PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 Russian court sentences 19 over 2024 Moscow concert hall attack    A Moscow court on Thursday convicted 19 people for their roles in the 2024 shooting at a concert hall that left 149 dead and more than 600 injured, one of the deadliest attacks in the city in years. The March 22, 2024, attack at Crocus City Hall was claimed by a faction of the Islamic State group. Authorities said four gunmen, all citizens of Tajikistan, opened fire on concertgoers waiting for a rock band performance and then set the building on fire. All 19 defendants received lengthy prison terms: 15 were sentenced to life, one to 22½ years, and three to 19 years and 11 months. Those serving life sentences will spend part of their term in prison and the remainder in a special regime penal colony. Fines ranging from 500,000 rubles (around $6,300) to 2.7 million rubles ($34,000) were also imposed. The trial began in August 2025 in a military court, as is standard for terrorism cases, and was held behind c...

Zelenskyy says Ukraine awaits White House approval for US drone production deal   Ukraine is awaiting White House approval for a major drone production agreement proposed last year, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Thursday, as countries work to strengthen their air defenses following vulnerabilities exposed by the Iran war. The proposed deal would cover a range of drones and integrated air defense systems capable of countering swarms of hundreds or even thousands of Iranian-designed Shahed drones and missiles, Zelenskyy said in a social media message. “We have not yet had the opportunity to sign this document,” he added. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine over four years ago, Moscow has launched tens of thousands of Shahed drones, including a nighttime barrage of more than 800 drones and decoys. Iran has similarly used these drones in response to U.S.-Israeli strikes in the Middle East. Ukraine has developed low-cost drone countermeasures, some costing only a few thous...

 Outdated intelligence likely prompted US strike on Iranian elementary school, sources say  Outdated intelligence appears to have contributed to a deadly U.S. missile strike on an Iranian elementary school that killed more than 165 people, many of them children, during the opening hours of the conflict, according to preliminary findings from a U.S. military investigation. The bombing of Shajareh Tayyebeh Elementary School has become a central point of scrutiny in the war, and if confirmed, would rank among the deadliest incidents involving civilians caused by U.S. military operations in the past two decades. President Donald Trump initially blamed Iran for the attack, later expressed uncertainty, and has said he would accept the results of the Pentagon’s investigation. The preliminary review indicates that U.S. Central Command relied on target coordinates using outdated data from the Defense Intelligence Agency. The revelation prompted immediate calls for more information from...

 Iran says it will skip World Cup in United States due to US attacks, sports minister says     With the World Cup just three months away, Iranian officials announced that their national team will not participate in the tournament. Iran’s sports minister, Ahmad Donyamali, said the team cannot compete because of U.S. attacks. He told Iranian state television, “Due to the wicked acts they have done against Iran – they have imposed two wars on us over just eight or nine months and have killed and martyred thousands of our people – definitely it’s not possible for us to take part in the World Cup.” Earlier, Mehdi Taj, head of Iran’s Football Federation, also questioned whether the team would attend. FIFA President Gianni Infantino spoke with President Donald Trump earlier this week and confirmed that the Iranian team is welcome to compete. Iran has been drawn into Group G and is scheduled to play New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles on June 15 and 21, followed by a matc...

 Man survives vehicle rollover after plunging 200 feet down canyon at Texas state park    A man survived a terrifying crash at Palo Duro Canyon State Park in the Texas Panhandle after his vehicle rolled roughly 200 feet down a canyon. Officials said he sustained a concussion and broken ribs. The accident occurred after a tire blew out while he was driving after dark on Park Road 5 on March 8, causing him to leave the roadway and tumble down the canyon. The following morning, the man walked from the crash site to the Mack Dick Pavilion, where park staff found him around 11:49 a.m. with visible injuries, including a black eye and bleeding. Park personnel notified Texas State Park Police, who later located the overturned vehicle below the "Big Hill" east of Park Road 5. The man was transported to Northwest Texas Hospital for treatment. Emergency crews used a high-angle rope system to secure the vehicle so Canyon/Sierra Towing could retrieve it. The investigation into the inc...

