PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 DSS SECURES DEATH PENALTY ON SUSPECT  Department of State Services DSS has Secured another Death Penalty On Suspect Involved In Kidnap and Killing of Three Persons In Sokoto, 2023. The Security Agency secured the death-penalty against Ibrahim Usman, also known as Dan Iyali, over his alleged involvement in the kidnapping and killing of three persons in Sokoto State in September 2023. Usman faced a four-count charge before the High Court of Justice of Sokoto state, Sokoto Judicial Division, alongside other suspects who are currently at large. The charges bordered on criminal conspiracy, kidnapping, culpable homicide punishable with death, and voluntarily causing grievous hurt without provocation.

 Inter Miami Suffers Heartbreaking Loss to Columbus Crew After Late Red Card and Dramatic Stoppage-Time Goal Inter Miami endured a devastating defeat against the Columbus Crew, with Lionel Messi's equalizer ultimately overshadowed by a crucial late red card and a dramatic stoppage-time winner. The Herons' tactical setup and defensive resilience were severely tested in a feisty encounter that saw them concede a heartbreaking goal in the final moments. Tactical Struggles and Early Setbacks Operating in a 3-4-3 formation, a system often employed to maximize Messi's creative influence, Inter Miami found themselves struggling to control the game's tempo against a relentless Columbus Crew press. Despite maintaining 56% of possession, Miami's attacking efforts yielded just three shots on target, indicating a struggle to convert ball control into meaningful opportunities. The match saw an early setback for Miami when Josef Martinez converted a penalty, putting the Columbus ...

 LASTMA CRACKDOWN ON ONE-WAY DRIVING, ILLEGAL GARAGES … Impounds 84 Vehicles At Idumota, Iddo, Others … Officers Attacked, Injured As Miscreants, Hoodlums Resist Enforcement The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has intensified its enforcement operations across identified traffic flashpoints in the State, impounding 84 commercial and private vehicles for various traffic infractions during a comprehensive weekend crackdown at Idumota, Iddo, Ijora-Olopa, Costain and Onipanu. The enforcement exercise was principally aimed at restoring sanity, orderliness and strict compliance with extant traffic regulations, particularly along corridors where persistent violations by recalcitrant motorists and commercial bus operators have continued to pose a formidable threat to road safety and the unhindered movement of traffic. Of grave concern to the Agency was the increasingly perilous practice of commercial buses reversing against traffic along the one-way stretch from Iddo back ...

 LASG KICKS OFF ANNUAL MOTHER, INFANT CHILD DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME ACROSS IBILE DIVISION … Holds Health District I Edition The Lagos State Government, through the Office of Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement (OPL&CE), has commenced the Y2026 Mother, Infant and Child Development (MICHD) Programme across the six Health Districts of Lagos State, with the Health District I edition held at the Taofeek Adaranijo Event Centre, 228, Ipaja Road, Abekoko, Beside Orile Agege Local Council Development Area Secretariat, Lagos State. Speaking at the flag-off Ceremony, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, Dr. Afolabi Abiodun Tajudeen, said that the initiative is designed to promote maternal and child wellbeing, improve access to essential nutritional support and strengthen awareness of available healthcare services, adding that it forms part of the State Government’s continued commitment to social protection, support for vulnerable famili...

 Handle naira with care, pride, CBN urges Nigerians The Central Bank of Nigeria has urged Nigerians, particularly traders, to handle the naira with care, pride and dignity to extend its lifespan and reduce the cost of replacing soiled and mutilated notes. Dr Adedeji Adetona, Director, Currency Operations and Branch Management, gave the advice in Kano on Monday during a roadshow and public awareness campaign on the proper handling of the naira at Galadima Market. Represented by Mr Ibrahim Yahya, Deputy Director, Currency Operations Department, Adetona said the sensitisation was aimed at taking the message of proper handling of the naira directly to the people, particularly those who frequently engage in cash transactions. He described the naira as a symbol of Nigeria’s sovereignty and national pride, while stressing the need for Nigerians to handle the currency carefully and effectively. “The key message is about proper handling of the Naira. The Naira is the symbol of our sovereign...

 Teresa Giudice breaks silence on Milania’s airport breakdown, reveals daughter’s ‘significant psychological trauma’ Teresa Giudice released her first statement on the “psychological trauma” daughter Milania Giudice is navigating nearly one week after their viral airport clash. “The past few months have been incredibly difficult for our family, and I feel it is important to say something while also protecting my daughter during an extremely vulnerable time in her life,” the “Real Housewives of New Jersey” star wrote via Instagram Stories on Monday. “Milania has experienced tremendous heartbreak and significant psychological trauma after losing two of her best friends,” she continued. The 20-year-old’s BFF, Victoria Zardoya, notably, died in July after a fatal fall. It is unclear who else Teresa, 54, was referring to. “Grief affects everyone differently, and watching your child try to process that kind of loss is something no parent can ever truly prepare for,” the Bravolebrity adde...

