PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 Police arrest suspected ritualist over attack on Sen. Natasha’s family home A suspected ritualist identified as Suberu Jose, has been arrested by operatives of the Kogi State Police Command, for allegedly attacking the country home of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. The suspect and others now at large, allegedly attacked the house located in Ihima, Okehi Local Government Area of the State, on Tuesday night, June 17, 2025. It was gathered that the gunmen who were armed with dangerous weapons, stormed the residence, vandalized windows and attempted to wreak further havoc before being repelled by security forces. The swift response of local police officers, community vigilantes, and youths in the area thwarted the attack, leading to the arrest of one suspect while others managed to escape. The suspect who confessed to participating in three separate attacks on the lawmaker’s family home, was rescued from angry mob in the locality who attempted to lynch him. He was however handed ove...

 It’s Indiscipline, Selfish…— Oyo APC Issues Yellow Card To Members Dining With Makinde All Progressives Congress APC in Oyo state has read out a riot act to the members of the party warning then against conducts, meetings and speeches considered inimical to the full realization of the collective goals and desires of the party as it geared up to return to power in the state in 2027. The warning apparently came against the background of some media reports in which two leaders of the party (names withheld) spoke highly of administration of Governor Seyi Makinde in a manner suggestive of strong relationships between and the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the state. In a statement issued on Wednesday and made available to journalists in Ibadan by its Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, Oyo APC said that it would no longer tolerate acts of disloyalty, sabotage and indiscipline on the parts of members and stakeholders who, according to it, are driven by selfish interests and ...

 Alleged $6bn Mambila Fraud:  Liyel Imoke Wrote Contractor Company that FEC did not Approve the Contract-  Witness The Third Prosecution Witness, PW3, Umar Babangida in the trial of the former Minister of Power and Steel Development, Olu Agunloye, on Monday, June 16, 2025, told Justice J.O. Onwuegbuzie of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Apo, Abuja that Agunloye’s successor, Senator  Liyel Imoke revealed that the Federal Executive Council meeting of May 21, 2003 did not approve the memo of his predecessor for the award of the Mambila Hydro Power Project to Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited. Agunloye is facing prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on a seven-count charge, bordering on fraudulent award of the contract to Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited and official corruption to the tune of $6billion (Six Billion Dollars).   According to the witness, the EFCC invited Imoke between August 2003 and No...

 STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE PRESIDENT TINUBU DIRECTS SECURITY AGENCIES TO ARREST KILLERS IN BENUE, ADVISES GOVERNOR ALIA TO SET UP PEACE COMMITTEE   President Bola Tinubu has directed the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, to immediately arrest killer herders who perpetrated the heinous killing of over 100 people in Yelewata community in Benue State. President Tinubu gave the directive while addressing stakeholders at the Government House, Markudi. The meeting included the Secretary to the Federal Government, George Akume, Traditional Rulers, and former Governors of the state. The governors of Kwara, Imo, Kogi, Plateau, Ondo, and Nasarawa also attended the meeting. President Tinubu called out the Inspector General of Police to know why arrests have not been made. "How come no one has been arrested for committing this heinous crime in Yelewata. Inspector General of Police, where are the arrests? The criminals must be a...

 Ghana President announces plans to migrate Ghanaian workers to EU countries President John Mahama has revealed that Ghana is engaging the European Union (EU) in talks to establish a structured labour migration agreement to legally send Ghanaian workers to fill critical job gaps in Europe. The move, he explained, is aimed at curbing dangerous irregular migration routes while helping to solve Europe's skilled labour shortages. Speaking at the 2025 Ghana-EU Partnership Dialogue in Accra, Mahama said discussions are focused on ensuring mutual recognition of qualifications and upholding fair labour standards in sectors like healthcare, construction, and agriculture. “This isn't about brain drain – it's about creating safe and regulated pathways that will benefit both continents,” the President emphasized.

 SOUTH AFRICA: Two Suspects Arrested for the Murder of Elderly Couple in North West Two men, aged 41 and 29, have been arrested in connection with the brutal murder of George Koster (69) and his wife Wilma (66) in the North West.  The suspects were apprehended in Boitekong and Rustenburg on Tuesday evening, where police also seized a white Kia Rio and a suspected murder weapon. They are expected to appear in the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court on Thursday on charges of murder. INITIAL REPORT: Police Launch Manhunt After Elderly Couple Fatally Shot in Rustenburg Police in Rustenburg have launched a manhunt following the brutal killing of an elderly couple in the parking lot of a shopping centre on the afternoon of Saturday, 14 June 2025. Preliminary investigations indicate that the couple was fatally shot after a confrontation with the occupants of a white Kia Rio with no number plates. Paramedics declared both victims dead at the scene. Police are appealing to members of the pub...

