PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 PRESS RELEASE FALSE NEWS: NO TERRORIST ATTACK AT ASABA AIRPORT, ONSA CARRIED OUT A SECURITY SIMULATION EXERCISE The Airport Police Command wishes to clarify that there was no terrorist attack or security breach at the Asaba International Airport, contrary to reports and narratives currently circulating on social media and other platforms. The Command states that the security activities witnessed at the airport were part of a planned and coordinated security simulation exercise conducted by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), carried out on Thursday, 10th September, 2026 and was designed to assess and strengthen the preparedness, response capabilities, and inter-agency coordination of relevant security and emergency-response agencies. The simulation exercise involved the deployment of security personnel and other relevant stakeholders to recreate a simulated security incident within the airport environment for the purpose of testing existing response mechanisms, com...

    A 45-year-old domestic worker, identified as Mbango Émilienne Mbenga, was reportedly attacked to death by five dogs at her employer’s residence.  Reports has it that the v!ct!m had just entered the residence when the dogs a++ack£d her, she was overpowered by the animals and died from the injuries sustained in the attack. The dogs were immediately k!ll£d. The victim, who was a mother and have been working as a domestic worker at the residence of Professor Stéphane Ngwanza, Vice-Rector of the University of Yaoundé I. This incident happened in Edéa, Sanaga-Maritime Division, Littoral Region, on Saturday, September 12, 2026. 

 NEW SCHOOL YEAR: HAMZAT WELCOMES LAGOS LEARNERS, TEACHERS, ADMINISTRATORS … Says Future of Lagos Begins In Our Classrooms As schools reopen for the new academic year, the Lagos State Deputy Governor,  Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, has warmly welcomed learners, teachers and administrators across public and private schools in Lagos State, urging them to embrace the new session with renewed hope and determination. Hamzat described education as the foundation of a stronger and more prosperous Lagos, stressing that today's classrooms are nurturing tomorrow's innovators, professionals, entrepreneurs and leaders. “To every learner returning to school, welcome to a new beginning and new possibilities. Dream boldly, study diligently and believe in yourself. The future you desire begins with what you learn today,” he said. He particularly commended teachers for their dedication and sacrifice, describing them as indispensable partners in building the future of Lagos. “Every lesson taught, e...

  ‘How I made $700 from posting my 8-year-old daughter’s pornographic video’ – Woman Anulika Onyeanusia, the 36-year-old woman arrested for using a sex toys on her underage daughter, has admitted that she earned $700 from posting her children's pornographic video on social media. Amid condemnation from people at the facility, Mrs Onyeanusia then claimed that she had seen many Nigerian women engaging in similar acts on social media. During interrogations in what appeared to be a police facility, Mrs Onyeanusia said the highest money she had earned from posting her daughter’s pornographic video clips was $700 only. She also confirmed that the daughter was eight. A popular Anambra-based comedian and content creator, Valentine Obinwanne, was the one interrogating the suspect. The suspect claimed she initially sent her daughter’s pornographic video to a “whiteman” via WhatsApp, who subsequently sent her money in dollars. When asked how much she received from the white man, she responded...

 NONYE SOLUDO CONDEMNS ALLEGED CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE IN ONITSHA, CALLS FOR JUSTICE By MaryAnn Chukwuma The First Lady of Anambra State, Dr. Nonye Soludo, has condemned the alleged sexual abuse and exploitation of a child by her supposed mother in Onitsha, calling for justice and stronger protection for vulnerable children. Dr. Soludo made her position known in a statement published on her official Facebook page on September 11, following the reported rescue of four children in connection with the ongoing investigation into the alleged abuse. Expressing deep concern over the development, the First Lady described the alleged abuse of innocent children as disturbing, stressing that children deserve protection, love and a safe environment to grow. She said no child should be subjected to sexual exploitation or abuse, adding that society must never become comfortable with acts that threaten the safety, dignity and wellbeing of children. Dr. Soludo commended the Anambra State Police Command...

