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 Press Release  FGSHLB PARTNERS WITH MOFI ON PROVISION OF HOUSING LOANS TO PUBLIC SERVANTS  In line with its mandate to provide housing loans to federal public servants, the Federal Government Staff Housing Loans Board (FGSHLB) has announced its partnership with the Ministry of Finance Incorporated ( MOFI) on the provision of housing loans to federal public servants.  The partnership with MOFI is to offer housing loans to federal public servants up to Fifty Million Naira (N50m) at a higher single digit interest rate with a maximum repayment period of twenty five (25) years. This was made public through a notice signed by Salamatu Ladi Ahmed, the Executive Secretary of the Loans Board, and dispatched to all the federal parastatals, military, para military, police and other interested agencies.  This initiative is to encourage increased home ownership  among federal public servants, promote stability and security, and contribute to their overall well-being an...

  LASG ENSURES JUSTICE FOR ASSAULTED LADY DRIVER IN VIRAL LEKKI INCIDENT  … As Perpetrator Gets Three-Month Jail Term, Fines The Lagos State Government, through its Office of the Public Defender (OPD), Ministry of Justice, has been commended for its swift and decisive action in ensuring justice for Mrs. Yetunde Amole, the lady driver who was violently assaulted on the Lekki-Epe Expressway on Monday, April 7, 2025.  The harrowing incident, captured in a viral video, sparked public outrage and prompted immediate intervention from the state authorities. Mrs. Amole, visibly moved, expressed her profound gratitude to the Lagos State Government and the OPD for their unwavering support.  Speaking after the sentencing of her assailant, Mr. Friday Frank Onu, in a reputable court of law, she stated, "The officials of the Office of the Public Defenders, Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Ajah Zone, led by Mrs. G.U. Osilama-Otu, demonstrated remarkable dedication from the moment t...

 In a horrifying incident that has shaken Guwahati, a woman and her alleged lover have been arrested for the murder of her minor son. The accused, Deepali Rajbongshi, and her partner, Jitumoni Haloi, were taken into custody after police investigations revealed their involvement in the killing of Mrinmoy Barman, Deepali’s young son. The two were produced in court on Monday, while the child’s body remains at the Gauhati Medical College Hospital (GMCH) morgue. The crime reportedly took place in Beltola Bazaar, where Mrinmoy was last seen alive. Police have cited CCTV footage as critical in uncovering the timeline of the crime. The footage shows the boy heading toward tuition at around 6:41 PM on Saturday and later being transported on a motorcycle by Jitumoni. In what police describe as a staged attempt to confuse investigators, Jitumoni was seen visiting shops in the area and pretending to search for the child after his disappearance. The victim’s father, Bikash Barman, who had divor...

 Y2025 MPB: LAGOS RECORDS 45% REVENUE INCREASE, GENERATES ₦1.3 TRILLION IN 2024 Lagos State has demonstrated robust economic growth, generating a record-breaking ₦1.3 trillion in revenue in 2024, marking a significant 45% increase from the ₦895 billion recorded in 2023.  This impressive financial performance was revealed by the Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Abayomi Oluyomi, during the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing, held today at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre in Alausa, as part of the activities commemorating the second year of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu's second term in office. Commissioner Oluyomi also highlighted the state's success in property tax collection, revealing that over ₦14 billion was generated through the Land Use Charge, representing a substantial 37% rise in property tax revenue compared to the previous year. Mr. Oluyomi emphasised the pivotal role of the Ministry of Finance in driving the economic growth and development of Lagos State, underscoring its al...

 OPHK: TROOPS NEUTRALIZE SCORES OF ISWAP/BOKOHARAM INSURGENTS IN SAMBISA FOREST In a renewed offensive against ISWAP/BokoHaram terrorists hibernating within the Sambisa Forest, troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have  launched a successful operation on May 11, 2025, during the operation in Ladin Buttu, which is one of the key terrorist enclaves, troops engaged the insurgents in a fierce battle, leveraging their superior firepower and dexterity to neutralize several terrorists. The troops also recovered weapons and other ordnance. Further operations in the area revealed signs of blood on the terrorists' withdrawal routes, indicating that those who escaped suffered gunshot wounds. Ladin Buttu is a strategic location for the insurgents, allowing them to coordinate logistics and move within the forest. Operations HADIN KAI leadership commended the troops for their bravery and tactical prowess, noting that the exploit aligns with the recent operational directives of the Chief of...

