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 BAUCHI STATE POLICE COMMAND  PRESS STATEMENT CLARIFICATION ON THE CUSTODY OF JENNIFER JOSEPH ALIAS FATIMA   The attention of the Bauchi State Police Command has been drawn to a series of social media posts regarding the custody of Jennifer Joseph, who is also being  claiming Fatima as her Islamic name.  To set the record straight, the child in question was found in Bauchi and reported to 'E' Divisional Police Headquarters, Yelwa, Bauchi. During investigation, she was identified as a student who ran away from Bishara Dole Missionary School, Yelwa. She stated that she hails from Adamawa State and claimed to have converted to Islam in Adamawa through her grandmother, before being brought to the said school by an individual.   The Command further wishes to clarify that, at the request of the parents and the Da'awah Committee, the girl was temporarily placed in the custody of the Bauchi State Orphanage and Vulnerable Children Agency. This arrangement ...

 BAUCHI STATE POLICE COMMAND PRESS RELEASE ONE SUSPECT ARRESTED IN CONNECTION WITH CULPABLE HOMICIDE AT BAYAN BATA, BAUCHI  The Bauchi State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that on 22nd August, 2026 at about 2300hrs, a report of culpable homicide was received from Bayan Bata area of Bauchi metropolis.   Preliminary investigation revealed that a fight ensued between one Abubakar Abdullahi aka "DAN IYA" and Moh'd Musa, male, 25-years-old. During the altercation, the suspect allegedly brought out a knife and stabbed the said Moh'd Musa.   The victim was immediately rushed to Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH) Bauchi, where he was confirmed dead by the doctor on duty.   The Command's operatives attached to 'A' Division Township swiftly responded, arrested the suspect, and recovered the knife used as exhibit in the commission of the crime. The corpse has been deposited at the hospital mortuary for autopsy....

 OPERATION WHIRL STROKE: Troops Disrupt Kidnappers Road Block, Neutralise One and Arrest Two Suspect in Benue Troops of Joint Task Force, Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS), have disrupt kidnappers road block, Neutralized one and apprehended two suspects in separate operations across Benue State. Acting on credible intelligence on 19 August 2026 regarding the activities of a suspected bandit kingpin and his associates operating an illegal checkpoint along the Jortar–Atume axis, OPWS troops swiftly mobilised to the area. On arrival, the troops made contact with the criminals, resulting in a firefight during which one suspected bandit, identified by the nickname “Cool Nigga”, was neutralised. The other members of the group fled in disarray, abandoning a motorcycle, which was recovered by the troops. In a separate operation on the same day, OPWS troops deployed n Logo Local Government Area, acting on information from a credible source, apprehended two suspected kidnappers at Gou Village. T...

 TROOPS OF OPERATION FANSAN YAMMA INTERCEPT CANOES PROCURED BY TERRORIST KINGPIN, DISRUPT LOGISTICS PLAN IN ZAMFARA STATE Troops of Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA have recorded another significant intelligence-led operational success with the interception of 3 disassembled canoes reportedly procured by notorious terrorist leader Shehu Bagewaye to facilitate the movement of his fighters across riverine areas in Zamfara State. The operation followed credible intelligence indicating that the terrorist leader had initiated arrangements to procure canoes from Yauri Local Government Area of Kebbi State for onward movement into Zamfara State. Intelligence further revealed that the canoes were intended to overcome river obstacles restricting the movement of the terrorists and consequently enhance their mobility for criminal activities against vulnerable communities. Acting swiftly on the intelligence, troops of Sector 2 on 23 August 2026 conducted a covert operation alo...

Abia APC Grants Unconditional Pardon to Orji Uzor Kalu, Nkwonta and Others The Abia State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has granted an unconditional pardon to former Governor Orji Uzor Kalu, popularly known as OUK, former National Vice Chairman Chief Nkwota Nkwonta, and other members accused of anti-party activities. The decision was reached during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the APC Secretariat in Umuahia. Party leaders said the move is aimed at reconciling members and consolidating the party’s ranks ahead of the 2027 general elections. Hon. Uzor Azubuike, the APC candidate for Aba North and South Federal Constituency, moved the motion for the unconditional pardon. He stated that the decision seeks to promote unity and ensure that all members remain together in the party’s interest. Forgiving the affected members, he added, would help prevent actions that could undermine the APC’s cohesion and electoral prospects. While the stakeholders endorsed the pardon for pas...

