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 Reggae Legend Cocoa Tea Passes Away at 65   Jamaican reggae icon Cocoa Tea, known for his smooth vocals and timeless hits, has passed away at the age of 65. His wife, Malvia Scott, confirmed his death on Tuesday, March 11, in Broward, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to the Jamaican Gleaner. According to Scott, the singer had been battling lymphoma since 2019 and was also dealing with pneumonia in recent months. He was transferred to a hospital after experiencing severe vomiting. Despite his health struggles, she described him as brave and hopeful, recalling his reassuring words just weeks before his passing.   Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness paid tribute to the late artist, honoring his contributions to reggae music. He highlighted Cocoa Tea’s classic hits, such as Rocking Dolly and I Lost My Sonia, and praised him as a kind and generous figure who uplifted others.   “Cocoa Tea’s influence went beyond Jamaica, touching hearts around the world and cem...

 Shocking moment father ploughs into his own son and crushes him over for telling his sibling he was cheating on their mother A father has been found guilty of ploughing his Mercedes SUV into his own son at a car wash amid a bitter row over infidelity.  Kamil Mohammed Nadir, 55, drove his Mercedes SUV into his son Rebath Kamil, 40, at the Local Car Wash in Dalmuir, near Glasgow, in July 2021 after he accused his father of infidelity.  CCTV footage showed the moment Kamil, a former freedom fighter from Iraq, drove his large vehicle into his son.   He can be seen rapidly accelerating into the washing area. Rebath, who was spotted walking away from a car, was smashed into a wall as the car hit him.  Kilmarnock High Court was told the crash victim screamed at his father ‘you tried to kill me over a woman’. The court heard that the bitter feud between the father and son began after Nadir and his wife had separated, and Nadir accused Rebath of telling his sibling...

 LASG REACTS TO GAS TANKER EXPLOSION ON OTEDOLA BRIDGE … Vows Stronger Safety Measures The Lagos State Government deeply regrets the gas tanker explosion on Otedola Bridge, which caused widespread damage and disruption. Our thoughts are with those affected, and we commend the swift response of emergency services working tirelessly to manage the aftermath. This incident reinforces the urgent need for stricter safety protocols for heavy-duty vehicles. The Ministry of Transportation is also intensifying enforcement on the movement of hazardous materials, strengthening regulatory compliance, and implementing enhanced safety measures to prevent future occurrences. We call on all transport operators to uphold the highest safety standards and cooperate with government efforts to safeguard lives and property. Lagos remains committed to a safer, more resilient transport system for all.   Oluwaseun Osiyemi Commissioner for Transportation.

 Fuel landing cost drops to N774/litre The landing cost of premium motor spirit dropped to N774.82 per litre, cheaper than the ex-depot price of Dangote Refinery’s fuel, which stood at N825 per litre. This is according to the latest competency centre daily energy data released by the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria on Tuesday. Data from MEMAN indicates that estimated import parity into tanks has reduced to N774.82 per litre, a reduction of N152.56 or 16.5 percent from the N927.48 per litre quoted on February 21, 2025 regarding petrol. The development comes as global oil price drop persists. For instance, Brent Crude lowered to $70 and US WTI $66.70 as of Wednesday morning, 12 March, 2025, compared to around $76 and $69 in February. The price drop in global crude price made fuel import costs fall to N774.82 per litre, according to MEMAN’s data. This means fuel price may drop further to around N800 per litre, down from the lowest retail prices of N860 and N880 per lit...

 Police Uncover LASU Graduate’s Shallow Grave, Arrest Fourth Suspect The Lagos State Police Command has discovered the burial site of Adedamola Ogunbode, a Lagos State University (LASU) graduate, following the arrest of the prime suspect, Olaoluwa Ajisomo. It was reported that Ajisomo, previously rumored to have fled to the Benin Republic, was apprehended on Monday in the Alakuko area and has been assisting detectives in locating the grave. The deceased, a Political Science Education graduate, had been missing since January 16, 2025. Last Friday, the police announced the arrest of three suspects and the ongoing search for five others linked to the murder. Among them was Pastor Whepetoji Sunday, accused of receiving N70,000 from the victim’s account, and Sheriff Adebayo, a church member who allegedly received N300,000. Additionally, the prime suspect’s mother, Omolara Ajisomo, was arrested for allegedly helping her children, Teniola and Olaoluwa, escape after they each withdrew N300...

