PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 The family of Nollywood actress and body positivity advocate Monalisa Ayobami Stephen has announced that she will be laid to rest on Thursday, May 22, 2025, in a private interment ceremony.   Monalisa, aged 34, passed away on May 13 in Lagos after reportedly suffering complications from low blood sugar and internal bleeding. The heartbreaking news was first confirmed by journalist, Seun Oloketuyi.   Known for her standout roles in ‘Breaded Life’ (2021) and ‘Mami Wata’ (2023), Monalisa wasn’t just a screen presence—she was a fearless voice for plus-size women, mental health awareness, and radical self-love.   In a statement posted to her official Instagram page, her family wrote:   “We lay our beloved Monalisa Ayobami Stephen to rest this Thursday, May 22nd, 2025. In honour of her wishes and the family’s, this will be a private ceremony. We ask for continued prayers and respect for her memory during this time. Forever in our hearts.”   Monalisa’s final Inst...

 Enugu Yet to Receive 13% Oil Revenue, Governor Mbah Urges Federal Action Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah has called on the Federal Government to expedite the inclusion of Enugu in the 13% oil revenue derivation fund, as stipulated by the 1999 Constitution. The governor made the appeal during a meeting with the Indices and Disbursement Committee of the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation, and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) at the Government House in Enugu on Wednesday. The RMAFC had officially recognized Enugu as an oil-producing state in December 2022, based on the recommendations of its Inter-agency Technical Committee. The committee identified Enugu as eligible for the 13% derivation from oil fields in the Anambra River Basin 1, 2, and 3. However, Governor Mbah expressed regret that the state has yet to receive these funds. “We still have this pending issue of Enugu State being recognized as an oil-producing state, which your office communicated to us in December 2022,” Mbah said. “It i...

 Protesters Storm UAE Embassy in Abuja, Demand Deportation of Ex-NNPC Chief Mele Kyari Hundreds of young Nigerian professionals, under the banner of the Young Professionals Forum (YPF), stormed the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Embassy in Abuja on Wednesday, demanding the immediate deportation of Mele Kyari, former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). The protesters called for Kyari to return to Nigeria to face investigations into alleged corruption during his tenure from 2019 to 2025. Led by Barrister Sambari Benjamin, the YPF accused Kyari of engaging in corrupt practices that severely impacted Nigeria’s economy, particularly its energy sector. The group alleged that Kyari’s leadership was marked by deliberate obstruction of local refining initiatives, personal enrichment, and a disregard for national interests, leading to crippled productivity, drained foreign exchange reserves, and increased consumer exposure to adulterated petr...

  Super Eagles Coach Eric Chelle Drops Osimhen, Lookman for Unity Cup and Russia Friendly Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has made a bold move by excluding star forwards Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman from the squad set to face Ghana in the upcoming Unity Cup and Russia in an international friendly. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed the 23-man squad list on Wednesday afternoon, sparking widespread discussion among fans. The Unity Cup, a four-nation tournament featuring Nigeria, Ghana, Jamaica, and Trinidad & Tobago, will take place from May 26 to 31, 2025. Nigeria will then travel to Moscow to face Russia in a historic first-ever senior international friendly at the Luzhniki Stadium on June 6, 2025. Chelle’s squad sees the return of goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, midfielder Frank Onyeka, forward Kelechi Iheanacho, and team captain Ahmed Musa, who will lead the side. The roster also includes a strong contingent from the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL)...

 A 43-year-old man from Bengaluru has sent a legal notice to the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), demanding ₹50 lakh as compensation for the pain and distress he claims were caused by the city’s broken and unsafe roads.  The man, Dhivya Kiran, lives in Richmond Town and says he has suffered both physically and emotionally due to the poor road conditions. In the notice, Kiran states that he has been dealing with “severe neck and back pain” due to the jerks and trauma of traveling on damaged roads filled with potholes and uneven surfaces. He has visited orthopedic doctors multiple times and was treated at St. Philomena’s Hospital, receiving injections and undergoing medical care for his condition. He also mentioned mental distress, including anxiety, sleepless nights, and a major impact on his daily life. Kiran claims that he can no longer use autos or two-wheelers and even cab rides have become painful, affecting his personal freedom and professional responsibilities....

