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Showing posts from August 16, 2025

ROBOCOP STATUE FINALLY UNVEILED IN DETROIT AFTER NEARLY 15 YEARS. (PHOTO).

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RoboCop statue finally unveiled in Detroit after nearly 15 years A 11-foot-tall bronze statue of the iconic science fiction hero RoboCop has finally been installed in Detroit, nearly 15 years after the idea first emerged. The 2.5-ton sculpture, depicting RoboCop as played by Peter Weller in the 1987 film, now stands outside the Free Age Production Studio in Detroit’s Eastern Market. Jim Toscano, the studio’s owner, expressed excitement over the installation, calling it “super impressive” and noting that it has already drawn visitors to the area. The project began in 2011 after a public exchange with then-Mayor Dave Bing sparked a fan-led campaign to bring the statue to life. Community arts advocate Brandon Walley and entrepreneur Jerry Paffendorf launched a Kickstarter that raised over $67,000 to fund the effort. Detroit sculptor Giorgio Gikas completed the statue in 2017, but legal hurdles, including obtaining rights from MGM, delayed its placement. With the statue now in place, organ...

MEASLES OUTBREAK INTENSIFIES IN NORTH AMERICA, 18 DEAD SO FAR IN 2025, PAHO REPORTS. (PHOTO).

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 Measles outbreak intensifies in North America, 18 dead so far in 2025, PAHO reports The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) reported on Friday that measles cases are surging across the Americas, with North America particularly affected as deaths rise in Mexico, the United States, and Canada. PAHO attributed the outbreaks to low vaccination coverage, noting that 71% of cases occurred in unvaccinated individuals and 18% in those with unknown vaccination status. As of August 8, the agency confirmed 10,139 measles cases and 18 deaths across 10 countries in the region—a 34-fold increase compared to the same period in 2024. Of the 18 fatalities, 14 occurred in Mexico, three in the U.S., and one in Canada. Most deaths in Mexico were among Indigenous people aged 1 to 54. “Measles is preventable with two doses of a vaccine, which is proven to be very safe and effective. To stop these outbreaks, countries must urgently strengthen routine immunization and conduct targeted vaccination cam...

UPDATE: POLICE NAB PDP CHIEFTAINS, INEC OFFICIALS WITH HUGE CASH. (PHOTO).

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 Remo by-election: Police nab PDP chieftains, INEC officials with huge cash Police operatives arrested two members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and two staffers of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Iperu Remo, with huge sums of cash allegedly meant for rigging the by-election into the Remo Federal Constituency House of Representatives. The suspects, arrested  in the early hours of Saturday, were reported to have provided very useful information to the police regarding their respective roles in the grand plan to bribe election officials and rig the House of Representatives by-election. In a video recording, police could be seen interrogating the suspects comprising four males and a female. The INEC staffers, a man who identified himself simply as Constance and a woman who identified herself as Amina, claimed to have been sent by their supervisor to collect the money from a certain PDP politician in the area.

FAAN CAUTIONS AGAINST REPEAT OF KWAM 1, KWAM 2 INCIDENTS. (PHOTO).

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 FAAN cautions against repeat of KWAM 1, KWAM 2 incidents The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has called on passengers, cabin crew, and aviation workers to remain calm, courteous, and professional in all situations, especially while in flight or within airport premises. This appeal, made on Saturday via FAAN’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, comes in the wake of two recent incidents that have sparked public debate: the confrontation involving popular Fuji musician KWAM 1, and a similar, more recent altercation aboard Ibom Air involving one Comfort Emmanson — now humorously referred to by social media users as “KWAM 2.” FAAN emphasized that violence should never be an option, regardless of the circumstances. The agency urged aggrieved travelers to use formal channels for lodging complaints. “Stay calm, stay safe: No matter the situation, violence is never the answer. If you have a concern, visit the FAAN Customer Service Desk to lodge a formal complaint — your is...

HOW WE WERE SEXUALLY ABUSED IN CAR - RESCUED NIGERIAN MINERS. (PHOTO).

