PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 STATEHOUSE PRESS STATEMENT WHEN WILL ATIKU ABUBAKAR REPORT HIMSELF TO PRESIDENT TRUMP?   Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s relentless desire to become President of Nigeria has regrettably closed his eyes to the virtues of statesmanship, decorum, and propriety expected of an elder statesman. Instead of embracing the dignity and maturity that come with his standing, he continues to diminish himself through reckless public statements and desperate political manoeuvres.   It is baffling and disappointing that someone who has sought the presidency for over three decades now resorts to reporting the President of Nigeria to US President Donald Trump and members of the US Congress. In his latest act, Atiku Abubakar’s lobbying group in the US has submitted petitions to President Trump and the US State Department regarding a civil forfeiture case from 1993—a matter long settled, with no criminal conviction or finding of guilt.   This issue was resolved over 30 years ago ...

 STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE PRESIDENT TINUBU APPROVES EXPANSION OF NIGERIAN ARMY TO 12 DIVISIONS, RECRUITMENT OF 28,000 PERSONNEL TO STRENGTHEN NATIONAL SECURITY President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, has approved the expansion of the Nigerian Army’s structure from eight to twelve divisions—a landmark move to enhance the country’s security architecture and improve the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Army. This approval underscores the President’s unwavering commitment to equipping the Armed Forces to address Nigeria’s evolving security challenges effectively and to strengthen national defence capabilities further. The expansion builds on the Administration’s sustained investments in the Armed Forces, including approval for the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel, acquisition of critical military platforms and equipment, improvements in troop welfare, and ongoing support for operational readiness a...

 SENATE THREATENS TO SANCTION RECALCITRANT MDAs Arising from the persistent failure, neglect, or outright refusal by several government-owned Enterprises and Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to honour invitations from the Senate in the discharge of its constitutional oversight duties, the Senate has resolved to apply sanctions on defaulters. At plenary on Thursday, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance notified the Senate that the response to the committee's ongoing investigation into the financial operations of MDAs and GOEs is being undermined. Senate emphasized that it is not a matter of choice. Agencies, as required by law, must comply with the Fiscal Responsibility Act with regard to internally generated revenue, collections from stamp duties, operating surplus, and statutory remittances into the Consolidated Revenue Fund. The Senate has called on the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Head of the Civil Service, and ministers to ensure strict com...

 House Of Reps Passes Bill To Establish State Police Services  ‎ ‎The House of Representatives has passed the Constitution Alteration Bill for the establishment of State Police Services in Nigeria.  ‎ ‎This followed consideration and voting on the provisions of the Executive Bill at the Committee of the Whole chaired by Speaker of the House, Abbas Tajudeen.  ‎ ‎Amidst a rowdy session, the Speaker announced that 311 members voted in favour of the bill.  ‎ ‎Deputy Speaker of the House, Benjamin Kalu led the debate for the consideration and passage of the bill, stressing that it is intended to deepen Nigeria's federal system by decentralising policing, improving public safety, and giving states a greater role in protecting lives and property.  ‎

 An Arkansas man proposed to his girlfriend only hours before he gave his life to save hers. 24-year-old Fred Marsh had his life on track when he gave it up to save his fiancée Hailey. Fred was an officer with the Rogers Police Department in Arkansas and had asked Hailey to marry him on the morning of Saturday, July 18th. Sadly, the next day, his family was planning for his funeral rather than his wedding. Fred and Hailey had been dating for around three years before he popped the question that Saturday morning. After receiving her positive response, the newly engaged couple set out with friends to canoe on the Elk River in Missouri.  While enjoying their day on the river, Hailey entered the water and began to struggle in the river's strong currents.  Fred didn't hesitate. He immediately plunged into the water accompanied by a fellow officer/friend. The two managed to pull Hailey safely out of the current.   However, in a sad twist of fate, that same current swe...

 This woman shot a 12-year-old, grazed his brother, and shot an occupied home... over water bottles. She did this just 11 days after being released from prison for child a**** charges.  A Milwaukee woman shot a 12-year-old boy in a "turf war" over selling roadside bottles of water before leading police on a high-speed chase with 4 children in the car. Then she was caught admitting to the shooting and calling herself a "hero" in a recorded jail call. 33-year-old Cosetta Burrell had only been released from prison 11 days before finding herself facing 22 new separate charges.  The shocking story began to play out on July 17th when Cosetta Burrell began driving around the neighborhood looking for a 12-year-old boy whom she intended to shoot. Cosetta's son and the 12-year-old victim were in an ongoing dispute over selling roadside bottles of water.  Cosetta was not alone as she searched for the young boy. She had her son and three additional children with her. She ev...

