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 STATEHOUSE  PRESS RELEASE PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES FIRST ELECTED FEMALE NBA PRESIDENT, MRS. BADEJO-OKUSANYA   President Bola Ahmed Tinubu warmly celebrates Mrs Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, on her historic election as the first elected and second female President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), describing her emergence as a watershed in the legal profession and a triumph for merit, excellence, and gender inclusion.   President Tinubu notes that Mrs Badejo-Okusanya's remarkable career, distinguished by integrity, professionalism, and commitment to justice, has earned her the confidence of her colleagues across the country.   He affirms that Mrs Badejo-Okusanya's emergence reflects the growing recognition of women's invaluable contributions to nation-building and the administration of justice, and expresses confidence that her leadership will further strengthen the legal profession by upholding the rule of law and promoting reforms that enhance a...

 Warri Court Jails 12 for Naira Abuse The Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has secured the conviction of 12 individuals for naira mutilation and abuse before Justice Hyeladzira Nganjiwa of the Federal High Court sitting in Warri, Delta State.   The convicts are Abimbola Dolapo, Ufuoma Okotie, Samuel Kingsley, Rasaki Ayomide, Ekpmamuku Oghenekewvwe and Abraham Eriata. Others are Favour Onowighose, Karaki Emmanuel Ejioghene, Simeon Sabastine , Valetine Chikeze, Omoyibo Destiny Prince and Akenuwa Clinton Osamudiamen.   The convicts were said to have tampered with the naira note by spraying same while dancing at a party, an offence contrary to Section 21(3) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act 2007.   The charge against Akenuwa Clinton Osamudiamen reads: “That you Akenuwa Clinton Osamudiamen (m) on or about January 2025 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, whilst dancing at a birthday party tampered with the sum of...

 Luke Skywalker's lightsaber with severed hand prop sells for record $3.75 million at auction     A lightsaber prop featuring Luke Skywalker’s severed hand from The Empire Strikes Back has sold for $3.75 million, setting a new record for a Star Wars film prop. The item was used by Mark Hamill during the iconic Cloud City duel between Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader in the 1980 sequel, including the scene where Vader reveals the shocking truth about their connection. The prop also included the effects piece used to depict Luke’s severed hand after Vader cuts it off during the battle. The sale marked the highest price ever paid for a prop from a Star Wars movie. Several other famous Hollywood items were also sold during the auction. A Wicked Witch of the West hat worn by Margaret Hamilton in the 1939 classic The Wizard of Oz sold for $550,000, while Gene Wilder’s brown top hat from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory brought in $350,000. A chest containing Daenerys Ta...

 Lebanese President Joseph Aoun to meet Trump as Israel begins Lebanon troop withdrawal under U.S-brokered deal Lebanese President Joseph Aoun is set to meet with President Donald Trump at the White House as Israel begins a limited withdrawal of troops from southern Lebanon under a U.S.-brokered agreement aimed at reducing tensions and creating a path toward a broader peace deal. Aoun’s visit marks the first time a Lebanese president has traveled to the White House since 2009. He is expected to seek U.S. political backing, additional support for the Lebanese Armed Forces and continued American pressure on Israel to complete its withdrawal from areas it occupies in southern Lebanon. The Israeli military has begun pulling back from several villages as part of a pilot agreement reached between Israel and Lebanon. The arrangement is intended to serve as a test for future withdrawals and requires the Lebanese Armed Forces to take control of the areas, remove Hezbollah weapons and infras...

 JD and Usha Vance announce birth of fourth child in surprising 150-year first Vice President J.D. Vance and his wife Usha welcomed their fourth child, Alec Neel Vance, at Walter Reed National Military Medical Centre, marking the first time in more than 150 years that a sitting vice president has had a baby while in office.  The couple expressed joy in a statement, noting that both mother and baby were healthy and that their three older children were thrilled to meet their new sibling. The last comparable moment came in 1870, when Vice President Schuyler Colfax’s family celebrated the birth of a son. The Vances’ growing family has drawn public interest, not only because of the rarity of such an event but also due to J.D. Vance’s outspoken advocacy for larger families amid concerns about declining birth rates.  He has often spoken about the importance of having more children in America, including at the 2025 March for Life rally.  Usha, a former attorney who clerked f...

