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 Air Peace Suspends Enugu Flights, Redirects Operations to Asaba Over Runway Safety Concerns Air Peace has announced the immediate suspension of all flights to Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu, citing severe safety concerns due to the deteriorating condition of the airport’s runway. The airline made the announcement in a statement on Saturday, stating that operations to and from Enugu will be diverted to Asaba, Delta State, until further notice. The airline highlighted ongoing disruptions caused by the poor state of the runway, describing the situation as unmanageable and urging the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to urgently address the issue. “At Air Peace, we prioritise safety over convenience. Suspending flights to Enugu will allow FAAN the opportunity to carry out necessary runway repairs,” the statement read. Air Peace expressed regret for any inconvenience caused by the change, noting that all scheduled Enugu flights will now operate from Asaba. The ai...

 Outrage as Anambra Government Demolishes Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Head Office The Anambra State government has sparked controversy by demolishing parts of the head office of Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM) in Nnewi, along the Owerri-Nnewi road, on April 16. The partial demolition, which affected the office’s perimeter fence, some offices, a staircase, and the company’s showroom, has drawn sharp criticism from IVM, which claims it received no prior notification. Mr. Cornel Osigwe, Head of Corporate Communications at Innoson Group, confirmed the incident to our correspondent on Saturday, describing the demolition as sudden and disruptive. “The staff were working when the demolition vehicle began tearing down the building. Some workers were trapped inside, and over 20 vehicles were also trapped,” Osigwe said. He noted that while a public announcement had been made a day earlier about demolitions with a one-week relocation notice for marked buildings, IVM was unaware its head...

 JAMB Reschedules 2025 UTME to April 24, Urges Candidates to Print Notification Slips The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced a new date for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), now set to commence on Thursday, April 24, 2025, instead of the previously scheduled April 25. The adjustment was disclosed in a statement issued on Saturday by JAMB’s Public Communication Advisor, Dr. Fabian Benjamin. The rescheduling was attributed to “essential commitments by the Board and its partner agencies.” JAMB has also opened its portal for candidates to print their Examination Notification Slips, which contain critical details such as the examination date, venue, and time. Candidates are urged to visit www.jamb.gov.ng, navigate to “2025 UTME Slip Printing,” enter their registration number, and print their slips to avoid last-minute confusion. JAMB emphasized the importance of candidates familiarizing themselves with their assigned examination centr...

 Former Abia Governor Ikpeazu Refutes Claims of Accusing Successor of Project Credit Theft Former Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, has categorically denied allegations that he accused current Governor Alex Otti of taking credit for projects initiated during his tenure. In a statement issued by his spokesman, Onyebuchi Ememanka, on Friday, Ikpeazu labeled the reports as “false, misleading, and maliciously crafted” by “merchants of evil and lazy bloggers” seeking to stir confusion and gain online traction. The former governor clarified that he has not commented on the current administration since leaving office, maintaining a “dignified silence” while focusing on personal interests. He dismissed viral social media headlines, such as “Alex Otti is Stealing My Projects to Take My Glory – Ikpeazu,” as fabrications designed to mislead the public. Ikpeazu noted that his only public statements since leaving office were to address official matters raised by the current government, w...

 Remain resolute in fight against drug scourge, Marwa charges NDLEA officers .....commissions accommodation blocks for personnel in Kano, rehab facility Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) has charged officers and men of the Agency to remain resolute and steadfast in the ongoing onslaught against illicit drug trafficking and dealers. Marwa gave the charge on Saturday 19th April 2025 while commissioning blocks of terrace flats accommodation newly constructed for personnel of the Zonal Command, Kano Command, Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport Command, and officers of the Strike Force Team of the Agency deployed to Kano as well as a rehabilitation facility. He said the commissioning stands as yet another testimony to President Bola Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of security personnel including NDLEA. “We are acutely aware that the effectiveness of our officers hinges not merely upon ...

  EASTER CELEBRATIONS: LAWMA PROMISES CLEAN ENVIRONMENT … Urges Public Cooperation For Cleaner Celebration The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a clean and hygienic environment across the state throughout the Easter celebrations, promising comprehensive waste management measures designed to effectively serve residents before, during, and after the holidays. In a statement released from the Authority’s headquarters in Ijora-Olopa, the Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, assured Lagosians of seamless waste evacuation across all districts, noting that necessary operational resources had been deployed to meet the expected increase in waste generation during the period. He said, “To ensure residents celebrate this year’s Easter in a clean atmosphere, we will be deploying trucks and personnel across the city. Our Private Sector Participation (PSP) operators have been directed to discharge their duties assiduously. LAWMA...

