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STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE AGF denies FG's involvement in First Holdco Share Acquisition We are compelled to respond to a publication by ThisDay Newspaper of July 17, 2025, and Arise TV suggesting that 25% of First Bank Holdings (First Holdco) shares were transferred to the Federal Government of Nigeria's (FGN) trustee.  The report is inaccurate, misleading, resentful and malicious. Neither the Federal Government of Nigeria nor the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice participated in acquiring the shares in question.  The Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice debunks this falsehood to prevent confusion or misconceptions about First Holdco's ownership and governance.  The circumstances surrounding the shareholding structure are distinct from any government involvement.  However,  it is aware of a trustee set up by the First Holdco, with the CBN approving Stanbic IBTC to oversee it as a third party.  We u...

 Labour Party Disowns NEC Meeting, Warns Abia Governor Otti The Julius Abure-led faction of the Labour Party has publicly disavowed a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of party stakeholders held on Friday, labeling it as illegal, unconstitutional, and void of any effect. In a strongly worded statement, the faction condemned the gathering, asserting it lacked legitimacy and authority within the party’s structure. The Abure-led leadership specifically cautioned Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, against what it described as the misuse of state resources to fund frivolous activities. The faction accused Otti of involvement in the unauthorized meeting, urging him to focus on governance and refrain from actions that could further deepen divisions within the party. “The so-called NEC meeting is a nullity and holds no weight in the affairs of the Labour Party,” a spokesperson for the Abure faction stated. “We advise Governor Otti to prioritize the welfare of Abia State citizens and ...

 After the last time Peter Obi visited Edo, 3 people were killed, Obi is a security risk, he must not enter Edo again without security clearance-------Monday Okpebholo(Edo state governor ) Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has warned that the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, must get security clearance before coming to the state Obi had visited Benin, the state capital, on July 7 and donated N15m million to St Philomena Hospital School of Nursing Sciences for the completion of projects in the school. Governor Monday stated that; “That man who says he has no ‘shishi’ came and dropped ₦15 million. Where did he get it from? After he left, three people were killed. For this reason, Obi must not come to Edo without security clearance.” “His visit coincided with a resurgence of violence in the state and this will not be tolerated,” the governor stated. The governor, who spoke on Friday while receiving Marcus Onobun, the last remaining oppo...

 PRESS RELEASE FCT POLICE ARREST MAN FOR NEGLIGENT DROWNING OF 3-YEAR-OLD BOY IN UNCOVERED SEPTIC TANK …as CP FCT advises parents and guardians to monitor their children at all times. The police operatives of Durumi divisional headquarters have arrested one Philip Jallo, male of Durumi 2, Abuja, following a  heart-wrenching tragedy which occured on July 16, 2025, at about 9:00 pm, where a 3-year-old boy fell and drowned in an uncovered septic tank (soak away) with feaces in a residential compound, allegedly left exposed by the negligent suspect despite repeated appeals by surrounding neighbors to cover it. Preliminary investigation revealed that the uncovered soak away had long posed a danger to residents in the area, and several warnings and pleas were reportedly made by concerned neighbours to the suspect, who failed to take necessary action. The innocent child was said to be playing within the compound when he tragically slipped and fell into the uncovered soak away. Sadly,...

 STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE IN KANO, PRESIDENT TINUBU PAYS TRIBUTE TO AMINU DANTATA'S PHILANTHROPY, INTEGRITY President Bola Tinubu has described the late Alhaji Aminu Dantata as a titan of integrity, humility, and generosity, whose life was dedicated to service, philanthropy, and devotion to others.   During a condolence visit to the family of the late business mogul in Kano on Friday, President Tinubu said Alhaji Dantata embodied the highest values of public service and human compassion.   The renowned industrialist passed away on Saturday, June 28, 2025, in Dubai at the age of 94 and was buried in Madina, Saudi Arabia, on Tuesday, July 1, 2025.   "This is a deeply personal visit for me. I came to condole with the Dantata family and the good people of Kano. He was not just a respected figure; he was part of my family," the President said.   President Tinubu recalled the counsel and prayers he received from Alhaji Dantata during the 2023 presidential election cam...

