PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 BENUE ASSEMBLY REJECTS GOV. ALIA'S REQUEST TO SCREEN COMMISSIONER NOMINEES 8th August, 2025      |     9:28 PM  The House resolved not to honour any further correspondence from the executive arm until the governor complied with their demands, including the immediate provision of official vehicles to affected members. The Benue State House of Assembly has rejected a letter from Governor Hyacinth Alia requesting the screening and confirmation of commissioner nominees for the state executive council, citing unresolved issues between the legislature and the executive. The decision was reached during Friday’s plenary, presided over by the Speaker, Hyacinth Dajoh. According to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, Terver Zamber, the House acted following a motion of urgent public importance moved by Shimapever Jiji. Jiji informed members that the governor had consistently failed to honour the Assembly’s resolutions and had treated th...

 SOWORE REGAINS FREEDOM, SAYS DETENTION 'ILLEGAL' 8th August, 2025      |      8:57 PM  Human rights activist and 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, has been released from police custody. Sowore had been detained at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory since Wednesday when he honoured an invitation from the Inspector General of Police Monitoring Unit. The activist confirmed his release in a Facebook post. He described his detention as “illegal and unjust.” “The Nigeria Police Force has capitulated to the demands of the revolutionary movement. I have been released from unjust, illegal and unwarranted detention. “However, it is nothing to celebrate, but thank you for not giving up!” he wrote. His release comes hours after his supporters had staged protests in about five different states on Friday. By Gbenga Oloniniran

 OUTRAGE IN MARARABA AS VIGILANTE MEMBER ALLEGEDLY SHOOTS MOTHER OF EIGHT Mararaba, Karu LGA, Nasarawa State, was thrown into shock after a vigilante member allegedly shot an innocent woman, a mother of eight, in the heart of town. The incident, which reportedly stemmed from a land-related dispute, has sparked public outrage and calls for justice. Eyewitnesses said the victim, who is also a wife and sister in the community, was rushed to the Medical Center in Mararaba but was allegedly refused treatment by the hospital’s management. She was later referred to Keffi Medical Center for medical attention. Condemning the act, a concerned community leader questioned why an armed vigilante would use lethal force against a woman, describing the incident as inhumane and unacceptable. He vowed to pursue the matter to its logical conclusion and ensure justice is served. The shooting has reignited debates over the conduct and accountability of vigilante groups operating in Nasarawa State, with...

 Kaduna Woman Seeks Divorce, Tells Court Husband Gives Her Only N50 Daily For Food A hearing-impaired woman, Hauwa’u Bello, has approached a Shari’a court in Magajin Gari, Kaduna State, seeking a divorce from her husband, Usman Shuaibu, over alleged neglect and failure to provide for her needs. Speaking through a sign language interpreter, Aisha Sulaiman, Bello told the court that her husband gives her only N50 per day for food and often leaves her hungry. “We got married in 2016, and for a while, my parents supported us with food. But things became difficult when that stopped,” she said. She further alleged that Shuaibu, a tailor by profession, has consistently failed to take responsibility for his household. “When I gave birth, he couldn’t pay the hospital bills. It was his mother who eventually settled them,” she added. Despite previous interventions by their families urging him to fulfill his marital duties, Bello said her husband has refused to change. She is therefore asking ...

 WNBA game in Chicago disrupted again by sex toy thrown on court During the final seconds of the Atlanta Dream’s 86-65 win over the Chicago Sky on Thursday night, a sex toy was thrown onto the court, marking the latest such incident at a WNBA game. Similar disruptions occurred recently, including games in Atlanta on July 29, Chicago last Friday, and Los Angeles on Tuesday. Authorities noted that a second sex toy was also thrown during the Atlanta game, though it’s unclear if it reached the court. In connection with the July 29 game against the Golden State Valkyries, a man was arrested Saturday in College Park, Georgia. Police said he also threw another sex toy during the Dream’s game against the Phoenix Mercury on Friday. He faces charges including disorderly conduct, criminal trespassing, public indecency, and indecent exposure. Separately, an 18-year-old man was arrested in Phoenix after throwing a sex toy into the crowd at a Mercury game, striking a spectator. He was charged wi...

