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 LP Chairman Condemns Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Suspension as Oppression The Labour Party (LP) Chairman in Lagos State, Dayo Ekong, has strongly criticized the suspension of Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, calling it a gross injustice and an act of oppression. Natasha had accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment and claimed she was denied privileges for rejecting his advances. However, after petitioning the Senate Ethics Committee, her allegations were dismissed on procedural grounds, and she was suspended for six months. In response, Ekong decried the decision, stating that silencing a female senator reflects systemic misogyny and a disregard for justice. She emphasized that reducing female representation in the Senate from four to three undermines democracy and reinforces a culture that protects the powerful over the vulnerable. Ekong urged Nigerians to reject the suppression of women’s voices and called for transparent investigations into the ...

 Eleven Police Officers Charged in Alleged Alcohol Heist Eleven police officers, including two commissioned officers, appeared in the Vereeniging Regional Court on charges of theft, extortion, and corruption. The charges stem from an incident during the COVID-19 pandemic, where the officers allegedly stole alcohol and money from a shop after accusing the owner of illegal sales. The officers reportedly confiscated R600,000 worth of alcohol, R700,000 in cash, and a hard drive. While the complainant and his father were handcuffed, a backup CCTV hard drive captured them taking the alcohol. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has decided to proceed with charges against the officers. More photos below. 

 Trio Accused of Killing Two Women and Feeding Bodies to Pigs to Stand Trial in August Three men, Zachariah Johannes Olivier (60), Andriaan Rudolph De Wet (19), and William Musora (45), are set to stand trial at the Polokwane High Court from 4 to 15 August 2025 after being served with an indictment.  The trio faces multiple serious charges, including: two counts of murder, attempted murder, defeating the administration of justice, possession of an unlicensed firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition and llegal immigration (for Musora, a Zimbabwean national) The accused allegedly murdered two women and fed their remains to pigs in an effort to conceal the crime. Following a thorough investigation, authorities have concluded their probe, paving the way for the trial. The case has shocked the local community, with calls for justice growing louder. The accused remain in custody as they await their day in court. More photos below. 

 PRESS RELEASE IGP APPOINTS DC AHMED LATEEF AS PSO, POSTS CP JOHNSON TO OYO, CP MAMMAN TO ENUGU. The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM., has approved the appointment of a new Principal Staff Officer (PSO) in the person of Deputy Commissioner of Police, DCP Ahmed Lateef. DCP Ahmed Lateef brings to the position a wealth of experience and a proven track record of leadership in various capacities within the Nigeria Police Force.  Prior to his current posting, DCP Ahmed served as the Police Operations and FPU Coordinator for the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). He was the Personal Assistant to the former IGP, IGP MD Abubakar, and also a Zonal Head of Operations and lead cybercrime investigator with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), having attended various courses both at home and abroad.  Consequently, the Inspector-General of Police, following the approval of the Police Service Commission, has deployed ...

 PRESS RELEASE IGP DECORATES 6 NEWLY APPOINTED DIGS, 1 AIG. The Nigeria Police Force marked a significant moment in its history with the formal decoration of six newly appointed Deputy Inspectors-General of Police (DIGs) and one Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM., today March 6th 2025. This event follows the recent retirement of six veteran DIGs in March 3rd, 2025, who honorably served the force for 35 years. The newly appointed DIGs bring a wealth of experience and expertise from various commands and departments within the NPF. These iconic individuals include DIG Sadiq Idiris Abubakar, previously Commandant of the Police Academy in Wudil, Kano; DIG Benjamin Nebolisa Okolo, former AIG of the Department of Information Communication Technology at Force Headquarters Abuja; DIG Williams Adebowale, formerly Commandant of the Police Staff College Jos; DIG Bzigu Yakubu Kwazi Bali, former AIG of the FCID...

