PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 Alleged $1.5m Fraud:   Witness Tells Court Funds Came into Defendant’s Account in Multiple Tranches The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday, June 29, 2026, presented its third prosecution witness (PW3), Levi Amanda Opice, a Compliance Officer with Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank), in the ongoing trial of Ifoma Immanuel before Justice Mojisola Dada of the Lagos State Special Offences Court, Ikeja, over an alleged $1.5 million fraud. Immanuel is standing trial alongside his company, Intermediate Investment Holdings Limited, on a two-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and forgery involving the sum of $1.5 million. According to the EFCC, investigations revealed that the defendant allegedly induced Adebisi Adebutu of R28 Holdings Limited to invest $1.5 million by claiming that the funds would be used to finance projects linked to Chappal Petroleum Development Company Limited, Intermediate Investment Holdings Limited, and Chappal Ener...

 Kenya-US rare earths deal challenged in court over secrecy A multi-billion-dollar rare earth minerals deal between Kenya and the United States was challenged in a Kenyan court on Monday, accused of lacking transparency. The deal involves minerals critical to high-tech and low-carbon industries in the coastal forest of Mrima Hill, which is believed to hold deposits worth about $62.4 billion, including large reserves of niobium, a metal used to strengthen steel. The Centre for Litigation Trust, a legal advocacy organisation, is suing the Kenyan government in a bid to halt the deal with the United States to mine the area, after media reports that it was nearing completion. In court papers seen by AFP, the group calls for full transparency and public consultation around the deal, arguing that any such agreement requires approval by parliament. 'Shrouded in secrecy' "The specific contract and framework details are shrouded in secrecy, remain opaque and vague to the public,...

Nick Jonas, Tim McGraw, and Reba McEntire lead star-studded July 4 celebration for America’s 250th anniversary in Nashville   A lineup of major music stars, including Nick Jonas, Tim McGraw and Reba McEntire, will take the stage in Nashville on July 4 as part of a nationwide celebration marking America’s 250th anniversary. The event, titled “Disney Celebrates America: Nashville’s Star-Spangled Bash,” will be held in downtown Nashville and broadcast live at 8 p.m. ET across multiple platforms, including ABC, Disney+, Hulu, FX, Freeform, ESPN App and National Geographic. The celebration will be hosted by Ryan Seacrest and will feature performances from a wide range of artists including Boyz II Men, Brothers Osborne, Clint Black, Lauren Daigle, Little Big Town, Sublime, The All-American Rejects, Elizabeth Nichols and NE-YO, among others. Reba McEntire highlighted the significance of the occasion in a message celebrating the country’s milestone anniversary, calling it America’s 25...

 Woman killed in alligator attack while swimming in Florida river A woman has died after being attacked by an alligator while swimming in a river in Florida, officials said. Authorities said the incident occurred Sunday in the Econlockhatchee River in Seminole County, just north of Orlando. The woman was in the water when she was attacked, according to wildlife officials. She was transported to a hospital but later died from her injuries. Officials said efforts are underway to capture the alligator involved in the attack. The Florida wildlife agency expressed condolences to the victim’s family and loved ones, saying it extends its deepest sympathies during a difficult time. The attack comes just days after a separate fatal incident involving a crocodile killed a 28-year-old man at a beach in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

 Former NBA players and agent indicted in alleged sports betting scheme tied to bribed player performance manipulation Former NBA players Malik Beasley and Edward Davis, along with sports agent Paolo Zamorano and three others, have been indicted in connection with an alleged gambling scheme involving the manipulation of NBA game performance to influence betting outcomes. Prosecutors allege that Beasley, while playing for the Milwaukee Bucks, agreed to alter aspects of his in-game performance in exchange for bribes, with inside information then passed along to co-conspirators who placed wagers worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. In one example cited in the indictment, Beasley allegedly told Davis ahead of a January 2024 game that he planned to underperform in rebounding, information that was then shared with others involved in the scheme. Authorities say similar arrangements were made in subsequent games, including instances where Beasley allegedly indicated he would adjust scor...

