PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 Setting the Records Straight on  Citizen Asar Michael Sesugh's  Death The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,  EFCC,  considered it imperative to clear the air on some recent incidents at its Makurdi Zonal Directorate,  Benue State.   Operatives of the Directorate arrested 26 suspected cyber fraudsters on April 28,  2026.  They were profiled and kept in custody for further investigations after obtaining a Remand Order at a Magistrate Court.  Shortly after their arrest,  specifically on May 4,  2026,  three of the suspects sought permission to use the lavatory at the Directorate's  Holding Facility and were permitted.   They cashed in on the opportunity,  broke the toilet's roof and escaped from detention.  Several efforts were made to re- arrest them to no avail. However,  fresh intelligence came on Thursday,  May 21,  2026 that one of the escaped suspects,   As...

 Auction to feature furniture, clothing and artwork from late Oscar-winning actress Diane Keaton’s estate Furniture, clothing and artwork once owned by late Oscar-winning actress Diane Keaton will be offered at auction next week as part of a large estate sale featuring more than 50 lots tied to her personal collection. The auction, titled “Diane Keaton: Architecture of an Icon,” is scheduled for June 8 and includes items from Keaton’s Los Angeles home, personal craft materials and a range of signature outfits worn throughout her career. The collection is being offered following Keaton’s death from pneumonia last October at age 79. Known for her distinctive personal style on and off screen, Keaton often incorporated hats, neckties and belts into her wardrobe. That aesthetic famously carried into her Oscar-winning role in the 1977 film “Annie Hall,” where she wore a mix of menswear-inspired pieces, including a wide necktie and sweater vest. Among the items up for bidding is a black-a...

 Bahrain and Kuwait say Iranian missile and drone attacks intercepted as Gulf tensions escalate amid US-Iran conflict  Bahrain’s government said Saturday that Iranian ballistic missiles and drones were launched toward both Bahrain and Kuwait, but were intercepted before reaching their targets, as tensions surged across the Gulf region amid ongoing exchanges between Iran and U.S.-aligned forces. Kuwait’s foreign ministry described the strikes as a “serious escalation” and a “flagrant violation of sovereignty,” adding that the country reserves the right to defend itself. Bahrain urged Iran to immediately halt attacks against neighboring Gulf states as officials reported no confirmed damage. The announcements came hours after U.S. forces said they intercepted Iranian missiles and drones targeting the Strait of Hormuz and Gulf allies, while also striking Iranian coastal radar installations in response. The sequence of attacks and counterstrikes further strained an already fragile ...

 Iran’s World Cup soccer team granted U.S visas ahead of tournament, official confirms Iran’s national soccer team has been issued visas allowing players to enter the United States and compete in the upcoming World Cup, a U.S. official confirmed. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said during congressional testimony earlier this week that the administration had “no problem” approving visas for Iran’s team. However, he stressed that U.S. authorities would closely monitor entries to prevent individuals linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps from joining the delegation under non-sporting roles. Rubio said the government would not permit “people that we know have nothing to do with athletics” or those with ties to the IRGC to be embedded with the team, adding that screening would be closely enforced. U.S. Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack later praised embassy staff in Ankara for processing the visas, writing on social media that he was proud of their work supporting Iran’s nati...

 Mauritius bans entry from DR Congo, Uganda, South Sudan over Ebola fears announced a temporary entry ban on foreign nationals who have traveled to, transited through, or stayed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan in the last 21 days. The measure comes due to the latest Ebola virus outbreak which has also forced the Indian Ocean island nation to propose the postponement of the US-Africa business summit scheduled to be hosted on July 26-29. It added that mandatory public health screening and risk assessment at points of entry for travelers originating from the affected countries would be implemented with the immediate isolation and clinical assessment of any traveler presenting symptoms compatible with the virus.

 IGP DISU CONGRATULATES NIGERIA POLICE ACADEMY CADETS AS THEY EMERGED WINNERS OF THE 2026 RIL CAMPUS CROWN AWARDS DEBATE COMPETITION The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, has congratulated the Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil, Kano State, following the outstanding performance of its cadets who emerged winners of the Debate Competition at the 2026 RIL Campus Crown Awards, defeating participants from various tertiary institutions across Kano State. The RIL Campus Crown Awards is a  youth-focused initiative designed to provide students with a platform to showcase their talents through leadership debates, sports competitions, and other developmental engagements aimed at fostering critical thinking, teamwork, and responsible citizenship. In a keenly contested debate that featured some of the brightest minds from universities and tertiary institutions within the State, the cadets of the Nigeria Police Academy distinguished themselves through exceptiona...