 Limpopo radio DJ arrested for allegedly raping a minor relative A 34-year-old prominent radio personality from the Vhembe District, Limpopo, has been arrested on charges of sexually assaulting a 06-year-old relative at her residence in Mpheni Block B. The suspect, who works as a DJ at a radio station based in Thohoyandou, was apprehended on Monday following a thorough investigation by Waterval SAPS detectives. He made his initial appearance before the Waterval Magistrate's Court on Tuesday, where proceedings were postponed to 27 May 2025 for a formal bail application. Police reports indicate that the incident allegedly occurred on 12 May 2025 at approximately 15:30. The girl's mother, who was in Pretoria at the time, was notified by the child's grandmother that the minor was unwell. Upon returning home immediately, she learned that the child had already been taken to the hospital, where medical examination confirmed sexual assault. During subsequent interviews, the child d...

 ECOWAS COMMUNITY COURT OF JUSTICE  The Ministry of Justice, in collaboration with the Lagos State Judiciary, played a pivotal role in hosting and supporting the External Court Session and Sensitization Outreach of the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice held in Lagos from 5th to 16th in May 2025. The Chief Justice of Nigeria Hon. Justice Kudirat Kekere Ekun, the Chief Judge of Lagos State Jon. Justice Kazeem Alogba and the Governor of Lagos State Mr. Babajide Olushola Sanwo-Olu were physically present at the opening ceremony.   The programme, which marked a milestone in public legal education and sub-regional judicial engagement, was aimed at deepening the understanding of the role and jurisdiction of the ECOWAS Court among Nigerians and other West African citizens. It also enhanced citizens’ awareness of their rights under the ECOWAS legal framework. One more photo below. 

 IMO STATE GOVERNMENT LAUNCHES CLAMPDOWN ON VANDALS OF PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE  The Imo State Government has commenced a statewide crackdown on suspected vandals of public infrastructure, following a surge in reported cases of destruction and theft of government assets across the state. In a directive issued after a high-level meeting with Local Government Chairmen, Councillors, Supervisory Councillors, and Town Union leaders, Governor Hope Uzodimma ordered immediate action to identify and apprehend those responsible for damaging state-owned facilities. The meeting, which took place on Monday night, addressed growing concerns over the increasing vandalism of critical infrastructure including solar streetlights, transformer components, health centre equipment, school laboratory tools, and ICT facilities in public libraries. According to the Governor, these acts not only sabotage government investments but also endanger the lives and well-being of Imo citizens. Adding to the conce...

 A Kentucky couple both lost opposite arms attempting to cling to each other as a tornado roared through the area... leaving their home destroyed. Paul and Gail Cline were unfortunately directly in the path of the deadly tornado that struck London, Kentucky on Friday, May 16th. Paul and Gail's home was completely destroyed and the couple were trapped under debris with life threatening injuries after the storm had passed. Fortunately, a neighbor went to the home to check on his friends and heard Gail's cries for help. The couple was eventually freed from the debris and rushed to a local hospital with each of them having lost an arm.  Doctors and family alike attribute their injuries to the fact that Paul and Gail desperately clung to each other until they were literally ripped apart. How tragic.  Sadly, Gail Cline is currently on life support and continues to fight for her life. Doctors have reported Paul is improving and his prognosis seems promising. Not only their home,...

  As of May 21, 2025, Ivory Coast is experiencing significant unrest amid reports of a possible coup attempt in its capital, Abidjan.  Gunfire has been heard across the city, and social media accounts suggest a rapidly evolving crisis.  There are indications of a breakdown in government visibility and reports of nationwide internet disruptions.   This turmoil occurs against a backdrop of regional instability.  In April 2025, Burkina Faso's military government claimed to have thwarted a major coup plot allegedly orchestrated by individuals based in Ivory Coast.  Burkinabé authorities accused current and former soldiers, in collaboration with terrorist leaders, of planning an attack on the presidential palace to sow chaos and place the country under international supervision.   The current situation in Ivory Coast is reminiscent of past periods of instability, including the 1999 coup, civil wars from 2002–2007 and 2010–2011, and a military muti...

 STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES OPEYEMI BRIGHT AND JASON JACKSON, TWO BRITISH-NIGERIANS SWORN IN AS MAYORS IN LONDON President Bola Tinubu extends heartfelt felicitations to two British Nigerians, Opeyemi Bright and Jason Jackson, on their historic election and inauguration as mayors in London. The President commends Bright and Jackson for sustaining the legacy of good works by Nigerians in the diaspora and consistently promoting the values of honesty, integrity, hard work, and commitment to the well-being of others. Their stories, he says, will inspire countless young people—both at home and in the diaspora—to pursue excellence and serve their communities with distinction. Opeyemi Bright was sworn in as the Civic Mayor of Barking and Dagenham, making history as the borough's youngest-ever mayor at just 29, following seven years of outstanding service to her community. Jason Jackson has also become the first Nigerian-born Mayor of Islington since the boroug...

