PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 Court adjourns trial of driver in Anthony Joshua’s car crash to June 2 The Ogun Magistrate’s Court 1, sitting in Sagamu, Sagamu Local Government Area of the state, and presided over by Magistrate Olufunilayo Somefun, has adjourned the trial of the driver of the Lexus SUV involved in former heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua’s road crash to June 2, 2026. This is about the fourth time the case has been adjourned to allow the prosecuting team to file a fresh charge to the existing information on the case. The defendant, Adeniyi Mobolaji, was charged with four counts, which include allegations of dangerous driving causing death. Mobolaji was charged with allegations of reckless and negligent driving, contrary to Section 6(1) of the same Act, driving without due care and attention, causing bodily harm, and damage to property, contrary to Section 7(1) of the Act. He was also accused of driving without a valid national driver’s licence, contrary to Section 10(1) of the Federal Hi...

 Captain Silva to leave Man City at end of season Manchester City captain Bernardo Silva will leave the club when his contract expires at the end of the season. The Portugal midfielder, 31, has made more than 450 appearances for City since joining from Monaco in 2017. He has helped the club win 15 major honours, including the Treble in 2022-23. Silva was named City's club captain this season, following the departure of Kevin de Bruyne.

 Outrage as INEC Backs Samuel Anyanwu as PDP Secretary Amid Ongoing Court Battle Nigerians have erupted in widespread criticism following the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) swift recognition of Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) National Secretary.  This decision came shortly after the PDP national convention on March 29, 2026, at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, where Abdulrahman Mohammed was named National Chairman and Anyanwu Secretary by consensus.  INEC updated its records to reflect the new leadership, a step many view as disregarding a January 2026 Federal High Court judgment in Abuja that affirmed Anyanwu’s expulsion from the PDP over alleged anti-party activities. The controversy deepened when Anyanwu filed an appeal on April 10, 2026, at the Court of Appeal in Enugu, seeking to overturn the lower court’s ruling on his expulsion. Anyanwu contended that the disciplinary process was flawed and the judgmen...

 UBEC DISTRIBUTES 140,000 INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS TO BASIC AND JUNIOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN FCT About 140,000 instructional materials have been distributed within the 6 Area Councils of the Federal Capital Territory Basic and Junior Secondary schools an effort to strengthening  quality basic education. The instructional materials expected to impact no fewer than 10,000 pupils include Digital boards, School bags, writing materials, and other essential teaching aids. Officials say the initiative is aimed at improving teaching and learning  outcomes, while also ensuring that students have access to the resources needed for academic excellence. They noted that the provision of adequate instructional materials remains critical to effective classroom delivery and improved student performance. Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC reaffirmed its resolve to continue implementing programmes and policies that will promote inclusive and quality education across the Federal Capit...

 Abia State Inaugurates Task Force To Combat Human Trafficking                                                                 The Abia state government, in collaboration with the National Agency for prohibition of trafficking in persons (NAPTIP) and international organization for migration (IOM), has inaugurated Abia state task force on human trafficking,as part of efforts to combat the menace of human trafficking in the state Jude Obiora reports that the inauguration of the task force  was aimed at strengthening collaborative actions to prevent, combat, and ultimately eradicate human trafficking in Abia State. The governor, represented by the deputy Ikechukwu Emetu, emphasized that the establishment of the task force reflects the administration’s resolve to address the root causes of trafficking,ensure justice fo...

 PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE AKPABIO CALLS FOR PEACE AT INTER- PARLIAMENTARY UNION ASSEMBLY President of the Senate Godswill Akpabio  at the 152nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, called on parliaments across the world to step up as defenders of peace, justice, and humanity. Speaking under the Assembly’s theme: Nurturing Hope, Securing Peace and Ensuring Justice for Future Generations, Akpabio warned that no region is immune to conflict, citing wars across the Middle East, Europe, and Africa. Drawing from Nigeria’s own struggles, he said peace is not inherited; it is built, defended, and sustained. Akpabio challenged the IPU to strengthen global institutions like the United Nations and give vulnerable nations a stronger voice.      IPU President Tulia Ackson echoed the call, urging parliaments to provide moral clarity and decisive action against conflict and inequality.

