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 FCT Police Deny Sealing PDP Secretariat Amid Tensions Over Blocked Meetings The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has refuted claims that it sealed off the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national headquarters in Wuse Zone 5, Abuja, on Monday, amid allegations of police interference in the party’s scheduled meetings. Ibrahim Tsauri, a PDP Board of Trustees (BoT) member and former National Secretary, told journalists that police operatives barred BoT members from accessing the party’s Wadata Plaza secretariat, where a meeting was set to take place. Tsauri claimed the police cited “orders from above” and prohibited any meetings on the premises, escalating tensions ahead of the PDP’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting. However, FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, dismissed the allegations in a statement, describing them as “false, misleading, and not reflective of the true situation on ground.” Adeh clarified that police were deployed to the ar...

 STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE PRESIDENT TINUBU SAYS THE SCHOLARSHIP SCHEME FOR OECS STUDENTS TO STUDY IN NIGERIAN UNIVERSITIES BEGINS NEXT ACADEMIC YEAR President Bola Tinubu announced that the scholarship programme for students from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) to study in Nigerian universities will commence in the next academic year. At a joint press conference with the Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, Philip J. Pierre, following a high-level working luncheon with OECS leaders in Gros Islet on Monday, President Tinubu said the initiative has already commenced.  The Nigerian leader explained that the initiative is part of a broader cooperation framework aimed at strengthening people-to-people ties and expanding opportunities in education, trade, and development. The President further disclosed that a proposal for visa waivers for holders of diplomatic and official passports from OECS member states is also on course.  “I believe we can take advantage of o...

 Rano Air Flight Grounded After Mid-Flight Emergency Over Abuja A Rano Air passenger aircraft, registration number 5N-BZY, was forced to return to Abuja after a serious mid-flight incident involving engine failure and smoke in the cabin, prompting swift action from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). The flight, en route from Abuja to Katsina, experienced a malfunction in its number one engine, leading to smoke filling both the cabin and cockpit. Passengers reported panic as crew members deployed oxygen masks and followed emergency protocols to ensure a safe landing. No casualties were reported, and the smoke dissipated before the aircraft touched down safely in Abuja. The NCAA immediately grounded the aircraft, citing safety concerns. Engineers are now investigating the cause of the engine failure and smoke incident, according to a preliminary report from the Directorate of Airworthiness.  The incident disrupted Rano Air’s operations, leaving passengers stranded in S...

 FCTA Workers Barricade Minister’s Office Over Unpaid Salaries, Teachers’ Strike Hundreds of Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) workers, led by the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC), stormed the office of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike on Monday, protesting unpaid salaries, suspended hazard allowances, and unresolved welfare issues affecting civil servants and public school teachers. The demonstration follows a 100-day strike by primary school teachers under the Local Education Authorities, triggered by the Area Council Chairmen’s failure to implement the ₦70,000 minimum wage. The workers also demanded the immediate dismissal of Emeka Ezeh, Chairman of the FCT Civil Service Commission, accusing him of administrative overreach and wage suppression. JUAC President Rifkatu Iortyer highlighted the non-release of overhead funds for Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), which she said has paralyzed administrative operations. She criticized the lack of promotions for elig...

 Over 50,000 Nigerians Test Positive for TB – Global Fund The Global Fund has revealed that over 50,000 Nigerians tested positive for tuberculosis through expanded screening, but many remain untreated due to funding gaps. Executive Secretary Ibrahim Tajudeen warned that without urgent intervention, the country risks worsening transmission. He urged swift action from partners as Nigeria faces one of the world’s highest TB burdens.