 Jelly Roll’s daughter Bailee Ann says 'nobody cheated' as she responds to speculation about parents' divorce Jelly Roll's daughter, Bailee Ann, has responded to online speculation surrounding her father's divorce from Bunnie XO, saying allegations of infidelity are not true. During a TikTok livestream on Sunday, July 19, the 18-year-old addressed comments and direct messages about the end of the couple's marriage. “Nobody cheated,” Bailee said. “Period. Get the f--- out of my comments, my DMs, my live with that s---. I don't care. I don't want to talk about it.” She repeated that neither her father, whose real name is Jason DeFord, nor Bunnie XO had been unfaithful. “Y'all have no f---ing idea what happened, and wait 'til y'all find out,” she said. Bailee also said the public does not have the full picture of what led to the divorce, adding that what has circulated online does not reflect the entire situation. “The public's knowledge of ...

 Gwen Stefani celebrates five years of marriage to Blake Shelton with anniversary date night  Gwen Stefani marked her fifth wedding anniversary with Blake Shelton by sharing a glimpse of their date night celebration on Instagram. The “Hollaback Girl” singer, 56, posted a Reel on Monday, July 20, showing her getting ready for the occasion and spending time with the country singer, 50. “5 year wedding anniversary date night with my forever @blakeshelton ❤️ gx,” Stefani wrote alongside the video, which featured her 2004 song “Luxurious.” In the clip, Stefani showed off her outfit, including a Yara Shoemaker dress, while joking that Shelton “will not let me take any pictures of him.” The video began during the day and did not reveal details about their plans, but it ended with the couple back in a vehicle at night, where Shelton sang Montell Jordan’s “This Is How We Do It” toward the camera. Stefani and Shelton first met while working together on *The Voice* in 2014 before getting...

 Marc Anthony welcomes eighth child as he and wife Nadia Ferreira announce birth of daughter Myla Marc Anthony and his wife Nadia Ferreira have welcomed their second child together, a baby girl named Myla. The singer, 57, and Ferreira, 27, announced the arrival of their daughter in a joint Instagram post, sharing a photo of their 2-year-old son, Marco, holding his new baby sister. “What a great blessing to be able to share with you the arrival of our precious MYLA,” the couple wrote in Spanish. “You can't imagine the happiness we have at home, we are over the moon.” The couple had previously revealed that they were expecting a baby girl when they announced the pregnancy in January. Anthony and Ferreira shared the news while celebrating their third wedding anniversary, posting a photo showing their hands placed on Ferreira’s baby bump. “Happy 3rd anniversary!! Qué regalo tan grande nos da la vida. Dios es grande. Marquito is going to be a big brother,” they wrote. Myla is Anthony’s ...

 COAS COMMISSIONS MODERN OFFICERS’ QUARTERS, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO WELFARE, COMBAT READINESS The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has commissioned newly constructed modern Single Officers’ Quarters at Muhammadu Buhari Cantonment, Giri, Abuja, reaffirming the unwavering commitment of the Nigerian Army to personnel welfare as a strategic pillar for sustaining combat readiness and operational effectiveness. Speaking during the commissioning ceremony on Tuesday, 21 July 2026, Lieutenant General Shaibu stated that the project underscores his administration’s Soldier First Culture, which places the welfare, morale and well-being of personnel at the heart of the Nigerian Army’s transformation agenda. He noted that providing quality accommodation remains a deliberate investment in building a highly motivated, resilient and mission-focused force capable of effectively addressing the nation’s evolving security challenges. The COAS emphasised that modern accommod...

 Kaylee Hottle, Godzilla vs. Kong actress, dies at 18 after Maryland car crash Kaylee Hottle, the actress known for her roles in Godzilla vs. Kong and Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, has died at the age of 18. Hottle’s father, Joshua Hottle, confirmed that his daughter died following a car crash in Maryland on Tuesday morning, July 21. According to Joshua, he was informed that Kaylee had been involved in a serious accident and was told she died while being transported to a hospital. He later shared a video on Facebook using American Sign Language, explaining the circumstances of her death and saying he was travelling from Texas to Maryland to claim her body. “I am taking a flight that I never would like to take,” Joshua wrote in the caption accompanying the video. Kaylee and her parents were part of the Deaf community. According to *The Houston Chronicle*, four generations of Joshua’s family have been Deaf. Kaylee attended the Texas School for the Deaf, which confirmed her death i...

