PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 COMMISSIONER ANNOUNCES 21ST EDITION OF SPELLING BEE COMPETITION  The Honourable Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, has announced the commencement of the 21st Edition of the Lagos State Spelling Bee Competition. Addressing journalists recently, the Commissioner stated that this year’s edition promises to be exceptional, aligning with the THEMES Plus Agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration. Alli-Balogun said the Ministry has made concerted efforts to ensure that the 2025 Spelling Bee stands out, demonstrating Lagos State’s commitment to excellence in education.  According to him, “We are proud to promote literacy and language development among our young people, and this competition reflects our dedication to nurturing these essential skills.” He noted that the competition is being organised by the Office of Education Quality Assurance (OEQA) in collaboration with the New Era Foundation. He disclosed that this year’...

 LAGOS ASSURES NAHCON OF EARLY REMITTANCE OT 2026 HAJJ FARES The Lagos State Government has assured the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) of early remittance of the fares for the 2026 Hajj exercise, to beat the December 5, 2025, deadline set by the Saudi Arabian authorities. The assurance was given by the Hon. Commissioner for Home Affairs, Hon. Olanrewaju Ibrahim Layode, in his office, during a courtesy visit by NAHCON officials led by the National Commissioner South West, Dr Tajudeen Oladejo Abefe, on Thursday. Hon. Layode stated that the State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has intensified efforts at getting more patronage to surpass the 1,500 slots allocated to the State by NAHCON, saying that the directive by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the reduction of the Hajj fare has further encouraged more intending pilgrims to apply for the exercise. Speaking on the money paid on behalf of the 93 intending pilgrims who were denied visas during the 2025 exercise, Hon. Layode...

 Official Statement / Clarification from the Office of Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe It has come to our attention that a story is circulating online claiming that Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe was involved in a heated confrontation in the Nigerian Senate today, with remarks allegedly directed at a colleague regarding Nnamdi Kanu. We wish to categorically state that these claims are false and misleading. For clarity and context: 1. Yesterday, was Friday, and under the standing rules of the Nigerian Senate, plenary sessions are not held on Fridays. Therefore, no plenary sitting or confrontation could have occurred as reported. 2. Senator Abaribe has not participated in any such incident, and the quotes attributed to him in these viral posts are entirely fabricated. 3. The Senator remains committed to the principles of legislative decorum, dialogue, and constructive engagement, and does not engage in personal attacks or provocative conduct in the National Assembly. We urge members of the publ...

 Zuma's daughter resigns from South Africa parliament over Russia recruitment allegations Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, a daughter of former South African president Jacob Zuma, has resigned from parliament amid allegations that she lured 17 men to fight for Russia in Ukraine, her party said on Friday, Reuters reported. Zuma-Sambudla was a lawmaker in the Umkhonto weSizwe (MK) opposition party led by her father. MK officials said she resigned voluntarily and that her departure from the National Assembly and all other public roles was effective immediately. Nathi Nhleko, MK party national organiser, told reporters MK was not involved in luring the men to Russia and that Zuma-Sambudla's resignation was not an admission of guilt, but added that MK would help support the men's families. "The national officials have accepted comrade Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's decision to resign and support her efforts to ensure that these young South Africans are brought back safely to their fam...

 African Union suspends Guinea-Bissau 'with immediate effect' after coup The African Union has suspended Guinea-Bissau following this week's coup in the west African country, news agency AFP reports. The AU decided "to suspend Guinea-Bissau from its bodies with immediate effect", chairman Mahamoud Ali Youssouf told AFP. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) suspended Guinea-Bissau on Thursday from its decision-making bodies in the wake of a military coup that ousted President Umaro Sissoco Embalo, according to a statement. The decision of the bloc’s Mediation and Security Council (MSC) came after an Extraordinary Virtual Summit of Heads of State and Government held to discuss the current political situation in the country. Chaired by ECOWAS Chairperson and Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio, the bloc expressed deep concern over the unfolding political crisis in Guinea-Bissau and urged the country’s armed forces to return to the barracks and...

