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 ANAMBRA POLICE ARRESTS SUSPECTED CULTIST AND ARMED ROBBER: RECOVERS VEHICLE, FIREARM AND AMMUNITION Operatives of the Anambra State Police Command attached to the Special Anti Cultism Squad Enugu Ukwu on the evening of 16th October 2025 while on Aberdeen patrol along Ukpomili–Ifitedunu Road, Dunukofia Local Government Area, intercepted a black-coloured Lexus car with registration number RSH 613 AZ, driven by one Chiemerie Udeh, aged 22 years. Upon a thorough search of the vehicle and the suspect, the operatives recovered one locally made pistol and five rounds of live ammunition. Given the above discovery, the suspect was immediately arrested and the firearm, ammunition and vehicle were taken into custody as exhibits for further investigation. Meanwhile, Preliminary investigation revealed that the vehicle may have been stolen and was en route for a planned rivalry cult attack. The Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu fwc minps PhD commended the operatives for their vigilance ...

 Madugu, Moshood, Super Falcons nominated for CAF awards October 17, 2025  Super Falcons head coach, Justine Madugu has been nominated for the CAF Coach of the Year award for 2025. Madugu guided the Super Falcons to win a record-extending 10th title at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco this summer. The Super Falcons defeated the hosts 3-2 in the final of the competition. Nine other coaches are also in the running for the award Flamingos captain, Shakirat Moshood is also nominated for the Young Player of the Year award. Moshood will lead the Flamingos at the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco. The Super Falcons are in the running for the National Team of the Year.

 Back to the Future and Star Wars poster artist Drew Struzan dies Drew Struzan, the renowned artist behind some of Hollywood’s most iconic movie posters, has died at the age of 78. His passing was confirmed on his official Instagram account on Tuesday and was attributed to complications from Alzheimer’s disease. Earlier this year, Struzan’s wife, Dylan, had shared that the illness had prevented him from painting or signing autographs. Struzan’s work includes legendary posters for the Back to the Future trilogy, capturing Marty McFly stepping out of the DeLorean, as well as the Indiana Jones sequels, Star Wars special editions and prequel trilogy, and The Force Awakens. His signature style combined airbrushed realism with a hand-crafted feel. Beyond films, Struzan also created artwork for advertising, comic books, commemorative stamps, and collectible plates. His extensive portfolio spans 1980s classics such as Blade Runner, The Thing, E.T., First Blood, Risky Business, The Goonies,...

 Former sergeant pleads guilty to assault in fatal Central New York prison inmate beating UTICA, NEW YORK - A former sergeant pleaded guilty Thursday to assault connected to the fatal beating of an inmate earlier this year at a Central New York prison. Francis Chandler Jr. entered a guilty plea to second-degree gang assault and is expected to receive a four-year prison sentence. He had previously faced multiple charges, including second-degree manslaughter, conspiracy, offering a false instrument, and tampering with evidence. Prosecutors say a group of corrections officers repeatedly beat inmate Messiah Nantwi on March 1 at the Mid-State Correctional Facility in Oneida County, using fists, batons, and boots. Nantwi was found dead approximately 45 minutes after the officers first entered his cell. Authorities allege the officers then attempted to cover up the assault by falsifying reports, planting a weapon, and meeting the next day to coordinate a false account. Ten corrections off...

 Ibadan North Bye-election: Makinde engages SAN, 13 others to defend PDP, Folajimi at Tribunal Governor Seyi Makinde, has engaged services of some lawyers, led by a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Tunji Ogunrinde, to defend the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the party’s candidate in last August 16, 2025 House of Representatives by-election in Ibadan North federal constituency at the election petition Tribunal sitting in Ibadan. The Social Democratic Party (SDP) filed a petition before the tribunal challenging emergence of PDP candidate, Hon. Sunday Oyekunle Folajimi as the winner of the election. In the petition with the suit number:EPT/OY/HR/01/2025, the SDP is praying that the election and return of Hon. Folajimi as member representing Ibadan North federal constituency is vitiated by non-compliance with the Electoral Act 2022. The party also prayed the tribunal to cancel the bye election and conduct fresh or supplementary election in the affected polling units of the feder...

 Starmer, Badenoch slam ban on Israeli fans at Villa Europa match UK Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer has condemned the decision to ban supporters of Israel’s Maccabi Tel Aviv from attending their November 6 UEFA Europa League clash against Aston Villa, describing it as “the wrong decision,” The Independent on Friday reports. Starmer’s remarks come after Opposition Leader Kemi Badenoch blasted the move as “a national disgrace,” accusing authorities of sending “a horrendous and shameful message” that there are parts of Britain “where Jews simply cannot go.” The Prime Minister joined calls for Birmingham City Council’s Safety Advisory Group and West Midlands Police to reverse the decision and allow Maccabi fans to attend the November 6 match at Villa Park. Starmer, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), criticised the Birmingham authorities for bowing to those concerns rather than ensuring proper security for all fans. “This is the wrong decision. We will not tolerate antisemitism on our...

