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  Akpabio's Wife Sues Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for Defamation and Human Rights Violation In a dramatic turn of events, Uloma Akpabio, the wife of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, has filed two separate lawsuits against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja. The lawsuits allege defamation and violation of fundamental human rights, stemming from Akpoti-Uduaghan's recent claims that her troubles in the Senate began after she refused to have a sexual relationship with the Senate President. In the first suit (Suit No: CV/814/25), Mrs. Akpabio accuses Akpoti-Uduaghan of making false and scandalous statements that caused emotional trauma for her and her children, leaving them in fear for their lives. She is seeking ₦250 billion in compensation and a perpetual injunction to stop Akpoti-Uduaghan from making further damaging claims. In a separate defamation suit (Suit No: CV/816/25), Mrs. Akpabio challenges Akpoti-Uduaghan's cla...

  In a significant move, President Bola Tinubu has signed the ₦54.99 trillion 2025 Appropriation Bill into law, marking a 99.96% increase from the 2024 budget of ₦27.5 trillion.¹ The signing ceremony took place at the State House in Abuja, with principal officers of the National Assembly and top government officials in attendance. The National Assembly passed the bill on February 13, after President Tinubu requested an increase from the initial proposed ₦49.7 trillion. The approved budget surpasses Tinubu's initial proposal of ₦54.2 trillion, reflecting additional anticipated revenues from agencies like the Federal Inland Revenue Service and the Nigeria Customs Service. The 2025 budget focuses on key areas, including: - Security: Allocation of funds to enhance national security - Infrastructure: Investment in critical infrastructure projects - Education: Funding for educational initiatives and institutions - Health: Allocation of $200 million to mitigate the impact of recent U.S. h...

 MANAGEMENT TEAM OF NIGERIAN COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (NCC) LED BY THE EXECUTIVE VICE CHAIRMAN/CEO, DR. AMINU MAIDA PAY COURTESY VISIT TO GOVERNOR SANWO-OLU, AT LAGOS HOUSE, MARINA, ON FRIDAY, 28TH FEBRUARY, 2025  l-r (front row): Commissioner, Lagos State Ministry of Innovation, Science & Technology, Mr. Tunbosun Alake; Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Engr. (Mrs) Ibilola Kasunmu; Deputy Director, Lagos Zonal Office, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Mr Tunji Jimoh; Director, Technical Standards and Network Integrity, Engr. Edoyemi Ogor; Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, Dr. Aminu Maida; Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Executive Commissioner, Technical Services, NCC), Engr. Abraham Oshadami; Deputy Director, the Commission’s Secretariat, Mrs June Nwachukwu; Chief of Staff to the EVC, Mr Ibrahim Galadima; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Lagos State, Mr. Michael Sogunle and others during a courtesy visit to the Governor, a...

 Security officials examine a damaged security forces' vehicle at the site of a bomb blast in Quetta, Pakistan, Feb. 28, 2025.  Police in northwestern Pakistan said Friday a suicide bomber detonated himself during afternoon prayers at the Darul Uloom Haqqania seminary, killing at least six worshipers and wounding more than a dozen others.  Haqqania, with several thousand students, is in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province and is among South Asia's largest and most respected Islamic seminaries. The top leaders of Afghanistan’s Taliban also studied at the madrasa in the town of Akora Khattak.     Seminary head Maulana Hamidul Haq was among those killed, and the death toll was expected to rise, according to local hospital officials.  The provincial police chief, Zulfiqar Hameed, confirmed the casualties, saying an investigation into the bombing was underway.    Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned what he called "a cowardly and heinous ...

  Movie theater ceiling collapses during Captain America screening  The ceiling of Liberty Cinema in Wenatchee, Washington collapsed during a screening of Marvel’s Captain America: Brave New World on Tuesday, Febuary 25.  Footage released by the Wenatchee Valley Firefighters shows rubble and dust covering the seats and aisles as the movie continues to play.  While two customers were in attendance at the time of the collapse, no injuries were reported. The cause of the collapse remained under investigation, the department said. ‘They heard some pops and cracking and the gentleman stood up and took a peek,’ Wenatchee Valley Fire Department Battalion Chief Cam Phillips told King5.  ‘[He] walked up toward the screen and as he looked up, he said “Run!”,’ Phillips added.  The fire chief noted that the man’s partner didn’t have as much time to react to the collapse as she sat just one row behind where it all fell down.  She was found caught under some of the ...