 Sandra Bullock says Hollywood told her not to be friends with Jennifer Aniston for one reason Sandra Bullock and Jennifer Aniston first crossed paths about fifteen years ago at a mutual friend’s wedding. At the time, the entertainment industry often encouraged rivalry among women, but the two actresses chose to defy that narrative.  Bullock remembers the moment they bonded, saying they instantly felt the need to connect and enjoy themselves. That evening turned into a lively celebration, with Aniston later joking that Bullock suffered more from the next day’s hangover. Over the years, their friendship has grown stronger, with Bullock admiring Aniston’s openness despite the challenges she has faced in the public eye.  She described Aniston’s ability to remain generous and inclusive as a kind of superpower, noting that her friend could easily have become guarded but instead chose to stay compassionate. For Bullock, this quality defines Aniston’s character and deepens their...

 A high-school quarterback has passed away after suffering a severe on-field injury.  17-year-old Adam Massman was preparing to begin his senior year at Lincoln High in Alma Center, Wisconsin.   Adam was a multi-sport athlete and was a standout at both basketball and football.  Sadly, on the night of Thursday, August 20th, during the third quarter of the school's game against Turtle Lake, Adam suffered an injury that ultimately took his life. The exact nature of the injury has not been disclosed to the public.  Adam was treated on-site by EMTs and rushed to a nearby hospital where he fought for his life, but unfortunately, he succumbed to his injuries.   The news of his passing has deeply affected the local community.  Lincoln High has opened its doors and provided grief counseling over the weekend. Upon learning of his passing, Adam's teammates descended on the school's parking lot where they painted LLA (long live Adam) over Adam's parking ...

 PRESIDENT TINUBU RENEWS THE TENURE OF DG NTA, MD NAN President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has renewed the tenure of the Director-General of the National Television Authority (NTA) and the Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) for another three-year term. A statement by Bayo Onanuga,  Special Adviser to the President Information & Strategy indicates that President Tinubu first appointed Abdulhamid Salihu Dembos of the NTA and Ali Mohammed Ali of the NAN on October 20, 2023. Their second term will begin on October 20, 2026. Salihu Dembos, from Yola, Adamawa State, is a former National President of the Radio, Television, Theatre and Art Workers Union (RATTAWU). He previously served as the executive director of marketing at the NTA after his retirement in 2017. He joined the NTA as an announcer at the Kaduna Station after his National Youth Service in 1989. He rose through the ranks and, at various times, served as General Manager at NTA Lokoja and NTA Kano. He retired...

 Your Land Is in the Village? You Still Need a Building Permit! By Alufo Bonaventure Owning land is a valuable asset and an achievement worth celebrating. However, ownership does not give anyone the automatic right to develop the land without complying with relevant laws and planning regulations. Across Anambra, buildings are springing up daily without the necessary government approvals. Shops, houses, churches and other structures are being erected without due regard to the required planning procedures. While the desire to develop property is understandable, development must be carried out legally and in accordance with approved planning standards. Section 34(1) of the Anambra State Physical Planning Law, 2013, provides the legal framework for regulating physical development in the state. The law requires anyone intending to undertake development on land to first obtain the appropriate building permit and development approval from the relevant authority. The requirement applies wh...

 Don't Call Me 'Sis' or 'Hun': Toke Makinwa Sets Strict Boundaries on Terms of Endearment Popular Nigerian media personality and lifestyle entrepreneur Toke Makinwa has sparked widespread online debate after establishing firm boundaries regarding how acquaintances and fans should address her. The television host warned the public, particularly those significantly younger than her, against using overly familiar terms of endearment when they share no personal relationship. The Catalyst: The Viral 'Good Morning Tony' Controversy Makinwa’s public warning came in the wake of the viral 'Good Morning Tony' social media trend, which has dominated discussions across Nigeria regarding workplace etiquette, respect, and communication boundaries. Seizing the moment, Makinwa addressed her own pet peeves concerning how people communicate with her online and offline. Why Toke Makinwa Rejects 'Sis' and 'Hun' Taking to her social media platform, the me...

