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 Abia Governor Alex Otti Approves Land for NLC Secretariat, Orders Probe into Check-Off Dues Remittances Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has approved the allocation of land for the construction of a permanent secretariat for the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) in the state, while directing an immediate investigation into allegations that the statutory 10% check-off dues deducted from civil servants' salaries are not reaching the NLC national body. The governor made these announcements on Wednesday during a courtesy visit by a delegation from the NLC national leadership, headed by its President, Joe Ajaero, at his office in Umuahia. Emphasizing his administration's pro-worker stance, Otti highlighted recent initiatives, including the employment of 5,394 teachers and the ongoing recruitment of 771 health workers. He also revealed that his government has approved the payment of financial benefits to the next-of-kin of deceased Abia civil servants, covering arrears spanning the pas...

 Diane Keaton’s family reveals cause of death, report says Oscar-winning actress Diane Keaton, 79, has died of pneumonia, her family confirmed. They expressed gratitude for the "extraordinary messages of love and support" following her passing on Oct. 11. Authorities previously reported responding to a medical call at Keaton's Brentwood home on Saturday morning and transporting her to a hospital. Keaton rose to prominence in the 1970s with her role as Kay Adams in "The Godfather" films and won the Academy Award for best actress in 1978 for "Annie Hall." She was also celebrated for performances in "Play It Again, Sam," "Baby Boom," "The First Wives Club," and the "Book Club" series. Known for valuing her freedom and the opportunities she had in life, Keaton often reflected on the choices that shaped her career. Hollywood figures, including Mary Steenburgen, Goldie Hawn, and filmmaker Nancy Meyers, paid tribute to ...

Ex-US Embassy security guard in Norway convicted of spying for Russia and Iran  A former U.S. Embassy security guard in Norway was convicted Wednesday of spying for Russia and Iran, a court in Oslo announced. The 28-year-old Norwegian, whose name has not been released, was sentenced to three years and seven months in prison. While he admitted to the facts outlined in the indictment, he denied any criminal intent. Prosecutors said the man provided information about the embassy’s diplomats, floor plans, and security routines. Reports indicate that his contacts with Russia and Iran were motivated in part by American ties to Israel and the conflict in Gaza. Defense attorneys argued that the conviction raises questions about how espionage is defined under Norwegian law, claiming that the man had minimal access—comparable to that of a janitor—and that the information he shared posed no real threat to national security. He was found guilty on five espionage-related charges but acquitted o...

 FIFA reports more than 1 million tickets sold for 2026 World Cup in North America  More than 1 million tickets have already been sold for the 2026 World Cup, FIFA announced Thursday in its first update since official sales began earlier this month. The highest demand came from fans in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, the three host nations, though buyers from 212 countries and territories have purchased tickets despite only 28 of the 48 tournament spots being filled. The next most active markets were England, Germany, Brazil, Spain, Colombia, Argentina, and France. The tournament is scheduled to run from June 11 to July 19, 2026. FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the strong early sales reflect the excitement surrounding “the biggest, most inclusive FIFA World Cup in history.” FIFA also opened its resale site Thursday, with World Cup final tickets in East Rutherford, New Jersey, listed from $9,538 to $57,500 per seat. Tickets in this first round were allocated through a lotter...

 Man accused of stealing Beyoncé’s music faces criminal trespass charge A man accused of stealing hard drives containing unreleased Beyoncé music from a car has been indicted by a Fulton County, Georgia, grand jury. Kelvin Evans now faces charges of criminal trespass and entering a vehicle with intent to commit theft. A hearing that had been scheduled for Thursday was canceled after the indictment. ACCORDING TO ANOTHER SOURCE: The indictment states that Evans allegedly entered a 2024 Jeep Wagoneer, the rental property of Christopher Grant, a choreographer for Beyoncé, on July 8 "with the intent to commit theft." Evans allegedly broke one of the vehicle's windows in the process, according to the indictment. A report filed July 8 by the Atlanta Police Department states that Grant returned to his vehicle following the alleged incident and noticed the damaged window, as well as several missing items, including two suitcases and hard drives for Beyoncé's upcoming Cowboy Ca...

