PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 New York City's Bronx DA trains prosecutors to conceal firearm use and child victim ages so noncitizens avoid deportation. A House Judiciary Committee report details how all five boroughs give preferential treatment in plea deals. Bronx materials urge staff to offer a non-deportable offense and avoid listing key facts on the record. Prosecutors are instructed to keep weapons out of conviction records and omit the age of child victims. They have also arranged pleas to attempted reckless as$ault, a legally impossible charge, with 289 such convictions citywide from 2015 to 2025. Over the same period the NYPD received 20,255 ICE detainers and honored none. The city's Department of Correction refused nearly 3,000 more.

  Carer caught stealing £8,000 jewellery from vulnerable client on hidden CCTV jailed for three years A 50-year-old carer, Lara Jones, has been sentenced to three years in prison after hidden CCTV cameras caught her stealing jewellery worth £8,000 from an elderly and vulnerable client in Oxted, Kent, UK. Jones, from Cowden Pound Road, Mark Beech, was found guilty of three counts of burglary following a trial at Guildford Crown Court in August. She was sentenced on Friday, October 9.   The incident occurred on November 26, 2025, when Jones entered her client's bedroom and was captured rummaging through drawers and wardrobes before pocketing jewellery.   The victim's family became suspicious after discovering an earring at the top of the stairs and noticing that other jewellery was missing. They installed hidden cameras in the bedroom, which recorded Jones stealing items during her second shift.   The victim's daughter subsequently contacted police on December 3, 2025,...

 U.S Former House Speaker Says He Removed Ilhan Omar From Foreign Affairs Committee Because She Could Not Be Trusted With Top Secret Information Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy said he removed Rep. Ilhan Omar from the Foreign Affairs Committee because she could not be trusted with top secret information given her beliefs. "I removed Ilhan Omar from the Foreign Affairs, because you get top-secret information there, and sharing it, and her beliefs — I literally had to take that to the floor, and I remember having to get the members, work them to get the vote to actually remove, and now when you look in hindsight, I was correct," McCarthy said. In February 2023, the House voted 218-211 to remove Omar over past comments about Israel widely condemned as antisemitic, including her 2019 tweet that support for Israel was "all about the Benjamins." McCarthy had promised the removal citing repeated antisemitic and anti-American remarks, and the resolution cited those stat...

 Delta governor's aide calls for arrest of young woman who claimed there was a 'festival of rape' in Ekpan Ossai Ovie Success, an aide to the Delta State Governor, has called for the arrest of a young woman who alleged that a festival involving sexual assault took place in Ekpan, Delta State. In a post shared on X, Ossai dismissed the woman's claims, insisting that his findings showed no such event occurred. He accused her of spreading false information to gain attention on TikTok, describing her allegation as damaging to the state's reputation. “This girl came out to lie to the public that there was a so-called Festival of Rape in Ekpan few days ago, but from all findings, NOTHING of such happened,” he wrote. “It is clear she did it for TikTok content and clout. This is totally unacceptable.” Ossai demanded that the woman be arrested and made to provide evidence supporting her allegation. “You cannot be using the name of Delta State to push false and damaging narra...

 Court Jails FCDA Official 25 Years for Land Racketeering Justice A.O. Musa of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT High Court, Abuja, has convicted and sentenced a staff member of the Federal Capital Development Authority, FCDA, Kinsley Eselebor, to 25 years’ imprisonment for obtaining money under false pretences and using forged documents to defraud a land buyer. The judge delivered the judgment on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, after finding Eselebor guilty on all five counts charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. The court sentenced the convict to seven years’ imprisonment each on counts one, two and three, and two years each on counts four and five, with all sentences to run concurrently and without an option of fine. The prosecution established that Eselebor, an employee of the FCDA’s Department of Urban and Regional Planning, defrauded Moses Osinachi of money paid for two plots of land at Kubwa District Central Annex, Abuja. The proper...

 Zango Urban Bridge: Jock Denies Construction, Says He Donated ₦1m The Chairman of Zangon Kataf Local Government Council, Engr. Joseph Bege Gaiya, has clarified that Gideon Jock Yaji did not undertake any road or bridge rehabilitation project in Zango Urban Ward but only donated ₦1 million towards community efforts to address damage caused by erosion. Engr. Gaiya made the clarification during a radio programme on Invicta FM on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, while addressing reports alleging that he stopped a road or bridge construction project initiated by Jock. According to the Chairman, he contacted Jock after learning about the purported intervention and requested details of the contract, including contact with the engineers handling the work, to establish the project specifications and whether the necessary approval had been obtained from the Kaduna State Roads Agency (KADRA). However, Jock reportedly clarified that he was not undertaking any road or bridge construction or rehabi...

