PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 Kenya police station torched in protest over man who died in custody A police station in Western Kenya was set ablaze on Thursday after thousands of protesters marched with the coffin of a teacher who died in custody last month, local media reported. Albert Ojwang, 31, was found dead in a police cell in the capital Nairobi after his arrest in Homa Bay County, his death sparking rallies against police brutality. In videos shared online, which AFP could not independently verify, a large crowd of protesters is seen carrying Ojwang's coffin after it arrived in Homa Bay for a burial scheduled for Friday. Media reported that during the procession protesters stormed and torched Mawego police station, where Ojwang was briefly detained before being transferred to Nairobi. Killed in custody Police initially claimed he had taken his own life until government pathologists found he had been killed. Ojwang was arrested for allegedly criticising deputy police chief Eliud Lagat in online posts. L...

 Zambia deploys military to crack down on illegal mining in hotspots Zambia has approved the deployment of military personnel to counter illegal mining operations in key hotspots across the country, the government said on Thursday, Anadolu Agency reported. “Cabinet has observed an increase in illegal mining activities involving gold, manganese, copper, sugilite, tin and lithium, mainly exploited by artisanal and small-scale miners,” government spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa told reporters in Lusaka, following a Cabinet meeting chaired by President Hakainde Hichilema. Mweetwa said illegal mining has fuelled smuggling of minerals, environmental pollution and an influx of foreign nationals into the mineral-rich Southern African country. Zambia has experienced a surge in unregulated mining, particularly in remote areas, with unregistered tenements being exploited for deposits. In some cases, mine collapses have resulted in death or injury due to unsafe mining practices. Exploitation of...

 M23 wants more talks with DRC despite Washington peace deal The M23 rebel group said on Thursday that it wants further talks with the Democratic Republic of Congo's government to address "problems" left out of a peace deal to end the conflict in the country's east, AFP reported. The DRC and Rwanda signed an agreement last week in Washington that was meant to bring about an end to fighting that has killed thousands of people in mineral-rich, conflict-ravaged eastern DR Congo. US President Donald Trump had hailed the deal as the start of "a new chapter of hope and opportunity" for the region. But the Rwanda-backed M23, the main armed group fighting Congolese forces, was not present at the Washington talks. Separate ceasefire deal It said that it wanted a separate ceasefire deal with the DRC government, with which it had been holding talks in Qatar. "What happens between the DRC and Rwanda is between them," M23 executive secretary Benjamin Mbonimpa t...

 LASPPPA ISSUES WARNING ON POWER LINE, SAFETY VIOLATIONS ... Frowns at Encroachment on Power Lines' Right of Way Despite Clampdown The Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA) has issued a strong warning to property owners, developers, and residents, urging them to desist from constructing buildings or any other structures under high-tension power lines, describing such acts as illegal and dangerous. Speaking on the persistent encroachment on power lines’ right-of-way, the General Manager of LASPPPA, TPL Kehinde Osinaike, decried the rising disregard for safety guidelines and physical planning laws.  He noted that despite ongoing enforcement actions by relevant authorities, some individuals still ignore the grave dangers associated with building too close to or directly beneath power lines. “Constructing under or near high-tension power lines is not only a clear violation of the state’s planning regulations but also a serious safety hazard. It exposes construct...

  Michael Madsen, Hollywood Icon, Dies at 67 Michael Madsen passed away early Thursday at his Malibu home due to cardiac arrest, bringing an end to a storied career defined by his powerful performances as tough guys and anti‑heroes. Deputies who responded to a 911 call pronounced him dead on the scene. These past two years saw Madsen passionately working on independent films like Resurrection Road, Concessions, and Cookbook for Southern Housewives, and preparing to release his first poetry collection, Tears for My Father: Outlaw Thoughts and Poems. A trusted Quentin Tarantino collaborator, Madsen delivered unforgettable roles in Reservoir Dogs, Kill Bill: Vol. 2, The Hateful Eight, and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. He is survived by five children his eldest son, Hudson, tragically passed away in 2022.

