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 Northern Governors Inaugurate Security Trust Fund Board, Pledge ₦1 Billion Monthly to Fight Insecurity Board of Trustees Appointments: Co-Chairs a) Alhaji Mahmoud Yayale Ahmed, CFR b) General Martin Luther Agwai, CFR Nominated Members 1.  Lt Gen. Umar Farouk Yahaya (rtd) – Sokoto | Former Chief of Army Staff 2.  DIG Hafiz Mohd Inuwa (rtd) – Jigawa | Deputy Inspector General of Police i/c Research & Statistics Force HQs 3.  AVM Kabiru Aliyu (rtd) – Taraba | Director of Sports, Defence HQs 4.  Prof. Usman Tar – Borno | Commissioner for Security, Borno State 5.  AVM Napoleon Bali (rtd) – Plateau | Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 6.  Maj. General A. M. Dikko (rtd) – Niger | National Coordinator, National Center for Control of Small Arms & Light Weapons 7.  AIG Sunday Babaji (rtd) – Gombe | AIG FCID Annex Kaduna 8.  AVM Farouk Omeiza Umar (rtd) – Kogi | Chief of Policy and Plans, Defence HQs 9.  Maj. Gen. Muhammad Sani (rt...

Woman gives birth while shopping for baby items in Ibadan market A pregnant woman has safely delivered a baby boy inside the popular Gbagi market in Ibadan, Oyo State after she unexpectedly went into labour while shopping for baby items. The incident reportedly occurred on Monday evening when the woman, who had visited the market to purchase essentials for her unborn child, suddenly began experiencing labour pains. According to eyewitnesses, traders and market women in the area quickly came to her aid, converting one of the shops into a temporary delivery room. With the assistance of the women at the market, she successfully gave birth to a baby boy before she could be moved to a hospital for further medical attention. The unexpected delivery attracted the attention of shoppers and traders, many of whom gathered at the scene as news of the birth spread across the bustling market. Witnesses commended the market women for their swift response and calm handling of the situation, noting th...

 ZIMBABWEANS LOSE  7 TRUCKS WORTH US$430 000 TO SA GOVERNMENT  FOR ILLEGAL CHROME MINING The HAWKS' Priority Crime Specialised Investigation and the National Prosecuting Authority's Asset Forfeiture Unit secured a forfeiture order for seven trucks amounting to over R7 million (US$430 000). The order was granted by the North West Division of the High Court of South Africa on 26 June 2026. The forfeiture order emanates from an incident that occurred on 13 July 2025 whereby the Mmabatho-based Serious Organised Crime Investigation followed up information about alleged illegal mining activities that were taking place in Marulokop village near Mmasebudule. The members acted swiftly and proceeded to the scene where they allegedly found seven (7) trucks loaded with 36 tons of chrome. The suspects reportedly failed to produce mining permits or any documents that legalise them to load chrome and were subsequently apprehended.  The accused are Zimbabweans Dennis Madondo (41), C...

 GRANDFATHER JAILED 40 YEARS FOR RAPING GRANDDAUGHTER (14) A Hurungwe man (60) has been sentenced to 40 years in jail by Karoi Regional Magistrates’ Court for two counts of raping his 14-year-old granddaughter. According to the National Prosecution Authority of Zimbabwe, the victim was left in the grandfather’s custody while her grandmother was away. The court heard that he lured her into his bedroom under the pretense of asking for help, raped her, and threatened her with eviction if she told anyone. A month later, he allegedly raped her again after stalking her to a garden where she was fetching water and vegetables.  The abuse came to light after the girl confided in social welfare workers, who launched investigations leading to the man’s arrest. The NPAZ commended the victim’s bravery and the swift response by social welfare officers. It also urged the public to report suspected child abuse to police or social welfare desks immediately.

 ZIMBABWEAN STABS WIFE 30 TIMES IN THE UNITED STATES St. Louis County Prosecutors in Missouri, United States have charged 36-year-old Zimbabwean man Munyaradzi Chiturumani with first-degree domestic assault, armed criminal action and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child creating substantial risk.  He is being held on a $500,000 cash-only, no 10% bond. (Bond is the same as bail in Zimbabwe) According to police, neighbors called 911 after hearing Chiturumani’s wife yelling from her balcony that she was going to die. When police arrived, they found her suffering from approximately 30 stab wounds.  The victim told police Chiturumani had threatened to kill their 6-year-old child next and then left with her. Police say they recovered two bloody knives in the home. During the AMBER Alert search, investigators found Chiturumani’s 2017 Ford Edge abandoned in Frontenac. The 6-year-old child was found safe in St. Louis City, police said. Chiturumani was later found in a ...