 Mark Wahlberg explains decision to not force his faith on his children Mark Wahlberg recently reflected on how he approaches faith within his family, emphasizing the importance of leading by example rather than imposing beliefs.  Speaking at the premiere of Balls Up, the actor shared his joy over his daughter Grace’s First Communion, describing it as a meaningful commitment to a lifelong relationship with God.  Wahlberg explained that he hopes his children will see how faith benefits him and choose to embrace it on their own terms. Faith has long been central to the Wahlberg family, with Mark openly discussing his Catholic devotion and his brother Donnie also highlighting the role of religion in his career.  Donnie noted that even in the Blue Bloods spinoff Boston Blue, faith remains a subtle but important theme, showing how traditions are honored even when characters are far from home.  He praised the way the show balances new family dynamics with respect for ...

 How Lamar Odom felt after Khloe Kardashian's comments about his dad Lamar Odom and Khloe Kardashian have reignited tensions following the release of Untold: The Death & Life of Lamar Odom.  Khloe criticized Lamar for minimizing her role in his recovery after his near-fatal overdose in 2015, while Lamar’s camp pushed back against her claims.  A source close to the former NBA star clarified that Lamar never denied Khloe’s support, but was hurt by her suggestion that his late father might have made medical decisions based on money.  They emphasized that Lamar’s statement attributing his survival to God was a reflection of his faith, not a dismissal of the doctors or Khloe’s care. The insider stressed that Lamar has consistently acknowledged Khloe’s presence during his health crisis, noting that she postponed their divorce to help him through recovery.  They reiterated that he has long credited both medical professionals and Khloe for saving his life.  How...

 Harry tells Australians he didn't want to be a royal as Meghan says she was bullied online 'every day for 10 years' and became 'most trolled person in the world' Prince Harry has shared deeply personal reflections during his visit to Australia, speaking candidly about grief, mental health, and why he never wanted life as a working royal. Addressing guests at the InterEdge Summit in Melbourne, the Duke of Sussex said the path once laid out for him was never something he embraced, especially after the loss of his mother, Princess Diana, shortly before his 13th birthday. According to Harry, that period left him resistant to the role that came with royal life. “I did not want that role,” he told the audience. “After losing my mum so young, I struggled with where everything was heading.” He explained that for years he chose to shut himself off emotionally, describing it as having his “head in the sand.” Over time, however, his perspective changed as he began to think ab...

 Still Going Strong - Kim Kardashian and Lewis Hamilton Spotted Together Again in Los Angeles Kim Kardashian and Lewis Hamilton have once again been seen together, adding to signs that their relationship continues to grow. The media personality and the Formula 1 star were photographed spending time together in Los Angeles on Tuesday, April 14, just days after they were spotted side by side at Coachella. Kim, 45, kept things understated during the outing, wearing oversized sunglasses and a relaxed look, though she was seen smiling in several of the photos.  Hamilton, 41, appeared equally at ease as the pair moved around the city together. Their latest appearance comes shortly after the couple made their relationship Instagram official earlier this month, a move that quickly caught the attention of fans online. Only a few days earlier, the two were also seen enjoying Justin Bieber’s Coachella performance on Saturday, April 11, further fueling conversation around their romance. T...

  See You at the March - Sharon Osbourne Signals Support for Planned Rally Sharon Osbourne has indicated that she will be part of an anti-immigration march being organised by commentator Tommy Robinson next month. The television personality drew attention online after responding to a social media post promoting the May 16 “Unite The Kingdom” march. Under the post, Osbourne simply wrote: “See you at the march.” The planned event is being billed as a follow-up to a similar demonstration held in September at Trafalgar Square, which reportedly drew more than 100,000 people. In recent posts, Robinson has been actively rallying support for the march, urging followers to mark the date as the day “Britain rises and reunites.” In one video shared earlier this week on the Gauci Reports account, he said the protest would be a response to migration, mass immigration and what he described as government oppression. He also stated that he wanted to bring London to a standstill, adding that suppor...