  Zelensky vows response after Russian strike on shopping mall in his village kills 16 A devastating Russian drone attack targeted a crowded shopping mall in President Volodymyr Zelensky’s hometown of Kryvyi Rih, killing at least 16 people and injuring more than 130 others, according to reports from CBS News and local Ukrainian authorities. The strike unfolded in two tactical waves, a signature "double-tap" maneuver in which a second wave of explosive drones struck approximately 30 minutes after the initial impact. This second strike directly targeted emergency responders, firefighters, and civilians who had rushed to the scene to rescue survivors from the flaming wreckage. Ukrainian regional officials confirmed that dozens of children were among the wounded, with several remaining in critical condition as search-and-rescue teams continue clearing debris to locate missing individuals. Zelensky forcefully condemned the attack, describing it on social media as an act of utter b...

Veteran Yoruba Actor Taiwo Hassan ‘Ogogo’ Dies After Battle With Stage 4 Cancer  Popular Nollywood actor Taiwo Hassan, professionally known as Ogogo, has been lost to the cold hands of death. His daughter, Kaira Taiwo, confirmed the development to all and sundry during a live session on photo and video-sharing app, Instagram. Recall that on Monday evening, Ogogo’s daughters, Kira Taiwo and Lima Taiwo, made emotional appeals on social media, seeking medical advice and assistance for their father, who was battling stage 4 cancer. According to Kira, doctors have said they can no longer administer chemotherapy due to his condition. The family sought urgent alternative treatment options, including specialised medical procedures or traditional remedies. 

 "I was handed a Qur’an by a Muslim Proselytizer today.  Let me explain: I was at JFK Airport waiting lot because of Tarmac delay of arrival planes. I decided to come out of the vehicle and continue praying Lauds while enjoying the morning sun. I was equally admiring nature and nurture especially the vehicles at the parking lot. I noticed a young man beside a nice Lincoln Escalade pressing his phone. No contact. I kept doing my rounds praying. I added another dimension to the prayer. “Lord, I wish someone will appear from nowhere and ask me which of the vehicles will add value to my apostolate.” I would definitely point at the Escalade. Anyone who runs a hospital in Nigeria knows what a clean Escalade will help you do in one year.  As I approached my vehicle, I noticed the young man following me and calling out to me. Momentarily I thought the Escalade is about to change ownership. He rather stretched his hands to me asking if I may accept his gift of a book. The most int...

 Peller Addresses Jarvis Pregnancy Rumours: "If She Were Pregnant, the World Would Know" Popular Nigerian content creator Peller has officially cleared the air regarding ongoing speculation that his wife, Jarvis, is expecting their first child. The digital star directly addressed the viral claims, putting to rest the chatter surrounding their family life. Speaking on the matter, Peller hilariously dismissed the pregnancy rumours by pointing out his own talkative nature. According to him, keeping such monumental news a secret from his fans would be practically impossible for him. 'I Can't Keep Secrets' — Peller Denies Expecting a Baby Peller explained that if his wife were indeed expecting, his inability to hold back secrets would have given it away long ago. He joked that his mouth simply "doesn't stay in one place," making a secret pregnancy impossible to manage. "If truly my wife is pregnant, the world will know immediately," Peller share...

 NAF INTENSIFIES AIRPOWER CAMPAIGN, STRENGTHENS AIR PRESENCE IN SOKOTO TO DENY TERRORISTS FREEDOM OF ACTION The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has intensified its airpower campaign against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other criminal activities across the North-West, with a strengthened air presence in Sokoto State to support ongoing joint security operations. The initiative reflects the Service’s determination to sustain pressure on hostile elements, enhance aerial surveillance and maintain the capacity for rapid response to emerging threats, while providing effective air support to ground forces operating within the Joint Operations Area. The strengthened air presence is particularly significant in the fight against asymmetric threats, where terrorists and bandits exploit difficult terrain, mobility and concealment to evade ground forces. By leveraging the reach, speed, flexibility and precision of airpower, the NAF is better positioned to support efforts to locate, disrupt and d...