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 How we were sexually abused in CAR - Rescued Nigerian miners Rescued Nigerian miners who were stranded in Central African Republic, (CAR), have relayed their ordeal in the hands of their Chinese employers l, saying they were sexually abused and subsequently maltreated. It would be recalled that the chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, NiDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, received 12 miners on Friday in Abuja. This was contained in a statement by the Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols at the commission, Abdurrahman Balogun. Narrating their ordeal at the NiDCOM office, the leader of the rescued workers, Igorigo Freeborn, recounted  how they lived in harsh, unsafe homes in the forest in CAR  after their Chinese  recruiters abandoned them without pay for months. He said , in spite of the  11 months’ unpaid salaries, they were homosexually abused by their Chinese employers in the war torn country. “I am not ashamed to say it. I want other peopl...

GO AND SIN NO MORE, CAC TELLS PASTOR FATOYINBO AFTER GAFFE. (PHOTO).

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 Go and sin no more, CAC tells Pastor Fatoyinbo after gaffe The Christ Apostolic Church has accepted the apology of the Global Senior Pastor of the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly, Biodun Fatoyinbo, after his recent remarks about the CAC’s late founder, Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola, stirred outrage.  Speaking on behalf of the church, the Director of Publicity for CAC, Pastor Aderinsoye Alawode, said the apology was received in good faith, noting that it reflected remorse and a willingness to make amends.  Fatoyinbo, while delivering a sermon, had said Apostle Babalola was anointed but had no money.  He also said Babalola died poor and questioned the whereabouts of his children.  “I was studying recently about what Apostle Babalola did. I stand to be corrected. What God did through Smith Wigglesworth, if they had documented what God did in the life of that man (Babalola), people would be coming here for pilgrimage. He was anointed. So anointed. Anointed man. Heavy-d...

BANDITS ABDUCT RARIYA HAUSA NEWSPAPER EDITOR, SANI AHMED, ON ABUJA-KADUNA HIGHWAY. (PHOTO).

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 Bandits Abduct Rariya Hausa Newspaper Editor, Sani Ahmed, On Abuja-Kaduna Highway A journalist and editor with the well-known Rariya Hausa online newspaper, Sani Ahmed, has been kidnapped by armed bandits while travelling from Abuja to Kaduna State. SaharaReporters learned that Ahmed set out on Thursday evening for a programme in Kaduna.  According to Comrade Yahaya Abdullahi of the Take-It-Back Movement, the journalist departed Abuja at about 8pm but, two hours later, sent a distress message indicating he had been abducted. “Since that message at 10pm, we have heard nothing from him,” Abdullahi said. “We were together just on Sunday when he mentioned he would be attending a programme in Kaduna. Sadly, his last message only confirmed he was kidnapped.” His current whereabouts remain unknown.

POLICE FIRES CONSTABLE FOR STEALING GOAT. (PHOTO).

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 POLICE FIRES CONSTABLE FOR STEALING GOAT Police authorities in Taraba State have fired a constable for stealing a goat. The Commissioner of Police in Taraba State reportedly ordered the DPO at Mutum Biyu Division where the officer identified as PC Usman Mohammed was attached to process his dismissal. Mohammed's dismissal from the Nigeria Police was recommended following due disciplinary procedures in accordance with the Police Act and Regulation 370, Cap 389 of the 2010 Laws of the Federation, as amended.

VETERAN NIGERIAN ACTOR CHARLES AWURUM ARRIVES IN GHANA TO SUPPORT LIL WIN’S IBRAHIM TRAORE'S MOVIE.(PHOTOS).

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 Veteran Nigerian actor Charles Awurum arrives in Ghana to support Lil Win’s Ibrahim Traore's movie Nollywood star Charles Awurum has touched down in Sunyani to support Lil Win’s big movie premiere, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, happening on August 16, 2025. Lil Win warmly welcomed him, saying, “So much love to my brother Charles Awurum for coming all the way to support me.” Fans can’t wait to see the two reunite on the red carpet in what promises to be a thrilling night for Ghana-Nigeria cinema. More photos below. 