  Kano Court Jails Woman for $1,154,900, SDR135,900 Fraud   The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Kano Zonal Directorate, has secured the conviction of one Hauwa Abdullahi Ibrahim for smuggling an undeclared sum of $1,154,900 (One Million, One Hundred and Fifty-Four Thousand, Nine Hundred United States Dollars) and SDR135,900 Saudi Riyals (One Hundred and Thirty-Five Thousand, Nine Hundred Saudi Riyals) from Saudi Arabia into Nigeria.   She was jailed after pleading "guilty" to a two-count charge of money laundering before Justice S. M Shuaibu of the Federal High Court sitting in Kano. Ibrahim was arrested by officers of the Nigeria Customs Service at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport for attempting to smuggle an undeclared sum of $1,154,900 (One Million, One Hundred and Fifty-Four Thousand, Nine Hundred United States Dollars) and SDR135,900 Saudi Riyals (One Hundred and Thirty-Five Thousand, Nine Hundred Saudi Riyals) into Nigeria from Saudi ...

 Alleged N80.2bn Fraud: Yahaya Bello Paid Children’s School Fees in Dollars, in Advance   The Third Prosecution Witness, PW3, Nicholas Ojehomon in the trial of a former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, on Thursday, March 6, 2025, narrated before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, how the defendant paid his children's school fees in dollars and in advance until their graduation. The witness, an internal auditor in the American International School, Abuja , AISA, who stated that though he didn’t know Yahaya Bello in person, said he was aware that he was a parent to children enrolled in the school. “I did not know the defendant personally, but I am aware that he is a parent of children enrolled in our school,” he said. Upon reviewing the school’s admission letters, the witness identified the defendant’s children as Zayan Bello, Zara Bello, Farid Bello, Na’ima Bello, and Nana Fatima Bello. He also confirmed that each child was admitted in different academic ye...

 Pakistan has made a major economic breakthrough with the discovery of a huge gold reserve worth Rs. 80,000 crore in the Indus River bed.  This discovery comes at a crucial time for the country, which has been facing severe economic challenges, including declining foreign reserves, a weakening currency, and rising inflation. According to the World Gold Council, Pakistan’s total gold reserves increased to 64.74 tonnes in the last quarter of 2024, up slightly from 64.72 tonnes in the previous quarter. The newly discovered reserves could play a significant role in strengthening the country’s economy. With foreign exchange reserves at just USD 5.43 billion as of December 2024, Pakistan is in desperate need of financial relief. If the gold deposits are successfully mined and monetized, they could increase foreign exchange reserves and attract international investors. A well-managed mining project could bring in foreign capital, create employment opportunities, and reduce Pakistan’s...

 Lenten Season: Bishop Nwokolo Urges Nigerians To Be Quiet For A Moment  By Juliana Nwachukwu  The Bishop on the Niger, Rt Rv Dr Owen Nwokolo has urged Nigerians to be quiet for a moment as Lenten season starts, describing it as a season to slow down, to be quiet for a moment, a season for us to ask questions concerning our spiritual wellbeing. Bishop Nwokolo who said this during his church service and the Holy Communion that accompanied the marking of the ash at the Calvary Chapel, Bishopscourt, GRA, Onitsha amid absolute solemnity stated that Ash Wednesday is a Christian religious rite marking the beginning of the trial, passion, crucifixion, death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In his homily he explained that the Ash Wednesday is the first day of the Lenten Season. "As we commence this Lenten Season, it is expedient we ask ourselves, where is our treasures?"          Making reference to Matthew 6:19, the bishop said, "do not store up...

 Astronaut Sunita Williams and her colleague Butch Wilmore are finally set to return to Earth after spending over nine months in space. Their mission, which was originally planned for just eight days, was extended due to technical issues with the Boeing Starliner spacecraft. Now, NASA has confirmed that the astronauts will return on March 19 through a joint mission with SpaceX. Williams, who has been to space three times, shared her thoughts about leaving the International Space Station (ISS) during a press conference. When asked what she would miss the most, she simply replied, “Everything.” She explained that living in space had given her a new way of looking at challenges, and she hopes to keep that mindset even after returning to Earth. The unexpected delay of their mission tested the astronauts’ patience and problem-solving skills. Despite the challenges, Williams remained positive and continued to contribute to important research and experiments aboard the ISS. Her extended s...