 LASG PRESENTS STAFF OF OFFICE TO NEW ONIȘẸ OF ISE KINGDOM The Lagos State Government has presented the Staff of Office and Instrument of Appointment to Prince Ibrahim Adebowale Saliu, as His Royal Majesty, Alaiyeluwa Oba Ibrahim Adebowale Saliu, the Onise of Ise Kingdom in Lekki Local Government Area. The presentation was performed on Friday, August 21, 2026, by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Rural Development, Dr. Nurudeen Yekinni Agbaje, alongside the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Mrs. Kikelomo Bolarinwa, with the approval of the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and the Lagos State Executive Council, following the demise of the late Oba Ganiu Adebowale Adegbesan, Onise of Ise Kingdom. Speaking at the occasion, Dr. Agbaje urged the new Monarch to make peace, unity and inclusive development the pillars of his reign, stressing the important role traditional institutions play in promoting har...

 Erling Haaland cuts off signature long blonde hair for buzzcut ahead of new Manchester City season Erling Haaland has ditched his signature long blonde hair for a buzzcut, saying he wanted a “fresh start” ahead of the new season. The Manchester City star, 26, revealed the new look in a video posted on Instagram on Sunday, Aug. 23. In the clip, Haaland sits in a barber’s chair with his long hair flowing past his shoulders before covering the camera with his hand and revealing his new close-cropped style. “New season, new trim,” he wrote in the caption. Haaland also shared several selfies from the haircut session, including images of himself with short bangs before going for the full buzzcut. “Short hair don’t care,” he added. In a YouTube video documenting the transformation, Haaland explained that he had considered cutting his hair after the World Cup but was too busy at the time. “I was thinking about doing this straight after the World Cup, but I was so busy so I didn’t do it,” ...

 Xenophobia:I don’t think its reallytrue to say Nigerians are being kicked out of South Africa because they are taking our women- SA Consul-General Moroe The South African Consul-General to Nigeria, Prof. Bobby Moroe, has dismissed claims that some Nigerians are being attacked in South Africa because of their romantic relationships with South African women,  In an interview with Punch, Monroe said  ‘’It cannot be. We live in a constitutional democracy where everybody is allowed to exercise their freedoms, and nobody, no matter how they feel, is permitted to interfere with people’s preferences. Love knows no borders. I am quite aware of the popular narrative, but I do not think it is really true because South African men also fall in love with women from other countries. Our sisters may have very good reasons why they prefer Nigerian men, but it is a good thing because we are expanding.  This is a cultural issue that cannot be avoided. If you choose to marry someone, ...

 “Cut off some friends and family when you start earning well to protect your finances” — Skit maker Zicsaloma Skit maker Zicsaloma has advised people who begin earning well to distance themselves from friends and family members who are lazy, entitled or financially dependent on them. He said some people expect successful friends to keep giving them money simply because they were around when they had nothing, often squandering whatever they receive before returning for more. Zicsaloma also stressed that money earned through legitimate means is not necessarily money available for sharing, as successful people still have businesses to fund, investments to make and their financial future to secure. He urged people to cut off relationships that constantly drain their resources, saying such individuals could eventually drag them back into financial hardship.

 Federal judge overturns Trump policy suspending visas from 75 countries     A federal judge in New York has overturned a Trump administration policy that halted the processing of immigrant visas for people from 75 countries, including Afghanistan, Iran, Russia and Somalia, whose citizens were deemed more likely to rely on public assistance in the United States. U.S. District Judge Jeannette Vargas ruled Friday that the policy was unlawful and exceeded the authority granted to Secretary of State Marco Rubio. She said the policy conflicted with the Immigration and Nationality Act by requiring visas to be denied to otherwise eligible applicants without a legal basis. Vargas also said the policy improperly bypassed the role Congress assigned to consular officers, who are responsible for evaluating individual visa applications based on specific requirements established by law. A blanket restriction based on an applicant's nationality, she said, undermined that system. Th...