 Five suspects arrested following kidnapping pf Ugandan woman in Limpopo  Five suspects have been arrested in connection with the kidnapping of a 42-year-old Ugandan woman in Limpopo.  The victim was rescued unharmed during a swift and coordinated operation led by the SAPS Provincial Organised Crime Unit. The incident took place on Tuesday, 15 July 2025, in Atok village under the Apel policing area, Sekhukhune District. According to police, the woman was accosted by armed suspects driving an unmarked Toyota Hilux double cab. She was forcefully taken and transported to a house in the Mecklenburg policing area, where she was assaulted and tortured. The suspects later contacted a relative of the victim and demanded a ransom for her release. Police were alerted on Thursday, and a multidisciplinary team was quickly assembled to track the suspects. In the early hours of Friday, 18 July 2025, the suspects instructed that the ransom be delivered at Apel shopping mall. Police inte...

 BENUE TO SHUT DOWN 4,000 SUB-STANDARD SCHOOLS - OFFICIAL The Benue state government Thursday announced the planned closure of 4,000 schools that failed to meet operational standards, as part of a sweeping reform to sanitise the state’s education sector. The chief press secretary to the governor, Sir Tersoo Kula, at a press briefing in Makurdi, stated that the institutions earmarked for closure were found lacking in infrastructure, academic standards and compliance with basic regulatory requirements. “This administration is determined to reposition education. Schools that do not meet the standard or have failed to meet the minimum requirements to function will no longer be allowed to operate,” Kula stated. While fielding questions, Kula declined to respond directly to criticisms from former Governor Samuel Ortom, describing them as “propaganda,” and suggested Ortom’s public commentary was designed to deflect from his own eight-year track record. In a particularly pointed critique, ...

 BENUE: 10-MONTH-OLD BABY WHO SURVIVED YELEWATA GENOCIDE DISCHARGED Ten-month-old Aondosoo Targule Aya, the only surviving member of his family after the Yelewata massacre in Guma LGA, Benue State, has been discharged from the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH), Makurdi. Aondosor sustained a machete wound on the left side of his buttocks during the deadly Fulani herdsmen attack, which left over 200 people, mainly children, women, and the elderly dead. He was officially discharged on Thursday, 17th July 2025, after months of medical care and recovery at the tertiary hospital. His father, Aya Targule, expressed deep gratitude to the BSUTH management and the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) for the care given to his only surviving child. Targule also thanked the doctors and nurses for their dedication and tireless efforts to save Aondosoo's life, despite the loss of his wife and three other children in the incident. He prayed that God would bless and reward all t...

 Full Implementation of Contributory Pension Scheme to Begin This Month, Abiodun Tells Labour  Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has said that his administration will commence full implementation of the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) for state workers from this month of July 2025. Governor Abiodun gave this pledge when he met with the organized labour to address the grey areas in the implementation of the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) and other sundry matters that led to the ongoing strike embarked upon by workers in the state. Speaking at a meeting with the leadership of the organized labour at the governor's office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, Abiodun said his administration would ensure immediate payment for workers who retire from July 2, 2025, through the Contributory Pension Scheme. This was just as he indicated that a 10-year payment plan would commence from 2025 to 2030 under the first phase, while the second phase, which would commence next year, would be fro...

 CBS announced that The Late Show with Stephen Colbert will air its final episode in May 2026, ending nearly 30 years of original late-night programming on the network.  The decision is described as a financial one, reflecting challenges in late-night TV economics and the shift of younger audiences to digital formats. Stephen Colbert’s impact and talent are widely celebrated, but CBS will retire the entire Late Show Franchise. 

