PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 CUSTOMS FOILS MAJOR SECURITY THREAT; SEIZES OVER 140 RIFLES, ₦373.8M DRUG CARGO  The Nigeria customs service (NCS), says it has intercepted a container concealing parts of over 140 pump-action rifles and seized cannabis-infused products worth ₦373.8 million at the Tincan Island port, Lagos.  A statement by service public relations officer, Abdullahi Maiwada says the rifle components, identified preliminarily as jojeff pump-action rifles, were discovered after the container was flagged by customs’ intelligence-driven risk management system, leading to the arrest of two suspects while another remains at large.  In a separate operation, officers seized 109 cartons of delta-8 cannabis infused pre-roll cookies, 125 cartons of gummies and 73 cartons of cannabis-infused cookies concealed alongside other imported goods.  Comptroller General of customs Adewale Adeniyi warned that criminal networks could exploit Nigeria’s borders during the upcoming election cycle and vo...

 10th Prestige Excellence Award and Lecture 2026 Holds, September 12 in Lagos All is set for the 10th Prestige Excellence Award and Lecture (PEAL) 2026, scheduled to be held Saturday, September 12, 2026 at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Conference and Exhibition Center, 10, Nurudeen Olowopopo Street, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.  According to Wale Abiodun, CEO Prestige Media Group, Prestige Excellence Award and Lecture is a program instituted to recognize and appreciate deserving individuals, corporate entities and professional institutions that have made remarkable impact in our dear country Nigeria. The lecture and award are the brainchild of Prestige News , www.prestigenewsonline.com .   “Our news platform is dedicated to extolling the virtues of hard work, ingenuity, integrity and uncommon achievement in service delivery. The PEAL 2026 edition is tailored to honour and celebrate individuals and organizations who have exemplified those virtues in the ...

  Drama as Zimbabwean man sells one tuck shop container to four South Africans and flees the country A Zimbabwean man has reportedly sparked an unusual ownership dispute in South Africa after allegedly selling the same tuck shop container to four different buyers. According to reports, each of the four South African buyers believed they had legitimately purchased the container and paid the seller for it. The situation reportedly came to light after the buyers encountered one another and each claimed ownership of the same structure. They compared details of their respective transactions and allegedly discovered that all four had paid the same Zimbabwean seller. The seller was reportedly no longer available, leaving the buyers to deal with the dispute among themselves. The discovery has since turned what appeared to be four separate business transactions into a single ownership dispute, with each buyer maintaining that they have a legitimate claim to the container. The seller’s alleg...

 Porter Airlines flight to Toronto canceled after toddler refused to secure seatbelt before takeoff A Porter Airlines flight from Victoria, Canada, to Toronto was canceled after a toddler could not be secured with a seatbelt before takeoff, forcing the aircraft to return to the terminal. Porter Airlines flight PD444 had left the terminal at Victoria International Airport on Thursday, Aug. 6, and was heading toward the runway when crew members noticed the child standing in their seat, according to CTV News and CP24. The airline said the toddler would not remain secured, leaving the crew unable to proceed with the flight. “A young child was standing in their seat and would not secure their seatbelt,” Porter Airlines said in a statement to CTV News. “The aircraft could not take off in this unsafe condition, so the crew elected to return to the terminal and have the passengers disembark.” The aircraft returned to the terminal, where the family was removed from the flight. The airline s...

 Jorge Messi, Father of Football Legend Lionel Messi, Dies at 68 Jorge Messi, the father of Argentine football icon Lionel Messi, has passed away at the age of 68 following a prolonged battle with health issues, according to reports from multiple Argentine media outlets. A Family's Private Battle The news follows months of quiet concern surrounding Jorge Messi's health. Whispers of his declining condition first intensified in June during the World Cup, when an emotional Lionel Messi was seen crying after scoring for Argentina against Algeria. When questioned about his tears, the Inter Miami star clarified that his emotions had 'absolutely nothing to do with football,' hinting at the 'difficult days' his family was enduring. In response to rampant media speculation at the time, the Messi family released a statement confirming Jorge's medical struggles while pleading for privacy. The family criticized the lack of sensitivity and respect shown by some media out...

