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 Nollywood Actress Tope Osoba’s Burial Postponed Indefinitely as Family Addresses Cause of Death Rumors The family of the late Nollywood actress, Tope Osoba, has announced the indefinite postponement of her burial ceremony. The decision, which comes weeks after her sudden passing, has sparked widespread conversation among colleagues, fans, and the general public regarding the circumstances surrounding her death. In an official statement, the family explained that the delay is necessary to allow for further arrangements and the resolution of essential matters related to her passing. This announcement follows the successfully held candlelight procession and Artist’s Night, which were organized to honor the memory of the beloved actress. Foluke Daramola Clarifies Cause of Death Rumors The postponement comes amid growing speculation about what led to the actress's demise. Addressing mourners and colleagues during the tribute events, prominent Nollywood actress Foluke Daramola debunked ...

 Baba Ijesha Church Performance Sparks Intense Social Media Debate A viral video featuring Nollywood actor Olanrewaju Omiyinka, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, performing at a recent church event has triggered intense debate across various social media platforms. The actor, who has been at the center of significant legal and moral controversies in recent years, has once again divided public opinion regarding rehabilitation, forgiveness, and public spotlighting. The Viral Performance and Immediate Backlash The footage, which rapidly circulated online, shows the comic actor participating in a drama ministration during a church service. While the congregation in the video appeared receptive, the internet reaction was immediate and highly polarized. Many netizens questioned the church’s decision to feature Baba Ijesha, arguing that offering him a public platform is insensitive to the gravity of his past legal troubles. The Great Debate: Redemption vs. Accountability The discussion high...

 California climber known for Yosemite speed records dies in Sierra Nevada fall Jacob Whisenant, a 30-year-old California climber known for setting speed records on some of Yosemite National Park’s most iconic routes, died after a fall in the Sierra Nevada wilderness last week. Whisenant died Aug. 3 in the wilderness of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. His death was ruled accidental. National Park Service rangers responded Aug. 2 to a reported climbing-related incident, and rescue crews later located his body. Whisenant was well known in the climbing community for his speed ascents in Yosemite. In 2024, he and climbing partner Brant Hysell completed the approximately 2,000-foot Lurking Fear route on El Capitan in 2 hours, 55 minutes, and 32 seconds. Whisenant also made headlines in May when he and another climbing partner completed the famed Nose route on El Capitan twice in a single day. His fiancée, Emma London, said Whisenant died while attempting a first ascent in Sequo...

George and Amal Clooney Make Rare Public Appearance With Twins Ella and Alexander at Charity Event in Italy George and Amal Clooney made a rare public appearance with their eight-year-old twins, Ella and Alexander, at a charity event in Italy. The family arrived by boat at Villa Passalacqua in Lake Como on Tuesday for a benefit dinner hosted by the Clooney Foundation for Justice. George, 65, wore a gray suit, while Amal, 48, wore a black floral dress with sunglasses and strappy heels. Amal was photographed holding Alexander’s hand, while Ella walked alongside her father. The Clooneys have generally kept their children away from the public eye. The couple, who married in 2014, founded the Clooney Foundation for Justice in 2016 to provide free legal aid focused on free speech and women’s rights in more than 40 countries. George previously explained that he and Amal chose to raise their children on a farm in France partly because he wanted them to have more privacy and less exposure to Ho...

Ebonyi Assembly Passes Law Regulating Scrap Trade, House Rents and Agency Fees The Ebonyi State House of Assembly has passed a bill to regulate the sale and handling of metal and electrical scraps, standardise house rents and control estate agency fees across the state. The bill was passed during plenary at the House of Assembly Complex on Nkaliki Road, Abakaliki, under the leadership of Speaker Rt. Hon. Moses Ije Odunwa. It will be cited as the Ebonyi State Sale of Scraps, House Rent and Agent Fees Regulation Law, 2026, and takes effect from August 11, 2026. The legislation seeks to regulate the sale, possession, transportation and disposal of metal and electrical scraps, standardise rents, and curb excessive agency fees charged by both professionals and non-professionals. Under the new law, no person may buy, sell, possess for sale, transport or dispose of metal or electrical scraps except as a licensed dealer in accordance with regulations made under the Act. Offenders face imprison...