PRESS RELEASE DELTA STATE POLICE COMMAND CO SUSTAINING THE FIGHT AGAINST CRIME AND CRIMINALITY AS OPERATIVES OF CP-SAT ARREST SUSPECTED ARMED ROBBERS, GUN RUNNERS AND RECOVERY OF ONE BARETTA PISTOL, TWO CUT-TO-SIZE GUNS, TWO ENGLISH SINGLE BARREL GUNS AND CARTRIDGES. Acting on credible intelligence carried out on the activities of cultists around Mosogar and its environs, on 11/06/2025, at about 0345hrs, Operatives of CP - Special Assignment Team ( CP - SAT ) led by ASP Julius Robinson stormed the residence of one Koko Josh ‘’m", aged 29 years, a native of Otor-Iyede Community in Isoko North LGA, Delta State, resident of Adams Street Area Mosoghar and one Asomugha Clinton m", 27 years, a native of Mbaisse Community in Ezinetthe LGA, Imo State. During the preliminary investigation, a search warrant was executed in his premises during which a black bag containing a Fabricated Baretta Pistol loaded with two(2) rounds of live ammunition, two (2) locally made guns, eight rounds (8...

 KANO STATE POLICE COMMAND            PUBLIC NOTICE THE  COMMAND'S INTELLIGENCE-LED OFFENSIVES AGAINST THUGGERY IN KANO METROPOLIS YIELD TREMENDOUS SUCCESS AS 51 SUSPECTS ARRESTED WITH WEAPONS ... Warns against all forms of brandishing weapons in the name of Traditional performance 'Kidan Gangi' The Kano State Police Command conducted a clearance operation in criminal hideouts in some parts of Kano Metropolis, including Kano Municipal, Dala, Gwale, and Tarauni Local Government Areas, specifically Kofar Mata, Zage, Kurna, Rijiyar Lemo, Dorayi, Hotoro, and Sheka Quarters, between Friday, 13th and Sunday, 15th June 2025. The three-day operation led to the arrest of fifty-one (51) suspects and the recovery of dangerous weapons and illicit drugs. The Command is fully determined to decisively tackle thuggery and its associated crimes. Names of suspects arrested are: 1.  Ayuba Zakariyya A.K.A Shamakin, 'm', 24 years old of Sheka Bayan Makaranta 2....

 PCRC and FIDA Rivers State Chapter Collaborate on Paralegal Training for Police Officers, Rivers CP harp on Capacity Building:  Today the 17th of June, 2025, was a symbolic day at the Police Officers' Mess, Old GRA Port-Harcourt as the Rivers State Chapters of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) and the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) rolled out a special training session for Officers and Men of the Rivers State Police Command  to enhance their capacity  through a comprehensive paralegal training program. This initiative underscores the commitment of both organizations to promoting effective law enforcement and access to justice in the State. The training, which focuses on key areas such as: * The Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) of Rivers State, * Dehumanizing and Harmful Traditional Practices Laws, * Prohibition of the Curtailment of Women's Rights to Share in Family Property Law, * Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law...

 2025 HAJJ: FIRST BATCH OF 423 LAGOS PILGRIMS RETURN HOME The Special Adviser to the Governor of Lagos State on Islamic Matters and Chairman, Central Working Committee (CWC) for Y2025 Hajj exercise, Dr. Ahmad Abdullahi Jebe has led other pilgrims on the return journey to Nigeria after completing the Hajj rites in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia.  The 423 pilgrims, comprising 179 males and 244 females, were aboard a Flynas Airbus XY9014 which departed the King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah on Tuesday, June 17 at 2.11pm Saudi Arabian time and arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, on Tuesday at 6.15pm Nigerian time.  Speaking before the departure, Dr. Jebe thanked Almighty Allah for His Grace and Protection over the pilgrims, especially during the five days spent at the Mashaer (Mina and Arafah) and the strenuous pebbles' throwing exercise at the Jamarat. He stressed that it was the grace of God that enabled them to carry out all the rite...