 Russia bans Human Rights Watch as crackdown on dissent deepens Russian authorities on Friday formally banned the international watchdog group Human Rights Watch by labeling it an “undesirable organization,” a designation that effectively criminalizes any involvement with the group under a 2015 law. The ruling forces the organization to immediately halt all operations inside Russia and exposes anyone who cooperates with it, donates to it, or publicly supports it to the risk of prosecution, fines, or imprisonment. The move marks another major escalation in the Kremlin’s sweeping campaign to eliminate independent voices and civil society groups that challenge the government’s actions. The decision, issued by the prosecutor general’s office, comes amid an intensifying crackdown on critics, journalists, activists, and opposition movements that has accelerated dramatically since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. In a separate announcement the same day,...

India expects to finalize trade deal with US by year-end, official says India is aiming to finalize a trade deal with the United States before the end of the year, with most key issues reportedly resolved, according to New Delhi’s trade secretary. The announcement comes amid ongoing tensions, as the U.S. imposed tariffs of up to 50% on certain Indian imports in late August. Negotiations have continued despite the tariffs, with U.S. officials pressing India to reduce oil purchases from Russia and lower tariffs in sensitive sectors, including agriculture. Speaking to industry leaders at the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, India’s trade secretary Rajesh Agrawal said the priority is establishing a framework trade deal to address reciprocal tariffs. “We are close, we have tried to iron out most of the issues,” he said, noting that the remaining points could be resolved at a political level. Agrawal expressed optimism about reaching an agreement within the calendar ye...

 A Colorado family is facing a bleak holiday season after a father and three children lost their lives when a driver in a stolen car struck them head on. This truly tragic incident occurred on Highway 83 near Franktown, Colorado, around 4:40p.m. on Monday, November 24th. On that date, 35-year-old, Alvin Corado was driving along Highway 83 with his 3 children and two of his girlfriend's children in his Ford Fusion. Sadly, Alvin had no way to know he was on a collision course that would take not only his life, but the lives of two of his children and one of his girlfriends kids, and leave the other two fighting for their lives. The catalyst for this heartbreaking event was a black Toyota Matrix being operated by a 31-year-old man who had stolen the vehicle in a car jacking an hour before the fatal crash. According to reports, the Toyota was driving in the southbound lane when the vehicle went off the roadway onto the shoulder of the road. The 31-year-old driver jerked the wheel, caus...

 Actress Nkechi Blessing berates her UK-based talking stage for failing to offer assistance after she told him her tyre had burst Nollywood actress Nkechi Blessing has sparked a fresh conversation about dating standards after sharing a recent experience that left her unimpressed. According to her, she had been chatting with a man in the UK when she suddenly went silent because she had a minor car accident that damaged her tyres. When the man checked in, she explained, “sorry I had a minor accident and I need to get two new tyres for my car.” He simply replied, “sorry about that babe, hope you were not hurt,” and wrapped the chat with a short “ok.” Nkechi said his response immediately put her off because, in her view, any man looking to build something serious should offer help — at least ask, *“How much is the tyre? Let me buy it for you,”* even if she didn’t actually need the money. Instead, he told her, “oh sorry just get it sorted out,” and left it there. She eventually bought t...

 Anambra Chief Judge, Justice Anyachebelu Visits Onitsha Correctional Centre The Anambra State Chief Judge, Chief Justice Onochie Anyachebelu, has visited the Onitsha Correctional Centre as part of the judiciary’s annual routine to review inmates’ cases at the centre. The visit is part of the judiciary’s efforts to ensure timely justice and reduce prolonged detention in line with the Anambra State Administration of Criminal Justice Law, 2022, with officials reviewing case files of inmates held on remand and those whose trials have been delayed. During the visit, where six inmates were discharged and seven others granted bail, Chief Justice Anyachebelu, who was represented by Honorable Justice Nweze, said the visit is a routine exercise carried out every year to decongest the prison. The Controller of Onitsha Correctional Centre, Mr. Ike Anselem, thanked the judiciary for the visit, stating that it gives inmates hope that their cases are being looked into, adding that the Correction...

