PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 "@the independent in the Nigerian media have decided to spread falsehoods stated by my daughter Amal, after I came out to refute her false.claims. This is cheap.and  very iresponsible journalism, especially after I made it clear in my last instagram post that my daughter’s claims were untrue. This is an insult to my intelligence and not far off exploiting my personal issues in a deceptive way. Let me repeat this clearly: Nobody has asked me for my daughter’s hand in marriage. My family both immediate and extended, did not participate in any traditional or marital rites. Stop telling a pack of lies!  The young man whom she introduced a few weeks ago as her husband, came alone with no family member nor a bottle of water, let alone  a  glass of wine to my house.  Publishing an article stating that  I blessed a  grand marriage of my daughter is deceptive to the audience of The Nigerian Independence newspaper. Deceptive and disgraceful. The authour of...

 Female Fan of Late Alexx Ekubo Passes Away During Burial Preparations A female fan of late Nollywood actor Alexx Ekubo has reportedly passed away while preparations for the actor’s burial are ongoing. It would be recalled that reports earlier confirmed that Alexx Ekubo died on May 11, 2026, at Evercare Hospital in Lagos following complications linked to advanced metastatic kidney cancer. According to reports, the actor’s burial is scheduled to take place on June 18, 2026, in Arochukwu. The deceased fan, identified as Matilda and popularly known as Iya Ibadan, was said to have been actively involved in the burial preparations. News of her passing was announced through a lengthy tribute shared on her Instagram page. The tribute described her death as shocking and painful, while also extending condolences to her family, loved ones, and those affected by the loss. According to the statement, Matilda reportedly died while returning home. The post read: “She met her untimely death on he...

 50 Cent Speaks Out After Alleged Diddy and Daphne Joy Video Sparks Online Debate 50 Cent has reacted after an alleged leaked video reportedly connected to Sean Combs, popularly known as Diddy, and his former partner Daphne Joy became a major topic online. The controversial clip, which was also said to mention adult film performer Sly Diggler, sparked widespread discussion across social media over the weekend. However, the authenticity of the alleged video has not been independently confirmed. 50 Cent initially appeared to mock Diddy in a post shared on Instagram before turning his attention to Daphne Joy, who is also the mother of his son, Sire. In one of his posts, the rapper expressed concern about the impact of the controversy on their child. “She’s not a victim, SIRE is. Can you imagine going to eighth grade to find out this is your mom.” He also criticised the custody situation involving their son, writing: “The court system in LA thinks it’s fine.” The latest comments have f...

FRSC ARRESTS 1,691 ROAD OFFENDERS IN FIVE DAYS OF "OPERATION GUDUMA" The Federal Road Safety Corps, through a special intervention operation Guduma has arrested 1,691 road offenders within five days of enforcement.  The arrests were said to be executed simultaneously across critical transport corridors in eleven states, targeted dangerous practices such as overloading, mix-loading, fake diplomatic number plates and other fraudulent vehicle identification violations that continue to threaten lives and compromise security across the country. The operation was also said to have uncovered numerous vehicles operating with dangerously unlatched containers and overloaded cargoes, conditions that significantly increased the likelihood of catastrophic crashes, fatalities and economic losses.

 Nigeria-UAE Trade Hits $5 billion, 1st Abu Dhabi Bank Opens In Lagos Nigeria’s economic ties with the United Arab Emirates continue to grow as non-oil trade between both countries hits 5 billion dollars, while First Abu Dhabi Bank has opened its Lagos office. Etihad Airlines will also begin Abuja operations this year. In a statement, Minister of Foreign Affairs Bianca Ojukwu and the UAE Ambassador say both countries are working to implement their Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement to boost trade and investment.  This was disclosed when the UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, Salem Saeed Al-Shamsi, paid a visit to the Nigeria's Minister of Foreign Affairs in Abuja.   He said non-oil trade grew from 4.3 billion dollars in 2024 to 5 billion dollars in 2025, and is projected to hit 8 billion dollars by 2027.  He also announced that visa restrictions for Nigerians have been eased, with over 15,000 Nigerians travelled  to the UAE in the last one year.  Al-Shams...

