PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 EFCC Arrests 13 Suspected Internet Fraudsters Operatives of the Uyo Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Friday, March 21, 2025, arrested thirteen (13) suspected internet fraudsters at different locations within Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. They were arrested in an intelligence-driven sting operation, with seven of the suspects arrested at Campgee hotel,  five arrested along Mission Road, off Ring Road 3 and the other one in another location,  all within Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. Items recovered from them include two exotic cars, five laptops and 14 smartphones. They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

 UK Grid Chief: Heathrow Had Sufficient Power to Remain Open The head of the UK’s National Grid, John Pettigrew, has stated that Heathrow Airport had "enough power" to remain operational despite the electrical substation fire that forced its closure on March 21, 2025. The shutdown, which lasted almost a day, disrupted thousands of passengers and flights worldwide, sparking concerns over the reliability of the UK’s busiest airport. Pettigrew told the Financial Times that power was still available through two other substations, emphasizing that each substation alone could supply Heathrow's power needs. “Losing a substation is a rare event, but there were two others available,” he explained. However, airport officials attributed the closure to the time required to safely transition power to the other substations and reboot critical systems. “Hundreds of essential airport systems had to be safely shut down and restarted, making the process highly complex,” a Heathrow spokespe...

 A Florida woman is being charged for drowning her dog in the airport bathroom after learning she would not be able to board with it. Alison Agatha Lawrence was arrested and booked into Lake County Jail on Tuesday, March 18th. Her charges stem from a shocking incident that occurred in December of 2024. On the 16th of December, police responded to the Orlando International Airport after an employee discovered a deceased dog inside of the women's bathroom. One employee said they had went into the restroom earlier and noticed a woman in a stall for an unusually long time. The employee noticed the woman cleaning up water and dog food off of the floor.  The employee was called away before they could fully investigate what was happening.  However, upon returning later, the employee discovered a deceased white dog along with dog related items inside of the trash.  The dog was still warm when it was found and a necropsy determined the dog had been drowned.  After invest...

  US Warns Nigerians: Anyone Who Overstays Visa Will Face Criminal Prosecution, Permanent Ban  The United States has issued a stern warning to Nigerians overstaying their visas, declaring that violators could face a permanent travel ban and possible criminal prosecution. In a message released via its official X handle on Monday, the U.S. Mission in Nigeria left no room for doubt, stressing that consular officers have full access to immigration histories and would detect any past visa violations. “If you overstay your U.S. visa, you could face a permanent ban on traveling to the United States, as well as criminal prosecution,”

 GOV. SANWO-OLU AT THE OFFICIAL SIGNING OF MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) BETWEEN LAGOS INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL CENTRE (LIFC) AND THE CITY UK (TCUK)/FCDO AT LAGOS HOUSE, MARINA, ON MONDAY, MARCH 24, 2025 l-r (front row): Head, EurAsia,Middle East and Africa for the City Uk, Chika Mourah; Director, International Development, The City Uk/FCDO, Anna Rogers; Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Abayomi Oluyomi and CEO, EnterpriseNGR, Mrs Obi Ibekwe. Back row: Lagos State Head of Service, Mr. Olabode Agoro; Secretary to the State Government, Barr. 'Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin; Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mr. Ope George; Charge d'Affaires, British Deputy High Commission Lagos, Mr Simon Field;  Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Chairman of EnterpriseNGR and Co-Chair of the LIFC, Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede; Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade & Investment, Mrs Folashade Ambrose-Medebem and Special Adviser to the Governor, Corporate Finance & Strategy, Mr Akintay...

  The South Sudan national football team, Bright Star, experienced a harrowing ordeal at Benina International Airport in Benghazi, Libya, after being stranded for three hours due to a lack of coordination from the Sudan Football Association (SFA). According to reports, the team arrived at the airport at 10:12 a.m. after departing from Cairo, Egypt, but were not greeted by an SFA representative, who was supposed to facilitate their entry into the country. As a result, Libyan migration authorities seized the team's passports, citing the lack of coordination. The team, including players and technical staff, were left stranded, frustrated, and confused for three tense hours. It was only after this prolonged period that the authorities permitted the team to leave the airport, although their passports were not returned as a guarantee. The South Sudan Football Association (SSFA) has strongly condemned the experience, emphasizing the need for coordination between football associations. The...