 2 Atlanta transit police officers wounded in shooting at downtown station Two Atlanta transit police officers were shot after confronting a man who was urinating in a train station, authorities said. MARTA Police Chief M. Scott Kreher told local media that officers tried to arrest the man late Thursday night at the Five Points station, a major downtown train hub, but he opened fire and then fled. According to Kreher, the man became hostile and uncooperative when approached. As officers moved to detain him, he pulled out a handgun and fired over his shoulder, grazing a female officer in the knee and hitting a male officer in the arm. The female officer has been released from the hospital but suffers from hearing loss due to her proximity to the gunfire. She is expected to make a full recovery. The male officer underwent surgery for his arm injury on Friday. Surveillance footage shows the suspect boarding a train and traveling two stops south before discarding his gun on the roof of...

 Brandon Blackstock, Kelly Clarkson’s Ex-Husband, Passes Away at 48 After Cancer Battle The entertainment world is mourning the loss of Brandon Blackstock, the ex-husband of superstar Kelly Clarkson, who has died at the age of 48. Blackstock’s family confirmed that he succumbed to cancer after a brave three-year fight, passing away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones. This news comes on the heels of Kelly Clarkson’s recent decision to postpone her Las Vegas residency, a move now understood to be connected to Blackstock’s declining health. Blackstock, a prominent talent manager, and Clarkson were married for nearly seven years, and their divorce, finalized in 2020, was a highly publicized event. Despite the complexities of their separation, they shared two children, River Rose and Remington Alexander. His death brings a poignant end to a relationship that, for years, was a focal point in celebrity headlines. As American Celebrity News, we report on these moments with a commitmen...

 ARMED HERDSMEN KILL WOMAN ON THE FARM IN BENUE 8th August, 2025     |      5:00 PM  A woman identified as Nguevese Abite was brutally murdered on Wednesday by suspected armed Fulani herdsmen in Adeor, a community in Isherev, Ndzorov Council Ward, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State. According to a local source, Anshu Timothy, Nguevese was working on the farm alongside others when the attackers arrived and interrogated them about their identities. The herdsmen reportedly left without harming the group, but as the farmers headed home, Nguevese lagged behind. Her absence raised concerns, prompting her family to return to the farm in search of her. Despite their efforts, she could not be found. The search continued the following day, when her body was discovered in a secluded part of the farmland. Police at the Gbajimba Division took custody of the remains before handing them over to her family for burial in Logo Local Government Area. Communit...

 Opposition Unity Urged as Bauchi Governor Hosts Peter Obi Governor Bala Mohammed, Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum, welcomed Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi to the Bauchi Government House on Friday, calling for opposition parties to unite ahead of the 2027 general election. In an interactive session with journalists, Mohammed emphasized the need for opposition parties to harmonize their interests for the sake of Nigerians. “We have to harmonize our interests in the interest of the people of Nigeria,” he stated, highlighting the high expectations of citizens amid widespread hunger and anger. He cautioned against actions that could lead to “disparaging movements.” Mohammed also made a direct appeal to Obi, urging him to return to the PDP. “So please come back. That’s where you belong. Don’t go anywhere that is in disarray,” he said. The meeting underscores growing calls for opposition unity as Nigeria approaches the 2027 polls.

 FIFA Considering Automatic Spot for Chelsea in 2029 Club World Cup Defense FIFA is reportedly contemplating granting Chelsea Football Club an automatic qualification spot for the 2029 Club World Cup, allowing the current champions to defend their title. The decision, still under discussion, would mark a significant move by the global football governing body to ensure the participation of the reigning champions in the expanded tournament format. Chelsea’s recent triumph in the FIFA Club World Cup has sparked conversations about their potential inclusion in the 2029 edition, with sources indicating that FIFA is exploring ways to honor the club’s success. Posts on X have highlighted Chelsea’s strong performance, with the team celebrated as world champions and their young star, Estevao, making waves in the squad. While no official confirmation has been made, the proposal aligns with FIFA’s ongoing efforts to elevate the prestige of the Club World Cup, which is set to feature an expand...