 It is Difficult To Unseat Alex Otti Due To What He has done for Abians—Bishop Okonkwo ‎ ‎Bishop Mike Okonkwo of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM) has criticised the way political leaders in Nigeria approach governance, stating that many of them focus more on preparing for the next election than solving problems facing the people, during an interview with THE SUN. ‎ ‎He pointed to Abia State Governor Alex Otti as an example of what true leadership should look like. he stated  that Otti is not like those politicians who abandoned problems they ought to solve for their people and focus on campaigns and other things. ‎ ‎"Honestly, if you go to Aba to talk against Alex Otti, they will stone you. He doesn’t need to come out; he will stay in his house in Umuahia. He will not say anything, they will kill you because there is evidence of performance and that is all that is needed" ‎ ‎He urged leaders to perform and voting for you will be easy for them, stating that Nigerians ar...

 Police Arresting Masquerades in their full regalia is an Insults on Our Culture – Nsukka Traditional Ruler The traditional ruler of Umuoyo Ancient Kingdom in Nsukka LGA, HRH Igwe Dr Ejike Asadu, has reacted to the recent arrest of some Oriokpa masquerades from Nkpunano community in Nsukka LGA of Enugu State. The masquerades were arrested by the police for beaten a young man to stupor. Three of the masquerades were arraigned and detained at the Nsukka Correctional Centre on the orders of Nsukka Magistrates’ Court. Their matter was adjourned to July 31, 2025.  In this interview, the traditional ruler of Umuoyo Ancient Kingdom in Nsukka LGA, HRH Igwe Dr Ejike Asadu, condemned the uncultured manners of the masquerades, but maintained that arresting them in their full regalia is an insult to Nsukka culture. "I blame task force members of Nkpunano community for not doing the right thing. They have insulted the culture of Nsukka. They are not organised. Otherwise, immediately that i...

 North-Central APC endorses Al-Makura for national chairman The North-Central All Progressives Congress Forum has nominated a former Governor of Nasarawa State, Senator Tanko Al-Makura, for the position of National Chairman of the party. In a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday, the Chairman of the Forum, Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga, said the endorsement followed extensive consultations among APC stakeholders in the North-Central region. Titled ‘Why Al-Makura Deserves to be APC National Chairman’, the statement highlighted that Al-Makura hails from Nasarawa State—the same state as the recently removed National Chairman, Senator Abdullahi Adamu. Al-Makura’s endorsement comes just 24 hours after the Forum demanded that the position of National Chairman be returned to the North-Central region. According to the statement, under the APC’s zoning arrangement, the North-Central is allocated the National Chairman position, which led to the emergence of Adamu—also from Nasarawa State—during the pa...

 Why I regret supporting APC – Rapper MI Ace Nigerian musician Jude Abaga, also known as M.I, has admitted that he made a mistake by supporting the All Progressives Congress, or APC. The ‘African Rapper NO 1’ crooner revealed that he backed the APC in 2015 because he believed the PDP, the then-ruling party, was corrupt. He stated that the APC isn’t meeting expectations, and that it isn’t the party of his dreams. Speaking in a recent episode of the Menism podcast, M.I said, “I tweeted about the thing [herdsmen attacks] that happened in Benue and a lot of people were saying, ‘But M.I, you supported the APC.’ “Yes, I supported APC because at that time, I felt that the PDP government was very corrupt. I was part of the people who lifted my voice to say, ‘Let us stand and bring in democracy.’ “As human being, no matter how much you try to be right, you will be wrong [sometimes]. APC unfortunately isn’t the APC of my dreams.” He stated that he is now focused on using his talent and platf...

 Emir’s Palace, NDLEA office set ablaze as protest rocks Kwara Residents of Lafiagi in Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State took to the streets on Monday in protest against what they described as worsening insecurity in their communities, including repeated cases of terrorism, kidnapping and killings. The protesters, predominantly youths from the area, voiced frustration over what they termed government inaction in the face of continued violence. They were seen in a video clip chanting solidarity songs and waving placards, demanding urgent intervention to curb the bloodshed and abductions disrupting daily life. The irate youths set fire to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, office in Lafiagi and vandalised the palace of the Emir of Lafiagi, smashing windows and damaging parts of the building. “We have been crying and dying in silence,” a resident said in the video clip. “People are being kidnapped every week. We don’t sleep with both eyes closed anymore, and nobod...