 TROOPS OF OPERATION FANSAN YAMMA DISRUPT TERRORIST LOGISTICS, NEUTRALISE IED THREAT, ARREST SUSPECTS IN ZAMFARA STATE Troops of Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA (JTF NW OPFY), recorded fresh successes against terrorists in separate operations across Zamfara State on 7 Aug 2026. The operations disrupted terrorist movements, intercepted logistics supplier, recovered military accoutrements among other items, and neutralised an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) from a major road. In a counter-Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) operation, troops of Sector 2 in conjunction with a Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal team, responded to a report of a suspected IED near Jabanda village, Zurmi Local Government Area. The team located and cleared the device, scanned the road, declared it safe and reopened to motorists.  Returning from the operation, the troops encountered terrorists at Birnin Tsaba village, Birnin Magaji Local Government Area, and engaged them, forcing a...

 South African rapper Nasty C says he cancelled his performance in Tanzania after being put in a car with a driver he believed was intoxicated. The rapper claimed the driver smelled of alcohol and garlic, and that there were cockroaches inside the vehicle.  Nasty C said he refused to risk his safety, choosing to cancel the show instead of continuing under those conditions. The incident has sparked conversations across Africa about artist safety, event planning, and the responsibility of promoters to provide secure transportation.

 Gov Soludo Inspects Onitsha Main Market Reconstruction, Promises Crackdown on Street Trading By Ifeyinwa Ogwo The Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, conducted an inspection of the Onitsha Main Market to evaluate the ongoing renovations and infrastructure improvements aimed at modernising the market, enhancing sanitation, boosting security, and restoring order. During his visit on August 7, the Governor engaged directly with traders to assess the progress and quality of the work. Traders reported that renovations are advancing steadily and are on track to meet expectations ahead of the December 2026 shopping season. Governor Soludo emphasised that, upon project completion, the state government will implement strict regulations. He reiterated the administration’s intention to remove street traders and illegal street trading from the market’s corridors and surrounding areas to facilitate smooth traffic flow and uphold a competitive standard of commerce. More photos below....

 ‎Public Drinking Among Women: Balancing Personal Freedom with Family Values ‎ ‎By Osegbue Patricia ‎ ‎The decision to consume alcohol is a personal one and, when done responsibly, is entirely lawful. However, beyond the issue of legality lies the broader question of personal responsibility, moderation, and the values that help shape a healthy society. ‎ ‎In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of women openly consuming alcohol at social events, entertainment venues, and other public gatherings. In many instances, these occasions are captured on cameras and shared widely through social media and live-streaming platforms. ‎ ‎While there is nothing inherently wrong with responsible alcohol consumption, the growing culture of excessive public drinking has generated concern among parents, religious leaders, and other community stakeholders. ‎ ‎One of the primary concerns is personal safety. Public environments where alcohol is consumed may expose intoxicated...

 Morgan Freeman praises Taylor Sheridan for having 'courage' to write about 'what people are actually going through' Morgan Freeman, who stars as Secretary of State Edwin Mullins in Paramount+’s Lioness, recently commended creator Taylor Sheridan’s writing for its focus on human emotions and experiences.  In an interview with The New York Times, the 89‑year‑old actor explained that Sheridan’s storytelling often highlights the personal struggles and decisions people face, citing Zoe Saldaña’s character Joe as an example of someone balancing life‑or‑death missions with family responsibilities.  Freeman said it takes courage to write about such themes, and Sheridan demonstrates that courage consistently. Freeman, who joined the series in its first season in 2023, emphasized that Lioness is not intended to mirror current geopolitical events. Instead, season three follows Saldaña’s character as she confronts hidden enemies while grappling with how the conflict affects every ...