 Handyman awarded $140,000 in civil case against Kanye West      A Los Angeles jury has ordered Kanye West, now known as Ye, to pay handyman Tony Saxon $140,000 for injuries sustained while supervising renovations at Ye’s $57 million Malibu home, far less than the $1.7 million Saxon had sought. The award covers past and future medical expenses and pain and suffering, but the jury rejected claims for unpaid wages and punitive damages. Saxon was hired to oversee the transformation of the architecturally significant Ando house into an off-grid-style residence. During the project, which lasted six to seven weeks, Saxon acted as project manager and overnight security, sleeping on a bare mattress on the concrete floor. He was fired after refusing to move a gas generator indoors, citing safety concerns about carbon monoxide exposure. Ye’s legal team argued Saxon exaggerated his injuries, portraying him as a “professional victim,” while the jury ultimately sided with Sa...

Israeli military clears soldiers of sexual assault charges involving Palestinian detainee   The Israeli military announced it is dropping charges against five soldiers who had been accused of sexually assaulting a Palestinian detainee, in a case that has sparked intense controversy across the country. The alleged incident reportedly took place on July 5, 2024, at Sde Teiman military prison, which was established to hold Palestinians detained during Israel’s conflict with the Hamas militant group in Gaza. Footage that circulated in Israeli media appeared to show the soldiers leading the detainee into a shielded area, seemingly to conceal their actions. The indictment had alleged that the soldiers assaulted the prisoner and caused severe injuries, including a perforated rectum, broken ribs, and blunt trauma to the chest and abdomen. Medical personnel said the detainee underwent surgery before being returned to the prison. The arrests provoked violent protests from far-right ultranati...

 Kast sworn in as Chilean president, vows strict crime measures   Conservative leader José Antonio Kast was sworn in Wednesday as Chile’s president, taking over from outgoing leftist President Gabriel Boric and promising a tough approach to crime and irregular migration. Kast, a 60-year-old lawyer and former Republican Party leader, won the presidency on his third attempt, campaigning on an “emergency government” agenda aimed at dismantling organized crime networks and tightening border controls. The inauguration took place at Chile’s National Congress in Valparaiso, attended by roughly 1,100 guests, including Latin American presidents, Spain’s King Felipe VI, Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, and U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau. Kast assumed office amid heightened security after a police officer was shot in the head earlier that day. Speaking before taking the oath, he vowed to pursue, prosecute, and imprison anyone who attacks Chilean polic...

 Environmental Enforcement Update / Lagos Island / 12/03/2026 The Anti-Open Defecation Squad of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) was on early morning monitoring and enforcement duty across Ebute Ero, Apongbon and Inner Marina areas of Lagos Island to curb open defecation, public urination and other environmental nuisances. During the operation, five (5) environmental defaulters were apprehended. They have been taken to the enforcement office at Sura–Simpson for further investigation and will subsequently be transferred to the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC) Headquarters, Oshodi, for prosecution in accordance with environmental laws. The individuals apprehended are Femi Emmanuel, Rilwan Tiamiyu, Samson Mukaila, Samuel Ekerechi, and Chukwodi Ekechi. LAWMA reiterates its zero-tolerance stance against open defecation and other environmental violations. Enforcement operations will continue across identified hotspots to safeguard public health and maintain...

 Police Raid Criminal Hideout in Abia, Arrest Four Suspected Cultists. Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force in Abia State have arrested four suspected cultists and recovered several incriminating items during a raid on a criminal hideout in the state. The operation, carried out by officers from the Igbere, Bende and Uzuakoli Divisional Police Headquarters in collaboration with the Command Tactical Team, followed actionable intelligence on the activities of suspected cultists terrorizing residents of Ugwueke Community. According to the Police Public Relations Officer of the Abia State Command, Maureen Chioma Chinaka, the raid was conducted at a criminal hideout located at Isieke Ugwueke, leading to the arrest of four suspects identified as Onyema Ike (36), Chukwuma Kelvin (30), Chidera Fredrick (37), and Onyekachi Okafor (36) During the operation, the police recovered several items including expended cartridges, locally made gunpowder, quantities of tramadol, and substances suspec...

 Senate to review legality of Abaribe’s defection from APGA to ADC The senate on Thursday said it will review the legality of Enyinnaya Abaribe’s defection from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Abaribe, senator representing Abia south, was among the lawmakers who defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) during plenary on Thursday. Barau Jibrin, deputy senate president, raised the issue, citing section 68(1)(g) of the constitution, which requires a lawmaker who defects from the party that sponsored their election to vacate their seat unless the move is caused by a division or merger within the party. Barau said there is no evidence of a crisis within APGA to justify Abaribe’s defection. “I discovered that there isn’t any division in APGA and there isn’t any in the Labour Party,” Barau said. Adams Oshiomhole, senator representing Edo north, also said there is no crisis in APGA or the Labour Party (LP) and noted that both pa...