 Obono-Obla under fire for saying UNICAL VC should not be reserved for indigenes Former presidential aide, Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, has come under criticism for insisting that the appointment of vice-chancellors in federal universities should not be reserved for indigenes of the states where such institutions are located. Obono-Obla had argued that the process should be open to all qualified Nigerians, citing examples of universities where vice-chancellors were appointed from outside the host state. His comments came amid heightened tension over the impending exit of the University of Calabar Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Florence Obi, whose five-year tenure ends this month. The race for her successor has reportedly grown fierce, with many of the contenders drawn from Cross River State. Since the university’s establishment over five decades ago, most vice-chancellors have been indigenes of the state. However, the current agitation is that the position should this time go to the southern sen...

 Protest rocks Lagos over hunger, demolitions Hundreds of demonstrators on Friday took to the streets of Lagos, marching from the Ikeja Bridge to Alausa, the seat of the Lagos State Government, to protest worsening hunger and the ongoing demolition of buildings in Oworonshoki. The protesters, led by the Take It Back Movement in collaboration with several civil society organisations, said the demolitions have left many residents homeless and deepened the economic hardship faced by low-income families across the state. According to eyewitnesses, the demonstration began at about 10:00 a.m., with participants assembling as early as 7:30 a.m. at Ikeja Bridge before proceeding toward the State Secretariat in Alausa. The protesters were seen carrying placards bearing inscriptions such as “Stop the Demolitions,” “End Hunger Now,” and “Government Should Protect the Poor.” The groups accused the state government of implementing “anti-poor policies,” alleging that the demolition exercises in ...

 Captain Ibrahim Traoré has demanded answers from CAF after Burkina Faso lost a World Cup playoff spot to Nigeria  Oct 17,  2025      Burkina Faso’s leader, Ibrahim Traoré, has demanded an explanation from the country’s Football Federation and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) after his country narrowly missed out on a World Cup playoff spot to Nigeria. The controversy erupted after Burkina Faso’s 3–1 win over Ethiopia, which they believed had secured their qualification. However, CAF’s decision to discount points earned against the lowest-ranked team in each group — a rule applied after Eritrea’s withdrawal — altered the standings. The adjustment favoured Nigeria, who had only drawn twice with Zimbabwe, the bottom team in their group. The ruling reportedly left Traoré furious and seeking clarity. According to reports, Traoré has requested a detailed breakdown of how the qualification process was calculated, especially after Burkina Faso’s strong ...

California grower’s 2,346-pound pumpkin takes world championship title A California grower claimed the top prize at the 2025 Safeway World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-off in Half Moon Bay with a 2,346-pound pumpkin. Brandon Dawson of Santa Rosa, who finished second last year with a 2,465-pound gourd, secured first place this year. Travis Gienger, last year’s winner with a 2,471-pound pumpkin, said his own entry for 2025 split earlier in the season, so he attended the event as a spectator to support friends. Dawson received $21,114 for his win, calculated at $9 per pound. The competition also offers a $30,000 bonus for breaking the world record, a milestone Gienger achieved in 2023 with a 2,749-pound pumpkin.

Susan Stamberg, trailblazing first woman to anchor a national news broadcast, dies at 87 Susan Stamberg, a pioneering journalist who became the first woman to host a national news program and helped shape National Public Radio into a defining voice of American journalism, has died at age 87. NPR confirmed her death on Thursday but did not disclose a cause. Widely celebrated as one of the network’s “founding mothers,” Stamberg joined NPR in its infancy during the early 1970s and helped establish its distinctive conversational tone and deep storytelling approach that came to define public radio. Over her decades-long career, she interviewed thousands of guests — from presidents and artists to everyday workers — while breaking barriers for women in broadcast journalism. Stamberg became the host of All Things Considered in 1972, a groundbreaking appointment at a time when few women held such prominent media roles. In an interview with Oregon’s KLCC earlier this year, she recalled that she ...