 More than 40 tents line London’s Euston Road as local businesses report thefts and residents raise concerns More than 40 tents have been set up along the central reservation of London’s Euston Road, with nearby businesses and residents reporting problems linked to the encampment. One local shopkeeper told the Daily Mail that people staying at the site take alcohol and solvents from his newsagent regularly, costing the business hundreds or possibly thousands of pounds. He said the situation had continued since the group arrived in 2023 and that police had been called several times. “They steal alcohol and solvents from my shop on a daily basis,” he said, adding that some people became confrontational when he tried to film them. A local resident also claimed that a Romanian-registered Volkswagen Passat parked near the camp was being used to transport people to different parts of London for begging and pickpocketing. That claim was not independently established in the account. The en...

 Brandon Clarke’s cause of death confirmed nearly three months after former Grizzlies player was found unresponsive The cause and manner of death of former Memphis Grizzlies player Brandon Clarke have been confirmed nearly three months after he was found unresponsive at his California home. According to an Aug. 7 report from the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner, Clarke died from the effects of heroin and cocaine. His death was ruled accidental. Paramedics responded to his San Fernando-area home at around 5 p.m. on May 11 and found the 29-year-old in his bedroom. He was pronounced dead about 15 minutes later. Law enforcement previously told NBC Los Angeles that drug paraphernalia was found at the residence, leading investigators to consider an overdose. Clarke’s death certificate also noted the presence of the combined effects of multiple prescription medications. Clarke spent seven seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies after being selected in the first round of the 20...

 Savannah James says Hermès saleswoman was f!red after she and friend were allegedly refused service despite having appointment in Italy The alleged Hermès incident in Italy became the focus of a recent podcast conversation involving Savannah James and her friend April McDaniel, who claimed a saleswoman was removed from her position after the pair were initially refused service despite having a shopping appointment. Savannah, 39, discussed the incident on the Aug. 7 episode of Danielle Robay’s Question Everything podcast, where she appeared with McDaniel, her podcast co-host and friend. According to McDaniel, she had arranged Hermès shopping appointments for herself and Savannah while they were traveling around Europe. She said the experience at one Italian store was different from what they expected. “We had an appointment,” Savannah said, recalling the situation. McDaniel claimed the saleswoman initially turned them away and later said the employee was f!red from the store. “And ...

 New York’s medical aid in dying law takes effect, allowing terminally ill patients to request life-ending medication New York's Medical Aid in Dying Act, known as MAID, took effect Wednesday, making the state the 13th jurisdiction in the country to allow certain terminally ill patients to obtain medication to end their lives. Access may vary depending on individual hospitals and health care providers as they establish policies for implementing the new law. Under the law, mentally capable adults who have a terminal illness and a prognosis of six months or less may request medication to end their lives. Patients must be able to take the medication themselves, ensuring the decision is voluntary and deliberate. Physicians and hospitals are not required to participate, and state health officials are still developing guidance for providers. State officials say the law includes additional safeguards intended to protect patients from being pressured or exploited. The law has drawn opposit...

  GOVERNOR ALIA COMMENDS FG FOR IMPROVED SECURITY IN BENUE STATE; IDPs RETURN HOME ‎ ‎Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, says security has improved significantly across the state, with many internally displaced persons returning to their communities and resuming farming and other economic activities. ‎ ‎Speaking during an engagement with the Presidential Media Team and the Renewed Hope Ambassadors in Makurdi, the governor commended the Federal Government for its prompt response to security challenges in the state and appreciated development partners and humanitarian organizations for their support to affected communities. ‎ ‎He said his administration remains committed to working with security agencies and relevant stakeholders to consolidate the gains recorded and ensure lasting peace, safety, and the return of normal life across Benue State.

 MINISTER OF POWER INAUGURATES RURAL ELECTRIFICATON AGENCY BOARD WITH AYO FAYOSE AS CHAIRMAN Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe has  inaugurated the newly constituted Governing Board of the Rural Electrification Agency, tasking members of the Board to uphold people-centred leadership while delivering impactful programmes and initiatives at the REA. The Chairman of the newly constituted Board and former Governor of Ekiti state Ayodele Fayose assures of the Board’s dedication to delivering on REA’s mandate. More photos below. 