 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐚 𝐀𝐤𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐢-𝐔𝐝𝐮𝐚𝐠𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐃𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐀𝐩𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 Suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has vehemently denied reports that she apologized to the Senate over the issue that led to her suspension. In a statement released on Monday, Akpoti-Uduaghan described the claims as "false and misleading," emphasizing that she still stands by her position. "The reports suggesting that I have apologized to the Senate and retracted my position are completely untrue," she said. "I stand firmly by my words and actions and have not issued any apology to the Senate or anyone regarding this matter." Akpoti-Uduaghan criticized those spreading the false reports, accusing them of trying to twist the truth and mislead the public. She remains committed to defending the rights of her people and expressed concern over what she called a planned effort to silence her voice in the Na...

 EFCC Busts Ponzi Scheme Academy,  Arrests 133 Suspects in Abuja Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,  on Monday, March 24, 2025 busted a Ponzi Scheme Academy and arrested 133 suspects in Abuja.   They were arrested at the Compensation Layout in Gwagwalada area of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT,  Abuja,  following actionable intelligence on the existence of the Academy. The Academy, named Q University (a.k.a Q-Net) is in the business of  recruiting gullible young Nigerians who are trained to recruit more gullible citizens into the scheme with the promise of getting unrealistic profit returns. The suspects are enrolled into a training codenamed: “Special Training for New Generation Billionaire” and brainwashed to believe that they would graduate into the league of billionaires.  They got into the training by obtaining a form the promoters called “Independent Representative Application Form” with promotional slogans ...

 EFCC Arrests Two for Suspected Naira Abuse in Lagos Operatives of the Lagos Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested two suspects for their alleged involvement in Naira abuse The suspects; Adeoti Folake and Adewuyi Modupe were apprehended in Lagos on Friday, March 21, 2025 while allegedly hawking Naira notes.  Upon their arrest, the sum of N3,850.000 ( Three Million, Eight Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) and N1,600.000 ( One Million Six Hundred Thousand Naira )were recovered from  them respectively.  The suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.

 Soludo Awards N500,000 to NECO’s Best Student Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, has awarded a cheque of N500,000 to Miss Ifebude Benson, the overall best candidate in the 2023 Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination conducted by the National Examination Council (NECO). The state’s Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, presented the award on behalf of the governor to Ifebude’s father, Mr. Ben Benson, on Sunday in Awka. Chuma-Udeh stated that the gesture was aimed at promoting academic excellence among students in Anambra, highlighting the government’s investment in education to align with global standards. Ifebude, a native of Ndikelionwu in Orumba North Local Government Area, achieved A1 in all nine subjects she took in the examination. She is currently studying Medicine and Surgery at the University of Abuja. Expressing gratitude, her father, Benson, praised Soludo for the recognition, describing him as a leader who values hard work and academic excel...

 PSC Cautions CPs Against Unregulated Creation of Tactical Units The Police Service Commission (PSC) has cautioned state commissioners of police against indiscriminately setting up tactical units, warning that they should not replace recognized police departments, particularly at state command headquarters. In a statement by Ikechukwu Ani, Head of Press and Public Relations, the PSC noted that some state commissioners have misused these units, undermining established police departments led by Deputy Commissioners of Police. During the screening of nine commissioners recommended by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) for state command appointments, the PSC emphasized that the new CPs must ensure recognized departments remain functional. Meanwhile, the Commission approved the IGP’s recommendations for the appointment of: --Ibrahim Balarabe Maikaba (Kano State) as CP Zamfara --Breret Emmanuel Simon (Plateau State) as CP Taraba --Christopher Ado Emmanuel (Niger State) as CP Yobe --Ol...