 Archaeologists risked their lives to save thousands of treasures from Islamic State terrorists Brave archaeologists risked their lives to save thousands of historic treasures from imminent destruction by Islamic State terrorists. A new study reveals how they rescued around 30,000 “priceless” artefacts from the Deir ez-Zor Museum as the city faced imminent capture by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). Deir ez-Zor is the capital of the province of the same name in Syria, and the region contains key oil and gas fields, making it a fiercely contested battleground during Syria’s 15-year civil war. Study author Maamoun Abdulkarim said the significance of the heroic rescue effort in 2014 and 2015 extends beyond the number of artefacts saved. The Professor of Archaeology and History at the University of Sharjah presents the operation as a case study in protecting cultural heritage during wartime in the new study, published in the journal Museum Management and Curatorship. Prof Ab...

 FBI deputy director Andrew Bailey, who oversaw 2020 election integrity probe, resigns from bureau WASHINGTON — FBI co-deputy director Andrew Bailey announced Monday he was departing his government role for personal reasons after being at the forefront of the bureau’s crackdown on violent crime as well as election integrity-related probes. The former Missouri attorney general will be returning to his home state a little more than a year after he started in Washington. “I want to thank President Trump, @AGToddBlanche, and @FBIDirectorKash for the opportunity to serve in the FBI,” Bailey said in a statement posted on X. “Under President Trump’s leadership, we have delivered historic results in our mission to Make America Safe Again,” he added. “With great pride in what we have accomplished, I am announcing that I am stepping down to return to my family in Missouri.” “I am confident Director [Kash] Patel will continue to reform the FBI, combat violent crime, defend the homeland, ensur...

 Rick Ross’ ex-girlfriend accuses rapper of physical abuse: ‘He saw a punching bag’ Rick Ross’ ex-girlfriend Jazzma Kendrick accused the rapper of physically assaulting her and treating her like a “punching bag.” Over the weekend, the 39-year-old took to her Instagram Stories to share a DM from a follower regarding her latest selfie. The individual wrote, “I’m seeing what Rick is seeing your [sic] so gorgeous,” to which Kendrick replied, “He saw a punching bag.” The influencer subsequently posted a close-up of her face, claiming it was taken “the day Rick busted my lip and the day I left.” In another snap, Kendrick held up her upper lip to reveal a bloody injury. “I don’t know a lot of things, but I do know that a man that puts his hands on me, is a man that never loved me and never will,” she alleged. Kendrick, 39, added, “It’s always good until it isn’t. If a man hits you one time, he will do it again. Don’t give him the opportunity. Value your life and leave.” Kendrick did not s...

 Taylor Swift dedicates biggest VMA award of the night to 'ultimate showgirl' Dolly Parton Taylor Swift made her big win at the 2026 MTV VMAs on Sept. 27 a special tribute moment. After taking home Video of the Year for "The Fate of Ophelia," she dedicated the award to Dolly Parton, calling her the ultimate showgirl and an icon who shaped music with her vivid storytelling. In her acceptance speech, Swift said Parton's songs feel like watching the best music video ever, and praised the way she handled her career with grace, joy, and gratitude for her fans.  The article describes the night also including a tribute to Parton with a vintage clip and a cover of "I Will Always Love You" by Kacey Musgraves. It was a memorable night for Swift overall, as she also received the inaugural Artist Director Honors for her work on roughly 60 music videos over her career, including 18 she wrote and directed, and debuted her new video for "Patient Zero" starrin...

 COURT SETS ASIDE LPDC'S THREE-YEAR SUSPENSION OF JOE GADZAMA, SAN The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has set aside the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee's three-year suspension of Joe Gadzama, SAN. Justice Obiora Egwuatu gave the order in Abuja. Having assumed jurisdiction on the matter for review, the court granted part of the reliefs sought by Joe Gadzama, SAN, against the three-year suspension imposed on him by the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC). The Court also declared the enforcement of the disciplinary direction against him unconstitutional and raised fundamental questions about the treatment of professional disputes within Nigeria’s legal disciplinary system. The Court further declared specifically that the implementation or enforcement of the LPDC direction against Joe Gadzama, SAN, in the absence of an effective appellate mechanism, is inconsistent with some provisions of the Constitution. To this end, Justice Obiora Egwuatu restrained...

