PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 TEAM LAGOS EMERGES TOP AT 23RD NATIONAL SPORTS FESTIVAL SOUTH WEST ELIMINATION Lagos State athletes proved their dominance in the South West by edging out regional competitors and emerging top in the five team events contested at the elimination series qualifier for the 23rd National Sports Festival later this year in Enugu. The elimination series featured team events in volleyball, basketball, football, beach volleyball, and cricket in male and female categories. While the team clinched only the female football ticket by topping their group, they showed dominance in three other sports by winning both the male and female tickets. Team Lagos took first position in the volleyball male and female categories. The male team defeated their counterparts from Ondo in the finals by 25-18, 24-26, 25-20, and 25-20, while the female team defeated Team Oyo by 25-18, 22-25, 28-26, 16-25, and 15-8. The Osun basketball team fell to the superior firepower of the Team Lagos male team in their last ...

 LASPA BEGINS ADVOCACY AHEAD OF PARKING ENFORCEMENT, TAKES ROADSHOW TO IKORODU The Lagos State Parking Authority (LASPA) has intensified its advocacy campaign ahead of the commencement of parking enforcement, with plans to hold an awareness campaign roadshow in Ikorodu on Wednesday, September 23, 2026. The General Manager, LASPA, Mrs. Adebisi Adelabu, speaking in a meeting recently, disclosed that the increased advocacy was aimed at ensuring that businesses, vehicle owners and other stakeholders are adequately informed about their parking obligations before enforcement begins. She explained that the enforcement exercise, which was initially expected to commence earlier, was shifted to the end of September to allow for broader public sensitisation and engagement. While noting that voluntary compliance remains the Authority's preferred approach, Mrs. Adelabu emphasised that demand notices are issued with queries addressed before enforcement is undertaken. She urged business owners an...

 ANAMBRA POLICE SECURITY OPERATIONS: KIDNAP VICTIM RESCUED, SEVEN SUSPECTS ARRESTED, STOLEN TRICYCLE RECOVERED IN SEPARATE OPERATIONS The Anambra State Police Command has recorded significant operational breakthroughs in separate security operations, leading to the rescue of a kidnap victim, the arrest of two suspected members of a kidnapping syndicate, the arrest of five suspected members of an armed robbery syndicate, and the recovery of a stolen tricycle. In the first operation, operatives of the Anambra IGP’s Violent Crime Response Unit, acting on credible intelligence, arrested Victor Onwuka, alias “Bugatti,” and Madukaife Chidiebere Kenechukwu, aged 30, in the early hours of 16th August 2026 at Akpukpokelemu Village, Nimo, Njikoka Local Government Area. The suspects were allegedly involved in the kidnapping of a victim who was held captive for three days in a criminal hideout. During the period of captivity, the kidnappers allegedly withdrew a total sum of ₦7 million from the...

 Guinea bans French broadcaster over description of President Doumbouya Guinea's media regulator banned French media outlet France 24 from broadcasting in the country on Thursday, following comments it said were against the president. Mamadi Doumbouya was elected president in December 2025, completing the return to civilian rule in the West African country following a coup in September 2021. In a statement, the country's High Authority for Communication (HAC) cited the TV channel's "remarks deemed to undermine the dignity of the head of state, Mamady Doumbouya", AFP reported. On Wednesday, the HAC issued a formal warning to France 24 for having "used an inappropriate term to refer to the head of state". The description in question was made during a September 14 broadcast. Apologise and correct France 24 told AFP Wednesday that it intended to apologise and correct any offense. Below the video with the remarks, a statement now reads that Doumbuya was ...

 LAWMA SEALS PREMISES ON AGO PALACE WAY, ARRESTS 11 DUMPERS ON LAGOS ISLAND …As the Authority Intensifies Enforcement Against Illegal Waste Disposal In renewed enforcement efforts, the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has sealed premises identified for persistent illegal waste dumping along Ago Palace Way and arrested 11 persons for illegal waste disposal in various parts of Lagos Island. The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said that the enforcement operations underscored the Authority’s resolve to enforce existing waste management regulations and ensure compliance with approved waste disposal practices across Lagos. He explained that the Ago Palace Way operation covered plazas, hotels, lounges and warehouses along the corridor, as part of efforts to tackle activities contributing to waste build-up and environmental nuisance on road setbacks, medians and other unauthorised public spaces. He added that the enforcement exercise on La...

