PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 Ghana closes embassy in Washington over alleged corruption Ghana has temporarily shut down its embassy in Washington after a local staffer was found to be running a corruption scheme, Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa said on Monday, Anadolu Agency reported. Fred Kwarteng, a local IT employee recruited in 2017 at the embassy, was “immediately dismissed” following an investigation which uncovered that he created an unauthorised link on the embassy’s website redirecting visa and passport applicants to his private company, Ablakwa said in a statement on Facebook. The minister said he formed a special audit team months ago to investigate “alleged corrupt practices” at the embassy and referred the case to the attorney-general for “possible prosecution and retrieval of funds obtained through fraudulent schemes.” Ablakwa said Kwarteng and his collaborators operated this “illegal scheme” for at least five years, secretly charging applicants $29.75 to $60 in unauthorized fees, which...

 ‘He’s Without Enemies , God’s Gift To Nigeria’, Arthur Eze Hails Tinubu Popular businessman Arthur Eze, owner of Atlas Oronto Petroleum, has hailed President Bola Tinubu for his leadership style. Eze, in an interview for a State House documentary to mark Tinubu’s second year in office, said the president is God’s gift to Nigeria. He also described the president as a true leader without enemies because of his unifying attributes. According to Eze, the president since assuming office on May 29, 2023, has shown committment to the affairs of the nation. Stating that God does not make mistakes, Eze said Tinubu was specifically created by God to lead the nation for a purpose. He said, “God doesn’t make mistakes. That man, Tinubu, was created for a purpose. God gave him the power to change lives.  “Tinubu has no enemies. He is a unifier. He speaks with humility and honesty; that’s why we admire him,” Eze said. Commenting on the president’s contribution to the Southeast region, the b...

 IPOB Reveals Source of Funding for Its Security Operatives The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has disclosed that its security wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), is financed through voluntary donations and contributions from supporters across the globe. This clarification comes in response to recent claims by the Nigerian Army, which announced the recovery of N11 million and $21,000 during an operation it said was carried out at an ESN camp in Ugwunagbo Local Government Area of Abia State. In a statement issued by IPOB’s spokesperson, Comrade Emma Powerful, the group firmly denied the existence of any such camp or the presence of large cash sums, describing the military’s report as “false and misleading.” “If IPOB possessed such funds, they would be invested in developmental programs such as our Agricultural Revolution project,” the group stated. It further explained that all financial resources are used transparently and directed toward community-oriented initiatives. I...

 Makinde, Saraki, Others in Closed Door Meeting after FCTA Seizes PDP HQ (Photos) |  Leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), including Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, and former Senate President Bukola Saraki, are currently holding a closed-door meeting of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) at the Bauchi State Governor’s Lodge in Asokoro, Abuja. The meeting, which is part of the PDP’s National Caucus session, comes just hours after officials of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) sealed off the party’s national secretariat over unpaid ground rents. Meanwhile, the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT) meeting, earlier scheduled to hold at the sealed secretariat, was relocated to Legacy House, the party’s presidential campaign office located in the Maitama District of the Federal Capital Territory. The sealing of the PDP headquarters follows tension between the party and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. Wike, a former PDP...

 Court Jails Bank Thief in Kaduna   Justice A. Isiaka of the Kaduna State High Court, sitting in Kaduna has convicted and sentenced one Nureedeen Siraj to jail for fraud.   He was prosecuted by the Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on a one-count charge, bordering on theft to the tune of N3,400,000.00 (Three Million, Four Hundred Thousand Naira).   The charge reads: "That you, Nureedeen Siraj 'M' sometime in December, 2022 in Kaduna State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, dishonestly took out of possession of Zenith Bank Plc in the sum of N3,400,000.00 (Three Million, Four Hundred Thousand Naira) only into your Zenith Bank Plc accounts without the consent of Zenith Bank Plc, thereby committed Theft an offence contrary to Section 270(1) of the Penal Code Law, 2017 of Kaduna State and punishable under Section 271 of the same Law.”   He pleaded "guilty" when the charge was read to him, following which pr...