 D'Tigress lose to S'Korea in second game of World Cup qualifiers D’Tigress of Nigeria have been beaten by South Korea 77-60 in their second game of the qualifying tournament for the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup.  The Rena Wakama-led ladies were outclassed by the Koreans at the Astroballe in France on Thursday.

 PRESS RELEASE:  OPay clarifies reports on alleged office closure by the Nigeria Revenue Service Our attention has been drawn to recent reports circulating on online platforms and social media claiming that our offices in Lagos and Abuja were sealed by the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) over alleged non-compliance with Value Added Tax (VAT) and Company Income Tax under the Nigeria Tax Act 2025. Our offices across Nigeria, including Lagos and Abuja, remain open and fully operational, and we continue to serve our customers, partners, and merchants without disruption. As a responsible financial technology company operating in Nigeria, we are compliant with all applicable tax obligations and regulatory requirements. We work closely and transparently with all relevant government agencies and regulatory authorities to ensure that our operations consistently meet statutory standards. The notice referenced in the reports arose from a recent industry-wide directive by the NRS requesting...

 HighCourt bars Aiyedatiwa from seeking another term in 2028... The Federal High Court sitting in Akure, Ondo State, on Thursday ruled that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa would be ineligible to contest for another term in office in 2028. The suit was filed by a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in the state, Akin Egbuwalo, who asked the court to interpret Section 137(3) of the Constitution regarding the eligibility of Aiyedatiwa and his deputy, Olayide Adelami, to contest for another term. The defendants in the suit included the Independent National Electoral Commission, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Aiyedatiwa, Adelami and the APC. In a judgment delivered by Justice Toyin Adegoke, the court held that Aiyedatiwa would be ineligible to stand for election in 2028, having been sworn in on December 27, 2023, to complete the tenure of the late governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, and subsequently inaugurated on February 24, 2025, after winning the November 1...

 Lagos Court Jails Emmanuel Nwude, Lawyers One Year for Forgery, Dealing in Forfeited Property Justice Mojisola Dada of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, convicted and sentenced a notorious fraudster, Emmanuel Nwude, and his two counsel, Emmanuel Ilechukwu and Rowland Kalu, to one year imprisonment each for forgery and dealing in forfeited property. The convicts were arraigned on March 2, 2018 on an amended 15- count charge bordering on conspiracy, forgery, uttering of false documents, dealing with forfeited property, attempt to pervert the cause of justice and fabricating evidence.  One of the counts reads: “Emmanuel Nwude, Emmanuel Ilechukwu and Rowland Kalu, between 2011-2012, at Lagos within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, without due authorization by the Commission, dealt with the property known as Plot Y Mobolaji Johnson Street, Oregun, Ikeja ,whereas you knew that the property was forfeited to the victims  ...

Alleged Cyber Stalking: Court Threatens To Revoke Sowore's Bail, Issue Arrest Warrant A Federal High Court in Abuja has threatened to revoke the bail it granted Omoyele Sowore in his ongoing trial on charges bordering on cyber crime. Justice Mohammed Umar, who issued the threat on Thursday, said he would issued an arrest warrant for his forceful production should he fail to attend court on the next hearing date. Justice Umar's position was informed by observations and applications made by the prosecuting lawyer, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), who noted that Sowore chose not to attend court despite evidence  that he was served with hearing notice through his team of lawyers. Sowore is being prosecuted by the Department of State Services (DSS) for allegedly making false claim against the person of Present Bola Tinubu by referring to him as a criminal in a post he made on his "X" and Facebook accounts. At Thursday's hearing, Sowore was absent and so were all his lawyers. Re...

 Ghana to submit UN resolution on slavery reparations; eyes broad support Ghana ​intends to propose a United Nations resolution recognising transatlantic slavery as ‌the "gravest crime in the history of humankind" and calling for reparations, and expects broad support despite resistance in Europe. The West African nation, a prominent advocate of reparations on the continent, plans to ​table the proposal at the U.N. General Assembly, possibly as early ​as this month, its Foreign Ministry said in a statement to ⁠Reuters. The plan marks a new step in Africa's efforts to seek accountability for ​historical injustices by former colonial powers, and the country hopes it will "enjoy the support ​of many member states". "The proposed resolution seeks to recognise transatlantic slave trade as the gravest crime in the history of humankind, taking into account its scale, duration, legalisation and enduring consequences," ​it said. While calls for reparations have...