  The Supreme Court's ruling on the crisis in the Rivers State House of Assembly has put an end to impunity in the state, according to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. The apex court's decision bars the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Accountant General of the Federation, and other agencies from releasing funds to the Rivers State Government until it complies with court orders. The court also dismissed Governor Siminalayi Fubara's appeal challenging the validity of the House of Assembly presided over by Martin Amaewhule as Speaker. Furthermore, the Supreme Court nullified the recent local government elections in the state, citing gross violations of the Electoral Act. Wike hailed the judiciary for upholding the rule of law, stating that allowing impunity would lead to a breakdown in democracy. He criticized Governor Fubara for conducting local government elections that violated the Electoral Act, saying that the Governor has no choice but to comply with the Supreme Court's ...

 Namibia's top court rejects presidential election challenge Namibia's Supreme Court on Friday dismissed an opposition challenge to last year's presidential elections, clearing the way for president-elect Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to be inaugurated on March 21. In a challenge brought by the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), joined by the Landless People's Movement, parties had alleged that the election was flawed and potentially invalid due to an extension of voting for several days, among other reasons. Chief Justice Peter Shivute, however, ruled that the decision to extend voting was lawful and dismissed the challenge. "Therefore, the challenge to the outcome for the 2024 presidential election fails," Shivute said at a court sitting in Windhoek, the capital. Nandi-Ndaitwah, 72, will now be sworn in as the country's first female president in three weeks at a ceremony coinciding with the country's 35th independence anniversary. Her victory in the ele...

 PRESS RELEASE  POLICE ADMINISTRATION: IGP APPOINTS AIG FOM AS NEW  FORCE SECRETARY. The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun PhD., NPM., has appointed Assistant Inspector-General of Police, AIG Fom Pam Joseph, psc (+), as the new Force Secretary of the Nigeria Police Force. The appointment of the new police scribe came at the heels of the elevation of the former Force Secretary, AIG Adetutu Rhoda Olofu, to the rank of Deputy Inspector-General of Police.  The newly appointed Force Secretary is a seasoned Police Officer with an impressive track record. Prior to this appointment, AIG Fom served as the AIG, Department of Finance & Administration, Force Headquarters, Abuja, having also served in various capacities including the Commissioner of Police in Charge of Homicide investigations at the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Abuja. His new appointment comes as part of the IGP’s vision of enhancing the NPF’s efficiency and a broader...

 U.S. President Donald Trump meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House in Washington, D.C., February 28, 2025.  President Donald Trump is meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday at the White House, aiming to secure a deal that would allow the U.S. access to Ukrainian rare mineral rights to recoup funds given by the Biden administration to support Kyiv’s war efforts against Russia.  The deal includes provisions for the co-ownership and management of a post-war reconstruction fund for Ukraine, to which Ukraine will allocate 50% of future revenues from the country’s natural resources.  Trump has characterized the minerals deal as a type of “backstop” in lieu of the security guarantees where the U.S. supports European peacekeeping forces in Ukraine after its war with Russia ends.  More photos below. 

 Expert Links Rising Cancer and Birth Defects to Industrial Emissions Health and environmental consultant, Dr. Obi Anyadiegwu, has attributed the increasing cases of cancer, liver diseases, and birth deformities to harmful emissions from factories in major cities. Speaking in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Thursday during a GEF-UNIDO project workshop, Anyadiegwu stressed the need for better management of industrial activities to reduce emissions and their harmful effects. The GEF-UNIDO Project, a collaboration between the Global Environmental Facility (GEF) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), aims to help countries reduce emissions, combat climate change, and eliminate hazardous waste. As a chartered environmental specialist and medical doctor, Anyadiegwu warned that dangerous emissions from industries in Port Harcourt, Kano, Aba, Onitsha, and other major cities are fueling an increase in life-threatening illnesses, including kidney and liver diseases, as ...

 Petroleum Tanker Carrying 50,000 Litres of Fuel Loses Control in Oyo A petroleum tanker transporting 50,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, lost control along Olope Marun, Ogbomoso/Oyo Road in Oyo State on Thursday. Eyewitnesses reported that the tanker veered off the road while in motion, prompting them to alert the Oyo State Fire Service to prevent a potential disaster. Responding swiftly, firefighters were deployed to the scene. Yemi Akinyinka, General Manager of the Oyo State Fire Service, confirmed the incident, stating that an emergency call was received at 14:53 hrs, and within six minutes, a fire truck and five personnel had arrived. Upon arrival, the team discovered that the tanker had detached from its head, causing fuel to spill. Firefighters carpeted the area with foam compound to prevent ignition and continued working to secure the scene.