 Repeat vehicle theft offender sentenced to 8 years in prison  The Mokopane Regional Court has sentenced 35-year-old Lucky Msizi Tshabangu to an effective eight years’ direct imprisonment for offences involving stolen motor vehicles and reckless and negligent driving. According to police, Tshabangu was first arrested in May 2025 after members of the Provincial Tracking Team intercepted him driving a stolen Toyota Corolla Cross that had been reported stolen in Gauteng. Investigations revealed that he was allegedly on his way to smuggle the vehicle through the Beitbridge Port of Entry. Police said he was released on bail but was arrested again in September 2025 at the Beitbridge Port of Entry while driving another Toyota Corolla Cross that had also been reported stolen in Gauteng. His bail was subsequently revoked and the cases were combined for prosecution. The court sentenced him to: • Five years’ imprisonment for possession of a stolen motor vehicle. • Two years’ imprisonment...

 Fr. Ebube Muonso Distributes Cash, Food Items to Over 300 Elderly Persons, Pledges N50 Million for Hospital Bills By Uzo Ugwunze The Spiritual Director of the Holy Ghost Adoration Ministry, Uke, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Obimma popularly known as Ebube Muonso has distributed bags of rice and cash gifts to no fewer than 300 elderly residents of Nkwelle Ezunaka in Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State. The beneficiaries, most of whom are in their 70s and above, also received their monthly stipends from the cleric during the outreach held on May 30. Speaking to journalists, Fr. Obimma described the gesture as a long-standing commitment inspired by his deep love and concern for the elderly, noting that supporting senior citizens has become a regular part of his ministry and humanitarian activities. He announced plans to visit hospitals within the area to offset the medical bills of patients, with a proposed expenditure of about N50 million. According to him, I came here today to spend ti...

 Update: 22-year-old, Karson Hyder, has officially been charged with 'assault inflicting serious injury' in connection to the very controversial and violent arrest of Cherrie Moore. Former officer Hyder turned himself in at the Cleveland County Detention Center in North Carolina. His bond was set at $10,000. Karson immediately posted that amount and was released.  Our original story is below. -----------‐-----‐‐‐-------‐--‐----‐‐----‐--‐--‐--- North Carolina police officer has been fired after a video of him repeatedly punching a detained woman in the face, went viral. Brad Fraser, the Chief of Police for Shelby, North Carolina, held a press conference on Saturday, May 30th.  The conference was held to address the growing public concern regarding the brutal arrest of 34-year-old, Cherrie Moore. In the time since her arrest, a shocking video captured by a doorbell camera has been released. In the video, you see Shelby PD officer, Karson Hyder, suddenly slam Cherrie to the ...

 STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE   PRESIDENT TINUBU COMMENDS THE NAVY FOR SEVEN DECADES OF PROVIDING MARITIME SECURITY, COMMISSIONS THREE VESSELS  President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Monday, commended the Nigerian Navy for its seven decades of commitment and sacrifice in safeguarding Nigeria's maritime domain and protecting the nation's economic interests.  He spoke at the 2026 International Fleet Review held at the Eko Atlantic Waterfront, Lagos, as part of events to commemorate the Navy’s 70th Anniversary.  President Tinubu also commissioned three Nigerian Naval vessels: NNS Oloibiri, NNS Mambila, and NNS Gurara.  As reviewing officer at the event, President Tinubu praised the Navy’s achievements in combating piracy, crude oil theft, illegal fishing, maritime smuggling, and other transnational crimes in the Gulf of Guinea.   He specifically lauded the Navy’s sustained efforts against crude oil theft and maritime criminality, noting that these operatio...

 Alleged Impersonation of EFCC Staff:   Defendant Faces Judgment June 15 Justice A. I. Akobi of the Federal Capital Territory, High Court, Kubwa, Abuja, on Monday, June 1, 2026, slated June 15, 2026 for judgment in the case of criminal impersonation of  officers of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC and extortion by one Salifu Olije Mustapha. At Monday’s proceeding, the EFCC presented its First Prosecution Witness, PW1, Stanley Ujilibo against the defendant. The witness, an investigator with the EFCC, disclosed that the Commission received intelligence on how the defendant and two others, identified as Haruna Mamuda Adamu and Abubakar Umar Hamisu- who are currently under arrest and investigation by a security agency-on several occasions kitted themselves with fake operational uniforms of EFCC and set out in the defendant’s Toyota Corolla, with registration number KTU-399-GT to extort money from unsuspecting youths around Sherif Plaza, Wuse 2, Abuja. H...