Merlin star Anthony Head dies at 72  British actor Anthony Head, known for his roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Ted Lasso, Merlin and Little Britain, has died at the age of 72. His family confirmed to newsmen that he died of complications from pneumonia, surrounded by relatives. Head rose to international fame for his role as Rupert Giles in the supernatural teen drama Buffy the Vampire Slayer in the late 1990s. He later appeared in several popular productions, including the sketch comedy Little Britain, where he had a recurring role, and the BBC fantasy series Merlin, where he played King Uther Pendragon. He also featured in Apple TV+ series Ted Lasso as former football club owner Rupert Mannion. In a statement, his daughters Emily and Daisy said, “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the death of our extraordinary father.” They added that he died peacefully and described it as an honour to have been his daughters. “It has been, and forever will be, an honour and a privilege...

 Nollywood Actress and Abia Governorship Aspirant Doris Ogala Hospitalised After Collapse Nollywood actress Doris Ogala, the African Action Congress (AAC) governorship candidate for Abia State in the 2027 elections, was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Umuahia, on Friday after she lost consciousness. According to reports and a video circulating on social media, Ogala collapsed during a consultation earlier that day. She was stabilised at the facility and later took to her Instagram page to provide an update on her condition. “I was rushed to FMC Umuahia. I lost consciousness. Glory to God I am stabilised now,” she wrote, alongside a video showing her at the health centre. While receiving treatment, Ogala was seen in a wheelchair interacting with patients and staff at the hospital. Video footage captured her engaging with patients and praying with them. Ogala is seeking to unseat the incumbent Governor Alex Otti in the 2027 gubernatorial election, with her campaign emphas...

 PRESS BRIEFING BY THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, FCT COMMAND, CP AHMED MUHAMMED SANUSI, PhD, fcai, ON THE 5TH DAY OF JUNE, 2026.   PROTOCOL   Distinguished members of the press,   I warmly welcome you all to the FCT Police Command Headquarters. Today’s briefing forms part of our ongoing efforts to keeping residents of the Federal Capital Territory informed about our efforts to safeguard lives and property across the FCT.   The achievements we present today are a testament to the resilience, professionalism, and commitment of officers and men of the FCT Police Command. They also reflect the invaluable support and cooperation of well-meaning residents whose intelligence and partnership contributed significantly to these successes.   1. ARREST OF SUSPECTED KIDNAPPERS AND RECOVERY OF FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION.   My attention was drawn to videos circulating on social media depicting four unidentified individuals in possession of AK-47 rifles, ammunition, and wa...

 PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES PASTOR KUMUYI ON  85th BIRTHDAY  President Bola Tinubu warmly rejoices with Pastor William Folorunso  Kumuyi, a remarkable servant of God, a visionary founder, and General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry, as he clocks 85.  President Tinubu remarks that Pastor Kumuyi’s enduring legacy of unwavering faith, wisdom, and dedication has shaped a thriving ministry for over 50 years.  Statement signed by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga states thus: “As the convener of Global Crusade with Kumuyi (GCK), your voice has reached beyond the church walls and national borders, bringing hope and encouragement to millions across the world. “Your writings have illuminated minds, inspired hearts, and provided timeless guidance to those seeking truth and purpose," the President remarks. President Tinubu notes that Pastor Kumuyi’s ministry and influence have also transformed lives, re...

 CLARIFICATION ON PRIMARIES RESULTS CONCERNING SENATORS    The office of the  President of the Senate Godswill Akpabio has made clarification on reports in some sections of the media claiming he promised to secure senatorial tickets for lawmakers who lost their party primaries.  In a statement his media adviser Eseme Eyiboh said the reports are false as Akpabio did not make or authorize any such promise. According to the statement, what Akpabio actually told his colleagues was that the leadership of the All Progressives Congress is working to resolve issues from the primaries and that the final list of candidates will be released in line with party rules. The Senate President stressed he remains committed to party discipline and will not interfere with APC’s internal processes.    The statement also addressed comments about a possible Senate probe into the military over recent security incidents noting that oversight is a constitutional duty, and that ...

 FRSC RECORDS 25.65% DROP IN ROAD CRASHES DURING EID EL KABIR SPECIAL PATROL The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) says the Corps has recorded 25.65% drop in road crashes one at the 2026 Eid-el-Kabir Special Patrol Operations.  delivered significant reductions across critical road safety indices nationwide.  In a statement by the Corps Public Education Officer, Osondu Ohaeri, the percent reflects dropping from 191 crashes recorded in 2025, to 142 in 2026.  there was also 22 percent reduction in the number of people involved in crashes, which fell from 1,364 persons in 2025 to 1,064 in 2026.  Reacting to this, the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed expressed appreciation to motorists and other road users who adhered to traffic regulations and embraced the Corps' safety advisories throughout the festive season, revealing that sustained enforcement, strategic planning, and collective commitment to road safety can substantially reduce the burden of crashes on Nigerian roa...