 President Trump has officially directed the Department of Justice to pursue the release of grand jury testimony related to Jeffrey Epstein saying it's time for “any and all pertinent” documents to be made available, with court approval. The move follows intense criticism from his base after Attorney General Pam Bondi walked back earlier claims about a supposed “client list” or revelations involving high-profile names. Bondi now says the DOJ will file a motion tomorrow to request unsealing of transcripts. But legal experts warn the process will require court approval and may not produce the sweeping disclosures many expect. Do you think this is the moment the truth comes out about Epstein’s network or is it just another political flashpoint?

 Federal Government tells court to reject Nnamdi Kanu's no-case submission  The Federal Government on Friday urged the Federal High Court in Abuja to reject the no-case submission filed by the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu. The Federal Government’s lead counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), made the plea while responding to the no-case application presented by Kanu. Awomolo told the trial judge, Justice James Omotosho, that Kanu had made a broadcast on Radio Biafra in which he openly and publicly declared his intention to break up Nigeria.

 ‎Anioma people claim Igbo benefits and even lead Igbo unions abroad, but once they come here, they lie through their teeth and deny their igbo identity- HRH Omu Onyebuchi Okonkwo  ‎ ‎The Omu of Obio Kingdom, Aniocha North in Delta, HRH Omu Onyebuchi Okonkwo, has asserted that Anioma of Delta state are Igbo people but some of them have failed to identify as Igbos in Nigeria. ‎ ‎"If I go to Lagos or Kano and introduce myself as Onyebuchi, what would I immediately be addressed as?" ‎ ‎"The Yorùbá would call me ‘ọmọ Igbo’ and the Hausa would call me ‘nyammiri’. How then is it that I’m from somewhere else? Outside Anioma, our people claim Igbo benefits and even lead Igbo unions abroad, but once they come here, they lie through their teeth and deny their identity" ‎ ‎She blamed the 1967 to 1970 civil war for the identity crisis of the Anioma people in the state. Okonkwo said that the civil war was one of the worst things to have happened to the people of Anioma. ‎ ‎She e...

 ‎Tinubu approves establishment of South-East Investment Company to drive industrial growth ‎ ‎President Bola Tinubu has granted executive approval for the establishment of the South-East Investment Company (SEIC) to drive private capital, accelerate industrialisation, and enhance competitiveness in the region. ‎ ‎The new investment vehicle is under the South-East Development Commission (SEDC) inaugurated earlier this year. ‎ ‎According to a statement by the presidency on Friday, the SEIC will function as a professionally governed, private-sector-led institution, operating independently of annual federal budget cycles. ‎ ‎The statement added that the SEIC will oversee a range of targeted investment portfolios, including infrastructure, entrepreneurship, education, and other strategic interventions. ‎ ‎Speaking on the significance of the initiative, Tinubu reiterated his administration’s resolve to support all regions with tailored, sustainable, and investment-led approaches to deve...

 ‎Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu encourages Ndigbo in Diaspora to replicate the development they see abroad in their Local communities in Ala igbo. ‎ ‎Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu has challenged Ndi Igbo in diaspora not to see the United States of America and Europe as their ‘permanent homes,’ but to begin to take proactive steps in replicating in their respective communities in Ala igbo, the development and infrastructure they enjoyed in their places of residence abroad. ‎ ‎The minister made the call at the 16th Annual Mbaise USA Convention held in Minnesota, USA, where she officially flagged off the commencement of construction on the Medville Medical City in Uvuru, Mbaise, Imo State, Nigeria. In a speech, she stated that: ‎ ‎"The Medville Medical City is a legacy project that will place the Mbaise Nation and Nigeria as a whole on the global map, given its potentials to bring about a remarkable breakthrough in the much-desired advanc...