 Nnewi Motor Spare Parts Association Pledges Support for Indigenous Apprentices as PG Osumuoh Vows Equity and Justice By Enoch Uzuegbunam  The leadership of the Nnewi Indigenous New Motor Spare Parts Association paid a courtesy visit to the President General of Nzukọ Ọra Nnewi Town Union, Hon. Prince Jude Osumuoh FCAI, JP, on 20th  July. The delegation, led by the Vice Chairman, Mr. Kenechukwu Okeke, said the visit was to commend the President General for his contributions to the Nnewi Ancient Kingdom and to formally introduce the newly constituted leadership of the association. Mr. Okeke stated that the association was established to assist government efforts in restoring the lost glory of the Nnewi New Motor Spare Parts Market. He disclosed that a committee had been set up to oversee the welfare of every Nnewi indigenous apprentice in the market.   He further declared that no indigene of Nnewi should be denied proper settlement by his master after years of ser...

Older man slaps fan at MLB game for not standing for national anthem in viral video An older man at a recent baseball game took issue with a younger fan choosing to remain seated during the national anthem. A video shared to X that has since gone viral shows an older man shouting “get up” to a younger man who was sitting in front of him during the anthem performance.  The man then leaned down to whisper something in the seated man’s ear before smacking him in the back of the head. At that point, the younger man stood up as onlookers turned to see what was going on.  The older man said “Thank you, thank you so much young man” after the young fan followed his command.  The video sparked a debate. Some defended the older man’s actions, saying it is disrespectful to the country to sit during the national anthem, while others said he took things too far. “It looks like no one standing around had a problem with this love tap reminding the dude, in case he forgot to show respect...

 TROOPS OF OPERATION HADIN KAI FOIL TERRORIST EXTORTION MISSION, NEUTRALISE TERRORIST, RECOVER WEAPONS AND LOGISTICS ITEMS IN YOBE Troops of Sector 2, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have successfully foiled a terrorist mission aimed at extorting innocent civilians in Yobe State, further degrading Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist networks and denying them access to illicit sources of funding. Acting on credible and actionable intelligence on the movement of two Volkswagen Golf vehicles and motorcycles conveying suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists to collect illegal levies from local communities, troops of Forward Operating Base (FOB) Bukarti, in conjunction with 27 Task Force Brigade, swiftly deployed on an aggressive fighting patrol to the Paya Kafiya axis at about on 19 July 2026. The troops made contact with the terrorists and immediately engaged them with overwhelming and superior firepower. During the ensuing firefight, one of the Volkswagen Golf vehicles was successfully engaged and ...

 N1 BILLION DISABILITY INTERVENTION FUND: LASODA REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO TRANSPARENCY The Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA) has debunked the content of reports circulating in the media concerning the administration of the N1 billion Disability Intervention Fund, reaffirming its unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and the welfare of persons with disabilities in Lagos State. While acknowledging the important role of the media in promoting accountability, LASODA empathised with the families whose experiences were featured in the report, noting that their challenges reinforce the importance of the Disability Intervention Fund and the need to ensure that government interventions reach their intended beneficiaries. Addressing allegations that some officials demanded kickbacks before processing intervention requests through a release, LASODA noted that no formal complaint or documented allegation had been received by the Office as of June 9, 2026, befor...

 IGP DISU DECORATES 13 NEW AIGs AND 17 CPs FOLLOWING THE PROMOTION OF 30 SENIOR OFFICERS. The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, today formally decorated thirty (30) senior officers recently elevated to the ranks of Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) and Commissioner of Police (CP). The ceremony, held at the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Peacekeeping Hall, Force Headquarters, Abuja, marks the formal decoration of officers whose promotions reflect years of dedicated and meritorious service to the Nigeria Police Force. In his remarks, IGP Disu congratulated the newly promoted officers, describing their elevation as a call to step into higher responsibility within the Force. He acknowledged that, despite the demanding and often personally costly nature of police work, the officers had risen steadily through the ranks, recalling the birthdays, family celebrations, and other personal milestones many of them had missed in the line of duty. The IGP exte...