 Israel warns US Gaza ceasefire efforts may stall if Hamas refuses to return hostage remains Israel has informed the Trump administration that Hamas is not doing enough to recover the bodies of dead Israeli hostages, warning that progress on the Gaza deal cannot move to the next phase until more remains are returned, according to Israeli and U.S. officials. The agreement requires Hamas to make a “maximum effort” to return the bodies of 28 hostages, including two Americans, but Israeli authorities say the group is falling short. Over the past two days, Hamas returned five bodies, bringing the total recovered to nine, which temporarily eased tensions and prevented Israel from restricting aid trucks or closing the Egypt-Gaza border. Hamas has said additional recoveries will require “efforts and special equipment,” while Israeli officials contend 15 to 20 bodies could be recovered more quickly. U.S. officials emphasize that the deal cannot collapse, stressing that the recovery process ...

 US drops out of list of 10 most powerful passports for first time The U.S. passport has fallen out of the top 10 most powerful in the world for the first time in the 20-year history of the Henley Passport Index. The ranking, which measures visa-free travel access across 227 destinations using data from the International Air Transport Association, now places the U.S. at 12th, tied with Malaysia, with access to 180 countries. This marks a sharp decline from its No. 1 position in 2014. Experts attribute the slide to a combination of U.S. policy changes and global trends. Restrictions under the Trump administration, including visa suspensions for travelers from multiple nations and the loss of visa-free access to countries like Brazil, China, and Vietnam, have contributed to the passport’s weakening standing. Christian Kaelin, chairman of Henley & Partners, noted that nations embracing openness and cooperation are rising, while those relying on past privileges are falling behind. ...

 Trump says he and Putin plan second Ukraine summit in Budapest President Donald Trump announced Thursday that he and Russian President Vladimir Putin have agreed to hold a second summit in Hungary in the coming weeks to discuss ways to end the war in Ukraine. The announcement followed a two-hour phone call between the two leaders, which came a day before Trump is scheduled to host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House to discuss the potential transfer of Tomahawk long-range missiles to Ukraine. Trump said on Truth Social that "great progress was made" during his call with Putin, adding that top advisers from both countries would meet next week to continue discussions, with U.S. representation by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. He confirmed that the leaders would then meet in Budapest, Hungary. Trump also noted that Putin congratulated him on the recent deal to end the war in Gaza. Last week, Trump indicated he might give Zelensky a new ultimatum: either R...

 Instagram introduces new teen limits based on PG-13 rating Instagram is rolling out new safety measures for teen accounts, introducing restrictions that align content with a PG-13 movie rating. The updates, set to begin Tuesday and fully implemented by the end of the year, are described by Meta as the platform’s most significant changes to teen accounts since their 2024 launch. Teens under 18 will automatically be placed in the 13+ protection setting, which cannot be changed without parental permission. The system, inspired by the Motion Picture Association’s PG-13 guidelines, limits content to material deemed generally appropriate for teenagers, though some suggestive content or mild language may occasionally appear. Meta is also using age prediction technology to apply these restrictions even for users who claim to be older. Parents will gain more control over what their teens can see. Options include allowing access to adult content or selecting a stricter “Limited Content” set...

 Netflix enters podcast market through partnership with Spotify  Netflix is expanding into the podcast world through a new partnership with Spotify, bringing some of the streaming platform’s most popular podcasts to its service in video format starting early next year. The deal will include shows such as The Bill Simmons Podcast, The Ringer Fantasy Football Show, The Rewatchables, The Big Picture, The Dave Chang Show, and a range of true crime programs, giving U.S. audiences first access in early 2026, with additional markets to follow. The lineup covers sports, pop culture, food, and true crime, though Spotify’s top global podcast, The Joe Rogan Experience, is not part of the initial deal. For Netflix, the move represents another way to diversify content beyond movies and TV shows, offering subscribers new formats at relatively low cost. Spotify, meanwhile, is shifting away from exclusive content deals toward broader distribution to reach new audiences. Netflix’s vice preside...

 Mozambican Woman Sentenced to 23 Years for Killing Stepdaughter The High Court in Mbombela has sentenced 37-year-old Mozambican national, Clara Masinga, to 23 years’ direct imprisonment for the brutal murder of her 11-year-old stepdaughter, Jennifer Gumbi. Masinga, who lived with the victim’s father, Rodgers Gumbi, in KwaMhlushwa, Phosaville Section near Malelane, pleaded guilty to premeditated murder. On 21 March 2015, Masinga lured the child under the pretext that someone wanted to buy her clothes. She then mixed rat poison (Rattex) with ice cream and gave it to Jennifer, who later died after eating it. Her body was found dumped in a shallow ditch near the Mlumati River. Masinga told the court that she killed the child to spite the victim’s biological mother. The court accepted her plea and sentence agreement with the State. State Advocate Senzo Zindela highlighted the cruelty of the act, noting that Masinga even poured boiled water on the child’s body to ensure her plan succeed...