 Port Harcourt Court Sentences UniPort Student to Death by Hanging for Ritual Murder of Girlfriend A Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt on Friday sentenced 26-year-old Damian Okoligwe, a 400-level Petrochemical Engineering student of the University of Port Harcourt, to death by hanging for the murder of his girlfriend, Justina Nkemdilim Otuene, a 300-level Biochemistry student of the same university. Justice Chiwendu Nwosu delivered the judgment, holding that the prosecution, led by Charles Obediah-Mbaba, proved beyond reasonable doubt that Okoligwe murdered Justina in his off-campus residence in October 2023 in circumstances suggestive of a money ritual. The court found that the victim’s death resulted directly from the defendant’s actions. Okoligwe was arrested in 2023 after neighbours alerted the Ozuoba Police Division to a foul odour coming from his room and later spotted him attempting to dispose of a large sack. Police officers forced entry and discovered Justin...

 STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE PRESIDENT TINUBU APPROVES NATIONAL TAX POLICY IMPLEMENTATION COMMITTEE (NTPIC) TO DRIVE COORDINATED IMPLEMENTATION OF NEW TAX LAW   President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the establishment of the National Tax Policy Implementation Committee (NTPIC).   The committee, which Mr Joseph Tegbe chairs, will ensure the implementation of the administration's landmark tax reforms in line with the economic aspirations of the government and the people of Nigeria.   Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, will oversee the committee's work.   The Committee will undertake extensive consultations across the public and private sectors to ensure broad-based input into the implementation process.   Its chairman, Tegbe, is a Fellow of both the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (FCA) and the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (FCIT).   He has over 35 years of professional experience across ...

  ANAMBRA ASSEMBLY BEGINS PROBE INTO DEATH OF STUDENT, OSCAR EZINWA By Obiageli Nwankwo The Anambra State House of Assembly has commenced a special investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of 13-year-old Oscar Ezinwa, a student of British Spring College, Awka. The investigative hearing was led by the House Committee on Education and chaired by Hon. Anayo Okpalaeke at the Assembly Conference Hall in Awka. In attendance were medical personnel and management staff of British Spring College, representatives of the Ezinwa family, officials of the Ministry of Education, and members of the House Committee. In his opening remarks, Hon. Okpalaeke explained that the hearing was convened to uncover what led to the death of the student, who was under the guardianship of the school at the time of his passing on October 21, 2025. The session, which began at 12 noon and lasted until 4 p.m,  was tense and emotional as both the school and the bereaved family presented account...

 Anambra State Government encourages Ndi Anambra to pay their task as an obligation of every Nigerian citizen, and citizens’ way of reciprocating government gesture of providing the necessary infrastructures. ‎ ‎Tax remains one of the major sources of government Internal Generated Revenue, IGR, for budget implementation, and Anambra government hasn’t collected half of what it has the potential to collect in the state. ‎ ‎Anambra State Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Chiamaka Nnake, who noted this during a post-budget presentation media briefing at her office, Jerome Udorji State Secretariat, Awka, said the government has plans to expand tax bracket to ensure that more taxable individuals and entities are captured, as well as device more efficient and creative ways of tax collection. ‎ ‎She noted that culturally, some people are not used to paying tax, but reminded all that tax payment is not an Anambra thing, but an obligation of every Nigerian citizen, and citizens’...

 Search for the two palmwime tappers kidnapped in Emuhu, neighbouring Agbor community, Delta state, has come to an end today as one of them was rescued, while one was already killed by the kidnappers. According to the rescued man, the kidnappers killed his colleague after his family tried negotiating his ransom with the only N10, 000 they had. Reports by human rights activist, Harrison Gwamnishu who broke the news are as follows; "Yesterday,  I led Security Agencies in search of two Palm wine tappers kidnapped in their farm at Emuhu, near Agbor, Delta State.  "Security agencies responded swiftly. The Military from the 63 Brigade, the Emuhu Vigilante Group, Anti-Cult Abavo, Operation Soup, and teams of Police officers all joined us in the search and rescue mission. "From Emuhu, to Abavo, to Obi-Ayama, to Urhonigbe. We were able to locate one of the victims at Urhonigbe, Edo State.  "He narrated the h€artbreaking incident on how his colleague was k!lled after the man’...