 ‎A Federal High Court in Abuja has given the all clear for the registration of the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), by ordering ordering Nigeria’s electoral body INEC, to generate and release Access Code for the party’s registration to the Akin Rickett-led leadership of the party. ‎ ‎Justice Peter Lifu in a judgement on Monday gave INEC 72 hours within which the access code must be released to the Protem Secretary of ADA. ‎ ‎Justice Lifu in the judgement faulted the electoral body for releasing the access code to one Umar Ardo, who was not a recognized Protem Secretary of the political association and consequently declared the action of INEC as illegal, wrongful, null and void. ‎ ‎The court further ordered INEC to open its portal for a period of one week to enable the plaintiff upload necessary documents, including membership register as required by law. ‎ ‎The plaintiff through his counsel, Stephen Atabo, had dragged INEC and Ardo to court, seeking a declaration that the electoral ...

 Adeboye Defends Tinubu on Insecurity, Urges Crackdown on Sponsors Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), has come to the defence of President Bola Tinubu amid growing criticism over the worsening security situation in Nigeria. Speaking at the US-Nigeria Faith Heroes Award Gala organised by the Save Nigeria Group on June 23 in Washington, Adeboye said the president had fulfilled his duty by issuing directives to the military and should not be expected to personally take up arms. “I need to make this one clear: I don’t support those who are accusing the president of not doing enough,” Adeboye said. “When the commander-in-chief has given instructions to his subordinates, he has done his bit. You don’t expect him to go and put on khaki and fight.” The revered cleric drew a parallel with former US President Donald Trump, stating: “When my friend Trump gives instructions to go and bomb anywhere, he doesn’t leave the White House. He has...

 Maddy Cusack's father tells inquest daughter was upset by coach's return to Sheffield United An inquest into the death of footballer Maddy Cusack has heard evidence from her father, who said she became "dismayed" when her former coach, Jonathan Morgan, joined Sheffield United. Cusack, 27, was found dead at her home in Horsley, Derbyshire, on September 20, 2023. Giving evidence, her father David Cusack told the hearing that his daughter had been happy after leaving Leicester City, where she had previously worked under Morgan. He said she had found the environment at Sheffield United positive after joining the club in January 2019, playing for the women's team while also working part time in the club's marketing department. According to David, that changed when Morgan became head coach of Sheffield United Women in February 2023. He told the inquest his daughter was "dismayed by the possibility of him coming back into her life." David said he had encou...

 Former NFL star Chris Johnson reveals ALS diagnosis after months of testing Former NFL running back Chris Johnson has shared that he has been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, ALS, saying the condition has affected his physical abilities but not his identity. Speaking in a pre-recorded interview that aired on Good Morning America on June 29, the former Tennessee Titans player said, “I want people to know that I'm still me. ALS has changed what my body can do, but it hasn't changed who I am.” Johnson, 40, said he was diagnosed with ALS in 2025 at the age of 39 after noticing weakness in his right hand. He recalled that the first signs were subtle. “At first it was little things like my grip didn't feel right, and I wasn't as strong as I'd always been,” he said. His wife, Brittany, initially believed the symptoms might have been linked to the physical demands of his NFL career. “I thought because of football and his career that it has to be something with...

 "I’ve Cried Today": Ayobami Ojo Laments How Actress Stigma Cost Her Love, Business, and Land Nollywood actress Ayobami Ojo has laid bare the emotional and financial toll of being associated with the Nigerian film industry, revealing that the label "actress" has severely damaged her personal life and business prospects. In a deeply emotional video that has quickly gone viral on social media, Ojo tearfully expressed her exhaustion with the negative stereotypes routinely cast upon women in Nollywood. The actress went as far as declaring that she no longer wishes to be identified by her profession due to the constant discrimination she faces. Denied Properties and Business Spaces During her passionate address, Ojo shared several frustrating encounters where her career choice directly impeded her progress. She recalled a major setback in Lagos, where she was on the verge of purchasing a prime piece of land. According to the actress, the transaction was abruptly halted a...

 BAUCHI STATE POLICE COMMAND  PRESS RELEASE  The Editors, POLICE ARREST 50-YEAR-OLD MAN FOR ALLEGED DEFILEMENT OF 9-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN BULKACHUWA; SUSPECT REMANDED FOR INVESTIGATION Operatives of the Bauchi State Police Command, attached to Bulkachuwa Division have arrested a 50-year-old man for allegedly defiling a 9-year-old girl in Bulkachuwa, Katagum Local Government Area. According to a report received at Bulkachuwa Divisional Police Headquarters, on 15th June, 2026 at about 1700hrs, the complainant, a resident of Bulkachuwa reported that on 14th June, 2026 at about 1700hrs, one Muhammadu Audu ‘m’ of the same address lured his 9-year-old daughter, while she was hawking soya beans cake. Subsequently, the suspect allegedly took the minor to an uncompleted building with the pretext of buying from her, and had unlawful sexual intercourse with her. As a result, the victim sustained injuries on her private part. Furthermore, during interrogation, the suspect confessed to hav...