 COAS PASSES OUT ANOTHER 3,000  RECRUITS, SUSTAINS MASSIVE RECRUITMENT DRIVE TO STRENGTHEN NATIONAL DEFENCE The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Wednesday, 8 July 2026, passed out over 3,000 newly trained recruits at Depot Nigerian Army, Amasiri-Edda, Ebonyi State, charging them to uphold the highest standards of discipline, loyalty and professionalism as they commence active military service. The passing out parade represents a significant reinforcement of the Nigerian Army’s manpower capacity, in line with the Federal Government’s intensified efforts to address the current security challenges and strengthen national defence. It also follows similar recent recruit graduations at Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria and the newly established training depot in Osogbo, Osun State, reflecting a deliberate and sustained expansion of the Army’s force generation capability. Addressing the recruits, the COAS stated that their rigorous training was carefully struc...

 Kaduna Govt Approves Construction Of 11 Township Roads In Zaria, Sabon Gari The Kaduna State Executive Council has approved the construction of 11 new township roads across Zaria and Sabon Gari under Phase II of the state's urban renewal and rural transformation programme. The approval was granted at the Council's meeting held on Tuesday, presided over by Governor Sen. Uba Sani. The state government said the road projects are designed to improve transportation, enhance connectivity, stimulate economic activities, transform local communities, and create employment opportunities for residents. To ensure timely execution and quality delivery, the projects have been awarded to two construction firms. MOTHERCAT Limited will construct six roads: Babban Dodo–Durumi–Kofan Kuyanbana Road; Rimin Tsiwa–Kofan Gayan (Secretariat–Albarkawa–Kaura) Road; Maje Road; Turunku Road (Sabon Gari); Waff Road (Sabon Gari); and Layin Radio Road. CGC Nigeria Limited will handle the remaining five roads...

 Nollywood Star Mercy Aigbe's Hilarious First Drive With Son Juwon Goes Viral Nollywood actress and filmmaker Mercy Aigbe recently had her fans in stitches after sharing a dramatically relatable video of her teenage son, Juwon, taking the wheel for the very first time with her in the passenger seat. The celebrated star, known for her captivating roles and vibrant personality, took to her official Instagram page to share the nerve-wracking yet ultimately heartwarming experience, inviting other parents to recall their own 'first drive' moments with their children. Watch video below.  The highlight of the viral clip shows a visibly anxious Mercy Aigbe perched in the back seat, her expressions a mixture of fear and amusement, while her son, Juwon, exudes an impressive calm and confidence behind the steering wheel. It's a moment many parents can instantly connect with the blend of pride and panic as your child navigates the road independently. Fans and fellow celebrities qui...

 Trump Declares Iran Deal 'Over,' Slams Regime as 'Scum' Amid Soaring Tensions and Oil Prices In a blunt declaration that reverberated across global markets, United States President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that the interim ceasefire agreement with Iran was definitively "over," expressing a complete disinterest in further engagement with Tehran. Ahead of a NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, Trump unleashed a torrent of criticism, labeling the Iranian leadership as "scum" and "sick people," and dismissing any future negotiations as a "waste of time." The Abrupt End of a Fragile Truce The now defunct interim ceasefire, brokered with the mediation of Pakistan, had aimed to establish a 60-day window for Washington and Tehran to negotiate a permanent resolution to their ongoing conflict. However, indirect talks held in Qatar concluded last week without any discernible progress, setting the stage for Trump's definitive pronou...

 PRESS RELEASE  BAYELSA POLICE ARREST FATHER AND SON FOR UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF FOUR (4) FIREARMS The Bayelsa State Police Command under the leadership of CP. Iyamah Daniel Edebor, psc, IICFIP, foosi, has recorded another significant operational breakthrough with the arrest of two suspects in possession of four (4) single-barrel guns. On 6th July 2026, at about 1030 hours, operatives attached to the Anti-Vice Unit, while conducting a routine stop and search operation along the Igbogene–Tombia Expressway, Yenagoa, intercepted a tricycle conveying two suspects: Tibi Friday, 'm', 68 years, of Futoro Gbene Community, Ekeremor Local Government Area, and his son, Oyabrade Tibi, 'm', 36 years old. Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects were allegedly travelling to Abua, Rivers State, when a search was conducted on the tricycle. During the search, four (4) single-barrel guns were concealed inside a sack and covered with sticks in an attempt to escape police arrest...