 Jill Biden says Melania Trump dodged questions about Barron, would only talk about weather during awkward inauguration ride In her new memoir A View from the East Wing, Jill Biden recounts an uneasy car ride with Melania Trump on Inauguration Day 2025. Jill describes how the incoming first lady avoided most questions and steered the conversation toward small talk about the weather.  The limo ride from the White House to the Capitol was one of the few times the two women had spent extended time together, aside from brief encounters at funerals.  Jill noted that John Bessler, husband of Sen. Amy Klobuchar, was assigned as a chaperone to ease the tension, though his attempts at conversation met with short replies from Melania. According to Jill, Melania spoke briefly about her son Barron, mentioning his enrollment at NYU and his life in Trump Tower under Secret Service protection.  When asked about pets, Melania said Barron had declined her suggestion of getting a dog....

 Denise Richards reveals where daughters Sami and Lola stand after feud and how she’s handling divorce Denise Richards shared that her daughters Sami, 22, and Lola Sheen, 21, have recently reconnected after past tensions. The actress told PEOPLE that Lola spent the night at Sami’s place, and the sisters FaceTimed her during their sleepover.  Richards said it was heartwarming to see them bond again, especially after a public dispute earlier this year when Sami accused Lola of dating her ex-boyfriend — an allegation Lola denied.  The sisters have since appeared together at public events, including Billie Eilish’s concert film premiere in Los Angeles. Richards reflected on her daughters’ growth, joking that advice for herself at their age would fill “a ginormous book.” She recalled her late mother’s mantra, “This too shall pass,” which she continues to lean on during difficult times.  Richards is currently navigating a public divorce from Aaron Phypers, with whom she sh...

 Security Concerns: Mountain of Fire Ministries Halts Overnight Vigils Nationwide, Imposes 8 PM Curfew on Services In a decisive move to protect its members amid rising security concerns across Nigeria, the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM) has officially suspended all overnight vigils and mandated that all church activities nationwide must conclude by 8:00 PM. The directive was communicated via an internal circular dated June 5, 2026, addressed to all Regional Overseers and branch pastors. According to the church leadership, the security measure takes effect immediately and will remain in place for the foreseeable future. New Directives for MFM Services and Gatherings Under the newly implemented guidelines, every level of the organization ranging from local branches to regional headquarters must adjust its schedule to ensure absolute compliance with the curfew. Key adjustments outlined in the circular include: • Strict 8:00 PM Cutoff: All services, administrative meet...

 Harriet Sperling Stuns in White as She Marries Peter Phillips in Royal Family Celebration Inside Peter Phillips and Harriet Sperling’s Intimate Gloucestershire Wedding Harriet Sperling turned heads as she arrived for her wedding to Peter Phillips, looking every bit the radiant bride in a stunning white gown and tiara. The NHS paediatric nurse specialist, 45, was seen arriving at All Saints Church in Gloucestershire, where she exchanged vows with Princess Anne’s son in a private ceremony attended by members of the Royal Family and close friends. The wedding, held in Kemble near Cirencester, attracted several high-profile royal guests.  Among those in attendance were King Charles and Queen Camilla, as well as Prince William and Princess Catherine.  Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie also attended alongside their husbands, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi and Jack Brooksbank. The ceremony was a family-focused occasion, with Peter’s daughters, Savannah, 15, and Isla, 14, playing im...

  Foreign national arrested with illicit tobacco worth R1.5 million in Limpopo 🚔 A 49-year-old foreign national has been arrested after police intercepted a truck transporting illicit tobacco valued at approximately R1.5 million in the Moletlane policing area. According to SAPS, the Provincial Tracking Team received intelligence about a white Nissan truck allegedly transporting illicit tobacco from Zimbabwe to Gauteng. The truck was placed under observation with assistance from Tshimollo Security and Investigations before it was intercepted along the R518 road in Moletlane on Thursday, 4 June 2026. Police discovered 333 master boxes of Hookar tobacco during the search. Further investigations revealed that the suspect, a Zimbabwean national, was allegedly in South Africa illegally. Police seized the Nissan truck, valued at about R800,000, together with the illicit tobacco, bringing the total estimated value of the seizure to R2.3 million. The suspect is expected to appear before th...

 Tiger Woods Continues Intensive Recovery Program With Golf Return in Sight Tiger Woods is continuing his rehabilitation program in Switzerland as he works to recover from injuries linked to his March car crash. Sources familiar with the situation say the golf icon is expected to remain in treatment through the end of June, keeping him on track to complete a planned three-month recovery program. The process has not been easy. In addition to focusing on his physical health, Woods is also dealing with legal issues stemming from the crash, creating added pressure during an already demanding period. Even so, those close to him say he remains committed to getting better and has not given up on returning to the sport that made him a global star. According to insiders, Woods' current priorities include managing pain, rebuilding his fitness, and restoring the physical condition needed to compete at a high level. While there is no timetable for a comeback, people in his circle say the desir...