 2027: Jonathan Offers Obi Ministerial Slot To Drop Presidential Ambition, Says Kachikwu Former presidential candidate of African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dumebi Kachikwu has claimed that former President Goodluck Jonathan offered ex-Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, a slot of Coordinating Minister of the Economy, if he withdraws from the 2027 race to support him. Kachikwu made the claim at a press conference in Abuja on Friday. He alleged that the Northern political interests have drafted the former president into the presidential race to weaken the South. Kachikwu added that Obi was also told that he cannot get Northern votes because he is an Ibo man. He said, “In order to weaken the South, they have now drafted in former President Jonathan into the race who is alleged to be offering Peter Obi the position of Coordinating Minister of the Economy for him to support his ambition.” He accused former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and a few northern elites of hold...

Wasiu Ayinde Marshal aka K1, has tendered an unreserved apology over the ugly incident at the Airport. Fuji legend, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, aka K1 De Ultimate, has finally apologised after his embarrassing encounter at the Abuja airport went viral. K1, who was accused of violating aviation protocols with a suspicious-looking flask, came clean on Friday, saying the flask didn’t contain alcohol as widely speculated, but water. In a statement he signed, the 67-year-old musician said he suffers from chronic dehydration and always moves around with a water flask on doctors’ orders. “The incident that occurred at the local wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport was, to say the least, unfortunate,” K1 said. “Contrary to the negative narrative being circulated in some quarters, the flask contained only water — not alcohol.” He said the flask was empty during two security checks, and was only filled at the lounge before he moved to the tarmac.   K1 also insisted he never boarde...

 Super Falcons forward and five-time Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) champion, Francisca Mlumun Ordega, says her latest continental triumph is “a collective victory for Benue and Nigeria” as she was celebrated in grand style by Governor Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia in Makurdi. At a glittering dinner on Thursday evening at the New Banquet Hall, Government House, the governor hailed Ordega as “a shining example” and “an inspiration to every young girl in Benue and beyond,” recognising her as a sports ambassador who has consistently brought pride to the state and nation. “We are singing the common national song of victory with one of us, whom God chose to represent us and bring pride to our land,” Alia said, urging parents to support girls who wish to pursue sports. In appreciation of her achievements, Governor Alia announced that a street in Makurdi would be named after Ordega, alongside a N50 million cash gift and a three-bedroom flat in the city. He also presented N10 m...

 Five killed in Xinjiang after suspension bridge cable snaps Five people died after a cable snapped on a suspension bridge in China’s Xinjiang region, causing them to fall from the bridge, according to state media Xinhua. The accident occurred around 6:18 p.m. Wednesday in a sightseeing area within the Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture. Twenty-four others were injured in the incident. The scenic area has been closed while authorities investigate. Social media videos confirmed by Reuters show the suspension bridge leaning to one side with damaged handrails hanging between the walkway and the ground below, which includes a river. Some videos show injured individuals lying beneath the bridge, and others being carried away on makeshift stretchers. The site, known as Xiata, covers about 65 square kilometers and features natural landscapes such as a mountain pass, a valley, and a river, along with cultural landmarks including ancient town ruins. The central government has deployed a task ...

 Germany enforces partial arms embargo on Israel amid Gaza occupation plan Germany announced Friday that it will impose a partial arms embargo on Israel in response to the Israeli cabinet’s approval of a new offensive aimed at occupying Gaza City. This marks an unprecedented step by one of Israel’s closest European allies and its second most important partner after the United States. The decision follows Israel’s Security Cabinet’s late Thursday approval of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s proposal to begin the occupation of Gaza City, the first phase of a larger plan that could involve occupying the entire Gaza Strip. The move was made despite opposition from IDF Chief of Staff Gen. Eyal Zamir and has drawn immediate condemnation across Europe and the Arab world. Israeli officials indicated the military plans to issue eviction orders for about one million Palestinians in Gaza City and surrounding areas, aiming to evacuate civilians ahead of a ground offensive combined with a si...

 New Jersey synagogue burns down while rabbi and family escape A fire destroyed a New Jersey synagogue early Friday morning, with the rabbi, his wife, and four of their children narrowly escaping unharmed. The blaze broke out around 2:50 a.m. at Congregation Beth El, located in a residential area of Rutherford, according to Mayor Frank Nunziato. Authorities said there is no evidence to suggest the fire was intentionally set. When firefighters arrived, the synagogue was already engulfed in flames, and parts of the structure had begun to collapse. The fire escalated to a four-alarm status, prompting assistance from 14 nearby fire departments. Rabbi Yitzchok Lerman and his family were sleeping in an apartment inside the building when the fire started. The rabbi, his wife, and four children quickly got dressed and escaped just moments before the building began collapsing. “We saw orange flames outside our window, so we grabbed our children and ran out,” Rabbi Lerman recalled. “I tried ...