Don’t sell your house to buy Dangote shares, Emir Sanusi tells investors The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has warned prospective investors against using their children’s school fees or selling their homes to invest in shares. Sanusi gave the warning on Thursday while speaking at the Dangote Refinery Initial Public Offering investor roadshow in Kano. He urged Kano residents and other prospective investors to invest only money they could afford to set aside for some time, saying they could consider amounts such as N10,000, N20,000 or N30,000. He said, “Do not take your children’s school fees and put in shares, Do not sell the house that you live in and put in shares. So This Happened (EP 426) reviews: Woman arrested over alleged sexual abuse of daughter in Anambra0:00 / 0:00 “But what you can afford,10,000, 20,000, 30,000, what you can afford to set aside for some time, set it aside. And if you look at the fundamentals of the economy, over time you can be assured that this investme...

 J  The Kano State Hisbah Board has arrested a TikTok content creator Ukasha Yahaya, popularly known as UK International, over videos of him hugging and bathing with women. Deputy Commander General of the board, Dr. Mujahid Aminuddeen, confirmed the arrest on Thursday, September 17, 2026, saying the 27-year-old was picked up after intelligence revealed he had entered Kano. Aminuddeen said the TikToker is currently in custody as investigations continue. Ukasha, a native of Gusau in Zamfara state and resident of Abuja, admitted during interrogation that he could not recall the number of videos he had produced with women. Some of the clips showed him dancing, hugging, or carrying women, while others featured swimming and bathing scenes. He disclosed that some of his videos had attracted between one and three million views. Asked how he sourced the women, Ukasha said they approached him because he is a content creator. Asked if he could involve his sisters in his videos, he said a...

 South African Lady Bags 40 Years Jail Term For Importing 5.75KG Heroine To Nigeria A 38-year-old South African lady, Ms. Will Jessica Ann has been convicted and sentenced to 40 years in jail for importing 5.75 kilograms of heroin into Nigeria. The convict was arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA) Abuja after she was found to have concealed 14 large blocks of heroin in her luggage, using her three-year-old son as a cover to beat security checks  Intelligence leading to her arrest indicates she is a member of a transnational drug trafficking organization along with her husband/partner,  who is, based in Cambodia from where they operate their drug network along the Cambodian-South African axis. The husband also had been arrested in Johannesburg, South Africa on 27th July 2026 while attempting to traffic 3.2kg illicit drug to Hongkong.               ...

 Nigerian man who masturbated in front of woman on UK train bags 10 months jail term The Manchester Magistrate Court on Monday, September 14, sentenced Nigerian man and registered sex offender, Babatunde Odutola, to 10 months in jail after exposing himself and mast#rbating in front of a woman on a train travelling towards Manchester. Odutola, 36, of no fixed address, was arrested around 7pm on Friday, September 11, after harrassing the woman while on a train travelling through Cheshire towards Manchester Piccadilly railway station. British Transport Police said Odutola approached the woman on the train, looked her up and down and became aggressive when she refused to engage with him. The police said he then exposed himself while sitting in a wheelchair and began m@sturbating while staring at the woman and telling her to “come over”. A fellow passenger intervened and escorted the distressed woman from the carriage. The police said that CCTV footage showed Odutola continued masturbat...

 VP SHETTIMA CLARIFIES REMARKS ON SIX NORTHERN GOVERNORS’ SUPPORT FOR PRESIDENT TINUBU  The Office of the Vice President has clarified remarks by Vice President Kashim Shettima concerning the support President Bola Tinubu received from northern governors ahead of his emergence as the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress. In a Statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communication, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha said the Vice President’s reference to six northern governors who believed in and supported President Tinubu was specifically about political consultations and alignments preceding the APC presidential primary in June 2022. It was not a comment on the position of northern APC governors following President Tinubu’s emergence as the party’s candidate, nor was it intended to question their support during the 2023 presidential election. Following the presidential primary, APC governors in the North rallied aro...

 DSS RE-ARRAIGNED ORIIRE STUDENTS AND TEACHERS KIDNAPPERS SUSPECTS  The Department of State Services has re-arraigned five men accused of complicity in the may 15 kidnap of pupils and teachers in Oriire local government of Oyo state, and subsequent killing of two of the victims, before the federal high court sitting in Abuja. The defendants accused of being members of the Jama’‘atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-biladis Sudan (Ansaru) terrorist group were arraigned on a-seven- count- charge which they pleaded not guilty to all. Following their pleas of not guilty the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, leading the DSS legal team prayed for immediate date of commencement of trial in line with the provisions of the administration of the criminal justice act, 2015. He also applied that names of witnesses to testify in the trial be shielded and be permitted to wear masks to ensure their protection.  following no objections from the defence counsel Bala...