Former Japan coach Takeshi Okada quits as vice-president of Japan FA over FIFA World Cup controversies Former Japan coach Takeshi Okada has resigned as vice-president of the Japan Football Association, citing concerns over developments surrounding FIFA and the World Cup.   Okada's resignation came a week after Asian Football Confederation (AFC) president Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa declared support for Gianni Infantino's bid for re-election as FIFA president at the AFC's extraordinary congress in Tokyo. The endorsement marked a sharp shift from ⁠the AFC's position three months earlier, when the confederation accused FIFA of a "fundamental breach of trust" over the abandoned FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal to sell a stake in FIFA competitions.   "Guided by my belief that sports should embody integrity, I have always valued their social significance," Okada said in a statement on the JFA website.   "However, the series of actions s...

  Singer Stevie Wonder's ex-fiancée shocked by her eviction lawsuit after decades-long relationship Stevie Wonder’s former fiancée, Carmen Efferson, was reportedly shocked by her decision to seek her eviction from a Los Angeles home where she has lived for nearly four decades. A source close to Efferson told TMZ that the lawsuit came as a surprise given her long relationship with the musician. According to the source, she told friends that Wonder had promised the property was hers, although she never received a deed transferring ownership. Sources close to Efferson said she had made the house her home over the years and that her late mother also lived there until her passing. Efferson and Wonder reportedly had an on-and-off romantic relationship dating back to the 1980s. They were said to have been engaged during that period but never married. According to the report, Wonder also helped Efferson secure jobs in the music industry during their relationship. The dispute became public ...

 VeryDarkMan Claps Back at Zlatan Ibile Over 'Inferno' Diss, Mocks Wedding and Predicts Song's Failure Social media activist VeryDarkMan (VDM) has reignited his long-standing feud with rapper Zlatan Ibile, launching a scathing video response after fans identified a pointed jab at him in Zlatan's new song. The online clash, which traces its roots back to the controversy surrounding the death of singer Mohbad, has once again captured widespread attention. The latest chapter in their public dispute unfolded on October 28, when a video of VeryDarkMan addressing Zlatan's alleged diss began circulating on X (formerly Twitter). The rapper's verse appears on the track "INFERNO," a collaboration with Peruzzi and Shoday, featuring a particular lyric that quickly sparked debate. The “Inferno” Lyric and Its Interpretation Fans were quick to decipher a line delivered by Zlatan as a direct swipe at VeryDarkMan. The lyric reportedly plays on the activist's real f...

IMO POLICE COMMAND PROBE VIRAL ASSAULT VIDEO OF ASP ASSAULTING MAN ALONG OWERRI–ORLU ROAD The Imo State Police Command has commenced an investigation into a viral video circulating on social media showing an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) assaulting a man along the Owerri–Orlu Road on October 27, 2026. The officer involved has been identified as ASP Gabriel Utuh, Team Leader of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) patrol team deployed along the Owerri–Orlu Road. The circumstances surrounding the incident are being thoroughly investigated, and appropriate disciplinary measures will be taken against any erring officer. The Command assures members of the public that the investigation will be thorough, impartial, and guided by the principles of accountability and professionalism. Meanwhile, the victim is urged to contact the Command’s Complaint Response Unit (CRU) via 08148024755 to assist with the ongoing investigation. To this end, the Commissioner of Police, Imo State, CP Audu Garba...

 “Polygamy Is Not a Sin” — Yul Edochie Defends His Position Yul Edochie has defended polygamy in a post on X, arguing that having more than one wife is not a sin. The Nollywood actor shared the statement while quoting a post that criticised polygamy. He referred to men in the Bible who had multiple wives and argued that those accounts supported his position. Edochie also claimed that some men are destined to have more than one wife but choose monogamy because they fear society’s reaction or do not understand themselves.

 Odunlade Adekola Sparks Online Debate After Kneeling to Greet Governor Seyi Makinde A trending video showing popular Nollywood actor and filmmaker Odunlade Adekola bowing on one knee to greet Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has ignited widespread discussion across social media platforms. The incident took place during an event in Ibadan, Oyo State. In the viral footage, the Yoruba movie star can be seen walking toward the already seated governor. As he approaches, Adekola lowers himself onto one knee to exchange pleasantries before standing back up to continue their brief conversation. Public Reactions and Cultural Context The short clip quickly stirred opposing views among online observers. Supporters of the actor argued that kneeling to greet an prominent leader and elder is a deeply rooted Yoruba tradition, especially when approaching someone who is already seated in a crowded room. On the other hand, critics voiced disapproval, suggesting that prominent public figures and cult...