 Dangote thanks Tinubu for fuel subsidy removal, FX reforms The President of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, has thanked President Bola Tinubu for taking what he described as bold steps, including the removal of the fuel subsidy and the liberalisation of the foreign exchange market. Dangote spoke on Monday at the Nigerian Exchange in Lagos, where he formally launched the Initial Public Offering of Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals. The businessman also commended Tinubu’s leadership and said the Dangote Refinery was supporting the administration’s efforts. “I want to thank him for taking a lot of bold steps by removing the subsidy and democratising the exchange rate…” Dangote said. He said the Dangote Group would continue to partner with the government to contribute to Nigeria’s development. “So, we thank you very much for your leadership and we will continue to partner with the government to ensure that we make this country great and we make Africa great,” he...

 Catholic Bishops’ President urges Nigerians to reject vote-buying ahead of 2027 elections The President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), Most Rev. Matthew Ndagoso, has called on Nigerians to reject vote-buying and vote-selling ahead of the 2027 general elections. Ndagoso, who is also the Archbishop of the Kaduna Catholic Archdiocese, made the appeal on Sunday in Osogbo, Osun State, while delivering his address at the opening session of the second plenary meeting of the CBCN, hosted by the Osogbo Catholic Diocese. The CBCN president expressed concern over growing disenchantment among Nigerians, particularly fears of possible manipulation of the electoral process and doubts over whether votes would count. He urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to take necessary steps to ensure that the 2027 elections are free, fair, transparent and credible, warning that distrust in the process could discourage citizens from voting. “Anything short of tra...

 Former Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, has formally presented his Letters of Credence to His Majesty, the King of Spain, officially assuming office as Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the Kingdom of Spain. More photos below. 

 BHT/ISWAP TERRORIST FIGHTER SURRENDERS TO TROOPS WITH WEAPON…as troops arrest 6 suspected kidnappers in Adamawa Troops of Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have recorded further operational successes with the surrender of a Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province (BH/ISWAP) terrorist and the arrest of 6 suspected members of a notorious kidnapping syndicate in separate operations conducted in Borno and Adamawa States. On 13 September 2026, troops of 29 Task Force Brigade operating under Sector 2 OPHK, in conjunction with Forest Guards, received a repentant BH/ISWAP terrorist at Borgozo in Benisheikh, Kaga Local Government Area of Borno State. Preliminary investigation revealed that the terrorist escaped from a terrorist enclave with the intention of abandoning terrorism. Items recovered from him include one AK-47 rifle, 14 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, 4 magazines, one Improvised Explosive Device (IED), one magazine pouch and a bicycle. The sur...

 2027 HAJJ: LAGOS SEEKS ADDITIONAL SLOTS, BETTER WELFARE FOR PILGRIMS IN SAUDI ARABIA  The Lagos State Government has appealed to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for additional Hajj slots to accommodate the growing number of intending pilgrims for the 2027 Holy Pilgrimage in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Commissioner for Home Affairs, Hon. Olanrewaju Ibrahim Layode, appealed on Friday while receiving a pre-2027 Hajj assessment team from NAHCON led by the Commissioner of Operations, Inspectorate and Licensing, Prince Anofiu Olanrewaju Elegushi Hon. Layode described the 1,224 slots allocated to Lagos for the 2027 exercise as grossly inadequate, stressing that the State would need a minimum of 2,500 slots to meet demand. “Lagos has consistently performed well in Hajj operations. Before my predecessor, Prince Anofiu Olanrewaju Elegushi, left office, he airlifted 3,661 pilgrims in the 2023 operations alone. Since I assumed office in 2024, we have sustained the t...

 UNDERSTANDING PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO MAGISTRATES LAW OF LAGOS STATE My attention has been drawn to the controversy surrounding the proposed amendment to the Magistrates Law of Lagos State, currently pending before the Lagos State House of Assembly, which seeks to increase the retirement age of Magistrates and Law Officers. In view of the controversy generated by the proposed amendment, it has become necessary for this Office to clarify the facts and set the record straight. For the avoidance of doubt, the proposed amendment is not an Executive Bill and is not sponsored by the Office of the Honourable Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice. It is a Private Member’s Bill which, having been considered to have reasonable justification in the best interest of the State, particularly in strengthening and sustaining the justice sector, is presently before the House of Assembly for legislative consideration. The position of this Office on the issue is premised on the long-standing p...

