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 ‘Traditional spiritual practitioner’ confesses to luring and k!lling 20-year-old woman for money rituals  A man accused of k!lling a 20-year-old woman, Ndèye Bigué Sène in Tivaouane, Senegal, has allegedly confessed to m8rdering her as part of a ritual he believed would make him rich. The suspect, identified as B. Ndiaye and described as a traditional spiritual practitioner, was apprehended by officers from the Tivaouane urban police station, under the command of Chief Superintendent Cheikh Ndiaye. The suspect reportedly told investigators that another practitioner known only as “Coulibaly” instructed him to find a young virgin, give her an unknown substance, stab her, collect her blood and then strangle her. According to local media, Ndèye Bigué, who had travelled to Tivaouane for the Gamou religious celebrations, was found d3ad with multiple injuries in a bush on Saturday, August 22, 2026.  The victim was stabbed four times with a “naw-naw,” a type of formidable knife....

 UK court confirms Poco Lee’s assault case The Snaresbrook Crown Court in the United Kingdom confirmed that Nigerian dancer, Iweh Pascal Odinaka, popularly known as Poco Lee, will appear before the court over an assault case. The London-based court confirmed the case in a correspondence sent out on Tuesday, August 25.  The court’s Admin Team Lead, James Baker, confirmed to Punch that the case is listed for plea and trial preparation on September 15, 2026but declined to provide the exact time or courtroom ahead of the hearing. He wrote “OFFICIAL. Good afternoon. I can confirm that this case is currently listed at Snaresbrook Crown Court for plea and trial preparation on the 15th September 2026. Criminal Court hearings are open to the public. Precise times and courtroom information will not be available until the day before the hearing. Many thanks.” Recall that on Monday, the founder of the Community of Nigerians in the United Kingdom, Benjamin Kuti, also known as Oluomo of Der...

 U.S to revoke visas of Nigerians, other foreigners who seek asylum after entering as visitors The administration of US President Donald Trump has announced plans to revoke the non-immigrant visas of foreigners who have applied for or are currently seeking asylum in the United States. The move is the latest in a sweeping immigration crackdown by the Trump administration, which has targeted both undocumented and legal immigration. A State Department spokesperson said on Monday that the department was coordinating with the Department of Homeland Security “to identify and revoke the non-immigrant visas of foreigners who have come to the United States claiming to be short-term visitors, but then file for asylum to stay here permanently”. The department did not disclose how many visas would be revoked under the planned policy, however, the Associated Press reported that as many as 200,000 business and tourism visa holders could be affected, citing State Department documents and two US o...

 Colombian president vows mass deportations of migrants without legal status in crime crackdown    Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella is promising to deport thousands of migrants living in the country without legal residence, primarily Venezuelans, as his administration moves toward a major shift in immigration policy that he says will help reduce crime. De la Espriella, who took office three weeks ago, said Colombia’s immigration authorities could begin conducting raids alongside police as early as this week. He announced the planned measures in a video posted Sunday night, outlining a broader effort to combat crime and criminal organizations. The conservative president, who has closely aligned himself with U.S. President Donald Trump, said authorities would first focus on migrants accused of committing crimes before turning their attention to those living in Colombia without legal immigration status. “I will not accept any illegal immigrants, wherever they com...

 Army sergeant’s wife deported to Honduras amid Trump administration’s immigration crackdown on military families The wife of an Army sergeant and mother of a 6-year-old was deported to Honduras Monday, as the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown increasingly affects spouses and parents of active-duty military personnel. Army Sgt. Hedar Leonel Turcios Juarez confirmed that his wife, Cristy Maryori Villafranca Trejo, had been deported. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detained Villafranca outside a Walmart in July while the couple’s young daughter was present, according to her husband. Villafranca had left Honduras in 2016 because of violence, he said. Turcios Juarez came to the United States from Honduras in 2014 for similar reasons. After attending high school in the U.S., he joined the Army and became a U.S. citizen in 2024 following a nine-month deployment to the Middle East. He then began seeking citizenship for his wife, hoping his military service could help speed ...

 Polygamous sect leader facing state sentencing after girls found in unventilated trailer   A leader of a polygamous religious sect who is already serving a 50-year federal prison sentence is scheduled to receive another sentence Tuesday after being convicted in Arizona of child abuse involving three girls found inside an unventilated trailer. Samuel Bateman, 50, was convicted on three state child abuse charges stemming from an August 2022 traffic stop in Flagstaff. Authorities discovered three girls, ages 11 to 14, inside a trailer that had no air conditioning, seat belts, or adequate ventilation. The trailer contained a makeshift toilet, a sofa and camping chairs. Authorities were alerted after someone reported seeing small fingers reaching through openings in the trailer doors. Each of Bateman’s three convictions carries a mandatory sentence of four to eight years. The judge will decide whether the sentences will be served at the same time or consecutively. Bateman is alrea...