 Ace Frehley, founding KISS guitarist, dies at 74 Ace Frehley, the legendary guitarist and founding member of the rock band KISS, has died at the age of 74. His family confirmed his passing in a heartfelt statement, expressing that they were “completely devastated and heartbroken.” The statement said Frehley’s loved ones were able to be by his side during his final moments, surrounding him with “loving, caring, peaceful words, thoughts, prayers and intentions” as he passed. They added, “The magnitude of his passing is of epic proportions and beyond comprehension. Reflecting on all of his incredible life achievements, Ace’s memory will continue to live on forever.” Known to millions of fans as “The Spaceman,” Frehley helped create one of rock’s most iconic bands when he co-founded KISS in New York City in 1973 alongside Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, and Peter Criss. The band’s explosive live shows — filled with makeup, theatrical costumes, and pyrotechnics — propelled them to global f...

 Admiral in charge of Venezuelan boat strikes resigns Navy Adm. Alvin Holsey, who has led U.S. Southern Command for roughly a year, announced he will step down and retire from the Navy in mid-December after decades of service. SOUTHCOM, which Holsey has headed, oversees U.S. military operations across Central and South America and the Caribbean Sea, a region where warships have recently concentrated and troops have been involved in strikes that have killed more than two dozen people accused by the Trump administration of drug smuggling and other illicit activity. In a statement shared on X, Holsey praised his team’s work, saying, “The SOUTHCOM team has made lasting contributions to the defense of our nation and will continue to do so.” He did not directly address the recent operations against suspected drug vessels. Reports indicate Holsey had voiced concerns about these military strikes, and there was reported tension between him and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Sen. Jack Reed ...

 Meta unveils new AI parental controls after FTC inquiry Meta announced new safety features on Friday designed to give parents greater oversight of how their teenagers interact with artificial intelligence characters across its platforms. The updates will let parents block specific AI characters, turn off one-on-one chats entirely, and gain insight into the topics their children are discussing with the AI. The controls are still under development and are expected to begin rolling out early next year. Meta said the updates are part of a broader effort to carefully manage changes affecting billions of users. The move follows criticism of the company’s handling of child safety and mental health, as well as a Federal Trade Commission inquiry into how AI chatbots might harm children and teens. Recent policy changes now restrict AI chatbots from discussing self-harm, suicide, eating disorders, or inappropriate romantic topics with teenagers. Parents can already set time limits and see wh...

 Protesters confront police outside Illinois ICE center Authorities detained nearly a dozen people Friday morning as protests continued outside an immigration processing facility in Broadview, a Chicago suburb. Illinois State Police, equipped with helmets, face shields, and wooden batons, were seen pushing back demonstrators. The facility has been the site of frequent confrontations between federal agents and protesters, and fencing that previously surrounded the property had recently been removed. The clashes follow a judge’s order Thursday requiring federal officers to wear body cameras during immigration operations, responding to concerns over previous confrontations. Despite the ruling, some protesters expressed skepticism that the cameras would hold agents accountable. U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis said she was alarmed by reports that officers used tear gas against the public and wants all ICE and Border Patrol agents involved in “Operation Midway Blitz” to have cameras activ...

 Chinese firm rushes to extract over 60,000 metric tonnes of lithium ahead of Zimbabwe ban China's Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt plans to extract more than 60,000 metric tonnes of lithium sulphate during the first quarter of 2026 from its new $400 million plant in Zimbabwe, the company says. This comes as Zimbabwe plans to ban lithium export and boost local processing by 2027. Lithium sulphate is an intermediate product that can be refined into a battery-grade material such as lithium hydroxide or lithium carbonate used in battery manufacturing, Reuters reported. "We will start the first production from the beginning of next year," Prospect Lithium Zimbabwe general manager Henry Zhu told reporters on Thursday. "The quantity of the lithium sulphate should be more than 60,000 metric tonnes, but it will depend on the configuration of the plant, because it is brand new," Zhu added. Local operations The newly completed plant at Huayou's wholly owned Prospect Lithium Zim...

 Medical And Dental Consultants Association COOUTH Awka Gives 21 Days Strike notice To Anambra State Government  The Medical And Dental Consultants Association Of Nigeria, MDCAN Chukwumeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Amaku, Awka, has given the Anambra State Government a twenty-one day ultimatum from 20th October, 2025, to extend the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure  granted to Resident Doctors to them or face strike action by their members. The group made this known in a media briefing against this backdrop at Chukwumeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital,  Amaku, Awka, through the Chairman of the association, Dr Amaechi Nwachukwu, flanked by members of the union as they said that they have met management of the hospital with their demand and was given promises that the issue would be resolved, but that the change is yet to reflect even in the soon to be paid October salary. They noted that any payment to Resident Doctors is automatic...