Peter Rufai, passes on at 61. The former Nigerian international goalkeeper was reported to have been ill for some months. Farewell. ACCORDING TO THE OFFICIAL SUPER EAGLES🦅 SOCIAL MEDIA PAGE: "🇳🇬🕊️ Forever in our hearts, Dodo Mayana. We mourn the passing of legendary Super Eagles goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, a giant of Nigerian football and a 1994 AFCON champion. Your legacy lives on between the sticks and beyond. Rest well, Peter Rufai. 💚"

 ‎let us all join hands and remove this evil in our country through this coalition---Kenneth Okonkwo ‎ ‎Veteran actor and politician Kenneth Okonkwo has offered a candid explanation for joining the new opposition coalition centered around the African Democratic Congress (ADC). ‎ ‎Speaking in an interview shared on Symfoni TV, he said, that he is glad that some people that brought Tinubu to power are already acknowledging that they brought evil into Nigeria by putting Tinubu in power. He Cited a statement made by a former prominent APC member that brought Tinubu into power  "The only reason I'm in this coalition is to remove the evil that I've brought to this nation." ‎ ‎Okonkwo described the coalition as a turning point in Nigeria’s political history, insisting it is built not on the pursuit of power but on the commitment to the welfare of Nigerians. He highlighted Article 3 of the ADC’s constitution, which pledges to create a society founded on peace, prosperity, and...

 ‎Peter Obi never worked for Abacha, he only helped to decongest the port when businessmen complained of delay at the port---Comedian Acapella slams Sowore ‎ ‎Popular comedian Bennet Chinedu Daniel, known as Acapella, has publicly countered activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore over claims that Labour Party’s Peter Obi collaborated with the Sani Abacha regime in the 1990s. ‎ ‎In a response posted online, Acapella described Sowore as a “lying unrepentant wanna-be hero,” rejecting claims that Obi ever worked for the infamous Abacha government. In his statement, Acapella stated that; ‎ "‎First off, Peter never worked for the Abacha government, He only helped decongest the port after businessmen met with Abacha over delays at the port. Obi gave ideas, received no salary, and was never an official appointee.” ‎ ‎He described the narrative of Obi’s collaboration with the military dictator as “stale” and insisted it should no longer be given attention ‎ ‎Acapella also...

 NIGERIAN MUSICIAN IMPRISONED IN USA FOR $140,000 FRAUD A Nigerian musician, Onomen Uduebor, was convicted by a US court in Seattle for a $140,000 scam and sentenced to 40 months in prison. Uduebor, 39, was extradited from the UK to the US in March 2025 after his arrest in September 2023. He pleaded guilty to tax fraud and identity theft. The musician deceived organizations into releasing the tax information of employees and then filed more than 300 fraudulent tax returns with intent to claim more than $1 million in refunds. The IRS blocked most of the payouts, but not until Uduebor and his team had collected $140,000 and the Nigerian personally receiving $10,000.  U.S. District Judge James L. Robart sentenced Uduebor to prison and ordered him to forfeit the $10,000 he earned from the scam and restitute $122,720 to the IRS. He is expected to be deported to Nigeria after serving his prison term.

 My children can own land, they are Nigerians – Wike   The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has stated that his children have the right to own land in the country as they are not foreigners. Wike said this at a media briefing in Abuja on Thursday while denying allegations that he allocated hectares of land in Maitama and Asokoro to his sons. According to him, as long as due process is followed, owning land is the right of his children. “Assuming, though not conceding, my children applied for land. Are they not citizens? Are they Ghanaians? Even if they applied, are they not entitled because I’m minister?” Wike queried. Speaking further, he said the claims that he allocated land to his sons is nothing but a smear campaign to undermine his position. “First, calculate land in Maitama and Asokoro and tell me where you’d get 2000 hectares of land. And I know where it is coming from. It is from Adamawa state. I am aware. “The whole thing is rubbish. Where in M...