 PRESS RELEASE EDO POLICE WARNS AGAINST UNLAWFUL POSSESSION AND USE OF POLICE ACCOUTREMENTS, OFFENSIVE WEAPONS, ARRESTS THREE BOUNCERS AND SELLER The Edo State Police Command has expressed grave concern over the increasing proliferation, unauthorized possession, and unlawful use of restricted security accoutrements such as pepper spray, tear-gas canisters, and other force-related equipment by private individuals, bouncers, vigilantes, and unauthorized security outfits within the State. It frowns on the use of such items without proper training, or regard for public safety, thereby endangering innocent lives and creating avoidable public disorder. It would be recalled that on 25th May, 2026, a Police Officer attached to the Command unlawfully discharged tear-gas at Ogida, Benin City, an incident which unfortunately led to the loss of a life. The officer involved was immediately arrested and subjected to disciplinary and criminal procedures in line with extant laws. Similarly, on 27t...

 South Africa World Cup squad delayed after visa issues, set to depart Monday ahead of opening match in Mexico City  South Africa’s World Cup squad has delayed its departure after visa issues disrupted travel plans, with the team now set to leave Monday following last-minute efforts to resolve the problem. The national soccer body confirmed the change after the squad was originally scheduled to depart Sunday but was unable to do so because some players and support staff had not yet secured U.S. visas. South Africa will open its World Cup campaign on June 11 against co-host Mexico in Mexico City and is also set to play a group-stage match in the United States. Sports officials said the visa delay stemmed from an administrative error involving team management. Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie publicly criticized the situation, calling it embarrassing and demanding a formal report from the South African Football Association. He said the situation was making the country “look like ...

 Romance Scam: Court Orders Final Forfeiture of N17.1m to FG Justice A.O. Owoeye of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Monday, June 1, 2026, ordered the final forfeiture of the sum of N17,100,595.40 to the Federal Government of Nigeria. The forfeited fund, domiciled in Access Bank,  is linked to one Ifeanyi Alele David, who is under investigation for alleged romance fraud and related criminal activities by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,  EFCC. The judge issued the order, following a motion on notice filed by the EFCC  Lagos Zonal Directorate 1, Ikoyi, through its counsel, C.C.Okezie.  The court had, on February 26, 2026, granted an interim forfeiture order of the fund and directed the Commission to publish the order in a national newspaper to enable any interested person or entity to show cause why it should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria. While moving the application for the final forfeiture, Oke...

 Eva Longoria says this quality is more important than an Ivy League education: 'Do you have the capacity to figure it out?' Eva Longoria credits her time on Desperate Housewives as a turning point in her career, not only for the fame it brought but also for the lessons she learned behind the scenes.  Playing Gabrielle Solis across eight seasons gave her the chance to observe dozens of directors, shaping her own perspective on leadership.  One key takeaway was rejecting the idea that “the director is always right,” a principle she says has guided her well beyond Hollywood. Longoria explained that both filmmaking and entrepreneurship thrive on collaboration, emphasizing the importance of surrounding yourself with smart, resourceful people and learning from their successes and failures.  She highlighted mentorship as a crucial part of her growth, noting that mentors don’t have to be close acquaintances. For her, figures like Martin Scorsese and Oprah have served as ins...

 TROOPS IN KOGI CRUSH KIDNAPPERS’ ESCAPE PLAN, RESCUE 23 VICTIMS  Troops of 12 Brigade Nigerian Army have successfully rescued 23 kidnapped passengers following a swift counter-kidnapping operation along the Ayegunle–Bunu Road in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State. The rescue operation was launched in the early hours of 1 June 2026 after suspected bandits barricaded the highway and abducted several passengers travelling through the area. Acting on a distress call received at about 3:30 am, troops deployed within the Kabba metropolis immediately staged a rescue operation to the scene. Although the kidnappers had fled before the arrival of security forces, troops swiftly initiated an aggressive pursuit along the criminals’ suspected withdrawal routes. The troops during an assessment of the attack scene recovered two Toyota commercial buses and a HOWO truck abandoned by the roadside. Sadly, two victims were confirmed dead, while five others sustained injuries and were...