Taylor Momsen hospitalized after spider bite during tour in Mexico City  Singer and actress Taylor Momsen was hospitalized after suffering complications from a spider bite sustained while on tour in Mexico City. Momsen, best known for her role on “Gossip Girl” and as the frontwoman of The Pretty Reckless, shared an image showing a rash covering her leg from the knee to the ankle. She later confirmed she spent the night in the hospital. “Hospital today, show tomorrow, poisonous spiders are NO BUENO,” she wrote on social media, adding that despite the scare, she intended to continue performing and would see fans in Mexico City. The following day, she posted additional photos and video from the hospital but did not identify the type of spider involved. She thanked medical staff for their care while noting she had remained under treatment overnight. Momsen said the bite occurred more than a week earlier while she was touring with AC/DC, and that the venom caused a significant reaction ...

 Mark Mobius, pioneering emerging markets investor known as the 'Indiana Jones of investing,' dies at 89 Mark Mobius, a pioneering emerging-markets investor known for turning developing economies into a major global asset class, has died at the age of 89. Mobius died on Wednesday, according to a statement posted on his LinkedIn page, with no cause of death disclosed. He was widely known as the “Indiana Jones of emerging markets” for his willingness to invest in volatile and often overlooked regions across Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Eastern Europe. Over a career spanning more than four decades, Mobius became one of the most influential figures in global investing. He spent more than 30 years at Franklin Templeton, where he helped build and lead the Templeton Emerging Markets Group and played a major role in bringing emerging markets into mainstream institutional investing. He later continued his work through Mobius Capital Partners and other ventures focused on frontier ec...

BBC to cut up to 2,000 jobs in $677 million cost-saving plan over two years    The BBC said Wednesday it plans to cut up to 2,000 jobs over the next two years as part of a major cost-saving effort aimed at reducing its annual budget by about 10%, or £500 million ($677 million). The planned layoffs, announced during a staff call, would mark the broadcaster’s largest workforce reduction in more than a decade. Interim Director-General Rhodri Talfan Davies told employees in a memo that the move was driven by financial pressures, including inflation, declining license fee income, weaker commercial revenues, and broader economic uncertainty. The broadcaster has previously warned of “substantial financial pressures” and outlined plans to reduce spending by roughly 10% by 2029, with most of the cuts expected in the fiscal year beginning April 1, 2027. The restructuring comes ahead of former Google executive Matt Brittin taking over as director-general next month, following leadership ...

 Canadian father accused of killing daughter and faking kidnapping claim to face trial in New York this summer  The trial of a Canadian man accused of killing his 9-year-old daughter in Ticonderoga and falsely reporting her as kidnapped is scheduled to begin this summer. Luciano Frattolin is set to go on trial July 20 after pleading not guilty to charges of murder and concealment of a human corpse in connection with the July 2025 death of his daughter, Melina. A grand jury indicted him in the case, and he has remained in custody since a judge ruled him a flight risk. Authorities issued an Amber Alert for Melina after she was reported missing by her father, who claimed she had last been seen near Interstate 87 by Exit 22 in Lake George and may have been taken by men in a white van. Investigators later said inconsistencies emerged in his account, and they concluded there was no kidnapping. Her body was later discovered in a shallow pond in Ticonderoga following a multiagency sea...

Trump announces 10-day Israel-Lebanon ceasefire pause after talks with leaders, amid ongoing Hezbollah conflict U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 10-day pause in fighting between Israel and Lebanon set to begin Thursday at 5 p.m. ET, following what he described as “excellent” conversations with both countries’ leaders. The announcement comes amid ongoing conflict between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group operating in Lebanon, where Israeli strikes have reportedly killed nearly 2,200 people. Earlier in the day, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun declined to speak with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, despite Trump’s earlier indication that direct talks between the two leaders would take place. However, diplomatic contacts have recently advanced, with Israel’s and Lebanon’s ambassadors to the United States holding their first direct discussions in decades earlier this week. The situation remains tense, with the ceasefire pause viewed as a temporary step in b...