Trump urges judge to reject BBC bid to subpoena his children and son-in-law  President Donald Trump is asking a federal judge to deny the BBC’s request for assistance in obtaining testimony and documents from three members of his family as part of his $10 billion defamation lawsuit against the British broadcaster. Trump’s attorneys argue that the BBC is seeking to use subpoenas against his daughter Ivanka Trump, son-in-law Jared Kushner and son Donald Trump Jr. to gain politically motivated leverage in the case. U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Kuntz in Miami had not ruled on the dispute. Kuntz, who was nominated by Trump, took over the lawsuit from another judge less than a week ago. Court records did not immediately explain the reassignment. The previous judge had scheduled a trial for February. Trump’s lawyers said a process server attempting to deliver subpoenas to Ivanka Trump and Kushner at their home in May was stopped by Secret Service agents, who said they were not authorized t...

Janie Bradford Hobbs, early Motown songwriter behind major hits, dies at 87 Janie Bradford Hobbs, an early Motown songwriter who helped create hits such as “Money (That’s What I Want)” and “Too Busy Thinking About My Baby,” has died at 87 after a prolonged illness. She died at a Los Angeles hospital, according to her family. Born in Charleston, Missouri, Bradford Hobbs later moved to Detroit, where she became part of the early Motown community. Singer Jackie Wilson, who lived near her, introduced her to Motown founder Berry Gordy in the late 1950s. Bradford Hobbs joined Motown in 1958 as a receptionist, but, like many employees at the young company, she quickly became involved in its creative work. She and Gordy co-wrote “Money (That’s What I Want),” which Barrett Strong recorded in 1959. The song became an early Motown success and was later covered by The Beatles, becoming a hit for the British group as well. Bradford Hobbs also helped write “Too Busy Thinking About My Baby,” which wa...

 Texas judge denies new trial for Karmelo Anthony in high school track meet stabbing  A Texas judge has rejected Karmelo Anthony’s request for a new trial in the stabbing death of 17-year-old high school athlete Austin Metcalf, a case that attracted national attention and sparked harassment directed at both families. Anthony, 19, was convicted of murder in June and sentenced to 35 years in prison for Metcalf’s death in April 2025. Judge Michael Chitty denied the request Saturday after a two-day hearing near Dallas, saying he had reviewed the evidence and arguments presented by both sides but offering no additional explanation. Anthony’s attorney, Russell Wilson, said the defense plans to appeal and remains committed to challenging the conviction through available legal channels. A key issue in the request for a new trial involved an informal agreement between prosecutors and Anthony’s original defense team to keep potentially damaging character evidence about both teenagers ou...

Eagles running back Ja’Quinden Jackson hospitalized after injury on opening kickoff of preseason game  Philadelphia Eagles running back Ja’Quinden Jackson was taken to a hospital for further evaluation after being injured on the opening kickoff of Saturday night’s preseason game against the New England Patriots. Jackson was part of the Eagles’ kickoff coverage unit and made a tackle on New England’s Lan Larison. Moments after the play ended, Jackson remained motionless on the field, prompting trainers and medical personnel from both teams to rush to his side. Medical staff quickly requested a backboard and ambulance as players from both teams gathered and knelt near the sideline. Jackson was secured to a stretcher before Eagles teammates briefly surrounded him. He was then placed in an ambulance and taken to a hospital. The Eagles later said Jackson had strength and movement in all of his extremities. He could also be seen briefly raising his left arm while being attended to on the...

 OPERATION FANSAN YAMMA: TROOPS RESCUE 6 KIDNAPPED VICTIMS, RECOVER CASH IN KATSINA STATE Troops of Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA have sustained operational pressure against terrorists in Katsina State, rescuing 6 kidnapped victims and recovering the sum of ₦800,000 taken from them by terrorists in Dandume Local Government Area. Troops also successfully engaged terrorists in a separate operation in Kankara Local Government Area. On 22 August 2026, troops of Sector 2 conducting a fighting patrol responded swiftly to a distress call that terrorists had intercepted a vehicle and kidnapped 6 occupants along the Dandume–Sheme Road. The troops advanced to the area and made contact with the terrorists, overwhelming them with superior firepower and forcing them to abandon their captives and flee into the surrounding bushes. Following exploitation of the area, all 6 kidnapped victims were rescued unharmed. Troops also recovered ₦800,000 earlier taken from the victims by...