 Peter Obi will soon join APC - Bwala Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, has declared  the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi will soon be defecting to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)  According to Bwala, the APC will empty the opposition Labour party of all its major members. Bwala claimed that Valentine Ozigbo's coming to the APC is a major indication that Obi will also join the party. The presidential aide said this on TVC Breakfast show on Wednesday, March 12. He said: "Do you know we are emptying the Labour Party? Not because we are asking them to coming. They are coming. Valentine Ozigbo has joined us, Balami has joined us, even Peter Obi will join us.  "Peter Obi will not run in Labour Party. They are all leaving Labour Party, it's a fact. For Valentine Ozigbo to come to our party, Valentine Ozigbo is actually the custodian of Peter Obi. Then I know for a fact that Peter Obi will join...

 A man was arrested Wednesday night after police say he beat his parents to death with a cinderblock. Darold Payne, 39, was arrested following a four-hour standoff with law enforcement after he barricaded himself inside his home on Krebs Avenue. Coroner Bruce Lynd identified the victims as 86-year-old Harold Payne and 72-year-old Jittuan Payne, the suspect's father and mother. ACCORDING TO ANOTHER SOURCE: Suspect beat parents to death with cinder block, police say! 🥲🥲 PASCAGOULA, Miss.  - A suspect in Mississippi was arrested after police said he beat his parents to death with a cinder block. Police in Pascagoula said 39-year-old Darold Sim Payne was arrested after a four-hour standoff with law enforcement after he barricaded himself inside his home. The Jackson County Coroner identified the victims as the suspect’s father and mother, 86-year-old Harold Payne and 72-year-old Jittuan Payne. The coroner confirmed the couple both died of blunt force trauma.

 Malawi Court Orders Extradition of Shepherd Bushiri and Wife A Malawi court has ruled that controversial preacher Shepherd Bushiri and his wife, Mary, must be extradited to South Africa to face multiple charges, including rape, violating bail conditions, and contraventions of financial and aviation laws. The couple, who fled South Africa in 2020 while out on bail, will remain in custody until they are handed over to South African authorities. The charges against them include: Rape, Violating bail conditions, Contraventions of the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act, Contraventions of the Banking Act, Contraventions of the Civil Aviation Act and Contraventions of the Immigration Act. The South African government has welcomed the ruling and vowed to oppose any appeal by the Bushiris. More photos below. 

 Libya deports 160 migrants to Bangladesh Libya deported 160 Bangladeshi migrants voluntarily to their home country on Wednesday, according to the Libyan Illegal Migration Control Department. "Today (Wednesday), we deported 160 illegal migrants of Bangladeshi nationality to their country through a flight from Tripoli Mitiga International Airport to Dhaka, Bangladesh," Khalid al-Abyad, an officer with the department, told Xinhua. Al-Abyad confirmed that work to advance the voluntary departure of migrants will continue in the future. It follows the department's deportation of a group of Egyptian migrants to their home country via the land port on Tuesday. Because of the insecurity and chaos in the country since the fall of its late leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, many migrants, mostly Africans, choose to cross the Mediterranean Sea to European shores from Libya. So far this year, a total of 4,767 migrants were intercepted and returned to Libya, 82 migrants died, and 58 othe...

  A Foreign national has been arrested in Limpopo today for smuggling explosives to South Africa from Zimbabwe. Suspect (48) who is a foreign national, was arrested by the police for alleged unlawful possession of explosives valued at over R600 000 at Beitbridge Port of Entry on 11 March 2025.  It is alleged that on 11 March 2025 police stopped a horse and trailers truck that was travelling from Zimbabwe to South Africa at the PoE weigh bridge. They asked a driver to open a trailer so that the search can be conducted.  The driver informed the police that he does not have keys for the trailers. Police forcibly opened the trailer. The search was conducted and they found bags contains items suspected to be explosives. Police then summoned the Musina based Bomb Technicians, Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation and Local Criminal Record Central to the scene for assistance. Upon the arrival of the above mentioned units, the truck was thoroughly searched. As a result the ...

 STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES GOVERNOR CALEB MUTFWANG ON 60TH BIRTHDAY   President Bola Tinubu sends best wishes to the Governor of Plateau State, Barrister Caleb Mutfwang, on his 60th birthday today.   The President joins family, friends, and well-wishers to pray for God's continued guidance and wisdom for the governor.   President Tinubu describes the lawyer and former chairman of Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State as a shining example of service, humility, and a leader dedicated to his people's welfare.   "Your contributions towards restoring Plateau to the State of Peace and Tourism are commendable. Your determination to foster national development and ensure peaceful coexistence in the state is a testament to your resilience and commitment to national unity," the President says.   President Tinubu wishes the governor of Plateau strength and good health as he continues his good work in the state. Bayo Onanuga Special...

 Niger Assembly Approves New Electricity Regulatory Commission Members The Niger State House of Assembly has confirmed the appointment of a new chairman and commissioners for the Niger State Electricity Regulatory Commission following a request from Governor Mohammed Umar Bago. The confirmation was announced during a plenary session after Speaker Muhammad Abdulmalik Sarkin Daji read the governor’s correspondence. The newly confirmed members are: -Dr. Mohammed Sharu (Bida) – Chairman -Dr. Maiwada S. Bello (Paikoro) – Commissioner for Enforcement and Consumer Affairs -Dr. Muhammad Ameen Shakur (Bida) – Commissioner for Licensing and Regulations -Jiro Ahmed Mohammed (Kontagora) – Commissioner for Rural Electricity Access Management -Adamu Nagogo (Chanchaga) – Commissioner for Finance and Administration Speaker Sarkin Daji congratulated the appointees and urged them to leverage their expertise to enhance Niger State’s electricity sector.

 Senior Citizen Identifies Humility as Requisite to Education Success By David Okpala/Stella Okpala A retired Education Director, Mrs Bibian Nweze has enjoined mothers and prospective mothers to prioritize inculcation of humility to early life of girl children to making their education fulfilling. He said this while interacting with information officers on International Women Day Celebration shortly after special Mass, at Agbelu Village Hall, Akpo, in Aguata LGA, on March 9. The Educationalist said, "Girl child education is sine qua non to development, harmonious coexistence. I am not saying that male child education should be undermined but both sex should be given equal opportunities to education. "Education helps to wipe off ignorance. As such, if a girl child is properly educated, she becomes equipped enough to build her family, Church and the society at large. "In order to achieve this feat effectively, the virtue of humility and submissiveness should be inculcated ...

  The draw for this year's President Federation Cup national competition has been released, and it promises to deliver some thrilling contests. In the men's event, two former winners, Rangers International FC of Enugu and Kano Pillars, will face off in the Round of 64. In the women's event, Bayelsa Queens will take on last year's finalists, Naija Ratels, in the Round of 32. The men's Round of 64 will feature several intriguing matchups, including: - El-Kanemi Warriors vs. Simon Ben FC - Enyimba FC vs. El-Shama FC - Yobe Desert Stars vs. Abakaliki FC - Katsina United vs. Green Beret - Nasarawa United vs. Flight FC - Ijele FC vs. Lautau FC - Bayelsa United vs. EFCC FC - FC Basira vs. Atlantic FA - Warri Wolves vs. Wilbros FC - Shooting Stars vs. Zamfara United - Wikki Tourists vs. Edel FC - Rovers FC vs. Igbajo FC - Ikorodu City vs. Sunshine U19 - Crown FC vs. NOSMAS FC - Beyond Limit FC vs. Krusaders FC - Rivers United vs. Barau FC - Mighty Jets vs. Imperial FC - Akw...