 “Rest Well Daddy” — Faze Announces His Father’s Death Nigerian singer Faze has announced the death of his father, sharing his photograph on Instagram with a brief tribute. “SO PAINFUL REST WELL DADDY,” he wrote, alongside broken-heart, heart and prayer emojis. The announcement appeared on his verified account. Faze did not disclose the cause of death or funeral arrangements

 Court Reportedly Remands Abia AAC Governorship Candidate Doris Ogala in Lagos The African Action Congress, AAC, governorship candidate in Abia State, Doris Ogala, has reportedly been remanded at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre in Lagos over an alleged cyberstalking case involving popular cleric, Pastor Chris Okafor. According to a report by ABN TV, Ogala was remanded on Wednesday, October 28, pending the hearing of her bail application. Earlier in the day, the governorship candidate shared a video reportedly recorded at the court premises, confirming her presence for proceedings relating to the case. Meanwhile, the African Action Congress (AAC) vehemently condemns the reported court order by Justice A. Aluko of the Federal High Court, Lagos, directing the remand of our Abia State gubernatorial candidate, Doris Ogala, over allegations of cyberbullying one Pastor Chris Okafor. The statement from the party reads:  AFRICAN ACTION CONGRESS (AAC) PRESS STATEMENT 28 October, 2026 AAC ...

PRESIDENT TINUBU DECORATED AS GRAND PATRON AND AMBASSADOR OF TOURISM IN NIGERIA  Nigeria is exploring partnership with the private sector to develop the tourism potential within the Country to an international standard. The Director General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority, NTDA, Olayiwola Awakan disclosed this approach after meeting with President Bola Tinubu in the State House. He decorated the President as the Grand Patron and Ambassador of Tourism in Nigeria. The MD also explained thatbthe NTDA is working on various programmes including dedicated streaming platform, tour ride and creation of information desks at international airports in the line of tourism development in the country. He called for the improved collaboration of State governments,  saying that the President is dedicated towards making tourism a great contributor to the nation’s economy.

 Senate Confirms Board Members For National Human Rights Commission And Fiscal Responsibility Commission   The Senate has confirmed President Bola Tinubu's appointees into the boards of the National Human Rights Commission and the Fiscal Responsibility Commission. Those confirmed for the National Human Rights Commission are Dr. Salamatu Hussaini Suleiman as Chairman, alongside ten others as members. The Executive Director, News of the NTA, Ayo Adewuyi, was among those confirmed as members of the Commission. Also confirmed are appointees for the Fiscal Responsibility Commission, with Dr. Abdullahi Maikano Saidu as Executive Chairman, and six other members representing the geo-political zones. Meanwhile, the Senate has urged authorities to deploy more troops around the Taraba, Bauchi and Plateau border to curb insecurity.

 NIGERIA CUSTOMS VOWS TO SUSTAIN REMOVAL FROM FINANCIAL GREY LIST  Speaking at a stocktaking meeting in Abuja, Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs, Kikelomo Adeola, said the exercise was important for identifying gaps and preparing the country for its next mutual evaluation on anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing. She commended the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit for its contributions and expressed confidence that Nigeria would maintain its progress and avoid being placed back on the grey list. The Chief Executive Officer of the NFIU, Hafsat Abubakar, represented by Emmanuel Sotande, said Nigeria’s removal from the grey list in October 2025 was the result of collective efforts by relevant stakeholders. She stressed the need to sustain the gains, strengthen existing measures and demonstrate lasting effectiveness in the fight against money laundering and terrorism financing

 GOV ADELEKE DENIES DEAL TO SHARE LEGISLATIVE, LOCAL GOVERNMENT POSITIONS WITH OSUN APC Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke has dismissed reports alleging an agreement to share legislative and local government positions with the All Progressives Congress APC. The Governor says his commitment to President Tinibu's re-election does not include any agreement to share political offices with the Osun APC. A statement by Spokesperson to the State Governor, Olawale Rasheed reaffirmed that the local government crises will be resolved before the of the year. It further adds that the Governor never enter into any agreement to share legislative seats with Osun APC as been rumoured. The governor made the clarification amidst social media reports that the deal between the governor and the presidency include sharing of local government positions as well as those of Senate, House of Representatives and State Assembly between Osun Accord and the state APC in the forthcoming elections. A statement...