 CIA Director John Ratcliffe travels to Moscow for talks with Russian officials CIA Director John Ratcliffe traveled to Moscow on Tuesday for talks with Russian officials, marking his first visit to the Russian capital since taking office and the highest-level trip by a Trump administration official to Russia since January. Ratcliffe left Washington on Sunday aboard a U.S. government aircraft and traveled to Latvia. On Tuesday, he flew from Riga to Moscow aboard a U.S. Air Force C-17. The visit comes as the Trump administration continues diplomatic engagement with Russia. Before Ratcliffe’s trip, U.S. officials informed Ukraine that a senior American delegation would be traveling to Moscow and asked Kyiv to pause strikes while the delegation remained in the region. The CIA has not publicly commented on Ratcliffe’s travel or the purpose of his meetings in Moscow.

Mexican cattle return to U.S for first time in more than a year as border reopens Mexican feeder cattle have resumed entering the United States for the first time in more than a year, following the reopening of the U.S.-Mexico border at the Douglas, Arizona, port on Monday. The first shipment included more than 680 cattle from Sonora that crossed from Agua Prieta, Mexico. Of the 716 animals presented for entry, U.S. veterinarians rejected 24 because they had cuts, scratches, or other lesions. The reopening follows repeated interruptions in cattle trade caused by New World screwworm, a parasitic pest whose larvae feed on living tissue and can cause serious injuries and death in livestock. The border was last closed to Mexican cattle in July 2025 after an earlier temporary closure in November 2024. The return of Mexican cattle comes as U.S. supplies remain historically low. Authorities have reported 46 screwworm cases in Texas and New Mexico, with two still considered active as of Aug. 2...

 Stakeholders Praise Kaduna's ROOSC Model As FG Unveils New Reforms To Address Almajiri, Out-of-School Children Stakeholders at a national education forum have praised the Kaduna State Government for its Reaching Out-of-School Children (ROOSC) initiative, describing it as a model for other states to follow in tackling the issues of Almajiri and out-of-school children. The praise was expressed during the National Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI) advocacy and stakeholder engagement on Almajiri and out-of-school children held in Kaduna. Dr. Balarabe Shehu Kakale, Special Adviser to the Minister of Education on Almajiri and Out-of-School Children, stated that the Federal Government has introduced new reforms to ensure every Nigerian child returns to school and gains relevant knowledge and skills. He highlighted Kaduna’s leadership through ROOSC and other education reforms. “We commend the Kaduna Government for implementing several reforms through the ROOSC project. Kaduna is...

 STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE PRESIDENT TINUBU CONDEMNS MASS ABDUCTION IN NIGER STATE, ORDERS IMMEDIATE RESCUE OPERATION President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, and all relevant security and intelligence agencies to launch a coordinated rescue operation immediately for the victims of the recent mass abduction in Niger State. President Tinubu expressed outrage over the abduction and killing of innocent citizens by criminal elements in the state. “Those who carried out this cowardly attack on defenceless Nigerians are enemies of peace and enemies of humanity, who will not go scot-free. “ I extend my deepest condolences to the families of those who were killed in this barbaric assault and pray that Almighty God grant them eternal rest, and grant their loved ones the fortitude to bear this painful loss. "You are not alone. The entire nation shares your anguish. We will not rest until your sons, daughters, mothe...

 Dayo Amusa Addresses Backlash Over Movie Promotion Following Taiwo Hassan’s Demise Nollywood actress Dayo Amusa has broken her silence following intense online criticism over a social media post shared during a period of collective mourning in the Yoruba film industry. The actress faced backlash after a promotional video for her upcoming movie was published shortly after news broke of the passing of veteran actor Taiwo Hassan, widely known as Ogogo. On Monday, fans and colleagues of the late film icon were thrown into grief, with many taking to social media to pay their respects. However, a post on Amusa's page promoting her new project sparked outrage among some users, who accused her of being insensitive and lacking empathy during a difficult time for the industry. Reacting swiftly to the criticism, the actress released a video clarifying the situation. Amusa explained that the publication of the video was not a deliberate act of disrespect but the result of an automated schedul...