 An Indiana man was discovered deceased with his body partially inside of an access panel on a utility pole, still holding wire cutters. Work crews along I-70 on the west side of Indianapolis came upon a grisly scene on the morning of Wednesday, August 5th.  As workers milled along, removing litter from the roadway, a strange sight caught the attention of  workers. It appeared a man was working inside of the access panel on a utility pole.  However, a closer inspection would reveal the sad, disturbing truth. A call was made to 911, and first responders quickly arrived  to discover the man was deceased.   The appearance of the man, and evidence at the scene, led authorities to believe he had suffered a fatal shock.  Authorities have confirmed the unfortunate man's identity as 41-year-old David Emmert. David's family started a GoFundMe and expressed he was unhoused and just trying to get by any way that he could.  According to responding EMS an...

 A Georgia woman has been arrested for throwing kittens from a moving vehicle.  This sad and disturbing display of disregard for the lives of animals took place in Brookhaven, Georgia, on Wednesday, August 5th Officers with Brookhaven police department responded to the area of Peachtree Road and Osborne Road at 2:30 p.m. after receiving reports of animal cruelty.  The initial caller reported seeing a woman throwing kittens from a vehicle as it traveled down Osborne Road. Once on scene, the witness was able to provide a license plate number and description of the person tossing the kittens.  While still on scene, officers were able to locate a deceased kitten in the roadway.  Officers were able to locate the suspect's vehicle quickly at a nearby business. They approached the suspect, 25-year-old Valentina Henao, and began questioning her about the allegations.  While Valentina was being questioned, officers would drive the witness by the scene for a positive...

 Trigger Warning- A 7-year-old Ohio boy was found duct-taped and deceased in a closet after his mother burst into an Urgent Care and threw herself on the floor, claiming her son had been kidnapped.  William Evans, just 7-years-old, was discovered heavily bound by duct tape and deceased inside of a closet in the home his mother 38-year-old Kaitlin Evans shared with two other women. Those women are 23-year-old Kirby Rankin, and 23-year-old Nessa Keany. All three are being charged in connection to the homicide of William Evans. Authorities would respond to the home on Madison Road, where they found William after a bizarre outburst from Kaitlin at an Urgent Care in Cincinnati on Thursday. According to reports, a strange acting Kaitlin had suddenly shown up at the Urgent Care near her home.  Officers received a call describing what was transpiring as the following: "A barefoot female-who is lying on the floor stating someone is attempting to k*ll her, and her son has been kidn...

 Broda Shaggi Breaks Silence After Months of Absence, Promises 'Stronger' Return Celebrated Nigerian comedian and actor Samuel Perry, widely recognized by his stage name Broda Shaggi, has finally broken his months-long silence to address his concerned fanbase. The beloved content creator, who has stayed away from public events, social engagements, and digital spaces recently, reached out to express deep gratitude to everyone who kept checking on his well-being during his hiatus. Taking to his official WhatsApp channel on Friday, Shaggi shared an emotional update with his followers. He acknowledged that his prolonged absence had limited his ability to connect with his audience as much as he usually does, hinting at personal struggles without going into full detail. "I wish I could tell y’all everything right now… but I can’t. Not yet," the popular skit maker wrote. "Just know I haven’t forgotten about you, and I haven’t stopped thinking about the day I can finally...

 ICC calls on Chad to reverse decision on withdrawal The International Criminal Court (ICC) expressed concern at the decision by Chad to withdraw from the body and called on it to reconsider. Venezuela announced its withdrawal from The Hague-based court on July 25 and Chad two days later. Both accused the body of biased in the investigations. "The presidency regrets these developments," said a statement from the court's leadership, currently made up of Finland, Sierra Leone and Poland, AFP reported. It said that withdrawal from the Rome statute that set up the ICC "risk undermining the collective pursuit of justice and weakening global efforts to end impunity." "The presidency calls on Chad and Venezuela to remain committed states parties to the Rome Statute." Targeting African countries Chad accused the ICC of focusing on African countries. The governments of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger have also signalled they want to leave the ICC. Venezuela, which...

