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 PRESS RELEASE IGP PRESENTS INSURANCE CHEQUES TO FAMILIES OF FALLEN OFFICERS….. PLEDGES REAFFIRMATION TO HONOURING LEGACIES OF FALLEN OFFICERS In a continued effort to enhance the welfare of police personnel and their families, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, today, 23rd May 2025, presented the Group Life Assurance Cheques and the IGP Family Welfare Insurance Cheques to the next of kins of 1,235 fallen officers at the IGP Smart Conference Hall, Louis Edet House, Force Headquarters, Abuja. Present at the event were members of the Force Management Team, Senior police officers, Insurance Industry stakeholders, and the beneficiaries of the schemes. The Inspector-General of Police, in his address, stated that the Nigeria Police Force is built on the pillars of service, integrity and sacrifice. The Force is deeply committed to the welfare of police officers and will continually honour the legacies of the fallen officers, as no compensation can tr...

 TROOPS NEUTRALIZE 21 TERRORISTS IN KATSINA In another daring operation, the gallant troops of Joint Task Force North West  Operation Fasan Yama successfully assaulted terrorist enclaves in Ruwan Godiya, Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State, on 23 May 2025. The troops subdued the terrorists in a fierce firefight, forcing them to abandon their base and flee. During the ensuing pursuit, 21 terrorists were neutralized, with some succumbing to drowning in a nearby river. The operation also yielded a significant seizure of large cache of arms and ammunition, including guns, rifles, magazines, explosives, communication devices, mobile phones, and motorcycles. Details later. More photos below. 

 Anambra State To Get First Gas Pipeline By Okechukwu Nwanneka Theresa The Nigeria Gas Infrastructure Company, a subsidiary of NNPCL in partnership with Fradro Gas and Power, has concluded plans to lay a 24 inches, 600 million (six hundred million) standard cubic feet Gas pipeline from Agbor to Awka to give Ndi Anambra a sense of belonging.  The Gas pipeline, which is the first of it's kind in the history of Anambra State, will be layed under the River Niger, passing through Onitsha to Awka with its city gates in both cities opening up a new business, employment opportunities, direct and indirect jobs along the corridor.  Speaking during a preparatory meeting with stakeholders drawn from the Association of Anambra State Chambers of Commerce, Industry Mines and Agriculture, and Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), the state Commissioner for Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Mr. Anthony Ifeanya, urged the assembly to assist in identifying stakeholders and offtakers fo...

 Bishop Nwokolo Cautions Christians To Beware Of Fake Gospel Preachers By Juliana Nwachukwu  The Bishop on the Niger, Anglican Communion, Anambra State, Rt Rev Dr Owen Nwokolo, has raised the alarm over what he described as the growing wave of false teachings and counterfeit gospels spreading across churches in Nigeria.   Delivering a homily on May 21, during a weekly worship at the Calvary Chapel, GRA, Onitsha, the bishop cautioned christians to beware of "doctrines that deviate from the true message of Christ".        According to him, many so-called preachers today are promoting what he called the gospel of prosperity without repentance, miracles without discipleship, and culture without Christ.          “These messages", he warned, are contrary to the teachings of Christ. They introduce things that are not part of the true Gospel and lead people into spiritual confusion.”         He lamented that a ...

 Aregbesola hosts Atiku as opposition consolidates ahead 2027 atiku and aregbesola Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, on Friday, visited ex-governor of Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola, at his residence in the state. Atiku met with Aregbesola, a former ally of President Bola Tinubu, on Friday. The former Vice President posted a video of the meeting on X. “Breakfast time at the residence of the former Governor of Osun State, Engr Rauf Aregbesola,” Atiku wrote in the post. Tinubu and Aregbesola fell out in 2020 when the former minister revamped the Mandate Group — a core of Tinubu’s loyalists — and usurped the closely-knitted caucus for individuals he could trust. The former Osun governor relaunched the group without Tinubu’s approval and named Abdullahi Enilolobo, his protege, as the new leader. In 2022, there was an attempt by close associates and friends to reconcile both men in the build-up to the 2023 general election – but that did not yield any tangible result as they still do n...

 Magboro Asphalt Paving Begins as Road Reconstruction Progresses We are pleased to announce that asphalt paving has commenced on the 8.17KM Magboro Underpass–Magboro–Makogi Road, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing reconstruction of this critical corridor. Brief Background The reconstruction of this road began as a strategic infrastructure intervention aimed at:  • Enhancing mobility and connectivity for Magboro and its surrounding communities  • Reducing travel time and traffic congestion  • Boosting local economic activity and improving access for residents, commuters, and businesses Construction teams are fully mobilized and are making steady progress through the scheduled phases of the project. With asphalt now being laid, the transformation of the road is becoming clearly visible. In the coming days, we will also commence the installation of paving stones along the underpass, adding both structure and aesthetics to the corridor. Once completed, the pr...

