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 India, Pakistan in fresh cross-border firing India on Saturday accused Pakistan of yet another ceasefire violation along the Line of Control in the Indian Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. According to the Indian Army, during the night of 2–3 May, the Pakistan Army “initiated unprovoked small arms fire” across the Line of Control, targeting the Kupwara, Uri, and Akhnoor sectors. “The Indian Army responded promptly and proportionately,” the Army said in a statement quoted by the ANI news agency. India has reported a series of cross-border firings by Pakistani forces since the terrorist attack in Pahalgam on 22 April, in the northern state of Jammu and Kashmir. Following the attack by the Lashkar-e-Taiba group, which killed 25 Indian nationals and one Nepalese citizen, Indian intelligence agencies accused Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence, ISI, of involvement. In response, India has reduced its diplomatic staff in Pakistan, suspended the issuance of visas to Pakistani natio...

 LASTMA Issues Warning Against Expressway Crossing Following Pedestrian’s Death in Lorry Accident A pedestrian was killed over the weekend in a tragic road accident along the Ojota Expressway, prompting the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority to issue a stern warning against unlawfully crossing highways. According to a statement signed and released on Sunday by the Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment at LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, the victim was hit by a lorry while attempting to cross the busy Ojota main carriageway, bypassing the designated pedestrian bridge. Preliminary investigations revealed that the lorry driver, in an attempt to flee after the fatal collision, lost control of the vehicle and rammed into a Toyota Corolla with registration number LND 905 HN. “The Lagos State Government has invested significantly in pedestrian bridges, and it is incumbent upon all road users to utilise them conscientiously,” said LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki. The statem...

 US Court Ruling Throws Voice Of America Return Into Flux A US appellate court on Saturday ruled against allowing Voice of America staff to return to work, throwing its resumption of operations into question after President Donald Trump shuttered the broadcaster in March. Voice of America (VOA), a US government-run news service for international audiences, has been off the air since Trump ordered the dismantling of the US Agency for Global Media (USAGM), which oversees VOA and other broadcasters including Radio Free Asia and distributes federal funding for their operations. Two Trump-appointed judges, Neomi Rao and Gregory Katsas, wrote in their ruling the lower court “likely lacked subject-matter jurisdiction over USAGM’s personnel actions.” A third judge, Cornelia Pillard, appointed by former president Barack Obama, dissented. The ruling throws plans for VOA employees to return to work into disarray, with several indicators emerging prior to Saturday’s court ruling. “A Justice De...

 Kidnapped Father Of Crypto-Millionaire Freed In French Police Raid French police mounted a weekend raid to free a man who had been kidnapped in Paris to force his crypto-millionaire son to pay a ransom, prosecutors said, adding that five people were arrested. The man, whose identity was not disclosed, was traced to an address in the Essonne, a department south of Paris, which police raided late on Saturday, the prosecutors’ office said in a statement. He had been abducted in Paris’s southern 14th arrondissement mid-morning on Thursday. One police officer, speaking to AFP on condition of anonymity, said four men wearing ski masks had bundled him into a delivery van as passers-by looked on. “The victim appears to be the father of a man who made his fortune in cryptocurrencies, with the crime involving a ransom demand,” the prosecutors’ statement said. Prosecutors gave no indication of the size of the ransom demanded, but Le Parisien newspaper reported that the kidnappers had asked f...

 FG Pledges Immediate Action to Settle N4 Trillion Power Sector Debt The Federal Government has vowed to urgently address the N4 trillion debt crippling Nigeria’s power generation sector, following high-stakes talks between Power Minister Adebayo Adelabu and Chairmen of Generating Companies of Nigeria (GenCos) in Abuja. The move aims to avert an imminent collapse of the power infrastructure in the country. According to a statement by the Special Adviser, Strategic Communications and Media Relations to the Minister of Power, Bolaji Tunji, the Minister  assured GenCos executives that the government would prioritize immediate payment of a significant amount out of the N4b debt while the balance would be defray through other debt instruments.  The statement added that this would be proposed in a  meeting being planned between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and GenCos’ leadership.  He assured of the payment of the outstanding balance within six months through  fina...

 Federal High Court establishes Freedom of Information Desk to aid communication flow.  The Federal High Court of Nigeria has established Freedom of Information Desk as part of concerted efforts to uphold transparency, promote accountability, and enhance public access to information.  The Director of Information of the Court, Catherine Oby Christopher, who confirmed the development in a statement in Abuja explained that the step is in line with the commitment of the Court not to keep anybody or organization in the dark on its day to day activities. The Information/FOI Desk, she said, was created to serve as a central point for receiving inquiries from journalists and members of the public; submitting letters, formal FOI requests, and related correspondences.  According to the statement, the Desk will also serve as a veritable platform of providing guidance on accessing public records and information in line with the Freedom of Information Act. Located at the Federal ...