 A 13-year-old boy in foster care was beaten, stabbed and ultimately drowned by two teens who were fostered in the same home. 13-year-old Daryl Lowry (pictured right) was discovered deceased at Clarks Hill Lake in Madoc, South Carolina, on Monday, July 20th. According to reports, Daryl had only recently been placed into a foster home in Madoc a short time before his death. He was only supposed to be there temporarily until a more permanent home was arranged. On Monday, Daryl was involved in an altercation with 17-year-old Landen Moore and an unnamed 16-year-old near the boat dock at Clark Hills Lake. During the altercation, 13-year-old Daryl was attacked with a knife by an older kid and suffered lacerations.  After suffering but surviving the knife attack, Daryl was violently held underwater by Landen and the 16-year-old until he died as a result of drowning.  How terrible... I don't have the proper words to express how awful Daryl's final moments were.  Landen Moore...

 VP SHETTIMA LEADS GOVERNORS TO BENIN REPUBLIC; SEEKS NEW INVESTMENT PATH FOR NIGERIA'S TEXTILE INDUSTRY  Vice President Kashim Shettima is leading a high-level working visit to the Republic of Benin, with some state governors and senior officials. The delegation will visit the Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone, near Cotonou, where it will engage representatives of the Beninese government, investors and private-sector operators involved in the development and management of the industrial hub. The visit is aimed at strengthening the implementation of Nigeria’s Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones Programme and drawing practical lessons from Benin’s approach to agricultural value addition, industrial infrastructure, investment mobilisation, skills development and export-oriented production. Particular attention will be given to the GDIZ textile park, which operates an integrated production system covering cotton spinning, weaving, fabric processing and garment manufacturing. The in...

 Bodejo’s N2b Bail:   Judge Declines Ruling on Application for Bail Condition Variation Justice Inyang Edem Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja, on Thursday, July 23, 2026 declined to deliver ruling on the application for bail condition variation filed by Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore leader, Bello Bodejo. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC on July 9, 2026 arraigned Bodejo on a 12-count charge bordering on money laundering to the tune of $2.33million. On Monday, July 20, 2026, the court granted him bail in the sum of ₦2 billion with two sureties in like sum and held that the two sureties must be responsible citizens of which one must be an owner of landed property within the Abuja Municipal Area Council, AMAC. The court further directed that one of the sureties must present tax clearance certificates, covering 2023 to 2025. In addition, the court ordered the defendant to deposit his passport with the court and directed the  Court Registrar to no...

 International Criminal Court drops case against Darfur militia leader Judges at the International Criminal Court terminated proceedings against the former leader of an armed group in Darfur on Thursday after prosecutors withdrew the charges ‌against Abdallah Banda Abakaer Nourain. The prosecution said the evidence against Banda, who had been charged with war crimes over a 2007 attack on African Union peacekeepers, had deteriorated in the time since the charges were confirmed over a decade ago in 2011. "There are no longer substantial ⁠grounds to believe that Mr Banda is responsible for the charged crimes," the prosecution said, Reuters reported. The judges said the withdrawal of the charges and the termination of the case does not prevent prosecutors from bringing a similar case against Banda later. Banda had been leader of the Justice and Equality Movement, one of the two main armed groups in Darfur during a conflict that erupted in 2003 when mostly non-Arab rebels took up ...

 Set designer Mary Kate Golding found dead in Queens home as police investigate possible murder-suicide Police are investigating the deaths of television set designer Mary Kate Golding and her husband after the 34-year-old was found fatally stabbed inside her Queens home. According to the New York Police Department, officers responded shortly after midnight on Tuesday, July 21, to a residence in Astoria, where they found Golding with a fatal stab wound to her back. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Several hours later, at about 6:39 a.m., officers responded to a separate 911 call reporting an unconscious person near Astoria Park South and Shore Boulevard. Police found an unresponsive man in the park, and he was pronounced dead at the scene. An NYPD source identified the man as Joseph Azzaretto, Golding's husband. The same source said investigators are treating the case as a possible murder-suicide. Authorities have not released additional details about the circumstances surroun...

 Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s widow Tenisha Warner says she cannot remember parts of the day he died in Costa Rica Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s widow, Tenisha Warner, has spoken about the day the actor died, saying she still struggles to remember parts of what happened. During an interview with CBS Mornings co-anchor Gayle King that aired Thursday, July 23, Tenisha reflected on losing Warner, who died at 54 after an accidental drowning while on a family vacation in Costa Rica on July 20, 2025. “The moments of the day, they occupy my body so deeply,” Tenisha, 48, said, explaining that revisiting the events remains difficult. When asked what she wanted people to understand about that day, she described it as the hardest moment of her life and said her focus was on caring for their daughter, who was 9 at the time. “All I can think about was my daughter and what I needed to do to continue to be her mother,” she said. King later asked about early reports that raised concerns about whether their dau...

 PRESS RELEASE ATTRACTION OF ₦780M TO CHURCHES: BEN KALU's ONLY OFFENCE IS DELIVERING FOR HIS PEOPLE.  According to the renowned American political scientist Harold Lasswell, "Politics is about who gets what, when, and how." The essence of representation is the ability of elected leaders to attract opportunities, resources, and development to their constituencies. The All Progressives Congress (APC), Abia State Chapter, is aware of the orchestrated campaign of calumny being directed at the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, by agents of the Abia State Government and the Labour Party over his role in attracting ₦780 million from the Federal Government's intervention for churches to Bende Federal Constituency. The facts are straightforward and indisputable. The Federal Government made a budgetary provision of ₦8.05 billion in 2026 for faith-based organisations, with ₦1.91 billion earmarked for churches and ₦6.14 billion for mo...

Enugu Air Flight Veers Off Runway at Benin Airport Enugu Air has confirmed that one of its aircraft operating into Benin Airport experienced a runway excursion after landing today. According to the airline’s official statement:  “Enugu Air wishes to inform the public that one of our aircraft operating into Benin experienced a runway excursion after landing today. “We confirm that all passengers and crew have safely disembarked and there were no injuries or casualties. “The aircraft has been secured and the relevant aviation authorities have been notified in line with established procedures. An assessment of the aircraft and the circumstances surrounding the occurrence is currently underway. “As a result, there may be temporary adjustments to some flight schedules. Passengers affected by any changes will be contacted directly and provided with the necessary assistance. “The safety of our passengers, crew, and operations remains our highest priority. We appreciate your understanding ...

 Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger bid to jointly host 2032 AFCON tournament Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso are bidding to jointly host the 2032 Africa Cup of Nations. The Malian Football Federation said in a statement that officials met with Confederation of African Football (CAF) president Patrice Motsepe on Saturday in New York "with a view to a joint bid to host the 2032 Africa Cup of Nations." The Malian federation said the CAF meeting marks "a pivotal stage in the bidding process", enabling the three member associations to "proceed with the steps outlined in CAF regulations for the awarding of the 2032 AFCON." The three federations will continue "the work required to prepare a robust, credible bid that embodies a new vision for African football", the statement added.

 Anambra State Govt insists on mandatory setbacks as Barr Ojukwu vows strict compliance ‎ ‎ ‎By Alufo Bonaventure ‎ ‎ ‎The Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development has reaffirmed that setbacks are mandatory safe distances required between buildings and roads, drainage channels, pipelines, powerline, waterways, and other public infrastructure.  ‎ ‎The Ministry explained that setbacks are not a mere formality but a critical legal requirement designed to protect lives, prevent disaster, and ensure the orderly growth of communities across the state. ‎ ‎According to the Ministry, observing setbacks allows road expansion, proper drainage, easy maintenance of utilities, and unhindered access to emergency services. It also reduces the risk of flooding, fire outbreaks, building collapse, and damage to public infrastructure. ‎ ‎Speaking on the issue, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Barr Chijioke Ojukwu, expressed his dogedness in upholding setbac...

 Anambra Govt Prohibits Unauthorized Speed Bumps, Orders Removal of Existing Ones  ‎ ‎ ‎By Mokwugwo Ogochukwu ‎ ‎ ‎The Anambra State Government has prohibited the construction of unauthorized speed bumps on public roads across the state, describing the practice as illegal and warning that offenders will face sanctions in accordance with extant laws. ‎ ‎ ‎The Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Arc. Okey Ezeobi, announced the directive on July 21 during an inspection of ongoing road and infrastructure projects across the state. ‎ ‎ ‎According to the commissioner, the indiscriminate construction of speed bumps by individuals, communities and organizations has contributed to the deterioration of road infrastructure, thereby undermining the government's investment in road construction and maintenance. ‎ ‎ ‎He disclosed that the state government has commenced plans to remove all unauthorized speed bumps on public roads, stressing that only traffic-calming measures approved b...