 FG Slams Six Cybercrime Charges Against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan The Federal Government has filed six cybercrime charges against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for allegedly spreading false claims that Senate President Godswill Akpabio and ex-Governor Yahaya Bello plotted her assassination. Filed under the amended 2024 Cybercrimes Act, the charges include defamation and inciting public disorder. The case is seen as a major test of Nigeria's strengthened digital misinformation laws. EARLIER REPORT: Senator Natasha docked on cybercrime charges Suspended Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was on Monday arraigned before a Federal High Court in Abuja on cybercrime charges. Akpoti-Uduaghan was arraigned on a six-count charge filed by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), Mohammed Abubakar. She is, in the charge, marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/195/2025 brought under the Cybercrimes Prohibition, Prevention, etc (Amendment) Act 2024 alleged to have  transm...

 Sweet news from Brussels! 💕 A$AP Rocky may have just confirmed that he and Rihanna are expecting a baby girl during the Smurfs world premiere. When asked directly "Is that the girl you've been waiting for?" Rocky smiled and responded "It is, man, it is" before playfully redirecting with a Smurfette toy.  Rihanna looked absolutely stunning in custom Chanel, proudly showing her baby bump as she promotes her role as Smurfette in the upcoming animated film (releasing July 18th). The couple already shares two sons - 3-year-old RZA and 22-month-old Riot - so a little girl would be the perfect addition to their growing family.  🧠 What strikes me most about this couple is how they've managed to maintain such authenticity despite their massive fame. Rocky's genuine excitement and Rihanna's radiant confidence throughout this pregnancy shows a couple truly in their element as partners and parents.  The timing feels perfect too - they've been strategicall...

 2 FARMERS ATTACKED BY ARMED HERDSMEN IN CHIEF ORTOM'S VILLAGE Two farmers, Nensha Adeor and Kator Gbenge, have sustained serious injuries after being brutally attacked by armed Fulani herdsmen in Adeor settlement, Ndzorov Council Ward of Guma Local Government Area, Benue State. Ndzorov Council Ward is the home of immediate past governor of Benue state Chief, Samuel Ortom. The incident occurred after the victims reportedly attempted to prevent herders from allowing their cattle to destroy their farmland.  The assailants, armed with machetes, launched a vicious attack, leaving both men with deep cuts. Kator Gbenge’s injuries are particularly severe, with medical personnel at the General Hospital in Gbajimba warning that he may permanently lose the function of one hand due to extensive vein damage. In a related incident, a farmer in the same area was kidnapped by armed Fulani herdsmen and has remained in captivity for the past three days. No communication or ransom demand has be...

 Abuja Property Issue:   EFCC DENIES DISOBEYING COURT ORDER   The attention of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has been drawn to some media reports insinuating that it disobeyed an order of Justice Musa Liman of the Federal High Court, Abuja directing its operatives to vacate a property situated at House 6, Aso Drive, Asokoro, Abuja.       While it is not in the character of the EFCC to respond to insinuations against it regarding judicial procedures and processes,  it is imperative that the miscarriage of facts contained in the media reports are corrected to avail the public ungarnished truths about the matter.   The EFCC is renowned for its avowed respect for the rule of law and no claim  of disobedience of court order can stand against  owing to the fact that the court granted an order of possession of the property to the Commission on March 27, 2025.  Justice Liman granted the order when the Commiss...