 Senegal doubles maximum penalty for same-sex activity to 10 years' jail Senegal's National Assembly late on Wednesday overwhelmingly passed a ‌bill doubling the maximum prison term for same-sex sexual acts to 10 years and criminalising any efforts to promote homosexuality, Reuters reported. The law - passed by 135 votes to zero, with three abstentions - fulfils a campaign promise of the government that ​came to power in 2024, led by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Prime Minister ​Ousmane Sonko. It now awaits Faye's signature. Senegal's penal code already carried an article, last ⁠amended in 1966, imposing up to five years' jail and fines of up to 1,500,000 CFA ​francs ($2,700) for "acts against nature". The new version doubles the maximum term and allows for fines of up to 10 million ​CFA francs. ANTI-LGBT LAWS TIGHTENED ACROSS WEST AFRICA It says a judge may not grant a suspended sentence, or use their discretion to reduce a prison term below the min...

 Minnie Driver reveals why she doesn't live with fiancé Addison O'Dea after finding love in her 50s Actress Minnie Driver has opened up about her unconventional relationship with fiancé Addison O’Dea, revealing that the couple does not live together despite being engaged since 2019.  Speaking on The Spirit Daughter podcast, the Emily in Paris star explained that their arrangement often spending time in different places has been “so freeing” for their seven-year romance.  Driver credited O’Dea with helping her embrace a lifestyle outside traditional expectations, saying their differences are not seen as obstacles but as part of the natural flow of their relationship. Driver, who relocated back to London in 2024 at the request of her son Henry, reflected on how her years as a single mother shaped her approach to family life.  She explained that she created routines that worked best for her household, without pressure to conform to conventional standards.  Now, she...

 Corey Feldman claims Oscars left him out of planned Rob Reiner tribute Corey Feldman has spoken out about being excluded from the upcoming Oscars tribute to director Rob Reiner. The ceremony’s In Memoriam segment will feature actors from Reiner’s films, including Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan from When Harry Met Sally.  Feldman, who starred in Stand By Me alongside Jerry O’Connell, Wil Wheaton, and River Phoenix, claimed on social media that he was not invited to participate, though he believes O’Connell and Wheaton were asked.  He suggested his outspoken advocacy about childhood abuse may have played a role but stressed the tribute should remain focused on honoring Reiner. In his post, Feldman urged fans not to petition for his inclusion, saying his co-stars would represent the film beautifully.  He emphasized that he would honor Reiner in his own way, while acknowledging the director’s profound influence on him as a young actor.  Feldman recalled how Reiner’s co...

 Supermodel Kathy Ireland accuses business managers of stealing her wealth Former supermodel turned business mogul Kathy Ireland has filed a lawsuit in California accusing her longtime financial managers of defrauding her of millions.  Ireland and her husband, Greg Olsen, allege that Jason Winters and Erik Sterling who oversaw their finances for more than three decades took out loans against her assets and used the funds for themselves.  The complaint also names executives connected to her company, Kathy Ireland Worldwide, and claims damages could reach as high as $100 million. According to the filing, Ireland trusted Winters and Sterling with power of attorney and relied on them to manage her investments, while she focused on building her brand.  She reportedly became suspicious when trying to help her son with a home purchase and was told it would take months to access her funds.  The couple later discovered staggering debt, secret loans, and missing money, le...

 Katy Perry slammed for 'grim' and 'truly evil' response to fan who said they 'don't want to be here anymore' Katy Perry is facing backlash after responding to a distressed fan on social media. On March 10, a user posted a photo of Perry looking sad alongside a message about struggling financially and feeling hopeless, even considering selling their concert ticket.  Perry replied, “But I am looking forward to seeing you!” The response was quickly criticized by many online, who felt it came across as dismissive and out of touch given the fan’s vulnerable post. Fans on X accused the pop star of being insensitive, with some suggesting she should have offered more compassion or even a free ticket. Comments ranged from calling her reply “grim” and “gross” to labeling her “out of touch” and “greedy.”  The incident sparked debate about how celebrities should engage with fans who share personal struggles, especially when those messages highlight mental health or fin...