Copa del Rey Matches Postponed Following Spain Train Collision The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has announced the postponement of 24 matches in the first round of the Copa del Rey as a mark of respect and solidarity with victims of a train collision in Spain. In a statement on Wednesday, RFEF said: "The entire Spanish football family stands united in grief over this tragedy and stands ready to assist the authorities in helping the victims of this devastating accident." "As a mark of respect and solidarity with all the victims of the tragic train accident that occurred on Wednesday morning in the province of Toledo, the RFEF has decided to suspend the 24 matches in the first round of the Copa del Rey originally scheduled for this afternoon and this evening." The Federation added that further details regarding revised fixtures and kick-off times will be announced in due course. According to Spanish authorities, the collision involving two high-speed trains occur...

Two high-speed trains collided on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, on the Madrid-Andalusia line in central Spain, halting all rail service between Madrid, Ciudad Real and Andalusia.  The crash occurred just after 9:00 am local time between the towns of Mora and Orgaz in Toledo province, when a Renfe train rear-ended an Iryo train that had stopped. Adif, Spain's rail operator, confirmed the suspension and said two Iryo wagons derailed, with some carriages falling down an embankment.  Authorities reported multiple injuries and a rising death toll that varied by outlet as rescue work continued. Initial reports cited at least 10 dead, while later updates from Castilla La Mancha officials and media put the number at 30 to 64 dead, with around 41 hospitalized and 12 in intensive care. Emergency teams set up treatment areas in nearby Urda, and the cause of the collision was still under investigation.  This is the second major train accident in Spain this  year.

 TUC rejects FG’s proposed N70,000 transport allowance, demands salary increase The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria has rejected the Federal Government’s proposed N70,000 wage award, demanding an immediate salary increase for workers and the implementation of outstanding agreements with health workers under the Joint Health Sector Unions. The congress said temporary wage awards were inadequate to address the worsening economic hardship confronting Nigerian workers, insisting that the government should increase salaries rather than introduce relief measures that might not be implemented consistently. The TUC also accused the Federal Government of failing to fulfil its 2023 wage award obligations to some workers and neglecting a seven-month-old agreement on the adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure for health workers under JOHESU. The congress made its position known in a statement issued on Wednesday by its President, Festus Osifo, and Secretary-General, N.A. Toro, ...

 COAS COMMISSIONS NAWLG LUXURY ESTATE IN YABA, HARPS ON HOME OWNERSHIP AND RETIREMENT PLANNING The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Wednesday 28 October 2026, commissioned the Nigerian Army Welfare Limited by Guarantee (NAWLG) Luxury Estate in Yaba, Lagos. The COAS described the project as a significant milestone in promoting sustainable investment opportunities, encouraging home ownership and strengthening the long-term welfare of personnel. He noted that beyond its impressive structures, the estate represents a forward-looking investment model that brings together serving and retired personnel and civilian investors for quality housing and financial security. General Shaibu stated that the significance of the project is underscored by the peculiar demands of military service. He explained that frequent postings and operational deployments often limit opportunities for permanent family residences, making transition to retirement challenging without a...

 BAUCHI STATE POLICE COMMAND PRESS RELEASE POLICE ARREST 24-YEAR-OLD MAN FOR ALLEGED ABDUCTION AND RAPE OF A MINOR IN BAUCHI In the Command's unrelenting efforts in fighting sexual and gender-based crimes, a 24 years old   Jafar Mohammed 'M' of Zango Ward, Bauchi, was arrested for alleged abduction and rape. On 3rd September, 2026 at about 1300hrs, the Command received a written petition from a 35 years old lady of Makwalla Ward, Bauchi, reporting that her younger sister, 16 years old got missing since 5th August, 2026 at about 1300hrs and all efforts to trace her proved abortive. Following a discreet investigation, detectives of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) tracked the victim's GSM number 08063*****4 which was found to be in possession of the suspect in Abuja. On 8th August, 2026, the victim returned home and alleged that the suspect deceitfully lured her and had carnal knowledge of her without her consent under the pretext of marrying her. Acting...

 Putin woos African leaders at showcase summit, says Russia is better partner than 'colonial' West President Vladimir Putin told African leaders ​on Wednesday that Russia was their best partner, accusing what he cast as a colonial West of still trying ‌to exploit the continent's resources and using debt to hold back development, Reuters reported. The Kremlin chief was speaking at the third Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow, a two-day event attended by African leaders and government delegations from 48 countries, during which he will hold one-on-one talks with many of the 22 individual African leaders ​attending on everything from trade to security, arms deals and grain supplies. "Africa is increasingly asserting itself as one of the key players in the global economy and politics. However, the emergence of a multipolar world is, of ​course, no easy task; it faces resistance from countries that are not prepared to accept this reality: those who are accustomed to ​thinking i...