 PRESS RELEASE NPF CONDEMNS UNPROVOKED ATTACK ON IRT OPERATIVES IN EDO STATE As IGP Orders Investigation into Oyo Tragic Traffic Incident The Nigeria Police Force strongly condemns the unprovoked attack on police operatives in the early hours of Monday, 20th May 2025, at Okhuimwun Community in Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State. The operatives, who are members of the Force Intelligence Department - Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT), were in transit from Lagos through Edo State when they encountered a mob that had blocked the road immediately after the University of Benin (UNIBEN) axis. The mob, in an unlawful display of aggression, descended on the officers with stones, sticks, and other dangerous objects, inflicting serious injuries on two police personnel. It is noteworthy that despite the provocation and threat to life, the officers exercised commendable restraint by not resorting to the use of force. The injured officers are currently receiving medical attent...

 Access to X blocked in Tanzania - monitor Access to social media platform X in Tanzania has been blocked on major internet providers, the internet monitoring group NetBlocks reported. It comes a day after social media accounts of major government institutions were targeted and breached, raising fears of a coordinated cyberattack on government institutions. Earlier on Tuesday, Tanzania's police X account was hacked and used to publish hoax about the death of President Samia Suluhu Hassan. Police said the “false and misleading post”, which was pulled down, was published on their account by an external party, TRT Afrika reported. Tanzania's Minister of Information, Communications and Technology Jerry William Silaa confirmed the hack in parliament, adding that the YouTube account of the country's tax authority was also infiltrated. Public warned "The reason these accounts were compromised is that their security protocols were not sufficiently robust. These accounts have s...

 US officials deport Asian migrants to South Sudan US immigration officials have begun deporting about 12 South Asian migrants to South Sudan, according to a court filing and media reports. Immigration lawyers learned from a detention officer's email that a Burmese national, identified as "N.M." was "removed...to South Sudan", they wrote in a filing seeking the court's intervention and the return of the migrants.  A second migrant, a Vietnamese national identified as T.T.P. in the filing, "appears to have suffered the same fate" along with at least 10 others, AFP reported. The removal violates an earlier order, the lawyers said, noting they had last filed an emergency motion on May 7, after media reports indicated immigration officials were seeking to deport N.M. and others to Libya and Saudia Arabia. The court had sided with plaintiffs and "the men were ultimately transported back to an immigration detention center after remaining on a bus on...

 Traditional council: Protest as Oyo Assembly backtracks Two lawmakers staged a walkout on Tuesday when the Oyo State House of Assembly received the amended report of its committee reviewing the Council of Obas and Chiefs. The Assembly, facing backlash over the proposed amendment, reverted to a rotational chairmanship among the Alaafin of Oyo, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, and the Soun of Ogbomoso. The bill was passed during the plenary session, following the presentation of the report of the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters and State Honours by its Vice Chairman, Bamidele Adeola. It resolved that “the chairmanship position should be rotated among the Alaafin of Oyo, the Olubadan of Ibadanland and the Soun of Ogbomosoland.” The bill, which passed its second reading on the floor of the House last Thursday, generated heated arguments among the traditional rulers and stakeholders in the state. The bill initially proposed making Alaafin the permanent chairman, ...

 Missing Lagos banker’s body found in morgue with machete cuts Days after a Lagos banker, Osemudiamen Idemudia, was declared missing by his family, his body was discovered at a morgue in the Yaba area of the state. PUNCH Metro reported that Idemudia, who worked in the Point-of-Sale department of a commercial bank in the Ikota area of Lagos State, was last seen on the evening of May 9 in the CMS area of the state. A relative of the deceased, who identified himself simply as Segun, however, told our correspondent on Wednesday that the corpse was discovered on Sunday during a desperate search across hospitals and morgues in the state. The relative said the deceased 26-year-old banker was found with deep machete cuts on his head, face, and legs. He added that the discovery raised suspicions that he might have been murdered. “We have found Osemudiamen’s body. He was murdered. We found the body on Sunday in a morgue at Yaba with machete cuts on his head, face, and legs. I’m so sad.” Segu...