 Qatar Airways has been crowned the World’s Best Airline at the 2025 Skytrax Awards.  The airline also won Best Airline in the Middle East, World’s Best Business Class, and Best Business Class Lounge. CEO Badr Mohammed Al-Meer said the awards reflect the passion and commitment of the entire team. The recognition comes shortly after Qatar Airways announced a massive order of up to 210 widebody jets from Boeing. Al-Meer stated that the airline aims to set new benchmarks in service, comfort, and innovation across the aviation sector. Singapore Airlines took second place and won awards for Best Cabin Crew, Best First Class, and Best Airline in Asia. Cathay Pacific ranked third, followed by Emirates and ANA All Nippon Airways. Turkish Airlines was awarded Best in Europe, and Air Canada topped North America. Among low-cost carriers, AirAsia won for the 16th year in a row. IndiGo was named Best Low-Cost Airline in South Asia, while Bangkok Airways took the title of Best Regional Airl...

 38 Ogun Inmates Graduate in Theology, Missions Thirty-eight inmates, including those on death row, have graduated with degrees in Theology and Missions from the West African College for Christian Missions at Ibara Correctional Center, Abeokuta. The ceremony, hailed as a milestone in prison reform, was attended by correctional officials and academics who praised the graduates’ commitment to transformation and education as a tool for reintegration.

 2027: It’s a rude embarrassment — Tinubu’s group blames Zulum for fracas at the APC zonal meeting A Nigerian political group known as ‘Tinubu Next Level’ has criticised the Borno State governor, Babagana Zulum, for masterminding the fiasco that greeted the APC North-East zonal meeting at the weekend. The group, in a press statement signed by its president, Alhaji Ango Zubair, on Wednesday, noted that the action of the Zulum-led dissidents brought “rude embarrassment to President Bola Tinubu and APC members across the country.” The statement said further it was basically the prerogative of the zonal branch of the party to endorse a presidential candidate. “We express displeasure at the actions of Governor Babagana Zulum in insisting that the zonal endorsement accorded to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu be extended to Vice President Kashim Shettima. “We find such a stance as being rude and orchestrated to embarrass the President and every member of the APC in Nigeria and abroad. “What G...

 Iran has fired over 400 missiles at Israel, hit 40 locations - Netanyahu The intensifying conflict between Israel and Iran has taken a heavy toll, with both nations reeling from sustained strikes and mounting casualties. According to the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Iran has launched over 400 missiles and hundreds of drones toward Israeli territory since Friday, following Israel’s initial round of airstrikes on Iranian targets. The CNN, quoting the office, said the barrage has struck more than 40 locations across Israel, triggering nearly 19,000 damage claims filed with the national tax authority. Officials confirmed that at least 24 people have been killed, over 800 others injured, and more than 3,800 residents evacuated from high-risk zones. On the other side of the border, Iranian authorities report that at least 224 people have been killed since the hostilities began last Friday, though independent verification remains difficult amid the ongoing attacks...

 Police grant Paul Adefarasin bail, say stun gun recovered from cleric The Lagos state police command says Paul Adefarasin, senior pastor and founder of House on the Rock church, has been granted bail. On Tuesday, the police interrogated Adefarasin over a viral video showing him pointing an object at a content creator while driving. The pastor had turned himself in at the Lagos police command headquarters. In the footage, Adefarasin rolled down the tinted window of his Range Rover and pointed the gun-like object at the content creator before driving off. The clip sparked angry reactions, with social media users criticising the pastor for “possessing a firearm”. Adefarasin, however, denied the claims. In a statement on Wednesday, the police said the pastor was not holding a lethal firearm but a stun gun. A stun gun is a portable, battery-operated device designed for self-defence. It delivers a high-voltage electrical shock to temporarily incapacitate an attacker, causing intense pai...

 Zengi gives reasons Osimhen will remain at Galatasaray Turkish football expert, Devrim Zengi has given reasons Victor Osimhen will remain at Galatasaray beyond this summer transfer window. Osimhen has not decided the club he will play for next season. Thw 26-year-old recently concluded his loan spell with Galatasaray. Several clubs in Europe and Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia are eager to sign the Nigeria international on a permanent transfer from Napoli this summer. However, Zengi believes Osimhen will ended up remaining at Galatasaray because no club in Europe can match the offer the Turkish Super Lig champions are offering the striker. According to him, European clubs won’t like to sign Osimhen and some other African players because of the Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON. He also noted that Osimhen’s family doesn’t want a move to Saudi Arabia. Speaking on the Super Lig champions’ transfer plans, Zengi said (habersarikirmizi): “This year, there is a one-month African Cup. Victor Osimhen ...