 INEC CHAIRMAN ENGAGES NORTH-WEST STAFF AHEAD OF 2027 GENERAL ELECTIONS The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, has engaged staff of the Commission from the North-West Zone to assess its preparedness for the 2027 general elections. The statement from the Commission says it was an opportunity to review previous election experiences, identify shortcomings and strengthen preparations for improved conduct of the forthcoming elections. It adds that late arrival of electoral materials, technical glitches and pockets of violence were among the challenges recorded in some areas during the last elections. With preparations intensifying, the electoral umpire is reviewing key areas, including voter registration and collection of Permanent Voter Cards, PVCs, logistics, operational challenges, and the deployment and management of Information and Communication Technology, ICT. Professor Amupitan held the assessment meeting with INEC offi...

 Yesterday, I commissioned the 55-room ORIS Signature Hotel in Okigwe Road, Aba, a significant addition to the city’s growing hospitality and investment landscape. I commend the Chief Executive Officer, Owelle Greg Okafor, for delivering this impressive project within just two years and a few months. This is a clear demonstration of what is possible when vision, enterprise, and a conducive business environment come together. When we assumed office, Aba faced significant challenges, including poor road infrastructure, and struggling industries. Today, the story is changing, with businesses returning, property values rising and, new investments taking shape. I therefore invite investors who previously relocated from Abia, as well as prospective investors, to return and take advantage of the opportunities our administration is creating. What we have achieved so far is only the beginning. With more projects, including the soon-to-be-completed Radisson Blu Enyimba Hotel, Aba will contin...

 AAC DRAGS TINUBU, AGF, NATIONAL ASSEMBLY TO COURT OVER REFUSAL TO HANDOVER POWER TO VP SHETTIMA DURING VACATION  The African Action Congress (AAC) has filed a lawsuit at the Federal High Court in Abuja challenging President Bola Tinubu’s refusal to handover power to the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, during his vacation to Europe. The suit was filed on behalf of the party through an Originating Summons on Monday, 28th September, 2026 by the National Legal Adviser of the AAC and Lagos-based human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong. Effiong is seeking a declaration that President Tinubu’s failure or refusal to transmit a written declaration to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives to enable the National Assembly to pass a resolution to authorise the Vice-President, Kashim Shettima, to perform the functions of the office of President as Acting President is undemocratic, unlawful and a violation of Section 145(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as am...

 BBC roasted for linking unpainted fingernails to ‘white supremacy’ in woke article The BBC is catching heat for an article claiming that the trend of leaving fingernails unpainted is a racist way of pushing “white supremacist standards of beauty.” The national broadcaster interviewed Paloma Buddemeier, a London nail salon owner, who shared that more and more customers are asking to skip the nail polish after their manicures, a fashion trend synonymous with “quiet luxury.” But the BBC claimed that nail art is “linked back to black, Latino and Asian communities,” and the viral “bare” look could “stigmatize bold manicures.” The outlet spoke to beauty journalist Kristina Rodulfo, who had no trouble connecting the seemingly innocuous beauty choice into a malicious act targeting communities of color. Bare nails, Rodulfo bafflingly claimed, “really promotes blankness and this kind of sameness and erasure of culture and identity that is so important to black and brown communities.” “They ...

 Shark seen swimming through flooded NJ streets as violent nor’easter batters coast Luckily, these jaws had no bite. A shark was seen swimming in the nor’easter-flooded streets of New Jersey this weekend — but thankfully a “harmless” one without sharp teeth. A local filmed the fish in the floodwaters in Surf City on Saturday, with video showing its dorsal fin poking through the surface near a woman’s driveway, according to the video obtained by ABC News. “Is that a little shark?” a woman asks in the clip. “Oh my God, he’s coming this way.” Thankfully, the shark appears to be a “harmless” dogfish, a type of shark common to the area and one without sharp teeth, according to Dr. Greg Skomal, a white shark expert with the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries. The shark reportedly swam up the resident’s home on Long Beach Island as Barnegat Bay flooded over in Surf City, which was inundated with as much as four feet of water this weekend. The nor’easter caused widespread flooding ...