 14 Housemates Face Eviction as Five Secure Week 5 Safety The tension in the Big Brother Naija Season 11 house has reached a fever pitch as 14 housemates find themselves on the chopping block for the Week Five eviction. The organizers of the hit reality television show officially released the high-stakes eviction list, setting off a wave of anxiety among the contestants and their fans alike. The Lucky Five: Who Secured Immunity This Week? While the majority of the house faces a potential exit, five contestants managed to escape the chopping block through various game twists and triumphs. Leading the pack of safe housemates is Chimsom, who earned the coveted title of Head of House (HoH) for the week. Leveraging his powerful veto card, Chimsom chose to save Sheba from the nomination list, securing her safety alongside his own. Adding to the list of exempted contestants is Abi, who clinched immunity by being named the Most Influential Player of Week Four. Meanwhile, Flora and Aikou co...

 BBNaija Season 11: Fans React After Keivo Disrupts Araga and Bluethopia’s Intimate Moment The Big Brother Naija Season 11 house is already delivering high-octane drama, and the latest buzz centers around a brewing romance that was comically cut short. A viral video featuring housemates Araga and Bluethopia has sent social media into a frenzy, largely thanks to an ill-timed or perfectly timed, depending on who you ask interruption by fellow housemate Keivo. In the widely circulated footage, Araga and Bluethopia were seen sharing a quiet, highly charged moment that many viewers suspected was about to lead to a kiss. However, before the potential romance could blossom any further, Keivo suddenly walked into the frame, instantly breaking the spell and dispersing the romantic tension. Social Media Erupts Over Keivo's Comical Timing The hilarious disruption quickly became a hot topic on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), where fans dissected the clip with memes and witty commentary. W...

 Chaka Khan says she's 'partnered out' with no interest in finding love after three failed marriages Chaka Khan, the legendary “Queen of Funk,” has made it clear she is no longer interested in pursuing romantic relationships after three failed marriages.  Married first at 17 to Hassan Khan, then to Richard Holland, and later to Doug Rasheed, all of which ended in divorce, the 73‑year‑old singer said she is “partnered out.”  Despite building a career singing about love, she explained she is not waiting for another partner, preferring instead to let life unfold naturally. Reflecting on her past, Chaka admitted that relationships left her feeling vulnerable and fearful, noting in earlier interviews that being in a couple was “a lot of work.” She joked that her bed, television, and Bible serve as her companions, underscoring her independence.  In her latest conversation with The Observer, she also pushed back against being labeled a “straight icon,” insisting she has nev...

 Christopher McDonald says he was ‘devastated’ when Geena Davis broke off engagement after falling in love with Jeff Goldblum Christopher McDonald recently opened up about the heartbreak he experienced when Geena Davis ended their engagement in the mid‑1980s to be with Jeff Goldblum.  Speaking at a SAG‑AFTRA Foundation retrospective, the 71‑year‑old actor recalled being “really devastated” by the split, learning the news while performing Hamlet.  He admitted that although he understood how relationships can develop on film sets, the loss left him deeply shaken. Davis and Goldblum went on to marry in 1987 after meeting on the set of Transylvania 6‑5000, though their union ended in divorce three years later.  Fate brought Davis and McDonald back together professionally in 1991, when they played husband and wife in Ridley Scott’s Thelma & Louise. McDonald remembered Davis telling Scott she had once dated him, to which the director responded that it made the casting ...

 Vin Diesel reflects on Paul Walker’s "Fast & Furious" legacy: 'He is always Brian' As Fast & Furious approaches its conclusion, Vin Diesel and Jordana Brewster have emphasized that Paul Walker will forever remain part of the franchise. In a special clip tied to the 25th anniversary re‑release of the original film, they recalled Walker’s deep connection to his character, Brian O’Conner.  Brewster noted that Walker welcomed fans who called him “Brian,” while Diesel reflected on how Walker’s declaration that he would “always be Brian” continues to resonate as both haunting and heartfelt. Walker’s death in 2013 during a car crash left a lasting impact on the cast, crew, and fans. Production on Furious 7 was delayed and ultimately completed with the help of Walker’s brothers and groundbreaking visual effects.  Producer Neal H. Moritz remembered how audiences at early screenings needed closure, just as the filmmakers did. Walker’s daughter Meadow has since become p...

 Rumer Willis talks 'terrifying' aspect of her father Bruce's dementia battle Rumer Willis, the eldest daughter of Bruce Willis and Demi Moore, has spoken candidly about the fear she feels surrounding her father’s dementia diagnosis and how it has influenced her own health choices. At 38, she has partnered with Function, a health membership program that provides extensive lab tests and genetic screenings.  Bruce’s frontotemporal dementia prompted her to explore her own risk factors, including Alzheimer’s disease, and she highlighted the importance of genetic testing like APOE, which can reveal predispositions to certain conditions. For Rumer, confronting these possibilities is daunting but necessary, given her family’s history with dementia and other illnesses such as breast cancer. She explained that having access to detailed health data empowers her to take proactive steps, whether it’s reducing inflammation or improving heart health. Rumer emphasized that knowledge allow...