 Nigerian Correctional Service Debunks Allegation Of Poor Feeding Of Inmates The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has denied reports alleging that inmates in custodial centres across the country are being fed poorly,.describing it as false, misleading, and a gross misrepresentation of the realities within our facilities.  According to the National Public Relations Officer of the Service and the Deputy Controller of Correction, Umar Abubakar, stated that that the Service operates under strict guidelines as provided by the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019, which mandates the provision of adequate nutrition, healthcare, and general welfare for all inmates.  He stated that Inmates are provided with meals that meet the nutritional requirements recommended by health professionals and monitored routinely by the ration committee set up by the Controller General of Corrections. The Image Maker of the Service added that the menu plans are standardized and reviewed period...

 Peter Obi Condemns Arrest of VeryDarkMan, Warns of Abduction-Like Tactics Eroding National Security Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, on Sunday strongly condemned the arrest of social media influencer Martin Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), describing the manner of the arrest as resembling an abduction. In a statement, Obi expressed alarm over the unsettling method, which he warned could be mimicked by criminal elements and risks blurring the line between legitimate arrests and unlawful abductions. “This disturbing method not only creates fear but also risks undermining national security and accountability,” Obi said, noting that such tactics could erode public trust in legal processes. He referenced past incidents, including similar indignities faced by judges, stating, “When those who interpret the law are treated with such disregard, it is difficult to expect that ordinary citizens will feel protected.” Obi highlighted the economic repe...

 Nine South African Vehicles Seized in Mozambique Mozambican authorities have seized nine vehicles with South African license plates, as seen in images shared by local officials. The operation took place earlier today and involved vehicles suspected of irregular entry or documentation. Officials confirmed they are in possession of the keys and documents for three of the vehicles, while the rest will be processed on Monday due to a lack of resources, including copying equipment. One vehicle, a Ford, had been parked for an extended period, and its owners failed to provide keys or a seizure order. The situation reportedly caused tension, with owners expressing frustration at the authorities. According to a local officer, even a car linked to a senior customs official was not released, emphasising that no exceptions were made. “Those who are strong will leave, those who are not strong will stay,” he said, referencing a law of survival. The patrol was described as “terrible,” leaving of...

 Tragic Accident at Obudu Ranch Resort Claims Four Seminarians, Injures Nine A devastating accident at the Ikwette community near Obudu Ranch Resort has left four seminarians dead and nine others injured, according to a statement from Nsa Gill, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Bassey Otu. The incident occurred on Sunday when a vehicle carrying 13 individuals, primarily seminarians from the Enugu Catholic Diocese, suffered a suspected brake failure at the bottom hill outside the resort. The group, led by a Reverend Father, had just completed a tour of the ranch when the tragedy struck. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of the victims during this incredibly difficult time," the state government said, expressing heartfelt condolences. The Cross River State Government emphasized its commitment to safety, pledging to review measures at Obudu Ranch Resort to ensure visitor security. Authorities urged visitors to prioritize vehicle roadworthiness and adher...

 Court Jails Ex-convict, One other for Hawking Naira Notes in Lagos Justice Yellin Bogoro of the Federal High Court, sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Friday, May 2, 2025, convicted and sentenced the duo of Folake Adeoti and Modupe Adewuyi to one year imprisonment, each for hawking Naira notes. They arraigned by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos on a separate one-count charge, bordering on illegal hawking of Naira notes. The charge against Adeoti reads: “That you, Folake Adeoti, on the 21st day of March, 2025, opposite Regency Hall, Jobi Felé,Way, Ikeja, in Lagos within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, hawked the sum of N3,850,000.00 (Three Million, Eight Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 21(4)) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007.” That of Adewuyi reads: “That you, Modupe Adewuyi, on t...

 Alleged Money Laundering: EFCC Re-arraigns Man for Non-declaration of $90,000    The Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Okotie-Eboh, Ikoyi, Lagos, on Friday , May 2, 2025, re- arraigned one Alhaji Ahmed Shaw  before Justice D.I.Dipeolu of the Federal High Court, sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos for money laundering.    He was arrested on March 3, 2025 at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA,  for non-declaration of the sum of $90,000 (Ninety Thousand United States Dollars) and was handed over to the EFCC for further investigations.     He was arraigned on April 3, 2025 on a one-count charge, bordering on money laundering.   The  charge reads: “That you, Alhaji Ahmed Shaw, on the 3rd  day of March, 2025 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, failed to make a declaration of the sum of $90...

