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 PRESS RELEASE TERRORISM: POLICE DEBUNKS RUMORS OF HEAVY PRESENCE OF TERRORISTS IN FCT. Urges Citizens to Exercise Caution, Verify Information Before Dissemination. The attention of the Nigeria Police Force has been drawn to a false and misleading message circulating on WhatsApp and other social media platforms, alleging the presence of 79 terrorists in the Lugbe axis and environs, and announcing a curfew. This message is entirely untrue and should be disregarded. The Police Force categorically debunks the claims made in the message. From intelligence gathered by the Force Intelligence teams and other security agencies, there are no terrorists taking refuge in the Lugbe area of the Federal Capital Territory. The message, purportedly signed by “ACP Prince Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Public Relations Officer (FPRO) Police Command Headquarters, Abuja”, is a fabrication. The Force believes this message was generated by a devious person/persons with intents to create tension, incite panic and di...

 RAMADAN: SANWO-OLU PREACHES SACRIFICE, PEACE, HARMONY •Urges Muslims, Christians to be compassionate during fasting season   Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has extended his warm felicitations to all Muslim faithful as they commence the holy month of Ramadan on Saturday.  Governor Sanwo-Olu, who described Ramadan as a sacred month and a time for deep reflection, renewed faith, and acts of kindness, urged Nigerians, particularly Lagos residents, to be compassionate and generous to one another during the fasting season. The Governor said the commencement of the Muslim fasting season, which started on March 1, coinciding with the first day of a new month, and Christians’ Lenten season, which starts from Wednesday, March 5, is a double coincidence and therefore urged people to live in peace and harmony.   He said: "Ramadan Kareem to all our Muslim brothers and sisters. This sacred month is a time for deep reflection, renewed faith, and acts of kindness. Ma...

  Yamandu Orsi, a telegenic left-leaning former mayor and history teacher, took office as Uruguay's new president on Saturday, at the helm of a government that has pledged to strengthen the social safety net while reversing years of economic stagnation. The inauguration of Orsi, 57, marks the return of Uruguay’s Broad Front — a center-left mix of moderates, communists and hardline trade unionists — after a five-year interruption by the country’s outgoing conservative president, Luis Lacalle Pou. Cheers erupted as Orsi recited the oath of office before Congress on Saturday in Uruguay’s capital of Montevideo. Outside the chamber, in the city's main square, thousands of Uruguayans watching his swearing-in on giant screens shouted in support. More photos below. 

 'Come To APC And I'll Praise You More', Akpabio Woos Abia Governor, Otti,  Senate President Godswill Akpabio has praised Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, for his outstanding performance in office, particularly in celebrating Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe's 70th birthday. Akpabio made these remarks at the birthday ceremony organized by the Abia State Government, where he described Otti as a generous leader whose goodwill has positively impacted the welfare of the people of Abia. Akpabio commended Otti's decision to honor Abaribe despite their political differences, stating that it shows Otti understands politics and has endeared himself to the people of Abia. He also praised Otti's political acumen, saying that honoring Abaribe was a strategic move that has won the hearts of the people of Abia South. However, Akpabio's praise came with a hint of politics, as he suggested that Otti would receive even greater recognition if he joined the All Progressives Congre...

  RAMADAN LECTURE: HAMZAT ENJOINS PARENTS TO TEACH THEIR CHILDREN ESSENCE OF HUMANITY Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat has admonished parents to guide their children on the right path to foster a deeper understanding of humanity and its values. Dr. Hamzat gave the admonishment on Sunday at the Annual Ramadan Lecture of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Lagos State Council, themed: "Understanding the Inner Dimensions of Islamic Brotherhood" held at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos Island, He noted that science and technology are advancing rapidly, and if the right values are not instilled in them, they may lose the essence of humanity which is compassion, love, unity, and peace. According to him, “The challenges in Nigeria are youthful exuberance and money ritual, among other vices. With science and technology, the question is how do we protect children, particularly Muslims, from the negative impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI)? It is in our hands as pa...

 EFCC Arrests 11 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Niger  Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Kaduna Zonal Directorate, on Thursday, February 27, 2025 arrested 11 suspected internet fraudsters. ‎ ‎They were arrested  in broad daylight at White Hotel, Chanchangi Local Government Area in Niger state following credible intelligence about their suspected involvement in fraudulent internet activities. ‎ ‎Items recovered from them include two vehicles and 13 phones of different brands.  The Commission's operatives carried out the arrest professionally with no motive or tinge  of abduction.   The suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.

