PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 LAGOS STATE POLICE COMMAND SET RECORD STRAIGHT ON THE MISLEADING REPORTS OF POLICE VIOLENCE DURING DEMOLITION IN OWORONSHOKI The Lagos State Police Command wishes to clarify and set the record straight on the misleading reports circulating on social media alleging that armed policemen attacked residents during an ongoing demolition exercise carried out by the Lagos State Government in conjunction with its Lagos State Task Force, in the Oworonshoki area. The reports are in entirety false,mischievously published to misrepresent the facts and mislead the general public on the lawful conduct of Police personnel deployed to maintain peace and order during the government’s urban renewal exercise. The constitutional duty of the Police is protection of life and property, including the lives of Public Officials at every level of Government while carrying out their lawful official duties and other responsibilities. (2) For the avoidance of doubt, the demolition activity in Oworonshoki is b...

Regina Daniels’ brother reacts after actress buys new house Regina Daniels’ brother, Sammy West, has shared a cryptic post online shortly after news broke that the actress and mother of two acquired a new house. Taking to his Instagram story, Sammy West wrote: “How do some of dem old folks that said shii!!! feel right now? Stupid? Yes! That’s the answer.” He wrote. More photos below. 

 Ekiti APC Gov’ship Primary: Ododo Promises Fair, Credible Process Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has assured of a transparent and credible process in the consensus governorship primary election of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State. The Governor, in a statement through his Special Adviser on Media, Hon. Ismaila Isah, promised to be fair to all stakeholders and ensure that the exercise reflects unity, peace and internal democracy within the party. Governor Ododo emphasized that his commitment is to oversee a process that will be acceptable to all stakeholders and party members, noting that the committee under his leadership will uphold the integrity and democratic values of the APC. Governor Ododo, who chaired the APC Governorship Primary Election Committee in Ondo State in April 2024, expressed confidence that the Ekiti exercise will be peaceful and transparent in line with procedures for internal party democracy. He stated that fairness and inclusi...

 NDLEA uncovers UK-bound cocaine in cream containers, meth in water heater . Raids Lagos night club over drug party, arrests owner, Pretty Mike, others; Mosotho with ice in coffee tea pack at Enugu airport; 75-year-old grandpa in Abia; female distributor of Loud in Lekki, Ikoyi, VI and environs A total of 70 parcels of cocaine factory packed in walls of cocoa butter formula body cream containers heading to London, United Kingdom have been uncovered at the export shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Ikeja Lagos by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) with three suspects arrested in series of follow-up operations across Lagos. The cocaine consignments weighing 3.60 kilograms were discovered on 14th October 2025 during examination of cargoes packaged as personal effects going to London, UK on an Air Peace flight. A cargo agent Lawal Mustapha Olakunle who presented the consignment for airfreight was promptly arrested while investigations s...

 APC DISOWNS  TIMETABLE FOR CONGRESSES CIRCULATED ON SOCIAL MEDIA  The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has distance itself from a widely circulated  “APC 2025 SCHEDULE OF NATIONWIDE CONGRESSES AND RELATED ACTIVITIES” on social media. In a statement by Felix Morka, National Publicity Secretary All Progressives Congress (APC), says the circular  is false information, "Our great Party wishes to clarify that the purported  Schedule of Activities for Congresses was neither made nor authorized by the Party, and should be disregarded as FAKE NEWS." It concludes.

 Troops Neutralize 10 Terrorists, Recover Weapons in North-East Operation  Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have neutralized 10 terrorists in a night ambush along the Gamboru–Dikwa–Marte axis of Borno State, following an earlier operation that eliminated over 50 insurgents around Katarko. The latest engagement, carried out by Sector 1 troops of the 24 Task Force Brigade, successfully thwarted an attempted infiltration by terrorists from the Flatari axis into Gamboru Ngala. After suffering losses, the insurgents diverted toward Dikwa but were ambushed again along the Dikwa–Marte route. At approximately 11:50 p.m. on October 25, 2025, troops stationed in a pre-arranged ambush position engaged the terrorists with heavy, accurate firepower, forcing them to retreat. At dawn, troops conducted a clearance operation which confirmed 10 terrorists had been neutralized. Several arms and equipment were recovered, including five AK-47 rifles, a PKT machine gun, locally made firearms, a large ...