 PDP has incurable virus, can’t be adopted by opposition coalition – Babachir Lawal Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Babachir Lawal, has disclosed that the opposition coalition can’t adopt the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, because the party has incurable virus. Lawal made the claim while featuring on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Wednesday. He also disclosed that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is one of the most committed politicians working towards birthing an opposition coalition in Nigeria. Lawal said Atiku is the most active participant in the quest for the actualisation of the opposition coalition. Lawal said: “Atiku is entitled to his political ambition like every other Nigerian, it’s not for me to decide which platform Atiku will contest, it’s for him and his inner circle to decide. “In most of the political meetings I have attended with regards to merger or the new political platform, I have run into Atiku severally – he has been an act...

 2027: North West will judge Tinubu, APC governors — Baba-Ahmed A former Special Adviser on Political Matters to President Bola Tinubu, Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has said that residents of the North West will hold political leaders accountable in the 2027 general elections based on their experiences of violence, poverty and insecurity. Baba-Ahmed, who recently resigned from the Tinubu administration, made the statement while reacting to the endorsement of President Tinubu for a second term by the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the North West. The endorsement took place over the weekend in Kaduna, where Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abass, moved a motion in support of Tinubu’s re-election bid. The motion was seconded by Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, with APC governors in the region also receiving automatic tickets for a second term. APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, who announced the endorsements, said the President remained committed to the develop...

 Ogun Poly Rector Warns Freshers Against Cultism, Drugs, Bullying Acting Rector of First City Polytechnic, Abeokuta, Owoeye Michael, has cautioned new students to avoid cultism, drug abuse, bullying, and other social vices, stressing the institution's zero-tolerance policy.  Speaking at the school’s first matriculation ceremony, he urged parents to support their children's academic choices and encouraged students to embrace discipline, entrepreneurship, and self-reliance for a successful academic journey.

 Judge Warns Kanu’s Lawyer Over Social Media Posts as FG Opposes Live Streaming A Federal High Court judge has rebuked Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, for unprofessional social media posts and warned it could lead to disbarment. The Federal Government, represented by Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), also opposed calls for live streaming of the trial. Lead counsel Kanu Agabi (SAN) apologized for Ejimakor’s conduct. The trial resumed with DSS operatives testifying under cross-examination.

 One dead as trailer crashes into market along Lagos-Ibadan Expressway One person has been confirmed dead, others injured, and properties destroyed after a truck reportedly suffered brake failure and crashed into the busy Isheri Market in OPIC bus stop along Lagos-Ibadan expressway, on Wednesday morning. According to a motorcyclist who witnessed the incident, the truck was approaching the OPIC area when the driver lost control due to brake failure. “While I was at OPIC bus stop roundabout, a container coming from Lagos reached OPIC bus stop. When he was coming, there was no traffic on the express, he didn’t have brakes when he tried to enter the estate, he then crashed into the market and killed a person,” the motorcyclists. When asked if the truck driver was running from anyone, the eyewitness said, “No one was chasing him, it’s only him that was coming.” The truck reportedly attempted to avoid crashing into the estate gate by swerving to the right, but in doing so, it plowed thro...

 FCTA approves major contracts to fast-track infrastructure, security in Abuja …Streetlight upgrades, new roads, sewage systems, and security improvements top list of approved projects The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Executive Committee has greenlit a series of infrastructure and security contracts aimed at boosting urban development across the nation’s capital. The approvals were made during the Committee’s third meeting of the year, presided over by FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Chief Felix Obuah, Coordinator of the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC), disclosed that key contracts were awarded for the operation and maintenance of the Apo Erector, and an extension of services at the Wupa Basic Sewage Treatment Plant. Obuah also announced a two-month extension for solid waste collection and management across 40 districts of the FCT, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to enhancing sanitation and urban maintenance. Str...

 N’Assembly Workers Demand Return to Contributory Pension Scheme National Assembly staff have called for re-enrolment into the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), two years after being exempted under a 2023 law.  During a stakeholder session on pension reform in Abuja, the Clerk of the Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, said management now seeks a return to CPS despite the creation of a separate pension board. The House Committee on Pensions and other stakeholders, including PenCom, supported a review of the Pension Reform Act to address emerging issues and improve the system.