 BORNO STATE POLICE COMMAND  PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY CAUTION AGAINST RECKLESS SKATING ON PUBLIC HIGHWAYS Following public outcry over the activities of individuals using skating shoes on public highways in a manner that obstructs traffic and poses risks to other road users, the Borno State Police Command wishes to categorically caution against such practices. 2. The Command acknowledges and appreciates the enthusiasm of young people for skating, kinaesthetic activities and sports. However, all road users are required to comply with existing road safety and traffic regulations. 3⁠. Individuals engaged in skating are therefore advised to use designated playgrounds, sports centres and suitable/approved roads, where such activities can be conducted safely without obstructing or endangering other road users. 4. The Borno State Police Command will not hesitate to take appropriate action against anyone whose activities constitute an obstruction, endangerment or violation of applicable...

 Anambra Police Reject N200,000 Bribe, Reiterate Tinted-Glass Permit Requirement ‎ ‎By Chizoba Njaka  ‎ ‎The Anambra State Police Command has reiterated the requirement for motorists using vehicles with tinted glass to obtain the appropriate permit, in accordance with existing regulations. The command said the regulation is primarily aimed at enhancing public safety, security and effective policing across the state. ‎The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, made this known on August 10 while clarifying an incident involving police officers who reportedly rejected a N200,000 bribe offered by a motorist stopped for using tinted glass without the required permit. ‎ ‎According to Ikenga, instead of accepting the money, the officers maintained professionalism and directed the motorist to either remove the unauthorised tint from the vehicle or obtain the appropriate permit where applicable. The command commended the officers for demonstrating discipline, integrity an...

 ANAMBRA SECURITY: TWO SUSPECTED HARD-DRUG DEALERS ARRESTED WITH ILLICIT DRUGS WORTH ₦6,200,000 AND THE SUM OF ₦598,400 IN CASH RECOVERED AS CP NNANNA STEPS UP OPERATIONS FOLLOWING IGP’S DIRECTIVE In furtherance of the directives of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc (+), NPM, on sustained intelligence-led operations and the dismantling of criminal hideouts across the country, the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, psc, mnips, has intensified operations against criminal elements and their operational bases across the State. Consequently, following credible intelligence on the activities of suspected illicit drug dealers operating in Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area, operatives of the Command, attached to the Rapid Response Squad Awkuzu, in the early hours of today 11th August, 2026, stormed a suspected criminal hideout in Obosi and arrested two male suspects identified as Nzube Onyedikachukwu, alias “Onyeoma,” age...

 Sudan army intercepts RSF drones targeting Khartoum, River Nile: report Sudanese military air defences intercepted several suicide drones allegedly launched by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in an attempt to target civilian areas in Khartoum and River Nile states, Sudan News reported on Wednesday. The report said air defence systems belonging to the Sudanese Armed Forces engaged the drones, while additional unmanned aerial vehicles were reportedly detected over the city of El Obeid in North Kordofan State. No immediate information was available on casualties or damage, and the RSF has not commented on the reported attacks. According to Sudan News, the drone launches coincided with what it described as setbacks suffered by the RSF on multiple fronts in the Kordofan region, where Sudanese army forces have recently stepped up military operations.

 Refund us for repatriating your citizens, S. Africa tells African governments after migrant exodus South Africa is asking several other African governments to reimburse it for the cost of sending tens of thousands of their citizens back home. The request comes after South Africa deported or helped repatriate more than 80,000 immigrants, following protests against illegal immigration. According to the country's Home Affairs department, which briefed lawmakers, the country has spent nearly $18 million accommodating and transporting immigrants who demanded to return to their home countries. The foreign ministry has sent written requests for compensation to Malawi, Ethiopia and Nigeria, officials said. According to the latest government figures, 82,875 people have either been voluntarily repatriated or have been deported since the migration tensions began. However, figures released by governments of migrants' home countries put the total at about 178,000.

 INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DAY: NONYE SOLUDO CALLS FOR MORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE By MaryAnn Chukwuma. The Anambra State First Lady, Mrs. Nonye Soludo, has called for more opportunities and supportive spaces for young people to learn, build, lead and thrive in today’s world. Mrs. Soludo made the call in a message commemorating International Youth Day, describing young people as changemakers, innovators, entrepreneurs, creators and problem-solvers shaping the world today. She stressed that every young person deserves an opportunity to discover their potential and transform their dreams into meaningful impact, noting that society owes them such opportunities. The First Lady urged young people in Anambra State and beyond to believe in themselves, keep learning, stay healthy and remain committed to making positive contributions. According to her, young people possess ideas, energy and courage needed to build the future everyone desires, urging them never to underestimate the differe...

 Veteran Nollywood Actor Sunday Afolabi Opens Up on Financial Hardships and Driving Bus to Survive Veteran Nollywood actor Sunday Afolabi has shed light on the severe financial hardships that led him to drive a commercial bus to make ends meet, following viral reactions on social media. Speaking in an emotional interview with actress Biola Bayo on her talk show, the iconic movie star detailed the series of unfortunate setbacks that stalled his once-flourishing acting career. The Relocation That Cost Him His Career Afolabi, who began his acting journey in Lagos in 1970, rose to prominence after featuring in legendary Nigerian productions such as Owo Blow, Village Headmaster, and Nowhere to be Found. However, his career took a dramatic turn when he decided to relocate to the outskirts of Lagos. According to the actor, his move to Badagry was driven by a desire to build and own his own home. Unfortunately, the distance cut him off from mainstream Nollywood hubs, leading to a severe la...

 Nigerian Singer Ruger Fires Back After TikTok Critic Wishes Him Dead Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Ruger has publicly responded to a social media creator who openly wished for his demise over his controversial song lyrics. The online clash has quickly gone viral, drawing mixed reactions from music fans and social commentators alike. Controversy Over Song Lyrics The drama began when a female TikTok user criticized the singer's musical catalog, labeling his lyrics as "misogynistic and homophobic." In a video that went viral across various platforms, the creator expressed her extreme disapproval in Pidgin English, stating, "Ruger gats die na the only thing wey fit help my mental health" (meaning: Ruger has to die, it is the only thing that can help my mental health). Ruger Fires Back on Social Media Rather than ignoring the severe statement, the popular artist took to his official X (formerly Twitter) account to address the death wish. Sharing the video of the crea...

 Ohanaeze Youth Council Warns Religious Extremism Threatens Nigeria’s Unity, Urges Peaceful Referendum\ The National President of the Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC), Comrade Igboayaka O. Igboayaka, has raised concerns over the future of Nigeria’s national unity. Speaking in Owerri, Imo State, the youth leader warned that persistent religious extremism and political domination could strain the country's delicate socio-political fabric. The Spark: Controversial Claims on Nigeria’s Identity Igboayaka’s warning came in response to remarks attributed to Islamic cleric Sheikh Yahaya Jingir, who reportedly defended the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket of President Bola Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima, asserting that Nigeria is fundamentally an Islamic nation. The OYC leader argued that such statements directly undermine the country's diverse secular structure. According to Igboayaka, portraying Nigeria as belonging exclusively to any single faith is dangerous and fosters mutu...