 Three Police Officers Arrested for Allegedly Supplying Drugs in Germiston Three South African Police Service officers have been arrested in Germiston for allegedly supplying drugs to an individual who acted as their runner. The arrests have raised serious concerns about corruption within the police ranks. Investigations are ongoing to uncover the full extent of the illegal operation. Authorities have confirmed that internal disciplinary actions are being taken alongside the criminal investigations.

 Five Fake Cops Arrested After Attempted N12 Highway Hijacking Five suspects aged between 28 and 34 were arrested in Daveyton after they were found with SAPS uniforms and police equipment in their vehicle. The arrests came after a 36-year-old man narrowly escaped an attempted hijacking along the N12 highway on Tuesday. The victim was reportedly stopped by a white VW Golf after offering a lift to a female pedestrian. One of the suspects, wearing a police reflective jacket, exited the vehicle — prompting the victim to speed off, suspecting a setup. The suspects chased after him and tried to block his vehicle again, but EMPD officers noticed their erratic driving and intervened. Upon searching the VW Golf, officers discovered SAPS uniforms, CPF jackets, cellphones, a screwdriver, a taser, two fighting belts, and a firearm license belonging to someone else. None of the suspects could provide proof of being police officers. They were immediately arrested and charged with impersonating p...

  YPP’s governorship candidate, Paul Chukwuma, Vows To establish Apprenticeship Universities in Anambra(Main Market, Onitsha, University, Nkwo Nnewi University and Ekwulobia Market University) The candidate of the Young Progressives Party (YPP) in the November Anambra State governorship election, Sir Paul Chukwuma, has promised to establish Apprenticeship Universities in major markets if he becomes governor. He disclosed this during his interaction with the academics, and other senior staff members of all tertiary institutions in the state at the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) secretariat, Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka yesterday. “After I am sworn in (because I am sure that I will be sworn in as the next governor of Anambra state), my administration will establish Apprenticeship Universities in all the majors markets" “We will establish the University of Main Market, Onitsha; Nkwo Nnewi University; Ekwulobia Market University; etc. Our target will be for al...

 Ex-filling station manager, two others killed as container falls in Onitsha. An articulated vehicle laden with a container Thursday morning fell at Onitsha Owerri Road, killing three passengers on a tricycle on the spot, while three tricycles carrying passengers were trapped under the container. The accident, which happened at Onitsha Owerri Road by Mgbemena road junction at about 7:30 am, the peak of traders’ movement on the road, left three people already dead, while others are still being trapped under the container. According to an eyewitness who simply gave his name as Ebuka, a tricycle operator on Onitsha Owerri Road, who said he was following the trailer at the back before the accident happened, disclosed that the driver of the trailer, like other road users, drove on one lane of the Onitsha Owerri road due to the impassable nature of the dual carriage road. He also revealed that One of the people the container fell on and killed instantly was a former Manager of Aris Filli...

 Anambra Was The Only State That Never Had A Government House, A Governor’s Lodge, For 34 Years, but today, we have not just built a lodge but a mini city - Gov Chukwuma Soludo Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has highlighted one of the major infrastructural achievements of his administration, stating that for over three decades, the state lacked an official seat of government. Speaking at a campaign rally in Idemili North, the governor said his administration broke a 34-year-old jinx by constructing a befitting Government House and Governor’s Lodge in Awka, the state capital. In his words, “Anambra was the only state that never had a government house, a governor’s lodge, for 34 years,” Soludo declared, describing the development as a turning point in the state’s history. According to him, the absence of such essential government infrastructure since Anambra’s creation had long been a source of embarrassment and logistical difficulty for past administrations. He no...

   "I do not have any faith that INEC is going to do the right thing. In fact I am prepared for their rigging- Aisha Yusuf As the political atmosphere intensifies, defections here and there, various persons have started giving out their ill feelings about the 2027 election, saying they have lost hope and may not trust the process. One of those is Aisha Yusuf a strong supporter of Peter obi, in her statement she said there is no trust in INEC to deliver a credible election come 2027, and no doubt those who rigged the previous election will do the same again. Her post on X reads: "I do not have any faith that INEC is going to do the right thing, Neither do I have faith that the judiciary or security agencies will do the right thing!In fact I expect plain rigging and violence to be unleashed by those who rigged before" "What I am very certain of is that IF Nigerians DECIDE THAT NO JUPITER WILL RIG THEIR VOTES, I CAN ASSURE YOU THAT NOT A SINGLE VITE WILL BE RIGGED!!!!...