 Courts Jail Seven for Fraud in Kaduna   Justices A.Isiaka, Darius Khobo and M.J Zubairu of the Kaduna State High Court, sitting in Kaduna have convicted and sentenced Caleb Ibrahim Hamman, Miracle Nuhu Tukurah, Jeremiah John, Emmanuel Edward, Anryu Akindarju Mamza, Emmanuel Yashima Mana and Adebayo Olarotimi Akanbi to jail for fraud.   They were prosecuted by the Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on separate one-count charge, bordering on obtaining by false pretence, impersonation and forgery.   Hamman, Tukurah, Mamza and Mana  were prosecuted before Justice Isiaka, John faced prosecution before Justice Khobo, while Edward and Akanbi were prosecuted before Justice Zubairu.     The charge against Edward reads: "That you, Emmanuel Edward (a.k.a Yoo), sometime in June, 2025 in Kaduna within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud falsely presented yourself as Yoo, (a Chinese) via 'Wec...

 My wife will kìll me – Davido says after fan made bold request Nigerian singer, David Adeleke aka Davido has given an answer to a fan who begged him to follow her on Instagram.   A video of the encounter posted on Instagram showed the moment the female fan walked up to him saying, “I need you to follow me on Instagram.”   Reacting, Davido stated that he can't, “Sorry, my wife will kìll me.”   However, the fan insisted, “No, she’s not."   Replying, Davido said: “Haha no, I only follow my wife. I can’t follow anyone else.”    Recall that Davido and Chioma Avril Rowland had their traditional wedding last year in a grand, star-studded ceremony held in Lagos.   Their white wedding is set to take place this August 2025 in Miami, Florida.

 Angela Okorie issues apology to Mercy Johnson, Hubby, Ned Nwoko, ignores Regina Daniels Nigerian social media users have flooded Angela Okorie’s page following her public apology to former friend Mercy Johnson, her husband, and politician Ned Nwoko. For years, Angela Okorie openly criticized Mercy Johnson, leveling serious accusations against her and her family. She made several harsh claims about the actress and her mother, insisting they were far from blameless. The conflict extended to Mercy’s husband, whom Angela also insulted. When actress Regina Daniels attempted to mediate, Angela redirected her anger toward Regina’s husband, Ned Nwoko, referring to him as an old man. The heated exchange drew widespread attention and commentary across social platforms. In a surprising turn, Angela recently took responsibility for her past behavior and issued a heartfelt apology in a detailed social media post. Her gesture has been met with overwhelming support, with many fans praising her c...

 U.S. Embassy in Nigeria Clarifies Visa Stay Duration Rules The United States Embassy in Nigeria has issued a public advisory to address misconceptions about U.S. visa regulations, emphasizing that a visa’s expiration date does not determine the length of stay in the U.S. The clarification was shared via the embassy’s official X account on Thursday, July 17, 2025. The embassy explained that the duration of a visitor’s stay is determined by a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at the port of entry, not by the visa’s expiration date. “A U.S. visa allows you to travel to a U.S. port of entry and request permission to enter,” the embassy stated. “How long you are allowed to stay is determined by the CBP officer’s ‘Admit Until Date,’ which you can check online at i94.cbp.dhs.gov.” Travellers were advised to review their I-94 form, which includes the official “Admit Until Date” set upon entry, to know when they must depart the U.S. The embassy stressed that a visa only perm...

 Labour Party Elects Senator Nenadi as Interim Chairman, Approves Congress Schedule The Labour Party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) has elected Senator Usman Nenadi as Interim National Chairman and Senator Darlington Nwokocha as Interim National Secretary, among other members of the party’s interim working committee. The elections took place during the NEC meeting held in Abuja on Friday, July 18, 2025. The interim working committee is tasked with overseeing all party activities until the Labour Party’s national convention, where a new NEC will be elected. The meeting also approved a schedule for conducting ward, local government, state, and zonal congresses, as well as the National Convention. The NEC mandated the National Secretariat to publish guidelines and timelines to ensure transparent and democratic elections at all levels, reinforcing the party’s commitment to a fair and inclusive process as it prepares for future political engagements, including the 2027 general ele...