 In a dramatic escalation of the insurgency in Pakistan’s restive Balochistan province, the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed responsibility for 71 coordinated attacks across 51 locations, targeting Pakistani military and intelligence installations. The group declared the strikes a message of defiance and strength, asserting its role as a “dynamic and decisive party” shaping the future of South Asia. Rejecting long-standing Pakistani claims that it operates as a foreign proxy, the BLA said it is pursuing an independent struggle for Baloch sovereignty. The organization condemned Islamabad for what it called “duplicity” in promoting terrorism under the pretext of peace dialogues, alleging that such narratives are a strategic cover for continued state-sponsored violence. In a rare and provocative move, the BLA also addressed India, warning that Pakistan’s peace overtures should not be taken at face value. Calling them “deceptive war tactics,” the group implied that the regional...

 Undocumented Foreign National Arrested with Drugs Worth R150,000 in Mokopane A 38-year-old foreign national has been arrested after being found in possession of drugs worth around R150,000 in Mokopane. On Friday, 9 May 2025, at about 15:30, the Provincial Organised Crime Unit acted on a tip-off about a man allegedly selling drugs in the area. The suspect was reportedly using a white Volkswagen Polo with Limpopo plates. Police, with the help of a private security company, spotted the vehicle on Thabo Mbeki Street. When the suspect noticed the officers, he tried to drive away, leading to a short chase. The car was stopped and searched. A box containing Kat drugs was found on the passenger seat. The suspect was arrested on the spot and faces charges of drug dealing and possession. He is expected to appear in the Mokopane Magistrate's Court on Monday, 12 May 2025.

 Court Jails Nine for Internet Fraud in Uyo Justices  Ijeoma Ojukwu and  Rosemary  Oghoghorie  Dugbo of the Federal High Court  Calabar have convicted and sentenced nine fraudsters to jail. The convicts are: Nsofor Charles Ochiabutor, Aneikan Monday Akpan, Igwe Greg, Ubong Emmanuel and Columba Chukwubuikem David. Others are: Edet Christopher Asuquo, Justice  Chinonso, David Sunday Aniete and Fidelis Andrew Effiom. They were prosecuted by the Uyo Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on separate charges, bordering  on obtaining by false pretence, retention of proceeds of crime,  money laundering and impersonation. The charge against Ochiabutor reads: “That you, Nsofor Charles Ochiabutor "M" sometime in 2023 within the jurisdiction of this Honorable court did take possession and control of $3000 (Three Thousand United States Dollars) intentionally knowing that the money formed part of the proceeds of an unlawfu...

 House of Reps Declares Nigeria’s Shift from Potential to Performance Under Tinubu The House of Representatives has announced that Nigeria is moving from potential to tangible performance under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu made the declaration while unveiling the House’s 8-pillar Legislative Agenda 2.0 during the inaugural National Policy Dialogue on the Legislative Agenda in Abuja. Kalu described the event as a vital platform for policy engagement, bringing together legislators, policymakers, academics, civil society, and development partners to prioritize legislative debates for national progress. He praised President Tinubu’s “transformative and visionary leadership,” which he said is driving reforms in fiscal restructuring and security, laying a resilient foundation for national prosperity. The Deputy Speaker highlighted that the 10th House, led by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas since its inauguration on June 13, 2023, has considered 1,059 bills ...

 STATEMENT FROM THE LABOUR PARTY Multiple threats to Abure, NWC members: Labour Party wants President Tinubu to rein in Governor Otti  The attention of the National Working Committee of the Labour Party has been drawn to a statement issued by Abia State governor, Dr Alex Otti where he again disparaged the National Chairman of the Labour Party, Barrister Julius Abure and even called for the arrest of our National Chairman. We are not only condemning this despicable action of the governor who was recently suspended by the party but are also seeking the intervention of well meaning Nigerians including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to persuade the governor from further threat to our party and the leadership.  We ordinarily do not always respond to the rantings of most of our members who are undergoing disciplinary actions but on a deeper reflection and going by recent actions especially by this same governor, we deemed it necessary to point out that several threats coming from ...

 Court Jails Two Six Months for Naira Abuse in Lagos   The Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,  on Thursday, May 8, 2025, secured the conviction and sentence of the duo of Babatunde Peter Olaitan and Tobilola Olamide to six months imprisonment each for mutilation of the Naira notes.   They were jailed by Justice Alexander Owoeye of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos.   The convicts were arraigned on a separate one-count charge of tampering with the Naira notes and spraying, to which they each pleaded “guilty”.    The charge against Olaitan reads: “That you, BABATUNDE PETER OLAITAN, on 8th April 2025, at 23, Macdonald Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, whilst dancing during a social event, tampered with funds in the denomination of N200 (Two Hundred Naira) issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria by spraying it, and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and p...