 Taylor Swift reveals how she handles fame when life becomes “unmanageably big”, “You chose this” Taylor Swift reveals how she handles fame when life becomes “unmanageably big”, “You chose this” “I decided not to because I love it that much”, Taylor Swift explains how she copes with fame and pressure Taylor Swift says she reminds herself she “chose this” when the pressures of fame become overwhelming Taylor Swift opens up on dealing with public scrutiny, “Everything that comes with this ultimately is worth it” “I’m making music because I’m playing for the fans”, Taylor Swift explains why she ignores pressure for universal validation Taylor Swift reveals the mindset that helps her handle fame, “You could have opted out of this” “I love it that much”, Taylor Swift says she accepts the pressures of fame because she still gets to make music

 North West reveals the one piercing Kim Kardashian and Kanye West won’t let her get, “I’m not allowed” North West says she wants a bridge piercing but reveals her parents won’t allow it, “I’m not allowed” “I really want to get my bridge pierced, but I’m not allowed” — North West reveals the piercing her parents have banned North West opens up about her love for piercings and reveals the one she wants but cannot get North West says piercings make her feel like her “full self,” but admits her parents have stopped her from getting a bridge piercing Kim Kardashian and Kanye West’s daughter North West reveals the piercing she wants but is not allowed to get, “I’m not allowed” North West, 13, reveals her parents have drawn the line at one piercing despite her love for body art North West says she wants a bridge piercing as she opens up about her growing interest in piercings “I really want to get my bridge pierced”, North West reveals the piercing her parents won’t let her get

 Ryan Seacrest shows off muscular physique in tank top as he prepares romantic dinner for two Ryan Seacrest is giving fans a look at his fitness progress while also raising questions about who he may have shared a recent romantic dinner with. The Wheel of Fortune host showed off his muscular arms in a new Instagram photo on Aug. 23, wearing a cream-colored tank top and white linen pants while carrying a stack of large books. But his physique was not the only thing that caught attention. Seacrest also shared photos of a candlelit dinner he had prepared for two, including pasta and a table setting. “Dinner for two. Heavy on the pasta, wine not pictured, still working on my plating skills,” the 51-year-old wrote. Seacrest did not reveal who joined him for the meal, leaving his relationship status open to speculation following his 2024 split from model Aubrey Paige. The television and radio host has largely kept his love life private, while continuing to put more focus on his health an...

 NAFTRAC PARTICIPANTS STRENGTHEN JOINT CAPABILITY THROUGH INTER-SERVICE ENGAGEMENTS Participants of the Nigerian Air Force Type Rating Course (NAFTRAC) 01/26 at 041 Communications and Information Systems (CIS) Depot, Shasha, undertook technical visits to the Nigerian Army Signal School (NASS), Apapa, on 19 August 2026 and the Naval Dockyard, Lagos, on 20 August 2026. The engagements provided participants with practical exposure to military communication systems, signal operations, naval communications and technical maintenance practices, bridging classroom instruction with real-world operational applications. Beyond enhancing technical knowledge, the visits strengthened participants’ understanding of the capabilities and operational requirements of sister Services, fostering greater interoperability, professional exchange and readiness for joint operations. The engagements align with the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke’s, key driver of Capability Development...

  OPERATION HADIN KAI RECORDS UNPRECEDENTED 202 PERCENT WEEK-ON-WEEK SURGE IN TERRORIST SURRENDERS The Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), has recorded an unprecedented  increase in terrorist surrenders week-on-week, rising from over 50 terrorist commanders, fighters and affiliates in the previous week to over 150 in the current week. The significant increase reflects the cumulative impact of sustained intelligence-led operations, intensified military pressure and coordinated kinetic and non-kinetic efforts aimed at degrading terrorist capabilities and encouraging voluntary disengagement from terrorism. The development is a significant indicator of growing pressure within terrorist formations, particularly on their freedom of movement, logistics, sustainment and ability to retain personnel within their enclaves. The recovery of weapons and ammunition from some of the surrendering elements further underscores the operational impact of sustained pressure on ...