  LAGOS STATE TEACHING SERVICE COMMISSION REACTIVATES RECRUITMENT PORTAL The Lagos State Teaching Service Commission has reactivated its recruitment portal as a bold step towards improving access to employment opportunities. This initiative aims to promote equity and fairness in the state teaching workforce, aligning with the state employment policies and digital transformation agenda. At a press briefing to announce the reactivation of the portal, the Chairman of the Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), Mrs. Victoria Mopelola Peregrino, disclosed that the portal will provide a user-friendly interface, inclusivity features, and data–driven insights for workforce planning. She said, “What sets this portal apart is its user-friendly interface, and a commitment to inclusivity-ensuring that youth, people with disabilities, and other marginalised groups have equal access to employment opportunities”. Speaking further, she noted, “This initiative aligns with the broader goals of the Sta...

 HEALTH SERVICE: HEFAMAA INTRODUCES QR CODES TO ENHANCE TRANSPARENCY, IMPROVE QUALITY, CURB QUACKERY  The Lagos State Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) has commenced the pilot phase of its QR Code Sticker Initiative across government and privately-owned health facilities in the State.  This move is aimed at promoting patient safety, transparency, and continuous quality improvement in the healthcare system while also making critical facility information easily accessible to the public. According to the Permanent Secretary of HEFAMAA, Dr. Abiola Idowu, with a simple scan using any smartphone device, healthcare seekers can now instantly access verified details about any registered health facility in Lagos State. Dr. Idowu listed the information available via the QR code to include: Facility Name, Address, Phone Number, Registration Number, Facility Category, and Accredited Services. Other information, she said, includes License Renewal Status, Ope...

 Kwara Courts Jail One for Illegal Possession of Solid Minerals, Three others for Internet Fraud   Justice Abimbola Awogboro of the Federal High Court, Ilorin has convicted and sentenced a truck driver, Olamilekan Basit to one year imprisonment for being in possession of solid minerals without lawful authorisation. Olamilekan was arrested in Balla, Asa Local Government Area of Kwara State for unlawfully transporting 30 tons of assorted solid minerals without proper authorization. Also convicted and sentenced by the judge is a 25-year-old professional photographer, Oyerinde Gbolahan Sodiq, who bagged three hundred hours community service at five hours per day for offences that border on internet fraud. Also convicted by the same judge are Ibrahim Ismail Aranfajo, a phone seller. Maruf Ridwan Babawale was convicted and sentenced by Justice Haleema Saleeman of the Kwara State High Court, Ilorin. The conviction and sentencing of the defendants followed their arraignment by the Ilo...

 Alleged 33.8bn: Mammah Accuses Own  Lawyer of Misrepresentation The First Defence Witness in the trial within trial of former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman on Wednesday, January 22, 2025 told a Federal High Court in Abuja presided over by Justice James Omotosho that his lawyer misrepresented him while taking his statements at the EFCC`s office. Mamman is being prosecuted by the EFCC on a 12-count charge bordering on conspiracy to commit money laundering to the tune of N33,804,830,503.73 (Thirty-three Billion, Eight Hundred and Four Million, Eight Hundred and Thirty Thousand, Five Hundred and Three Naira, Seventy-three Kobo). At Wednesday’ proceedings, the defendant, who doubled as first defence witness while being led in evidence by his counsel Femi Atteh, SAN recalled that he went to EFCC`s office on February 20, 2025 with his lawyer when EFCC`s prosecutors interviewed him. During cross examination by prosecution Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, He disclosed that he authorized his law...