 ECOWAS African Traditional Wrestling Tournament kicks off in Abuja with 55 Athletes from 11 Nations The much-anticipated ECOWAS African Traditional Wrestling Tournament is set to officially begin today at the Velodrome of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, drawing 55 athletes from 11 countries in a fierce contest for top honors. Each participating nation has fielded five wrestlers and four technical officials, ensuring a competitive atmosphere as the West African subregion turns its focus to Nigeria for the next two days. The tournament's opening ceremony, scheduled for 12 noon, is expected to be a vibrant display of culture and sportsmanship, celebrating Nigeria’s rich heritage. Among the dignitaries attending are the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Malam Shehu Dikko, and the Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, along with other top officials. In a historic first, this year’s edition will feature female wrestlers, marking a significant step forward in...

 Natasha Sexual Allegation: Senate doing what’s needful, says Remi Tinubu First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, says the Nigerian Senate, remains a “matured” institution that must be treated with respect. She made the remarks while speaking with journalists at the State House Abuja on Thursday, according to a statement by her media aide, Busola Kukoyi. The remarks come amid allegations of sexual harassment and abuse of power against the president of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. Speaking ahead of International Women’s Day, she dismissed concerns over the Senate’s handling of issues, insisting lawmakers are “doing what is needful.” Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who served in the Senate for 12 years, said the chamber should be a place of honour, not controversy. She also urged Nigerian women to assert themselves in leadership. “I know with what is going on in the Senate, you may say, why am I not taking a position? I believe that the Senate is doing what...

 Military Eliminates 92 Terrorists, Arrests 111 in One Week – DHQ The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has reported that in the past week, 92 terrorists were killed, 111 arrested, and 75 kidnapped victims rescued. Troops also recovered 117 weapons and 2,939 rounds of ammunition. Additionally, 18 suspects were apprehended for oil theft, and illegal operations worth ₦521.8 million were foiled in the South-South. Security forces seized 452,396 liters of stolen crude oil, 224,175 liters of illegally refined diesel, and 1,920 liters of petrol while destroying multiple illegal refining sites. In the North East, 101 terrorists surrendered, while troops eliminated 25 insurgents, including a commander, Abba Alai, and rescued seven kidnapped victims. DHQ reaffirmed its commitment to national security and adherence to rules of engagement.

 FG Vows to Reduce Industrial Carbon Emissions The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to curbing industrial carbon emissions in Nigeria as part of efforts to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060. Speaking at a stakeholders’ engagement workshop on the National Industrial Decarbonisation Programme (NIDP) in Abuja, the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, emphasized the need for industries to adopt green technologies and sustainable practices to reduce environmental impact. The Director General of NESREA, Dr. Innocent Barikor, highlighted that the NIDP aims to create a strong regulatory framework supporting Nigeria’s climate action goals, promoting energy-efficient practices, and facilitating carbon credit trading. With industrial emissions projected to triple by 2030, stakeholders stressed the urgency of implementing decarbonisation strategies to align with international agreements such as the Paris Agreement. The Chairman of NESREA’s Governing Board, Garba Mohammed, ...

 Local Government Chairmen Still Under Governors’ Control – Ex-Kano LG Chairman Local government chairmen in Kano and other northern states have denied receiving any directive from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) regarding signatory verification for direct allocation disbursement. Despite reports of the CBN initiating the process, no local government in Kano has opened an account with the apex bank. Officials from Benue, Bauchi, Plateau, and Kwara also confirmed they had not been contacted. The delay in implementing financial autonomy, despite a Supreme Court ruling in July 2024, has raised concerns among local government officials. However, former Wudil Local Government Chairman, Yusuf Ibrahim Lajawa, argues that local governments remain powerless, as state governors still control their affairs. Lajawa insists that without independent electoral bodies overseeing local government elections, autonomy will remain unattainable. He also asserts that local governments can sustain them...