 Consider Future Of Our Children, Return To Classrooms – Isa Ashiru Appeals To KASU Lecturers The gubernatorial candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kaduna State, Rt. Hon. Isa Mohammed Ashiru, has appealed to lecturers of Kaduna State University (KASU) to consider the future of students and return to the classrooms. Ashiru also called on the Kaduna State Government to urgently resolve the ongoing dispute by addressing and fully implementing its legitimate agreements with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). He made the appeal amid the prolonged industrial crisis at the university, which he said was having a significant impact on students, parents and the broader education sector in Kaduna State. The ADC candidate expressed concern that the continued suspension of academic activities could further delay students’ graduation, disrupt their academic plans and subject them to avoidable hardship. Ashiru made the appeal in a statement issued to journalists in...

 NPF REPATRIATES CHINESE FUGITIVE WANTED OVER SMUGGLING OF ENDANGERED AFRICAN ROSEWOOD The Nigeria Police Force, through INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB), Abuja, has repatriated a Chinese fugitive, Zhang Shijie, to Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China, following his arrest in Nigeria in connection with alleged large-scale smuggling of endangered African Rosewood. Zhang, who was wanted by the Yangpu Sub-Bureau of the Anti-Smuggling Bureau of Haikou Customs District, was the subject of an arrest warrant issued on 7th January, 2021 over his alleged involvement in the smuggling of approximately 1,400 tonnes of Pterocarpus erinaceus, commonly known as African Rosewood, an endangered tree species indigenous to West Africa. The consignment was valued at about 15.7 million Chinese Yuan. The alleged offences were committed between November 2020 and January 2021, after which Zhang remained outside China. Intelligence subsequently established his presence in Nigeria, where he was resid...

 DSS to Strengthen Collaboration with EFCC against Economic and Financial Crimes   The Department of State Services, DSS has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration and synergy with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC in the fight against corruption, economic and financial crimes.   This was made known on Wednesday, September 16, 2026 when DSS Director, Internal Security, Hakeem Olutope Abiola, led a delegation of the Service on a courtesy visit to the Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the EFCC.   Abiola in his remarks at the occasion, disclosed that the visit was aimed at strengthening the existing relationship between the two agencies, particularly through intelligence sharing and joint efforts to combat economic and financial crimes. He stressed the need for sustained cooperation between both agencies and the effective deployment of their expertise and intelligence capabilities.   In his response, the Acting Director, Kaduna Zonal Di...

 KADGIS To Introduce Land Agents Registration To Tackle Property Fraud The Kaduna State Geographic Information Service (KADGIS) has announced plans to introduce a registration system for land agents as part of efforts to improve accountability and reduce property-related fraud in the state. The Director-General of KADGIS, Dr Bashir Ibrahim, disclosed this on Wednesday in Kaduna during a town hall meeting on the 2026 Land Administration Reforms. Ibrahim explained that the proposed system would require every land agent operating in Kaduna State to obtain a unique and non-transferable agent code. According to him, the code would make it easier for KADGIS to identify the agents involved in land transactions and determine responsibility whenever disputes or fraudulent activities occur. “Every agent must obtain an agent code. If any issue arises, we will know exactly which agent handled the transaction,” he said. He added that registered agents would also be expected to register their su...

 Woman’s Naked Corpse Found In Rigachikun, Body Parts Reportedly Missing The corpse of a woman was reportedly discovered naked in the Rigachikun area of Kaduna State, with some parts of her body allegedly missing. According to a source, the woman’s remains were found in the area under circumstances that have raised concerns among residents. The source further stated that the remaining parts of the body were gathered by the police and placed in a sack before being taken to the police station. The circumstances surrounding the woman’s death and the alleged removal of some parts of her body remain unclear. Further details are expected as authorities investigate the incident.

 EFCC Arraigns One for Alleged N6.8m Fraud in Abuja The Abuja Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, arraigned one Idris Gana Mohammed before Justice A M Abdullahi of the High Court of Federal Capital Territory, Maitama,  Abuja.  The defendant was arraigned on a one- count charge bordering on criminal misappropriation and obtaining money by false pretence to the tune of N6, 850,000.00 (Six Million, Eight Hundred and Fifty Thousand, Naira only ). Count one of the charge reads. “That you Idris Gana Mohammed sometimes between 10th and 13th June 2026, at Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this honorable court, dishonestly converted to your personal use the aggregate sum of N6, 850,000.00 (Six Million, Eight Hundred and Fifty Thousand only), being payment for a black Toyota Camry from Ampatech Nigeria Limited and hereby committed an offence contrary to Section 308 of Panel code law of the FCT and punishable und...