VP Shettima Urges Nigerians To Embrace Peace, Compassion At Eid-el-Maulud Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged Nigerians to use the occasion of Eid-el-Maulud to renew their commitment to peace, compassion, unity and service to humanity. The Vice President stated this in a message to Muslims across Nigeria and around the world to commemorate the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad.  According to the Vice President, the life and teachings of the Prophet offer enduring lessons in mercy, humility, justice, patience and service to humanity. He says the Prophet’s example demonstrated that true strength lies in compassion, while leadership must be guided by fairness, justice and concern for others. Shettima also urges Nigerians to draw inspiration from these values as the country continues to make economic progress under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He calls on citizens to strengthen the bonds that unite them, support vulnerable members of society and reject hatre...

 NASARAWA GOVERNMENT PARTNERS INVESTORS TO BOOST RICE PRODUCTION  Nasarawa State Government is strengthening partnership with investors to ensure the successful cultivation of its large scale rice farm in  Jangwa-Agwatashi, Obi Local Government Area.  Aliyu Tijani reports that the move is to boost rice production in the state and ensure food security.  From the vast expanse of the Jangwa-Agwatashi Rice farm comes a renewed push to turn the project into a major contributor to Nasarawa State's agricultural economy. Governor Abdullahi Sule visits the farm with representatives of the companies involved in the project, where he announced an expanded partnership designed to prevent setbacks and guarantee sustained production. While one of the companies is to  handle the milling of the rice, the other investor will take charge of key stages of production, from planting and harrowing to harvesting. Already the state government has fulfilled its obligations, includi...

 STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE EID-EL-MAULUD: TINUBU URGES MUSLIMS TO IMBIBE VIRTUES OF PROPHET MUHAMMAD President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Muslims on this year's Eid-el-Maulud celebration, charging them to imbibe the good teachings of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).   In a statement released on Tuesday, the President said that beyond celebrating the birthday of the Holy Prophet, the faithful should use the occasion for introspection, prayer, and learning from the Prophet's "exceptional virtues".   "The Muslim faithful should make deliberate effort to adhere to the teachings of Prophet Muhammad. There are great lessons of devotion, perseverance, tolerance, humility and selflessness that we can all learn from the life of the Prophet," he said.   The President urged religious leaders to use the period to pray for the country and to admonish their followers to translate the lessons from Prophet Muhammad's life in their commitment to the country....

 IGP DISU TO LAUNCH NPF VIGILANT APP AND MTN CUG NETWORK The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, psc(+), NPM, is set to officially launch the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) Vigilant App and MTN Closed User Group (CUG) Network on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at the Nigeria Police Resource Centre, FCT, Abuja. The initiative is part of the Nigeria Police Force’s ongoing efforts to strengthen technology-driven policing, enhance communication and improve operational efficiency across the Force. The NPF Vigilant App is designed to support improved engagement, information sharing and communication between the Police and members of the public, while the MTN CUG Network will provide a dedicated communication platform to facilitate seamless and efficient communication among personnel of the Force. The launch underscores the commitment of the Inspector-General of Police to leveraging modern technology and strategic partnerships to enhance policing, strengthen internal coordination and ...

 LASG PRIORITIZES BENEFITS OF RETIREES The Lagos State Government, under the leadership of His Excellency, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, and  Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, prioritizes the benefits, well being and health of its retirees who had spent most of their active years in the service of the State. Contrary to what some protesting retirees said, the State has recorded what stands as the most outstanding performance on pension matters in the history of the State, delivering sustained, measurable improvements in the welfare of retired public servants under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS). The Lagos State Pension Commission has paid N168.2 Billion (One hundred and sixty eight billion, two hundred million Naira) to over 48,000 retirees from 2007 to date. LASPEC revealed that from May 2019 to date, the Lagos State government has disbursed a cumulative sum of N92 billion in accrued rights to more than 25,000 retirees across Lagos State. Accrued rights, it should be noted, ...

 LASG, TBAs STRENGTHEN REFERRAL SYSTEM TO PREVENT MATERNAL, NEWBORN DEATHS  The Lagos State Government, through Health District III, has called for stronger collaboration between Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) and healthcare workers to improve maternal and newborn outcomes across the metropolis.  Speaking at the stakeholders' meeting held at the Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Secretariat, Ibeju, Permanent Secretary, Health District III, Dr. Monsurat Adeleke noted a decline in TBA services from January to July 2026 compared with year 2025, saying the new antenatal registrations dropped by 31.9% from 1,594 to 1,085 and the old registrations fell from 3,152 to 1,901, while TBA deliveries declined by 36% from 1,308 to 837.  Dr. Adeleke said the meeting was to determine if more women were accessing health facilities or avoiding care, and also acknowledged the trust women have in TBAs, urging them to promptly refer cases with danger signs such as heavy bleeding, prolong...