 Supreme Court Upholds Trump’s Removal of Biden-Appointed Officials: A Pivotal Shift in Executive Power Washington, D.C. — May 23, 2025 —  In a landmark 5-4 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court has upheld  President Donald Trump’s removal of several officials appointed by President Joe Biden, marking a major shift in the interpretation of executive authority and the limits of presidential power over federal personnel. The ruling comes in the case of Trump v. Office of Federal Personnel, which questioned whether a former president, reelected to non-consecutive terms, holds the same authority to remove officials appointed by a prior administration. The court’s conservative majority sided with Trump, declaring that a sitting president retains broad constitutional powers to remove executive branch officials who serve at the pleasure of the president, regardless of their appointment by a predecessor. Major Ramifications Chief Justice John Roberts, writing for the majority, stated ...

 UN Rights Chief Urges Warring Sides in South Sudan to 'Pull Back from the Brink' Juba, South Sudan – May 23, 2025   The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has issued a stark warning to the warring factions in South Sudan, calling on them to "pull back from the brink" as escalating violence threatens to plunge the country into deeper turmoil. In a statement released from Geneva, Türk expressed grave concern over the intensifying clashes between government forces and opposition groups in several regions, including Unity, Upper Nile, and Jonglei states. The ongoing violence has displaced tens of thousands, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation. "The people of South Sudan have endured more than a decade of suffering, displacement, and shattered hopes for peace," said Türk. "The recent escalation in hostilities threatens to unravel fragile gains and risks pushing the country back into full-scale conflict." The...

 San Diego Plane Crash Claims Lives of Rock Musician and Influential Music Executive San Diego, CA – May 23, 2025  — A tragic small-plane crash near San Diego has claimed the lives of a prominent rock musician and a widely respected music executive, sending shockwaves through the entertainment industry. Authorities confirmed that the crash occurred late Wednesday afternoon near Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport. The twin-engine aircraft, a Beechcraft Baron, went down shortly after takeoff, bursting into flames upon impact. Fire crews responded quickly but were unable to save the two occupants. The victims were identified Thursday morning as 45-year-old Marcus Steele, frontman of the critically acclaimed alt-rock band Glass Signal, and 58-year-old Daniel "Danny" Marris, a legendary figure in the music industry known for discovering and developing major acts over the past three decades. Steele rose to fame in the mid-2000s with Glass Signal’s breakout album Refraction, praised...

 NDLEA, US-DEA to strengthen collaboration on drug war - US Drug Agency lists training, special joint operations as areas of further support to NDLEA The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Drug Enforcement Administration of the United States (DEA) have stressed the need to strengthen current collaboration between the two agencies on the fight against the menace of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking. This was the highpoint of discussion during a meeting between the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) and the Country Attache of US-DEA, Ms. Daphne Morrison at the Agency’s National Headquarters in Abuja on Friday 23rd May 2025. While thanking Marwa for the cordial working relationship and partnership between NDLEA and DEA, Ms. Morrison who was recently posted to Nigeria said “I wanted to make this one of my priorities to come meet with you so we can continue to collaborate and work together. And thank you so much for ...

 EFCC Arraigns Mother, Son for N64.4m Fraud as Fraudster Bags Jail Term  for N9m Fraud in Port Harcourt The Port Harcourt Zonal Directorate of the EFCC on Thursday, May 22, 2025 arraigned one Ifeoma Joe and her 34-year-old son, Chima Mike Nmerem before Justice P. I . Ajoku of the Federal High Court, sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State for fraud.  They are being prosecuted on a four-count charge  bordering on conspiracy, misrepresentation, advance fee fraud and obtaining money under false pretence to the tune of N64.4m. One  of  the charges reads: “That you Ifeoma Joe between the 10th day of September, 2024 to 17th day of December, 2024 at Oyigbo Rivers State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court with intent to defraud, obtained the aggregate sum of Sixty Four Million, Four Hundred and Eighty Six Thousand One Hundred and Eighty Naira (N64, 486, 180) only, from Mrs Felicia Ekwutasi Ikeh; which money was paid into account No:0024475760 domiciled ...