 Two Killed in Early Morning Road Accident in Awka An early morning accident in Awka, Anambra State, claimed the lives of a driver and a loader on Friday around 6 AM. The victims, both employees of Anambra Comfort Line, were loading luggage into a Sienna vehicle at their loading bay, preparing for a trip to Lagos, when the incident occurred. According to an eyewitness, a Lexus 350 RX, driven by a young man with a female passenger, lost control while speeding along the Enugu-Onitsha expressway and crashed into the Sienna’s trunk, killing the two men instantly. The witness added that while some injured victims were taken to the hospital, the Lexus driver and his companion escaped unhurt. However, he dismissed the driver’s claim of brake failure, suspecting that distraction, fatigue, or alcohol may have caused the crash. Angered by the accident, friends of the deceased attempted to attack the young driver, accusing him of reckless driving. It took the intervention of park owners and p...

 Mrs Akpabio Says Sen. Natasha is Creating Content To Malign  Senate President  The wife of the Senate President, Unoma Akpabio, has accused Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of maligning her husband following sexual allegations made by the senator representing Kogi Central.  Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan, a member of the Opposition Peoples Democratic Party, during an interview on the Arise Morning Show, accused the Senate President of making inappropriate advances at her. But reacting to the interview, Mrs Akpabio accused Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan of lying and creating content for personal gains.  She describes her husband as a disciplined and jovial person who is often misinterpreted.

 Bishop Nwokolo Lauds Soludo's Crusade Against Evil in Anambra By Juliana Nwachukwu The Anglican Bishop on the Niger, Rt. Rev. Owen Nwokolo has commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo for his bold efforts in eradicating evil from the state. According to Bishop Nwokolo, Governor Soludo's fearless and fierce approach to banishing "agents of darkness" will be remembered for generations to come. Nwokolo who was chatting with journalists in Onitsha recently on security matters in the state unequivocally lauded the governor for the government's present policy on crime in Anambra State.            The bishop said, "I thank God for the Governor of Anambra State, Prof Charles Soludo. I know in years to come both the Church and the society will thank him for the lofty ideals of banishing darkness, corruption and unspeakable evils which have the capacity to consume the society.           "Our young people of these days, in ignorance, defiance ...

 Gov. Soludo Celebrates Anambra Winners of 2024 President's Teachers and Schools Excellence Awards By Obiageli Nwankwo Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has applauded the recipients of the 2024 President’s Teachers and Schools Excellence Awards for their outstanding achievements.   This commendation was conveyed by the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, during a reception for the awardees at the Udorji Secretariat Complex, Awka.   Addressing the awardees, Prof. Chuma-Udeh emphasized the governor’s immense pride in their accomplishments, noting that their victories at the prestigious award ceremony, held at Eagle Square, Abuja, have brought great honor to the state. She highlighted that the true essence of winning such an award goes beyond its monetary value, rather, it is the recognition and elevation by divine grace above one's peers.   "The fact that, out of many contenders, you were chosen for this honor is something to...

 Liverpool Reports £57m Loss for 2023/24 Season Liverpool announced a pre-tax loss of £57 million ($72 million) for the 2023/24 season, attributing the setback to their absence from the Champions League and rising operational expenses. Despite the loss, the club’s overall revenue increased by £20 million to £614 million, with commercial revenue surging by £36 million to £308 million. However, a £38 million drop in media revenue contributed to a second consecutive year in the red. Liverpool’s failure to qualify for the Champions League for the first time since 2016/17 impacted finances, though matchday income grew by £22 million following the expansion of the Anfield Road stand. Staff costs, including wages and bonuses, rose by £13 million to £386 million, partly due to incentives for Champions League qualification and their League Cup victory in Jürgen Klopp’s final season. Severance payments for Klopp and his coaching staff totaled £9.6 million, while the departures of high earner...

 Ikorodu Court Remands 28-Year-Old Man for Alleged Theft A 28-year-old man, Toyin Damilola, was arraigned before an Ikorodu Magistrates’ Court on Friday for allegedly misappropriating N1.5 million intended for purchasing fish and chicken feed. Facing two counts of theft, Damilola pleaded not guilty when the charges were read. Prosecutor Insp. Adegeshin Famuyiwa informed the court that the defendant allegedly diverted N577,720 meant for 24 bags of fish feed and N954,930 for 50 bags of chicken feed for personal use. The funds belonged to the complainant, Mrs. Oluwafunmilola Lawal. Additionally, Damilola was accused of conduct likely to cause a breach of peace. The prosecutor stated that the alleged offenses violated Sections 168(D) and 287(7) of the Lagos State Criminal Law, 2015. Magistrate A.O. Ogbe granted the defendant bail set at N500,000 with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case to March 27 for mention.