NBA PRESIDENT SLAMS GOVERNORS OVER GIFTS TO JUDGES, CALLS FOR JUDICIAL INDEPENDENCE. (PHOTO).

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 NBA President Slams Governors Over Gifts to Judges, Calls for Judicial Independence The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Afam Osigwe, has strongly condemned the practice of state governors publicly donating cars, houses, and other lavish gifts to judges, describing it as an affront to judicial independence. Speaking at the NBA’s annual conference in Lagos on Saturday, Osigwe argued that such gestures undermine the integrity of the judiciary and reduce judges to "beggars" in the eyes of the public. Osigwe’s remarks come amid growing concerns over the perceived politicization of the judiciary in Nigeria. He criticized the public spectacle often made of these donations, noting that they create an impression of judges being beholden to political figures. “Judges shouldn’t be placed in a position where their impartiality is questioned due to gifts from those who may appear before them in court,” Osigwe stated. “The judiciary must be insulated from such influences ...

APC ACCUSE APGA OF HARASSMENT AND INTIMIDATION IN EKWUSIGO. APGA PUBLICITY SECRETARY DISMISSES ALLEGATIONS.(PHOTO).

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 APC accuse APGA of Harassment and Intimidation in Ekwusigo. APGA publicity secretary dismisses allegations. The Anambra South senatorial by-election, held to fill the seat of the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, was marred by violence on Saturday. Tensions flared after four polling agents of APC candidate Sir Azuka Okwuosa were reportedly arrested in Ekwusigo by the local government chairman with the backing of a community leader. The incident sparked protests from youths, who accused the APGA-led government of harassment and intimidation. Former Anambra Speaker, Hon Rita Maduagwu, also alleged that APGA operatives invaded her ward to disrupt voting. The situation escalated across several polling units in Nnewi and Ekwusigo, forcing security operatives to intervene. While APC leaders claimed their members were being targeted, APGA’s National Publicity Secretary, Ejiomofor Opara, dismissed the allegations, insisting that “APC members were just claiming violence and arrests.

LSWMO SEALS CHICKEN REPUBLIC AT AGUNGI, PUBLIC TOILET AT IDI-ARABA FOR ENVIRONMENTAL NUISANCE, POLLUTION. (PHOTOS). #PRESS RELEASE.

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 LSWMO SEALS CHICKEN REPUBLIC AT AGUNGI, PUBLIC TOILET AT IDI-ARABA FOR ENVIRONMENTAL NUISANCE, POLLUTION The Lagos State Wastewater Management Office (LSWMO) has continued to demonstrate its dedication to ensuring credible and sustainable Wastewater Management in the State by once again responding to public outcry for a safe and cleaner Lagos by clamping down on a Chicken Republic outlet at Agungi, Ajiran Road and a public toilet at Idi Araba, opposite LUTH. These places were sealed for deliberate discharge of raw sewage into public drains via a pumping machine, thereby causing public nuisance and environmental pollution while endangering the lives of citizens.  The General Manager of the Agency, Engr. Adefemi Afolabi, said the offenders are in the habit of pumping their untreated sewage waters into the public drainage system with the use of a pumping machine, instead of engaging accredited sewage dislodgers to evacuate their septic tank.  “This illegal act pollutes the ...

OGUN STATE MAKES AVIATION HISTORY AS NCAA GRANTS COMMERCIAL OPERATIONAL PERMIT. (PHOTO). #PRESS RELEASE.

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OGUN STATE MAKES AVIATION HISTORY AS NCAA GRANTS COMMERCIAL OPERATIONAL PERMIT The Ogun State Gateway International Airport has officially received an Aerodrome Operational Permit from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), authorizing it to operate Scheduled Commercial Air Transport flights. The announcement was made by Governor Dapo Abiodun, who described the milestone as historic and the first of its kind in Nigeria. The approval follows a successful technical inspection, on-site verification, and audit of the facility. According to the Governor, NCAA officials have commended the Gateway International Airport as a benchmark for what airports should be in the country, underscoring its advanced infrastructure and operational readiness. Under the terms of the permit, the airport holds an Aerodrome Reference Code of 3C and an ARFFS Category of 6, with a non-precision runway operating category for Runway 05/23 and an Area Navigation (RNAV) approach type. In a boost to its internat...