 Rachel Brosnahan, who's set to star as Lois Lane in James Gunn's upcoming Superman film, has delivered some hard truths about actors in the superhero movie space.  In a candid interview with Amanda Seyfried, she called out fellow actors who sign on to big-budget comic book movies only to publicly criticize them when they don't perform well at the box office.  "I don't know why people say yes [to a project] only to then turn around and complain about it," Brosnahan stated. "Look, I don't want to shit on other actors, but there was a minute where it was cool to not like superhero movies and to look back on projects like this and pooh-pooh them. Do it or don't do it, and then stand by it." While she didn't name names, her comments seem to reference recent situations like Dakota Johnson's response to Madame  Web's poor reception, where she blamed creative decisions "made by committee" rather than taking ownership. Chris Hem...

 PRESS RELEASE NPF FLAGS OFF TRAINING WORKSHOP ON MONEY LAUNDERING, TERRORISM FINANCING… As IGP Reaffirms Commitment to National Security, Urges Stronger Inter-Agency Collaboration The Nigeria Police Force, in partnership with the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) and the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (ROLAC) Programme, has formally flagged off a three-day capacity-building workshop themed “Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing for Frontline Officers and Prosecutors.” The workshop, which runs from Wednesday, 18th to Friday, 20th June 2025, is being held at the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan International Peacekeeping Training Centre, Force Headquarters, Abuja. The opening ceremony was graced by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, represented by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Training and Development, DIG Frank Mba, mni. Also in attendance were the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Lat...

 Several People Killed in R81 Mooketsi Head-On Collision A tragic head-on collision between two bakkies on the R81 near Mooketsi in Limpopo has claimed several lives and left others injured on Tuesday, 17 June 2025. According to preliminary reports, one of the bakkies was transporting firewood when it collided head-on with another bakkie traveling in the opposite direction. The impact was so severe that both vehicles were extensively damaged, with some occupants trapped inside the wreckage. Emergency services responded swiftly to the scene, where some individuals were declared dead, while others were stabilised and transported to nearby hospitals for urgent medical treatment. The exact number of fatalities is yet to be confirmed, as authorities continue with investigations. Motorists using the route were advised to exercise caution as recovery operations continued.

 Court Jails Man for Internet Fraud in Kaduna  Justice R.M.Aikawa of the Federal High Court, sitting in Kaduna, Kaduna State has convicted and sentenced one Stephen Adeoti 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 impersonation and cybercrime. The charge reads: "That you, Stephen Adeoti (a.k.a Anonymous Collective) (M) between January to April, 2025 in Bida, Niger State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, fraudulently impersonated one Anonymous Collective, on Facebook (an online social media application) with the intent to gain advantage for yourself and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 22(2) (b) (i) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act, 2015 and punishable under Section 22(2)(b)(iv)of the same Act.” He pleaded "guilty", following which the prosecution counsel, M.E.Eimonye urged the court to convict and senten...

 Benue Monarch Accuses Herder Terrorists of Genocidal Invasion, Urges Tinubu to Act The Tor Tiv V, His Royal Majesty James Ayatse, has raised the alarm over what he described as a "calculated genocidal invasion" by herder terrorists in Benue State. Speaking out against ongoing violence, the paramount ruler dismissed claims that the killings are mere clashes between herders and farmers, labeling such narratives as deliberate misinformation. Addressing the crisis, the Tor Tiv called on President Bola Tinubu to take decisive action to curb the escalating attacks, which he said threaten the survival of Benue communities. The monarch’s statement underscores the growing tension in the region, as residents face relentless violence and displacement.

 Late Chief Iwuanyanwu’s alleged will bans his young widow from remarrying or she risks losing inheritance.  The last will and testament of the late elder statesman and former President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief (Engr. Dr.) Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, has been read to his family one year after his de@th and it allegedly comes with a controversial clause.  Recall that Chief Iwuanyanwu married first wife, Lady Eudora Nnenna Ozinyereaku Iwuanyanwu and they stayed married for over 40 years until her passing on August 28, 2011.  In 2013, Chief Iwuanyanwu, 72, married 26-year-old Frances Chinonyerem Enwerem.  He d!ed on July 25, 2024, at the age of 82.  On June 16, 2025, late Chief Iwuanyanwu’s alleged will was made public by TheWill News Media.  According to the publication, the will, executed by Chief Chukwuma Ekomaru (SAN), details how the revered businessman and politician’s estate will be shared among his immediate family and chosen beneficiaries....

 ADEBAYO SALAMI'S 60TH ANNIVERSARY MOVIE PREMIERES JUNE 29 Veteran actor Adebayo Salami is releasing a new movie to mark 60 years of his acting career. Titled “Her Excellency," the movie will premiere on June 29 and will hit the cinemas on July 4, 2025. The 72-year-old actor, began his acting career in 1964, and have featured in more than 300 Yoruba movies over the decades. His son, popular actor Femi Adebayo, expressed great enthusiasm at his father's 60th acting anniversary. “Today, I stand with immense pride, gratitude, and joy as I celebrate my father—my mentor, my hero – @adebayo.salami as he marks 60 years of unwavering excellence in filmmaking," Femi said. “What better way to honour this incredible milestone than with the release of his latest masterpiece: Her Excellency — a film that reflects not just his artistry, but the depth of his passion and dedication to this craft."