 Court Jails Man for Non-declaration of  £8020, $704 in Lagos Airport   Justice Yellim Bogoro of the Federal High Court, sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Friday, May 2, 2025, convicted and sentenced one Agudosi  Christopher Okechukwu to six months imprisonment for non-declaration of foreign currencies at Lagos Airport. Okechukwu was arrested in December 2024 at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos by operatives of the Nigerian Customs Service, NCS for non-declaration of the sums of £8020 (Eight Thousand and Twenty British Pounds) and $704 (Seven Hundred and Four Dollars) and handed over to the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Okotie Eboh, Ikoyi, Lagos for further investigations. He was arraigned on Tuesday, April 15, 2025 on a two-count charge, bordering on money laundering. One of the charges reads: “That you, Agudosi Christopher Okechukwu, on the 10th day of December, 2024 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction ...

 TRAGEDY: BENUE WOMAN DIES OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IN ABUJA 4th May, 2025       A Facebook user by name Victor Nwogu cried out recently. It is with deep pain and a heavy heart that I write this. My beloved elder sister has lost her life — not to sickness, not to an accident — but to the cruel hands of domestic violence. For a long time, her husband, Mr. James Ogbu (from Benue State), subjected her to relentless bullying, physical and emotional abuse. She suffered in silence, trying to protect her home and her little children. But recently, after another episode of violence, she became seriously ill — vomiting and stooling blood. Instead of helping, James heartlessly abandoned her with the children and ran away. Left alone without care, it was a kind neighbour who rushed her to the hospital. By then, she was already too weak to fight for her life. Despite all efforts, my sister passed away — leaving behind two tender, innocent children who now face a future without ...

 BENUE STATE POLICE COMMAND PRESS RELEASE 4TH MAY 2025 CP EMENARI RELOCATES TACTICAL COMNANDERS TO TROUBLED AREAS IN BENUE.  CP  Emenari Ifeanyi  PhD., psc., mnips deploys Tactical Commanders to troubled areas in Benue and charge them to restrategize and confront security challenges bedeviling communities. He gave this directive during an emergency meeting held at Police Officers Mess, Makurdi on 3rd May  2025 with Senior Police Officers Area Commanders Tactical Commanders and DPOs . He encouraged commanders to work with other Quasi security outfits within their AOR emphasizing the need for community policing which is a policing style that puts all hands on deck.  He reiterates zero tolerance for corruption and all forms of unprofessional conduct that  can give the Nigeria Police Force a bad name and promised reward for police officers that are very professional in carrying out their duties. The CP declares his willingness to collaborate with all secur...

 Countries that offer Nigerians five-year multiple entry visa By Samuel Oamen Nigerian passport holders seeking long-term access to foreign countries for business, tourism, or family visits can now benefit from more liberal visa policies offered by several nations. Some countries grant Nigerians a five-year multiple entry visa, allowing holders to enter and exit the destination several times without applying for a new visa for each trip. These long-duration visas significantly ease the burden of frequent travel, reduce costs, and enhance convenience, especially for business professionals and diaspora families. Frequent travelers, business professionals, and individuals with consistent international travel history are generally more likely to qualify for long-term visas. Here is a list of countries that offer Nigerians a five-year multiple entry visa. 1. United States of America (USA) The U.S. offers a B1/B2 visa, which covers business and tourism, with a validity of five years for ...

 CAN supports US envoy on peace talks with MACBAN The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has backed the recent peace meeting between the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard M. Mills Jnr. and Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN). The body said it encourages open and honest dialogue among all stakeholders, both local and international, to restore peace in Nigeria.  CAN stated that only “trusted platforms like the Nigerian Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) provide the ideal space to raise concerns and work together towards practical, sustainable solutions” to peace efforts in the troubled middle belt states.  Ambassador Mills on Monday met with MACBAN leaders in Abuja.  Rising from the meeting, the U.S. Embassy posted the following on its verified “X” handle: “Today, Ambassador Mills met with the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria to hear about the concerns of herder communities. The meeting included discussion of th...