 Court Jails 23 Internet Fraudsters in Benin City Justices  W.l. Aziegbemhin and A.N. Erhabor of Edo State High Court sitting in Benin City between April 11 and 17  convicted and sentenced 23 internet fraudsters to various jail terms The convicts are: Uzorchukwu Peace Udoka, Erubasa Oghenetega, David Ogwunu, Jude Okólie, Lucky Ehizojie, Chineye Isioma Christian, Obadiunor Josoph Ikechukwu, Ugochukwu Adingwu, Ifeanyi Okechukwu, Patrick Chinedu Chukwujekwe, Ugboh Chibuzor, Monday Shedrack, Udochukwu Onuka, Uzodion Luke and Ehighola Emmanuel Akhere. Others are Godstime Osunde Oskpolor, Promise Onyugboh, Onuka Patrick, Chinonso Peter Iwuchukwu, Ajayi Aisosa, Aiwansoba Prince, Goddey Jeremiah and Ojimah John Oseni They were prosecuted on  one-count separate charges bordering on obtaining by false pretence, retention of proceeds of crime and possession of fraudulent documents by the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Commission . The charge against Chinonso Peter Iwuchukwu rea...

 Paris Club refund: Consultant files contempt charge against CBN A consulting firm, Melrose General Services Limited, has filed a contempt charge against the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, and its Director of Legal Services, Salam-Alada Kofo, over dispute on the Paris Club refund. The company instituted the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/532/2025 before Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja. Cardoso and Kofo are facing contempt proceedings for allegedly failing to comply with a Supreme Court judgment that reversed the forfeiture of N1.22 billion and N220 million in an appeal by Melrose General Services. Justice Ekwo had fixed June 4 for the hearing of the matter. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that in June 2024, the Supreme Court overturned a previous forfeiture order against Melrose General Services Limited’s funds, which had been frozen following an investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The disputed sum...

 Kwankwaso’s alleged return to APC triggers internal revolt in Kano The Kano State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) appears to be divided over the possible return of former Kano State Governor and 2023 NNPP presidential candidate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, to the party. In a press conference held at the APC headquarters in Kano on Friday, the State Chairman, Abdullahi Abbas, confirmed reports that Kwankwaso, who was recently expelled from the NNPP, is making moves to rejoin the APC. Abbas welcomed the development, describing it as a positive step. “We have received reports that the leader of the NNPP, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, who was expelled from his party, is preparing to return to the APC. This is a welcome development—we are happy and pleased about it,” Abbas said. However, the chairman made it clear that those who previously insulted party leaders and the government, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, must first offer an ap...

  Kemity condemns price inflation for celebrities Nollywood actress and producer Ariyo Oluwakemisola Apesin, aka Kemity, has called out traders who inflate prices simply because they are selling to celebrities. The actress described the act as a form of corruption. During a recent chat with The Nation, the film star expressed concern over the unfair treatment public figures often receive in the marketplace and urged Nigerians to be more sincere in their dealings. “We can do better as Nigerians. Traders must stop inflating prices because they are selling to celebrities. That’s part of corruption,” she said. Kemity, known for her down-to-earth personality and impactful roles on screen, stressed the need for collective responsibility in tackling everyday issues that contribute to the nation’s challenges. “If you’re selling something for one hundred Naira and you sell it to a celebrity for one thousand Naira, that’s corruption. We can only help ourselves by doing better,” she added.

 More than 100 inmates escape in Chad's deadly prison break More than 100 inmates have escaped a Chad prison during a shoot-out that left three people dead, and wounded a state governor visiting the facility, AFP reported. The break-out occurred late Friday when an uprising happened in the high-security penitentiary five kilometres (three miles) from the town of Mongo, in the centre of the country. "There are around 100 who escaped, three dead and three wounded," Hassan Souleymane Adam, secretary general of the Guera province in which Mongo is located, said. A local Mongo official, speaking to AFP on condition of anonymity, said prisoners broke into a manager's office to steal guns. "A shootout with guards ensued, at the same time the governor arrived. He was wounded," he said. The official confirmed there were three dead, and put the total number of escaped prisoners at 132. He said the prisoners revolted after complaining about a lack of food. Chad's J...