 Supreme Court Nullifies Rivers LG Election, Declares It Invalid The Supreme Court on Friday ruled that the local government election held in Rivers State on October 5, 2024, was invalid, illegal, null, and void. The election, won by the All Peoples Party (APP), was annulled due to non-compliance with legal requirements. Delivering the lead judgment, Justice Jamilu Tukur stated that the Rivers State Electoral Commission disregarded essential legal procedures, violating Section 150 of the Electoral Act 2022. Prior to the election, an Abuja Federal High Court had, on September 30, 2024, barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from providing the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) with the voters’ register for the election. The court also prohibited the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Department of State Services (DSS) from providing security for the polls. Justice Peter Lifu, who delivered the Federal High Court ruling, stated that RSIE...

 Bitcoin Declines Amid US Tariff Concerns and Crypto Scandals Bitcoin has fallen below $80,000, marking a 25% drop from last month’s peak, as US tariff threats from President Trump and crypto-related scandals shake investor confidence. Key Factors Behind the Decline: Bybit Hack: The Dubai-based exchange lost $1.5 billion in Ethereum, with the FBI blaming North Korea. Argentine Crypto Scandal: President Javier Milei is under investigation for promoting the now-collapsed $LIBRA token. Investor Sell-offs: Bitcoin traded at $95,000 earlier in the week before investors moved funds to safer assets. Trump’s Influence on Crypto: Despite once calling crypto a "scam", Trump now supports Bitcoin, promising to make the US a crypto hub. He launched $TRUMP and Melania Trump introduced $MELANIA, both of which lost value quickly. SEC lawsuit against Coinbase dropped, signaling regulatory easing under Trump. Market Outlook: With ongoing trade tensions, regulatory shifts, and security concerns...

 Kwara Closes Unauthorized IJMB Coaching Centres The Kwara State Government has ordered the shutdown of unapproved Interim Joint Matriculation Board (IJMB) coaching centres operating across the state. The Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Dr. Mary Arinde, raised concerns over the increasing number of unregistered IJMB centres during a meeting with approved study centres in Ilorin on Thursday. A statement released on Friday by the Ministry of Tertiary Education’s Press Secretary, Falade Gbenga, quoted Arinde as saying that the state government remains committed to maintaining the quality and standard of education. She emphasized that only nine institutions are authorized to run the IJMB programme in Kwara, all of which provide conducive learning environments. These include: -Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete -Kwara State College of Education, Oro -Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin -Federal Polytechnic, Offa -De-wise College of Basic and Remedial Studies -Kwara State P...

 Bauchi Court Sentences Man to 5 Years for Exploiting Minor A High Court in Bauchi has sentenced a 36-year-old man, Umar Faruq, to five years in prison for exploiting a minor. The conviction followed a case filed by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Bauchi State Command. In a statement on its official Facebook page on Friday, NAPTIP confirmed that the offence violated Section 21 of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015. Delivering judgment, Justice Makama also imposed a N2 million fine on the convict for unlawfully obtaining possession of a two-year-old child for exploitation. Additionally, Faruq received a separate five-year sentence and a N1 million fine for facilitating the act, as stipulated under Section 13(4)(c) of the same Act. Both sentences will run concurrently.

 Oando Secures Lease for Guaracara Refinery in Trinidad Oando Plc has emerged as the preferred bidder for leasing the Guaracara Refinery in Trinidad and Tobago, outcompeting CRO Consortium and INCA Energy. Trinidad’s Minister of Energy, Stuart Young, attributed the decision to Oando’s strong financial track record, citing its $1.5 billion acquisition of ConocoPhillips’ assets in Nigeria in 2014. Young highlighted the financial struggles of Petrotrin, the country’s energy firm, which faced escalating losses from $361.5 million in 2014 to $1.2 billion in 2016, alongside a decline in oil production. The Cabinet-approved Evaluation Committee, comprising industry experts, shortlisted three companies before selecting Oando Trading DMCC as the preferred bidder. The government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Paria Fuel Trading Company’s assets, ensuring fuel supply stability and securing resources during the refinery’s restart. In January, Oando also secured operatorship of Block K...

 Akpabio vs Natasha: ‘Unfortunate It’s Now About Bed’ – Shehu Sani Former lawmaker Shehu Sani has expressed disappointment over the ongoing dispute between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, stating that it is unfortunate the issue has now shifted to matters of the “bed.” His comment follows Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegation of sexual harassment against Akpabio during an interview on Arise Television’s Morning Show. She claimed that Akpabio obstructed her motions in the Senate after she rejected his advances. However, Akpabio denied the accusation through his media consultant, Kenny Okulogbo. Reacting to the controversy, Sani urged for caution and restraint, posting on his X handle:  "It’s unfortunate that the Senate issue was simply about seat and now about bed. Need for caution and restraint."