 Victoria Beckham has finally addressed the growing distance between her family and her eldest son, Brooklyn Beckham, saying that despite the tension, her focus has always been on love and protection. In a recent interview with The Wall Street Journal, the fashion entrepreneur and former Spice Girl spoke carefully about the ongoing family strain. While she did not mention Brooklyn by name, her words clearly reflected the emotional weight of the situation. “I think that we’ve always, we love our children so much,” she said. “We’ve always tried to be the best parents that we can be.” Victoria added that life in the spotlight has shaped much of their family journey, but insisted that her and David Beckham’s priority has remained the same through the years. “For more than 30 years now, all we’ve ever tried to do is protect our children and love our children,” she said, before making it clear that she did not want to go further on the issue. “That’s all I really want to say about it.” H...

 Pope Leo, in Cameroon, decries 'handful of tyrants' ravaging the world Pope Leo blasted leaders who spend billions on wars and said the world was "being ravaged by a handful of tyrants", in unusually forceful remarks in ‌Cameroon on Thursday days after U.S. President Donald Trump attacked him on social media. Leo, the first U.S. pope, also decried leaders who used religious language to justify wars and urged a "decisive change of course" in a meeting in the biggest city in Cameroon's anglophone regions, where a simmering conflict going back nearly a decade has left thousands dead. "The masters of war pretend not to know that it takes only a moment to destroy, yet often a lifetime is not enough to ​rebuild," the pontiff said, Reuters reported. "They turn a blind eye to the fact that billions of dollars are spent on killing and devastation, yet the resources needed for healing, education and restoration ​are nowhere to be found." '...

 DISCLAIMER ON FRAUDULENT USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS IMPERSONATING NDA COMMANDANT The attention of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) has been drawn to the activities of fraudsters using several social media platforms particularly Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok, Instagram and X (Twitter) to impersonate the Commandant, Major General Oluyemi Thomas Olatoye by fraudulently offering contracts to unsuspecting members of the public. The Academy wishes to unambiguously state that the said accounts are schemes created with the intent to deceive and defraud individuals of their hard-earned resources. Members of the public are hereby strongly advised to disregard and avoid any engagement with the fraudulent accounts. Any interaction with such entities is done at the individual’s risk, as the NDA will not be held liable for any resulting loss. For the avoidance of doubt, the Nigerian Defence Academy communicates officially with the public only through its verified channels, including its websi...

 APOSTLE JOSHUA SELMAN DONATES ₦100M RELIEF MATERIALS TO PLATEAU ATTACK VICTIMS  Apostle Joshua Selman has donated relief materials worth over ₦100 million to victims of recent attacks in Plateau State, offering support amid ongoing recovery efforts. The gesture, described as both humanitarian and symbolic, comes as concerns persist over security and rebuilding affected communities. Plateau State has witnessed recurring violent attacks in recent times, leaving several communities displaced and families in distress. Government and humanitarian groups have continued to seek ways to provide relief and restore stability. Selman made the donation during a visit to Governor Caleb Mutfwang at the Old Government House in Rayfield, Jos. The intervention includes a truckload of 3,000 bags of rice and cooking oil, alongside financial assistance targeted at affected families. Accompanied by Pastor John Kennedy and Bestman Uwadia, the cleric said the visit was aimed at identifying with gri...

 GUNMEN ABDUCT 18 PASSENGERS IN BENUE LINKS BUS ATTACK IN OTUKPO  Suspected gunmen have reportedly abducted 18 passengers following an attack on a Benue Links commercial bus in Otukpo, Benue State. The late-night incident has heightened fears over rising insecurity in the area, with only two individuals the driver and one passenger said to have escaped. Otukpo, a major town in Benue South, has witnessed intermittent security challenges in recent years, including cases of kidnapping and armed attacks along key routes. According to preliminary accounts, the bus was ambushed while in transit on Tuesday night. The attackers reportedly forced the vehicle to a halt before whisking away the passengers into a nearby bush. Sources indicate that all abducted victims remain unaccounted for as of the time of filing this report. The exact location of the incident and the identities of the victims have yet to be officially confirmed. The incident has sparked concern among residents and comm...