 Juma Jux Breaks Silence as Tanzanian Fans Attack Priscilla Ojo Over His Weight Loss A heated cross-border social media clash erupted on Monday, August 11, 2026, as Tanzanian fans of singer Juma Jux descended upon the TikTok comment section of his partner, Nigerian influencer Priscilla Ojo. The confrontation sparked intense debates across East and West Africa, forcing both parties to address the growing online hostility. The Origin of the '#FreeJumaJux' Campaign The controversy began after Juma Jux attended the wedding of popular Nigerian influencers Jarvis and Peller. Observers quickly pointed out that the Tanzanian star appeared noticeably slimmer than usual. Rather than attributing the physical change to lifestyle choices, some Tanzanian followers began pointing fingers at Priscilla, suggesting that his relationship with the Nigerian actress Iyabo Ojo's daughter was the cause of his weight loss. In a bizarre turn of events, dissatisfied fans launched a "#FreeJumaJux...

Ayra Starr’s Mother Takes to Lagos Streets to Promote Upcoming 'Starr Girl' Album Nene Aderibigbe, the mother of Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Ayra Starr, has taken maternal support to a new level by personally hitting the streets of Lagos to campaign for her daughter's upcoming studio album, Starr Girl. Popularly known as "Genzmummy" on social media, Aderibigbe shared a vibrant video on Instagram capturing the grassroots promotional campaign. She was accompanied by the singer's sister and a dedicated group of women, all working together to rally public attention ahead of the project's official release. A Mother's Blessing and Street Campaign The street promotion combined faith, fashion, and creative marketing. Dressed in coordinated black outfits topped with matching purple headgear, the women marched through Lagos holding prominent placards. The signs proudly carried messages announcing the project, including one that read: "Stargirl album out on...

 Davido Stakes $1 Million, Challenges Nigerian Artistes to Ultimate 'Hit-for-Hit' Battle Afrobeats megastar David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has raised the stakes in the Nigerian music industry by declaring himself the ultimate hitmaker. To back up his bold assertion, the "Unavailable" singer has put a staggering $1 million (approximately N1 billion) on the line, challenging any colleague to a live "hit-for-hit" musical battle. Davido laid down the gauntlet during a recent interactive livestream session with popular streamer Davrel. Expressing absolute confidence in his extensive discography, the singer made it clear that he is ready to defend his crown against any Nigerian musician brave enough to step up to the plate. A Legacy of Chart-Topping Hits Davido’s supreme confidence is anchored on over a decade of consistent dominance at the forefront of the African music scene. Since his breakout in the early 2010s, the billionaire heir and music execut...

 FEDERAL GOVERNMENT BACKS GOMBE STATE GOVERNMENT POWER EXPANSION PLAN The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) is supporting Gombe State’s plan to close the 170 megawatts of electricity gap, as the state currently draws just 30 mega watts  from the national grid against an estimated requirement of 200 mega watts This forms part of the discussion during the visit by a delegation from the Gombe State Electricity Regulatory Commission to the headquarters of the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) in Abuja Chairman of the Gombe State Electricity Regulatory Commission, Dr Usman Abba Arabi says the supply gap of 170 mega watts is threatening to undercut the state’s ambition as a commercial and industrial hub in the North East. To close this energy gap in the state, Dr Arabi reveals that 30 mini-grids are currently being developed as part of the state’s power expansion plan. This he notes will require the  collaboration with NISO. Managing Director of NISO, Abdu B...

 I doubt I’ll keep playing football without you, Messi mourns father "Dad, Iwanted to win the World Cup to bring you another one.. but I couldn't. My legs just coldn't give me any more. This timne ltried to push beyond what my body could handle... but then Icouldn't. We didn't win the Cup, but.. we loved this campaign, how much we enjoyed it! We never had achance to talk about this.. But you were right Dad, once again- Messi"

 EFCC PRESS STATEMENT Emmanuel Olusegun Ogunyannwo  Not Declared Wanted by the EFCC The  Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,  EFCC,  wishes to disclaim a WANTED publication made  by some faceless and unscrupulous elements in the social media  that Emmanuel Olusegun Ogunyannwo   was declared WANTED by the Commission.   Ogunyannwo is not on the  WANTED List of the Commission.   Any publication to the contrary is fictitious and contrived.  The public is enjoined to ignore it.  Dele Oyewale Head, Media & Publicity August 12,  2026

Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s Widow Tenisha Gets GoFundMe Support Amid Legal Battle Over Late Actor’s Estate Tenisha Warner, widow of late actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner, is receiving financial support through a GoFundMe campaign launched by her longtime friend amid an ongoing legal dispute over his estate. Destiny Rael, who says she has been Tenisha’s closest friend for 19 years and introduced her to Malcolm-Jamal, created the fundraiser on Tuesday, Aug. 11. Rael said Tenisha has been homeschooling the couple’s nine-year-old daughter while dealing with legal and financial matters following Malcolm-Jamal’s passing. The actor, best known for The Cosby Show, died at 54 in July 2025 after being caught in a riptide in Costa Rica while on a family vacation. According to Rael, Tenisha also returned home to an unexpected flooding issue, adding to the work of rebuilding the family home. Rael further claimed that Malcolm-Jamal had planned to update his estate plan to provide for Tenisha and their daughter...

 Paris Jackson Reveals She Didn’t Spend Her Childhood Playing at Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch Paris Jackson has clarified that she did not spend her childhood freely enjoying the attractions at Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch, despite the estate having an amusement park, zoo, cinema and other facilities. Speaking on the Aug. 12 episode of Call Her Daddy, the 28-year-old said she only lived at the California property during the first few years of her life. Paris said she and her brothers, Prince and Bigi Jackson, were homeschooled at Neverland and followed a regular school routine.  She explained that they were also told the attractions were not for them, as the facilities were intended for underprivileged children and children with serious illnesses who could not visit Disneyland. According to Paris, access to the rides, animals and movies was instead treated as a reward for completing their schoolwork and chores.  She said the same approach applied to television a...

Mk Press Release NIGERIA COMMISERATES WITH COLOMBIA OVER DEVASTATING EARTHQUAKE  The Government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria express profound sorrow and deepest sympathy to the Government and people of the Republic of Colombia following the devastating magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck western Colombia on 10 August 2026. This powerful tremor, the strongest recorded in Colombia this century, is reported to have caused significant losses of life, left many injured, and resulted in extensive damage to homes, hospitals, schools, and critical infrastructure across several regions, including Chocó, Valle del Cauca, Risaralda, and surrounding areas. The Federal Government of Nigeria extends its heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost loved ones and wishes a speedy and full recovery of the injured. Nigeria stand in full solidarity with the people of Colombia during this period of national mourning and recovery. Nigeria has full confidence in the resilience, ...

 PRESS RELEASE FG Strengthens Global Partnerships to Accelerate Cancer Control in Nigeria ***Salako Inaugurates Blood Cancer Consortium, Highlights Expanded Prevention and Treatment Measures The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening partnerships and investments in cancer prevention, early detection and treatment as part of efforts to reduce the burden of cancer in Nigeria. The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, stated this when he received members of the Global Advisory Council of the National Cancer Control Plan Technical Working Group in Abuja. He noted that cancer remains a major global health challenge, with the burden particularly severe in Africa due to late presentation, high mortality, limited infrastructure, inadequate manpower and constrained resources. The Minister said the Federal Government had placed partnerships at the centre of the implementation of the National Cancer Control Plan 2026–2030, stress...

 PRESS RELEASE FG, U.S. PRIVATE SECTOR EXPLORE PARTNERSHIP TO BOOST LIVESTOCK GENETICS, FEED, PRODUCTIVITY The Federal Government has expressed its readiness to deepen collaboration with the United States private sector in livestock genetics, animal nutrition, technology and productivity as part of ongoing efforts to transform Nigeria’s livestock industry into a modern, productive and commercially viable sector. The Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, Hon. Idi Mukhtar Maiha, stated this on Friday, 11th July, 2026, in Abuja, when he received a delegation of American livestock companies and associations led by Mr. Christopher Beieleck, representing the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), during a meeting with Directors of the Ministry and other stakeholders. The Minister said , the engagement provided an important platform for the Ministry and the U.S. private sector to identify areas of mutual interest and develop practical partnerships capable of supporting th...