Todd Howe dies, key figure in Cor bid-rigging case passes away at 65 Todd Howe, a longtime lobbyist who played a central role in a high-profile bid-rigging scandal involving prominent Syracuse, NY-area developers, has died at the age of 65. He reportedly suffered a heart attack in Ketchum, Idaho. Raised in Troy, Howe built a career in New York state politics, beginning as an aide to Governor Mario Cuomo and later working on fundraising efforts for Governor Andrew Cuomo’s 2014 reelection campaign. Howe was a key witness in two major corruption trials in 2018, which led to the convictions of Joseph Percoco, a former senior aide to Andrew Cuomo, and Alain Kaloyeros, who founded SUNY Polytechnic Institute. In connection with the same scandal, five Upstate New York developers were convicted, including Steven Aiello and Joseph Gerardi of Fayetteville-based Cor Development. Howe, who pleaded guilty to related charges, admitted to facilitating payments and benefits to Percoco. Aiello and Gerar...

 Federal Government Spends N88 Billion on Repair of Vandalised Power Facilities in Four Years The Federal Government of Nigeria has expended a staggering N88 billion over the past four years to repair and restore critical power infrastructure damaged by vandalism, according to a recent statement from the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN). The TCN disclosed that the funds were allocated to address the recurring issue of vandalism targeting transmission lines, substations, and other key facilities across the country. These acts of sabotage have significantly disrupted power supply, hampering efforts to achieve stable electricity distribution nationwide. In a press briefing, the Managing Director of TCN, Engr. Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz, highlighted the severity of the issue, noting that vandals often target high-voltage transmission towers and cables, leading to substantial financial losses and prolonged outages. "The N88 billion spent on repairs could have been channeled into expandi...

 Court Jails Woman for N1.3m Fraud in Maiduguri    Justice Aisha Kumaliya of the Borno State High Court, Maiduguri Borno State, on Wednesday, August 6, 2025 convicted and sentenced Kalthum Mustapha to three years imprisonment.   Kalthum was first arraigned on Monday, May 13, 2024 on one -count charge for the offence of cheating to the tune of N1, 350.000.00 (One Million Three Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira).   The charge reads: “That you, KALTUM MUSTAPHA, sometime in June, 2022, at Maiduguri, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, dishonestly induced the duos of Muhammad Lawan Sani, Abubakar Umar, and Yusuf Jafar to deliver to you the sum of N 1,350.000.00 (One Million Three Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) for the supply of ready to use Therapeutic Food RUTF (a.k.a tammua packages) which you are yet to pay and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 320 (a) and punishable under Section 322 of the Penal Code Cap 102 Laws of Borno State.” ...

LAUTECH GRADUATE SHOT DEAD DURING SIGN-OUT CEREMONY A fresh graduate of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) in Ogbomosho was shot dead by an unknown assailant on Wednesday.  The final-year student, Babalola Marvelous Ishola, was tragically shot dead during his sign-out ceremony at a road close to the university campus. Police officers arrived the scene and took his body to the LAUTECH University Teaching Hospital mortuary while 16 suspects were subsequently arrested by Thursday morning in connection to the incident.

 Premier League Terminates Partnership with Stonewall, Ends Rainbow Laces Campaign The Premier League has announced the termination of its long-standing partnership with Stonewall, an LGBTQ+ charity, effectively bringing an end to the popular Rainbow Laces campaign. The decision, confirmed by the Premier League on Friday, marks a significant shift in the organization’s approach to diversity and inclusion initiatives. The Rainbow Laces campaign, which began in 2013 in collaboration with Stonewall, encouraged players, clubs, and fans to show support for LGBTQ+ inclusion in football through rainbow-themed laces, armbands, and other displays during matches. The initiative aimed to combat homophobia and promote acceptance within the sport. However, the Premier League’s decision to end the partnership has sparked widespread debate. In a statement, the Premier League said, “After careful consideration, we have decided to conclude our formal partnership with Stonewall to explore new ways t...