 Court Jails 21 Internet Fraudsters in Benin City The Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission  has secured the conviction and sentence of 21 internet fraudsters before Justices A.N. Erhabor and W. I. Aziegbemhin of Edo State High Courts, sitting in Benin City. The convicts are: Eimuen Nathaniel, Ighagbon Anderson Andy, Precious Aigbokhai, Divine Ebosetale Okhitie, Ekpekurede Valour, Akuson Sunday, Oshoikpor Joshua, Onumegu Chukwuebuka Emmanuel, Sylvester Oseokoedion, Osifor Kenneth, Abraham Eromosele, Aliu Sanusi Aliu. Others are: Donald Emuen, Oseghale Paris, Amavu Paul, Godsent Omokhoa, Omere Osabvohien Love, Stephen Edetalen Obhanoghor, Segun Nelson Owoyele, Emmanuel Essence and Oriarewoh Divine Eronmonsele They were prosecuted on a separate one-count charge bordering on obtaining by false pretence, retention of proceeds of crime and possession of fraudulent documents. The charge against Eimuen Nathaniel reads: "That you Nathaniel (m) on or a...

 LAGOS AG HONORED BY SOCIETY FOR NOTARIES PUBLIC .... Restates Commitment To Improved Notarial Practices  The  Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, has been honoured as an honorary executive member of the Society for Notaries Public as part of recognition of his commitment to advancing notarial practice in Nigeria. Lawal Pedro was conferred with the award during a courtesy visit by a delegation from The Society of Notaries Public led by Chief (Mrs.) Marlies Allan to the Ministry of Justice, Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja recently. The Commissioner commended the organization’s efforts in enhancing governance and professional standards in notarial services.  Pedro emphasised the crucial role of notaries in ensuring the authenticity and credibility of legal documents, drawing from best practices in jurisdictions like the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and France, where notarial services significantly reduce fraud. Ackn...

  Court Orders Final Forfeiture of $1.4m Linked to Emefiele, Ex-CBN Gov Justice Ayokunle Faji of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, on Thursday, March 6, 2025, ordered the final forfeiture of $1,426,175.14 ( One Million, Four Hundred and Twenty Six Thousand, One Hundred and Seventy Five United States Dollars, Fourteen cents)  linked to a former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Godwin Emefiele.   The order followed a motion filed by the respondent seeking to set aside the court’s final forfeiture order of June 25, 2024.    The court had given the final forfeiture order after a motion on notice filed and argued by Bilkisu Buhari, counsel for the EFCC, which went uncontested by any interested parties.   The motion was supported by an affidavit deposed to by David Jayeoba, an investigating officer with the EFCC who stated that investigation carried out showed that the fund was reasonably suspected to be proceed of unlawful activities "warehoused...

 LG controversy: Gov Adeleke abusing court processes — Osun APC The All Progressives Congress, APC, in Osun State has accused Governor Ademola Adeleke of engaging in an abuse of court process. The party in a statement on Thursday by its Director of Media and Information, Kola Olabisi accused Governor Adeleke of treating with disdain the judgement of the appellate court which reinstated the elected APC local government council chairmen and councillors on February 10, 2025. The party revealed that it was aware that Governor Adeleke was behind the court suits instituted by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, local government officials elected during the February 22, local government elections. The Osun APC also stated that it was morally and legally offensive that the National Union of Local Government Employees, NULGE, Osun State chapter, could get entangled in an ostensibly partisan political matter. It accused the union of swaying to the whims and caprices of the allegedly illegally...