 POLICE CONDEMN INCITING STATEMENT, INVITE SENATOR FADAHUNSI The Commissioner of Police in charge of the 2026 Osun State Governorship Election, Samuel Etaifo has condemned a statement attributed to the Senator representing Osun East Senatorial District, Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi, describing it as capable of heightening tension ahead of Saturday’s governorship election. In a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, the Commissioner said political leaders and public office holders are expected to exercise restraint and avoid comments capable of undermining public confidence in the electoral and security arrangements for the election. CP Etaifo reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to neutrality, professionalism and the protection of democratic values, stressing that the Police would not tolerate any act, utterance or conduct capable of inciting violence, disrupting public peace or threatening the security of the state. The Police Commiss...

 STATEMENT BY FORMER USA AMBASSADOR TO ZAMBIA - Amb. Michael C. Gonzales On the Occasion of the General Elections - Thursday 13 August 2026_ Five years ago you, the people of Zambia, showed the world what Democracy and voting truly means. You stood in long lines, you waited patiently, and you peacefully removed the former party in office through the ballot. In doing so you did more than change a government. You inspired Botswana, Malawi and many other African countries that have since rejected brutal and corrupt regimes. That moment proved that the power of the people is real, and that your vote can change the destiny of a nation. Today, as you prepare to go to the polls again on Thursday 13 August 2026, I urge you to remember that same power and courage. Zambia has the potential to succeed and become self sustainable. You are blessed with land, minerals, water, young people, and a spirit of unity that no country can take from you. But the problem that Zambia is lacking right now i...

 Nicholas Hoult cast as Gilderoy Lockhart in HBO’s Harry Potter series Nicholas Hoult is heading to Hogwarts, taking on the role of the flamboyant Defense Against the Dark Arts professor Gilderoy Lockhart in the second season of HBO’s new “Harry Potter” television series. Hoult will portray Lockhart in the season based on “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets,” the second book in J.K. Rowling’s popular fantasy series. The character is a vain and boastful wizard who joins Hogwarts as a professor and quickly becomes a memorable figure in Harry Potter’s second year at the school. Kenneth Branagh previously played Lockhart in the film adaptation. The first season of the television reboot will adapt “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” and is scheduled to premiere on HBO and HBO Max on Dec. 25. Production on the second season is expected to begin this fall. Hoult has built an extensive résumé across film and television. He played Lex Luthor in “Superman” and portrayed Dr. Hank ...

Dallas Police Supervisor Suspended 15 Days After Accessing Female Officer's Hidden Photos, Sending Them to Himself Dallas police have suspended a supervisor for 15 days after he, according to the Dallas Police Women's Association, accessed a female officer's phone, opened her hidden photo folder, and sent her intimate images to himself. The department's handling of the case has drawn sharp criticism from the association, which called the outcome "a slap on the wrist to him and a slap in the face to every female officer in our department." In a statement posted on social media, the association said Sgt. Daylon L. Grandberry's actions - and the department's response - highlight systemic problems in how misconduct involving women is addressed. Dallas police spokesman Jonathan E. Maner confirmed Grandberry received the suspension after the department completed its administrative disciplinary process. He said the disciplinary action can be appealed through ...

 LASG ENHANCES FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT SKILLS OF OFFICERS  … Deepens Finance, Accounts Officers’ Understanding Of IPSAS, NCOA The Lagos State Government has reiterated its commitment to strengthening financial accountability, transparency and efficient management of public resources through continuous capacity building for Finance and Accounts Officers across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs). The Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Abayomi Oluyomi, stated this at the opening ceremony of a three-day Capacity Building Programme for Finance and Accounts Officers on Financial Reporting Using the National Chart of Accounts (NCOA), held on Monday in Ikeja area of the State. The Commissioner described the workshop as more than a technical exercise, noting that accurate financial reporting constitutes a critical machinery for sustaining public trust and ensuring accountability in Governance. According to the Commissioner, the work of Finance and Accounts Officers in recording, class...