 Ahmadu Bello University Denies Alleged Involvement In Nuclear Weapons Development The management of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Kaduna State, has refuted claims circulating in a viral video that the institution was involved in developing nuclear weapons for Nigeria. In a statement issued by the university’s Director of Public Affairs, Malam Auwalu Umar, ABU described the AI-generated video as misleading and intended to spread false information about Nigeria’s peaceful nuclear energy programme. Umar explained that the video falsely alleged that Nigerian scientists in the 1980s secretly enriched weapons-grade uranium in Kaduna, with ABU researchers reportedly obtaining centrifuge equipment from the AQ Khan network in Pakistan. He dismissed the claims as “baseless, unfounded, and unsubstantiated,” noting that most ABU scientists at the Centre for Energy Research and Training (CERT) were still undergoing training abroad during the 1980s and could not have been involved in ur...

 Kid Rock calls mask wearers an offensive name During a recent exchange, Kid Rock responded to a question about Anthony Fauci by saying “A R-word,” while briefly putting a face mask on and taking it off again. His remark appeared to mock people who wear masks to protect against illnesses like COVID-19, the flu, and RSV. The “All Summer Long” singer has a history of outspoken views on masks. In his 2022 song “We The People,” he included lyrics criticizing mask-wearing and medication use, and he later announced that he would not perform in cities enforcing mask or vaccine mandates, leading to several canceled shows. Earlier in the pandemic, he had supported mask use, posting a photo of himself wearing one in April 2020 with a message urging people to stay safe. However, by June 2020, his Nashville bar was cited for violating coronavirus restrictions after patrons were pictured unmasked and crowded inside.

 Government issues $5,000 fines to immigrant children as young as 14 The Department of Homeland Security has issued $5,000 fines to unaccompanied immigrant teenagers for entering the United States without authorization, according to youth advocates and notices reviewed by media outlets. In mid-October, roughly 10 teenagers in New York, aged 14 to 17, received the fines, and at least one teen in Michigan was also issued a notice, according to the teen’s lawyer. The fines were sent under a provision of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed by President Donald Trump in July, titled the “Inadmissible alien apprehension fee,” which applies to individuals apprehended between official ports of entry. The affected teens are living in shelters managed by the federal Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) while awaiting release to adult sponsors. Advocates note that children in government custody have no means to pay such fines. “It’s really about creating fear,” said Ana Raquel Devereaux, wh...

 US singer Chris Brown appears in UK court for latest assault hearing U.S. singer Chris Brown made an unexpected appearance in a London court on Friday ahead of his trial next year over allegations of assaulting a music producer in a nightclub. Brown, 36, has previously denied charges of attempting to inflict grievous bodily harm and a lesser charge of assault causing actual bodily harm, stemming from what prosecutors described as an “unprovoked attack” with a bottle in 2023. He appeared at Southwark Crown Court alongside co-defendant Omololu Akinlolu, 38, who has also denied the allegations. The trial is scheduled to begin in October 2026. At the hearing, Brown spoke only to confirm his identity. The singer, a two-time Grammy Award winner known for hits like “Loyal,” “Run It,” and “Under the Influence,” was granted bail in May after paying 5 million pounds ($6.71 million) to continue his “Breezy Bowl XX” tour, which concluded this week. He had been arrested in Manchester, northern...