 I'LL TEACH YOU HOW TO KEEP A MAN - BLESSING CEO TELLS NKECHI BLESSING The feud between relationship expert Blessing CEO and Nollywood actress Nkechi Blessing seems to be widening with CEO offering to teach Nkechi how to keep a man. The feud resumed when Nkechi, who is twice divorced and currently single, mocked CEO who married three weeks ago of flaunting her man online like a juvenile. “Nkiechi blessing Sunday," CEO responded on Instagram. "You know I must reply you. Better come collect my ID card, let me teach you how to keep a man and make them marry you. Send me a DM if you are interested in the Qatar trip with me. Let’s enjoy and create memories together."

 SNOOP DOGG BECOMES PART-OWNER OF SWANSEA CITY FC United States rap legend Snoop Dogg has bought into Swansea City, becoming the latest co-investor and co-owner of the UK football club. Born Calvin Broadus, Snoop Dogg's foray into football business didn't just start today. He had always loved soccer and was once a FIFA video game ambassador. “My love of football is well known, but it feels special to me that I make my move into club ownership with Swansea City," he said. "This is a proud, working-class city and club. An underdog that bites back, just like me.” Croatian football legend Luka Modric also became a co-owner of the club a few months before. “Snoop Dogg has become the club’s latest high-profile co-owner and investor," the club management said. "He joins a few months after Luka Modric became part of Swansea City.” Snoop Dogg has been in the entertainment business for more than 30 years with more than 35 million albums sold worldwide.

 SAUDI ARABIA WILLING TO PAY €1BN (£864M) FOR VINICIUS JR Saudi Arabia has indicated interest to invest as much as €1 billion (£864 million) on Vinicius Jr when his contract ends with Real Madrid in 2027. Although the Brazilian winger has never hidden the fact that he likes it in Real Madrid, the club may still offer him for sale to Saudi investors when the opportunity opens. Vinicius Jr has not signed up with any new clubs yet, and Saudi clubs seem patient to wait for as long as possible to have him. The €1 billion [£864m] offered to the 25-year-old includes bonuses and might be for a proposed five-year contract. Earmarked for Al Ahli, this would make Vinicius Jr one of the highest-paid players in the world.

 PLAN TO ESTABLISH SHARIAH PARTY IN SOUTH AFRICA HITS BRICKS The efforts of a Durban businessman, Farhad Hoomer, to register a new political party known as the Islamic State of Africa in South Africa hit the brick wall. The party would have seen the emergence of Shariah law in the country. But the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) rejected registering the party, citing failure to adhere to legal provisions. Hoomer was linked to a terrorism attack in South Africa in 2018 but the government dropped charges against him. The US government in 2022 also linked him to an ISIS cell in South Africa, but he denied all involvements. 

 A Georgia deputy has lost his job after leaving his K-9 partner in his hot car. A decision that proved to be sadly fatal.  According to the Dade County Georgia Sheriff's Department, their beloved K-9 officer has passed away. Georgia was left to suffer inside of his kennel in his handler's patrol vehicle while the heat index outside soared to a scorching 102 degrees. While Georgia was dying inside of the super heated patrol car, her handler was inside of the sheriff's office for an "undisclosed amount of time".  An investigation revealed that the patrol vehicle air-conditioning had malfunctioned along with the heat alarm in the patrol vehicle. The Sheriff's Office indicated that in the future, no K-9' s will be left inside of a department vehicle if all essential equipment is not in working order. The statement also informed the community that the responsible deputy has been relieved of his position. They also stated the incident is being turned over to th...

 Never ever go on a wildly public date while you are in the middle of having an affair. A kiss cam at a Coldplay concert caught one CEO's infidelity. During Coldplay's recent concert at Gillette Stadium in Boston, the band was using the stadium's Kiss Cam feature to interact with the crowd. As the camera panned to different couples, they landed on one couple who had a strange reaction.  After realizing they were on camera, the man ran out of frame while his female companion turned her back to the camera. This was a drastic change to what only seconds before had seemed to be a loving couple. It turns out the man is Andy Byron, the married CEO of 'Astronomer', a software development firm. The woman who turned her back was Kristan Cabot, the Chief People Officer for the company.  In this still frame, you can see the shocked realization in his eyes. Priceless.  I am certain he had a lot of explaining to do. One more photo below. 