 Her Name Is Ozzy Matilda - Jack Osbourne Welcomes Baby Girl Named After Late Dad, “Introducing Ozzy Matilda Osbourne Jack Osbourne is celebrating a tender new chapter in his family life, welcoming a baby girl with his wife, Aree Gearhart.  The couple shared the happy news with fans on March 11, introducing their newborn daughter through a joint Instagram post. “Introducing Ozzy Matilda Osbourne,” the caption read, revealing both the baby’s name and a heartfelt tribute behind it. Alongside the message, Jack posted a soft black and white video of the little one sleeping peacefully on floral sheets.  A small card placed beside her revealed she arrived on March 5, weighing seven pounds and four ounces.  A plush Jellycat bat toy rested nearby, adding a playful touch to the scene. The baby’s name carries deep meaning for the family. She was named after Jack’s father, legendary rock musician Ozzy Osbourne, who d!ed at age 76 in July 2025. Ozzy Matilda is the second child J...

 They Wanted Me to Be Harsher - Janice Dickinson Says That She Was Encouraged to ‘Be Harsher and Cruel, Like Simon Cowell’ on America’s Next Top Model Janice Dickinson is revisiting her days as a judge on America’s Next Top Model, sharing candid memories of the pressures behind the panel. At 71, Dickinson appears on E!’s Dirty Rotten Scandals, where she recounts her time on the show and her perspective on Tyra Banks’ approach to managing contestants. “The producers on America’s Next Top Model, especially Tyra, were begging me to be harsher and cruel, like Simon Cowell on American Idol,” Dickinson revealed during the episode. She explained that the strategy of sharp criticism had proven to be a ratings magnet on other reality shows, and the producers wanted the same edge for ANTM. Dickinson also weighed in on Banks’ behavior toward the models, describing it as inconsistent. “Tyra didn’t want any competition,” she said, adding that at times, she felt Banks’ treatment of the Black con...

 'Animals Don't Vote' - Katherine Heigl Defends Appearance at Mar-a-Lago Animal Rescue Event Katherine Heigl used her first red carpet appearance in two years to highlight a cause close to her heart.  The 47-year-old actress attended the Wine, Women & Shoes annual fundraiser at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, on March 8, focusing on animal advocacy. “Animals don’t vote,” Heigl told JustJared. “The only room they don’t like is the euthanasia room at a shelter.  They are completely at the mercy of us and have no voice of their own.” She described the event as deeply personal, noting that she and her mother, Nancy, have spent years supporting animals through the Jason Heigl Foundation. Heigl emphasized, “Protecting animals is one of my greatest passions. As a society, we should come together to protect the voiceless and the innocent. This should not be a polarizing issue.”  Organizers reported that the three-day event raised $5.5 million for Big Dog Ranch Rescue,...

 LASPA TRAINS STAFF ON DRONE OPERATION As part of efforts to boost operational capacity and improve parking management across the State, the Lagos State Parking Authority (LASPA) has organised a drone operating training programme for its staff. The two-week intensive training initiative was designed to develop and build technical capacity and equip LASPA personnel for effective drone operation and enhance parking management. According to the General Manager, LASPA, Mrs. Adebisi Adelabu, the initiative was designed to deepen the Authority’s technological capabilities and increase Parking operational efficiency in Lagos State. She emphasised that the integration of drone technology into parking management will not only enhance real-time parking monitoring and improve enforcement but also increase data gathering and storage. Mrs. Adelabu, further noted that the current drone training, which is the second in the series, is conducted by the officials of the Parking Authority who had ear...

 LAGOS FIRE SERVICE  INTENSIFIES INDUSTRIAL CRACKDOWN AMID RISING NONCOMPLIANCE WITH SAFETY REGULATIONS  In a decisive move to curb the recent surge in fire safety noncompliance across the metropolis, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service has launched a rigorous on-the-spot compliance enforcement tour targeting major industrial hubs. The Controller General, Margaret Abimbola Adeseye, led a specialised team of fire officers on a compliance assessment at the Amuwo-Odofin Industrial Layout and the Badagry Expressway corridor to evaluate the preparedness of high-risk facilities. The enforcement exercise follows the resolve of the agency to step up the protection of lives, property, and the environment, as part of the Service’s mandate to tighten oversight of industrial and commercial sectors in response to a worrisome increase in fire emergencies. During the inspections, the Controller General underscored that the Lagos State Government is taking a zero-tolerance approach t...