 FCTA Seals PDP National Secretariat, FIRS, Other Buildings in Abuja Over Unpaid Ground Rent The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has sealed off Wadata Plaza, the building housing the National Secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), along with several other properties in Abuja, due to unpaid ground and tenancy rents. The action, executed on Monday, also affected complexes hosting the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), a commercial bank, and the Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) in Wuse Zone 5. Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, disclosed that Wadata Plaza owes N7,603,504.31 in ground rent spanning 28 years. “On Wadata Plaza being used as PDP National Secretariat, N7,603,504.31 is being owed as 28 years’ Ground Rent,” Olayinka stated in a Facebook post on Monday afternoon following the sealing. The operation faced resistance at the FIRS building, wher...

 NAFDAC Defends Onitsha Market Raids, Rejects Bribery Allegations Amid Social Media Criticism The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has defended its recent enforcement operations at Onitsha Bridge Head Market in Anambra State, following allegations of extortion circulating on social media. A viral video by influencer Martins Otse, known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), claimed that NAFDAC demanded N700,000 from each shop owner to reopen their shops after a crackdown. In a statement issued today by NAFDAC Director General Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, the agency did not directly address the bribery allegation but clarified that its operations, conducted between February 9 and March 27, 2025, targeted unregistered, banned, expired, substandard, and falsified medicines, including controlled substances. The raids, which also covered Idumota Market in Lagos and Ariaria Market in Aba, resulted in the seizure and destruction of medicines worth over N1 trillion. NAFDAC n...

  Viral Video Shows French President Macron Struck By Wife A video capturing French President Emmanuel Macron being struck in the face by his wife, Brigitte Macron, has gone viral, sparking widespread debate. The incident reportedly occurred aboard the presidential plane just before landing in Vietnam, where Macron began a diplomatic tour of Southeast Asia today. In the footage, Macron is seen conversing with Brigitte near the plane’s exit when she suddenly reaches out and appears to hit him across the mouth. Macron, visibly surprised, quickly regains his composure and waves to the waiting media as they disembark. Notably, when Macron offered his arm to Brigitte, she declined, opting instead to hold the stair railing. Initially, the French presidential team denied the video’s authenticity but later confirmed it, downplaying the incident as “a little fun” between the couple. A source close to the Macrons stated, “It was a moment of togetherness. No more is needed to fuel the conspir...

 Saudi Arabia bars Gumi from performing Hajj, deports him to Nigeria Controversial Kaduna-based Islamic Scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has been deported back to Nigeria from Saudi Arabia where he went to perform the 2025 Hajj. Sheikh Gumi, who confirmed this in a post on his Facebook page on Monday morning, said the development was due to some of his views of Nigerian politics According to Gumi, although the Saudi government granted him a visa to enter the country for Hajj, he was not allowed to enter Medina to begin his religious duties. “Due to some reasons related to my views on world politics, the authorities in Saudi Arabia do not want me to be present at Hajj even though they have granted me a visa. “I am grateful to the authorities in Nigeria who have pledged to engage with the Saudi authorities on this matter.”  Gumi was part of a delegation of scholars sponsored by the Nigerian Hajj Commission, NAHCON to travel to Saudi Arabia for religious services.

 Actress Adunni Ade threatens legal action over alleged fabricated viral statement Award-winning actress Adunni Ade has denied making a statement about her beauty and popularity hindering her marriage prospects. A viral social media post attributed a quote to her, stating that she regretted not being married despite her good looks and popularity. However, Adunni Ade quickly responded, calling the quote fabricated and demanding the post be removed within 24 hours to avoid legal action. In her statement on X, Adunni Ade expressed frustration over the misuse of her name for generating engagement and emphasised that the quote was not from any verified interview or publication. “I kindly request that you take down this post within 24 hours to prevent further action involving my legal team. I do not appreciate the fact that you’re using my name to peddle false news & articles with no verifiable source just to generate engagement,” she wrote. She added on Instagram: “Trouble sleeping,...