 The former vice-presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Datti Baba-Ahmed, on Friday stated that former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, has not left the party. Speaking to journalists after the party’s National Executive Council meeting in Abuja, which was observed by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Baba-Ahmed dismissed reports suggesting that Obi had dumped the LP. “To the best of our knowledge, our brother, His Excellency Peter Obi, is still a member of the Labour Party. Nothing has changed. If he were here now, I would have shifted my seat to the left for him,” he said. Baba-Ahmed maintained that the party had survived its internal troubles, adding that the development signalled better days ahead.

 8 FAMILY MEMBERS PERISH AS VEHICLE PLUNGES INTO RIVER IN BENUE A quiet journey meant for burial preparations turned into a heartbreaking tragedy in Benue State, where eight members of the Kyégh family died after their vehicle veered off the road and plunged into River Dura in Kwande Local Government Area. The victims, all travelling together, were headed to finalize arrangements for a loved one’s burial when the accident occurred. News of the crash rippled through their community, leaving neighbours and relatives shaken by the scale of the loss. Among those moved by the tragedy was the Executive Chairman of Vandeikya Local Government, Hon. Dennis Terkura Guda. Describing the incident as “a heartbreaking tragedy that has thrown the entire Vandeikya Local Government into deep mourning,” he stepped in to support the devastated family. Hon. Guda covered all outstanding mortuary bills and donated eight caskets to ensure the deceased are laid to rest with dignity. He also offered prayer...

 ABIA YOUTHS DISARM 30 ARMED HERDSMEN, CHASE ATTACKERS OUT OF FOREST 28th November, 2025  A dramatic confrontation unfolded in Abia State as local youths overpowered more than 30 heavily armed attackers who had invaded a forest community. The assailants, believed to be Fulani militants, reportedly stormed the area with AK-47 rifles and explosives but were met by a united front of determined young residents. Despite having no firearms, the youths banded together, advanced toward the intruders, and eventually forced them to flee. In the chaos, the attackers dropped several of their weapons, which the youths later recovered. Witnesses said the turning point came when the invaders realized the community was standing as one. Their confidence quickly faded. One of the youths involved summed it up with striking clarity: “We don’t need guns to defend our land. Our unity and spirit are stronger than their bullets.” Another added, “Anyone who tries to terrorize us in Abia forest will en...

 UPS fleet, grounded after deadly crash unlikely to return before peak holiday season UPS has announced that its fleet of McDonnell Douglas MD-11 planes, grounded after a deadly crash in November, is unlikely to return to service during the peak holiday season. In an internal memo to employees, UPS Airlines president Bill Moore said inspections and potential repairs are expected to take several months, far longer than the initial estimate of a few weeks, as the company works to comply with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) guidelines. The grounding follows a fiery crash on November 4 in Louisville, Kentucky, in which an MD-11 lost its left engine during takeoff, killing 14 people and injuring at least 23. In response, cargo carriers immediately grounded their MD-11 fleets ahead of an FAA directive. Moore noted that Boeing’s ongoing evaluation indicates that the inspections and repairs will be more extensive than previously expected. UPS said it will implement contingency plans ...

 Afghanistan pledges cooperation after cross-border attack kills 3 Chinese workers in Tajikistan  Afghanistan on Friday expressed deep regret and condemned a cross-border attack into Tajikistan that killed three Chinese workers and injured a fourth. Officials described the incident as the work of elements seeking to create chaos and instability in the region. Afghanistan’s foreign ministry said it is committed to full cooperation with Tajikistan, offering information sharing, technical support, and joint assessments to determine the cause of the attack. Tajik authorities reported that the assault occurred the previous night, carried out from Afghan territory using a drone armed with grenades and firearms. Tajikistan said the attack highlights ongoing security challenges along the border despite efforts to maintain peace and stability. The Chinese Embassy in Tajikistan warned its citizens against traveling to or working in the border region and advised those already there to ev...