 Singer Fave Exposes Double Standards Facing Female Artists in Nigerian Music Nigerian singer and songwriter Chidozie Godsfavour Ugochinyere, professionally known as Fave, has shed light on the systemic challenges women face in the country's music scene. Speaking on a recent episode of the Afropolitan podcast, the breakout star asserted that female musicians face a much steeper hill to climb than their male counterparts, primarily because their success is rarely measured by musical talent alone. The Battle of Sex Appeal vs. Talent According to Fave, the audience and industry stakeholders often prioritize a female artist's looks, fashion choices, and physical appeal before they even listen to her music. She lamented that these superficial expectations distort how women's art is received, reducing talented vocalists to objects of fantasy. "It is harder for female artists to blow," Fave explained during the podcast. "Female artists aren’t measured by talent but ...

 Lionel Messi Secures Record 48th Career Trophy with Inter Miami Campeones Cup Victory Football icon Lionel Messi has added yet another historic milestone to his legendary career, guiding Inter Miami CF to a 2-0 victory over Mexican powerhouse Cruz Azul to claim the 2026 Michelob ULTRA Campeones Cup at Nu Stadium. The Argentine playmaker broke the deadlock in the 24th minute, converting a brilliant header assisted by his longtime teammate Luis Suárez. The goal marked a major personal milestone for Messi, representing his 100th goal contribution since joining the MLS franchise. Messi then turned provider later in the match, delivering a precise assist to midfielder Casemiro, who sealed the victory with Inter Miami's second goal of the night. Inter Miami's Golden Era Continues With this latest triumph, Inter Miami has successfully secured at least one piece of silverware in four consecutive seasons maintaining a flawless trophy-winning run in every campaign since Messi's arri...

 Tragedy Hits OAU as Final-Year Student Dies in Alleged Suicide The community of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has been thrown into mourning following the sudden and tragic death of Oluwole Seun, a final-year student of the institution. Seun, who was studying Materials Science and Engineering, allegedly died by suicide at his off-campus residence. The incident has left classmates and friends in deep shock, particularly as those close to him reported seeing no warning signs or unusual behavior prior to the tragic event. Details of the Tragic Discovery According to an official statement released by the university's Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olarewaju, on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, the institution's management was alerted to an emergency at approximately 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 15, 2026. The incident occurred at an off-campus apartment located in the Damico area of Ooni Layout in Ile-Ife. Upon receiving the distress call, OAU's Quick Response a...

 Sabinus Demands Seat on Dangote Refinery Board After Hilarious N5,250 Investment Sabinus Targets Aliko Dangote in New Hilarious Stunt Popular Nigerian comedian and content creator Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Ejekwu, famously known as Sabinus (or Mr. Funny), has once again sent social media into a frenzy with his signature comedic antics. This time, his target is Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, and his newly minted multi-billion-dollar oil refinery. Known for his relatable humor and "investor" persona, the award-winning skit maker has humorously declared himself a stakeholder in the massive energy enterprise, sparking widespread reactions across various social media platforms. The 'Memo' to Aliko Dangote In a post shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, Sabinus addressed a formal "memo" to Aliko Dangote. The comedian revealed that he had officially purchased shares in the Dangote Refinery to the tune of 5,250 Naira. ...

 Lagos APC Unveils Star-Studded 2027 Campaign Council: Toyin Abraham, Pasuma, Jide Kosoko Land Key Roles The political landscape in Lagos State is heating up as the All Progressives Congress (APC) has unveiled a high-profile campaign council for the 2027 elections, featuring a powerful blend of entertainment industry giants. This strategic move aims to leverage the immense popularity of Nollywood actors and Fuji music stars, integrating them into the party's core campaign structure. Among the prominent figures tapped for roles in the council, as revealed by the Kadri Obafemi Hamzat Media Centre and reported by The PUNCH and TVC News, are a host of beloved Nollywood personalities. Veteran actor Jide Kosoko leads the charge, alongside popular actresses Toyin Abraham, Eniola Badmus, Bimbo Akintola, Bukky Wright, Fathia Balogun, and Tayo Sobola. Esteemed actors Adebayo Salami (Oga Bello), Saheed Balogun, and Yinka Quadri are also key inclusions, signaling a strong appeal to the creativ...