Microsoft sued over ending Windows 10 support A Southern California man has filed a lawsuit against Microsoft over the company’s plan to end support for Windows 10, its widely used operating system. Despite Windows 11 being released nearly four years ago, millions of users still rely on the older Windows 10, which only recently lost its lead in popularity last July. Data shows that about 43% of desktop Windows users continue to run Windows 10. However, Microsoft will stop providing routine updates and security patches for Windows 10 on October 14. While computers running Windows 10 won’t stop functioning immediately, the lack of updates raises concerns about security vulnerabilities. The plaintiff, Lawrence Klein, owns two laptops that run Windows 10 and claims they will become obsolete once support ends. In his complaint filed in San Diego Superior Court, Klein alleges that Microsoft is using the end of Windows 10 support to push customers toward purchasing new devices and to strength...

 Trump establishes National Purple Heart Day to honor wounded warriors National Purple Heart Day will be observed annually on August 7, following President Donald Trump’s signing of a proclamation establishing the day on Thursday. The ceremony at the White House included many Purple Heart recipients and their families, as the president honored the nation’s military personnel. Trump spoke with deep appreciation for the courage and dedication of those who have received the award. He recalled that General George Washington created the Purple Heart on August 7, 1782, by awarding a purple heart-shaped ribbon to three soldiers for bravery in battle. “Just as George Washington did 243 years ago, today we give our everlasting thanks to you and your unbelievable families,” Trump said, acknowledging the veterans present. Though Washington first presented the Purple Heart, the award was formalized by General Douglas MacArthur and the War Department in 1932 as a badge for military merit. In 19...

 Three additional 9/11 victims identified by New York medical examiner Three more victims of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center have been identified nearly 24 years after the tragedy that claimed the lives of 2,753 people in New York City. New York City officials announced Thursday that Ryan Fitzgerald of Floral Park, New York; Barbara Keating of Palm Springs, California; and a woman whose identity is being withheld at her family’s request have been confirmed as victims. Their remains were identified through a combination of advanced DNA technology and continued outreach to families, according to the city's chief medical examiner. The three individuals are the 1,651st, 1,652nd, and 1,653rd victims identified from the attack at the World Trade Center. Keating and the unnamed woman’s remains were recovered in 2001, while Fitzgerald’s remains were recovered in 2002. Though newly confirmed through DNA testing, the names of both Keating and Fitzgerald al...

 Brooke Hogan challenges Hulk Hogan’s estate, threatens legal action Brooke Hogan has threatened legal action against representatives of her late father, Hulk Hogan’s estate, accusing them of spreading falsehoods about her. The 37-year-old said she is tired of ongoing rumors about their relationship and warned anyone involved to prepare for a lawsuit. Brooke expressed frustration over the situation, saying she has endured too much and will no longer tolerate what she described as lies being spread by the estate’s representatives. She called on them to stop immediately, emphasizing she is ready to fight back legally. Hulk Hogan, born Terry Bollea, passed away on July 24 from a heart attack linked to leukemia at age 71. Brooke did not attend her father's funeral, choosing instead to honor her father privately with her twins and husband at the beach, citing her father’s dislike for traditional funerals. In public comments, Brooke sought to end the public disputes with Hulk’s estate, u...

 Intel CEO responds to Trump’s call for resignation Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan responded after President Donald Trump called for his immediate resignation, saying he has always operated “within the highest legal and ethical standards.” Trump’s demand came on the Truth Social platform, where he called Tan “highly conflicted” amid concerns about his business ties. The controversy escalated after Senator Tom Cotton sent a letter to Intel’s chairman, Frank Yeary, questioning Tan’s investments in semiconductor companies allegedly connected to the Chinese Communist Party and the People’s Liberation Army. Cotton asked whether Tan had divested those interests to avoid conflicts of interest. It remains unclear if Tan has done so. Intel emphasized its strong commitment to U.S. national and economic security, aligning with the President’s America First agenda. Tan, addressing employees, said misinformation had circulated about his past roles but reiterated his adherence to proper standards. He also...