 Mali jails French diplomat over alleged destabilisation plot A Malian court has ordered a 20-year jail term against an official at the French embassy accused of being a spy for "undermining state security". Detained since his arrest in August 2025, the Frenchman was also hit with a 5,400-euro ($6,225) fine and a 20-year ban on entering Mali, AFP reported. At the time of his arrest, the Malian authorities accused the official, identified as Yann V., of working for the French intelligence services, and railed against "foreign states" trying to destabilise the country. He was detained on August 13 in the company of several Malian officers, who were allegedly plotting a coup in the country. France again insisted that the charges against the official, who was working at the French embassy in the capital, Bamako, were without merit. "Our agent is the subject of legal proceedings involving baseless accusations," the French foreign ministry said. "Our offici...

 OPERATION FANSAN YAMMA INTERCEPTS SUSPECTED ARMS DEALER, RECOVERS LARGE CACHE OF AMMUNITION; FOILS CATTLE RUSTLING OPERATION Troops of Joint Task Force (North West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY) have recorded significant operational successes in separate operations conducted across the North-West theatre, resulting in the arrest of a suspected arms courier, recovery of a large cache of ammunition, and the successful recovery of rustled cattle. On 5 June 2026, troops of Sector 2 OPFY deployed at a checkpoint in Kaura Namoda intercepted a civilian vehicle travelling towards Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State. During a thorough search of the vehicle, the troops recovered a locally fabricated pistol, a magazine and over 1,000 rounds of ammunition concealed in a sack containing millet, among other items. Further examination revealed that the recovered weapons and ammunition were allegedly being transported by a 42-year-old suspect identified as Mustapha Abubakar, who is be...

 -Emotional advisory for readers- An 11-year-old New York girl has ended her young life after she fell victim to relentless bullies at school. Nadiya Santiago was a typical pre-teen girl who outwardly appeared "full of life" and was known for her "genuine love" for others. Nadiya was an impressive middle school student. She was a consistent honor student at Frontier Middle School. Everyone in Nadiya's life knew one thing for certain... this was a young girl who had her priorities straight and was well on her way to achieve greatness in her life.  On May 19th, everything changed for this sweet girl and her loved ones. The late evening of May 18th, before bedtime, Nadiya confided in her mother and told her that she had "accidentally posted a TikTok", and people were "saying stuff online". Nadiya, being the bright girl that she was, and quite mature for her age, she reassured her mother that it wasn't that bad but admitted she was embarrasse...

 Regina Daniels Surprises Her Father with a Luxurious Brand-New Car on His Birthday Popular Nollywood actress and fashion icon Regina Daniels has once again proven her deep love for family by celebrating her father’s birthday in an incredibly spectacular way. To mark his special day, the talented movie star pulled off an emotional surprise, gifting him a brand-new luxury car. Sharing the joyous moment with her millions of followers on social media, Regina expressed her profound gratitude and affection for her father, stating that she would proudly choose him as her dad in any lifetime. A Grand Surprise for 'My King' The birthday celebration, which was attended by close friends and family members, reached its peak when the sleek new vehicle was unveiled. In a viral video shared on her Instagram page, the emotional moment shows Regina's father being presented with the keys to his new ride amidst cheers and applause from well-wishers. Writing a touching tribute to her father, ...

 Building Human Capital Development: The Women's Minister calls for greater awareness of SPESSE  The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs is appealing for increased awareness and expansion of the second phase of the Federal Government and World Bank Co-financed Human Capital Development Program under Sustainable Procurement, Environmental and Social Standards Enhancement Project. The minister of Women Affairs who is one of the implementing partners laid emphasis on  Sustainability plan for the project after she was briefed by the field workers who explained that the project is a fully funded Professional Courses offered in six Universities across the six geopolitical zones of the country and open to the public. The aim is to build acceptable  Social Standards Certification  in Nigeria in line with the tenets of achieving the Sustainable Procurement, Environmental and Social Standards Enhancement Professionals to tackle gender based violence, child labour among othe...

 FG SEEKS PARTNERSHIP WITH CREATIVE INDUSTRY ON NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with the creative industry to promote national development and public awareness. In a statement, the Head of Press and Public Relations at the Ministry of Interior, Mary Ali, says the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, stated this during a courtesy visit by the President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Emeka Rollas, and his delegation in Abuja. The Minister says collaboration with the creative industry will help deepen public understanding of government policies, counter misinformation, and promote national unity. Tunji-Ojo highlights ongoing reforms across agencies under the Ministry, including correctional services, noting a significant decline in repeat offenders as a result of rehabilitation programmes. The statement adds that both parties expressed commitment to working together in support of national development and a safer Nigeria.