Plateau Governor Apologises to Igbo Community for Civil War Role, Secures Endorsement for 2027 Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has publicly apologised to the Igbo community for the state’s involvement in the Nigerian Civil War, describing the participation of Plateau people as a result of being “deceived.” Speaking at an interactive session with Igbo leaders from all 17 local government areas of the state, held at the Government House in Little Rayfield, Jos, Governor Mutfwang called for both sides to close the painful chapter of the conflict and focus on unity and shared prosperity. “I apologise to the Igbos so that we can put the past behind us and continue to foster unity. We have become one family because our people were deceived into going to war, and we regret it. We must close that chapter and move forward,” the governor said. He urged the Igbo community to regard Plateau people as brothers and sisters, emphasising the need to create an enabling environment for collective ...

Abacha thought he was invincible, planned civilian presidency — Ex-DSS operative A former Assistant Director of the Department of State Services, Dennis Amachree, has said late military Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha, believed he was invincible. Amachree made the assertion in his new memoir, DSS @40: My Journey Behind the Shield, excerpts of which were published by The Nation on Tuesday. He stated that Abacha, despite the extensive security around him, could not escape death, warning that the former ruler’s death underscores the transient nature of power. “Abacha, a military dictator who surrounded himself with a seemingly impenetrable security detail, thought he was invincible. Yet, in the end, death kept its appointment with him, rendering his concentric rings of security useless.   “His story is a poignant reminder that power is transient and that no amount of security can shield a leader from their ultimate fate,” he said. The retired DSS officer questioned why prominent figur...

Kanu’s Legal Team Threatens Lawsuit Against TV Guest, News Central Over Alleged Call for Extrajudicial Killing The legal team of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has threatened legal action against guest Chigozie Nnabugwu and News Central Television for what it described as a call for the extrajudicial killing of the detained IPOB leader. In a strongly worded press statement issued on Tuesday and signed by Kanu’s Special Counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, the lawyers condemned remarks allegedly made by Nnabugwu during a programme on News Central TV. According to the statement, Nnabugwu reportedly urged the Federal Government to kill Kanu “for normalcy to return to the Southeast.” The video of the programme was published on the verified X handle of News Central Television on July 19 and subsequently went viral. The legal team described the comments as “reckless, irresponsible and unlawful,” arguing that they constituted a threat to Kanu’s life and had the potential to...

  MOUAU Says Vice-Chancellor Not Involved in Recruitment Exercise The management of the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), has stated that its Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ursula Akanwa, played no role in the university's last recruitment exercise. Addressing journalists on Tuesday, the Head of Public Relations and Protocol, Mr. Anyaso Anyaso, said the recruitment process, including the placement of successful applicants on the government payroll, had been completed before Prof. Akanwa assumed office on March 1, 2026. According to him, the Federal Government granted a waiver for the recruitment of 426 staff members, a figure that was approved by the university's Governing Council, which directed the then Vice-Chancellor and management to strictly comply with the approved number. Anyaso, however, disclosed that appointment letters were issued to 618 persons, while 553 applicants were captured on the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System ...

 TROOPS OF OPERATION FANSAN YAMMA RESCUE KIDNAP VICTIMS, ARREST TERRORITS LOGISTICS SUPPLIERS WITH 10 MOTOR CYCLES Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have continued to sustain pressure on terrorists across the North West, recording significant operational successes on 19 and 20 July 2026 through the rescue of kidnapped victims, the disruption of a planned abduction, and the arrest of suspected terrorist logistics suppliers in separate operations conducted in Zamfara, Katsina and Kebbi States. On 20 July 2026, troops responded swiftly to a distress call from residents of Shiyan Abiyola in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State, where terrorists had attempted to abduct civilians from a residence. The prompt intervention of the troops forced the terrorists to abandon the operation and flee, leading to the successful rescue of several residents. Troops subsequently dominated the general area to forestall any further threat. Earlier, on 19 July 2026, troops on patrol in Faska...

 Comedian Princewill responds after ex-wife accused him of repeated domestic violence during their marriage Comedian Princewill has broken his silence following the allegations made by his ex-wife, who recently accused him of repeated domestic violence during their marriage. In a video shared online, Princewill said he had initially planned to release a detailed response but decided to hold back after speaking with his pastor, whom he said advised him otherwise. According to him, he deleted most of the content he had prepared out of respect for his children and to avoid escalating the situation. Responding to some of the claims, Princewill denied several of the allegations made against him, insisting that he had continued to support his ex-wife financially after their separation, including contributing towards rent, healthcare and other expenses. He admitted that he slapped his ex-wife on two occasions during their marriage, saying he was not proud of it and had apologised for his ...