 Alleged $1.3m, N746.6m Humanitarian Ministry Fraud: Court Issues Arrest Warrant against  Sadiya, Perm Sec Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the Federal Capital Territory,  FCT,   High Court Abuja on Thursday, April 16,  2026  issued a warrant of arrest against  a former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development,  Sadiya Umar Faruoq  and a Permanent Secretary in the Ministry,  Bashir Nura Alkali. Farouq and Alkali are scheduled to be arraigned on Thursday before the court but failed to appear.  Only the third defendant, Sani Nafiu Mohammed was present in court.  The trio are to be arraigned  by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on a twenty-one count charge bordering on breach of trust, abuse of office, fraudulent award of contract and conversion of public funds of about $1,300,000( One Million, Three Hundred Thousand United States Dollars, and N746,574,303( Seven Hundred a...

 JAMB COMMENCES UTME NATIONWIDE AMID TIGHT SECURITY AND HEAVY DOWNPOUR IN SOUTHERN PARTS OF THE COUNTRY The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has commenced the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination nationwide. In Maiduguri the security was tight as prospective candidates were thoroughly screened by security operatives before gaining access to the examination centres. Officials of JAMB were on ground early, attending to candidates and setting up Computer systems to guard against any technical glitches. Security presence was visibly strong, with both overt and covert personnel strategically deployed across centres to maintain order and safeguard the process.                                       In Abuja Olayinka Ojo reports that at 23 Technology Limited, NAF Valley Estate CBT Centre, out of 250 candidates who were expected at the centre for the first session, 223 arrived o...

 30 INMATES IN YOBE CORRECTIONAL SERVICE CENTER COMPLETES DIGITAL SKILLS TRAINING  The Nigerian Correctional Service, Yobe State Command, has completed the first phase of its Digital Literacy Programme for inmates and launched the second module at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Potiskum. Thirty inmates were enrolled for the first phase programme  where they learnt computer operations, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and graphic design. The initiative is backed by the Yobe State Government under Governor Mai Mala Buni, in partnership with the Yobe State Information Technology Development Agency, YITDA, which equipped the custodial centre with computers and other digital tools for the training. The Director-General YITDA, Dr. Adam Kachalla Mohammad called the completion of Module One a major step toward digital inclusion in the state. More photos below. 

 FRSC CORPS MARSHAL WARNS MOTORISTS AGAINST ASSAULT ON  ITS OPERATIVES   The corps marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (frsc), Shehu Mohammed has warned motorists and members of the public against any form of assault on its personnel, reaffirming its zero-tolerance stance on attacks against operatives carrying out their lawful duties.  This comes after the arrest of a suspect involved in the assault of an FRSC patrol team in Edo State. In a statement signed by the corps public education officer, Osondu Ohaeri, the corps marshal emphasized that assault on law enforcement officers is a serious criminal offence and will be met with the full weight of the law. While acknowledging the suspect’s remorse, the corps reiterates that due process will be followed, and appropriate legal action will be pursued to serve as a deterrent to others.

 PDP Remains Strong Ahead Of 2027 Elections — Kaduna stakeholders Stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Southern Kaduna have reaffirmed that the party remains a strong and viable platform for the 2027 general elections. This position was made known during an expanded caucus meeting of the Kaduna South senatorial district held in Kafanchan. Speaking at the gathering, the party’s zonal chairman, Akusor Danjuma, assured members, supporters, and aspirants that the PDP is united and preparing actively for the upcoming elections.  He emphasized that the party would be fully represented on the ballot in 2027. Danjuma encouraged aspirants under the PDP to stay committed, noting that the party is committed to ensuring a fair and transparent process for all candidates.  He added that while direct primaries may be adopted, discussions are ongoing among aspirants to reach consensus on various positions across local governments. According to him, there is no need for c...