  Senate Confirms Amupitan as INEC Chairman The Nigerian Senate, led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, has confirmed Professor Joash Amupitan as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Amupitan’s confirmation follows the recent removal of Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who had served as the nation’s chief electoral umpire since 2015. During the plenary session, senators commended Amupitan’s qualifications and experience, expressing confidence that his leadership would strengthen Nigeria’s electoral system and ensure greater transparency in future elections. With his confirmation, Professor Amupitan officially assumes duties as the new INEC Chairman.

 Northern Christian Group Backs President Tinubu, Seeks Senator Danjuma Laah’s Return To Senate The Northern Christian Network for Sustainable Development (NCN-SD) has expressed support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and called for the return of former Senator Danjuma Tella Laah to the National Assembly. The group, comprising Christian leaders, clerics, and development advocates from across Northern Nigeria, made this known during a courtesy visit to Senator Laah at his Abuja residence on Tuesday. Led by its National Coordinator, Hon. Christopher A. Jallo, the network described Senator Laah as “a leader who has consistently advocated for Northern minorities and promoted inclusive governance.” Jallo said the organization plans to engage churches, Christian fellowships, and development centers in Northern Nigeria to encourage participation in national development and governance under the Tinubu administration. “Our message to Christians in the North is that engagement and dialogue a...

 NYSC Kaduna Commends Governor Uba Sani At Commissioning Of Solar-Powered Borehole The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Kaduna State has commended Governor Uba Sani and the Emir of Zazzau, His Royal Highness Malam Nuhu Bamalli (CFR), for their continued support toward the welfare and security of corps members serving in the state. The commendation was made during the commissioning and handover of a solar-powered borehole donated by the Kaduna State Government through the Kaduna State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA) at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Kaduna. Speaking at the event, the NYSC State Coordinator, Mrs. Efeke Murna Dadaza, expressed gratitude to the governor for his swift response to the Corps’ request and for fostering a safe and conducive environment for corps members. She assured that the NYSC would take full responsibility for the maintenance and proper use of the new facility. In his remarks, the Director General of RUWASSA, Engr. Mubarak Shehu L...

 NERC RELEASES 28 BILLION NAIRA TO DISCOs FOR METERING BAND "A & B" FREE The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission NERC has approved the release of twenty eight billion naira from the Meter acquisition fund to Electricity Distribution Companies to Meter all outstanding unmetered band 'A' and 'B' customers  The funds will be allocated in proportion to the respective contributions of the distribution companies under tranche B of the intervention  In an order released by NERC, all the Meters to be procured and installed under the Meter acquisition fund framework shall be provided free to band 'A'  and 'B' tariff customers  NERC directs all distribution companies to complete the installation of the Meters under the tranche B of the Meter acquisition fund by 31 December 2025 The intervention under the Meter acquisition fund is part of the commission's deliberate efforts to close the metering gap in the country and it will run concurrent...

 Nnamdi Kanu medically fit to stand trial, NMA tells court  The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) says Nnamdi Kanu’s health condition does not appear life-threatening. In a ruling on September 26, James Omotosho, presiding judge, had issued an order directing the president of the NMA to constitute an investigative panel to ascertain the defendant’s health status. Omotosho gave the directive while ruling on an application seeking to move Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), from the Department of State Services (DSS) custody to the National Hospital in the federal capital territory (FCT) for treatment.

 FIDA SEEKS PARTNERSHIP WITH WAPA AHEAD OF ANNUAL GENERAL CONFERENCE  The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Lagos Branch, led by its Chairperson, Barrister Mrs. Abimbola Oladigba-Jack has paid a courtesy visit to the Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA) to seek collaboration and support ahead of the Association’s forthcoming Annual General Conference (AGC). During the visit, which took place at the Ministry’s Conference Room in Alausa, Ikeja, Mrs. Oladigba-Jack highlighted FIDA’s numerous humanitarian and advocacy initiatives, including legal assistance to vulnerable groups, community outreach programmes, and free law mobile clinics designed to promote access to justice for women and children. In her response, the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. (Mrs.) Bolaji Cecilia Dada commended FIDA Lagos for its unwavering commitment to justice, equity, and the protection of women’s rights. She express...