 Death toll from Thailand floods hits 145 as receding waters expose widespread damage The death toll from severe flooding in southern Thailand has risen to at least 145 as receding waters reveal widespread destruction across the region. Heavy rains inundated 12 southern provinces, affecting more than 1.2 million households and approximately 3.6 million people. Officials said fatalities have been confirmed in eight provinces, with Songkhla province suffering the greatest loss of life, accounting for at least 110 deaths. As floodwaters continue to withdraw, search and rescue teams have gained greater access to previously submerged neighborhoods, allowing them to reach stranded residents and recover additional victims. Songkhla saw a sharp rise in deaths as water levels dropped, particularly in Hat Yai, the largest city in southern Thailand, where entire residential areas had been underwater. Streets that were once impassable are now lined with wreckage, including damaged roads, falle...

 Israeli forces kill at least 13 in southern Syria raid, say officials and residents  Israeli forces carried out a raid in a southern Syrian village on Friday, killing at least 13 people after being confronted by residents, Syrian officials said. The Syrian government described the attack as a “horrific massacre,” reporting that women and children were among those killed. The raid took place in the village of Beit Jin, where Israeli troops reportedly aimed to detain local men but opened heavy fire after encountering resistance from residents. Dozens of families reportedly fled the area during the operation. Israel said the raid targeted members of Jamaa Islamiya, or Islamic Group, suspected of planning attacks on Israeli civilians. Israeli forces said several militants fired at troops, injuring about six soldiers who were evacuated to a hospital. The military said its forces responded with ground and aerial support, killing a number of militants and apprehending suspects. The ...

 Louvre Museum in Paris to raise ticket prices for non-EU visitors  The Louvre museum in Paris will raise ticket prices for visitors from outside the European Union from 22 to 32 euros, starting in January, to help fund a major renovation following the October 19 crown jewels heist. The price increase, announced as part of a decade-long modernization plan, will apply to non-EU nationals, with Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway exempted under the European Economic Area agreement. In 2024, the museum welcomed 8.7 million visitors, with 77% coming from abroad, including large numbers from the U.S., China, and the U.K., who will now face the higher fee. The Louvre’s director said emergency measures are already being implemented to strengthen security after the robbery and emphasized that the museum’s last major overhaul in the 1980s is now outdated. The “Louvre New Renaissance” plan, projected to cost up to 800 million euros, aims to modernize infrastructure, reduce crowding, and ...

Hong Kong fire death toll climbs to 128, officials say The death toll from a massive fire at a residential apartment complex in Hong Kong has risen to 128 as search and rescue operations continue. Officials warned that additional victims may still be discovered. Three men linked to the construction firm overseeing renovations at the building have been arrested and are under investigation. Authorities suspect that substandard mesh and large amounts of Styrofoam installed in the windows and outer walls contributed to the rapid spread of the fire. The same materials were found in a neighboring building that remained untouched by the blaze. More than 140 fire engines and over 800 firefighters and paramedics, supported by drones, responded to the fire. Around 279 people remain missing, according to Hong Kong’s leader, who expressed deep condolences to the families of those killed and injured. The fire also claimed the life of a firefighter. Chinese President Xi Jinping offered condolences t...

 Ukrainian man suspected in Nord Stream pipeline explosions taken into custody in Germany  A Ukrainian man suspected of carrying out explosions that damaged the Nord Stream pipelines between Russia and Germany in 2022 has been taken into custody in Germany. A judge at the Federal Court of Justice in Karlsruhe issued an arrest warrant on Friday for 49-year-old Serhii Kuznietsov, ordering him held while prosecutors investigate. The undersea blasts on September 26, 2022, severely damaged pipelines intended to transport Russian natural gas to Germany under the Baltic Sea, heightening tensions over the war in Ukraine and accelerating Europe’s move away from Russian energy. German prosecutors say Kuznietsov was part of a group that planted explosives on the pipelines and is believed to have coordinated the operation. He faces charges including causing explosions, anti-constitutional sabotage, and destruction of structures. Authorities said Kuznietsov and accomplices used a yacht hir...

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade features Pac-Man, Shrek, and Labubu in Manhattan  The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade lit up the skies over New York City on Thursday, featuring balloons of Buzz Lightyear, Shrek, and Pac-Man, alongside floats highlighting Labubu and Lego. The procession began on Manhattan’s Upper West Side and concluded at Macy’s Herald Square on 34th Street, showcasing a mix of balloons, floats, marching bands, and clown groups. Temperatures hovered in the 40s, with wind gusts of 25 to 30 mph adding to the chill, but parade-goers bundled up to enjoy the spectacle. City officials monitored the winds carefully, as regulations prohibit flying full-size balloons if sustained winds exceed 23 mph or gusts surpass 35 mph. Despite the cold, attendees like Megan Christy from North Carolina were excited, describing the weather as “just a great day for a parade.” The parade included a lineup of musical and theatrical performances, with appearances by Cynthia Erivo, Conan Gray, ...