BY-ELECTION: PDP CHAIR, INEC OFFICIALS, OTHERS ARRESTED WITH CASH IN OGUN. (PHOTO).

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 By-election: PDP chair, INEC officials, others arrested with cash in Ogun As the Remo federal constituency by-election is set to commence in Ogun State, security operatives have arrested the state chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Abayomi Tella, other party officials, and two officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), with large cash in their possession. The arrested politicians and INEC officials who were seen being questioned in a video clip posted on social media on Saturday were said to have been nabbed at a hotel in Iperu-Remo, Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun State. In a viral video, the INEC officials, a male and a female, and the PDP officers are seen squatting and being interrogated by an unidentified male security personnel. According to the interrogator, an intelligence report had indicated that the INEC officials had been contacted and given a large sum of money by the party officials for alleged vote buying during the by-elect...

BAN SOCIAL MEDIA, LET THEM GO INTO AGRICULTURE - GOV NWIFURU BEGS TINUBU. (PHOTO).

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 Ban Social Media, Let Them Go Into Agriculture - Gov Nwifuru Begs Tinubu   Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has urged the Federal Government to restrict use of social media to curb half-truths. He also called on the FG to intensify efforts to engage youths in practical agriculture, noting that hunger and idleness drive online anger and misinformation. Nwifuru spoke on Friday in Abakaliki when the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, paid him a courtesy visit during the minister’s tour of federal projects in the state. He said that engagement of youths in practical agriculture would properly channel their energy and potential in meaningful ventures and deter them from engaging in destructive social media activities. He noted that the imposition of restrictions on social media would check the spread of unfounded information about national development. The governor said that while the government was not out to control the youth, it had a ...

NOT ALL TIV PEOPLE ARE INDIGENOUS TO BENUE, CENTRAL NIGERIA. (PHOTO).

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 NOT ALL TIV PEOPLE ARE INDIGENOUS TO BENUE, CENTRAL NIGERIA 16th August, 2025      The majority of Tiv people are not indigenous to Benue State, Central Nigeria. Many people believe that all Tiv people are from Benue State because that is the picture that has been painted over the years in an attempt to consciously limit the Tiv people to Benue. That is where the concept of “Tiv from Benue” originated. The Tiv ethnic group is the single largest ethnic group in the Middle Belt, and the fourth largest ethnic group in the country, spanning across many states in what is considered Central Nigeria. Before Benue State was created, Tiv people were recognized as the single largest ethnic group in the then Gongola State, which became Adamawa and Taraba. In addition, the Tiv people were the largest ethnic group in the Benue-Plateau State, which was later split into Benue, Kogi, Plateau, and Nasarawa States. This means that the Tiv people are the majority in Taraba and Nasaraw...

NO DEAL REACHED AT TRUMP-PUTIN ALASKA MEETING. (PHOTO).

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 NO DEAL REACHED AT TRUMP-PUTIN ALASKA MEETING Following the much anticipated meeting between President Donald Trump and President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday, the American leader disclosed that no deal was reached between the two leaders over the war in Ukraine. Trump and Putin shook hands warmly at the airport in Anchorage after their planes landed before they entered into Trump's special Limousine to the meeting venue.  At a point on the tarmac, Putin looked up cautiously to survey the American stealth fighters circling overhead at a formation. Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Trump said there was some progress made, but "there's no deal until there's a deal...we didn't get there!"  Trump later said he would not mind meeting with Putin again over the issue in Ukraine, to which Putin said that that would have to be in Moscow.

POLICE ARREST VOTE-BUYER WITH N26M CASH IN KADUNA. (PHOTOS).

