PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 El-Rufai’s Family Protests SSS Detention, Alleges Torture, Medical Neglect Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai has continued to face controversy over his detention, as members of his family and supporters staged a protest in Abuja on Monday over his custody by the State Security Service (SSS). The demonstrators, which included Senator Lawal Adamu and close relatives of the former governor, accused security authorities of subjecting him to psychological pressure and denying him access to medical care despite existing court directives. Speaking outside the SSS facility, El-Rufai’s second wife, Asia, said the family had been living under fear due to what she described as persistent surveillance and security intimidation connected to the case. According to her, the tension increased after El-Rufai appeared before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja, where he was granted bail before the matter was adjourned.  She alleged that despite prior arr...

 Shehu Sani Wins APC Kaduna Central Senatorial Ticket  Former federal lawmaker Shehu Sani has emerged as the winner of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for the Kaduna Central Senatorial District. Sani defeated former Speaker of the Kaduna State House of Assembly Yusuf Ibrahim Zailani and another aspirant, Shettima, during the APC senatorial primary held on Monday. Announcing the results, Returning Officer Sameera Ibrahim disclosed that Sani secured 9,105 votes to clinch the APC ticket for the Kaduna Central Senatorial District. According to the results announced, Zailani polled 1,021 votes, while Shettima recorded 1,253 votes. Ibrahim described the primary election as peaceful, transparent, and well organised, praising party delegates and officials for maintaining order throughout the exercise. Sani’s victory is being viewed as a major political comeback, having previously represented Kaduna Central in the National Assembly.  He is also widely recognis...

 DR. SALIU OLUGBENGA OSENI ASSUMES OFFICE AS MEDICAL DIRECTOR, GENERAL HOSPITAL, GBAGADA The management and staff of Gbagada General Hospital has welcomed its new Medical Director, Dr. Saliu Olugbenga Oseni, who was recently appointed to take over the leadership and management of the hospital following the retirement of the immediate past Medical Director of the Hospital, Dr. Babafemi Olusegun. Before his appointment, Dr. Oseni served at General Hospital Isolo, where he earned recognition for his administrative competence, professionalism, and commitment to quality healthcare services. His deployment to General Hospital, Gbagada forms part of ongoing efforts by the Lagos State Government to strengthen healthcare delivery and sustain excellence across public health institutions in the State. Welcoming the new Medical Director to the Hospital, the Management expressed confidence in his capacity to consolidate the efforts of Dr. Babafemi Olusegun, whose tenure was widely acknowledged ...

 Judge orders Kars4Kids to halt ads over claims they concealed Orthodox Jewish affiliation in fundraising campaign A California judge has ordered Kars4Kids to stop airing its advertisements on state radio waves, ruling in a case that centered on whether the charity adequately disclosed its religious affiliation in its fundraising campaign. The organization, known for its widely recognized radio jingle urging people to “donate your cars today,” says its mission has always been clearly tied to Orthodox Jewish programs and insists its identity as a Jewish nonprofit has never been hidden. In a public response, the charity said its purpose is “abundantly clear,” rejected claims that donors were misled, and called the lawsuit an attempt to divert charitable funds through legal action. The ruling follows a class action complaint filed by two California residents who said they donated vehicles without fully understanding the organization’s mission. The plaintiffs argued that the ads failed...

 Southwest Airlines bans humanoid and animal-like robots from flights and checked baggage under updated safety policy Southwest Airlines has updated its transportation policy to prohibit passengers from bringing humanoid or animal-like robots on board flights or checking them as luggage, citing safety concerns tied to lithium-ion batteries commonly used in such devices. The airline said these batteries, which are also found in items like portable chargers and power banks, can pose a fire risk in flight, prompting the broader restriction on robots designed to resemble humans or animals. Under the revised rules, humanoid robots—defined as machines designed to imitate human appearance, movement, or behavior—and animal-like robots designed to mimic animals are no longer allowed in the cabin or in checked baggage, regardless of size or purpose. The airline added that other robotic devices, including toys, may still be transported if they fit within standard carry-on size limits and comp...