 IGP CELEBRATES FORMER IGP ALIYU IBRAHIM ATTA ON HIS 88TH BIRTHDAY The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, on behalf of the Nigeria Police Force, heartily congratulates retired Inspector-General of Police, Aliyu Ibrahim Atta, GCON, CFR, NPM, mni, as he marks his 88th birthday today, Monday, 12th May, 2025. IGP Egbetokun extols the remarkable life and career of IGP Atta, a towering figure in the annals of Nigerian policing whose wisdom, discipline, and visionary leadership helped shape the Force during a critical era of national development. As one of the most distinguished elder statesmen in the policing community, IGP Atta’s contributions to nation-building, public service, and institutional integrity remain a reference point in law enforcement history. The Nigeria Police Force honours his dedication, noble legacy, and continued inspiration to generations of police officers. His journey stands as a testament to enduring service and patriotic commi...

 Court Orders Interim Forfeiture of N31m, Four Properties in Lagos    Justice Alexander Owoeye of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on May 8, 2025, ordered the interim forfeiture of the sum of N31,000,000( Thirty One Million Naira only) and four properties linked to one Obiajulu Emeka Emmanuel.   The properties are: a four-bedroom terrace duplex; a three-bedroom terrace duplex; four units of one-bedroom apartments and two units of two bedroom apartments situated in various locations across Lagos State.    The judge gave the order, following a motion ex-parte filed by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,  through its lawyer, C. C.Okezie.    Moving the application for the interim forfeiture order, Okezie told the court that the application was supported by an eight- paragraph affidavit deposed to by Yusuf Hassan, an investigating officer of the EFCC.   She told the court that the pr...

 South Sudan hosts nearly 560,000 refugees, asylum seekers: UNHCR South Sudan is currently hosting 559,615 refugees and asylum seekers across 142,432 households, settled in 29 locations across the country as of April, the United Nations refugee agency said on Monday, Xinhua reported. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said the total number comprises 555,814 registered refugees and 3,801 asylum seekers. "The vast majority, 527,951 individuals, are Sudanese refugees, followed by populations from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Eritrea, the Central African Republic, and other nationalities," the UNHCR said in its latest report released in Juba, the capital of South Sudan. As for the asylum-seeker population, Ethiopians, who account for 34 percent, and Eritreans, who form 35.1 percent, make the biggest groups, followed by Ugandans, Burundians, and Congolese, said the UNHCR. South Sudan continues to grant temporary refugee status to those fle...

  Gang Attacks Osun Amotekun Command, Injures Five Officers The Osun State Amotekun Corps has confirmed an attack on its Awo Command in Egbedore Local Government Area by a notorious gang led by a wanted thug, Ismaila Aluko. According to a statement issued on Monday by the corps’ spokesperson, Yusuf Idowu, the incident occurred last weekend following an invitation from the Oniwoye of Iwoye, who sought the assistance of Amotekun over an alleged illegal burial on ancestral land. Idowu said four personnel were deployed to the site, but upon arrival, they discovered that the burial had already taken place. He added, “Shockingly, a notorious and long-wanted thug, Ismaila Aluko, emerged from hiding with a gang of armed collaborators and launched a brutal attack on the operatives, injuring them in the process.” He said the officers were forced to tactically withdraw to the command head office in Awo to avoid further confrontation. However, the situation escalated when the gang regrouped an...

Ex-Bayelsa Military Administrator Olubolade Dies at 70 Former Military Administrator of Bayelsa State and retired naval officer, Navy Captain Omoniyi Caleb Olubolade (rtd), has died at the age of 70. Olubolade, who marked his 70th birthday on November 30, 2024, passed away on Sunday, May 11, in Apapa, Lagos. His death was announced in a statement signed by his first daughter, Oluwayemisi Akinadewo and first son, Dayo Olubolade. According to the statement, Olubolade, who also served as the Minister of Special Duties, Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, and Minister of Police Affairs, collapsed while playing lawn tennis. The statement reads, “He drove himself to the facility to play lawn tennis in the evening and slumped while playing. Efforts were made by medical officers around to revive him to no avail. “He was immediately rushed to Obisesan Naval Medical Hospital, Apapa, where he was pronounced dead. 