 DRC and M23 rebels agree roadmap for stalled peace talks The Democratic Republic of Congo and the AFC/M23 rebel group have agreed to develop a roadmap setting out steps and timelines for peace negotiations under a Doha framework agreement signed last year. The agreement followed peace talks between government and M23 representatives held from August 17 to 21 in Switzerland to revive a stalled peace process amid continued fighting in eastern Congo, Anadolu Agency reported. The sides “reaffirmed their commitment to pursue negotiations towards comprehensive peace and conflict resolution through the implementation of the Framework Agreement,” according to a joint statement issued on Saturday. They also agreed on a standardised method for reporting alleged ceasefire violations and on establishing a mechanism to address challenges in implementing commitments under the framework agreement.

 Sudan says it shot down 'hostile' drone in Blue Nile state Sudan’s Defense Ministry said Sunday that it had shot down a “hostile” drone in Blue Nile state in the country’s southeast. In a statement on Facebook, the ministry said the drone was launched from Ethiopian territory and was flying over Blue Nile state, near Kurmuk, TRT Afrika reported. Earlier this month, the Sudanese army said that it had shot down three FH-95 drones in North Kordofan state in the south of the country. Sudanese authorities and human rights organisations have accused the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of targeting civilian infrastructure. In addition to Blue Nile and Darfur, the three Kordofan states — North, West and South Kordofan — have witnessed clashes between the army and the RSF since October 25, 2025. Sudan has been gripped by a war between the army and the RSF since April 2023, leaving tens of thousands dead and displacing around 13 million people, according to UN and international ...

 101-year-old great grandma arrested as NDLEA intercepts cocaine in fufu . N4.4bn worth of Loud seized at Apapa, Lekki ports; recovers consignments of meth, skunk, opioids in sweeps across Seme, Akwa Ibom, Ondo, Oyo, Kwara, Kano, Abia and FCT  Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have recorded significant breakthroughs across the country's land and maritimne borders, including the arrest of a 101-year-old great grandmother for dealing in illicit drug, the interception of cocaine concealed in edible cassava flour popularly known as fufu, and the seizure of large consignments of Loud, a synthetic cannabis valued at over N4,4 billion at the Apapa and Lekki ports in Lagos. In a rare and startling development, NDLEA operatives on Saturday, 15th August 2026, arrested a 101-year-old woman, Esther Ogunmabo, in Ilisan, Ogun state, with retail sachets of skunk, a strain of cannabis weighing 90 grams, which she claims she sells to locals. The centenarian told op...

Umahi’s son elected Ohaozara LGA chairman, pledges not to collect salary Osborn Nweze Umahi, son of the Minister of Works, David Umahi, has been elected chairman of Ohaozara Local Government Area in Ebonyi State. The 28-year-old contested the local government election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He secured victory after a campaign focused on grassroots mobilisation, economic development and improved local administration. Shortly after being declared the winner, Umahi announced that he would not collect any salary or allowances throughout his tenure. He said the decision was driven by a desire to channel local government resources toward development rather than personal financial benefits. Umahi also pledged to prioritise infrastructure, youth empowerment, economic opportunities and improved service delivery across Ohaozara. During the campaign, the son of the state’s former governor presented himself as a representative of a younger generation of politicians...

 Klint da Drunk: Liquor brands dumped me over ‘drunk’ character Comedian Afamefuna Igwemba, popularly known as Klint da Drunk, has said some liquor brands that previously partnered with him stopped working with him because of his long-running drunk character. Speaking to Sunday Scoop, the comedian explained how the persona that defined much of his career has affected his relationship with brands. He said liquor companies once understood and accepted his act but later changed their stance. “Most of the liquor companies I used to do branding for; it’s funny how they used to understand those things, but they don’t anymore. They now say my character is a vice to their brands and portrays them negatively,” he stated. Igwemba named brands he previously worked with, including Lager Beer, Nigerian Breweries, Guinness and Glenfiddich. “I did a lot of work with them, and they were okay with my character. But all of a sudden, they turned their backs on me,” he said. He described the situation...