 Court Jails Man for Land Fraud in Kaduna  The Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC has secured the conviction and sentence of one Abdullahi Haladu, before Justice Darius Khobo of the Kaduna State High Court, sitting in Kaduna Metropolis for land fraud.   He was prosecuted on an amended three-count charge, bordering on conspiracy and cheating to the tune of N1,550,000.00 (One Million, Five Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira, only).   Count one of the charge reads: "That you Abdullahi Haladu (m) and Kabiru Liman (m) (now convict), on or about April, 2021 in Kaduna within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud, conspired among yourselves to do an illegal act, to wit: cheating one Malam Sani Isyak of the sum of N1,550,000.00 (One Million Five Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira, only), when you falsely represented yourself as the owner of a plot of land measuring 105×45, at Mangoron, Agwai Sabon Gari Malali...

  Former Deputy President David Mabuza Has Passed Away 🕊️ It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of David Dabede Mabuza, the former Deputy President of South Africa and long-serving political figure from Mpumalanga. Mabuza, affectionately known as “The Cat”, was a towering figure in South African politics - serving both the nation and his province with tenacity, influence, and controversy. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and the people of Mpumalanga during this difficult time. 

 US Consulate Collaborates with Ogun on ICT, Unveils 'Window on America' Project ...Abiodun charges youths to leverage opportunities in ICT Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has challenged Nigerian youths to leverage the enormous opportunities available in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to make themselves self-reliant and relevant in the future. The governor made the call on Thursday at the unveiling of 'Window on America', an ICT project initiated by the American Consulate office in collaboration with GFA Technologies at the Ogun State Tech Hub, Kobape Road, Abeokuta. He said the establishment of the American Window at the Ogun State Tech Hub is the product of a visionary public-private partnership involving the Ogun State Government through the Bureau of Information Technology, the forward-thinking GFA Technologies group, and the US mission. According to the governor, the initiative is a dynamic and inclusive space created to serve as a bridge ...

 Labour Party Dismisses Ultimatum to Peter Obi as Mischievous, Labels Abure Faction Impostors The Labour Party (LP), under the leadership of Senator Nenadi Usman’s Caretaker Committee, has rejected a 48-hour ultimatum issued to its leader, Peter Obi, to resign or face expulsion, describing the move as “mischievous” and the work of “political jesters.” In a statement signed by Ken Eluma Asogwa, Senior Special Assistant (Media) to Acting National Chairman Nenadi Usman, the LP clarified that the ultimatum, issued by the Julius Abure-led faction, holds no legitimacy. The party reaffirmed its full support for Obi’s participation in recent coalition talks and the unveiling of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Abuja, aimed at forming a political alternative to challenge the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027. The statement, issued on Thursday, emphasized that Obi’s involvement in the coalition was undertaken with the “full knowledge, approval, and support” of the LP leadership...

 Seven Akwa Ibom Opposition Lawmakers Defect to APC In a significant political shift, seven members of the Akwa Ibom State House of Representatives from opposition parties have defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The defections were announced on Thursday, July 3, 2025. Six of the lawmakers—Unyime Idem, Martins Esin, Paul Ekpo, Uduak Odudoh, Okpolu Etteha, and Bassey Okon—previously belonged to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The seventh, Emmanuel Ukpong-Udo, left the Young Progressives Party (YPP) to join the APC. The lawmakers’ move is widely believed to be linked to Governor Umo Eno’s recent defection from the PDP to the APC in June 2025. Governor Eno, in his announcement last month, cited his support for President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms as a key reason for his switch. “Having completed the rounds of my consultations as your servant, I have decided to progressively move to the All Progressives Congress (APC),” Eno stated. He emphasized that the mov...

 The love story of Rute and Diogo Jota, who tragically died 10 days after their wedding Rute Cardoso was never one for the spotlight. She wasn’t a household name, and her face seldom graced front pages or highlight reels. But for anyone who followed Liverpool FC or Portugal’s national team, her presence was deeply felt—silent but steadfast, always a few steps behind the star she loved, cheering louder than anyone when the cameras weren’t watching. Born in Porto around 1996, Rute’s life changed forever when she crossed paths with a teenage Diogo Jota during high school in Porto. What began as a quiet friendship blossomed into a love story that spanned more than a decade—a relationship built not on glamor, but on loyalty, shared dreams, and deep, unshakable roots. They started dating in 2013, when Jota was just beginning to sketch the early outlines of his football career. As he climbed from Paços de Ferreira to FC Porto, then to Wolverhampton Wanderers, and eventually to global star...