 Two sisters perish in New Jersey house fire while attempting to save father on Thanksgiving  ORANGE, NEW JERSEY - Two sisters tragically lost their lives while trying to rescue their father from a house fire in Orange, New Jersey, on Thanksgiving. The blaze broke out around 5 p.m. at a home on Mosswood Avenue, according to local authorities. Frantzia Fleury, 49, and Pojanee Fleury, 42, were reportedly attempting to help their disabled father escape when they were overcome by the flames. Their father and six other residents were able to get out of the home safely and did not suffer any injuries. Officials are continuing to investigate the cause of the fire.

 Dolly Parton shares Thanksgiving message of gratitude after health challenges Dolly Parton shared a heartfelt Thanksgiving message with her fans on Thursday, sending blessings and warm wishes for the holiday. The 79-year-old country music legend appeared cheerful and grateful as she addressed her audience. “Well, hey! It’s Dolly here, and I want to wish all of you and your family blessings this Thanksgiving,” she said. “I am so thankful for all of you and for the memories that we’ve shared through the years. So Happy Thanksgiving to everyone, and just know that I will always love you.” Parton had recently faced health challenges that led her to cancel a planned Las Vegas residency and an appearance at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ 16th Governors Awards, where she was to receive the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award. In an October video, she reassured fans, saying, “I’m not ready to die yet. I don’t think God is through with me, and I ain’t done working.” She expl...

50 Cent to release documentary about Diddy in December  Netflix has announced that a new four-part documentary series about Sean “Diddy” Combs, executive-produced by Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, will premiere on Dec. 2. Titled Sean Combs: The Reckoning, the series is directed by Alexandria Stapleton and explores the complex stories surrounding Combs, his career, and public controversies. Stapleton said the series goes beyond the individual narratives, describing it as “a mirror reflecting us as the public, and what we are saying when we put our celebrities on such a high pedestal.” The project also examines the #MeToo era and the challenges faced by women like Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, who filed a lawsuit against Combs alleging abuse—a case that was quickly settled but sparked broader legal scrutiny. Jackson, who has teased the “Diddy doc” for over a year, said the project aims to tell these stories with honesty and real-world perspective, highlighting the human side behind celebrity...

 Anambra State Town Union Council, Youth Wing, Honors Anambra REC, Agwu With Exemplary Leadership Award for conducting credible Election in Anambra.  The Anambra State Town Union Council, ASTUC, Youth Wing, has presented a 'Transparent And Examplary Leadership Award' to the Anambra State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Queen-Elizabeth Agwu. Presenting the award to Dr. Agwu at his office in Awka, the Chairman of the Union, Comrade Ken Okoli explained that the gesture was to appreciating Dr. Agwu for her examplary leadership style since she assumed office in the state. He further revealed that the State REC has been conducting credible, free and fair elections since her arrival, describing the just concluded Anambra governorship election which she conducted as the most credible and transparent election ever conducted in the state and Nigeria at large in recent times, urging Dr. Agwu to continue her good works. Responding, Dr. Agu who said that she has conducted six differen...

 Hausa Community In Delta Demands N3b Compensation Over Killings Of Three Brothers In Land Dispute Tension has intensified in Asaba following a violent attack on the Hausa community at Km 1 Asaba–Benin Expressway, Oshimili South Local Government Area, where armed men on Monday killed three young Hausa men and injured 15 others during a land dispute. At the burial of the deceased persons at the Asaba Cemetery on Tuesday, leaders of the Abraka Hausa Quarters demanded ₦3 billion compensation from the Delta State Government and called for justice for the victims. Chairman of the community, Alhaji Auwalu Dalhatu, flanked by other leaders, including Nasiru Dambaba, described the killing as a coordinated assault allegedly carried out by land grabbers. He identified the deceased as Muhammed Multala (unmarried), Kabiru Abdullahi (married), and Yahaya (married)—all in their early twenties. Narrating the attack, Dalhatu accused one Jerry Nkeweshe and his alleged hired thugs of orchestrating t...