 Outrage as policeman demands ₦5,000 or fuel from motorists over suspended ECMR A viral video has sparked public outrage after capturing the moment a police officer demanded either ₦5,000 or five litres of fuel from motorists who failed to present proof of Electronic Central Motor Registry (ECMR) registration, despite the suspension of its enforcement. In the footage shared on Sunday by X user Teniola (@Teeniiola), the officer is seen confronting a group of travellers along the Benin Bypass, insisting on seeing their ECMR documents. When one of the motorists asked what the issue was, the officer simply replied, “CMR”. The motorist pushed back, stating that the enforcement of the ECMR had been suspended, to which the policeman responded, “You can make your calls.” Pressed further on what he expected from the travellers, the officer demanded five litres of fuel. When the motorist explained there was no nearby filling station, the officer replied, “We will go and buy it.” Asked how mu...

 Mrs. Soludo’s Honorary Degree Symbolizes Soludo Government’s People-Centered Model, as COOU Celebrates 25 Years of Academic Excellence By Christian ABURIME The conferment of an honorary doctorate degree on the wife of the Anambra State Governor, Mrs. Nonye Soludo, during the combined 11th to 15th convocation ceremonies of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), was more than a ceremonial highlight—it reflected the Soludo administration’s people-centered development model that integrates health, education, and community empowerment. Held at the university’s Igbariam campus, the event marked a historic milestone in the life of the institution, as it celebrated 25 years of academic excellence. Dignitaries, faculty members, students, alumni, and state officials gathered to honour graduating students and reflect on the evolution of the university over the years. In his address, Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, used the occasion to reflect on the transf...

 PRESS RELEASE IGP HOSTS ACCOUNTANT GENERAL OF THE FEDERATION… •Advocates Strategic Funding For National Security The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, on Monday, 26th May 2025, received the Accountant General of the Federation, Mr. Shamsudeen Babatunde Ogunjimi, and his entourage at the IGP Smart Conference Room, Louis Edet House, Force Headquarters, Abuja. The courtesy visit, which had in attendance the Force Management Team and other senior officers, was aimed at strengthening synergy between the Nigeria Police Force and the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, particularly in the area of strategic funding and support for national policing. In his address, the Accountant General of the Federation acknowledged the critical role of the Nigeria Police Force in maintaining internal security and emphasised the need to provide the Force with the necessary financial support to fulfil its responsibilities effectively. The AGF reiterated...

 STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE   PRESIDENT TINUBU DEPARTS FOR LAGOS TO MARK ECOWAS'S 5OTH ANNIVERSARY, COMMISSION PROJECTS   President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will leave Abuja on Tuesday for Lagos to celebrate, along with other leaders, the 50th anniversary of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).   The ECOWAS golden jubilee was flagged off in Accra last month.   The Lagos events will include reenacting the 1975 declaration at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs in Victoria Island.   At the Eko Hotels and Suites event, President Tinubu, the Chairman of ECOWAS, will highlight the economic bloc's milestones.   The Chairman of the NIIA and former Minister of External Affairs, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, will review the bloc's 50-year journey, which panellists at the NIIA will later analyse.   The only surviving Head of State who signed the ECOWAS declaration, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (Rtd), will participate in all the ceremonies and deliver a ...

  African Development Bank to Select New President Amid U.S. Funding Cuts The African Development Bank (AfDB) is poised to elect a new president this week, as the institution faces growing uncertainty following significant funding reductions from the United States, one of its key non-regional stakeholders. The leadership transition comes at a pivotal moment for the bank, which plays a central role in financing infrastructure, economic reform, and climate resilience initiatives across the African continent. Current President Akinwumi Adesina, who has served since 2015 and is completing his second term, will not seek reelection, opening the field to a new generation of leadership. According to officials familiar with the process, candidates from Nigeria, Egypt, and Kenya are among the frontrunners. All bring extensive experience in international finance and development. However, the selection process is expected to be closely watched, particularly as the incoming leader will need to ...