 NSC INSPECTS PROPOSED SPORTS FACILITY SITE IN NNEWI AS OSUMUOH DESCRIBES PROJECT AS GAME CHANGER  By Enoch Uzuegbunam  The President General of Nzukọ Ọra Nnewi Town Union, Hon. Prince Jude Osumuoh, on 22 July, received a delegation from the National Sports Commission for inspection of a proposed sports facility site in Nnewi. The inspection was conducted at the Nigeria Science and Technical College, Nnewi, where officials assessed the proposed location for sports infrastructure aimed at expanding grassroots sports development and youth engagement. The proposed project includes a standard football pitch with pavilion, volleyball court, tennis court, and modern toilet facilities designed to improve sporting opportunities and encourage healthy recreational activities across the community. Hon. Osumuoh described the project as a game changer for the Nnewi Ancient Kingdom, expressing confidence that it would unlock opportunities for talent discovery, youth empowerment, and su...

 TW- A Connecticut officer arrived on the scene to find a suspect fatally attacking his unconscious father with a baseball bat. The officer fired nearly 20 rounds, with most or all striking the son, before the son finally stopped the assault.  This sad incident took place in Meridian, Connecticut, on Sunday- July 19th.  On that date, officers from the Meridian Police Department responded to a local residence after receiving multiple calls from panicked and screaming neighbors and bystanders. The callers described a "severe domestic incident" taking place with an "armed aggressor" at approximately 10:00 a.m.  The first officer on the scene was Anthony Offiaeli. He witnessed 38-year-old Robert Lee Jenkins lll carrying out an absolutely savage attack on a man lying prone and unconscious on the ground. That man would ultimately be determined to be Robert Jenkins lll's own father, Robert Jenkins Jr. The son was repeatedly striking the father in the head with a baseba...

 Workers' Group Backs Nurses' Strike, Calls For Removal Of Kaduna Hospital Director The Workers' Rights Campaign (WRC) has thrown its weight behind the strike ultimatum issued by the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives – Federal Health Institutions (NANNM-FHI) against the management of the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital (FNPH), Barnawa, Kaduna State. In a statement signed by WRC Chairperson Frances Akinjole and Secretary Bàbá Ayé, the group accused the hospital management of victimising union leaders, intimidating nurses, and failing to implement agreements previously reached with workers. The WRC warned that if the issues remain unresolved within the union's 15-day ultimatum, nurses will begin a three-day warning strike on July 29. It also called on nurses in federal health institutions across the country to prepare for coordinated industrial action in solidarity with their colleagues in Kaduna. According to the group, the dispute stems from what it ...

 Kaduna Building Airport-Style Bus Terminals To Transform Public Transport The Kaduna State Government says it is constructing world-class, airport-style bus terminals as part of a major overhaul of the state’s public transportation system, with the flagship Eastern Terminal expected to generate about 15,000 direct and indirect jobs upon completion. The Acting General Manager of Kaduna Line and Acting Director-General of the Kaduna State Transport Regulatory Authority (KADSTRA), Engr. Inuwa Ibrahim, disclosed this during an inspection of the Eastern Terminal project in Millennium City, Kaduna. According to Ibrahim, the facility is being built on a 20-hectare site by CGC Nigeria Ltd. and is designed to meet airport-standard specifications aimed at improving passenger comfort, efficiency and safety. He described the project as the largest ultra-modern transport terminal in terms of size and infrastructure in the sub-Saharan West African region. The terminal will include ticketing hal...

 Google profits quadruple to $112billion after investments in AI Google's profits have quadrupled to $112billion (£84billion), following its investments in AI.   In the firm's latest quarterly update, CEO Sundar Pichai said that the successful quarter was due in part to growth of its AI model Gemini and AI search queries, as well as YouTube, where more than 1.7 billion unique viewers tuned in to videos related to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.   'Our AI investments are redefining what's possible across every part of our business,' Pichai said.   According to MailOnline, the company recorded more than $119billion in total revenue between April and June, up 24 percent compared to the same period last year.   Its cloud business recorded more than $24billion in the quarter, and its net profit quadrupled to over $112billion - boosted massively by its AI-related investments in SpaceX and Anthropic.   Google said gains tied to those investments were valued at about $99b...