 Court Declares 16-Year Minimum University Admission Age Unconstitutional A Delta State High Court in Warri has ruled against the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), declaring the 16-year minimum age requirement for university admission unconstitutional. Presiding over Suit No: W/311/FHR/2024, Justice Anthony Akpovi ruled in favor of John Aikpokpo-Martins, a former chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Warri Branch, who challenged JAMB’s restriction on the basis of constitutional rights. Aikpokpo-Martins argued that the restriction violated Sections 18(1) and 42 of the Nigerian Constitution, which mandate equal educational opportunities and prohibit discrimination. He sought several declarations and orders, including: Nullification of JAMB’s October 16, 2024, circular, which enforced the 16-year age restriction. A directive for universities to admit candidates who turn 16 between January 1 and December 31, 2025, provided they meet other admission criteria. A ...

 Keyamo Warns Foreign Airlines Over Local Catering Patronage The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has warned that foreign airlines refusing to patronize local caterers for outbound meals risk having their summer flight schedules rejected. Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting on ‘Transforming the Aviation Industry’ in Lagos on Friday, Keyamo criticized international airlines for neglecting local caterers. He insisted that approval for their flight schedules would be contingent on signing agreements with Nigerian catering companies. “I will not approve the summer schedule for foreign airlines until they provide proof of partnership with our local caterers,” he declared. The minister further stated that any airline unwilling to comply could stop flying into Nigeria, adding that local carriers like Air Peace could take over their routes. Additionally, Keyamo announced plans to establish the first international airport in the North East, revealing that the M...

 Court Orders Remand of Austin Okai Over Cyberstalking, Defamation of Kogi Governor A Magistrate Court in Lokoja, Kogi State, has ordered the remand of Austin Okai over allegations of cyberstalking and criminal defamation against Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo. The Department of State Services (DSS) sought the court’s approval to detain Okai while investigations continue, citing Nigeria’s Criminal Justice System, which mandates court authorization for detention beyond 48 hours. Delivering the ruling on Friday, Magistrate Mobah Abdullahi of Chief Magistrate Court 1, Lugard Court, Lokoja, granted the request, ordering Okai’s remand at the Federal Correctional Center, Kabba. The case was adjourned to March 13, 2025. Case Background Okai, a former PDP candidate for Dekina/Bassa Federal Constituency in the 2023 elections, is facing trial over a social media post in which he accused Governor Ododo of misappropriating billions of naira allocated to Local Government Councils and state agencies...

 Sudanese army ally claims major interception of RSF military supplie Forces fighting alongside Sudan's army said on Friday they had intercepted a substantial quantity of military supplies from a convoy destined for the rival Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in North Darfur, Reuters reported. The RSF denied that a convoy had been attacked, telling Reuters the statement from the Joint Forces was "incorrect and mere lies." Reuters was unable to independently verify the claims. The Joint Forces, which include former rebel groups allied with the Sudanese army, accused the RSF of bringing in the supplies for the indiscriminate shelling of neighbourhoods in al-Fashir, the army's last holdout in the Darfur region, and Omdurman, as well as camps for displaced people. The RSF has launched repeated attacks in North Darfur, including at the famine-stricken Zamzam camp south of al-Fashir earlier this month. The RSF denies indiscriminate shelling of residential areas or targeting civili...

 Alleged N60.85bn  Fraud:  EFCC Arraigns Ex-Abia Governor, 4 Others The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Friday,  February 28, 2025, arraigned former Abia State Governor, Theodore Ahamefule Orji,  Engr. Chinedum Orji, Dr. Philip Nto, Onwumene King Obioma and Romanus K. Madu before  Justice Lilian Abai of the Federal High Court sitting in Umuahia, Abia State on  a sixteen-count  charge bordering on conspiracy, official corruption, stealing and diversion of public funds.  The offence contravenes  Section 516 and 516(a) of the Criminal Code, Law of Abia State and punishable under the same Section of the same Act.    One of the count charges reads:  That you Chief Theodore Ahamefule Orji, ENGR. Chinedum Orji, Dr. Phillip Nto, Onwumene King Obioma and Romanus K. Madu, sometime between 2011 and 2015 in Umuahia, Abia State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court stole and converted a sum of N22,500,000,...