 12 passengers burnt to death as truck collides with bus on Benin-Auchi highway The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) says 12 passengers were burnt to death in a motor accident involving a truck and a bus along the Benin-Auchi highway on Saturday. Cyril Mathew, Edo sector commander of the FRSC, said the incident occurred around 5 am at Igueoviobo community, near an army checkpoint on the highway. Matthew noted that the Toyota Hiace bus, which departed Zuba in Abuja en route to Benin, collided with an oncoming truck going to Auchi, causing it to go up in flames. “The entire occupant of the bus were killed in the crash,” NAN quoted Mathew to have said. “The accident likely resulted from fatigue, as the driver may have dozed off, leading to the collision.” He said the FRSC personnel were able to identify the deceased through the vehicle’s manifest and had since contacted their families. The FRSC boss, who urged drivers to avoid fatigue while on long journeys, added that the truck drive...

 Bandits abduct ‘five APC chieftains’ in Zamfara Five chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have been reportedly abducted by bandits in Zamfara.  According to Zagazola Makama, the APC members, who are all from Kaura Namoda LGA, were abducted on Saturday while travelling to the Marafa area of the state. The abducted politicians were reportedly on their way to the residence of Abdulaziz Yari, the senator representing Zamfara West senatorial district, when the assailants ambushed their convoy. Among those abducted are Yahaya Sani Dogon Kade, the chairman of Dan Isah ward, and Bello Dealer, the chairman of Sakajiki ward. Yazid Abubakar, the Zamfara police command spokesperson, could not be immediately reached to confirm the attack. Zamfara has been a hotspot of banditry and kidnapping in the north-west zone. The state is one of the bases of operation of Turji Bello, the notorious bandit declared wanted by the Nigerian Army. On February 24, various bands of gunmen carri...

 I didn’t know my dad was rich – DJ Cuppy Florence Otedola, AKA DJ Cuppy, a popular disc jockey and daughter of Nigerian billionaire, Femi Otedola, has opened up about realizing how privileged she is. The music star revealed that she initially did not realise she came from a wealthy background. She said she has now realised that her privilege, which seemed normal, was another person’s prayer point. On her X handle, Cuppy wrote, “Growing up, I didn’t fully realise just how privileged I was. I never had to worry about anything. “Thank God I see it now. What felt normal to me is something someone else is praying for. Gratitude changes everything.”

 Lamborghini saga: Burna Boy took advantage of Sophia Egbueje – Angela Okorie Nollywood actress, Angela Okorie, has faulted Grammy-winning singer, Burna Boy, for failing to fulfil his promise of buying a Lamborghini for socialite Sophia Egbueje after allegedly having a one-night stand with her. Recall that in a recent leaked audio recording between her and her friend, Sophia accused Burna Boy of having a one-night stand with her and failing to fulfil his promise of buying her a Lamborghini. Reacting, Angela argued that Burna Boy took advantage of the socialite, stressing that she already told the singer her price. The movie star said the singer was supposed to lead by example and fulfil his promise as many look up to him as a role model. Speaking in a video message shared via her Instagram page, Okorie said, “This is the wrongest thing any celebrity will ever do. You’re supposed to be human, God made you this mega super star for a reason; to advocate for the people who cannot speak...

 I bought Lamborghini for myself after Burna Boy reneged on his promise – Sophia Egbueje Popular socialite Sophia Egbueje has confirmed that she eventually bought a Lamborghini for herself after singer Burna Boy failed to fulfil his promise of buying one for her. Recall that in a recent leaked audio recording between her and her friend, Sophia accused Burna Boy of having a one-night stand with her and failing to fulfil his promise of buying her a Lamborghini. In what appeared to be a response to the socialite, Burna Boy in a freestyle video shared via his Instagram story, slammed an unnamed person for making a big fuss over his failure to buy her a Lamborghini. Sophia has now confirmed that she bought herself a Lamborghini after Burna Boy reneged on his promise. Flaunting the brand new Lamborghini via her Instagram story on Saturday, the socialite wrote, “My baby is here, as dem no buy am, I buy am.”

 Real reason I am taking legal action against Babangida – Falana Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, speaks with ISMAEEL UTHMAN on why former military ruler, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida (retd.), should be prosecuted for the human rights violations and political injustices committed during his regime Former Head of State Gen. Ibrahim Babangida (retd.) recently published his autobiography. As an active social crusader during his regime, do you think the book accurately reflects Nigeria’s history under his rule? The book did not set out to reflect the history of the country under his rule. It was a ploy to play on the collective intelligence of Nigerians, but the effort failed woefully. History has already recorded the infamy of Ibrahim Babangida’s military junta. No autobiographical account can change the verdict of history. Can you share your personal experience during IBB’s regime? I cannot capture my horrible experience under the repressive Babangida military junta. It may interest ...