 25 years after, NDLEA gets forensic labs in Abuja, Enugu, trains 20 officers . Breaking the agelong jinx is a significant milestone in the Agency’s history, says Marwa . As US-INL donates forensic equipment to enhance Lagos lab After over 25 years of conducting forensic analysis in a single laboratory facility in Lagos, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has established two new laboratories and upgraded the existing one to enhance accessibility, expedite timely analysis, and prosecute cases efficiently following a surge in drug seizures over the past months. The two additional laboratories built in Abuja and Enugu are strategically located and equipped with state- of -the -art facilities designed to meet the highest standards of quality and safety protocols, as well as ensuring a safe working environment. Excited about the development, the Chairman/Chief Executive of the Agency, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) said “the newly constructed laboratories will enable us...

 One arrested as NSCDC, military uncover illegal refinery in Anambra 12th May 2025 The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Anambra State chapter, has arrested a suspect following the discovery of an illegal artisanal refinery and illegal petrol station at Y-Junction, Nkwelle Ezunaka in Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State. A statement released on Sunday by the Head of Media and Tactical, NSCDC, Anambra State Command, Okadigbo Edwin, disclosed that the discovery followed a joint coordinated operation involving the Nigerian Army and the Navy. Edwin said the team conducted the raid on Saturday following credible intelligence of suspected illegal dealings in petroleum products within the area. He added that a suspect was arrested while others fled the scene. He further disclosed that a couple of petroleum products were intercepted and seized. He listed some of the exhibits to include 49 kegs of 25 litres suspected adulterated Automotive Gas Oil, four drums of 200 litres eac...

 Trump announces he’ll sign executive order that aims to cut drug prices President Donald Trump announced Sunday that he plans to resurrect a controversial policy from his first term that aims to reduce drug costs by basing payments for certain medicines on their prices in other countries. His prior rule, called “Most Favored Nation,” was finalized in late 2020 but blocked by federal courts and rescinded by then-President Joe Biden in 2021. It would have applied to Medicare payments for certain drugs administered in doctors’ offices. However, it is unclear what payments or drugs the new directive would apply to. In a Truth Social post Sunday evening, Trump said he plans to sign an executive order Monday morning that he argues would drastically lower drug prices. “I will be signing one of the most consequential Executive Orders in our Country’s history. Prescription Drug and Pharmaceutical prices will be REDUCED, almost immediately, by 30% to 80%,” he wrote. “I will be instituting a...

 Kurdish PKK Militants Announce Decision to Dissolve After Decades-Long Conflict with Turkey May 12, 2025 – Ankara, Turkey In a historic development marking the potential end of one of the most protracted and deadly insurgencies in the region, the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) announced on Monday its decision to officially dissolve its armed wing, bringing an end to more than four decades of conflict with the Turkish state. In a statement released through its affiliated media, senior PKK leaders said the decision came after extensive internal discussions and in response to “the changing political dynamics in the Middle East and the aspirations of the Kurdish people for a peaceful and democratic future.” The group indicated that it would transition from armed struggle to peaceful political engagement, although it provided limited details on the next steps. "The time has come to open a new chapter based on dialogue, rights, and democratic participation," the PKK statement ...

 Netanyahu vows further fighting despite planned US-Israeli hostage release May 12, 2025 Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said there would be no ceasefire in exchange for Hamas’s release of a US-Israeli hostage, who a source close to the group said could be freed Monday. Hamas on Sunday said it would release Edan Alexander, a US-Israeli soldier held in Gaza, ahead of a visit by US President Donald Trump to the region, and as the group revealed it was engaged in direct talks with Washington towards a ceasefire. No date was given, but a source close to Hamas told AFP 21-year-old Alexander would “most likely” be released on Monday or Tuesday. “Most likely, Edan will be released today or tomorrow, Tuesday, but this requires securing field conditions,” the source said. Hamas had demanded that American envoys ensure a “halt to all Israeli military operations… to create a safe corridor” for his transfer to the Red Cross, the source added. The source said the Palestinian militant...

  France plans to respond firmly after Algeria expels more officials May 12, 2025  France will respond to Algeria's "unjustified" decision to expel 15 French officials, Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said on Monday, as relations between the countries worsened further. France's ties with its former colony have long been complicated, but took a turn for the worse last year when President Emmanuel Macron angered Algeria by backing Morocco's position over the disputed Western Sahara region. There had been a short-lived thaw in tensions last month after Barrot visited Algiers, but a week later tit for tat diplomatic expulsions once again strained ties. Algeria's press agency APS reported on Monday that France's charge d'affaires had been informed that 15 French diplomatic agents were in irregular positions and would be expelled. "The departure of agents on temporary missions is unjustified and as I did last month, we will respond immediately and in ...