 Meghan Markle hits back after Martha Stewart said she dropped King Charles dinner party gossip Meghan Markle has pushed back against Martha Stewart’s suggestion that she discussed her reunion with King Charles at a California dinner party. Stewart told People magazine she overheard Meghan talking about her family’s recent UK trip, but a source close to the Duchess insisted Stewart “must have been confused,” noting the two were not seated near each other.  Meghan’s team clarified that she only mentioned enjoying a European holiday, not the private Highgrove visit with Charles and Camilla. The alleged exchange comes amid speculation that Meghan’s new cooking show, With Love, Meghan, places her in direct competition with Stewart’s homemaking empire.  Stewart commented that transitioning from actress to royal to lifestyle host “doesn’t sort of follow,” and stressed the importance of authenticity in the homemaking space.  She has previously remarked that she hopes Meghan...

Brittany Boltinhouse says she believes her Miss North Carolina USA title was removed because of her conservative Christian beliefs Brittany Boltinhouse says she believes her conservative Christian beliefs played a role in her removal as Miss North Carolina USA 2026. Boltinhouse, who was crowned on June 28, lost the title just over a month later after the Miss USA Organization announced on Aug. 5 that she was no longer the state titleholder. Speaking publicly for the first time since the decision, Boltinhouse told Carolina Journal editor-in-chief Donna King that she believes her title was “ripped from me because of my beliefs.” She described herself as a “proud conservative woman” and “Christian woman,” while saying she remains at peace with the situation. Boltinhouse also said a confidentiality clause in her agreement prevents her from discussing some of the circumstances surrounding the decision. When asked whether supporting conservative views or President Donald Trump could be viewe...

 Loan I took for girlfriend who dumped me almost destroyed my life — Content creator, Baami Samuel Adegbeyi, popularly known as Baami, has opened up about the hardships that shaped his path into content creation, a relationship that left him buried in debt, and the faith that carried him through. The Nigerian creator, who now commands millions of followers across platforms, said his story began long before social media. In 2009, while he was still in secondary school, his father fell seriously ill and later died. Adegbeyi moved in with a relative and continued his education. After finishing secondary school in 2015, he struggled to gain admission for further studies. His family eventually left him in the care of a neighbour. At first the arrangement worked, but neglect and hardship followed. Another neighbour later took him in after noticing his situation. Through it all, he clung to his dream of becoming an accountant. He began creating content in 2024 during his final year of Hig...

 I helped 10 pregnant women deliver babies bare-handed in captivity — Rescued Kwara nurse A rescued victim of the February 3 terrorist attack on Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, Amirah Salihu, has recounted the harsh conditions she and other captives endured during their nearly six months in captivity. Salihu, a nurse and daughter of Umar Salihu, the chief of Woro community, said she took delivery of 10 pregnant women with her bare hands while in captivity. She disclosed this in an interview aired by Channels Television’s *Politics Today* on Friday. According to her, the captives were poorly fed and often slept in the open, including near a river, despite heavy rainfall. “The kind of food that they were giving us was bad. The day that we got there, they just dropped guinea corn for us with salt and Maggi. Every day after, they gave us one bag of corn without oil, pepper, nothing. There was a day that they didn’t even give us Maggi again, jus...

Senate Clarifies Why FCT Excluded from Proposed State Police Framework The Senate has explained that the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) was deliberately left out of the proposed constitutional arrangement for state police because it lacks a governor and a State House of Assembly, remaining under direct federal administration. Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, Yemi Adaramodu, made the clarification on Friday while addressing journalists on questions surrounding the FCT’s exclusion from the framework. Adaramodu noted that the administrative structure of the FCT differs fundamentally from that of the 36 states. The territory is headed by a minister who operates under the Federal Executive Council and takes directives from it. Legislative powers over the FCT rest with the National Assembly rather than a local legislature. “I have heard many people raise a lot of questions on why the Federal Capital Territory is not among the plan for state police. The FCT issue is d...