 Hundreds protest outside Kenya’s Ebola quarantine centre for U.S citizens Hundreds of youths in Kenya’s central town of Nanyuki demonstrated against the establishment at the Laikipia Air Base of an Ebola quarantine centre for American citizens exposed to the virus. The protests, on Monday, come two days after Kenya’s High Court suspended the establishment of the facility and the arrival of any foreign patients pending the hearing of a case filed by the Law Society of Kenya and a constitutional watchdog, Katiba Institute. On Monday, hundreds of youths marched to the gates of the air base, chanting anti-Ebola slogans. The two organisations leading the protests in court cited Kenya’s fragile health system as the reason why foreign Ebola patients should not be quarantined in the country, AP reported. Controversial arrangement However, Health Minister Aden Duale on Sunday said the quarantine centre was for “everyone” and not exclusively for US nationals. The US, on May 30, said it is e...

 NAF EARNS INTERNATIONAL COMBAT MEDICAL TRAINING ACCREDITATION, ENHANCES OPERATIONAL READINESS The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), in collaboration with the German Technical Advisory Group (GTAG), has achieved a significant milestone in combat medical capability following the accreditation of the Air Mobile First Aid Unit (AMFAU) of the Nigerian Air Force School of Medical Sciences and Aviation Medicine (NAFSMSAM), Kaduna, by the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT), USA. The achievement was marked by the successful conduct of the first-ever NAEMT-accredited Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) training in Nigeria, positioning AMFAU among a select group of accredited NAEMT training centres in West Africa and reinforcing the NAF's commitment to developing world-class combat medical capabilities. The Tactical Combat Casualty Care programme is globally recognised as the gold standard in battlefield medicine, equipping personnel with critical lifesaving skills requir...

Players at the 2026 World Cup will be stopped from going to the technical area to talk to coaches when goalkeepers are injured, Fifa referees' chief Pierluigi Collina has revealed. The International Football Association Board (Ifab) has also approved a request to change video assistant referee (VAR) protocol to allow reviews of attacking fouls that happen before the ball is in play. The 'goalkeeper tactical timeout' has become a hot topic in recent years. It is used by a manager to get new instructions to his players, or to impact the momentum of the opposition. In November, Leeds United boss Daniel Farke accused Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "bend the rules" and break up play. The goalkeeper sits on the turf and signals for the physio, the other players rush to the technical area for a team talk, then as soon as the coach has delivered his instructions, the keeper simply gets up to play on. The Ifab has been looking at the ...

 POLICE SERVICE COMMISSION DISOWNS VIRAL FAKE RECRUITMENT SHORTLIST The Police Service Commission (PSC) has disowned a fake police recruitment shortlist currently circulating on social media, warning applicants not to fall victim to fraudsters. The Commission says no shortlist of candidates for medical examinations has been released, stressing that the evaluation of the written examination is still ongoing.  The PSC notes that, successful candidates will be notified through official channels, including email, SMS, and the recruitment portal, once the assessment process is concluded. The Commission urges members of the public to disregard the fake list and remain vigilant against individuals seeking to exploit applicants. The PSC also reiterates its commitment to a transparent, credible, and merit-based recruitment process, reminding applicants that the exercise is completely free of charge and that no payment is required at any stage.

  At 40 years old, legendary midfielder James Milner has announced his retirement after an unbelievable 24-year professional career.  658 Premier League appearances — the most by any player in the competition's history!  🏆 3× Premier League 🏆 2× FA Cup 🏆 2× Community Shield 🏆 2× League Cup 🏆 1× UEFA Champions League From making his debut at just 16 years old to becoming one of football's most respected professionals, Milner built a career based on consistency, hard work and longevity. 💪🍷 A true Premier League icon. The type of player every manager wanted and every teammate respected. ❤️👏 Respect, James Milner. Football will miss you

 Abia APC Dismisses Paul Ikonne's Claim of Abia South Senatorial Ticket as False and Misleading The Abia State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has noted with serious concern the misleading propaganda and false claims being circulated by Prince Paul Ikonne, alleging that he has been awarded the party’s ticket for the Abia South Senatorial District for the 2027 General Elections. The party wishes to categorically state that these claims are false, baseless, and intended to mislead party faithful and the general public. For the avoidance of doubt, the APC Senatorial Primary Election for Abia South Senatorial District was duly conducted on May 18, 2026, simultaneously across the sixty-five (65) wards of the district, in strict compliance with the Constitution and Guidelines of our great party. At the conclusion of the exercise, the results declared by the Chairman of the National Assembly Primary Election Committee, Prof. Erasmus Cishak, showed as follows: 1.) Hon. Erond...