 Olukoyede Charges Students to Exercise Boldness in Fight against Corruption The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has called on Nigerian youths to take a bold and upright stance in the fight against economic and financial crimes, as well as all forms of corruption. Olukoyede gave this charge  recently when students from New Capital School, Abuja, visited the corporate headquarters of the commission in Jabi, Abuja, on a study tour. The Head of Public Interface Unit,  Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE I Tony Orilade, who spoke for the Chairman ,  urged the youths to be courageous in speaking out against corrupt practices and to actively participate in the Commission’s efforts in sanitizing the country. According to him, the active involvement of young people is crucial to eradicating corruption, which has caused significant harm to the nation's development. “Be bold and upright in fighting corruption and ot...

  Biko At What Point Did Ndi Dibia And Ndi Ezenwanyi Decide To Adopt Fanta As The Drink Of Choice For The gods?  By Bube Africa  Even you traditionalists are confused folks! 😂 Fanta, the popular soft drink, was first introduced in 1940 and began production in Germany in 1941. Before 1941, in the absence of Fanta, I believe African traditionalists were using *nkwu ocha* (palm wine) for libations. So, who exactly introduced Fanta as a medium for libation? Lekwa your gods, Lekwa diabetes 🤣 Instead of using unhealthy/diabetic Fanta from colonialist for libation. I recommend African zobo. Okwa Bube Africa sim juo unu😄😄

 Reps Member ‘Walks Again After Healing’ By Pastor Oyakhilome’s Son A dramatic moment unfolded at a healing service led by Pastor Daysman Oyakhilome, son of renowned Pastor and founder of Christ Embassy, Chris Oyakhilome, as a member of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Hon. Marcus Onobun, from Edo State, who had been unable to walk for some time, regained his legs and walked unaided. The incident, which was captured on a video, has since gone viral, sparking widespread reactions across social media. In the footage, the former speaker of Edo State House of Assembly stands and walks with apparent ease, leaving onlookers astonished. While many hailed the event as a miraculous divine healing, others remained skeptical, questioning its authenticity. A social media user, @SamsonUgochuks, reacting to the video in Pidgin English, tweeted, “This video just dey trend everywhere, before you know dem go say na arranged. This is a Member of House of Rep o; he no dey hungry ooooo.” Another us...

 Angry youths loot Seyi Tinubu’s Ramadan palliative in Gombe Some youths have looted Ramadan palliative reportedly meant to be distributed in Gombe State by Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Seyi has been visiting northern states where he joined residents and political leaders for breaking of fast (Iftar). During such visits, the President’s son usually launches Ramadan feeding programme for the less privileged. The initiative has come under heavy criticisms on social media platforms as netizens passed divergent views and comments on it. While some welcomed the development, others faulted it, saying the north deserved better treatment than donating mere palliative. In a Facebook post, Shamsuddeen Bala Mohammed, the son of Bauchi State Governor, criticised Seyi’s initiative, urging him to roll-out sustainable empowerment programs. He wrote, “Please, when coming to Bauchi for the #RHYE, empower our youths with employment, Keke NAPEP, monies to start a business, ICT inf...

 Suspended Rivers Governor Fubara Denies Militant Group Links, Condemns Fake Videos Suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has vehemently denied allegations linking him to militant groups, dismissing recent social media posts and videos as malicious attempts to incite tension in the state. In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, Fubara condemned the circulation of fabricated videos purporting to show explosions at oil and gas facilities in the state. The statement emphasized that affected communities have debunked these claims, assuring that all critical infrastructure remains intact and operational. Fubara reiterated his commitment to maintaining peace in Rivers State, stressing that governance and development can only thrive in a stable environment. He warned against exploiting the state's ongoing political crisis for ulterior motives and cautioned bloggers and social media influencers against spreading false information. Fubara urged sec...