 I’m not Interested in AMVCA – Ibrahim Chatta fumes over award snub Veteran Nigerian actor, Ibrahim Chatta, has claimed he is not interested in winning the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards, AMVCA. Ibrahim Chatta, who was nominated for the Best Lead Actor for his role in the ‘House of GAA’ lost the award to Femi Adebayo (‘Seven Doors’). However, reacting to his loss during his appearance on the ‘Curiosity made me ask’ podcast on Sunday, Chatta noted that he’s not interested in the AMVCA award. Isbae U, the host asked “Will you say you are not rated at your job? When you get home, pray that you should win AMVCA too”. Chatta replied; “I’m not interested”. The 11th edition of the AMVCA award was held in Lagos state on Saturday night.

 FULL LIST: Femi Adebayo, Mercy Aigbe, others wins at 2025 AMVCA The 2025 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) which took place at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos, aims to recognise and celebrate outstanding achievements in the African film and television industry. Some notable winners include Lateef Adedimeji’s “Lisabi: The Uprising,” which won Best Indigenous Language (West Africa). Femi Adebayo and Chioma Chukwuka have also been recognised for their outstanding performances in “Seven Doors,” taking home the Best Lead Actor and Best Lead Actress awards, respectively. The event promises to be a spectacular celebration of African cinematic excellence. Below is the full list of winners:  Best Costume Design Adedamola Adeyemi – Christmas In Lagos — WINNER Toyin Ogundeji – Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre Bolanle Austen- Peters, Yolanda Okereke, Juliana Dede, Gloria Oyu – House Of Ga’a Oluwatoyin Balogun, Oyebade Adeimpe Adedimeji – Lisabi: The Uprising Opeyemi Sogeke – Ph...

 ‘No organ was missing’ — family of slain Iniubong Umoren denies allegation against Akpabio Ifiok Umoren, the elder sister of the late Iniubong Umoren, has refuted claims that the deceased organs were harvested following her murder in April 2021. Ifiok spoke on Saturday at a press conference held in Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom, in response to recent claims by Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, suspended senator representing Kogi central, that Senate President Godswill Akpabio was involved in harvesting Iniubong’s organ to save his wife. Sandra Duru, a United Kingdom (UK)-based activist, popularly known as Professor Mgbeke, had alleged that Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan offered her N200 million to falsely accuse Akpabio of organ harvesting. The activist made the claim during a live Facebook session and said there are recordings where the suspended senator admitted having no evidence against the senate president. Akpoti-Uduaghan has since denied the allegation, dismissing the live stream content a...

 Snakes, Lizards Invade Benue Schools as Teachers, Pupils Abandon Classrooms Public primary schools in Owukpa, Benue State, are on the brink of collapse, with deserted classrooms overtaken by snakes and lizards due to years of government neglect, insecurity, and lack of teachers. Iconic institutions like LGEA Primary Schools in Ikwo, Ekere, Achi, and Udaburu now lie in ruins—some without a single pupil or teacher. In schools still operational, one or two teachers manage entire student bodies, often fewer than ten pupils. Community leaders, former teachers, and alumni lament the government's failure to recruit replacements since the last major teacher hiring in 2007. The reversal of recent employment by Governor Hyacinth Alia has worsened the crisis. Despite widespread decay and appeals for intervention, the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) denied knowledge of the situation, insisting head teachers failed to report the decline. Repeated efforts to reach education author...

 Saraki to chair PDP reconciliation committee ahead of NEC meeting The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has set up a committee headed by a former Senate president, Bukola Saraki, to reconcile aggrieved members ahead of its National Executive Committee meeting. This was disclosed at the end of a meeting held at the Abuja lodge of the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum and Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, on Sunday night. The meeting also had the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in attendance. He, however, did not speak to journalists. Some of the governors present at the meeting included Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), and Peter Mbah (Enugu). Others were former governors of Cross River, Liyel Imoke, Achike Udenwa of Imo, Olagunsoye Oyinlola of Osun, Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia, and Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa. The PDP Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagun, a former Caretaker Committee Chairman,...

  Nobody is above the law. Tompolo will have questions to answer- EFCC responded to those daring the agency that they can't arrest Tompolo after a video surfaced the internet of Tompolo dancing and a man was spraying money.  Watch video below.