 LAGOS TO REMOVE ILLEGAL STRUCTURES BLOCKING DRAINAGE CHANNELS AT AGUNGI, AJIRAN … Warns Developers Against Encroachment On Drainage Right Of Way, Insists On Environmental Compliance. The Lagos State Government has declared that it will immediately remove all illegal structures obstructing canals and drainage channels' right of way along Agungi, Ajiran and Ikota areas of the State. The State reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating perennial flooding across Lagos, regardless of the status of developers or individuals responsible for the encroachments. The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, made this known after an extensive inspection tour of critical drainage infrastructure and flood mitigation projects in Lekki, Agungi, Ikota and Ajiran. The inspection followed persistent reports of flooding in Agungi despite the completion of major drainage infrastructure in the area over two years ago. Speaking during the tour, the Commissioner disclosed th...

 NIGERIA/ UK PARTNERS IN BUILDING SECURITY  CAPACITY TO MEET COMPLEX CHALLENGES The National Counter Terrorism Centre, Office of the National Security Adviser in partnership with the British High Commission has commenced training programme for the security personnel to improve their operational readiness in response to complex security challenges in the country.  The capacity-building initiative features Gold, Silver and Bronze, Incident Commanders Courses, alongside an Intelligence Analysis Course, aimed at equipping participants with advanced skills in crisis management, coordinated response and intelligence-driven operations. The training underscores the commitment of both nations in strengthening Nigeria's security architecture through sustained professional development and enhanced inter-agency collaboration.

 ECOWAS COURT LAUNCHES ELECTRONIC CASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM TO FAST-TRACK JUSTICE IN WEST AFRICA The ECOWAS Court has launched its go-live Electronic Case Management System to accelerate the dispensation of justice across West Africa. The multilingual digital platform is designed to eliminate barriers that have hitherto hindered access to justice within the region. It will also simplify case filing and management, improve efficiency, and reduce the cost of prosecution for litigants and member states.

 NELFUND Warns Institutions Against Withholding Students' Tuition Refunds                                       The Nigerian Education Loan Fund, NELFUND, says it frowns on reports of tertiary institutions withholding tuition refunds due to students under the Federal Government's student loan scheme.               NELFUND adds that it is engaging the affected institutions and relevant authorities to ensure compliance. In a statement by its Director of Strategic Communications, Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, NELFUND also condemns  reports of arbitrary increases in tuition and other institutional charges, describing such practices as contrary to the objectives of the student loan programme. The Fund adds that some institutions had delayed or outrightly refused to refund students who paid their tuition fees before NELFUND subsequently disbursed the same ...

 FG TO EVACUATE MORE NIGERIANS FROM SOUTH AFRICA The Federal Government has announced plans to evacuate another batch of 271 Nigerians from South Africa, beginning this Monday, 29th June 2026. A statement by the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, says a local Airline is under taking the flight operations which is scheduled to depart South Africa at 12:00am midnight to arrive at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, on Tuesday morning.

 The Catholic Diocese of Enugu issues a statement regarding a circulating media announcement about a "Historic Endorsement Rally and Adoption Ceremony" in support of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Barrister Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, scheduled for Friday, July 3, 2026, at Jubilee Hall, Holy Ghost Cathedral, Enugu. 29 June 2026 Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,  DISCLAIMER ON THE PROPOSED POLITICAL ENDORSEMENT RALLYAT JUBILEE HALL, HOLY GHOST CATHEDRAL, ENUGU  The Catholic Diocese of Enugu clarifies a media announcement currently circulating regarding a Historic Endorsement Rally and Adoption Ceremony" in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Barr. Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, scheduled to hold on Friday, 3rd July 2026, at Jubilee Hall, Holy Ghost Cathedral, Enugu. Since the event is intended to serve as a political endorsement gathering, the Catholic Diocese of Enugu wishes to state that it does not permit the use of its churches, parish halls, or other eccles...