 Biodun Olujimi begs Natasha Akpoti to withdraw suit against Akpabio Biodun Olujimi, a former senator, has appealed to Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the senator representing Kogi central, to withdraw her suit against Godswill Akpabio. Speaking in an interview on Arise TV on Saturday, Olujimi, a former senate minority leader, said she does not want women to “look emotionally unstable”. On February 20, Akpabio, the senate president, and Akpoti-Uduaghan engaged in a heated debate during the plenary over a change in seating arrangements. On February 25, the senate referred Akpoti-Uduaghan to the committee on ethics, privileges, and public petitions for disciplinary review. However, the Kogi senator filed a N100 billion defamation suit against Akpabio over an alleged defamatory statement reportedly made by the senate president’s legislative aide. Akpoti-Uduaghan later alleged that her trouble in the senate began after she rejected sexual advances from Akpabio. Reacting to the development, Ol...

 ‘Distraction for Nigerians’ — APC chieftain asks Natasha Akpoti, Akpabio to end media spat Ayiri Emami, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta, has called for restraint in the ongoing verbal confrontation between Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Godswill Akpabio. On Friday, Akpoti-Uduaghan, the senator representing Kogi central, claimed that her troubles in the upper legislature chamber began after she turned down inappropriate advances from Akpabio. The Kogi lawmaker alleged that Akpabio flirted with her during a visit to his Uyo residence with her husband for the senate president’s birthday in December 2023. Reacting to the controversy in a statement on Saturday, Ayiri urged both lawmakers to cease hostilities, adding that “adversaries of President Bola Tinubu’s administration were keen to exploit the situation to create a distraction to Nigerians.” “The avoidable media war, took the minds of the majority of Nigerians off the critical issue of th...

 Atiku pays condolence visit to Adebanjo’s family, says he lived a worthy life Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar says late Afenifere leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, lived a worthy life, describing his death as a monumental loss to Nigeria. Atiku said this when he paid a condolence visit to the family of the late Yoruba leader on Sunday with his entourage. “It is quite true that this house has hosted me a couple of times. What did I take away from this house? The virtues that Pa Adebanjo lived and preached throughout his life,” Atiku said. He added, “So, it is a matter of honor, respect that after his demise we should come and pay respect to his life, his works, his contributions to the unity and peaceful coexistence of this country. “His loss is a monumental loss to the immediate family and to those of us who have admired him and tried to emulate his ways of life and his belief in the unity of this country. “Therefore, it is my singular honour and privilege to identify with his immedia...

  Nuns pray for Pope Francis in front of the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic, where the pontiff has been hospitalized since Feb.14, in Rome, March 1, 2025.   👉 Pope Francis had coffee and was reading newspapers Saturday after an alarming setback in his two-week recovery from double pneumonia: Doctors had to put him on noninvasive mechanical ventilation following a coughing fit in which he inhaled vomit that needed to then be extracted.  Doctors said it would take a day or two to evaluate how and if the Friday afternoon episode affected Francis’ overall clinical condition. His prognosis remained guarded, meaning he wasn’t out of danger.  In its morning update Saturday, the Vatican said the 88-year-old pope didn't have any further respiratory crises overnight: “The night has passed quietly, the pope is resting." He had coffee in the morning for breakfast, suggesting that he was not dependent on a ventilation mask to breathe and was still eating on his own. 

 Jonathan visits late Pa Adebanjo’s home, describes him as ‘a man of courage’ Former President Goodluck Jonathan, on Sunday, paid a condolence visit to the home of late Afenifere leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, who died a few weeks ago. He described the late Adebanjo as a man of courage who stood unwaveringly for truth and justice. During a visit to the late elder statesman’s residence in Lekki, Lagos, Jonathan emphasized that no nation could thrive without upholding these values. He said, “When we learned about the death of our leader I issued a statement. Some of you must have read that statement, but I said that statement in newspapers was not enough, we must find time to come and pay this condolence to the family and the leaders of Afenifere. “Our dear leader was not the leader of our Afenifere alone, he was a leader of this country. He was a man with enormous wisdom, courage and the willingness to do right thing for this country. “He believed in truth, and he believed in justice. And...