 Barcelona fight back to hold Inter in six-goal thriller  Barcelona fought back from two goals down to force a dramatic 3-3 draw against Inter Milan in a pulsating first leg of their Champions League semi-final at the iconic Camp Nou on Wednesday night. The match, a rollercoaster of emotions, saw both teams go toe-to-toe in a thrilling encounter that had fans on the edge of their seats from the first minute. It was Inter Milan who struck first with a stunning piece of play in the opening minute. Denzel Dumfries delivered a perfect cross into the box, and Marcus Thuram executed a sublime back-heel finish to give the visitors the lead, 1-0. Barcelona‘s early struggles continued as Dumfries doubled Inter’s advantage just 21 minutes later. His clinical strike from inside the box, following a header from Francesco Acerbi, left Barcelona reeling at 2-0. However, the hosts soon began to find their rhythm. Barcelona’s young sensation, Lamine Yamal, reduced the deficit with a brilliant...

 Flat of horror: UK man stabbed to death, woman held for murder A quiet Friday night turned into a scene of chaos and tragedy as a man in his 30s was brutally stabbed to death inside a flat, sparking a murder probe. Merseyside Police confirmed that officers raced to the property in St Helens at 10:25pm after receiving reports of a violent incident. Sirens shattered the calm as both police and paramedics swarmed the area. According to the UK Sun, dsespite desperate efforts by emergency crews, the man was pronounced dead at the scene. A 39-year-old woman has since been arrested on suspicion of murder and is currently in custody. “The investigation is still in its early stages,” police said in a statement, as forensic teams combed the scene for clues overnight. The shocking death has left residents in disbelief, with many describing the moment they heard sirens and saw flashing lights flood the street. More updates are expected as detectives continue their probe into the harrowing inc...

 Turkey: ‘I’ll remember this season for the rest of my life’ — Osimhen Nigeria forward Victor Osimhen has said he will remember this season for the rest of his career. Osimhen set a new personal goals record after netting a brace in Galatasaray’s 4-1 victory over Sivasspor at the RAMS Park on Saturday night. The Nigerian has now scored 33 goals across all competitions for the Yellow and Reds, surpassing the 31 he registered two years ago for Napoli. “It was important to break my record in my first season. I am at one of the most important clubs in the world. The biggest club in Türkiye,” he told the club’s official website. “I would like to thank my family and friends for helping me. I would like to thank the technical team and the club staff. They never left me alone. This season is a memory that I will remember for the rest of my life.” Galatasaray are on course to win a third consecutive Turkish Super Lig title. Okan Buruk’s side are now eight points clear of bitter rivals Fener...

 Osun 2026: Gov Adeleke denies APC defection claim Osun State Government has dismissed as false and misleading the claim by the All Progressives Congress, APC, that Governor Ademola Adeleke attempted to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. A statement issued on Saturday by the Governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, described the claim as “hallucination”, asserting that Governor Adeleke had never negotiated or considered leaving the PDP at any time. “At no time, past or present, has Governor Ademola Adeleke negotiated or considered defection from the Peoples Democratic Party. Such an idea has never been and will never be on the table.” He noted that the Governor, who unseated an incumbent, Adegboyega Oyetola, in 2022, has continued to deliver on his electoral promises and enjoys widespread support among the people of Osun State. “Governor Adeleke has achieved in under three years what the APC could not deliver in twelve. He has no need for a party widely criticised and ...

 BAUCHI STATE POLICE COMMAND PRESS RELEASE  4th May 2025   The Editors,                                 CRIME BULLETIN Four individuals producing counterfeit herbicides have been apprehended in Inkil, as the Command is initiating an extensive investigation.  On May 3, 2025, at about 13:30 hours, a team of detectives attached to the Monitoring Unit of the Command upon credible intelligence regarding the mass production of counterfeit herbicides in a residential area within Bauchi Metropolitan. The individuals detained include:   1. Usman Suleman, male, aged 21 years, of Karofin Madaki,   2. Ahmad Musa, male, aged 20 years, of Wuntin Dada, and   3. Muhammad Nuhu, male, aged 17 years, of Fadaman Mada—all residents within the Bauchi metropolis.   The defendants were discovered and apprehended while in the process of producing these illicit sub...

 INEC Debunks Rumours of Voter Registration Resumption Date The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed reports claiming that the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, including services such as the transfer and replacement of lost Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), will resume on May 27, 2025. The commission described the circulating message as false and urged the public to disregard it. In a statement issued on Sunday via X by Rotimi Oyekanmi, Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, the commission clarified that no official date has been set for the resumption of these activities. INEC emphasized that any authentic announcement regarding the CVR would be communicated through its verified social media platforms and other official channels. “The Independent National Electoral Commission has not announced any date for the resumption of the Continuous Voter Registration, Transfer, and Replacement of lost Permanent Voters’ Cards,” the statement read. “The...