 DSS ARRAIGNS FOUR SUSPECTS LINKED TO KILLING OF OPERATIVE The Department of State Services has arraigned four suspected members of IPOB, an outlawed group, before the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, over their alleged involvement in the kidnapping and killing of its officer, Ekpeyong Asuquo Owoh. The suspects were arraigned on a six-count charge bordering on alleged terrorism and kidnapping of a DSS personnel. The defendants in the matter are Michael Okafor, Chinedu Joseph Chukwudozie, Chibunna Olisa and Chigozie Olisa. The prosecution alleged that the defendants conspired to commit acts of terrorism and were involved in the abduction of Owoh, a DSS operative, while he was travelling from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to Awka, Anambra State. The defendants were also accused of taking the operative hostage and causing his death in the course of the alleged criminal operation. They were equally accused of belonging to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its arm...

 When They Arrest You, You’ll Know You Have No One’ — Mowiz Warns Kaduna Social Media Users Over Defamatory Posts Kaduna-based radio personality Mohammed Suleman, popularly known as Mowiz, has warned social media users in Kaduna State against making defamatory statements about individuals, businesses and organisations online. In a social media post, Mowiz alleged that several people from Kaduna State had recently faced arrest or imprisonment following comments and claims they made on social media. According to him, one of the individuals was allegedly arrested after making claims about Tony Elumelu's family, including an allegation involving Elumelu's wife and musician Chike. Mowiz claimed that the individual was traced through his X account and subsequently taken to Kirikiri. He also alleged that the person had used artificial-intelligence-generated images to portray himself online as wealthy and living abroad, despite reportedly being based in Kaduna. Mowiz further claimed th...

 KASUPDA Intervenes In Filin Shanya Dispute, Assures Parties Of Fair, Lawful Process The Kaduna State Urban Planning and Development Authority (KASUPDA) has intervened in a dispute involving an alleged attempted demolition and possession exercise affecting properties and existing settlements around Filin Shanya in Tudun Wada, Kaduna South Local Government Area. The development reportedly followed an attempt by Hajiya Aisha Abubakar to take possession of portions of the area, with claims that the action was being carried out pursuant to a court order. The reported development raised concerns among residents and other stakeholders in the area, including the Business Apprenticeship Training Centre (BATC) and surrounding residential communities, prompting calls for the intervention of relevant authorities. Following the concerns, KASUPDA engaged the affected parties and other stakeholders to establish the circumstances surrounding the dispute and ensure that any action affecting existi...

 APC Rivers Dismisses Eligibility Doubts Over Chinda After Supreme Court Ruling The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed claims that a recent Supreme Court judgment puts the eligibility of its 2027 governorship candidate, Hon. Kingsley Chinda, in doubt. The apex court, in a judgment delivered on September 24, 2026, stressed compliance with Section 77(5) and (6) of the Electoral Act. The provisions require political parties to submit a verified register of members to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at least 21 days before conducting primary elections. The ruling has triggered a legal and political debate over whether it affects Chinda’s bid to contest the 2027 Rivers governorship election on the APC platform. Chinda, a serving member of the House of Representatives, registered with the APC on April 27, 2026. He formally announced his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and his defection to the APC on the floor...

 Shettima returns after leading delegation to UNGA Vice President Kashim Shettima on Monday returned to Nigeria after representing President Bola Tinubu at the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, United States. Shettima departed Abuja on September 20 after the President mandated him to lead Nigeria’s delegation to the annual global gathering. According to a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President delivered Tinubu’s national statement at the General Debate, where Nigeria renewed its call for reforms to the United Nations Security Council. According to the statement, President Tinubu reinforced his call for a more representative and equitable global order. The statement said, “Nigeria advocated permanent African representation on the council, fairer global financing, stronger climate support and deeper multilateral cooperation. “At the Third High-Level Roundtable of the Africa Miner...

  Abia Ranks Second Nationally in Revised 2026 State Performance Index Abia State has emerged as Nigeria’s second-highest-performing state in the revised 2026 State Performance Index by Phillips Consulting, recording the largest momentum gain across three editions of the assessment. Commissioner for Information Prince Okey Kanu said on Monday that the revised report placed Abia second nationally with a composite score of 0.55, behind Jigawa State. Abia rose from 36th in 2024 to 10th in 2025 and second in 2026 — a 34-place improvement and the biggest overall gain among the 33 states ranked in the 2026 edition. Phillips Consulting first released the 2026 National Assessment Report on July 23, 2026, using a single Momentum Index. After a review and audit of its methodology, the firm corrected identified issues and recalculated the results. The revised edition separates current performance from progress over time. It now provides both a 2026 performance snapshot and a rank trajectory s...