  A fire that’s grown to 1,200 plus acres in Carolina Forest, South Carolina is prompting additional evacuations this morning. Those evacuating can head to the Carolina Forest Recreation Center at 2254 Carolina Forest Boulevard. This fire is just west of Myrtle Beach.  ACCORDING TO ANOTHER SOURCE: A 1200-acre fire is threatening homes in Carolina Forest. As of 6:12 a.m. on Sunday, public safety personnel are evacuating: Blackberry Lane from the intersections of Spring Lake Drive including Pennyroyal Ct., Alyssum Ct., Bluebonnet Ct., as well as Harvest Drive from Moonbeam Ct. to Tidelands Ct. in the Spring Lake community in Carolina Forest due to the ongoing wildfire and structures threatened. Officials evacuated the Reserve area of the Walkers Woods neighborhood and the Avalon neighborhood of Carolina Forest due to active wildfires, according to Horry County Fire Rescue (HCFR). County police and fire crews have issued another evacuation order for Covington Drive from Summerhil...

  FedEx Flight 3609 makes emergency landing after its engine catches fire A FedEx cargo plane was forced to make an emergency landing at Newark Liberty International Airport after it caught fire shortly after takeoff. The Boeing 767-3S2F took off around 8 am on Saturday morning, but just minutes later, flames erupted from its right engine. Footage showed the aircraft racing back to the tarmac with fire spewing from the wing as emergency crews rushed to put it out. The plane landed safely at 8:07 am, according to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. No injuries were reported, and three people were onboard, Associated Press reported. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, along with FedEx, attributed the sudden ignition to a bird hitting the plane.  “FedEx Flight 3609 from Newark to Indianapolis experienced a bird strike during takeoff. Our crew declared an emergency and returned safely to Newark.  We are thankful for the quick actions of our crew and firs...

 SGBV: DSVA SENSITIZES RESIDENTS OF LAGOS ISLAND EAST  The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) recently conducted an awareness and sensitization session during the Community Development Committee (CDC) meeting of the residents across Lagos Island East Local Government. Representing the Agency, Ms. Opemipo Ogunse educated the participants on various forms of abuse, available reporting mechanisms, and the support services provided by the DSVA. She highlighted the alarming reality of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) cases, noting that the youngest survivor recorded by the Agency was a three-month-old baby who was defiled, while the oldest was a 75-year-old grandmother who was raped. Ogunse urged all attendees to take collective action in addressing SGBV by promptly reporting incidents through the DSVA’s toll-free line: 08000-333-333, which operates 24/7. Over 30 CDC members were in attendance, including the CDC Chairman, Chief Abu Elemoro Martins, who ex...

  New York Dolls frontman David Johansen has passed away at the age of 75. His death was confirmed by his stepdaughter, Leah Hennessey. The punk frontman had been battling stage four cancer, announcing in 2020 that he had been diagnosed with a brain tumour. While seeking support from fans, Johansen also faced multiple complications—including breaking his back in two places. The announcement of the punk icon’s death was seemingly first confirmed by former Smiths frontman Morrissey, who had posted on his website that he had passed away, sparking a run of tributes before Johansen’s family communicated the news. While details regarding the singer’s death remain scarce, Johansen’s health issues had left him incapacitated for the past few years. After breaking his back, Johansen had been “bedridden and incapacitated” and required constant care for his ailments. In a press release, Johansen asked his fans to provide him with financial help for his medical bills, saying, “We’ve been living...

 Tens of thousands of people in Serbia gathered Saturday for a huge student-led rally that vowed to turn the troubled, populist-run Balkan country into a free nation of justice and rule of law, with many proclaiming "We deserve better."  University students in the Balkan country that has been ruled firmly by a right-wing, pro-Russia government for over a decade have been holding nationwide protests since the fatal train station canopy collapse in November that killed 15 people, and which critics blame on government corruption.  The almost daily protests regularly draw tens of thousands of people and have rattled President Aleksandar Vucic's firm grip on power.  "We want the (state) institutions that work in the interest of all of us and not to our damage," the students said in a statement. "We want a system that values knowledge and work, and not obedience and silence." 

 British Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomes NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on the day of the European leaders' summit to discuss European security and Ukraine, at Lancaster House in London, Britain, March 2, 2025.  👉 Britain, France and Ukraine have agreed to work on a ceasefire plan to present to the United States, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Sunday as he prepared to host a summit of European leaders to discuss ending the war.  The summit has been overshadowed by the extraordinary scolding by U.S. President Donald Trump of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House on Friday for being ungrateful for U.S. support in Ukraine's battle against the invasion by Russia.  But Starmer said he's focused on being a bridge to restore peace talks and he used the collapse of those talks as an opportunity to reengage with Trump and Zelenskyy and French President Emmanuel Macron rather than "ramp up the rhetoric."  "We’ve now agreed that t...