 Courts Jail 32 Internet Fraudsters in Ibadan Justices Ladiran Akintola, O.S. Adeyemi, K.B. Olawoyin, G.A. Sunmonu of the Oyo State High Court and Justice Nkeonye Maha of the Federal High Court, sitting in Ibadan. Oyo State, have convicted and sentenced thirty-two persons to prison for fraud.   They were prosecuted by the Ibadan Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on separate one-count charges bordering on impersonation, internet-related offences. The convicts are: Kolade Olayinka Akinlosotu, Adetoro Kolawole Jelili, Olatunji Opeyemi Matthew, Ehifowoju Kehinde Emmanuel, Basit Akorede Mustapha, Banjoko Olamide Oriyomi, Badmus Quazeem Damilola, Ikumapayi Olalekan Babajide, Muili Olamilekan Sodiq, Odususi Yemi Michael, Ashiru Adebola Ibrahim, Ayomide Olamide Ogidan, Fatusin Michael Abayomi, Omotosho Oluwapelumi James, Adewale Ibikunle Abdullahi, Ismail Ibrahim Friday, Adedara Ademola Ayobami and Ajayi Elijah Oladimeji. Others are: Oladele...

 TCIPC Customs Hands Over N8 Billion Seized Illicit Drugs to NDLEA The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Tincan Island Port Command, has handed over illicit drugs worth over N8 billion to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) following the successful interception of two containers falsely declared as used cars and auto spare parts from Canada. This was disclosed in a press statement signed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Superintendent of Customs Oscar Ivara, on Monday, 10 March 2025. According to the statement, during a brief handover ceremony held at the Enforcement Unit of the Command, the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Frank Onyeka, officially transferred the seized items to the Commander of the NDLEA Tincan Island Strategic Command, Mitchell Ofoyeju. Comptroller Onyeka attributed the seizures to the high level of intelligence gathered by officers in the Command in collaboration with NDLEA personnel. “These seizures underscore the Command’s dedica...

 Nigeria Customs Set to Introduce Automated Transire Process, Sensitises Officers, Stakeholders The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is set to introduce an Automated Transire Process (ATP), a system designed to enhance trade efficiency, minimise delays, and curb cargo diversion. Speaking at a sensitisation session at Apapa Area Command on Thursday, 10 March 2025, the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, represented by the Zonal Coordinator, Zone A, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs (ACG) Charles Orbih, described the initiative as a transformative development for the NCS. He stated, “This is not merely a technological upgrade; it represents a strategic shift aimed at positioning the Nigeria Customs Service and the nation at the forefront of global trade efficiency, security, and transparency.” He further explained that the Automated Transire Process, developed in-house by NCS ICT officers, is expected to significantly reduce customs clearance times, enhance tra...

 Pinnick Misses FIFA Council Re-Election by One Vote Former Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) president, Amaju Pinnick, has lost his bid for re-election to the FIFA Council, falling short by just a single vote. At the Confederation of African Football (CAF) General Assembly held in Cairo on Wednesday, Djibouti’s Souleiman Waberi claimed the final available seat with 29 votes, narrowly edging out Pinnick, who secured 28. Morocco’s Fouzi Lekjaa led the election with 49 votes, while Egypt’s Hani Rida and Niger’s Djibrilla Hamidou each garnered 35 votes. Mauritania’s Ahmed Yahya and Waberi also secured their positions with 29 votes apiece. The loss is a setback for Pinnick, who has been a member of FIFA’s top decision-making body since 2021 and was seeking another term. In the women’s category, Kanizat Ibrahim of Comoros won the seat with 30 votes, defeating Lydia Nsekera (13 votes) and Isha Johansen (7 votes).