 Hamas broadens search for Israeli hostages' remains with Egypt joining effort Hamas intensified efforts to locate the remaining bodies of Israeli hostages in new areas of the Gaza Strip on Sunday, a day after Egypt sent a team of experts to assist in the recovery process. A convoy of trucks and heavy machinery, including excavators and bulldozers, entered southern Gaza overnight as part of a push coordinated by international mediators to support the fragile ceasefire between Hamas and Israel, according to Egyptian officials speaking on condition of anonymity. Footage from Agence France-Presse showed the convoy in Khan Yunis in southern Gaza. Under the U.S.-brokered ceasefire reached on Oct. 10, Hamas is expected to return all Israeli hostage remains promptly, while Israel has agreed to release 15 Palestinian bodies for each returned Israeli body. So far, Hamas has returned 18 hostage bodies, though no new returns have occurred in the past five days, while Israel has returned 195 P...

 Kentucky Supreme Court overturns man’s murder convictions in father and daughter killing A Kentucky man had his murder convictions overturned by the state’s highest court in connection with the deaths of a father and his young daughter. The decision by the Kentucky Supreme Court clears the way for the possibility of a new trial or other legal proceedings, though the specifics of the next steps will depend on lower court rulings. The original convictions had been handed down in a case that drew intense attention due to the nature of the crime and the ages of the victims. The court’s ruling cited errors in the handling of evidence and legal procedures that may have affected the fairness of the trial. Lawyers for the man argued that these issues undermined his right to a fair trial, while prosecutors have indicated they may seek to retry the case. The ruling has reignited discussion in Kentucky about criminal justice procedures and safeguards for defendants in serious criminal cases....

 TikTok agreement expected to be finalized Thursday, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Sunday that the TikTok deal announced last month is expected to be finalized on Thursday when President Trump meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Bessent, speaking from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where President Trump is on a three-country Asia trip, said the agreement is fully settled and only awaits formal completion by the two leaders at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in South Korea. “We reached a final deal on TikTok. We reached one in Madrid, and as of today, all the details are ironed out,” Bessent said. He clarified that he is not involved in the commercial aspects of the deal, but his role was securing Chinese approval, which he said was successfully achieved. Last month, President Trump signed an executive order allowing TikTok to continue operating in the U.S. under a new corporate structure with American investors. The deal, a “...

Former NY Jets star Nick Mangold dies from kidney disease complications Former New York Jets star Nick Mangold has died at age 41 due to complications from kidney disease. The Jets announced Mangold’s passing on Sunday, less than two weeks after he publicly revealed he was battling a rare genetic disorder and had begun kidney dialysis. Jets owner Woody Johnson praised Mangold as “the heartbeat of our offensive line for a decade” and a “beloved teammate whose leadership and toughness defined an era of Jets football.” Mangold, a seven-time Pro Bowler, had shared on October 14 that he urgently needed a kidney donor, noting that none of his family members were a match. A first-round pick out of Ohio State in 2006, he became a cornerstone of the Jets’ offense, forming the celebrated “Nick & Brick” duo with left tackle D’Brickashaw Ferguson. Together, they helped guide New York to multiple playoff appearances under coach Rex Ryan, including back-to-back AFC Championship games. Known for ...

 Driver filmed flogging FRSC officer during traffic stop. A dramatic video captured a driver using a whip (koboko) to flog an officer of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) who stopped him at a traffic stop. The video circulating on X shows an FRSC officer and the driver pushing each other before the driver uses the whip on the officer. Other uniformed FRSC officers intervene at this moment to separate the driver from their colleague.  "Because you tried to collect money from him and he didn't give, you used the plastic (traffic safety cone) in your hand to hit him at the steering," a voice is heard narrating the incident that angered the driver and led to him flogging the FRSC officer. The confrontation between the driver and FRSC officer has sparked fresh debate about law enforcement practices on Nigeria’s roads.

 Edun swears in George Elombi as new Afreximbank President Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun, on Saturday administered the oath of office to Mr. George Elombi, the new President of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank).  The ceremony took place during the Afreximbank Legacy Conference and Investiture in Cairo. Edun charged the new President to lead with a vision for an integrated and prosperous Africa, describing the event as a historic and defining moment for the continent and the institution. “Elombi, you are no stranger to this institution. You now assume leadership at a defining moment, a time when Africa’s destiny is being rewritten through resilience and innovation,” Edun said.  “Your appointment represents continuity, renewal, and a seamless transition from the solid foundation laid by your predecessor sitting right next to you. It is a bold leap toward the future we all envisage.” Edun, who conveyed warm felicitations fr...