 PRESS RELEASE BENUE POLICE ARRESTS FIVE PAKISTAN NATIONALS IN RURAL AREAS OF THE STATE, RECOVER 35 MOBILE PHONES IN SEPARATE OPERATIONS The Benue State Police Command has arrested five Pakistani nationals and recovered thirty-five (35) mobile phones in separate intelligence-led operations conducted in Otukpo and Ugbokolo areas. On 4th August 2026, operatives of the Command, acting on credible intelligence, arrested three Pakistanis at Adoka Motor Park, Otukpo Local Government Area. The suspects, identified as Younas Mohammad, 36; Ahmad Nunil, 38; and Aslam Muhammad, 46, were intercepted while attempting to board a vehicle to Adoka village. During preliminary questioning, the suspects stated that they were in Otukpo for the purpose of marketing cosmetics and mobile gadgets none of which were found in their possession. This made their explanation, activities and movements within the area suspicious,  requiring more clarification. In a separate operation on 5th August 2026, two ...

 POLICE RECORD MAJOR BREAKTHROUGH IN INVESTIGATION INTO MURDER OF IMO MONARCH, FIVE OTHERS; GANG KINGPIN KILLED, ARMS RECOVERED The Nigeria Police Force has recorded a significant breakthrough in the ongoing investigation into the murder of HRH Eze Barrister Paulinus Ekwueme, Ochia I of Ochia Kingdom, and five others in Ohaji/Egbema, Imo State. Following actionable intelligence, operatives of the Special Tactics Squad, Force Intelligence Department (STS-FID), conducted a series of operations between 2nd and 6th August, 2026, targeting members of the criminal syndicate allegedly linked to the incident. The operations culminated in the early hours of 6th August, 2026, when operatives located the hideout of a suspected gang kingpin, identified as Ojiogu Elumah Martin, alias “Acid”, in Ohaji/Egbema. The suspect engaged the operatives in a gun duel and sustained injuries during the encounter, which subsequently led to his death. One AK-47 rifle, three magazines and 56 rounds of 7.62mm l...

 SANWO-OLU CONDEMNS VANDALISM OF FESTAC-ALAKIJA BRIDGE  Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has directed security agencies to go after criminals who vandalised the Festac-Alakija Bridge.  “Lagos will not tolerate any act of  vandalism because it is barbaric and criminal,” Mr. Sanwo-Olu said, adding: “I have been informed by officials of the Office of Infrastructure who visited the bridge that the structural integrity of the bridge is intact and remedial work will be executed immediately to protect the columns.” Anyone who is found to be culpable in this horrendous, shameful and condemnable incident will surely face the law.  Lagos has no place for such barbarism and acts of violence against our critical infrastructure and other facilities. Lagosians are enjoined to keep an eye on public facilities to protect them against senseless attacks.  Gbenga Omotoso HC, Information & Strategy  Friday, August 7, 2026

 Rwanda confirms talks with European nations to take in migrants seeking asylum   Rwanda and some European nations are holding migration talks, Kigali's spokesperson said, AFP reported. In June European lawmakers approved tougher migration rules, notably enabling nations to open "return hubs" outside the EU's borders, where migrants with no right to stay could be sent. Rwanda government spokesperson Yolande Makolo told a local radio station that while discussions were ongoing, there was "no agreement yet". The broad talks were around an "emergency transit mechanism", said Makolo. Rwanda could provide "a safe place for families who are stranded... have nowhere else to go or in danger for various reasons", she added.

 Kano Anti-drug Abuse Agency Seeks Enhance Collaboration with EFCC The Kano State Multi-Taskforce on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking has sought enhanced collaboration with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, towards stemming the prevalence of substance abuse in the state and in redirecting offenders on the path of becoming responsible citizens. The request was made when the Chairman of the Taskforce, Muhuyi Magaji Rimingado, paid a courtesy visit to the Acting Director, Kano Zonal Directorate of the EFCC, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE1 Friday Ebelo, at the Commission's Kano office. Rimingado, who disclosed that the EFCC was the first agency he sought collaboration with following the previous fruitful working relationship between the Taskforce and the Commission noted that the role of the EFCC was critical to the success and survival of the country. "I called the EFCC directly because I know the critical role this agency plays.  We need your support to...