 Panel Reveals Only Nine of 31 Private Health Colleges in Katsina Meet Standards A visitation panel established by Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, has revealed that only nine out of 31 private health training institutions in the state meet the required operational standards. The panel, inaugurated on October 25, 2024, presented its findings on March 12, 2025, exposing widespread noncompliance with regulatory and professional requirements among most institutions. Presenting the report at Government House, Katsina, panel chairman and Commissioner for Lands and Physical Planning, Dr. Faisal Kaita, stated that several colleges were operating below acceptable standards. “The majority of these private health training institutions are unfit to operate in the state due to noncompliance with both regulatory and professional requirements,” Kaita noted. Receiving the report during a State Executive Council meeting, Governor Radda commended the panel for its thorough assessment and emphas...

 Motsepe re-elected as leader of African football South African mining magnate Patrice Motsepe was re-elected unopposed as Confederation of African Football president at the organisation’s congress in Cairo on Wednesday while four-time African Footballer of the Year Samuel Eto’o won a place on the executive committee. The 63-year-old Motsepe, whose family trust owns one of the continent’s biggest clubs Mamelodi Sundowns, will serve a second four-year term after being first elected in 2021 when his candidature was also unopposed and heavily backed by FIFA president Gianni Infantino. Eto'o, president of the Cameroon Football Federation, was elected unopposed as a representative for the central African region on the executive committee less than a week after winning an appeal to stand for the post. He was excluded by CAF's governance committee in January but appealed his case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, who ruled in his favour. Former World Cup footballer Eto'o had ...

 Somali forces end a 24-hour siege by al-Shabab militants on a hotel, leaving all fighters dead Somali security forces on Wednesday ended a 24-hour siege at a hotel in the central city of Beledwyne, leaving an unknown number of people dead, including all the al-Shabab militants who launched the attack, officials said, AP reported. The attack began when a car bomb exploded Tuesday at the Cairo Hotel, which houses traditional elders and military officers involved in coordinating the government’s offensive against al-Shabab. The mayor of Beledweyne, Omar Alasow, on Wednesday said security forces had “successfully ended the siege” and that six al-Shabab militants died. It is still unclear how many civilians were killed in the attack. The al-Qaida-affiliated al-Shabab claimed responsibility for the attack. Beledweyne, about 335 kilometers (208 miles) north of the capital, Mogadishu, is the capital of the Hiran region and a strategic location in the ongoing campaign against al-Shabab. Es...

  Dubai Police Distributes Over 119,000 Iftar Meals in First Ten Days of Ramadan to Promote Road Safety Dubai Police Distributes Over 119,000 Iftar Meals in First Ten Days of Ramadan In a remarkable effort to enhance road safety during the holy month, Dubai Police has distributed 119,850 Iftar meals to motorists in the first ten days of Ramadan.   The initiative, part of the annual “Ramadan Without Accidents” campaign, aims to reduce traffic incidents during the pre-Iftar rush by encouraging drivers to break their fast safely without feeling pressured to speed.   A Collaborative Effort for Safer Roads   Led by the General Department of Traffic, the initiative was carried out in partnership with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Civil Defence, the UAE Red Crescent, Dubai Charity Association, Dubai Digital Authority, Emirates Today newspaper, Aster Group, Med7 Pharmacy, and Life Pharmacy. A dedicated team of 230 volunteers worked tirelessly to distribute the...

 GOV. ALIA EXPANDING HEALTH COVERAGE THROUGH REHABILITATION OF 104 RURAL HEALTH CENTRES 12th March, 2025     Governor Hyacinth Alia has taken bold and critical steps to expand access to healthcare in Benue State. It is a huge step to reach underserved and vulnerable populations and provide them with qualitative health services. These were communities that lacked proper functional health facilities and services across the state.  Thus, in his visionary and strategic thinking, the governor has engaged relevant stakeholders and partners to bring back to life 104 Comprehensive and Primary Health centres across the 23 local government areas of Benue State. It is a massive intervention that will lead to the complete rehabilitation and revitalisation of the 104 health centres in dire stretches out of the 276 basic health care provision fund facilities in the state. The selection was done after a thorough assessment of all the basic health care facilities.This assessmen...