 SCORES OF BOKO HARAM/ISWAP TERROISTS NEUTRALISED IN ATTEMPTED INFILTRATION INTO NAVAL BASE LAKE CHAD FISH DAM In a well-coordinated joint land, maritime and air operations troops of Operation Hadin Kai neutralized scores of Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists that attempted to infiltrate the Naval Base Lake Chad in Fish Dam during the early hours of today. The terrorists commenced their infiltration attack at about 2 AM  to destroy the newly acquired Swamp Boggeys by the Borno State Government for waterways clearance in the Lake Chad but was fiercely resisted by personnel of the Naval Base Lake Chad with reinforcement from Baga in a firefight that lasted for over two hours before the terrorists retreated having failed to gain access to the Swamp Boggeys while scores were neutralized and IED materials recovered. Minimal incursion was made leading to the destruction of an ambulance and two other vehicles while some personnel were wounded in action. The air component platforms are curre...

 💔 Heartbreaking news from the culinary world: Food Network star Anne Burrell has passed away at age 55.  The beloved chef, known for her infectious personality and signature platinum spiky hair, died Tuesday morning at her Brooklyn home. Anne touched millions of lives as the longtime host of "Worst Cooks in America" (28 seasons) and "Secrets of a Restaurant Chef" (9 seasons, Emmy-nominated).   Anne's impact extended far beyond television. She was a Culinary Institute of America graduate, bestselling cookbook author ("Cook Like a Rock Star"), and active philanthropist who served on multiple charitable boards. Her approach to teaching cooking was both entertaining and educational, making her a favorite among home cooks nationwide.  She found love later in life, marrying Stuart Claxton in 2021 after meeting on Bumble, with fellow chef Rachael Ray serving as bridesmaid. Her family describes her as someone whose "smile lit up every room she entered....

  Explosive allegations about the Trump marriage are making headlines today, and the White House is fighting back hard. Trump biographer Michael Wolff has made shocking claims that Donald and Melania Trump are essentially "separated" and living completely separate lives. According to Wolff, who appeared on The Daily Beast podcast, the First Lady has spent less than two weeks at the White House since Trump's second inauguration. The most explosive allegation? Wolff claims a source close to the couple told him Melania "hates his f---ing guts" when asked about their relationship dynamic.   These aren't the first whispers about the Trump marriage. Throughout both of Trump's presidential terms, observers have noted Melania's limited public appearances and frequent absences from traditional First Lady duties. She's been spotted more often at Trump Tower in Manhattan or their Florida residence than at the White House.  However, the White House is catego...

 GOVERNOR USMAN ODODO OF KOGI STATE PENS HEART TOUCHING TRIBUTE TO YAHAYA BELLO HIS 50TH BIRTHDAY 18th June, 2025       Your Excellency, My Mentor, My Leader sir,  Today, I struggle to find the right words, because how do you describe a man who completely rewrote your story, who looked beyond your background and saw destiny instead of limitations? I wasn’t supposed to be here. I wasn’t born into privilege. I was raised by my grandmother, and we lacked even what children from average homes took for granted. I went to school hungry, watching my grandmother push through hardship just so I could stay on track. It was a miracle that I even went to school at all. When I became an association leader at Federal Polytechnic, Bida, I thought I had reached a great height, and truly, I was grateful. I never knew it was only the beginning. I saw you from afar and admired the beautiful transformation you were bringing to our dear Kogi State. I chose to follow your vision...

 Micaela Goeieman was tragically shot and killed by her boyfriend in Mndeni Extension 2, Soweto.  After committing the crime, the suspect reportedly called the police and handed himself over.  The incident has left the community in shock, highlighting once again the ongoing scourge of gender-based violence.

 Zimbabwean Man Allegedly Kills Wife and Flees in Mabopane, Pretoria A Zimbabwean national, known by the name Maburuku, who worked as a tailor in Mabopane, Pretoria, is alleged to have killed his wife and fled the scene on Monday, 16 June 2025. According to police reports, the suspect has been missing since the incident, and law enforcement authorities have since launched a manhunt to locate him. His current whereabouts remain unknown, and he is urged to hand himself over to the nearest police station. Police are appealing to anyone with information that could assist in tracking down the suspect to come forward. More photos below.