 American company signs mining deal with DRC weeks after US brokered DRC-Rwanda treaty The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has signed a mining exploration agreement with US-based KoBold Metals, signalling a key partnership aimed at boosting American investment in the DRC's critical minerals sector, TRT Afrika reported. The agreement in principle was signed on Thursday in Kinshasa, with DRC President Félix Tshisekedi in attendance. This comes just weeks after Washington brokered a peace deal between DRC and Rwanda, under which the US is allowed to benefit from minerals in the region, raising questions about the real motive of the Trump administration’s involvement in the peace process. The deal was jointly signed by Benjamin Katabuka, Managing Director of KoBold Metals in the DRC, and DRC’s Minister of Mines Kizito Pakabomba, the Congolese Press Agency reports. "We hope that this door opened by the Congolese government for American investments will lead us to other U.S. inve...

 President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will depart Abuja on Sunday to attend the eighth-day prayer ceremony for the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, GCON. The President will join Governor Dapo Abiodun and other dignitaries at the event, which will be held at the Dipo Dina Stadium in Ijebu-Ode.   Oba Adetona, who passed away on July 13 at the age of 91, was laid to rest the following day in Ijebu-Ode..  One more photo below. 

 STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE PRESIDENT TINUBU APPOINTS MUHAMMAD BABANGIDA CHAIRMAN OF THE BANK OF AGRICULTURE, OTHERS AS CHAIRMEN AND HEADS OF GOVERNMENT AGENCIES   President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Muhammad Babangida, the son of the former military President, as chairman of the revamped Bank of Agriculture.   President Tinubu approved the appointment today, along with eight others. Some of them will serve as chairmen or directors-general of Federal agencies.   Muhammad Babangida, 53, is an alumnus of the European University in Montreux, Switzerland, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and a Master's degree in Public Relations and Business Communication. He later attended Harvard Business School's Executive Program on Corporate Governance in 2002.   Others appointed by the President are:   Lydia Kalat Musa (Kaduna State) Chairman, Oil and Gas Free Zone Authority (OGFZA).   Jamilu Wada Aliyu (Kano State) Chairman, Nationa...

 TRUMP DIAGNOSED WITH CHRONIC VENOUS INSUFFICIENCY  President Donald Trump has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency. This condition made his ankles to swell and large veins to show up on his hands. According to Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, White House doctors arrived at the diagnosis after the 79-year-old president underwent echocardiogram and ultrasounds among other examinations. "Importantly, there was no evidence of deep vein thrombosis or arterial disease,” Leavitt said. “The president remains in excellent health.” The spokeswoman said Trump is not having any discomfort from his condition and remains strong to keep working. She said Trump takes aspirin therapy as part of a “standard cardiovascular prevention regimen."

 FORMER KOGI GOV, YAHAYA BELLO, MARRIES FOURTH WIFE The former Kogi state governor, Yahaya Bello, married his fourth wife in Abuja on Saturday. The private wedding ceremony was attended by close friends and family. Bello has three other wives - Amina Oyiza, Rashida, and Hafiza. His fourth wife is Hiqma. The former governor's third wife broke the news on social media.  “Alhamdulillah, our family just got a little bigger and more loving! A warm welcome to our new family member, Mrs. Hiqma Yahaya Bello! May Allah bless our union and fill our home with love, peace, and Barakah. Amin,” Hafiza announced. Bello is a APC member and served as Kogi state governor from 2016 to 2023. He currently faces corruption charges from the EFCC with his case still ongoing in court.