  Portable defeats Speed Darlington in boxing showdown Controversial singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has emerged victorious over fellow artiste Darlington Okoye, aka Speed Darlington, in their much-publicised clash at the “Chaos In The Ring” boxing event held at the Balmoral Convention Centre in Lagos. The heated rivalry between the two musicians was sparked by a booking dispute, after Speed Darlington reportedly offered Portable ₦500,000 to perform at his show,an offer Portable dismissed as insulting. Leading up to the bout, Portable had expressed disinterest in fighting Speed Darlington, stating he would rather face former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua for ₦100 million, branding Darlington an “unworthy opponent.” The high-energy event, organised by Game Rush and Balmoral Promotions, was part of the Friday Fight Night series and followed the success of previous editions, including a major tournament in December 2024.  It also featured top-tier fight...

 Man United set to offload Garnacho, Antony for Osimhen transfer Manchester United could reportedly be set to sell both Alejandro Garnacho and Antony to Atletico Madrid during the 2025 summer transfer window. Ruben Amorim has admitted that his side will need to offload several players before they can afford to sign reinforcements this summer, and Garnacho and Antony are among the stars tipped to depart Old Trafford on a permanent deal ahead of the new campaign. If Man United are able to sell Garnacho and Antony for a combined fee of €100m, it could help them land top target Victor Osimhen. The Nigerian is set to leave Napoli on a permanent deal this summer, following a loan spell at Galatasaray, and Old Trafford is deemed to be one of his more likely destinations. Antony has impressed following his loan move to Real Betis in January, although Garnacho has only scored two goals in his last 30 appearances as his struggles under Amorim continue. However, Atletico Madrid are monitoring...

 143 die in DR Congo boat fire Passengers packed tightly on a wooden boat moments before a fire broke out on the Congo River in northwest DRC on Tuesday. Photo: Social media Passengers packed tightly on a wooden boat moments before a fire broke out on the Congo River in northwest DRC on Tuesday. Photo: Social media At least 143 people died and dozens more went missing after a boat carrying fuel caught fire and capsized in the Democratic Republic of Congo, officials said Friday. Hundreds of passengers were crowded onto a wooden boat on the Congo River in northwest DRC on Tuesday when the blaze broke out, according to Josephine-Pacifique Lokumu, head of a delegation of national deputies from the region. The disaster occurred near Mbandaka, capital of Equateur Province, at the confluence of the Ruki and the vast Congo river — the world’s deepest. “A first group of 131 bodies were found on Wednesday, with a further 12 fished out on Thursday and Friday. Several of them are charred,” Lok...

  My aunt filmed while her husband raped me for eight months – Domestic worker By Victor Ayeni •She’s a liar, says aunt In late 2018, Felicia (surname withheld) made a life-changing journey from Abuja, where she had been living with her uncle, to Lagos to spend the Christmas and New Year holidays with one of her aunts. During her stay, her aunt’s cousin, Mrs Ngozi (surname withheld), reportedly invited the Ebonyi State native to live with her in the Egbeda area of Lagos and promised to also enrol her in school. On January 4, 2019, 15-year-old Felicia moved in with Ngozi, her husband Emeka, and their children. Felicia accused the man of the house of giving her inappropriate attention, which escalated to inappropriate physical contact to an instance where he allegedly took her in his car to red-light districts to show her sex workers. From that point on, Felicia alleged that Emeka repeatedly sexually violated her, with the abuse continuing from September 2021 until May 2022, when she...

 With no meat or aid, Gazans turn to sea turtles for survival With food scarce in the besieged and war-battered Gaza Strip, some desperate families have turned to eating sea turtles as a rare source of protein. Once the shell has been removed, the meat is cut up, boiled, and cooked in a mix of onion, pepper, tomato, and spices. “The children were afraid of the turtle, and we told them it tasted as delicious as veal,” said Majida Qanan, keeping an eye on the chunks of red meat simmering in a pot over a wood fire. “Some of them ate it, but others refused.” For lack of a better alternative, this is the third time 61-year-old Qanan has prepared a turtle-based meal for her family who were displaced and now live in a tent in Khan Yunis, southern Gaza largest city. After 18 months of devastating war and an Israeli blockade on aid since March 2, the United Nations has warned of a dire humanitarian situation for the 2.4 million inhabitants of the Palestinian territory. Israel has accused Ha...