 Don’t Let My Husband Die in DSS Custody, Does his life not matter to you- Nnamdi Kanu’s Wife Begs Judge According to a report by Vanguard news, Favour Michael Kanu, wife of detained IPOB leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has appealed to Justice James Omotosho of the Abuja High Court not to allow her husband die in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).  In an open letter to the judge, she faulted a medical report submitted in court by a panel of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), which claimed Kanu was not in any life-threatening condition and could stand trial. Mrs. Kanu dismissed the report as unethical and misleading, alleging that it was not genuinely conducted by the NMA but fabricated by the DSS.  She insisted that her husband remains critically ill and requires urgent medical attention outside the DSS facility, preferably in another hospital within Abuja. She accused the DSS of inhumane treatment and torture, claiming her husband’s health had deteriora...

 RIVERS STATE POLICE COMMAND PRESS RELEASE: Significant Breakthrough in Armed Robbery/Car Snatch , Suspect Arrested. The Rivers State Police Command has made another remarkable achievement in a swift operation and investigation into the viral video circulating on the social media space, depicting an armed robbery incident at Choba area of Port Harcourt on October 15, 2025. The incident which occurred at about 1500hrs, involved the snatching of a Toyota Avalon car at gunpoint. Through intelligence-led Policing and technical support, Operatives of the Command has successfully apprehended one of the suspects, identified as Iruo Young M. 'm' aged 42 years, at his hideout in Ikoku, Port Harcourt.  During interrogation, the suspect voluntarily confessed to the crime, providing detailed information about his involvement in the robbery incident. The suspect is currently in Police custody, and an in-depth investigation has been launched to apprehend the other fleeing suspects, recover...

 RIVERS STATE POLICE COMMAND PRESS RELEASE: Assault Occasioning Harm, Suspect Arrested. There was a viral video on various social media platforms, captured on June 20, 2025, where a lady cried out of an incident, depicting that a man allegedly assaulted her and fled, which has been a subject of intense investigation by Operatives of the Command. Upon receipt of the distressing report, Operatives attached to the Human Rights Department, State Headquarters, Moscow Road, Port-Harcourt, swiftly swung into action, leveraging intelligence-led Policing and technical support and apprehended the suspect, one Abi Baragon, a 46-year-old male on October 13, 2025 in connection with the crime. It was alleged that the suspect's motive for the assault stems from the victim's rejection of his marriage overtures, prompted by her discovery that the suspect was already married with four children, an allegation he denied. During further interrogation, the suspect voluntarily confessed  that he use...

 Governor Alex Otti Warns Against Election Manipulation, Denies Defection Rumours Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has dismissed rumours suggesting he plans to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Speaking during a media chat in Abia State yesterday, the governor stated firmly that he remains committed to his current political platform and to serving the people of Abia faithfully. Otti also issued a strong warning to individuals allegedly plotting to manipulate the 2027 governorship election results, saying:  “Those planning to write the Abia State governorship election results in 2027 should first write their own will, because this is our state and we cannot be intimidated.” He emphasized that Abia belongs to its people and that any attempt to subvert the democratic will of the electorate will be met with firm resistance. The governor reiterated his administration’s focus on good governance, transparency, and development, assuring citizens that no amount of polit...

 APGA Breaks Silence On Soludo’s Alleged Defection To APC The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has addressed speculations that the governor of Anambra State, Charles Soludo might defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC) The speculations comes after the defection of the governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah to the APC on Tuesday . According to a report by Newsnaija,  APGA’s National Publicity Secretary, Mazi Ejimofor Opara, speaking with reporters in Awka, described fears of Soludo’s defection as baseless, inordinate, and completely unfounded. Mazi Ejimofor said that Soludo remains deeply loyal to the APGA and has no intention of abandoning the platform that brought him to power. “Governor Soludo is not only committed to APGA he embodies the spirit and ideology of our movement. There is absolutely no reason for him to defect. Anambra people should rest assured, Soludo is going nowhere.” Opara attributed the ongoing defections from the PDP in the Southeast to long-stand...

 The Super Eagles move up four places to 41st in latest FIFA World ranking Imagine Gabon in 79th 🤣 Here 👇 are all the teams that will possibly be participating in the intercontinental playoffs and their current positions on the FIFA ranking table... Nigeria 45th  Costa Rica 47th Cameroon 52th Iraq 58th  DR Congo 60th United Arab Emirates 67th  Jamaica 69th Bolivia 77th Gabon 79th  Curaçao 86th  New Caledonia 150 My people,  We are truly winning this by a very serious consistent calculations 🤷 

  The National Orientation Agency has issued a public notice on the proper rendition and recitation of the national anthem and pledge at official and public events across the country. INSTRUCTIONS  1. Recite/sing only the first stanza (not all three (3) stanzas at official events.  2. The third stanza should be recited as the National Prayer at the beginning of an event. 3. The three stanzas are to be recited/ sung only during Independence Day, Inauguration (swearing-in) of a President, Armed Forces Remembrance Day, Democracy (June 12) Day, Inauguration of the National Assembly, etc.  4. The National Pledge is to be recited at the end of an event.