GHANA: Man jailed for breaking into his girlfriend's mother's house room to retrieve items he bought for her A 28-year-old man, Bismark Aduah is currently serving time at the Winneba Local Prison in Ghana for theft after he broke into his girlfriend's mother's room.    Speaking to Crime Check, he explained that he and his girlfriend had been in a relationship for nine years and had lived in Ashaiman for the past two years.   According to him, Rebecca’s mother did not like him and did not approve of their relationship.   Bismark said that he and his girlfriend returned to the mother’s house to retrieve the items he bought for her.  They broke the door and lock, and later took the things to the girl's father’s residence.    The mother pressed charges against both of them, and they were arrested and detained.   Bismark stated that the Afransi Court sentenced him to five months imprisonment and imposed a GH¢1,560 fine. He said he had already served tw...

 Lisandro Martinez has been chosen by fans around the world as a member of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Dream XI. The Manchester United centre-back was recognized for his role in helping Argentina to a second consecutive final, in North America. Martinez started seven of the eight games for the defending champions, including group-stage victories, clinched without conceding a goal, against Algeria and Austria. With Argentina already confirmed as group winners, our no.6 was rested for the win against Jordan before being restored to the starting line-up for the dramatic round-of-32 encounter with Cape Verde.- Manchester  unit

 Lena Headey rips Hollywood for protecting ‘predatory men,’ says toxic “Game of Thrones” fans got mad she didn’t go nude: ‘I was shocked by the anger’ Lena Headey is opening up about the challenges she faced as a young actress and how those experiences inspired her new BBC radio drama Intimacy. In a recent interview, the Game of Thrones star explained that the project reflects the lack of safeguards she witnessed on sets before intimacy coordinators became common.  She recalled being asked to perform nude scenes with little concern for her comfort, saying that in her early career, young women were often expected to take on “ingenue” roles involving romance and nudity without question.  Looking back, she admitted she often accepted uncomfortable situations simply because she was grateful to be working. Headey also revisited her allegations against Harvey Weinstein, whom she accused in 2017 of making advances toward her years earlier.  She said her anger now extends be...

 Love Island stars Tom Clare and Molly Smith marry in courthouse ceremony ahead of planned Majorca wedding celebration Love Island stars Tom Clare and Molly Smith have married in a courthouse ceremony, sharing their first photo as husband and wife after exchanging vows. The couple posted a picture from the ceremony on Instagram, showing Tom holding Molly as they posed for a kiss. A second image showed their wedding rings as they placed their hands together with the words “Husband and wife” alongside a white heart emoji. Molly, 32, wore a short white dress with stiletto heels, completing her look with a vintage-style pill box hat and short veil. She carried a bouquet of white flowers, while Tom, 26, wore a suit and tie for the occasion. The ceremony comes ahead of a second wedding planned in Majorca this summer. The couple are expected to hold an intimate celebration at Son Marroig, a 17th Century marble temple on the Spanish island. Tom and Molly first became a couple after appeari...

 William Shatner opens up about surviving stage 4 cancer and why he still believes “I’m not going to die” William Shatner has opened up about his battle with metastatic malignant melanoma and how the experience shaped the way he views life. The Star Trek actor, 95, revealed that he was diagnosed with cancer in 2023 after doctors told him the condition could have become fatal if it had been discovered later. “They said, ‘You got cancer. If you came in later, you would have been dead,’” Shatner told PEOPLE. “Yeah, see? That’s my life.” Shatner said the diagnosis was another challenge in a life that has included financial struggles, the death of his father, difficult divorces and other personal setbacks. Despite his health scare, the actor said he continues to focus on appreciating everyday moments and does not believe he is nearing the end of his life. “Even at this point, I don’t believe I’m going to die,” he said, explaining that he tries to remain aware of his surroundings and exp...

 First ransom note in Nancy Guthrie case warned Savannah Guthrie: 'Your mother's life is in your hands' New details have emerged about the first ransom note sent after the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, with the message warning her daughter, Savannah Guthrie, that her mother's life depended on meeting a multimillion-dollar ransom demand. Nancy Guthrie has been missing since Jan. 31 and was reported missing the following day. Investigators believe she was abducted from her Tucson, Arizona, home during the early hours of the morning by a masked individual captured on surveillance footage near her front door. Speaking on the Crime Junkie podcast, crime journalist Briana Whitney read portions of the first ransom note, which began: "Hello, Savannah. We have your mother, Nancy. She is safe but scared." According to Whitney, the note said Nancy would be held for ransom for up to seven days and promised she would be released within 12 hours of payment being received ...