 Drug Dealers and Illegal Immigrants Nabbed During Operation Vala Umgodi Three suspects aged between 34 and 37 were arrested during Operation Vala Umgodi, which was conducted between 20 and 22 May 2025 in the Vhembe and Sekhukhune Districts. In Sekhukhune, members of the operation acted on intelligence received early on Thursday, 22 May, and conducted a raid in the Marble policing area. Two suspects, aged 35 and 37, were arrested for dealing in dagga and for contravening the Immigration Act. Police confiscated dagga wrapped in plastic and R340 in cash from the 35-year-old suspect, who was also found to be in the country illegally. The second suspect, aged 37, was found with a plastic bag of dagga and an undisclosed amount of cash. In a separate incident in the Vhembe District, a 34-year-old man was arrested at Malamulele for contravening the Immigration Act. The team also recovered abandoned equipment at an illegal mining site in Mushiri Village, under the Tshaulu policing area. Th...

 Suspect Arrested for Illegal Mining and Processing of Presumed Precious Minerals Remanded in Custody A 35-year-old man, Roseman Moyo, has been remanded in custody after appearing before the Lenyenye Regional Court on Tuesday, 21 May 2025. Moyo faces multiple charges, including illegal mining, illegal processing of presumed precious minerals, and contravening immigration laws. His arrest took place on 19 May 2025 in the Maake policing area during an operation by members of Operation Vala Umgodi, deployed in the Mopani District. The suspect was allegedly found mining without a permit. Police seized various tools at the scene, including a shovel, pickaxe, hammer, penduka, headlamp, and a bag containing presumed precious minerals. Moyo is expected to return to court on 18 June 2025 for a formal bail application and the continuation of police investigations. One more photo below. 

 Southeast Senators Slam FG Over N380bn Irrigation Fund Exclusion Southeast senators have criticized the Federal Government for excluding the region from a N380bn irrigation fund in the 2025 budget. Senator Kenneth Eze (Ebonyi Central) said the Anambra-Imo River Basin, the only one serving the Southeast, was left out, while other regions received significant allocations. He called the exclusion unjust and a violation of equity under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, urging immediate corrective action.

 FG Abandons National Carrier, Plans Demolition of Old Lagos Airport Terminal Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo says the Federal Government has shelved plans for a national carrier, shifting focus to boosting local airlines. Speaking in Lagos, he also revealed plans to demolish and rebuild the dilapidated old terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport. Keyamo cited revised policies, including changes to aircraft leasing insurance, aimed at lowering domestic airfare and strengthening local operators. He also confirmed foreign airlines now patronize local in-flight caterers. FAAN MD Olubunmi Kuku noted that Nigeria’s aviation sector now has 39 certified airlines, 31 airports, and over 2,100 licensed pilots, contributing $1.7 billion to GDP.

 Rivers State Deputy Governor Debunks Resignation Rumours Amid Reconciliation Efforts Suspended Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Professor Ngozi Nma Ordu, has refuted rumours of her resignation, labeling them as baseless and malicious. The clarification came through the Head of the Press Unit, Owepele Benibo, who, in a telephone interview, described the reports as “false information from the pit of hell.” Benibo emphasized that Professor Nma Ordu has no plans to resign, especially as reconciliation efforts are ongoing to restore peace in the state. He urged the public to dismiss the “fake news,” affirming that the Deputy Governor remains committed to supporting Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s administration. This marks the second time such rumours have surfaced. On March 5, 2025, similar claims circulated on Facebook among Rivers State users, alleging that Nma Ordu had stepped down. Her media team promptly debunked those reports as well.

 PDP Acting Chairman Damagum Denies APC Collusion Allegations, Defends Ties with FCT Minister Wike The acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Damagum, has dismissed allegations of incompetence and collusion with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), while defending his relationship with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. In an interview with BBC Hausa, Damagum addressed mounting criticism within the PDP, rejecting claims that he is an APC puppet and reaffirming his loyalty to the PDP. “May God be the judge between me and whoever slandered me, and may God judge us if I am working for the APC,” he stated, specifically denying allegations of a meeting with President Bola Tinubu in England. He underscored his commitment to the PDP, noting his membership since 1999 and his record of never defecting. Damagum also tackled criticism over his ties with Wike, a key APC figure, acknowledging their association but denying any m...

  Paul Ibe’s Unfounded Claims against Olukoyede on Channels Television The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,  is outraged by the unfounded claims of Mr. Paul Ibe, spokesperson to Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President, alleging that Ola Olukoyede,  Executive Chairman, held a secret meeting with an unnamed politician. Ibe, who was a guest on Seun Okinbaloye’s Politics Today on Channels Television on Thursday, May 22, 2025,   bared his mind on sundry theories, conjectures and assumptions relating to opposition politics and defections.  However, his allegations of the Executive Chairman  EFCC,  Mr. Ola Olukoyede and Solicitor General of the Federation’s alleged meeting with an unnamed governor forty -eight hours before his defection to the ruling All People’s Congress, APC,  are patently fabricated and in bad taste.  Olukoyede has stressed it at several fora that he is apolitical  and the EFCC totally wired against ...