 South Africa races to find killer as ninth woman's body is found South African police on Thursday recovered the ninth body of a woman east of Johannesburg in two months, as a string of killings continues to stoke public anxiety. South African police say it has launched a major operation to find those responsible after the body was found in Gauteng province, TRT Afrika reported. The latest victim was found by a passerby in Villa Liza township in Boksburg, east of Johannesburg, on Thursday morning, according to police and local authorities. The woman was found partially naked and her identity has not yet been released. Police have imposed a lockdown in Kempton Park in the Ekurhuleni municipality and officers mounted roadblocks after three partially naked bodies were found in the park this week. War against killer "We cannot continue picking up bodies," deputy police chief Tebello Mosikili told journalists in Dawn Park, where the latest body was found. Gauteng Premier Panya...

 Hike In Petrol Pump Price: NLC Calls For Government Intervention To Ease Burden On Citizens The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has called on the Federal Government to introduce reasonable wage awards for workers, make sufficient crude available in naira to local refineries, and expand national petroleum storage capacity to strengthen energy security.  In a statement by its President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, the NLC says petrol now sells for about one thousand four hundred and thirty naira (N1,430) per litre in some major cities, with prices higher in less accessible areas. The Labour Centre says this increase in petrol price has a direct impact on transportation costs and subsequently affects the prices of food, rents, school fees and other essential services. The NLC in expressing concern over the rising pump price of petrol across the country, says  the development is worsening the economic hardship faced by Nigerians. While attributing the latest surge partly to the resurg...

 FRSC DISOWNS SCAM MESSAGES ON “ROAD TRAFFIC OFFENCES” The Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, has alerted the entire public, particularly motorists, to a fraudulent scheme involving the circulation of unsolicited text messages purportedly issued by the Corps and notifying recipients of alleged “new road traffic offence records” requiring immediate action.  A statement by the Corps Public Education Officer, Osondu Ohaeri, says the fraudulent messages, which are being circulated through mobile devices and social-media platforms, direct unsuspecting members of the public to a deceptive website designed to impersonate the digital identity of the Federal Road Safety Corps.  The Corps therefore unequivocally disowns the messages and the website, stressing that members of the public should not regard such communications as originating from FRSC.

 SUPREME COURT AFFIRMS EXPULSION OF GABAM AS SDP CHAIRMAN  The lingering dispute over who is the authentic national chairman of the Social Democratic Party SDP has been laid to rest as the Supreme Court of Nigeria says the expulsion of the former National Chairman, Shehu Gabam from the party, followed due process.  In a unanimous judgment, a five-man panel of justices led by Justice Adamu Jauro, affirmed the appeal court judgment that stamped the national chairmanship of Professor Abaubakar Gombe, as the substantive SDP helmsman.  The Supreme Court  appeal was filed on behalf of the expelled chairman by SDP candidate in the last Osun governorship election, Salawu Adeniyi Olaitan.

 TROOPS OF 18 BRIGADE RESCUE 22 KIDNAPPED VICTIMS IN RAFI LGA OF NIGER STATE In continuation of intensified offensive operations to deny terrorists freedom of action within its Area of Responsibility (AOR), troops of 18 Brigade (Bde), Nigerian Army, have rescued 22 kidnapped victims in Muchiya village, Rafi Local Government Area (LGA) of Niger State. The rescue was recorded on 15 September 2026 when troops of 18 Bde Garrison (Gar) in conjunction with troops of 45 Battalion, acting on credible intelligence on the convergence of terrorists, launched a fighting patrol to the general area. On sighting the advancing troops, the terrorists fled in disarray into the surrounding forest in a bid to evade contact. The determined troops sustained the pursuit on the terrorists along their escaped routes. Consequently, troops rescued 22 kidnapped victims and recovered 3 motorcycles and other sundry items abandoned by the fleeing terrorists. All rescued victims have been handed over to the leade...

 COAS DEEPENS VETERAN ENGAGEMENT, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO TROOP WELFARE, ARMY TRANSFORMATION The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Army to the welfare of serving and retired personnel, while advancing ongoing reforms aimed at building a more professional, adaptable, technologically enabled and combat-ready force. The COAS stated this on Thursday, 17 September 2026, when he received members of the Executive Committee of the Course 39 Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) United Welfare Association (UWA), led by its President, Air Vice Marshal Ibikunle Daramola (Rtd), on  a courtesy visit to Army Headquarters, Abuja. Lieutenant General Shaibu described sustained engagement with retired officers and veterans as an important pillar of institutional development, noting that their wealth of operational experience, professional knowledge and leadership expertise remains valuable to the Nigerian Army. He added that such...