  Actor Aaron Goodwin’s Wife Arrested for Allegedly Plotting His Murder Victoria Goodwin, wife of American actor Aaron Goodwin, has been arrested for allegedly attempting to hire a hitman to kill him, less than two years after their wedding. According to TMZ, Victoria was taken into custody on March 6 and charged with solicitation and conspiracy to commit murder. Authorities uncovered the alleged plot through a seized contraband phone belonging to a Florida inmate. Reports indicate that Victoria had shared her husband's location while he was filming Ghost Adventures in California and agreed to pay the hitman $11,515, with an initial payment of $2,500. While Victoria denied the allegations, police cited a text message in which she allegedly said, "Am I a bad person? Because I chose to end his existence. Not divorce." She later claimed the messages were just fantasies about life without her husband. The couple, who got married in 2022 at Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion, had re...

 Ondo: 9 Abducted Surveyors Freed After Paying N20m Ransom Nine surveyors kidnapped in the Ilu-Abo community of Akure North LGA, Ondo State, have regained their freedom following a ransom payment of N20 million. Their release was confirmed by Ajibade Owolanke, a relative of High Chief Oluwole Omotayo, who stated that the victims were freed on Tuesday night after the kidnappers received the payment. The surveyors were abducted while working on-site, with the kidnappers initially demanding N100 million before reducing it to N50 million. However, the victims’ families managed to gather N20 million for their release. Meanwhile, women in Akure took to the streets on Tuesday, protesting the rising cases of kidnappings and killings in the state, calling for urgent action from authorities.

 Nigeria’s Para-Badminton stars arrive in Spain for Spanish International Phase II Nigeria’s para-badminton contingent has touched down in Toledo, Spain, for the second phase of the Spanish Para-Badminton International Elite Championship, where the country’s top athletes will compete against elite players from around the world. This follows a successful outing in the first phase of the tournament, held in Vitoria, Spain, where Paralympic medalist Eniola Bolaji clinched gold in the SL3 event, defeating Ukraine’s Oksana Kozyna in the final. For this second phase in Toledo, three Nigerian players—Bolaji Eniola, Nnana Jeremiah, and Eze Chukwuebuka—are set to represent the country. Bolaji, currently ranked No. 2 in the world in her SL3 classification, will compete in the SL3 singles category, facing three opponents in her group. Meanwhile, Eze and Nnana will pair up in the SL4 doubles event, aiming to make their mark on the international stage. A Nigeria Badminton Federation official ex...

 Industrial Court Denies Reinstating Suspended Lagos Assembly Clerk The National Industrial Court has criticized Olalekan Onafeko, the suspended Clerk of the Lagos State House of Assembly, for taking matters into his own hands, clarifying that it never ordered his reinstatement. Onafeko had forcefully taken over the office of Acting Clerk Taiwo Ottun, claiming that the court had reinstated him. However, during the hearing on Tuesday, the court stated that its directive was merely for all parties to maintain peace and avoid actions that could disrupt the state's stability until the motion on notice is heard. Expressing surprise at the misinterpretation of its ruling, the court adjourned the matter to March 18, 2025, for the hearing of all pending applications. Senior Advocate of Nigeria, O.O. Oniyire, informed Justice M.N. Esowe that Onafeko had broken into the office, issued misleading press statements about his reinstatement, and allegedly used security operatives to intimidate th...

 Reps Call for Urgent Nationwide Diphtheria Vaccination in Schools The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to launch a nationwide diphtheria vaccination campaign in schools following a recent outbreak at King’s College, Lagos, which led to the death of a 12-year-old student and the hospitalisation of several others. House spokesman Akin Rotimi, who moved the motion, cited NCDC data showing 24,804 confirmed cases and 1,269 deaths across 25 states since 2022. Lawmakers expressed concern over lapses in infection control in federal unity colleges and called for improved safety measures. The House directed the Federal Ministry of Health, NPHCDA, and NCDC to enhance vaccination and awareness campaigns. It also mandated the Federal Ministry of Education to review health infrastructure in schools and establish a clear response framework for outbreaks. Additionally, lawmakers urged the Federal Government to compensate the deceased student’s family and strengthen emerge...