 Jury dismisses Elon Musk’s lawsuit against OpenAI as untimely, clearing company and Microsoft of liability A jury has rejected Elon Musk’s lawsuit accusing OpenAI of abandoning its original mission, ending a high-profile case that had drawn significant attention across the artificial intelligence industry. The case centered on claims by Musk, a co-founder of OpenAI, that the company and its leadership—CEO Sam Altman and president Greg Brockman—shifted away from its nonprofit roots to prioritize profits. Musk argued that OpenAI improperly transitioned into a commercial entity, secured billions in investment from Microsoft, and allowed its executives to benefit financially from what he described as a betrayal of the organization’s founding purpose. After more than three weeks of proceedings, the jury did not weigh in on those allegations directly. Instead, it determined that Musk filed the lawsuit too late, concluding that he was aware of the issues outlined in his complaint as earl...

 Lebanon death toll tops 3,000 as Israel-Hezbollah fighting intensifies despite ceasefire efforts and ongoing talks   Lebanon’s health ministry said Monday that the death toll from the latest escalation in fighting between Israel and Hezbollah has surpassed 3,000, with 3,020 people killed in Israeli strikes, including 292 women and 211 children. The ministry said the current round of hostilities began on March 2, when Hezbollah fired toward Israel shortly after earlier U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, and that attacks from both sides have continued despite a fragile ceasefire. Israeli forces have carried out an ongoing campaign of airstrikes and ground operations in southern Lebanon while also targeting Beirut and other regions, saying the goal is to disrupt Hezbollah’s efforts to rearm. Hezbollah, which also plays a major political role in Lebanon, has rejected demands to disarm and continues to launch drone attacks targeting Israeli troops in Lebanon and communities in nort...

 U.S prosecutors move to drop bribery charges against Indian billionaire Gautam Adani in major corruption case shift    Federal prosecutors in Brooklyn have asked a judge to dismiss bribery-related charges against Indian billionaire Gautam Adani, signaling a major development in a high-profile international corruption case with broad political and economic implications. In a brief filing, prosecutors said they would “not devote further resources” to the case, seeking to end the prosecution with prejudice and effectively close the matter. The request comes amid parallel resolutions involving Adani and his business empire in related civil and regulatory investigations. The Securities and Exchange Commission has imposed an $18 million penalty on Adani and his nephew to settle its case, while the Treasury Department separately reached a $275 million agreement with Adani Enterprises Limited over alleged sanctions violations involving Iran. Prosecutors did not publicly link the...

 Abia State Establishes Biomedical Unit to Strengthen Healthcare Infrastructure The Abia State Ministry of Health has set up a dedicated biomedical unit responsible for the installation, maintenance, and repair of medical equipment in state-run hospitals to prevent frequent breakdowns and improve service delivery. Prince Okey Kanu, the Commissioner for Information, disclosed this on Monday while briefing journalists on the outcomes of the State Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Alex Otti. According to the commissioner, the new unit is supported by a practical hands-on training programme for biomedical engineers and ministry staff. The training, being conducted in partnership with MedStar USA and CPR USA engineers currently in the state, was flagged off on May 12, 2026, by Governor Otti, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Meribole. It is scheduled to run until May 22, 2026. Prince Kanu described the initiative as part of the state ...

 BAUCHI STATE POLICE COMMAND PRESS RELEASE INTELLIGENCE-LED OPERATION LEADS TO ARREST OF TWO SUSPECTS, RECOVERY OF STOLEN TOYOTA HUMMER BUS IN BAUCHI Operatives of the Bauchi State Police Command have arrested two suspects and recovered a stolen Toyota Hummer bus following a swift response to credible intelligence received by detectives of the Command. The complainant, Abubakar [Surname Withheld], 60, of Gallaga Area, Bauchi, reported to ‘A’ Division, Township, on 16th May 2026 at about 1920 hours that his Toyota Hummer bus, with registration number 14B95 BA and chassis number TRH20050135544, had been stolen. The vehicle was parked at the Yankari Express Motor Park, Bauchi, while he was attending prayers at the motor park's mosque at about 1840 hours the same day. Acting on credible intelligence, the Divisional Police Officer led a team of police detectives and arrested two suspects along Gombe Road, Bauchi. The suspects are Anas Yarima, 35, of Shingen Abba, and Abubakar Adam, 53, ...