 Open Defecation, Refuse Dumps Threaten Epidemic in Osun Community Owena Ijesa, a densely populated Osun community, faces a looming health crisis as open defecation and refuse dumps pollute its only water source, the Owena River. With most homes lacking toilets and the lone public health centre overstretched, residents fear a repeat of the 2023 cholera outbreak, which claimed at least 11 lives. Local leaders blame neglect, poor sanitation enforcement, and failed infrastructure. The state government has pledged cleanup operations, stricter enforcement, and facility upgrades.

 Protest Erupts in Benue Over Police Killing of Final-Year Student Makurdi, Benue State — Outrage has erupted in Makurdi following the alleged killing of 23-year-old Emmanuella Ahenjir, a final-year student of Federal University, Wukari, by police officers. Emmanuella was reportedly shot by unidentified policemen at the Wurukum roundabout last Friday. Led by activist Ukan Kurugh, protesters—mostly youths—took to the streets demanding justice, carrying placards reading “End Police Brutality” and “Justice for Emmanuella.”

 Idemili North Enforcement Team Urged to Uphold Civility in Motor Park Vehicle Validation By Uzo Ugwunze  The Idemili North LGA Enforcement team has been trained to do their Digital IGR revenue enforcement with civility and decorum. The Enforcement Team Received Digital Training at the Secretariat Ogidi on how to discover commercial vehicles evading local government park tolls on daily basis. According to the project consultant with OASIS Management,Mr Nonso Ojukwu, professionally we trained them on how to go about their duties. There is a new digital way whereby we have an application in your device (phone) that we use to input plate numbers of commercial vehicles for validation purposes inside the motor/keke parks. "You can input the vehicle plate number to capture and know if an asset is owing or not without even coming close to the disturb the driver or asset owner. "Your work is seamless, in a digital way. Everything about IGR in Idemili North LGA is digital including E-...

 DRC sentences former prime minister to 10 years of hard labour over corruption Former Democratic Republic of Congo's Prime Minister Augustin Matata Ponyo was sentenced to a decade's forced labour for corruption. Following a nearly four-year stop-start legal battle, the Congolese Constitutional Court found Matata, 60, guilty of embezzling public funds worth up to $247 million. Matata, who campaigned against DRC's President Felix Tshisekedi in the 2023 vote before dropping out, has consistently denied the charges, describing them as politically motivated. Besides Matata, the court's presiding judge Dieudonne Kamuleta handed down five years of forced labour to a South African businessman and Deogratias Mutombo, at the time the governor of the Central Bank of DR Congo, AFP reported. Barred from holding office for five years Both Matata and Mutombo were barred from holding public office for five years after the end of their forced labours, while the South African was ordere...

 NBA Slams Compulsory Voting Bill as Unconstitutional and Draconian The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has strongly condemned a proposed compulsory voting bill currently under consideration by the House of Representatives, labeling it unconstitutional, draconian, and a violation of civil liberties. In a statement issued on Tuesday by NBA President Afam Osigwe, SAN, the association criticized the bill’s punitive measures and called for its immediate halt. The bill, which seeks to amend the Electoral Act 2022 to make voting mandatory for all eligible Nigerians of voting age, passed its second reading in the House last week. Sponsored by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and presented by co-sponsor Daniel Asama, the legislation proposes a maximum penalty of six months’ imprisonment or a ₦100,000 fine for failure to vote in elections. Proponents argue that the measure aims to combat low voter turnout, vote buying, and electoral apathy, citing examples from countries like Australia, Belgium, and B...

Tinubu to Review Ministers’ Performance Scorecards Ahead of Second Anniversary As President Bola Tinubu’s second anniversary in office approaches on May 29, the Central Results Delivery and Coordination Unit (CDCU) is finalizing a comprehensive set of ministerial scorecards evaluating the performance of various ministries for the first quarter of 2025, multiple presidency sources revealed on Tuesday. The confidential assessment, expected to be submitted to the President “any time from now,” is generating increased scrutiny for underperforming ministries, according to a senior aide. The CDCU, tasked with quarterly evaluations of ministerial performance, has been verifying reports submitted by ministries via a secure portal last month. These reports detail projects and policy milestones, measured against performance bonds signed by ministers during the October 2023 cabinet retreat. Led by Hadiza Bala-Usman, the CDCU has been meticulously reviewing submissions and assigning scores. Source...