Commodores Co-Founder Ronald LaPread Passes Away at 75 Ronald LaPread, one of the founding members of the legendary Commodores and the band's longtime bassist, has passed away at the age of 75. The news was shared by his daughter, Sonya, in an emotional Instagram Story on Saturday. "It is with a heavy heart that I must announce that my Father Ronald LaPread has passed," she wrote. No official cause of d3ath was disclosed by the family. However, the New Zealand Herald reported that LaPread experienced a sudden medical event. LaPread helped establish the Commodores in 1968 alongside fellow musicians including Lionel Richie, Walter Orange, William King, Milan Williams and Thomas McClary. The group came together while studying at the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. After signing with Motown in 1972, the Commodores rose to become one of the label's most successful acts. Their catalogue produced enduring classics such as Three Times a Lady, Brick House and Nightshift. Over t...

 Bandits Reportedly Attack Kaduna Mosque, Kill Worshipper, Kidnap Several Others Armed bandits on Friday night attacked a mosque in Unguwan Namama village, Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State, killing one worshipper and abducting several others, according to SaharaReporters. The attack occurred despite ongoing efforts by the Kaduna State Government to tackle banditry across the region. Reports indicate that the assailants stormed the mosque at about 8 p.m. and opened fire on worshippers, causing panic and confusion. The victim was identified as Adamu Ibraheem. His relative, Abubakar Abdullahi, confirmed the incident in a statement shared with the media. Sources said the attackers surrounded the area while prayers were ongoing and began shooting at worshippers as they exited the mosque. Several people sustained gunshot wounds and were taken to hospital for treatment. As of the time of filing this report, authorities had not confirmed the exact number of people abducted or inj...

 ‎Anambra Govt Restores Tazan–3-3 Road After Years of Neglect, Easing Movement in Idemili North ‎ ‎By Anthonia Chioma Okeke ‎ ‎ ‎Residents of Akuzor in Idemili North Local Government Area have commended Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, for the rehabilitation of the long-abandoned Tazan Junction to 3-3 Road. For several years, the road was in a deplorable condition, hampering movement for motorists, traders, and residents, particularly during the rainy season. The poor state of the road resulted in frequent accidents and severe hardship for the community. ‎ ‎Following the state government’s recent intervention, the road has been rehabilitated, restoring safe passage and bringing relief to thousands of residents and commuters in the area. ‎ ‎Speaking on the development, Mr. Ikechukwu Nwakasi, an Awka indigene who has lived in Akuzor for over 28 years, expressed delight at the government’s action. ‎ ‎Mrs. Nkechi Edeh, a trader along Akuzor Road, described the former stat...

 ‎Nkpor Landlord Association Threatens Sanctions Over Blocked Gutters, Unpaid Sanitation Levies ‎ ‎By Nkechi Bridget Okoye ‎ ‎ ‎The Chairman of Amafor West Landlord Association, Nkpor, Mr. Ephraim Ikwunne, has warned residents of Amafor West and its environs to stop dumping refuse in waterways, describing the act as harmful to public health. ‎ ‎The warning was delivered through the association’s public announcer. Mr. Ikwunne expressed concern over the increasing blockage of drainage channels with waste, noting that it poses a threat to human life and encourages the spread of diseases in the area.  ‎ ‎In his words, “Refuse should not be dumped in waterways. These canals are meant for the free flow of water, not for waste disposal." ‎ ‎The Chairman also urged residents to pay their sanitation and security levies promptly. He explained that the levies are remitted to relevant government agencies and will enable proper clearing of drainages and smooth collaboration with security o...

 DSS ARRESTS FIVE ARMS COURIERS, TWO SUSPECTS LINKED TO PAPIRI KIDNAP The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested five suspected arms couriers, including two foreign nationals, linked to the November 2025 mass abduction at St. Mary's Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State.                   A statement by the service says the suspects supplied weapons to the gunmen who kidnapped nearly 300 students and staff during the attack. The operation began with the interception of three suspects along the Zaria-Kaduna Highway as they allegedly moved to receive a weapons consignment. A follow-up raid led to the arrest of international arms courier Goni Ibrahim from the Diffa Region of Niger Republic and his accomplice, Tukur Sani. Operatives recovered 15 AK-103 rifles, 15 magazines, and 1,434 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition concealed in their vehicle. Days later, another suspected syndicate member, Alhaji Adamu, also known as Gado Ban...