 NPF DISMANTLES TRANSNATIONAL HUMAN TRAFFICKING, FRAUD SYNDICATE, RESCUES 30 FOREIGN NATIONALS The Nigeria Police Force has recorded a major breakthrough in the fight against transnational organised crime following the dismantling of a human trafficking and fraudulent exploitation syndicate operating within the Federal Capital Territory and neighbouring communities. The operation led to the rescue of thirty (30) foreign nationals and the arrest of thirteen (13) suspects linked to the criminal network. The suspects arrested include Abdul Ngaki, identified as the principal suspect and syndicate leader, alongside Fatimah Kulibali, Ahmad Kasango, Sidibe Musa, Muhammad Dembele, Saidu Traore, Ali Koulibaly, Abdul Ngeki, Ahmed Sirma, Laya Bando, Aisha Dembele, Abi Togo, and Awa Tesure.  Investigations commenced following intelligence concerning the disappearance of several foreign nationals within Nigeria under suspicious circumstances. Preliminary findings revealed that the syndicat...

 IMPORTANT NOTICE TO ALL MEMBERS OF THE NBA IKEJA BRANCH Dear Learned Silk, Seniors and Colleagues.  Kindly find attached the official Proper Court Appearance Guide as issued by the NBA Ikeja Branch, through the Dress Code Committee and in consultation with the leadership of the Bench. As legal practitioners, our appearance before the Court reflects not only our personal discipline but also the dignity, integrity, and honour of the legal profession. Members are therefore encouraged to strictly adhere to the approved dress code and ethical standards at all times while appearing before any court. Please note in particular: • Wig and gown are compulsory in the High Court and other Superior Courts (Except when specifically waived by the Court is particular instances). • Wig and gown are not to be worn in Magistrate Courts and other Inferior Courts. • Counsel must appear in Courts neat, professional, conservative, and respectful to the sanctity of the Court. Let us continue to upho...

 Two Americans arrested in Japan after one climbed into zoo enclosure of viral baby monkey in costume stunt Two Americans have been arrested in Japan after one of them climbed into a zoo enclosure holding Punch, a baby monkey that has become an internet sensation, in what authorities say disrupted operations at the facility. Video shared on social media shows a man dressed in a costume featuring a smiley face and sunglasses scaling the enclosure fence before dropping inside. As he landed, the costume head reportedly fell off, and he picked it up before continuing the stunt. Authorities said the outfit appeared to be linked to a cryptocurrency-related online persona. Police in Ichikawa, a suburb of Tokyo, said the two men were detained on suspicion of obstructing zoo operations. Officials said the man who entered the enclosure identified himself as a 24-year-old college student, while the second man, who filmed the incident, identified himself as a 27-year-old singer. Footage shows ...

 Made Kuti Explains Why He Refused to Kneel While Proposing to Wife Inedoye Onyenso Made Kuti, son of legendary Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti, has opened up about his views on marriage proposals and relationships. The 30-year-old singer revealed that he did not go down on one knee while proposing to his wife, Inedoye Onyenso, because he believes marriage should be a mutual agreement rather than one person pleading to the other. The Grammy-nominated artiste shared his opinion during a recent episode of the Timeless Podcast aired on Nix Network’s YouTube channel. “I did not go down on my knees when proposing to my wife because I told her it was a mutual decision. We are not begging each other to be with each other,” he said. Made Kuti and Inedoye Onyenso tied the knot in a private ceremony held in Lagos in November 2023. The singer also disclosed that Inedoye was once his “school daughter.” In 2025, Made Kuti reacted to criticism from some individuals who accused him and his wife of “mi...

 NNPC Probe:  EFCC Secures Final Forfeiture of Private Jet  The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Monday, May 18, 2026, secured a final forfeiture order of a Hawker private Jet 125 before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja over its link to fraud, corruption and money laundering regarding the Maiduguri Emergency Power Project, MEPP. The aircraft, with model number 800XP, serial number 258553 and registration number 5N-AMK, was forfeited following an application by the EFCC. Ruling on the application, Justice Nwite held that no sufficient cause was shown by Valiente Jet Limited, a company owned by Abdulsalam Mustapha Kachallah, an interested party, why the aircraft should not be finally forfeited to the Federal Government. “The interested party has not demonstrated with evidence the lawful origin of the funds used to purchase the aircraft,” the judge held, stressing that the disguised manner through which the aircraft was acquired...

 EFCC Hands Over Recovered N837million to Katsina State Governor The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Kano Zonal Directorate, on  Monday,  May 18, 2026  officially handed over recovered monetary exhibits totaling ₦837,485,389.00 to the Katsina State Government. The handover followed separate investigations into two major cases involving stolen public funds belonging to the state. In the first case, the Commission recovered ₦547,015,389.00 ( Five Hundred and Forty Seven Million,  Fifteen Thousand,  Three Hundred and Eighty Nine Naira)  following a petition from the Katsina State Government regarding the criminal diversion of nearly ₦1.3 billion in statutory tax remittances.  The funds, which originated from international organizations including the World Health Organization (WHO), Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), and ALIMA, were systematically diverted into a private bank account by six Board of Internal Revenue Service (BOIRS) perso...