Members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) are fuming over the Federal Government's failure to implement the payment of the increased monthly allowance of N77,000. Despite the government's approval of the allowance increase from N33,000 to N77,000 in July 2024, corps members are yet to receive the new amount. The Director-General of the NYSC, Brig. Gen. Yushau Ahmed, had attributed the delay to the non-release of funds. However, corps members are growing increasingly frustrated with the government's broken promises. Many reported receiving only N33,000 for their February allowance, sparking widespread disappointment and anger. A corps member serving in Abia State, who spoke on condition of anonymity, lamented the insincerity of the Federal Government regarding the payment of the N77,000 allowance. "The N33,000 is not enough for us. We have to handle accommodation and feeding ourselves, and the economic situation of the country is not new to anybody," she s...

 Shehu Sani Returns To APC, Blames El-Rufai For Party’s Troubles In Kaduna Former senator representing Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani, has explained his decision to return to the All Progressives Congress (APC), blaming ex-Governor Nasir el-Rufai for the party’s losses in the state. Speaking on Hard Copy, a programme on Channels Television, Sani said Kaduna’s current governor, Uba Sani, facilitated his return by reaching out and mending fences. “A circumstance led to our mass exit from the APC sometime in 2018, and that circumstance has changed, and then we rejoined the APC in Kaduna State,” he said. “First of all, I was a founding member of APC, particularly in Kaduna State. We established structures, and we did the campaigns and won the 2015 elections both at the senatorial and the governorship levels, and somewhere along the way, we parted ways with the governor (Nasir el-Rufai) in the state. “We parted ways over differences that are both political, personal and also issues that aff...

 EU: Macron speaks with Zelensky, Starmer, Trump, others The French Presidency said President Emmanuel Macron spoke on Saturday with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, US President Donald Trump, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, European Council President António Costa, and NATO chief Mark Rutte. According to the presidency, the discussions were part of preparations for a meeting of European leaders on Sunday in London, as well as a special European Union summit on 6 March. Recall that Trump and Zelensky clashed during a White House meeting on Friday. The confrontation arose due to differing visions on how to end Russia’s three-year invasion, with Zelensky seeking strong security guarantees from a Trump administration that has embraced diplomacy with Vladimir Putin’s Russia. During the meeting, both presidents engaged in a heated argument. Zelensky had been expected to sign a mineral deal with the US, which might have contributed to ending the war between Ukraine and Russia...

 Elon Musk welcomes 14th child The CEO of X, Elon Musk, has welcomed his 14th child with Shivon Zilis, with whom he already has three children. Musk made this known in a joint announcement with Zilis on Friday. Zilis, who did not reveal when the baby was born, said his name is Seldon Lycurgus. In a post on her X handle, Zilis wrote: “Discussed with Elon and, in light of beautiful Arcadia’s birthday, we felt it was better to also just share about our wonderful and incredible son, Seldon Lycurgus. Built like a juggernaut, with a solid heart of gold.” In response, Musk simply replied with a love emoji. This marks the fourth child for Musk and Zilis together. The duo welcomed their twins, Strider and Azure, in November 2021, followed by the birth of another child, Arcadia.

 S’Court Verdict: Crisis Looms In Rivers As Ex-LG Chairmen Vow To Resume Office Monday Following the verdicts of the Supreme Court on the political crisis in Rivers State, former chairmen of the 21, out of 23 local government area councils in the state, have vowed to resume office on Monday, March 3, 2025. In a viral video on social media, the former chairman of Ikwerre local government area of the state, Dr. Samuel Nwanosike, said their decision to return to office was based on the extension of their tenure by the legally recognised Rt. Hon Martins Amaewhule-led legislature. Nwanosike said: “My name is Dr. Nwanosike Samuel, chairman of Ikwerre local government of Rivers State. By the judgement of the Supreme Court, I am still the chairman of the LGA because the Rivers State House of Assembly extended our tenure by six months.” Efforts by our Correspondent to speak with some of the former LGA chairmen proved abortive as they failed to respond to calls and WhatsApp messages sent to ...

 Abiola Family Tackles Babangida, Says Memoir Reopens Wounds, Painful Memories *Insists lessons from June 12 have not been learnt  *Ishola Williams counters Babangida, says he prepared Abacha to succeed him The controversy surrounding the former military President, retired General Ibrahim Babangida’s memoir continued yesterday as the family of the winner of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, the late Chief MKO Abiola, led by Mr Kola Abiola, has stated that the memoir, ‘A Journey in Service’, has reopened painful memories of the tragic events of the annulled election. The Abiola family insisted that the lessons from the annulled June 12 election have not been learnt. A former Commander of the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), the think-tank of the Nigerian Army, Major General Ishola Williams (rtd), has also countered Babangida’s claims in the memoir, insisting that the former military president had groomed the late General Sani Abacha to succeed him before his cont...