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 POLICE ARREST VOTE-BUYER WITH N26M CASH IN KADUNA The police in Kaduna State have arrested one Shehu Aliyu Patangi with a cash sum of ₦25,963,000 meant for vote buying along Turunku Road in Kaduna metropolis. Patangi was arrested by a team of policemen and DSS operatives following a tip-off. He had loaded the cash in bags and cartons in the boot of his car. Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect had planned to use the said amount to bribe eligible voters. On interrogation the suspect confessed to the crime and pleaded for leniency. More photos below. 

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE UNIVERSITY TO LAUNCH IN OSUN . (PHOTO).

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 ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE UNIVERSITY TO LAUNCH IN OSUN  Africa’s first Artificial Intelligence university is billed to launch in Modakeke, Osun State. Named Curators University, the institution is part of Gov. Ademola Adeleke's educational vision for the state. The institution will offer diverse courses in Artificial Intelligence relating to Machine Learning Specialisation, Computer Hardware Engineering, Data Analytics and Database Administration, Arbitration and conflict resolution, 3D printing and polymer science among other disciplines. The foundation of the new institution was laid by the Commissioner for Education, Hon. Dipo Eluwole, and the Ogunsua of Modakeke, Oba Joseph Toriola. The commissioner said citing the university in Modakeke will boost economic growth and development in the ancient town.

FG SHOWCASES DEVELOPMENT GAINS IN EBONYI, REAFFIRMS SOUTH EAST PRIORITY. (PHOTO). #PRESS RELEASE.

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 Press Release  FG Showcases Development Gains in Ebonyi, Reaffirms South East Priority The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to accelerating development in Ebonyi State and across the South East, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu prioritising infrastructure, youth empowerment, and economic growth in the region. Delivering the President’s goodwill message to Governor Francis Nwifuru, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, highlighted major interventions under the Renewed Hope Agenda, including the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which has disbursed ₦86 billion to over 400,000 students nationwide, saying Ebonyi youths are among the beneficiaries. The Minister also noted President Tinubu’s ₦200 billion MSME support fund, which according to him, is reviving small and medium-scale businesses, alongside bold reforms such as fuel subsidy removal and forex unification, that are freeing resources for critical projects. He also highli...

FG, EBONYI PARTNER TO REWARD CIVIL SERVANTS AND DELIVER DEVELOPMENT TO CITIZENS. (PHOTOS). #PRESS RELEASE.

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 Press Release FG, Ebonyi Partner to Reward Civil Servants and Deliver Development to Citizens The Federal Government has commended Ebonyi State’s innovative approach to rewarding excellence in public service, describing it as a model of responsive governance.  The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stated this in Abakaliki when he led a high-powered National federal government delegation to see first-hand how federal and states’ collaboration is improving lives. Idris praised Ebonyi state’s judicious use of funds freed by the removal of fuel subsidy, and by ensuring they impact the people through tangible projects.  “This is what a listening government looks like, applying resources to priorities that the people themselves value,” said Idris.  Governor of Ebonyi state, Francis Nwifuru who showcased the newly completed Civil Servant Reward Estate, described it as the first of its kind in South East Nigeria, where outstanding teachers, c...

NIGERIA CORRECTIONAL SERVICE VOWS SANCTIONS FOR NEGLIGENT OFFICERS AMID SURGE IN JAILBREAKS. (PHOTO)

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 Nigeria Correctional Service Vows Sanctions for Negligent Officers Amid Surge in Jailbreaks The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has issued a stern warning to its officers, threatening sanctions for negligence following a wave of jailbreaks that have compromised custodial centres nationwide. Controller-General Sylvester Nwakuche attributed the security breaches to the “lackadaisical attitude” of some personnel, declaring that such lapses will no longer be tolerated. According to data from media reports, the NCoS website, and other sources, approximately 6,700 inmates have escaped from 13 correctional facilities between 2019 and 2025. Over 4,600 of these escapees, many of whom were awaiting trial for serious crimes such as terrorism and armed robbery, remain at large. Around 2,000 have been recaptured, the NCoS reported. Speaking at a ceremony in Abuja on Friday, where 30 officers were promoted to Assistant Controllers-General of Corrections, Nwakuche condemned the negligence o...