 Coup leader Randrianirina sworn in as Madagascar president Army colonel Michael Randrianirina was sworn in as Madagascar's president, just days after a military power grab that sent ex-president Andry Rajoelina fleeing. Randrianirina, who led the CAPSAT army unit that mutinied and joined anti-government protesters at the weekend, read out the presidential oath at a ceremony at the country's top court in the capital Antananarivo on Friday, AFP reported. "Today marks a historic turning point for our country. With people in full fervour, driven by the desire for change and a deep love for their homeland, we joyfully open a new chapter in the life of our nation," Randrianirina said. The ceremony, presided over by the head of the constitutional court, was attended by military officers, politicians, representatives of the Gen Z youth-led protest movement and several foreign delegations, including from the United States, the European Union, Russia and France. "We will ...

 Nigeria missing as IMF lists Africa’s fastest-growing economies The International Monetary Fund has revealed that Nigeria is not among Africa’s fastest-growing economies, as countries such as Benin Republic, Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Uganda continue to lead the continent’s growth trajectory in the world. The IMF said the five countries are now among the world’s fastest-expanding economies, buoyed by sustained policy reforms, improved fiscal management, and investments in infrastructure and manufacturing. The Director of the IMF’s African Department, Abebe Selassie, disclosed this during the launch of Sub-Saharan Africa’s latest Regional Economic Outlook at a press briefing monitored by our correspondent on Thursday. He said Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Uganda are among the world’s top-performing economies, crediting their strong growth to fiscal reforms and macroeconomic stability. The Director also noted that overall growth in Sub-Saharan Africa is proje...

LAWMA ENFORCEMENT SHUTS AJAH HOTEL The Lagos Waste Management Authority's enforcement officers, yesterday, visited La Patriot Hotel and Plaza, located off Addo Road, Ajah, following repeated failures by the management to subscribe for waste collection or make payment for waste disposal services, despite several prior engagements and warnings. In accordance with established enforcement procedures, the premises were sealed. However, shortly after the exercise, one of the hotel’s staff members forcibly broke the seal. The individual was promptly apprehended and is being prosecuted according to the law. All residents and business owners in Lagos are reminded that: 1. It is mandatory to subscribe to a LAWMA-approved PSP operator for regular waste collection. 2. Payment for waste disposal services must be made as billed. 3. Illegal dumping of refuse is an environmental offense punishable by fines or imprisonment or both. 4. Premises found non-compliant may be sealed and offenders prosecu...

 NBA IKEJA BRANCH VISITS LAGOS STATE LANDS BUREAU, SEEKS COLLABORATION ON STREAMLINING LAND PROCESSES  The Lagos State Lands Bureau has reiterated its commitment to transparency, accountability and improved service delivery in land administration, as it hosted members of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikeja Branch, on a courtesy visit to discuss areas of mutual collaboration. The delegation, led by Mr Olumide Oniyire, SAN, visited the Bureau to express concerns about bureaucratic bottlenecks experienced during land documentation and explore ways to enhance efficiency and turnaround time in service delivery. Welcoming the team, the Permanent Secretary, Lands Bureau, Mr Kamar Owodiran Olowoshago, explained that the Bureau had introduced a Monthly Regulatory Clinic aimed at addressing issues related to land matters, improving internal business processes, and obtaining valuable feedback from applicants and stakeholders. Mr Olowoshago reaffirmed the Bureau’s zero-tolerance pol...

 SCHOOL DEVELOPMENT: LASG PARTNERS OLD STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATIONS The Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education convened the maiden meeting with Old Students' Associations from across Lagos, aiming to deepen collaboration, improve communication, and build a lasting framework for joint development of public secondary education. The inaugural meeting session, chaired by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs Abisola Dokunmu‑Adegbite in the Ministry, highlighted strengthening ties and engagement with alumni, defining alumni roles in boosting secondary education, pinpointing partnership areas and support for schools, sharing best practices for academic and administrative upgrades, and creating a structured recognition and collaboration system Mrs Dokunmu‑Adegbite stressed that the Ministry values alumni contributions and seeks to upgrade facilities, guide students, and promote holistic growth through sports, arts, and culture. She outlined plans for regular meetings, clear partnership pr...