Fourth court ruling blocks Trump’s birthright citizenship order nationwide A federal judge in Maryland blocked President Trump’s birthright citizenship restrictions nationwide on Thursday, marking the fourth court ruling to do so after the Supreme Court limited the use of universal injunctions. Judge Deborah Boardman, a Biden appointee, had previously indicated she would issue a nationwide block but lacked jurisdiction until the appeals court sent the case back to her last week. She ruled that the only way to fully protect the certified class in the case was to stop enforcement of the executive order for all affected children in the U.S. The order, signed on Trump’s first day in office, restricts birthright citizenship for children born on U.S. soil if neither parent has permanent legal status. Courts consistently have found this order violates the 14th Amendment’s Citizenship Clause. The case involves two immigration organizations and eight pregnant or new mothers challenging the orde...

 Civil society coalition alleges plot to blackmail Akpabio A coalition of civil society organizations led by the Nigeria Integrity Watch (NIW) has raised the alarm over an alleged plot to blackmail the President of the Senate, Godswill Obot Akpabio, describing it as a calculated attempt to smear his reputation and destabilize the country’s democratic institutions. In a statement signed by its National Convener, Dr. John Samuel Nangi, the group alleged that a coordinated scheme involving paid agents and social media influencers was being orchestrated to level false sexual harassment allegations against the Senate President. NIW claimed that several women are currently being housed in a luxury hotel in Lagos where they are being “coached” by known blackmailers to fabricate damaging accusations. The group further alleged that a serving appointee in the All Progressives Congress (APC) and a disgraced former senator are behind the plot. “This campaign of calumny is not just an attack on...

 Zamfara residents: Bandits collected N56m to allow farming this year Farmers in Dan Isa district, Kaura Namoda local government area of Zamfara state say bandits have threatened them this rainy season. Confirming the development to Daily Trust in a telephone conversation, the Ward Head of the area, Malam Hassan Yarima, said each of the 35 villages under his district paid N800,000 before residents were allowed to farm. “Each village will also pay another N800,000 to allow its residents to harvest their crops. This is the agreement we have reached with the bandits’ leader in-charge of this area, Dan Sadiya.” “I am only talking about my district; I don’t know what residents of other districts paid to the bandits this year. But one thing I am sure of is that residents have to pay before they are allowed to farm. Operators worried over aviation’s N258.9bn value in rebased GDP Broilers or layers: Which makes more money in 6 months? “We do not have any option but to comply with his direc...

 El-Rufai still with us in APC — he remains a political force in Kaduna, says ex-NIMASA DG Bashir Jamoh, the former director-general (DG) of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), says Nasir el-Rufai, ex-governor of Kaduna, remains a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and a political force in the state. Speaking at a press conference in Kaduna on Thursday, Jamoh said el-Rufai has not officially resigned from the APC, despite his association with other political parties. In March, el-Rufai announced that he had joined the Social Democratic Party (SDP), citing a growing disconnect between his values and the direction of the APC. The former governor is also a leading figure in the coalition of political groups operating under the African Democratic Congress (ADC). But Jamoh maintained that el-Rufai’s influence in the APC and Kaduna politics cannot be written off. “As far as I am concerned, this is my opinion — Malam Nasir el-Rufai is still with us,...

 Kwam 1 didn’t breach aviation rules – Daughter Daughter of Fuji music maestro Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, known as K1 De Ultimate, Basirat Marshal, has responded to heated allegations that her father breached aviation regulations and disrupted airline operations. Damilola, who serves as the Senior Special Assistant on Tourism to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, accused the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority of falsely claiming that K1 was carrying alcohol, asserting it was just water in his usual flask. FAAN on Wednesday had accused the 68-year-old Mayegun of Yorubaland of committing the offence while boarding a ValueJet Airlines morning flight (Flight VK 201) bound for Lagos. According to a statement by its spokesperson, Obiageli Orah, FAAN alleged that Kwam 1 brought an alcoholic beverage aboard the commercial flight in contravention of aviation rules. Consequently, on Thursday NCAA blacklisted the musician for six months, while the...

 VDM secretly in love with Iyabo Ojo – Radiogad spills Popular media personality, Radiogad, has stirred fresh drama on social media after revealing what he claims to be the real reason behind the long-standing feud between controversial activist Verydarkman (VDM) and Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo. Taking to his Instagram page on Thursday, Radiogad alleged that the widely publicized rift between the two celebrities has little to do with the Mohbad saga as previously speculated. According to him, VDM is secretly in love with Iyabo Ojo but is struggling to confess his feelings. “I know the issue between two of you. It’s not just about the group chat. Verydarkman, you are in love with Iyabo Ojo but you no know how to tell am. You don’t know how to tell her because Iyabo Ojo na high-class woman,” Radiogad said in the viral video. He further claimed that Verydarkman is attracted to older women and single mothers, implying that the activist’s frequent online clashes with Ojo may stem from p...