 LASODA EMPOWERS PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES THROUGH CASH SUPPORT INITIATIVE The Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA) has reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to the welfare and inclusion of persons with disabilities through its two-day cash support initiative held on October 13th and 14th, 2025, at the Agency’s premises. Speaking on behalf of the General Manager of LASODA, Mrs. Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, the Head of Finance and Accounts Department, Mr. Hezekiah Akinbule, emphasised that the initiative demonstrates Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s unwavering dedication to ensuring that no segment of society is left behind. In his words, “On behalf of the Lagos State Government, represented by LASODA, each beneficiary will receive the sum of ₦100,000. This gesture is not intended to solve all your challenges but to show that the government cares deeply about you and that you are not forgotten. We are here for you, and by God’s grace, before you leave here, you will rece...

 LASG ENGAGES STAKEHOLDERS ON PROPOSED CEMETERY IN BABS ANIMASHAUN, SURULERE The Lagos State Government has held a stakeholders’ engagement on the proposed establishment of a cemetery along Babs Animashaun Street, Surulere. The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, who spoke during the stakeholders' meeting at Eko Club, Surulere, on Tuesday, emphasised the importance of inclusive dialogue in the physical planning process, saying that “it is important to carry everyone concerned along to ensure a balanced review of critical planning proposals.” Dr Olumide explained that the proposed cemetery was being considered to address the pressing need for a designated final resting place within Surulere, which currently lacked one.  He added that the initiative was in line with the State Government’s policy of ensuring the equitable distribution of essential infrastructure, such as medical and other critical facilities, across all local government...

 Abia Community Urges Governor Otti to Probe Vandalism at Abia Palm Nigeria and Revive Facility Residents of Umuagu Eziala Nsulu in Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area have appealed to Abia State Governor Alex Otti to urgently intervene in the revitalization of the moribund Abia Palm Nigeria Limited, amid allegations of ongoing vandalism involving local officials and hoodlums. In a public radio announcement, the community expressed outrage over the systematic destruction of vital equipment and machinery at the once-thriving palm plantation and processing facility, which previously employed thousands of Abians and Nigerians, providing economic livelihoods and shelter. The latest incident sparking the outcry occurred in the early hours of Saturday, October 11, 2025. According to community sources, youths from Umuagu Eziala Nsulu were alerted by the Secretary to the Local Government to mobilize and intercept criminals and scrap dealers looting the site. Upon arrival, the youths re...

 Georgia- A truck driver is charged in fatal crash that took the lives of 8 people, including 5 children.  33-year-old Kane Hammock (his mugshot will be in the comment section) is facing 8 counts of second-degree vehicular homicide and one count of second-degree feticide. These charges stem from a crash authorities say was caused by Hammock. He is also being charged with following too closely, failure to exercise due care, and no registration.  Authorities say Hammond was following a Dodge Grand Caravan too closely when he struck the rear end of the vehicle. This caused a chain reaction that ultimately caused 3 other vehicles to crash in the northbound lane of I-85 at 4:10 pm. on Monday,  October 13th. The crash caused the Dodge Caravan to catch fire and claimed the lives of all 8 occupants. The victims were Kenia Ramirez, Darwin Ventura, and their daughter Kayle. Reports indicate Kenia was pregnant with another child, which caused the charge of feticide to be added....

 Three Jailed without Option of Fine for Currency Counterfeiting in Kwara Justice Abimbola Awogboro of the Federal High Court in Ilorin on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, sentenced three persons to various jail terms, having found them guilty of being in possession of fake Naira notes. The convicts: Olaitan Dina, a 46-year-old aluminium fabricator from Maraba in Ilorin; Opeyemi Jeremiah, a bakery worker from Oke-Ero Local Government Area of Kwara State; and Adebayo Mayowa Abiola from Osi, Ekiti State, were arrested by operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and handed over to the Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for investigation. Investigations revealed that the Naira notes found in their possession were fake, with several bearing identical serial numbers.

 Kenya's ex-PM Odinga to be buried on Sunday, honouring his wish of burial within 72 hours of death The remains of Kenya's former Prime Minister Raila Odinga will be buried on Sunday, October 19, the East African nation's Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has announced, TRT Afrika reported. According to the deputy president, who co-chairs Odinga's funeral committee, the former prime minister had left a will, instructing that he buried within 72 hours of his death. "The family has informed this committee that it was the wish of the Honourable Raila Odinga to be buried within the shortest time possible following his demise," Kindiki said in a public announcement on Wednesday. "That timeline is 72 hours. We have therefore agreed on an expedited process that balances his wishes, the family's needs, and the community traditions he cherished," Kindiki added. 'Statesman' The former prime minister will be laid to rest at his family home in Western...