 OPERATION HADIN KAI CLARIFIES STATUS OF INDIVIDUAL PREVIOUSLY REPORTED AS TERROR SUSPECT, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO PROFESSIONALISM Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) wishes to clarify reports published in some sections of the media on 14 July 2026 regarding an individual intercepted by troops of 68 Battalion during an exploitation operation following the attack at Cross Kauwa. The individual has now been identified as Aboubakar Muhammad Zein-Nur, also known as Houdairi. In view of the prevailing security environment and the exploitation of border corridors by terrorist elements for movement and logistics, troops acted in accordance with established operational procedures by taking him into custody for profiling and further investigation. Comprehensive intelligence assessments and other investigative processes did not establish that the individual has any affiliation to any known terrorist group. Investigations further confirmed that he is a resident of Shattu Anguba Village in Bosso, Repub...

 PRESS STATEMENT HOLDING RALLIES AT NIGHT HAS BEEN BANNED 22 July 2026 The Zambia Police Service wishes to reassure the nation that it remains fully committed to protecting democracy provided it operates strictly within officially approved hours. Campaigns must be held between 08:00hrs to 17:00hrs. Accordingly, we have observed with considerable concern that Mr. Brian Mundubile and his political party have continued holding campaign rallies during the night. While these gatherings have attracted significant public attendance, they have also demonstrated an unfortunate disregard for the carefully managed timetable prescribed by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ). Following concerns rightly raised by members of the public and other interested stakeholders, the Zambia Police Service has, with immediate effect, prohibited the holding of political rallies at night. Public enthusiasm for political participation is appreciated; however, it is most welcome when exercised at times dee...

Abia: Five Members of a Family Found Dead in Osisioma Home The Abia State Police Command has launched an investigation into the mysterious deaths of five members of the same family whose decomposing bodies were discovered in their residence at Umuimo village, Osisioma Ngwa Local Government Area, on Wednesday, July 22, 2026. The victims have been identified as Mr. Kachi Nnabugwu, his wife Mrs. Chinaza Nnabugwu, and their three young children. According to neighbors, the family had not been seen outside their home since Sunday. After repeated attempts to reach them failed, concerned neighbors and community members forced open the locked house, only to discover the five bodies inside. Items reportedly found in the building included containers of leftover food and a generator set. The decomposing state of the corpses suggested they had been dead for several days. On Wednesday, the bodies were evacuated from the compound and moved to a mortuary for preservation and autopsy. Residents in the...

ICPC Uncovers 908 Ghost Workers in Federal Payroll Fraud, Police Tops List with 570 Suspects The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has identified the Nigeria Police Force and several federal ministries and agencies as having the highest number of suspected ghost workers in its ongoing payroll verification exercise. ICPC Chairman Musa Adamu Aliyu (SAN) disclosed the findings while speaking on the commission’s investigation into payroll fraud across Federal Government institutions, according to a BBC Pidgin report on Wednesday. The anti-graft agency said it discovered 908 suspected ghost workers across at least 50 Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), leading to the recovery of approximately ₦942 million in fraudulent salaries. Ghost workers are defined as fictitious names inserted into government payrolls to siphon public funds. In some cases, officials allegedly add names of relatives or associates who are not actual employees. Aliyu high...

  “I spent eight years as Osun governor without owning a house” — Aregbesola The National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress, Rauf Aregbesola, has claimed he is the first governor in Nigeria’s history to govern a state for eight years without owning a personal house. Aregbesola, a former governor of Osun State and former Minister of Interior, made the assertion while addressing his supporters in a video which started trending online on Thursday. According to him, he lived in a friend’s house throughout his tenure as governor. “I’m the first governor in Nigeria to rule a state for eight years without owning a house of my own,” he said. The former governor added, “I stayed in my friend’s house for eight years as a governor in my father’s land. Whoever says that what I’m saying is not true should come out and show me the house I own.” Aregbesola served as governor of Osun State from 2010 to 2018 before he was appointed Minister of Interior under the administration of the lat...