 SENATE APPROVES ₦11 TRILLION CUSTOMS REVENUE TARGET FOR 2026 The Nigeria Customs Service has received the backing of the Senate, which approved the Service’s proposed revenue target of more than ₦11 trillion for 2026. The Senate, while considering the report of the Committee on Customs and Excise, noted what it described as the excellent performance of the Service in the 2025 fiscal year. This led to a surpassing of that year’s target, rising from ₦6.5 trillion to ₦7.2 trillion,  representing more than a 10% increase. Among strategies to be adopted to meet the target are, deployment of technology for automation, real time audit and improving turnover time on imports and exports as well as anti smuggling operations.

 Government to Address Dilapidated Building at Community Secondary School Umuoba-Anam as Mayor Advocates Community Partnership Model By Nwegbo Ifeanyi The Chairman of Anambra East Local Government Area, Hon. Ifeanyi Chinweze, has assured residents of Umuoba-Anam community of prompt government action on the two-storey classroom block at Community Secondary School, Umuoba-Anam that was in a dilapidated state. Speaking with news men, Hon Chinweze said that government has taken note of the condition of the structure and will carry out lasting remedial work to prevent any future incident and ensure a safe learning environment for students. He called on stakeholders to play active roles in protecting public infrastructure in their communities. "Government cannot be everywhere at the same time. Parents-Teachers Associations (PTA), Town Unions, community leaders, and federal and state legislators must take ownership of projects sited in their areas. Maintenance and sustainability are coll...

 Ignore Unverified HIV Figures on Social Media, Verify Through Official Channels – ANSACA Boss By Obianuju Isima The Executive Director of the Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA), Dr. Nkem Okeke, has urged members of the public to rely on verified information from official health authorities for HIV-related updates, warning against the spread of unconfirmed figures and misinformation on social media. Dr. Okeke made the call on July 7 during an interview with Udala FM, where he explained that HIV statistics should be interpreted with caution because the number of confirmed cases depends largely on the scale, coverage and targeting of testing, noting that Anambra State has intensified community-based HIV testing through several initiatives, including the Moonlight Testing programme, which operates between 7:00 p.m. and midnight in identified hotspots to reach key populations.  According to him, the initiative is aimed at expanding access to HIV testing, linking those who ...

 Anambra Mandates Hotel Registration, Monthly Guest List Submission By Onyinyechi Madubuike  The Anambra State Ministry of Culture, Entertainment, and Tourism has issued a crucial directive for all hotel operators. Operators must ensure proper registration with the state government and undergo inspection by officials. This measure aims to curb crime in hospitality facilities. In addition, all operators must obtain operational licenses, renewing them annually. Failure to comply risks penalties and business closure by the State Security. One more photo below. 

 Margaret Qualley and Jack Antonoff separate after nearly three years of marriage Margaret Qualley and Jack Antonoff have separated, months before their third wedding anniversary. PEOPLE confirmed the separation, with a source describing the couple's relationship as "rocky." Another source said the pair are currently "figuring things out." Neither Qualley nor Antonoff has publicly commented on the reports, and their representatives have not responded to requests for comment. News of the separation comes days after Antonoff attended Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's July 3 wedding without Qualley. He was accompanied by his sister, fashion designer Rachel Antonoff. Qualley, 31, and Antonoff, 42, were first linked in August 2021 after they were photographed kissing during an outing in Brooklyn. The couple made their public debut in 2022 when they attended the AFI Awards Luncheon together in support of Qualley's Netflix series *Maid*.