Alleged $1.3m, N746.7m:   Court Sustains Arrest Warrant against  Former Minister, Sadiya Farouq Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, sitting in Apo, Abuja on Monday, May 18, 2026 sustained the arrest warrant he issued against the former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Sadiya Umar Farouq on April 16, 2026. The former Minister,  alongside tow others,  Bashir Nura Alkali and Sani Nafiu Mohammed are to face prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC for an alleged case of criminal conspiracy, abuse of office and diversion of public funds to the tune of $1.3 million and N746.7million. At Monday’s proceedings, counsel to the prosecution, Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, informed the court that the matter was for arraignment and observed that the first defendant was absent in court without advancing any reason. “My lord, we were here on April 16, 2026, when your lordship granted us a bench warrant to arrest the first defenda...

 Gov. Soludo Introduces New Burial Law, Bans Presentation of Cows, Goats as Condolence Gifts The Anambra State Government has rolled out stringent new legislation aimed at curbing extravagant funeral practices, prohibiting midweek burials and limiting condolence gifts in a bid to ease financial burdens on bereaved families and restore order to burial ceremonies. The law, passed by the Anambra State House of Assembly, restricts all burial and funeral ceremonies to Saturdays only, effectively outlawing burials from Monday to Friday. It also mandates that all burial activities must be completed within a single day. Under the new regulations, condolence gifts to the deceased’s family are strictly limited to money, one jar of palm wine, one carton of beer, and one crate of soft drinks. The presentation of cows, goats, bags of rice, and other expensive items has been banned outright. The legislation, obtained by journalists on Monday, describes the measures as a major step toward elimina...

 STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE PRESIDENT TINUBU ASSURES ON RESCUE OF KIDNAPPED VICTIMS IN OYO STATE, CONDEMNS REPORTED KILLING OF ABDUCTED TEACHER   President Bola Tinubu has condemned as barbaric the reported killing of one of the abducted teachers from the Esiele community in Oyo State, while the rescue operation is underway.   Bandits invaded the Esiele community in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State last Friday. They abducted staff, students, and pupils of Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School and L.A. Primary School.   Security operatives are working around the clock to rescue the victims and apprehend the bandits and their collaborators within the community.   President Tinubu sympathised with Governor Seyi Makinde, the government, and the people of Oyo State for the unfortunate incident and assured them that the federal government will collaborate with the state government to rescue the victims.   "I am saddened by the report...

 BAUCHI STATE POLICE COMMAND PRESS RELEASE CP SANI-OMOLORI PAYS CONDOLENCE VISIT TO FAMILY OF LATE PERMANENT SECRETARY, SHEHU YAHAYA JALAM The Commissioner of Police, Bauchi State Command, CP Sani-OmoloriAliyu, mni, psc(+), on behalf of all officers of the Command, has paid a condolence visit to the family of the late Shehu Yahaya Jalam, Permanent Secretary, Special Services, Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Bauchi State. The late Jalam passed away on Saturday, 17th May 2026, in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, after a brief illness while participating in the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage.  During the visit, CP Sani-Omolori described the deceased as a dedicated public servant whose loyalty and commitment to Bauchi State were evident in his years of service, particularly in coordinating Hajj operations and other key government assignments. He noted that the loss is not only to the Jalam family but to the entire government and people of Bauchi State. The Commissioner prayed for the p...

 NAPTIP ARRESTS 54-YEAR-OLD MAN IN ABUJA FOR REPEATED SEXUAL ABUSE AND ASSAULT OF FOUR MALE VICTIMS. Operatives of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) have arrested one Mr. Bartholomew, aged 54, for the alleged serial sexual abuse, coercion, and violent assault of four young men. The suspect was apprehended on May 15, 2026, at his residence in the Dei Dei area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, following an intensive investigation sparked by a formal petition submitted to the Office of the Director-General. The victims have been safely removed from the abusive environment and are currently receiving comprehensive medical treatment, psychological evaluation, and counseling at a secure facility. The suspect remains in custody and will be formally arraigned in a court of competent jurisdiction as soon as preliminary judicial processes are concluded. NAPTIP further assured Nigerians of its continued dedication to protecting victims, pr...