 GOV. SANWO-OLU  ATTENDS OPENING OF DANGOTE PETROLEUM REFINERY INITIAL PUBLIC OFFER (IPO), AT NIGERIAN EXCHANGE GROUP (NGX) BUILDING, MARINA, ON MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2026   from right: Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Managing Director/CEO, Nigerian Exchange Group, NGX, Mr Temi Popoola; President, Aliko Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote; Executive Director, Commercial Operations, Dangote Group, Fatima Dangote; Group Chairman,  NGX, Alhaji Umaru Kwairanga; Chairman, Coronation Group, Mr Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede; Founder, Zenith Bank, Mr Jim Ovia; the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II; and Group Managing Director/CEO, Zenith Bank, Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji, during the opening of Dangote Petroleum Refinery Initial Public Offer (IPO) at the NGX building, Marina, Lagos, on Monday, September 14, 2026. l-r: Founder, Zenith Bank, Mr Jim Ovia; Chairman, Coronation Group, Mr Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede; Chairman, Nigerian Exchange Group, NGX, Alhaji Umaru K...

 I’m sorry, my daddy’- Desmond Elliot goes on his knees to apologise to Femi Gbajabiamila Nollywood actor, Desmond Elliot, has apologised to his political mentor and the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, over actions that might have strained their relationship during recent political developments in the state. In a video shared online this weekend, Desmond went on his knees to apologise to Gbajabiamila who, few months ago, he went againt his directive to run for the fourths time as the lawmaker represe Surulere 1 in the Lagos state House of asssenbly. Reports had it that Gbajabiamila had thrown his weight behind a female candidate, a decision Desmond openly kicked against, insisting he must be allowed to run for a fourth term.

 NAFDAC alerts Nigerians on circulation of fake toothpaste The National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control NAFDAC, has alerted the public of the circulation of a suspected counterfeit toothpaste product, ORACIRE+ TOOTHPASTE, being distributed in Nigeria under the guise of the registered ORACARE+ Toothpaste. In a statement published on social media today September 14, the agency said the alert comes following a formal complaint and a market intelligence report regarding the widespread distribution of the suspected counterfeit product.  NAFDAC said market surveillance conducted at Ojuwoye Market, Mushin, Lagos, revealed that the product closely resembles the registered ORACARE+ Toothpaste in packaging design and overall presentation, making it difficult for consumers to distinguish between the two products. It says the fake toothpaste if used may not meet established quality and safety standards and could pose health risks to consumers.  NAFDAC says it has ini...

 KADUNA BEGINS STATEWIDE REACTIVE VACCINATION AGAINST DIPHTHERIA Kaduna State has commenced a statewide reactive vaccination exercise against diphtheria across all 23 Local Government Areas from September 12 to 17, 2026. Flagging off the campaign at the Primary Health Centre, Badarawa, the Commissioner for Health, Hajiya Umma K. Ahmed, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting children through vaccination, early detection and rapid response. Health teams are reaching communities, markets and other public spaces, supported by radio, television and social media awareness. Parents and caregivers are urged to take eligible children to designated vaccination points for protection against diphtheria. They are also advised to watch for symptoms including fever, weakness, sore throat, cough, catarrh, and difficulty breathing or swallowing, and seek medical care promptly.

 FG Should Give Communities AK-47s To Fight Bandits — Middle Belt Forum Spokesperson, Luka Biniyat  The spokesperson of the Middle Belt Forum (MBF), Luka Binniyat, has called on the Federal Government to empower communities with firearms, including AK-47 rifles, to defend themselves against bandits and other armed groups. Binniyat, who spoke with Nigerian Tribune’s Northern Bureau Chief, Muhammad Sabiu, also maintained that the presidency should remain in the South until 2031, when, according to him, it should be handed to a candidate from the Middle Belt. He further defended the Minister of Defence, retired General Christopher Musa, over comments concerning former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, challenging El-Rufai to seek legal redress if he believes the minister’s allegations are unfounded. For someone reading you for the first time, can you introduce yourself? My name is Luka Binniyat. I am from Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Southern Kaduna, and I am the Nat...

 ANAMBRA POLICE CONDEMN ALLEGED BRUTAL ABUSE OF 7-YEAR-OLD GIRL; SUSPECT ARRESTED IN AWADA-OBOSI CP Nnanna partners Commissioner for Women Affairs to secure urgent medical care and protection for victim The Anambra State Police Command has strongly condemned the alleged brutal abuse of a seven-year-old girl in Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area, and has reaffirmed its resolve to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice. The Command received a report in the evening of 13 September 2026 concerning alleged child abuse and severe bodily injuries involving Oluebube Ofoma, aged seven. The prompt intervention of security personnel from the Ibollo Community, Awada-Obosi, and concerned residents led to the child’s rescue and the arrest of her mother, Mrs. Ogechi Ofoma, 32. Preliminary information indicates that the child was allegedly subjected to severe physical abuse, including injuries reportedly inflicted with a hot knife. The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Co...