 May 10 uncertain for Ukraine – Russia on Zelenskyy’s warning to visiting leaders Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has issued a stark warning of grave consequences should Ukraine disrupt the forthcoming Victory Day celebrations in Moscow. Leaders from China, India, Brazil, and several EU countries are expected to attend events marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany. Medvedev, responding to what he described as President Zelenskyy’s “verbal provocation” regarding the commemoration, stated that Ukraine would face severe repercussions should Kyiv launch any form of attack. “If there is an actual provocation on May 9, no one can guarantee that Kyiv will live until May 10,” the Deputy Chairman of Russia’s Security Council wrote on Telegram. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had earlier remarked that Ukraine could not guarantee the safety of foreign dignitaries planning to attend the May 9 Victory Day parade. Zelenskyy told journalists that Russi...

 Tinubu being deceived by defections to APC – Dele Momodu Dele Momodu Ovation magazine publisher Dele Momodu has expressed doubt about President Bola Tinubu’s knowledge of his administration’s performance amid the gale of defections to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Momodu, who spoke on Soni Irabor Live, a programme on News Central, on Saturday, hinted that Tinubu may have a false perception of things and may not fully grasp the extent of Nigeria’s current predicament. He added that Tinubu should not be blamed if he feels he is the greatest thing to ever happen to the country, given the number of defectors being welcomed to the APC. “If you are joining a new party, you should be able to tell us what that party has done for the people and then it becomes a lot easier for us to follow you so that even the doubting and unbelieving Thomases can follow you and say ‘oh, this party has done extremely well’. “But everywhere you turn in Nigeria, people are crying. I have never seen th...

 Akpabio-Natasha Saga: Whatever You See Happening To Someone Can Happen To You -Shehu Sani  “Allegations of sexual harassment is a serious issue that destroys the reputation of the accused person and traumatises his family. Therefore, it cannot be credible without any concrete evidence or proof.  “If the society comes to accept any of such allegations without asking for proof or evidence, no man or woman is safe. Its a historical fact that many women have fallen victims of genuine sexual harassment and it’s also a historical fact that many men have fallen victims of false allegations of sexual harassment.  “If whatever a man or a woman says about you is true even without evidence, then no one is safe. The statement made by Barister Olisa Agbakoba, SAN in demanding for evidence is in the right direction. Whatever you see happening to someone can happen to you.” -Senator Shehu Sani, May 2025

 15 People Killed in Tragic Eastern Cape Crash A deadly road accident has claimed the lives of 15 people and left five others injured on the R63 road between Adelaide and Maqoma (Fort Beaufort) in the Eastern Cape. The crash occurred last night and involved a fully loaded minibus taxi and an Isuzu bakkie. Reports indicate that the white Toyota Quantum taxi was traveling from Qonce (formerly King William's Town) to Cape Town when it collided head-on with the bakkie, which was coming from Adelaide heading towards Kwamaqoma. Eastern Cape Department of Transport spokesperson, Unathi Binqose, confirmed that both drivers were among those who died. An inquest has been launched to investigate the cause of the accident. More photos below. 

 OTCI RESOLVES MANDATE ISSUES BETWEEN GOVERNMENT AGENCIES  The Office of Transformation, Creativity, and Innovation (OTCI) has successfully resolved contentious overlapping functions between the Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development (MWID) and the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (MEMR) on mandate delineation. Speaking at a Stakeholders' Engagement held recently in Alausa,  Mrs. Toyin Anjous-Ademuyiwa, Director-General of OTCI, said the meeting was convened to resolve the lingering mandate overlap between the two Ministries, especially concerning their individual responsibilities relating to Dredging and Mining across the State. According to her, there was a need to establish a clear delineation of responsibilities on dredging, mining, and mineral resources. Delineation, she said, will not only enhance efficient governance but also prevent future conflicts between the two Ministries. Anjous-Ademuyiwa emphasised the Office's role in ensuring seamless go...

 Awka South Mayor Inaugurates Immunization Task Force, Flags Off First Round of NIDDs By Chukwuemeka Orji  In a significant move to enhance routine immunization efforts, the Mayor of Awka South Local Government Area, Prince Chindu Okafor has inaugurated an Immunization Task Force aimed at strengthening campaign exercises at the grassroots level. Speaking at the inauguration ceremony held at the Awka South Headquarters podium, Prince Okafor urged the newly appointed task force to ensure effective leadership coordination in advancing routine immunization campaigns. He emphasized the importance of quality immunization efforts in eradicating polio and other vaccine-preventable diseases across communities in Awka South. "The prudent management of funds for the task ahead will be crucial to the success of this initiative. I urge the team to recruit competent personnel who will help drive mobilization efforts for immunization campaigns in the target areas," the Mayor stated. The Dir...