 2026/2030 drug control plan: EU, UNODC, ECOWAS assure Nigeria of support - Commend NDLEA’s commitment, successes as Marwa warns against complacency  International partners including the European Union (EU), the United Nations office on Drugs and Crime (UNODc) and the Economic Community of West Africa (ECOWAS) have assured Nigeria of support in its determination to tackle the problem of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in the next five years. The assurance was given in their remarks at the opening session of a two-day National Drug Control Master Plan (NDCMP) Consultative Forum organized by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Abuja on Monday 18th May 2026. In its goodwill message delivered at the event by the deputy head, the EU delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Zissimos Vergos, the European Union expressed preparedness to assist Nigeria in its ongoing drug control efforts. According to him, "Our presence here today is that of partners who have ...

ANAMBRA POLICE COMMAND CAUTIONS AGAINST OBSTRUCTIVE RECORDING ANDROID HARASSMENT OF OFFICERS ON LAWFUL DUTY _Appreciates the genuine motive of holding officers accountable not provocations to record reactions_ The Anambra State Police Command has expressed concern over the growing trend of individuals aggressively and obstructively recording Police Officers while they are carrying out legitimate law enforcement duties, thereby provoking these officers with insults and creating unnecessary hostility in public spaces. Such conduct may compromise public safety and undermine ongoing law enforcement efforts. The Command acknowledges and respects the constitutional rights of citizens to record public officers in the discharge of their duties. However, such rights must be exercised responsibly and within the confines of the law. The Police reiterates that the act of recording should not degenerate into harassment, intimidation, stalking officers with cameras, verbal abuse, physical confrontat...

 ‎NOCEN, UNN Admit Degree and NCE Students at 2026 Matriculation Ceremony ‎ ‎ ‎By Mokwugwo Ogochukwu ‎ ‎Nwafor Orizu College of Education, Nsugbe (NOCEN), in affiliation with the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, held its 29th and 45th Matriculation Ceremony on Friday, May 15, 2026, formally admitting a new cohort of students. The ceremony marked a key academic milestone for both Degree and Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) candidates as they were officially inducted into their respective programmes. ‎ ‎In his welcome address, the Provost of NOCEN, Prof. Ndirika, congratulated the matriculants and urged them to remain committed to their academic goals. He cautioned against involvement in cultism and other social vices, and encouraged the students to take full advantage of the institution’s learning resources and facilities. ‎ ‎Representing the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Prof. G.C. Nji, Dean of the Faculty of Education, delivered a message congratulating...

  Moment security man physically assault€d a lawyer this morning at Federal High court in Abuja. ACCORDING TO ANOTHER SOURCE: Moment security guard assAulted a lawyer at the Fedetal High Court Abuja. A video showing the moment a security guard physically assaulted a lawyer at the Fedetal High court Abuja today, May 18, has made the rounds on social media. Activist, Omoyele Sowore, who shared the video online, wrote ‘’The Federal High Court has now been reduced to a center for the dehumanization of lawyers and litigants. Today, court security personnel physically assaulted one of my lawyers simply for insisting that we be allowed into the court premises to attend to our cases. Nigeria is finished!dill’’ The video has left many enraged by the security guard’s action on the lawyer. Watch video below. 

 List of all 47 senatorial aspirants NOT CLEARED by the APC:  1.  Hon. Hamish Idris – Adamawa State, North Senatorial District 2.  Hon. Abdurman Kwacham – Adamawa State, North Senatorial District 3.  Chimzobam Kingsley Nnalue – Anambra State, North Senatorial District 4.  Donald Daunemigita – Bayelsa State, West Senatorial District 5.  Sen. Ben Murray Bruce – Bayelsa State, East Senatorial District 6.  Sen. Benson S. Agadaga – Bayelsa State, East Senatorial District 7.  Daniel Effiong Asuquo – Cross River State, South Senatorial District 8.  Oden Ibiang O Ewa – Cross River State, Central Senatorial District 9.  Dr. Marian Nnamaka Ogoh-Ali – Delta State, North Senatorial District 10.  Sen. Usman J. Wowo – FCT (no district listed) 11.  Abubakar Umar Abdullahi – FCT (no district listed) 12.  Adam Mouktar Mohammed – Jigawa State, South/West Senatorial District 13.  Sen. Garba Musa Mai Doki – Kebbi State, South Senato...