 NIS Lauds EFCC on Fight Against Corruption, Pledges Sustained Partnership The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Zone A, on Thursday, September 10, 2026, applauded the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for its doggedness in the fight against corruption and financial crimes.   The Zonal Coordinator, Zone A,  ACG Mohammed Adamu, gave the commendation while receiving the Acting Director of the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Commission,  Assistant Commander of the EFCC ACE I Adebayo Adeniyi, who led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the NIS Zonal Headquarters in Lagos.    Adamu said the Commission had boosted Nigeria’s image, both locally and internationally, through its sustained efforts in combating corruption and financial crimes.   Describing the EFCC as one of Nigeria’s most prestigious and hardworking agencies, he pledged the NIS’s readiness to strengthen its partnership with the Commission through intelligence sharing and other fo...

 ANAMBRA POLICE JOINT CHECKPOINT THWARTS ALLEGED ABDUCTION, RESCUES 16-YEAR-OLD BOY IN ONITSHA Command intensifies surveillance for suspected abductors; seeks public assistance to reunite victim with family in Enugu State The Anambra State Police Command has intensified efforts to apprehend a suspected criminal gang following the rescue of a 16-year-old boy, Favour Ayogu, who was allegedly abducted in Igboeze South Local Government Area of Enugu State and later abandoned near a security checkpoint in Onitsha. The rescue followed improved strategic joint security operations conducted on the evening of 13 September 2026. A joint patrol team operating at Ekene Junction along Oguta Road, Onitsha, intercepted the victim after he was reportedly dropped from a black Toyota Highlander SUV by unidentified persons close to the security checkpoint. The swift response of the joint patrol team led to the boy’s rescue and prevented further harm. The Command has since stepped up surveillance and ...

 EFCC Warns Lawyers Against Charging Clients in Foreign Currencies The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has called on legal practitioners across the country to desist from the illegal and unethical practice of charging clients in foreign currencies. The call was made on Friday, September 11, 2026, in Lagos by the Acting Zonal Director of the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the EFCC, Ikoyi, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE I Bawa Usman Kaltungo, when he received a delegation of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA’s  Lagos Task Force on Illegal Practice of Law, led by its Head, Moshood Abiola, on a courtesy visit to his office. Speaking during the interactive session, Kaltungo expressed concern over the activities of lawyers who engage in illegal and unethical practices, stressing that the Commission would not hesitate to prosecute anyone found culpable. According to him, the Directorate is currently handling two cases involving lawyers who allegedly charged their ...

 William to make appearance on Harry's birthday as brothers remain bitterly estranged Prince William is set to visit Princetown, a remote Dartmoor village, on September 15 to launch the Princetown Community Fund, a regeneration initiative worth at least £250,000.  The fund will support social, economic, and environmental projects in the area, which has faced challenges since Dartmoor Prison was vacated in 2024 due to radon contamination.  Grants ranging from £500 to £40,000 will be administered by Devon Communities Together, alongside guidance for local organisations. This engagement coincides with Prince Harry’s 42nd birthday, though William has not publicly acknowledged his brother’s recent return to Britain.  The fund reflects William’s broader commitment to channel over £500 million in Duchy of Cornwall resources over the next decade into housing, renewable energy, agricultural resilience, and community development.  His decision to redirect the £1.5 million...

 Reacher star Alan Ritchson announces split from wife Catherine Ritchson after 20 years of marriage Alan Ritchson and Catherine Ritchson have announced they are ending their marriage after 20 years together, sharing the news in a joint social media post. The couple emphasized that their focus will remain on raising their three sons Calem, 13, Edan, 12, and Amory, 10 and that they are committed to being “the strongest co‑parents we can be.”  Alan reflected on their journey, saying they “grew up together” and built a life and family that will always be central to them. In his message, Alan acknowledged the difficulty of the transition but stressed that he and Catherine will continue to share love and respect, offering each other “friendship, grace and a commitment to becoming the strongest co‑parents.”  He also asked for privacy, noting that the change is “hard enough without the whole world weighing in.” The couple’s story began in high school, when they met while taking b...