 NAFDAC Reopens Onitsha Market, Seizes 50 Trailers of Fake Drugs NAFDAC has reopened the Onitsha Drug Market and adjoining markets nearly a month after their closure due to the sale of counterfeit drugs. The decision follows a meeting with Anambra State officials and market union leaders, with business set to resume on Friday. NAFDAC’s South-East Zonal Director, Martins Iluyomade, revealed that over 50 trailers of fake and substandard drugs were seized, with more stock hidden in warehouses. He linked the circulation of narcotics to rising insecurity and condemned traders for selling banned and improperly stored medicines. While markets will reopen, 4,000 shops will remain sealed until owners account for questionable drugs. Iluyomade warned that NAFDAC would not hesitate to shut the market again if illicit drug activities continue. Market leaders have pledged to support efforts to eliminate fake drug sales.

 CISLAC: Actions Against Fubara Have Elements of Treason The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has condemned the actions taken against Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, labeling them as treasonable felony under Nigerian law. In a statement on Thursday in Abuja, Gimba Hassan, Legal Manager of the Transition Monitoring Group (TMG), CISLAC, asserted that these actions violate the Criminal Code Act of the 1999 Constitution. He pointed to incidents such as the use of violence against the governor, the burning of the State House of Assembly, withdrawal of his security, and the deployment of thugs during local government elections, arguing that these acts were meant to intimidate and overpower Fubara, fitting the definition of treason under Section 37 and treasonable felony under Section 40 of the Criminal Code. Hassan also criticized the 48-hour ultimatum issued by the Rivers State House of Assembly for the governor to present the budget, stating that it lacked le...

 NECO Acquires Advanced OMR Scanner to Improve Examination Process The National Examinations Council (NECO) has acquired a high-performance Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) scanner to enhance the efficiency, accuracy, and security of its examination processes. NECO’s Acting Director of Information and Public Relations, Azeez Sani, stated that the Registrar/Chief Executive, Prof. Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi, unveiled the new scanner at the ICT Department in Minna on Thursday. The Scantron Insight 1500c, known for its speed and precision, can scan over 15,000 OMR sheets per hour and 250 per minute, significantly improving data processing for candidates worldwide. The N500 million investment reflects NECO’s commitment to leveraging technology for faster and more reliable exam results. The Director of ICT, Mr. Goddy Usioboh, emphasized that the acquisition aligns with NECO’s vision of maintaining high examination standards. A technical adviser from Scantron Company, USA, Tom Harry, trained ...

 Panic as military invades Ikeja Electric offices, assaults workers Military men on Thursday invaded offices of Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company. The Nation gathered that the personnel in uniform forced their way into the company headquarters opposite MITV in Ikeja, Lagos around about 7:40 am. Similar occurrence took place at the Ikeja Electric office on Ago Palace Way, Okota, Isolo, Lagos, The Nation learnt. In a viral video, military personnel were seen wielding arms within the premises while more than seven staff members were kneeling and others assaulted. This comes a day after Ikeja Electric disconnected supply to the Nigerian Air Force logistics base in Ikeja. The incident has instilled fear among company staff with many hiding for safety. Watch video below. 

 Trump to Hamas: Release all Israeli hostages now or face hell United States President Donald Trump has given Hamas an ultimatum to release all hostages captured during the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel or “there will be hell to pay”. In a Truth Social post late Wednesday night, Trump said he was sending Israel everything it needs to “finish the job”, warning that “not a single Hamas member will be safe if you don’t do as I say”. Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli prime minister, had vowed to wipe out the Palestinian militant group. Trump’s directive comes just hours after the White House confirmed it is holding direct talks with Hamas over the hostages. Washington has until now avoided direct engagement with the group, and there is a longstanding US policy against having direct contact with entities it lists as terrorist organisations. “Release all of the Hostages now, not later, and immediately return all of the dead bodies of the people you murdered, or it is OVER for you,” the US p...