 FG: Kaduna–Kano Rail to Be Completed by 2026 The Federal Government says the Kaduna–Kano rail project will be completed in 2026, alongside the Kano–Maradi corridor. Transportation Minister Said Alkali disclosed this during a meeting with Kaduna Governor Uba Sani, who announced ₦100bn presidential approval for Kaduna’s Light Rail, set to break ground in September.

 Oluremi Tinubu Donates ₦1bn to Plateau Attack Victims, Says Act Driven by Love, Not Politics First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has donated ₦1 billion to victims of attacks in Plateau State through her Renewed Hope Initiative, emphasizing the gesture is rooted in compassion, not politics. During her visit to Jos, she urged traditional leaders to promote peace and pledged continued support for the state.

 Liverpool forward Jota dies in car crash Liverpool forward Diogo Jota has died in a car crash, aged 28. The Portugal forward's brother Andre Silva also died in the accident, which took place in the Spanish province of Zamora. The 26-year-old was also a professional footballer, with Portuguese second-tier club Penafiel. The Guardia Civil has told BBC Sport that Jota and his brother died at about 00:30 local time on Thursday. They said that their car, a Lamborghini, left the road due to a tyre blowout while overtaking another vehicle and then caught fire. Jota married his long-term partner Rute Cardoso, with whom he had three children, just last month. He recently posted pictures on social media, external of the ceremony, which took place on 22 June. Jota helped Liverpool win the Premier League title last season and also played for Portugal as they beat Spain in the final of the Nations League in June. "The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) and all of Portuguese football are...

 2027: Issues coalition must address to stand a chance – Datti Baba-Ahmed In this interview on Trust TV, Datti Baba-Ahmed, the 2023 vice presidential candidate of the Labour Party, who was present at the adoption of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as the opposition coalition’s platform for 2027, discusses the challenges the coalition must overcome if it hopes to unseat President Bola Tinubu. How would you situate what happened today (Wednesday) in the context of what it means for Nigerians? Once again, here we go. Forces that are unhappy with the current government are coming together—just like they did once before—and they made history. That’s where we are now. It remains to be seen whether they’ll do anything different from that historic move of 2013–2014 that led to victory in 2015. When something becomes a narrative, it’s safer to tag along. Because challenging a dominant narrative is a daunting task. Until people see the truth and feel it for themselves, they won’t under...

  "Malami ditches APC, joins ADC In a bold political shift, former Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami has resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Malami announced his decision in a heartfelt letter, emphasizing that his move was not fueled by personal ambition but by a profound commitment to addressing the nation’s escalating crises. Malami described Nigeria as a country in distress, grappling with rampant insecurity that has made banditry, kidnappings, and terrorism a daily reality, particularly in the North. He criticized the government for prioritizing political maneuvers over citizen safety, leaving communities vulnerable. He also highlighted the dire economic situation, with soaring food prices rendering basic necessities unaffordable for many, widespread job losses, and a pervasive sense of hopelessness among the youth. Investment opportunities Malami expressed frustration with a governance system that he believes ...

Chidinma Obishe resisted arrest when she was apprehended for not using the pedestrian bridge at Ojota. She violently attacked some of our personnel.  The Magistrate Court sitting at Bolade has remanded her in prison till 8 July, 2025 when her case will be heard. COMPLETE FACTS: Woman remanded for assaulting officers after refusing to use pedestrian bridge A woman identified as Chidinma Obishe has been remanded in custody for allegedly resisting arrest and attacking enforcement officers at Ojota in Lagos. The incident, which occurred earlier this week, stemmed from Obishe’s refusal to use the pedestrian bridge in the area, which is a violation of the Lagos State traffic and pedestrian laws. Instead of complying when approached by officials, the suspect reportedly became aggressive and physically assaulted some members of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), commonly known as KAI officers. A video capturing part of the altercation has gone viral on social media, s...