 Kaduna Polytechnic Debunks Rumours Of Certificate Collection Fee Increase Kaduna Polytechnic has dismissed reports circulating on social media claiming that the cost of collecting original certificates has been increased. Checks on the institution's official portal confirm that the certificate collection fee remains ₦10,000, with no official notice announcing any increment. According to available information, any approved change to the fee would be reflected on the Kaduna Polytechnic portal. Members of the public and graduates are therefore advised to disregard unverified claims suggesting otherwise. The public is also cautioned against falling victim to extortion by individuals spreading false information for personal gain. Students and alumni are encouraged to rely only on official communication channels for updates regarding certificate collection and other institutional matters.

 2027: Speaker Abbas Dismisses Rumours Of Rift With Gov. Uba Sani Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has dismissed reports suggesting a disagreement between him and Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, describing their relationship as strong and built on mutual trust and a shared commitment to the state's development. Speaking during the distribution of 60,000 bags of fertiliser to farmers under the Renewed Hope Fertiliser Distribution 2026 programme in Zaria, Abbas urged members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to remain united and avoid spreading rumours capable of creating unnecessary divisions within the party. He stressed that political differences should never take precedence over the party's collective goals and the development of Kaduna State. Recent speculation of a rift between the Speaker and Governor Uba Sani had sparked debates among APC supporters in Zaria, with loyalists on both sides exchanging accusations on social media ahead of the 2027...

 NIGERIA POLICE FORCE RECORDS MAJOR BREAKTHROUGH, ARRESTS 7 SUSPECTS AND RECOVERS 285 VANDALIZED PIPELINES IN ADAMAWA STATE The Nigeria Police Force, through operatives of the IGP Special Task Force on Petroleum and Illegal Bunkering and the IGP X-Squad, has successfully dismantled a pipeline vandalism network operating in Adamawa State, leading to the arrest of seven suspects and the recovery of 285 pieces of vandalized Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) pipelines. Acting on credible intelligence received on 9th July 2026, operatives intercepted a J5 bus fully loaded with suspected vandalized NNPC pipelines along the Yola–Numan Road in Adamawa State. The vehicle was driven by one Paul Joshua and accompanied by one Paul Ishiyaku. The operation subsequently led to the arrest of seven suspects identified as Haruna Usman (28), Haruna Muhammed Sule (30), Dabus Peter (38), Ahmad Adamu (19), Sadik Ibrahim (31), Paul Joshua (49), and Paul Ishiyaku (48). Further searches conducted ...

 144 migrants dead or missing off Mauritania: UN refugee agency The UN refugee agency said on Tuesday that 144 people have been reported dead or missing off the coast of Mauritania in an effort to reach Europe. The toll comes after three rescue operations in Mauritania between July 14-18, the UN agency said, calling for more access to education and labour opportunities to create alternatives to dangerous sea crossings. A total of 143 people died on board a single vessel which left from Bufaloto, Gambia, after 25 days stranded at sea. It was carrying bodies and 38 survivors, according to UNHCR which was present at disembarkation in Nouadhibou, Mauritania to provide support.

 Chiziterem Recovers Fully as Anambra Govt Reaffirms Child Protection Commitment ‎ ‎ ‎By Ginika Oguji ‎ ‎ ‎The Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, on July 18 supervised the discharge of young  Chiziterem who was allegedly abused in Awada Obosi, after weeks of treatment at the Comprehensive Medical Center Awkuzu. ‎ ‎Chiziterem received free medical care, surgery, psychological and physiotherapy support under the supervision of the Ministry of Health in partnership with the  Office of the First Lady, Mrs Nonye Soludo. ‎ ‎Speaking during the discharge, Dr Obidike said the boy had made full recovery and now stable to unite with his family. “Medically, he has done very well. The wounds have healed, his laboratory results are stable, and he has completed all required medical treatment," the Commissioner said.   ‎ ‎Dr. Obidike commended the medical team at Comprehensive Medical Center Awuzu, reaffirmed Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s commitment to child...