HOUSE COMMITTEE ORDERS URGENT RENOVATION OF DILAPIDATED RIVERS STATE SECRETARIAT. (PHOTO).

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 House Committee Orders Urgent Renovation of Dilapidated Rivers State Secretariat The House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee on Rivers State Emergency Rule has issued an urgent directive for the immediate renovation of the dilapidated Rivers State Secretariat complex and the relocation of civil servants working in hazardous conditions. The order came after an emergency inspection tour led by Committee Chairman, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, who assessed the Secretariat and the stalled Rivers State House of Assembly project. A statement issued by the State Administrator’s media aide, Hector Igbikiowubo, on Friday described the Secretariat’s condition as “more deplorable than facilities in war-torn Gaza.” Prof. Ihonvbere highlighted severe structural hazards, including weak floor tiles, leaking roofs, exposed electrical wiring, and the absence of basic amenities such as functional toilets, drinking water, and furniture. He declared the 6th and 7th floors “unfit for human occupation” due...

FUNERAL CEREMONY OF CHRISTIAN CHUKWU IN ENUGU. (PHOTOS).

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  Funeral ceremony of Christian Chukwu in Enugu The funeral of Christian Chukwu, former captain and head coach of the Super Eagles, has begun in Enugu State. More photos below. 

POLICE-LED JOINT SECURITY TEAM TAKES CONTROL OF NNEWI NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA. (PHOTOS). #PRESS RELEASE.

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 *ASSESSING PERSONNEL DEPLOYMENT FOR BYE-ELECTION: POLICE-LED JOINT SECURITY TEAM TAKES CONTROL OF NNEWI NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA* _As AIG Godwin Eze reiterates the ban on Vigilante operatives and other quasi-security outfits from participating during the election period_ Police-led joint security teams have commenced the assessment of personnel deployment for the Anambra bye-election, as security forces take control of Nnewi North Local Government Area. During the deployment assessment, the supervising Assistant Inspector-General of Police, *AIG Godwin Eze*, reiterated that Vigilante operatives and other quasi-security outfits remain barred from participating in election security operations. He emphasised that only officially accredited security agencies are authorised to be part of the exercise. Other Places visited include, Polling unit at Osumenyi Community, Nnewi-south Local Headquaters, and other areas in the Anambra South Senatorial district _Election monitoring is ongoin...

ANAMBRA BYE-ELECTION: AIG GODWIN EZE WARNS AGAINST FAKE NEWS, OLD VIDEOS AND INCITEFUL REMARKS. (PHOTO). #PRESS RELEASE.

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  ANAMBRA BYE-ELECTION: AIG GODWIN EZE WARNS AGAINST FAKE NEWS, OLD VIDEOS AND INCITEFUL REMARKS The Assistant Inspector-General of Police *AIG Godwin Eze* who is the Supervising Officer for the Anambra Bye-elections has cautioned individuals and groups against circulating fake election results, recycling old videos or making inciteful remarks capable of misleading the public and causing a breach of peace during the ongoing Anambra bye-election. He emphasized that the Nigeria Police Force and sister security agencies remains fully committed to providing adequate security for a peaceful, free, and credible electoral process. *AIG Eze* further warned that anyone found engaging in acts of misinformation or conduct likely to disrupt public peace will face the full weight of the law. The Police boss, therefore, urged members of the public, especially media practitioners and social media users, to verify information from credible sources before sharing. Citizens are advised to remain law...

RAPPER SEAN KINGSTON SENTENCED TO THREE AND A HALF YEARS IN PRISON FOR $1 MILLION FRAUD SCHEME. (PHOTO).

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 Rapper Sean Kingston sentenced to three and a half years in prison for $1 million fraud scheme Rapper Sean Kingston was sentenced Friday to three and a half years in prison for his role in a $1 million fraud scheme in which he used his celebrity status to trick sellers into providing luxury items he never paid for. Kingston, born Kisean Paul Anderson, and his mother, Janice Eleanor Turner, were convicted in March by a federal jury on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and four counts of wire fraud. Turner was sentenced last month to five years in prison. Before U.S. District Judge David Leibowitz handed down the sentence, Kingston apologized in court, saying he had learned from his actions. His attorney requested that he be allowed to self-surrender later due to health concerns, but the judge ordered him taken into custody immediately. Kingston, 35, removed his suit jacket, was handcuffed, and led from the courtroom. Kingston and his mother were arrested in May 2024 after ...