 Borno gov’t receives 230 repentant insurgents from Operation Safe Corridor The Borno Government has received 230 repentant insurgents from the Operation Safe Corridor. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the repentant insurgents graduated from the Federal Government’s Operation Safe Corridor Deradicalisation, Rehabilitation and Reintegration, DRR Camp in Malam Sidi, Gombe State. The insurgents who are all indigenes of Borno, were among 390 individuals formerly associated with Boko Haram who voluntarily surrendered to the Nigerian Army and completed the DRR programme. Speaking at the joint graduation ceremony for Batches six and seven, the Coordinator of Operation Safe Corridor, Brig.-Gen. Yusuf Ali, commended the multi-agency collaboration that made the programme successful, and urged communities to support the reintegration efforts. He said that they underwent six months of structured rehabilitation, including psychological counselling, religious reorientation, civic educatio...

 Minister of Defence arrives Plateau State over killings The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, arrived at Yakubu Gowon airport, Heipang on Saturday for a condolence visit, and assessment of areas attacked in Zikke community of Bassa local government area. The minister was received by General Officer Commanding 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Operation Safe Haven, Maj Gen Folusho Oyinlola, accompanied by Rtd Brig Gen Gakji Shipi, Special Assistant to the Governor on security matters and other senior military officers. This is as a prominent Northern Christian cleric, Isa El-Buba, raised alarm over what he described as an ongoing genocide in the state. El-Buba alleged that foreign terrorists are colluding with some local herders to violently displace communities and occupy their ancestral lands. “These are not the local herders that we used to know. These are Fulani terrorists who target communities. When these terrorists come in, they connive with some of the loc...

    I was displeased with Enugu Airport runway repairs — Keyamo Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), has shared his disapproval of the repair work carried out on the runway of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu. In a statement posted on his official X handle on Saturday, Keyamo described it as substandard and unsafe. According to him, the federal government decided to shut down the airport’s runway for two weeks starting April 22, 2025, to address critical safety concerns. His reaction was following the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) announcement of the temporary closure in a statement issued by its Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Obiageli Orah. “Dear compatriots, we have been compelled to take this decision to close the runway of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, for two weeks starting from April 22nd, 2025, in order to carry out major repair works on it, Keyamo stated. In a statement post...

 Star Gospel Artist, BOLAJI Olanrewaju is DEAD. Official Statement from the Familỷ of Bolaji Olarewaju It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Bolaji Olarewaju, affectionately known as "Big B, a cherished father, husband, brother, and an esteemed figure in both the church community, an ordained Pastor in the RCCG and a giant in the music industry and our community. Bolaji left us on Easter Saturday, 19th April 2025, after a brief illness. His departure leaves a void in our hearts that cannot be filled. Bolaji's life was a testament to his passion for music, his unwavering faith, and his dedication to uplifting those around him. His legacy is not only in the melodies he created but in the lives he touched and the unquantifiable joy he spread. We take solace in knowing that his absence with us is his presence with the Lord, and the indelible mark he left on all who had the privilege of knowing him will not be erased. As we navigate through this time of loss, ...

 She captioned all these photos "Smoothing lace is back ☺️ @yitty" Pop star Lizzo has been proudly posting about what she calls her "weight release." Known for promoting body positivity, Lizzo has been focusing on weight training and calorie deficit for the past several months. But contrary to what people might think, this journey was never about shrinking to fit in.  “I think a lot of people see a fat person that way and immediately just assume everything they’re doing is to be thin,” she said. “I’m not trying to be thin. I don’t ever want to be thin." "Will my body fluctuate from this size? Will I get a little smaller depending on some of the choices I make or a little bigger, depending on some of the choices I make in my life. Yes, I’m used to fluctuating," she said. Instead, Lizzo said her goal was simply to care for her mind, to feel stronger, to move with more ease -- and she’s been slow, intentional, and honest every step of the way. After all,...

 My daughter’s ex-boyfriend murdered her for ritual – Lagos mother By Grace Edema Fifty-year-old Balikis Olanrewaju shares with GRACE EDEMA how her 25-year-old daughter, Adijat Pereira, as allegedly killed by her ex-boyfriend When did you begin to suspect that something terrible happened to your daughter? While I was sleeping, my daughter’s boss at her workplace called me. That was on Thursday morning, February 27th. I wondered who it could be. So, I answered and said, ‘Good morning.’ He replied, ‘Good morning, Mummy Adijat. I want to report that Adijat should have arrived at the office by now.’ What time was that? It was around 10 am. I tried calling my neighbours, and they confirmed that they had seen Adijat the day before, and that they saw her when she went to bed. I asked them to help me check on her. When they arrived at the house, the doors to the sitting room and my bedroom were left open. I also asked them to check the backyard, but they said she wasn’t at home and might h...