 Gov. Uba Sani Appoints Barr. Naymarie Musa-Akande As MD/CEO Of Kaduna Industrial And Finance Company The Governor of Kaduna State, Senator (Dr) Uba Sani (CON), has appointed Barrister Naymarie Musa-Akande as the new Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Kaduna Industrial and Finance Company Limited (KIFC). Barrister Naymarie Musa-Akande, a seasoned legal practitioner, public servant, and politician, brings a wealth of experience to her new role.  She previously served as the All Progressives Congress (APC) Woman Leader in Kaduna State and held several advisory roles in the Kaduna State Government. From Special Assistant on Legal and Political Matters to Technical Assistant to the Governor, she has contributed significantly to the state’s governance architecture. Her legal expertise spans civil and commercial litigation, corporate transactions, and international legal support, having handled cases in both Nigeria and the United Kingdom. A holder of an LLB, BL, MSc in In...

 STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE MOST SAINT LUCIAN FORMERLY ENSLAVED  PEOPLE  WERE NIGERIANS President of the Saint Lucian Senate, Alvina Reynolds, underscored Nigeria's and Saint Lucian ancestral links by quoting the result of a British census conducted on the island in 1815, which showed that most of the residents came from Nigeria.   “Of the 16,282 enslaved people in Saint Lucia that year, 3,488 were born in Africa. Of these, 34% were from Nigeria, 11% from Nigeria-Cameroon, and 22% from the Congo. The remaining 12,794 were born in Saint Lucia, with most of their forefathers coming from Senegambia and Nigeria.”   She reeled out the figures in her address as she welcomed President Bola Tinubu to the joint session of the Lucian bicameral parliament on Monday.   She said  President Tinubu's presence is historic for this Parliament and the people of Saint Lucia.   She noted that the legacy of the transatlantic slave trade, which spanned more than 350 year...

 STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE PRESIDENT TINUBU PROPOSES VISA WAIVERS FOR OECS OFFICIAL PASSPORT HOLDERS AS NIGERIA, SAINT LUCIA ESTABLISH DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS   President Bola Tinubu formally announced on Monday the establishment of diplomatic relations with Saint Lucia, describing it as a "symbolic bridge that will provide a gateway in fostering closer ties between us."   President Tinubu stated this while addressing a special joint session of the Senate and House of Assembly of Saint Lucia at the William Jefferson Clinton Ballroom, Sandals Grande, Gros Islet, Saint Lucia.   The President proposed creating a Joint Commission or Political Consultation Agreement as a mechanism for structured cooperation between Nigeria and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).   President Tinubu also announced that he would offer full scholarships to students of OECS to promote cultural understanding that further strengthens the bond between Nigeria and the Eastern Car...

UK-Based Nigerian Carer Sentenced for Abusing Elderly Dementia Patient Days Before His Death A Nigerian carer, Bilikesu Olagunju, has been sentenced after being caught on camera violently abusing an 88-year-old dementia patient, John Attard, just days before his death. The incident occurred on Christmas Eve 2022 at the victim’s home in Bexley, Kent, as reported by Mail Online. Olagunju, employed by Unique Personnel UK and only six days into her role as a care worker, was filmed stripping Mr. Attard, threatening to beat him, and ignoring his cries of pain. In the footage, captured by a camera installed by the victim’s son, Chris Attard, Olagunju is heard saying, “Maybe I will beat you up. I will flog you. I will take you to the GP to get injections. I will call the police on you.” She was also seen pouring marmalade into Mr. Attard’s coffee, despite knowing he was diabetic, and dragging him by his arm and collar, causing visible distress. The following morning, Christmas Day 2022, Mr. A...

 Gunmen Attack Near Abia State University Leaves Motorcyclist Dead A tragic shooting incident outside Abia State University (ABSU) in Uturu claimed the life of a commercial motorcyclist, Mr. Osinachi Asonye, on Friday, prompting the university to reassure students and the public of its safety. In a statement issued by Mr. Chijioke Nwogu, the university’s Public Relations Officer, ABSU clarified that the attack occurred outside the campus, refuting false reports suggesting the incident took place within the university premises. The management condemned the killing and other related crimes, describing claims of insecurity on campus as deliberate attempts to tarnish the institution’s reputation. “The public should note that none of these reported incidents happened inside the University, as many false narratives try to portray, but mostly in bordering communities,” the statement read, highlighting that such incidents reflect broader national security challenges rather than issues spec...