 YUSUF BUHARI CALLS TINUBU "DADDY" FOR HONOUR DONE TO HIS FATHER The son of former President Muhammadu Buhari, Yusuf, called President Bola Tinubu "daddy" several times while thanking the presidency and Nigerians for the honour accorded his father at his recent funeral. “Thank you, daddy. Thank you, daddy. Thank you, daddy. May Allah continue to bless, provide, and protect you throughout your tenure," Yusuf said tearfully. This appreciation from the Buhari family took place when Yusuf and his siblings attended the Special Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting held in honour of Buhari in Abuja on Thursday. “Your visits, calls, and prayers symbolise a great honour to the memory of our late father, and we’re sincerely grateful for all the support and solidarity extended to the family," he stated. "May Allah continue to bless us all.”

 RUSSIA EXCHANGES 1,000 UKRAINIAN BODIES FOR 19  On Thursday, Russia released the bodies of 1,000 Ukrainian soldiers killed in battle while Ukraine released the bodies of 19 slain Russian fighters. This body exchange was part of the agreement reached between both countries in Turkey recently. Vladimir Medinsky, head of Russia’s delegation at the peace talks, confirmed the development. “Following the agreements reached in Istanbul, another 1,000 bodies of Ukrainian soldiers were handed over to Ukraine today,” he said . Medinsky showed proof of bagged bodies being transferred from refrigerated trucks during the exchange. Russia promised to release more than 3,000 Ukrainian bodies periodically if Ukraine meets certain conditions for a ceasefire.

 KOGI UNI LECTURER DIES DURING ESCAPADE IN HOTEL ROOM  A lecturer at Kogi State University allegedly died within the week during a romantic escapade with a female undergraduate in a local hotel room. Identified as Dr. Olabode Abimbola Ibikunle, rumour has it that the deceased lecturer overdosed on energy drinks laced with performance drugs before getting to business with the 200-level female student. He allegedly collapsed and died during the act. Ibikunle's body has reportedly been deposited to a morgue for autopsy while the female undergraduate has been handed over to the police.

 'Pretty Little Baby' singer Connie Francis has died, aged 87. Connie's death was confirmed by her friend Ron Robert, who shared on Facebook: "It is with a heavy heart and extreme sadness that I inform you of the passing of my dear friend Connie Francis last night. "I know that Connie would approve that her fans are among the first to learn of this sad news."

 Calabar Court Jails Seven Internet Fraudsters The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission , EFCC, Uyo Zonal Directorate, on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, secured the conviction and sentence of seven internet fraudsters before Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu of the Federal High Court , Calabar, Cross River State.   The convicts are: Victor Ekwonwa, Chukwudi Iwueke, Mbam Alexander, Ugorji Emmanuel, Joseph Ekwere Tom, Eze Daniel, and David Okeke. They were arraigned on one-count separate charges bordering on obtaining under pretence and money laundering.      The charge against Tom  reads; “That you, Joseph Ekwere Tom, sometime in 2025, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did take possession and control of $500 (Five Hundred United States Dollars), knowing that the money formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful act, to wit: obtaining money by false pretence, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(2)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prevent...

 Alleged $12m Fraud: Witness Narrates Role of Sun Trust Bank Executives in Multi-million Dollar Cash Transfers  The First Prosecution Witness, PW1, in the trial of Halima Buba and Innocent Mbagwu on Thursday, July 17, 2025 narrated before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja how the defendants routed multi-millions dollars in cash through him for transfers. Both defendants, who are Managing Director/Chief Executive and Chief Compliance Officer of SunTrust Bank Ltd, respectively are being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on a six-count charge, bordering on money laundering to the tune of $12 million.  The witness, a bureau de change operator while being led in evidence by prosecuting counsel, Ekele Iheanacho, SAN, gave details of the multiple foreign exchange transactions that took place  between him, the first defendants and Aisha Achimugu.  According to him, “Sometime in March 2025, I received a call from Aisha Ac...