 VP Shettima Arrives Bauchi To Attend Funeral of Late Sheikhh Dahiru Usman Bauchi Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in Bauchi, leading the Federal Government delegation to the funeral of the late Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, one of the country’s most revered Islamic scholars whose lifelong devotion to knowledge and spiritual guidance shaped generations across Nigeria and beyond. He departed Abuja earlier today at the behest of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and is accompanied by a strong delegation that includes the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu; Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar; Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Malagi; Senators Abdulaziz Yari and Shehu Buba; along with senior presidential aides, Special Adviser to the President, Dr. Aliyu Modibbo Umar; Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, amon...

 ICC judges deny bid to free former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte  Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte will remain in detention at the International Criminal Court after appeals judges on Friday denied a request to release him on health grounds. Duterte, now in his 80s, faces charges of crimes against humanity over his alleged role in numerous killings linked to his so-called war on drugs, both during his time as mayor of Davao and later as president. Appeals judges ruled that Duterte’s lawyers had not demonstrated that a lower chamber’s October decision was unreasonable, Judge Luz del Carmen Ibáñez Carranza said in The Hague courtroom. Duterte himself was not present for the proceedings. Last month, the court ruled he should remain in custody, citing concerns that he might refuse to return for trial or attempt to intimidate witnesses if released. Court filings allege Duterte authorized violent acts, including murders, against alleged criminals, including drug u...

 Kaduna Govt Offers To Renovate ABU Internal Roads The Kaduna State Government has expressed its readiness to renovate selected internal roads within Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria. The Managing Director of the Kaduna State Roads Agency (KADRA), Dr. Abdullahi Baba Ahmed, disclosed this during a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Adamu Ahmed. Dr. Ahmed explained that the visit followed the directive of the Kaduna State Governor, His Excellency Senator Uba Sani, CON. He said the team was at ABU to inspect the road network and identify areas where the government could intervene. He noted that the state government considered it important to support the university, describing ABU as a premier institution in Northern Nigeria. He assured the Vice-Chancellor that renovation work would commence as soon as possible. In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Adamu Ahmed, expressed gratitude to the KADRA Managing Director for the visit and thanked Governor Uba Sani for his con...

 Kaduna North Rep, Bello El-Rufai Questions Why Boko Haram Terrorist Got 20 Years While IPOB Leader Nnamdi Kanu Received Life Imprisonment Hon. Muhammad Bello El-Rufai, member representing Kaduna North Federal Constituency, has condemned what he described as glaring injustice in Nigeria’s judicial handling of terrorism-related cases.  Speaking during plenary on Thursday, he questioned why a convicted Boko Haram member was sentenced to 20 years in prison, while IPOB leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu was handed a life sentence just a week earlier. El-Rufai was referring to the recent conviction of Hussaini Ismail, a Boko Haram member sentenced by a High Court to 20 years imprisonment. The lawmaker said the sharp contrast between the two cases raises serious concerns about equity, consistency, and the public perception of justice in Nigeria. “I don’t understand why one terrorist gets 20 years and the other gets life. There is this idea that justice is applied differently, and this inconsis...

 LAGOS SCREENS CHRISTIANS INTENDING PILGRIMS FOR HOLY LAND JOURNEY The Lagos State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board has commenced the administrative and medical screening process for intending pilgrims to Israel and Jordan, marking a significant step in preparation for the upcoming pilgrimage. According to the Board Secretary of the Lagos State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Okudero Gbolabo Omoniyi Ph.D., the screening exercise is a collaborative effort with the National Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC) and other relevant government agencies aimed at verifying travel documents and assessing the medical fitness of pilgrims. Okudero stated that the screening process includes both administrative and medical assessments, designed to validate travel documents, enlighten pilgrims on expectations during the journey, and equip the medical team with necessary medications to address pilgrims' health needs. Okudero emphasised the importance of pilgrims being medically and physically fi...