 Akwa Ibom Governor Backs Tinubu, Highlights State Achievements in Abuja Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has called for national support for President Bola Tinubu, stating that the President inherited Nigeria’s current economic challenges and is working diligently to address them. Speaking to journalists after a meeting with Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa on Tuesday, Eno described Tinubu’s first two years in office as “wonderful” and urged Nigerians to rally behind him to “finish strong.” “President Tinubu didn’t create the problem we are in right now,” Eno said. “I believe he is doing his best, and he should be supported.” The governor also highlighted his administration’s achievements in Akwa Ibom over the past two years, citing progress in education, healthcare, road infrastructure, and rural development. “When you come to Akwa Ibom, you’ll find we are working across the board—from schools to hospitals, roads, and markets. We are delivering ta...

 Abia State Government Denies Blocking EFCC, Labels Viral Report as Fake News The Abia State government has strongly refuted a viral social media report claiming it prevented the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from transferring 59 arrested youths to Abuja. The government described the report as false and accused opposition elements of orchestrating it to tarnish the state’s image. In a statement issued on Tuesday, Ferdinand Ekeoma, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, clarified that the Abia State government does not interfere with the operations of legitimate agencies like the EFCC or other anti-graft bodies, especially not to shield suspected fraudsters.  “The news is baseless and motivated by opposition members aiming to paint Abia in a bad light,” Ekeoma said, dismissing the report as part of a series of similar false narratives targeting the state. He urged the public to disregard the report, labeling it as fake news, and called for vig...

 JAMB Registrar Dismisses Conspiracy Claims Over UTME Glitch, Mourns Deceased Candidate The Registrar of the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, has refuted allegations of a conspiracy targeting candidates from Nigeria’s South-East zone following a technical glitch in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). The glitch, which affected examination processes in the five South-East states and Lagos, sparked claims that JAMB deliberately compromised the results of South-East candidates. Speaking at a meeting with JAMB management on Tuesday, ahead of the release of results for the rescheduled UTME, Prof. Oloyede firmly denied the allegations. “There was no deliberate attempt to undermine students from the South-East. Every candidate is Nigerian and has equal opportunities,” he stated, addressing concerns raised by some lawmakers from the South-East who called for his resignation over the glitch, which impacted over 300,000 students. Th...

 Seven Inmates Escape from Ilesa Prison After Rainfall Collapses Wall Seven inmates escaped from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Ilesa, Osun State, in the early hours of Tuesday, May 20, 2025, after heavy rainfall caused the facility’s aging perimeter wall to collapse around 2:00 a.m. The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has launched a manhunt to recapture the fugitives and is collaborating with security agencies and local community leaders to ensure their swift return to custody. In a statement, NCoS spokesperson Umar Abubakar confirmed the breach was due to the structural failure of the wall during the storm. Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, has ordered an immediate investigation into the incident to determine the circumstances surrounding the escape. “The Nigerian Correctional Service is working closely with sister security agencies and community leaders to recapture the escapees,” the statement read. The public is urged to provide any inf...

 DSS Debunks Recruitment Rumors, Urges Public to Disregard False Reports The Department of State Services (DSS) has dismissed circulating reports claiming it is currently recruiting, labeling them as false and misleading. The agency specifically addressed rumors suggesting it was accepting applications for roles such as electricians, plumbers, mechanics, and carpenters, purportedly targeting holders of primary and secondary school certificates. In a statement posted on its official X account on Wednesday, the DSS urged Nigerians to ignore the claims. “The public is advised to disregard any misleading or false information about the service’s recruitment process. Disregard such claims, please,” the post read. The agency emphasized that no recruitment exercise is underway and cautioned the public against falling for fraudulent reports.

 Comedian Acapella Faces Threats After Criticizing Lagos Commissioner Over "Smelling" Claims Popular Nigerian comedian Acapella has disclosed receiving multiple threats following his public criticism of Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab. The controversy erupted after Wahab responded to a viral video by influencer Scott Iguma, who claimed that Lagos "smells" and is plagued by "big mosquitoes." In a sharp rebuttal, Commissioner Wahab accused some individuals migrating to Lagos from other states of deliberately tarnishing the city’s image through social media, alleging they were propagating "harmful narratives" to undermine the state’s progress. Acapella, in response, accused Wahab of applying double standards based on ethnicity and origin, sparking heated exchanges on social media between the comedian and supporters of the Lagos State Government. On Tuesday, Acapella took to his X handle to reveal that he h...