 Nollywood Actor Godwin Nnadiekwe hospitalised for internal bleeding following a kick from a colleague, Zubby Michael Nollywood actor Godwin Nnadiekwe has been hospitalised after his colleague Zubby Michael kicked him. In an Instagram post, the actor revealed that he suffered an unexpected injury on a movie set with Zubby.  According to him, while shooting a movie, Zubby had kicked him in the chest, which was not part of the script nor directed by the filmmaker. Sharing more details about the unfortunate incident, he clarified that his post wasn’t intended to call out his senior colleague but to raise awareness about the importance of safety in Nollywood productions. “Just wanted to share an incident that happened on set a few days ago. This isn’t to call anyone out, but it’s a serious reminder to prioritise each other’s safety on set.  During a scene, I received a kick to the chest from my colleague who wasn’t part of the script or directed by the director. It’s caused m...

 EFCC Arrests 49 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Lokoja, Recover Loaded Pistol   Officers of the Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested 49 suspected internet fraudsters in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital. They were arrested between Saturday, May 24, 2025 and Sunday, May 25, 2025, following actionable intelligence that linked them to fraudulent internet activities. The operations targeted multiple hideouts across the city with an unlicenced loaded pistol recovered from one of the suspects, who claimed during preliminary interrogation that he was a former cult member. Other items recovered from the suspects include high-end smartphones, laptop computers and two luxury vehicles. They will be charged to court upon the conclusion of the investigations. More photos below. 

 EFCC Arraigns Three Bankers,  Four  others for  Bank Fraud in Lagos   The Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Friday, May 23, 2025 arraigned the trio of Samuel Ihechukwu,  Fabian Chizaram and Kingsley Kelechi Ejim, who are employees of one of the first generation bank, before Justice Daniel Osiagor of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos.   They were arraigned alongside their accomplices, Hanna Okunlola Adesokan, Hamza Zakariya, Achionu Chukwuka Ubaku and Sunday Osademe on an eight-count charge bordering on alleged conspiracy and obtaining under false pretence to the tune of N8.5bn (Eight Billion, Five Million Naira only).    One of the counts reads: “That you SAMUEL IHECHUKWU ASIEGBU, EJIM KINGSLEY KELECHI, HAMZA ZAKARIA, ONYEIMACHI FABIAN, ACHIONU CHUKWUKA UBAKA, ADESOKAN, HANNAH OKUNLOLA, Nurudeen Ibrahim (at large). Alhaji Sulaiman (at Large) and other persons at large sometime in...

 Abia Police Rescue 12 Children, Arrest Couple for Suspected Child Trafficking The Abia State Police Command has rescued twelve children and arrested a couple for allegedly operating an illegal orphanage and engaging in suspected child trafficking. The suspects, identified as Blessing Emebo (49) and Sunday Emebo (42), were apprehended on Monday, May 19, by police detectives acting on credible intelligence. The arrest took place at the couple’s apartment located along Ikot Ekpene Road in Aba, where they were allegedly running an unregistered motherless babies’ home. According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chinaka, the children—ranging in age from two months to 14 years—were reportedly taken from various villages in the Arochukwu area of the state. The rescued children have since been handed over to the Abia State Ministry of Women Affairs for proper care and protection, while investigations are ongoing. The suspects are currently being held at the State Crimina...

  Governor Uzodinma Sacks Attorney General  The Governor of Imo State, His Excellency, Senator Hope Uzodimma, CON, has approved the immediate removal from the office of the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr C .O. C Akaolisa.  The erstwhile commissioner has been directed to hand over all government property under his care to the State Solicitor  General and Permanent Secretary,Ministry  of Justice, immediately.  Signed  Hon Declan Emelumba  Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation, and Strategy

 Benue LG Chair Breaks Down as Fresh Attacks Kill 20, Including Toddler Over 20 people, including a two-year-old, were killed in fresh attacks on Gwer West communities in Benue State, sparking outrage from the council chairman, Ormin Torsar Victor. In an emotional video, Torsar decried continued killings in villages like Aondana and Tewa Biana—near a military base—without security response. “What’s the point of this position if my people keep dying?” he lamented, threatening resignation amid the mounting toll. He said entire families were wiped out, describing the violence as unbearable. “A two-year-old butchered—it’s too much,” he added.