 Russian, South African presidents discuss Ukrainian settlement Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed ways to resolve the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war with his South African counterpart Cyril Ramaphosa, the Kremlin said, Anadolu Agency reported. During a phone call with the South African president, Putin shared the main outcomes of a meeting in Moscow with US special envoy Steve Witkoff, a Kremlin statement said. "Cyril Ramaphosa expressed gratitude for the information provided. The Russian side also positively noted the well-known peace initiative by African states, including South Africa, aimed at resolving the Ukrainian crisis," it said. The leaders also discussed the current issues related to further development of a comprehensive strategic partnership between Russia and South Africa, it added. Last week, US President Donald Trump threatened to impose tariffs on Russia's trade partners in the event of a lack of progress in the Ukrainian settlement. South Africa is ...

 Why Obasanjo Once Branded Me A ‘Stupid Boy’ – Billionaire Femi Otedola Billionaire businessman Femi Otedola has recounted a tense encounter with then-Nigerian president Olusegun Obasanjo — one that ended with the ex-president branding him a “stupid boy,”. Otedola shared the explosive episode in his upcoming book, Making It Big: Lessons from a Life in Business, set for release on August 18. He revealed that Obasanjo became furious after being told that a diesel scarcity — allegedly caused by deregulation — was crippling the economy. The former president accused Otedola of misleading him into deregulating diesel importation, which had previously been under the absolute monopoly of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). Otedola, who was then Chairman of Zenon Petroleum, had assured Obasanjo that the private sector could handle the deregulated market without NNPC involvement, effectively ending the diesel subsidy. Diesel became the first petroleum product to be deregulate...

 Treat KWAM 1 like any Nigerian, not APC’s musician, ADC tells FG The fallout from the airport incident involving Fuji music legend, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, has intensified, as the African Democratic Congress lashed out at what it described as a “reckless” and “terroristic” act. This is as the ADC demanded that KWAM 1 face the full weight of Nigerian terrorism laws. In an X post on Thursday, the spokesman for the ADC, Bolaji Abdullahi, praised the swift reaction of the Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo, but raised concerns about political interference and selective justice. “On this KWAM1 matter, I commend my brother, the Honourable Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, for describing the action as a ‘hostage situation.’ A hostage situation is an act of terrorism,” the spokesman said. He then posed a sharp question aimed at Nigerian authorities and the public. Abdullah queried, “What are the laws against terrorist actions in Nigeria? Will these laws be applied in this case?” The s...

 INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu has stated that the commission is considering allowing prison inmates to vote in elections.  Speaking on Friday while receiving the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Correctional Service, Sylvester Nwakuche, at the Commission's Headquarters in Abuja, Yakubu affirmed the Appeal Court's judgment granting inmates the right to register and vote.  He referenced previous meetings with the service to work out modalities for accommodating affected inmates, including access to facilities and addressing political parties' concerns.  Yakubu reiterated the need to seek the National Assembly's intervention and assured the service of INEC's determination to facilitate inmates' voting rights in accordance with existing laws.

 FLASH FLOODING IN IKORODU: LASG SYMPATHISES, ALLAYS FEAR OF RESIDENTS The Lagos State Government officials on Thursday visited and sympathised while allaying the fears of some Ikorodu residents affected by the recent flash flood following over 13 hours of rainfall, assuring residents that necessary measures are in place to effectively manage the flash floods.  Speaking with newsmen after an extensive assessment tour to check the level of work on the Ikorodu Drainage infrastructure construction, the Special Adviser on Environment, Engr. Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu said that when all the infrastructure construction is completed, it will address the perennial flooding issues in Ikorodu as a whole.  He explained that the intensity of the rainfall that was experienced in Lagos on Monday/Tuesday is the type which magnitude does not occur regularly but can only be experienced in decades. According to him, "What happened here is from nature, the effects of Climate change are real, and...