 Four Nigerian stowaways were rescued in the Atlantic Ocean after being violently thrown overboard by the crew of a foreign vessel.  The young men, seeking to escape Nigeria’s economic challenges, had boarded the ship in secret with hopes of reaching foreign shores.  The crew of the vessel, upon discovering the stowaways, allegedly responded with v!olence, casting the men into the open sea. The situation could have ended in tragedy were it not for the swift intervention of a maritime logistics company owned by France-based Ekiti-born business mogul, Mr. Harrison Niyi Alonge. The public relations officer of the firm, Olawale Ezekiel, made this known in a statement to journalists on Thursday, May 22, 2025. “The crew, led by a captain, detected suspicious movement in the waters and quickly raised the alarm. Acting on their report, Alonge ordered an immediate emergency operation, which led to the rescue of the four victims,” the statement read. “All four victims were found al...

Sudan denies use of chemical weapons in civil war after US issues sanctions Sudan's army-aligned government on Friday denied US allegations that it had used chemical weapons in its war against paramilitary rivals, a day after Washington said it would impose sanctions. The reaction by the government spokesman comes after the United States said on Thursday it had determined that Sudan's military used chemical weapons in the country's bloody civil war last year and will impose sanctions. "These baseless accusations are nothing but political blackmail and a deliberate falsification of the facts," Information Minister Khalid al-Aiser said in a statement, responding to sanctions announced by Washington targeting US exports to Sudan and the government's access to US credits. The sanctions include restrictions on US exports and financing to Sudan's government. In practical terms, the effect will be limited as both Sudan's military chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan ...

 Ibas announces phased rehabilitation of Rivers State Secretariat The Rivers State Administrator, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, has announced plans for the phased rehabilitation of the State Secretariat Complex as part of his commitment to enhancing public service efficiency and workforce welfare. He made the announcement during the closing ceremony of a 4-day Transformational Leadership Training Workshop organized by his administration in collaboration with the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS). The workshop, held in Port Harcourt, was designed to equip Permanent Secretaries, Local Government Administrators, Directors, and senior officers with cutting-edge leadership skills to drive governance reforms. Ibas emphasized that while capacity-building initiatives like the workshop are critical, the physical work environment must also support productivity and excellence. “During a recent inspection of the State Secretariat, I took a deliberate walk, floor...

 Ex-Brentford striker Toney earns England recall Former Brentford striker Ivan Toney has been recalled to England's squad for next month's matches against Andorra and Senegal. It is a first call-up for the 29-year-old since he moved to Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli from the Bees last summer. He made the most recent of his six England appearances in the Euro 2024 final defeat by Spain. But 28 goals in 42 appearances for Al-Ahli this season convinced England head coach Thomas Tuchel to have a close look, having left him out of his first squad in March. England face Andorra in a World Cup qualifier on 7 June, before welcoming Senegal to Nottingham Forest's City Ground for a friendly on 10 June. Tuchel has selected eight players from clubs participating in the Club World Cup - Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid - which starts five days after the friendly against Senegal. Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham has been selected, despite the midfielder's upcoming...

 Trump Announces Largest Russia-Ukraine Prisoner Swap U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a major prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine involving 1,000 captives from each side — the largest since the war began in 2022. Trump declared the deal “completed” on Truth Social, though officials say the swap is still underway. The agreement follows recent talks in Istanbul and comes amid ongoing accusations of POW mistreatment by both sides. Ukraine estimates over 60,000 people are still missing, many presumed dead or in captivity.

 Guwahati city police have apprehended Jyotimoy Laskar, a doctor-turned-fraudster accused of swindling lakhs of rupees from several individuals, including medical professionals, through fake work orders. Laskar posed as a supplier of medical equipment and deceived victims by presenting forged documents, transferring the collected funds into his wife’s bank account. The scam came to light after several complaints were filed against him across Assam, with multiple cases registered in Guwahati, including at the Dispur police station. Laskar had been targeting doctors and medical personnel, taking advantage of their trust to carry out his fraudulent activities. On the run since August 2023, Laskar had been evading law enforcement for months. However, Guwahati police finally tracked him down and took him into custody, bringing an end to his months-long absconding. Further investigation is underway. More photos below.