 SECURITY INFORMATION IN ANAMBRA: POLICE ALERT NDI ANAMBRA OF THE PATTERN OF ACTION OF SOME PERSONS NOT BASED IN ANAMBRA, USING SOCIAL MEDIA PUBLICATION/VIDEOS TO INCITE THE RESIDENTS AGAINST GOVERNMENT AGENCIES, THE POLICE AND OTHER SECURITY AGENCIES IN THE STATE _urges residents to resist such and disassociate themselves from any act that threatens public peace._ The Anambra State Police Command wishes to alert Ndi-Anambra and residents to be aware of some individuals who engage in discussions about the State on social media under the guise of human rights activists, to incite the public against Government agencies, the Police, and other Security Agencies. The Command urges residents to resist such and disassociate themselves from any act that threatens public peace. This follows a trending video of one Mr Martins Vincent Otse popularly known as Verydarkman which the Command intercepted on 24th May 2025. In the video, Mr Martins was threatening to lead a protest against the Natio...

 GOVERNOR UZODIMMA PRIORITIZES RURAL DEVELOPMENT AS AMIRI–ATTA–NKUME ROAD PROJECT GAINS MOMENTUM The ongoing rehabilitation of the Amiri–Atta–Nkume Road, a strategic route connecting Oru East to Njaba Local Government Area, is recording steady progress, underscoring Governor Hope Uzodimma’s commitment to rural development and infrastructure renewal in Imo State. The project, which aims to significantly improve connectivity and ease of movement in the region, is advancing through critical phases. These include earthworks, stone base laying, drainage construction, and the installation of asphalt wearing courses — all progressing simultaneously to ensure a high-quality and resilient roadway. With each milestone, the road brings improved access and economic opportunities closer to the communities along the corridor, aligning with the administration’s broader goal of boosting rural development and enhancing the quality of life for residents. More photos below. 

 LAGOS FORGES GLOBAL ALLIANCE FOR FOOD SECURITY, TARGETS AGRIPRENEURIAL BOOM The Lagos State Government, through its Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, is spearheading a transformative initiative to bolster food production and ensure long-term sustainability.  In a strategic collaboration with the Danish Embassy in Nigeria and other key stakeholders, Lagos State is actively positioning itself as a hub for agripreneurial innovation and investment, leveraging immense opportunities within its agricultural ecosystem. The latest stride in this direction was the "Lagos Agrinnovation Hangout 6.0", an event designed to foster networking and knowledge exchange among agripreneurs.  Ms. Abisola Olusanya, Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, emphasised that the hangout's core mission is to achieve food sustainability, enhance food security, and ensure the resounding success of agribusinesses in Lagos. The event served as a crucial platform for local agripreneurs to g...

 PRESS RELEASE INTERNAL SECURITY: POLICE RESCUE KIDNAPPED OCTOGENARIAN, NEUTRALIZE 6, ARREST 12 SUSPECTED KIDNAPPERS, ARMED ROBBERS, RECOVER CACHE OF ARMS As Police Identifies Arrested Armed Robbers As Ex-Convicts  The Nigeria Police Force, through several strings of well-coordinated operations has once again recorded significant successes against several forms of violent crimes and threats to national security.  The operatives of the FCT Police Command, in a coordinated joint operation has successfully dismantled a notorious armed robbery and carjacking syndicate known for a string of high-profile robberies and vehicle thefts across the capital. Acting on credible intelligence, the operatives intercepted the gang as they prepared to strike an unsuspecting victim around Maitama area. Upon sighting the operatives, the criminals opened fire, leading to a gun duel. One of the gang’s most wanted suspects, Abdulmininu Bello a.k.a. Babanle, was neutralized during the encounter,...