

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 Kano State to Sponsor 1,002 More Students for Overseas Studies The Kano State Government has announced plans to sponsor 1,002 additional students for overseas studies, following the successful sponsorship of 1,001 students last year. Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo made the announcement during a visit by the European Union Delegation ahead of the 2025 Study in Europe Fair in Kano. Gwarzo emphasized the government’s commitment to education, highlighting its largest budget allocation in Nigeria for 2024 and 2025 and a declared state of emergency in the sector to improve learning opportunities. The EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, reaffirmed the EU’s support and noted that the Study in Europe Fair will connect Nigerian students with European universities, fostering academic partnerships and student exchanges. The event, featuring 20 European university representatives, aims to strengthen educational collaboration between Kano and Europe.

CUSTOMS, STAKEHOLDERS STRATEGIES TO COMBAT MONEY LAUNDERING AT NNAMDI AZIKIWE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT. (PHOTOS). #PRESS RELEASE.

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 Customs, Stakeholders Strategise to Combat Money Laundering at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has intensified efforts to tackle money laundering at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, by bringing together key government agencies in a high-level stakeholders’ meeting.  The meeting, chaired by the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Olumide Adebisi, on Friday, 21 February 2025, aimed at developing a coordinated approach to mitigate illicit financial flows through the nation’s airports. Speaking shortly after the meeting, Comptroller Adebisi expressed concerns over lapses in enforcing anti-money laundering regulations, particularly passengers' lack of proper declaration.  He noted that many inbound travellers at the airport do not receive the mandatory currency declaration forms, making it difficult to track financial movements in and out of the country. He said, “My command covers Nn...

ANAMBRA POLICE HAS TAKEN FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE OPERATIONAL LAPSES, ESCAPE OF TWO SUSPECTS WHO KILLED HON. JUSTICE AZUKA. (PHOTO). #PRESS RELEASE.

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  Anambra State Police Command has taken full responsibility for the operational lapses of our  Operatives regarding the escape of the two suspects involved in the gruesome murder of Hon Justice Azuka Honourable Member representing Onitsha North 1 Constituency. The Command hereby reiterates that among other necessary security measures ongoing by the to improve safety in the State, it shall not rest until the fleeing suspects are re-arrested and all those involved brought to book.  Given the above, in the spirit of transparency, the Command has briefed *Ndi Anambra* and the general public, reaffirming the Command’s commitment to keeping residents informed about the evolving security situation in the State. Also while noting the right of individuals or groups for freedom of speech, the Command urges relevant stakeholders to exercise restraint on the comments/reactions to avoid inciting one another to prevent the escalation of tensions. Most importantly to ensure that the in...

I'VE RESUMED AS LAGOS ASSEMBLY SPEAKER- OBASA DECLARES.(PHOTO).

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 I’ve Resumed as Lagos Assembly Speaker – Obasa Declares Impeached Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, has announced his return as the parliament’s leader. Obasa made this declaration on Thursday after arriving at the Assembly complex with armed security operatives. “I’ve resumed, and I remain the Speaker of the Assembly,” he stated. Obasa was removed from office on January 13, 2025, by Lagos lawmakers over allegations of misappropriation while he was in the United States. Following his impeachment, Deputy Speaker Mojisola Meranda was appointed and sworn in as his replacement. However, upon his return, Obasa challenged his removal, arguing that due process was not followed in his impeachment.