 OFFICIAL: Chelsea statement on Enzo Maresca. “Chelsea FC appreciates the 2025/26 season was a hugely disappointing one for the Club and its supporters. A major contributing factor was the disruption caused as a result of changes that the Club was forced to make to the Head Coach position over the Christmas period”. “Due to recent developments, we consider that it is important to explain to our supporters what happened and why our former Head Coach left the Club on 1 January 2026”. “In Autumn last year, the Club was informed by our former Head Coach that there might be an opportunity for him to succeed Pep Guardiola at the end of the season”. “It became clear to us that it was his strong desire to succeed Guardiola and that he was fully committed to pursuing the opportunity, despite the fact he was under a long-term contract which he had no right to terminate”.  “In December 2025, our Head Coach unexpectedly and abruptly resigned from his position. Obviously, we felt let down ...

 TROOPS OF OPERATION HADIN KAI RESCUE  ABDUCTED NECO CANDIDATES IN LASSA, INTENSIFY SEARCH FOR REMAINING VICTIM Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have successfully rescued ten National Examinations Council (NECO) candidates and teachers abducted during an ISWAP attack on Lassa Community in Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State. The attack, which occured at about 0900 hours (9:00 a.m.) on Monday, 29 June 2026, targeted the Technical Secondary School while the students were writing exams. Immediately upon reciept of the incident, Theatre Command scrambled both strike and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircrafts from the Air Component of OPHK to support troops mobilised to the area for a coordinated search and rescue operation. The troops, with support from the air platforms overhead providing guidance, made contact around DAGGU and after the firefight, the operation has so far resulted in the successful rescue of ten victims, who were unhurt and...

 First Lady Oluremi Tinubu Donates N100 Million To 2,000 Women Petty Traders In Jigawa State The Nigeria's First Lady Oluremi Tinubu says her commitment to the promotion of small and medium scale businesses remain strong, describing the sub sector as a foundation for sustainable development in the country. She stated this while announcing a donation of another 100 million Naira business recapitalization grant of 50,000 Naira each to 2000 women petty traders at the palace of the Emir of Hadeija, HRH Alhaji Adamu Abubakar Maje, where she kickstarted her one day official visit to Jigawa State.  While in the state, the First Lady is expected to flag off the National Community Food Bank program for the North-West zone, as well as inaugurates some key projects,  including the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Academy and the Senator Oluremi Tinubu Clinic, being undertaken by the state government. More photos below. 

 PRESIDENT SWEARS IN NEW COMMISSIONERS FOR RMAFC, NPC President Bola Tinubu has sworn in new Commissioners for the National Population Commission (NPC) and the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC). The ceremony took place before the commencement of the Federal Executive Council meeting, this Monday.  Former chairman, National Hajj Commission, Abdullahi Mukhtar Mohammed from Kaduna state and Amina Gamawa representing Bauchi took oath of office as federal commissioners for the revenue commission.  Six new Commissioners were inaugurated for the population commissioner.  They are Kolawole Oladipupo Alabi – Ekiti State, Nasiru Mu'azu – Zamfara State, Isaka Alada Yahaya – Kwara State, Prof. Sadiq Isah Radda – Katsina State, Suleiman Umar – Jigawa State and Chiso Abdullahi Dattijo from Sokoto State. More photos below. 

SAPS ARRESTS SOUTH AFRICAN DRUG MULE FOR ALLEGED DRUG TRAFFICKING AT OR TAMBO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT The South African Police Service (SAPS) has intercepted and arrested a 23-year-old South African woman on charges of dealing in drugs at OR Tambo International Airport on Friday, 26 June 2026. The suspect was identified by Border Police following the receipt of operational information. She was taken for medical examination, where X-rays confirmed the presence of suspected drug-filled capsules inside her body. Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect travelled on a domestic route before attempting to continue her journey on an international flight. She was intercepted upon her return to OR Tambo International Airport before boarding a direct flight to Tokyo. At the time of her arrest, the suspect had released 28 suspected drug-filled capsules. The process is ongoing under strict medical supervision, and the recovered exhibits have been booked into the SAPS exhibit management s...

 Africa CDC, WHO launch unified platform to support Ebola response The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) announced the launch of a new platform on Sunday to support continental health emergency capabilities amid the ongoing Ebola virus outbreak in the region. Dubbed the Joint Continental Incident Management Support Team (IMST), the platform was launched in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Africa and the Ugandan government, according to a statement. Africa CDC said the platform establishes a unified operational framework to strengthen Africa's capacity to prepare for, coordinate and respond to public health emergencies while supporting the ongoing Bundibugyo Ebola virus disease response.