 Don’t travel to Libya, hardship worse there, FIJ founder Soyombo warns Nigerians Investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo has cautioned Nigerians seeking to escape economic hardship through irregular migration that conditions in Libya are often far worse than those they leave behind. Soyombo, founder of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism, spoke on ARISE News on Sunday about his 47-day undercover journey from Kano through Niger to Tripoli. He documented the experiences of migrants travelling the Sahara Route. He said many Nigerians facing economic deprivation view migration as an escape without fully grasping the realities that await them in Libya. “You know, when you are trying to escape economic deprivation, you think that any other option is good. The options in Libya are worse,” Soyombo said. According to him, some migrants who reach Libya become stranded after exhausting their funds and are forced to take whatever jobs they can find while trying to save for another att...

 October 1st: There will be danger – Primate Ayodele warns Tinubu against independence parade Primate Babatunde Ayodele has warned President Bola Tinubu against holding the October 1 Independence Day parade, saying there could be danger if the event goes ahead. Ayodele issued the warning in a video shared on X ahead of Nigeria’s Independence Day celebration. “October 1st, President Tinubu should cancel the parade. If he attempts to go ahead with it, there is danger in it,” he said. The cleric also warned Nigerians against accepting anything from politicians in exchange for their support ahead of the 2027 election. He urged voters to make their choices based on their conscience and the candidates they believe will serve the interests of Nigerians. “And to Nigerians, don’t collect anything from any politician because of the election. Vote your conscience. Vote for the right people. Vote for people who will truly serve the interest of the people,” Ayodele said. He also urged Nigerians...

 BAUCHI STATE POLICE COMMAND PRESS RELEASE  DOMESTIC TRAGEDY: POLICE ARREST SECOND WIFE FOR ALLEGED MURDER OF FIRST WIFE IN BAUCHI In its untiring efforts in the fight against domestic violence and violent crimes, the Bauchi State Police Command has arrested a 33-year-old housewife for alleged culpable homicide following a domestic incident that claimed the life of her co-wife at Tafawa Balewa Housing Estate, Bauchi. On 27th September, 2026 at about 1605hrs, the C-Division, Bauchi, received credible information that there was a domestic incident between two co-wives residing in the same household belonging to their husband. Preliminary investigation revealed that the second wife, one Hauwa'u Haruna, 33 years old, allegedly acting under hallucinations, armed herself with a pestle and struck the first wife, one Jamila Adamu, 43 years old, on the forehead. Consequently, the victim fell unconscious. Upon receipt of the report, detectives attached to C-Division immediately mobilise...

 2027 General Elections: APC NWC Receives Defectors from ADC across four states  The leadership of the Governing All Progressives Congress APC has formally received political office seekers on the platform of the African Democratic Congress ADC and their supporters by proxy across four states ofJigawa, Plateau, Taraba and Zamfara  The defectors who were led by Mohammed Hassan Mai Solar & Aslan ALIYU said, the decision to join the Governing Party was guided by the exceptional track records of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu under the renewed hope agenda and firm political structure which is built on trust and level playing groundand justice for all The Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda after receiving them, mentioned some of the massive transformations taking place in the North, especially in areas of road infrastructure, energy reforms, NELFUND and numerous empowerment outlets and urged them to rally round APC for continuity and progress.

 Mr Macaroni Reveals Emotional Financial Struggles, Thanks Don Jazzy, Victor Osimhen, and Others for Support Nigerian actor and comedian Debo Adebayo, widely known as Mr Macaroni, recently stirred deep emotions online after openly sharing the significant financial battles he endured in recent years. In a heartfelt Instagram post on Saturday, September 27, 2026, the popular content creator expressed profound gratitude to those who provided crucial support during his difficult times. Mr Macaroni shared that he was overwhelmed by messages from individuals recounting acts of kindness he had shown them, many of which he had entirely forgotten. These messages prompted a wave of self-reflection, leading him to acknowledge that he had spent too much time dwelling on what he lost, rather than being thankful for surviving the hardships. He admitted that because people often assumed he was always financially comfortable, he rarely received help. Even when borrowing money, he consistently repa...

 VeryDarkMan and Solomon Buchi Challenge Pastor Arome Osayi's Sermon on Nigeria's National Calling A recent sermon by popular cleric Pastor Arome Osayi, in which he asserted that Nigeria's national calling is revival rather than economic development, has ignited significant debate among prominent social commentators. Leading the charge are social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), and relationship coach Solomon Buchi, both of whom have publicly criticized the sermon's implications for national progress. VeryDarkMan Questions Faith's Role in National Progress In a video shared on his Instagram page, VDM contended that the type of preaching promoted by figures like Pastor Osayi directly contributes to Nigeria's stagnation. He argued that both Christian and Islamic religious institutions foster a culture of passivity, diverting individuals who could otherwise be innovating and contributing to national development into a perpetual quest...