 Dele Giwa: Killed at 39, remembered 39 years after By Mike Awoyinfa It was an unforgettable moment — a rupture in our nation’s consciousness, leaving a wound that refuses to heal even 39 years after. For Nigerian journalism, and for Christians going to church or already inside church that Sunday morning, it was a godly yet ungodly day. The moment arrived with deafening finality on October 19, 1986. The weapon was not a bullet in the dark or a roadside ambush, but a meticulously disguised parcel, delivered right into the hands of its intended target. Dele Giwa, the celebrated co-founder of Newswatch magazine — a titan of investigative reporting and of flowing prose — was just 39 when he was literally blown into history. Now, 39 years later, the haunting symmetry of his age and the time elapsed stands as a chilling monument to a life cut short. Giwa’s murder — Nigeria’s first-ever assassination by letter bomb — was a shocking act that did more than silence one man. It forever redefi...

 Six countries with highest number of billionaires in 2025 By Samuel Omobola In 2025, the global billionaire landscape continues to reflect shifting tides of innovation, industry dominance, and economic resilience. Despite market volatility and geopolitical challenges, a select group of nations still lead the world in wealth creation — with the United States, China, and India maintaining their stronghold at the top. Here’s a detailed look at the six countries with the highest number of billionaires in 2025, based on the latest wealth reports: 1. United States  The United States remains the undisputed global leader in billionaire wealth, home to 902 billionaires with a combined fortune of $6.8 trillion. This dominance is powered by the country’s thriving technology, finance, and entertainment industries, which continue to produce record numbers of ultra-wealthy individuals. Top names include Elon Musk ($342 billion), Mark Zuckerberg ($216 billion), Jeff Bezos ($215 billion), an...

 Lawmakers back creation of sixth state for South-East The Joint Committee of the Senate and House of Representatives on Constitution Review has approved the creation of an additional state in the South-East, bringing the region’s total to six. The decision was reached during a two-day retreat in Lagos, where lawmakers reviewed 55 proposals for new states across the country, Vanguard reports. Currently, the South-East has five states, fewer than the six or seven that make up other geopolitical zones. The session was chaired by the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, and co-chaired by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu. Kalu, who has consistently pushed for an additional state for the region, said the move was based on equity, justice, and fairness. Following deliberations, Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central) moved the motion for the creation of the new state, which was seconded by Hon. Ibrahim Isiaka (Ifo/Ewekoro, Ogun Stat...

 Mascot Uzor Kalu declares for Abia 2027 governorship, promises inclusive, transparent leadership Former Chief of Staff to the Abia State Governor Sir Mascot Uzor Kalu has formally declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), pledging to build a government that works for all Abians, especially the underserved at the grassroots level. In a declaration speech delivered with passion and conviction in Umuahia, Abia State, on Saturday, October 25, Kalu stressed the need for a new era of governance anchored on unity, transparency, and grassroots empowerment. Reflecting on his decision not to contest the outcome of the 2023 gubernatorial election, Kalu said, “Though there were irregularities, I congratulated the winner because the people demanded change. I chose not to go to court, allowing the administration space to govern. But today, Abia deserves more progress, more inclusivity, and more truth in governance.” ...