 Senegal police fire tear gas at constitutional reform protesters Senegalese police fired tear gas on Monday to disperse protesters outside parliament as lawmakers debated a constitutional amendment that would expand parliamentary powers ‌and reduce those of the president, a proposal critics say could upset the balance of power in government. Senegalese civil society ​groups and political parties say the reform ​is an attempted power grab by parliament speaker ⁠and former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, Reuters reported. Dispute over constitutional reform risks ​deepening political divisions in Senegal, particularly between President Bassirou ​Diomaye Faye and Sonko. Sonko's dismissal in May underscored a widening split over reforms and the response to a mounting debt crisis. Relations between ​them remained tense after Sonko was elected speaker of ​parliament. The push for constitutional reform has been driven by the ruling ‌Pastef ⁠party, led by Sonko. Proposed changes include a pr...

Monday, 29 June 2026   Protest is both a right and a responsibility  My Fellow South African, Tomorrow, 30 June, marks the date that several groupings have identified for protests against undocumented immigration in South Africa. South Africans have raised deep concerns about illegal immigration, border management, pressure on public services, criminal syndicates that exploit our immigration system and the impact these challenges have on communities. These concerns are real and they deserve to be heard. The right to protest is enshrined in our Constitution. It is a credit to our robust democratic order that people are able to express their grievances openly. But the right to protest and freedom of expression does not allow people to threaten or intimidate others, or to engage in acts of vandalism or violence. South Africa is a constitutional republic governed by the rule of law. The exercise of rights by any citizen in a constitutional democracy cannot be determined by in...

 Pakistan says 29 militants killed in cross-border strikes near Afghanistan border  Pakistani security forces conducted a ground operation along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border on Sunday, followed by targeted “calibrated strikes” on suspected militant hideouts, killing 29 fighters, according to officials. Authorities said the operation was carried out in response to a series of militant attacks across the country. There was no immediate reaction from Afghan authorities. In recent years, Pakistan has faced a rise in militant violence targeting police and security personnel, with officials frequently blaming the Pakistani Taliban, known as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and allied groups. The latest action came a day after militants attacked the regional headquarters of paramilitary Rangers in Karachi, killing three soldiers. Security forces later killed three attackers and detained another suspect, who was identified by the military as an injured Afghan national. A breakaway ...

 PRESS STATEMENT VIRAL VIDEO ALLEGING POLICE INVOLVEMENT IN THE DEATH OF A CIVILIAN: ABIA STATE POLICE COMMAND COMMENCES INVESTIGATION 1. The Abia State Police Command is aware of a video circulating on social media, particularly on Facebook, which a young girl and her family alleged that officers from Owerrinta Divisional Police Station were responsible for the death of their father during an arrest carried out in the course of an investigation. 2. However, according to the DPO’s Report, on 23/06/2026, a complaint was received at the Owerrinta Divisional Police Headquarters alleging that the family of Nwachukwu Abraham stole cassava. The Investigating Police Officer (IPO) assigned to the case proceeded with his team to effect an arrest on 24/06/2026. Upon arrival at the suspect’s residence, the suspect stated that he was ill and had recently been discharged from the hospital, as he is suffering from kidney and liver disease, and was unable to go with them to the station. The IPO, ...

 PRESS RELEA⁠SE ABIA STATE GOVT BEGINS  ENFORCEMENT OF C‍OMMER‌CIAL MOTORCYCLE REGULA⁠TION ON MONDAY T‍he Abia State Gove‌rnmen‍t wishes⁠ to inform t⁠he general public that the enfor⁠ceme‍nt of the restrictio⁠n on commercial motorcycle (Okada) oper‍ation‍s within designated areas of the State will co⁠mmenc⁠e on Mon‍day, June 29, 20‌26. The regu‍lati‌on is a public s‌a⁠fety and se‌curity measure u‌ndertake‍n in the overriding interes⁠t of prot⁠ect‍ing live‌s and property. Gove‍rnmen⁠t re‌cognizes that‌ thousands of hardworking citizens depend on motorcycle t‍ransportation f‌or thei‍r livelihood, a‍n⁠d full‍y appreciates the concer⁠ns thi⁠s pol⁠icy may rai‍se for⁠ affected operators and‍ their families. As a people‌-cente‌red Governmen⁠t‍, this w⁠as not an easy decision. It was in demonstration o⁠f this‌ compassio‌n an⁠d un‌derst⁠andi‍ng that Government postp‌oned the c‌o⁠mmencement of enf⁠orcement to Monday, June 29, 2026, to pr‌ovide af‍fected operators wi‌th addi⁠tional ti‍me...