 EFCC Arraigns Former MD Of Port Harcourt Refinery for Alleged N1.32bn Money Laundering The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday,  July 8, 2026  arraigned Mr. Ahmed Adamu Dikko, former Managing Director of Port Harcourt Refining Company Ltd (PHRC), before Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on a 12-count charge bordering on money laundering. The charge, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/360/2026 and dated and filed on June 22 by the Commission's counsel, Ekele Iheanacho, SAN, listed Dikko and Masterpiece Projects & Investment Limited as first and second defendants respectively.  Dikko, who led the Port Harcourt Refining Company for about four years, pleaded not guilty to a 12-count charge filed against him by the Commission on Wednesday, July 8, 2026. The EFCC  accused Dikko of laundering N1,322,839,112.7 (One Billion, Three Hundred and Twenty-Two Million, Eight Hundred and Thirty-nine Thousand, One Hundred and Twelve Naira, Seven K...

 Sudan war: 10 dead in drone attack on wedding party A drone strike by Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) killed 10 civilians, including five women from the same family, in central Sudan as they traveled to a wedding, a Sudanese doctors' network said Wednesday. The Sudan Doctors Network said in a statement that the victims were traveling along Assadirat Road, west of Omdurman, when an RSF drone struck their civilian vehicle, setting it ablaze and killing everyone on board. The network described the attack as a "flagrant violation" of international humanitarian law, saying that the strike was deliberately carried out using a guided drone and reflected the "systematic targeting of civilians" in the region. The Sudans conflict has triggered one of the world's worst humanitarian crises, killing tens of thousands of people and displacing nearly 13 million others.

 Dwayne Johnson attends Moana premiere with wife, daughters, ex-wife and extended family Dwayne Johnson was joined by members of his family at the Los Angeles premiere of the live-action Moana on Tuesday, July 7. The actor attended the event with his wife, Lauren Hashian, his mother, Ata, his daughters Jasmine, 10, Tiana, 8, and Simone, 24, as well as his ex-wife, Dany Garcia, and her husband, Dave Rienzi. Jasmine and Tiana wore matching blue dresses featuring red hibiscus prints and coordinating hair accessories for the premiere.  Simone opted for a black midi dress paired with black open-toe pumps. The appearance marked another *Moana* premiere outing for Johnson's younger daughters. In November 2024, Jasmine and Tiana attended the Moana 2 premiere in Oahu, Hawaii, wearing matching tie-dye dresses in shades of orange, pink and yellow, while Simone wore a floral dress with a pendant choker.

 Dolly Parton announces Broadway musical after revealing health issues delayed return to stage Dolly Parton has announced that her life story will be adapted for Broadway with “Dolly: A True Original Musical,” months after revealing that health issues forced her to postpone plans for a live residency. The country music icon, 80, said the production will focus on her journey, including her personal experiences, career and the music that has shaped her life. “This isn’t about a story about sparkle and shine on the outside,” Parton said in an Instagram video. “It’s about where I really come from, what I’ve lived, what I’ve lost, what I’ve loved, and how I’ve found my way.” Parton, who will not perform in the musical, said the show will be told through her own words and feature some of her biggest songs, along with new material written for the production. “This really is a dream come true,” she said. “I can’t wait to share it with all of you.” Directed by Tony Award winner Bartlett She...

  LASG HOLDS STAKEHOLDERS' MEETING TO SENSITISE TRADITIONAL GROUPS ON FESTIVAL APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS  The Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture convened a stakeholders’ meeting to sensitise registered traditional groups and associations across Lagos State on the importance of obtaining government approval before celebrating festivals. The programme took place on Friday, 3rd July 2026, at the Theatre Hall of the Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture, Obafemi Awolowo Way, Ikeja. The sensitisation programme, themed: “No Approval, No Celebration of Festivals,” was designed to educate stakeholders on the necessity of securing official approval before organising festivals and other traditional events across the state. Speaking at the event, the Chairman, House Committee on Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Sanu Solomon Bonu expressed his delight at participating in the programme. He recalled his involvement in the advocacy that led to the Lagos St...

 ICPC Arrests El-Rufai's Doctor, Alleges Former Kaduna Governor Misused Court-Approved Medical Visit The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arrested the personal physician of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, Professor Bello Abubakar, over allegations of making false statements during a court-approved medical visit. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Commission also accused El-Rufai of abusing the medical visit, which was approved while he remained in ICPC custody, describing the incident as a breach of the court's directive. According to the ICPC, the Kaduna State High Court had scheduled July 6, 7 and 8, 2026, for the accelerated hearing of the criminal charges against the former governor. However, El-Rufai did not appear in court on the first day of proceedings. The Commission said its officers were prepared to transport him to court, but he requested to see his personal physician before attending the hearing. ...