 Anthony Ippolito says meeting Sylvester Stallone was 'daunting'   Anthony Ippolito’s preparation for I Play Rocky went far beyond mimicry he immersed himself in Sylvester Stallone’s life story and even spoke directly with the star before filming.  At the Toronto International Film Festival, Ippolito described the conversation as “overwhelming,” since he had already spent a year studying Stallone’s mannerisms and career.  What struck him most was hearing Stallone recount his early struggles, including the facial paralysis he suffered at birth that shaped his voice and appearance. Ippolito said it underscored how much of an underdog Stallone was in real life, mirroring the character of Rocky Balboa. Director Peter Farrelly added that Stallone faced enormous resistance from studios when trying to bring Rocky to the screen. Executives wanted to recast the lead, but Stallone insisted on playing the role he had written.  Despite the obstacles, the film became a cultu...

 President Trump reveals biggest change in his son Don Jr since marrying wife Bettina Donald Trump used his Ireland trip to reflect on his eldest son’s recent marriage, joking that Don Jr. has “calmed down” and become “a different human being” since tying the knot with Bettina Anderson in May.  Speaking at the US ambassador’s Deerfield Residence in Dublin, Trump said Don Jr. was also in the country with family, adding that his son is “happily married, which is nice.” The president’s lighthearted remarks drew laughter from diplomats and staff. Trump also addressed the absence of First Lady Melania Trump, saying she was “here in spirit” and joking that she should have simply worn a MAGA hat to make the trip. He previously explained that he missed Don Jr.’s wedding due to the war in Iran, noting that attending would have drawn criticism either way.  Instead, Don Jr. celebrated with siblings Eric and Ivanka at a Bahamas reception following the Palm Beach ceremony. The marriag...

 Djibouti receives more than 2,000 Yemenis fleeing violence More than 2,000 people have fled Yemen for Djibouti in recent days due to worsening insecurity on Yemen’s western coast, with the displaced crossing the Bab al-Mandab Strait, Djiboutian authorities and humanitarian officials said, TRT Afrika reported. The influx into Djibouti’s northern Obock region began accelerating on 10 September, according to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). Estimates shared by the National Office for Assistance to Refugees and Disaster Victims (ONARS) initially put the number of Yemeni refugees at about 1,600, most of them women and children. Djibouti’s Minister of Economy and Finance Ilyas Dawaleh said in a social media post that as of Sunday, 13 September, the figure had risen to 2,084. Displaced Yemenis Prime Minister Abdoulkader Kamil Mohamed, accompanied by Foreign Minister Abdoulkader Houssein Omar, Interior Minister Omar Abdi Said and other senior of...

 Poco Lee Breaks Silence After UK Detention, Urges Men to 'Fear Women' Daily Popular Nigerian dancer and hype man, Poco Lee, has broken his silence following his recent release from custody in the United Kingdom. Addressing the allegations that led to his temporary detention, the entertainer strongly asserted his innocence, stating that his conscience remains completely clear. Speaking during a video call with social media activist VeryDarkMan (VDM), Poco Lee reflected on the harrowing experience and expressed deep gratitude to those who stood by him. He emphasized that he did not commit the alleged offense, noting that he would have accepted his fate if he were truly guilty. 'My Mind Is Pure' – Poco Lee Denies Allegations Reflecting on the situation, the dancer explained that he has no regrets because he knows he is innocent. "If I had done what they said, I would say I am suffering for my sins. But since I did nothing, my mind is completely pure," he stated,...

 Atiku Blames Tinubu's 'Wicked' Economic Policies for Uber's Nigeria Exit Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has launched a scathing critique against President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies, linking them directly to the departure of ride-hailing giant Uber from the Nigerian market. Uber recently announced it would end its 12-year operations in Nigeria, effective September 2, 2026. While the tech giant officially attributed its departure to an internal review of corporate investment priorities across the African continent, Atiku argued that the harsh reality of Nigeria's current macroeconomic landscape drove the decision. Economic Pressures and Declining Purchasing Power Speaking through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku stated that Nigeria's deteriorating economic climate has made operations unsustainable for both ride-hailing drivers and commuters. He emphasized that the exit was not due to a lack of demand, but rath...