 PDP Shifts BoT Meeting to Yar’Adua Centre Amid Police Barricade at Secretariat The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) relocated its Board of Trustees (BoT) meeting from the party’s National Secretariat at Wadata Plaza to the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja’s Central Business District on Monday, following a police blockade that prevented BoT members from accessing the secretariat. The PDP announced the venue change via its official X account, stating, “The Meeting of the Board of Trustees (BoT) earlier scheduled to hold by 10am at the Party’s National Secretariat in Abuja has been moved to Yar’Adua Centre, Central Business District, Abuja.” The party condemned the actions of armed policemen from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command, describing their presence as harassment. Eyewitnesses at the Yar’Adua Centre reported the arrival of BoT members, including Maina Chiroma, who were denied entry to the Wadata Plaza earlier. Umar Tsauri, a former PDP National Secretary, told journalis...

 Peter Obi Confirms 2027 Presidential Bid, Pledges Single Term and Non-Violent Campaign Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, has announced his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election, committing to a single four-year term if elected. Speaking during a live session on X Spaces on Sunday night, Obi addressed supporters in Nigeria and the diaspora, outlining his vision for the country. In a statement released Monday by his spokesman, Ibrahim Umar of the Peter Obi Media Reach, Obi dismissed speculations of a joint ticket with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. However, he expressed openness to coalition talks focused on addressing Nigeria’s pressing issues, such as insecurity, economic revival, and poverty alleviation. “If the coalition is not about stopping the killings in Benue, Zamfara, how to revive our economy, how to make our industries productive, how to put food on the tables of Nigerians… Count me out,” Obi declared. Obi pro...

 PORTABLE DEMANDS N50M TO CAMPAIGN FOR TINUBU  Controversial Nigerian singer, Portable, said he is ready to campaign for President Tinubu's reelection in 2027 if the sum of N50 million is paid to him. Born Habeeb Okikiola, Portable specifically demanded N50M from social media influencer and actor Lege Miami to launch a sustained campaign that will put Tinubu in Aso Rock beyond 2027. “Make dem run am well—₦50 million before I do campaign,” Portable told Lege Miami in a video clip.

 ANAMBRA STATE POLICE COMMAND PRESS STATEMENT 30th June, 2025 POLICE ARREST TWO SUSPECTS FOR DIVERTING AND CONVERTING CEMENT SHIPMENTS ACROSS FOUR STATES The Anambra State Police Command, in its continued efforts to combat economic and cyber-related crimes, has arrested two suspected fraudsters involved in the diversion and illegal conversion of cement shipments across Anambra, Edo, Rivers, and Delta States. The suspects, identified as Mr. Mmaduabuchi Udo and Mr. Abubakar Babangida, were apprehended by operatives of the CP Monitoring Unit on 23rd June 2025 in Abuja, following an intelligence-led investigation. Preliminary investigations reveal that the suspects specialized in using social media platforms to profile cement dealers and extract sensitive operational information from unsuspecting victims. They allegedly leveraged this data to facilitate the diversion of cement consignments intended for legitimate businesses. The arrest underscores the need for vigilance when sharing bu...

 Tom Cruise is making headlines for his extravagant efforts to win over actress Ana de Armas, whom he views as a potential future partner.  The 62-year-old actor has been showering her with lavish gifts and personal attention while they film their new supernatural thriller, "Deeper." Sources say Cruise has spared no expense, arranging private jets and exclusive dinners to impress de Armas, making her his top priority.  Speculation about their romance has been buzzing as they spend more time together, leaving fans eager to see if their on-screen chemistry leads to a real-life relationship.