"Our enforcement teams have begun strict compliance operations at Alakoro Market on Lagos Island to enforce the ban on single-use plastics and non-biodegradable nylon materials. At this moment, officers are conducting thorough inspections, confiscating prohibited materials, and educating traders about approved alternatives as stipulated by Lagos State environmental laws. This operation forms part of our broader commitment to eliminate pollutants that damage our ecosystems, block drainage systems, and contribute to flooding across the state. There will be no exceptions to this policy" - Tokunbo Wahab Watch video below. 

 Many injured as three-storey building collapses in Lagos A three-storey building has collapsed along Adeniji Adele road in Lagos Island. At least four occupants of the building have been rescued and taken to the hospital shortly after the structure crumbled on Thursday. Gbenga Omotoso, Lagos state commissioner for information, confirmed the incident in a post on Facebook, noting that the cause of the collapse is yet to be determined. “A three-storey building has collapsed on Lagos Island,” Omotoso said. “It is not yet clear why 2/4, Asesi Lane, Sasi Lane, (SASI Palace), Adeniji Adele Road went down. Four persons have been rescued from the rubble. They have been taken to hospital.” He said agencies at the scene include the Lagos state emergency management agency (LASEMA), Lagos state ambulance service (LASAMBUS), Lagos state fire and rescue service, Lagos state neighbourhood safety corps (LNSC), Lagos state traffic management authority (LASTMA), and the police. Omotoso said rescue ...

 Some members of the hijacked ADC, who were reported as members of the APC, left the APC years and months ago.  Let the public not be deceived by the opposition’s narrative about their relevance or whether the APC will mourn their departure.  - Rotimi Amaechi’s soul left the APC in 2022 after losing the presidential primary to President Tinubu. - Abubakar Malami, the former Attorney-General, has never hidden his estrangement from the APC since Tinubu assumed leadership and since he lost the governorship bid in Kebbi.  - Hadi Sirika, now with the ADC, is facing trial for contract splitting and other allegations. -The renegade Rauf Aregbesola committed anti-party in the last Osun election and was expelled as an unfit APC member Kashim Imam and the octogenarian Chief John Odigie Oyegun are among the disgruntled politicians posturing as would-be saviours of Nigeria. Imam abandoned the APC after failing to secure the vice-presidential ticket in 2022. Chief Oyegun, a forme...

 3rd July, 2025 PRESS RELEASE ARREST OF SUSPECTED CULTISTS/FRAUDSTERS AND RECOVERY OF ONE BERETTA PISTOL WITH THREE (3) ROUNDS OF LIVE AMMUNITION; RECOVERS STOLEN LEXUS EX 330 JEEP The Delta State Police Command, in its continued efforts to rid the state of criminal elements, has recorded a notable operational success with the arrest of a suspected cultist, the recovery of firearms, and the recovery of a stolen vehicle. 1. ARREST OF SUSPECTED CULTIST AND RECOVERY OF ONE BERRETTA PISTOL WITH THREE (3) ROUNDS OF LIVE AMMUNITION:  On 29/06/2025 Operatives of CP - Special Assignment Team (CP - SAT) led by ASP Julius Robinson, acting on credible intelligence, stormed Yoruba Street of Sapele town and arrested one Rasheed Atanda ‘m’ 31yrs, a native of Irinle community of Kwara State resident in Sapele town. Preliminary investigation further led the operatives to arrest other suspects, including: Charles Oyowe, ‘m’ 36yrs native of Obeda, Warri North LGA of Delta State, in whose posses...