FBI DIRECTOR PATEL AND FOUNDATION AWARDED $250,000 IN DEFAMATION CASE AGAINST BLOGGER. (PHOTO).

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 FBI Director Patel and foundation awarded $250,000 in defamation case against blogger FBI Director Kash Patel and his nonprofit, the Kash Foundation, have been awarded $250,000 in damages in a defamation case against blogger and podcaster Jim Stewartson, who accused Patel of being a “Kremlin asset,” plotting to overthrow the U.S. government, and helping plan the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack. The ruling, issued August 5 by U.S. District Judge Andrew Gordon in Las Vegas, followed Stewartson’s failure to respond to the lawsuit. Patel and his foundation received $100,000 each in compensatory and punitive damages for Patel, and $25,000 each in compensatory and punitive damages for the foundation. Patel had initially sought $10 million, alleging defamation, injurious falsehood, and business disparagement. Gordon said punitive damages were justified “in part to deter Stewartson and others from engaging in defamation,” adding that while public figures must tolerate factual criticism an...

SPACEX LIKELY AVOIDED FEDERAL INCOME TAXES FOR DECADES, INVESTIGATION REVEALS. (PHOTO).

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 SpaceX likely avoided federal income taxes for decades, investigation reveals Since its founding in 2002, Elon Musk’s SpaceX has become a dominant force in commercial spaceflight and a major launch provider for the U.S. government. A recent investigation suggests part of that dominance may be linked to decades of federal tax avoidance. Internal company documents indicate that SpaceX has taken full advantage of net operating loss (NOL) carryforwards, a U.S. tax provision that allows companies to offset future taxable income with past losses. By the end of 2021, SpaceX had accumulated nearly $5.4 billion in tax losses, which could be applied to future profits, effectively reducing or eliminating federal income taxes on that income. The tax benefit was made even more advantageous in 2017 when the provision’s expiration date was removed, allowing SpaceX to apply roughly $3 billion in past losses indefinitely. The company’s revenue growth has been closely tied to government funding. In...

NEW ORLEANS MAYOR LATOYA CANTRELL FACES FEDERAL CORRUPTION CHARGES. (PHOTO).

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 New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell faces federal corruption charges New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell was indicted Friday on federal charges accusing her of defrauding the city while attempting to conceal a romantic relationship with a police officer, according to prosecutors. Cantrell faces charges including conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to obstruct justice, making false statements, and false declaration before a grand jury, as detailed in an indictment filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana. Prosecutors say Cantrell was romantically involved with Jeffrey Paul Vappie II, who served on the New Orleans Police Department's executive protection unit from May 2021 to April 2024. The indictment alleges that Cantrell and Vappie exploited their public positions to spend time together while Vappie was paid for on-duty work, engaging in a scheme that defrauded both the city and the police department. Vappie was also charged with wire fraud and o...

GUINEA-BISSAU EXPELS PORTUGUESE MEDIA OUTLETS. (PHOTO).

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 Guinea-Bissau expels Portuguese media outlets The government of Guinea-Bissau has suspended two major Portuguese news agencies and ordered their journalists to leave the country. The Portuguese-speaking west African nation gave no further explanation for the move, which it said would affect news agency Lusa and public broadcaster RTP. Their programming is suspended and their representatives were told to leave the country by Tuesday, according to a note from the ministry seen by AFP. Guinea-Bissau's President Umaro Sissoco Embalo, who was supposed to be in Lisbon on Monday for a ceremony marking his tenure as the rotating president of the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP), will no longer attend, according to the Guinea-Bissau chapter. Guinea-Bissau gained independence from its colonial ruler, Portugal, in 1974. Ambassador summoned The Portuguese government said the decision on the media outlets ‘‘appears highly reprehensible and unjustifiable". It added that it...