 Cobra Kai actress Alicia Hannah-Kim has courageously addressed the disturbing incident where co-star Martin Kove bit her arm during a fan convention meet-and-greet.  In her emotional Instagram video, Hannah-Kim called it a "serious incident" and emphasized that "no one wants to be attacked at work." The police report reveals Kove bit her "so hard he nearly drew blood" after she simply tapped his shoulder to say hello.  While Kove has since apologized, Hannah-Kim's response highlights the importance of workplace safety and standing up for yourself.  ACCORDING TO ANOTHER SOURCE: When Playfulness Crosses a Line — Martin Kove Issues Public Apology At a recent fan convention in Washington, Cobra Kai actor Martin Kove found himself at the center of controversy after an incident involving co-star Alicia Hannah-Kim. During what he described as a "playful" moment, Kove bit Hannah-Kim’s arm—an act she did not view as humorous or appropriate. According...

 Court Jails Man Seven Years for N11.4m Land Fraud in Enugu Justice U. J. Mogboh of the  Enugu State High Court sitting in Agbani, Enugu State on June 19, 2025 convicted and sentenced one George Amechi Igwesi to seven years imprisonment for land fraud. Igwesi was arraigned alongside his company, Georgeann Enterprises Limited by the Enugu Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on October 19, 2023 on a two-count charge bordering on Stealing and obtaining by false pretence to the tune of Eleven Million, Four Hundred Thousand Naira (N11, 400, 000. 00). The offence is contrary to Section 1 (1) (a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under Section 1 (3) of the same Act.   One of the charges reads: “That you, George Amechi Igwesi and Georgeann Enterprises Limited on or about the 1st day of July, 2022 in Agbani Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State, by false pretences and with intent to...

 Alleged N76bn, $31.5m Fraud: Court Adjourns Ex-AMCON MD, Kuru, Others’  Trial Till July 1   Justice Mojisola Dada of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, on Monday, June 30, 2025, adjourned till July 1, 2025 further hearing in the trial of Mallam Ahmed Kuru, a former Managing Director of Assets Management  Corporation of Nigeria, AMCON, and four others,  over alleged N76bn and $31.5m fraud.    Kuru, alongside Capt. Roy Ilegbodu, Managing Director of Arik Air, Kamilu Omokide, Receiver Manager of Arik Air, Union Bank Nigeria Plc and Super Bravo Limited is facing trial on a six-count charge bordering on conspiracy, stealing, and abuse of office to the tune of N75bn and $31.5m fraud. Details later

 Big Win for Peace: Over 200 Militants Lay Down Arms in CAR After Talks Led by Russian Military Instructors The success was achieved during talks between Russian military instructors of the Officers Union for International Security (SOMB) and a commander of the UPC militia group, Sputnik reported. The talks were part of President Faustin-Archange Touadera's broader efforts to bring peace and security to the CAR, according to the SOMB. While high-ranking field commanders surrender, and Russian instructors strictly honor agreements, other armed groups are now also choosing to lay down arms and return to civilian life, it added. "I want to address the rank-and-file soldiers. […] We used to fight each other, but now we stand together for the good of the country. We know how to fight — that’s why I hope each of you makes the right choice," one of the Russian negotiators said.

   EFCC Arrests 74 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Abuja Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,  EFCC, have arrested 74 suspected internet fraudsters.     They were arrested on Monday, June 30, 2025 at Joyous Hotel, Nyanya in the Federal Capital Territory,  FCT following actionable intelligence on their suspected involvement in  internet-related offences.    Items recovered from them include  86 phones, one rifle pistol and three motorcycles.   They will be charged to court soon. More photos below. 

 US CONSORTIUM READY TO BUY TIKTOK - TRUMP President Donald Trump has announced that a consortium of affluent individuals in the United States are ready to buy TikTok - a social media platform owned by ByteDance, a Chinese tech company. "The buyers are a group of wealthy individuals, and their names will be made public within two weeks," Trump said. Trump with the backing of the US Congress are bent on forcing ByteDance to sell TikTok to an American company to safeguard user data and prevent potential spying by Chinese authorities.