 One Nigerian Dies of TB Every Seven Minutes – Oluremi Tinubu Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has raised alarm over the country’s high tuberculosis (TB) death rate, stating that one person dies of the disease every seven minutes despite it being preventable and curable. Speaking at a community outreach in Sauka, Abuja, to mark the 2025 World TB Day, Tinubu called for urgent action, emphasizing the need for increased awareness, funding, and early detection. She urged stakeholders, including traditional and religious leaders, healthcare workers, and the private sector, to unite in the fight against TB. The Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Salako, revealed that Nigeria remains Africa’s highest TB-burdened country, with 499,000 cases recorded in 2023. WHO Country Representative, Dr. Walter Molumbo, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to mobilizing resources to combat the disease. Health experts at the event stressed the importance of early testing, noting that TB tr...

 INEC Receives Over 250,000 Signatures for Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Recall Kogi Central constituents have formally submitted a petition to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) demanding the recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from the National Assembly. The petition, signed by over 250,000 voters—more than half of the 480,000 registered voters in the senatorial district—was presented on Monday at INEC’s Lokoja office by Ms. Charity Ijese on behalf of the constituents. The petitioners accuse Akpoti-Uduaghan of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and evading due process, stating that her actions have embarrassed Kogi Central and tarnished the Senate’s integrity. They demand that INEC initiate the recall process and declare her seat vacant, citing Section 69 of the 1999 Constitution. Following the submission, Ijese and other constituents reaffirmed their commitment to seeing the recall process through, which must be completed within 90 days. More photos b...

 EKSU Dismisses 13 Staff Over Misconduct Ahead of 29th Convocation Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti, has terminated the appointments of 13 staff members for offences including sexual misconduct and abandonment of duty. The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Joseph Ayodele, announced this on Monday during a press briefing ahead of the university’s 29th convocation ceremony. He emphasized that his administration upholds strict discipline, ensuring staff and students adhere to university regulations. According to Ayodele, disciplinary measures taken include dismissing three staff for duty abandonment, one for sexual misconduct, and barring three from holding leadership positions for three years. Additionally, 21 staff members received warnings for various offences. Meanwhile, the university is set to graduate 16,446 students from the 2022/23 and 2023/24 academic sessions, including 200 first-class graduates. The convocation, scheduled for March 29, will also feature the conferment of ...

 PRESS RELEASE INTERNAL SECURITY: POLICE OPERATIVES COUNTER AMBUSH, ARREST 13 KIDNAPPERS; RECOVER 11 ASSORTED RIFLES, 89 ROUNDS OF AMMUNITION OF VARIOUS CALIBRES, OPERATIONAL MOTORCYCLES. As Police Issues Stern Warning to Criminals. In a remarkable display of operational proficiency , operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have carried out multiple diligent operations underscoring the Nigeria Police Force's unwavering commitment to enhancing internal security and combating criminal activities across the nation. On March 11, 2025, at approximately 6:30 PM, operatives from the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) were on a special assignment en route to Edo State when they encountered an ambush set by armed kidnappers at Oshara Ganden, a boundary area between Kogi and Edo States. Demonstrating exceptional tactical skills, the operatives overpowered the armed assailants, resulting in the arrest of eight individuals. The suspects, identified as Tukur Salisu, Sani Abubakar, Mamud Sani, Umar...

 BAUCHI STATE POLICE COMMAND   24th MARCH 2025   PRESS RELEASE    To the Editors,   CRIME: Police arrest two suspects over the death of a motorcycle rider; state criminal investigation department to conduct a discreet investigation. …as the command vows to suppress criminal activities in the state. On 05/03/2025, an incident report was available at the disposal of Darazo Divisional Police Headquarters that a motionless body of an unidentified individual was found lying along Dosho Village, near Darazo, with multiple injuries. Upon receiving the report, a team of detectives led by the Divisional Police Officer visited the scene and evacuated the unidentified body to the General Hospital Darazo, where the victim was certified dead by a medical doctor. Following a painstaking investigation, the deceased was later identified as Dauda Manu, a 25-year-old 'M' of Unguwar Buba Fulata Lanzai via Darazo LGA of Bauchi State. It was also discovered that,...