GOV. OTTI COMMENDS INEC FOR RECOGNIZING NENADI USMAN AS LABOUR PARTY LEADER. (PHOTO).

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 Gov. Otti Commends INEC for Recognizing Nenadi Usman as Labour Party Leader Abia State Governor Alex Otti has praised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for recognizing Senator Nenadi Usman as the authentic leader of the Labour Party, describing the decision as a “welcome development” and “long overdue.” Speaking exclusively in Umuahia through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, Governor Otti expressed gratitude to INEC and other government agencies for upholding the Supreme Court’s judgment on the party’s leadership. “We are grateful to INEC and all government agencies that played a role in ensuring that the Supreme Court’s judgment was finally respected,” he said. Otti highlighted that INEC’s action aligns with the Supreme Court’s ruling, which confirmed that Julius Abure’s tenure as national chairman had expired, rendering him ineligible to impose himself as the party’s leader. “What INEC did is to ensure that order, normalcy, peace, ...

SINGER CHIKE SPARKS CONTROVERSY, CALLS MARRIAGE A “STUPID STEP”.(PHOTO).

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 Singer Chike Sparks Controversy, Calls Marriage a “Stupid Step” Nigerian singer and songwriter Chike Osebuka, popularly known as Chike, has stirred debate with his recent remarks dismissing marriage as a “stupid step.” The artist, known for his soulful hits and romantic ballads, revealed that he has no plans to tie the knot anytime soon. In an interview on Friday, Chike made the bold statement while discussing his personal life and career priorities. “It’s a stupid step to get married,” he said, sparking mixed reactions among fans and the public. The singer did not elaborate on the reasons behind his stance but emphasized that his focus remains on his music and personal growth. Chike’s comments have ignited discussions on social media, with some fans expressing support for his choice to prioritize his career, while others criticized the singer for downplaying the institution of marriage. “Chike is entitled to his opinion, but calling marriage ‘stupid’ is a bit harsh,” one user com...

LAWYER SUES FG OVER ‘DOUBLE STANDARDS’ IN KWAM 1, COMFORT EMMANSON AIRPORT INCIDENTS. (PHOTO).

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 Lawyer sues FG over ‘double standards’ in KWAM 1, Comfort Emmanson airport incidents Ayodele Ademiluyi, a human rights lawyer, has instituted a suit against the federal government over the alleged “special treatment” of Wasiu Ayinde, the Fuji artiste popularly known as KWAM 1, in the recent airport controversy. Other respondents in the suit are Festus Keyamo, minister of aviation and aerospace development; the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA); the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN); the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON); the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS); and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF). Speaking at a press conference, Ademiluyi said he initiated the suit to ensure accountability and protect public interest in the aviation sector. The lawyer decried the “double standard treatment” of airport cases involving KWAM 1 and Comfort Emmanson, the Ibom Air passenger. Ademiluyi said while Emmanson was arraigned and remanded in prison, KWAM 1 was neither arreste...

‎SOUTH EAST: IGP INITIATES INSTITUTIONAL REVIEW OF AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL REPORT, REAFFIRMS POLICE COMMITMENT TO HUMAN RIGHTS, ACCOUNTABILITY. (PHOTO). #PRESS RELEASE.

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 PRESS RELEASE ‎SOUTH EAST: IGP INITIATES INSTITUTIONAL REVIEW OF AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL REPORT, REAFFIRMS POLICE COMMITMENT TO HUMAN RIGHTS, ACCOUNTABILITY ‎ ‎The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, has ordered a comprehensive institutional review of the 128-page report recently published by Amnesty International, titled “A Decade of Impunity: Attacks and Unlawful Killings in South-East Nigeria.” The report alleges a pattern of extrajudicial killings and human rights violations by the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies in the South-East. ‎ ‎In line with his unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and operational professionalism, the IGP has directed relevant departments and affected field formations to undertake a meticulous line-by-line assessment of the report. This process will involve cross-referencing the allegations with internal operational records, field intelligence, and situation reports from police commands a...