  FIFA has confirmed plans to stage a Super Bowl-style halftime show during the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking a historic first for the tournament. FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the initiative is aimed at delivering a “fantastic” entertainment experience on football’s biggest stage, featuring multiple global artistes.

 744 Former Terrorists, Violent Extremism Victims Graduate from Operation Safe Corridor in Gombe No fewer than 744 clients, comprising former terrorists and victims of violent extremism, on Thursday graduated from the Federal Government’s De-radicalisation, Rehabilitation and Reintegration Camp under Operation Safe Corridor. A breakdown of the graduates showed that 597 are from Borno State, 58 from Yobe State, 15 from Kano State, 12 from Bauchi State, 10 from Adamawa State, while others came from Abia (2), Anambra (2), Ebonyi (3), Enugu (1), Katsina (3), Kebbi (1), Kogi (5), Nasarawa (4), Niger (2), Plateau (2), Sokoto (2), and Akwa Ibom (1).  Foreign nationals among the graduates include one from Burkina Faso, one from Cameroon, two from Chad, and four from Niger Republic. Of the total, 733 are Muslims while 11 are Christians. Speaking at the graduation ceremony in Gombe, the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, described the programme as “not a reward” for violence ...

 NPF EXTRADITES FUGITIVE TO UK FOR MURDER AND DRUG TRAFFICKING, IGP DISU REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO GLOBAL COLLABORATION The Nigeria Police Force, through the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) Abuja, has successfully facilitated the extradition of one Matthew Chukwuemeka Adebiyi to the United Kingdom to face charges bordering on murder and drug trafficking. The extradition followed a formal request by United Kingdom authorities in September 2024 to locate, arrest, and extradite the fugitive over his alleged involvement in the murder of one Joshua Boadu on 18th June 2018, after which he fled to Nigeria to evade arrest. He was also alleged to have been involved in the supply of crack cocaine, a Class-A controlled drug, between October 2017 and March 2018 in the United Kingdom. The suspect was arrested on 23rd January 2025 by operatives of the INTERPOL NCB Abuja, following which extradition proceedings were initiated at the Federal High Court, Lagos Judicial Division, in Suit No. FH...

 SAVE THE CHILDREN COMMENDS THE NIGERIA POLICE FORCE SCHOOLS PROTECTION SQUAD(SPS) FOR ITS  COMMITMENT TO SCHOOL PROTECTION, COMMUNITY SAFETY, AND RAPID RESPONSE MECHANISMS ACROSS NIGERIA The Commissioner of Police, Schools Protection Squad, Force Headquarters Abuja, CP Abayomi Shogunle PhD, received the Country Director of Save the Children, Duncan Harvey, alongside members of the Senior Management Team, on a courtesy visit on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police. The visit forms part of Save Children ongoing collaboration with the Squad to strengthen implementation of the Safe School Declaration and to enhance coordinated security mechanism aimed at protecting education across Nigeria. The Country Director commended the Nigeria Police School Protection Squad (SPS), noting that the Squad has been instrumental in advancing Nigeria's national agenda to address the challenges facing children, while ensuring they learn in safe, secure, and violence free environments. He stat...

 We have received a new set of 24-car trains to strengthen the Lagos Red Line fleet. This will improve capacity, reduce wait times and make daily commuting easier for Lagosians. We remain focused on building a transport system that is efficient and reliable for everyone. That is still our goal."- Gov. Sanwo-Olu.  More photos below. 

 Louisiana sues Federal Election Commission over rejection of proof-of-citizenship requirement on voter registration form Louisiana has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Election Assistance Commission after the agency declined to approve the state’s request to add a proof-of-citizenship requirement to federal voter registration forms. The dispute stems from a 2024 Louisiana law requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote. State officials asked the commission to allow additional Louisiana-specific instructions on the federal registration form, including requirements for applicants to provide either a unique immigration identifier or personal details such as place of birth, sex, and mother’s maiden name when available. The state said the information would help election officials verify citizenship through existing databases. The commission split evenly on the request, resulting in a deadlock that prevented approval. The two commissioners who opposed the change said Louisiana ha...