 Remembering Stella Obasanjo 20 years afterAbeokuta By myselfKunle Somorin It has been twenty years since Stella Obasanjo departed this world. Yet, her presence remains vivid – etched into the nation’s memory, woven into the fabric of Nigerian public life, and alive in the hearts of those who knew her, admired her, and were touched by her grace. Her passing on October 23, 2005, at the age of 59, was not merely the loss of a First Lady – it was the silencing of a voice that had spoken gently but powerfully for the voiceless. Born on November 14, 1945, in Esan, in what is now Edo State, Stella Abebe was the daughter of Dr Christopher Abebe, a towering figure in Nigeria’s corporate history and the first indigenous chairman of UAC, and Mrs Theresa Abebe, a woman of deep Catholic faith and maternal warmth. Raised in a household that prized education, discipline, and service, Stella’s early life was steeped in values that would later define her public persona. She studied English and Lit...

 Lagos female DPO dies after surgery Matilda Ngbaronye, the divisional police officer (DPO) in charge of the Festac police station in Lagos, is dead. In a statement on Saturday, Abimbola Adebisi, police spokesperson in Lagos, said Ngbaronye died “after undergoing surgery at Mayriamville Medical Centre, Bode Thomas, Surulere, Lagos State on Friday 24th October, 2025”. The police spokesperson described the deceased as “a truly upright and dedicated officer who served with unwavering professionalism and integrity”. Adebisi did not disclose the nature of the illness that led the late DPO to undergo surgery. “Until her passing, she was known for her diligence, discipline, and commitment to duty,” the statement reads. “Her friendly disposition and humane approach to policing greatly helped to bridge the gap between the Police and the public she dutifully served. At no time was she found wanting in the discharge of her responsibilities. “The CP has personally reached out to her husband an...

  Some Yahoo boys are geniuses who need redirection, says Obi  Peter Obi, former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), says some internet fraudsters, popularly called “Yahoo boys”, possess exceptional creativity that could benefit the nation if redirected. “Some of our so-called Yahoo boys are geniuses who need redirection, not condemnation. Their creativity and courage, if properly guided, can drive innovation and national development,” Obi said on Saturday in Onitsha, the capital of Anambra state. The former governor spoke at the “Golden Health” conference held at the Archbishop Patterson Auditorium, All Saints’ Cathedral, Onitsha. The event, themed “Money beyond wealth”, focused on promoting ethical leadership and moral renewal among young people. Obi said he returned early from a two-day meeting in the United Kingdom (UK) to attend the conference because it addressed “a vice that has eroded our values — the greed for material possessions.” He cautioned that Nige...

 Kukah has changed politically, owes Buhari apology – Fr Kelvin A missionary Catholic priest working in Gambia, Rev. Fr. Kelvin Ugwu, has said that Bishop Matthew Kukah of the Sokoto Diocese has become “politically different” from the outspoken cleric he used to be. Ugwu stated this in a Facebook post on Saturday while reacting to the recent controversy surrounding Bishop Kukah’s comments on alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria. According to him, many Nigerians have been cautious in reacting to Kukah’s remarks because of the bishop’s long-standing reputation, but his recent stance shows a shift from his previous principles. “The truth of the matter is that we are tiptoeing on this issue because the person involved is Bishop Kukah. I bet you, if it were another person, I know what we would have written,” Ugwu wrote. “As much as I love Bishop Kukah and have been greatly inspired by him over the years, I can say that having followed him for a long time now and having taken tim...

 PRESS RELEASE Nigeria to Host Maiden IPI Africa Meeting - Information Minister  Nigeria has accepted to host the maiden meeting of the African bloc of the National Committees of the International Press Institute (IPI). The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mallam Mohammed Idris, gave the indication during a meeting at the weekend in Vienna, Austria, with the Chairman of the IPI Executive Board, Mr. Marton Gergely, the IPI Executive Director, Mr. Scott Griffen, and IPI Executive Board Member representing Nigeria and Africa, Mr. Raheem Adedoyin. The IPI Board had, on Thursday, approved the creation of regional blocs of National Committees as a means of dealing with specific regional interests within the global IPI community. Speaking during the meeting, the Minister said “Nigeria agrees to host the maiden meeting of the African bloc. It is a great honour for us to lead as we always do.” Idris recalled that Nigeria successfully hosted the IPI World Congress and G...