  Tanzania announces new gas field with 223 billion cubic feet capacity Tanzania has discovered an estimated 223 billion cubic feet of natural gas in the Mnazi Bay area in the south of the country, its energy minister announced, Reuters reported. Energy minister Juma Homera said the reserves were found at the Kasa-1X ST2 well, explored jointly by state-owned Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) and French oil company Maurel & Prom. The find is Tanzania's first gas discovery in more than 10 years. Homera said that TPDC and Maurel & Prom had drilled three wells — MB-5, MS-2 and Kasa-1X ST2 — that would help to boost the country's gas supply. Maurel & Prom has said that first gas production could start as early as next month. Homera said TPDC was already in talks with four investors planning small-scale liquefied natural gas projects. Before the latest announcement, Tanzania's discovered reserves stood at about 57.5 trillion standard cubic feet, accord...

 Drone strikes hit power station in Sudan's Managil, cutting electricity Drone strikes targeted a power station and other sites in the city of Managil in Sudan’s central Gezira state on Wednesday, knocking the station out of service and cutting electricity to the city. Local sources told Anadolu that the drones targeted the main power station east of Managil, a fuel tanker inside an oil depot east of the station, and a gas station. There were no immediate reports of casualties or details on the extent of the damage. The strikes came amid a series of drone attacks for the third consecutive day targeting cities under the control of the Sudanese army where no direct fighting with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) is taking place. RSF accused of drone attack The attacks targeted cities in Khartoum and Gezira states in central Sudan, Sennar in the southeast, and Gedaref in the east. Meanwhile, the UN expressed concern on Tuesday over continued drone attacks in Sudan and the da...

  21 States Begin Implantation Of Harmonized 2026 Tax Law: Joint Revenue Board Federation The Joint Revenue Board of the Federation has announced that, twenty one States across the federation have commenced the implementation of the harmonized 2026 tax laws.  This is aimed at ensuring the full implementation of the new tax laws that have streamlined more than one hundred different taxes, levies and dues to nine.  On efforts towards the ban on sales of stickers and emblems, road blocks for collection of cash and other illegal tax practices, the executive secretary of the joint revenue board, Olusegun Adesokan says implementation of the new tax laws will stop all those collections. He notes the new tax is gaining traction that states are now  taking revenue administration digital, building capacity and upgrading standards in addition to simplifying taxation for the informal sector of the society. The JRB also says while partnership with stakeholders including security ...

 Abiodun Reassures Ijebuland on Awujale, Projects Economic Boom for Ogun East Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has reassured the people of Ijebuland that a new Awujale will emerge before May 29, 2027, while projecting a major economic transformation for Ogun East Senatorial District through emerging oil exploration activities and the proposed Gateway Deep-Sea Port. The governor gave the assurances on Tuesday at the Ogun East Senatorial District stakeholders’ meeting in Ijebu-Ode, where he engaged representatives of various interest groups on traditional affairs, governance and the economic prospects of the district. On the succession process for the revered Awujale stool, Abiodun assured the people that his administration was committed to facilitating a smooth, peaceful and widely acceptable process leading to the emergence of a new monarch. He acknowledged the importance of the Awujale institution to the cultural heritage, identity and unity of Ijebuland, appealing to the...

 DELTA STATE POLICE COMMAND  PHOTO NEWS DELTA STATE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE RECEIVES CUSTOMS AREA CONTROLLER, STRENGTHENS INTER-AGENCY COLLABORATION The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Samuel E. Erale, psc, mnips, received the Acting Customs Area Controller, Edo/Delta Area Command, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Dominic Ortsen, psc, on a courtesy visit at the State Police Headquarters, Asaba. The visit focused on strengthening inter-agency cooperation, intelligence sharing and operational synergy towards enhanced security in Delta State. SP. BRIGHT EDAFE, ANIPR, FCIA, FIPMD POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER, DELTA STATE COMMAND, ASABA 27th October, 2026

 PRESS RELEASE EDO POLICE WARN AGAINST PLANNED VIOLENT PROTEST, VOW ZERO TOLERANCE FOR BREACH OF PEACE The Edo State Police Command have received calls from several citizens drawing its attention to online posts from certain quarters calling for public protest. The command urges law abiding citizens to go about their lawful business and refrain from actions capable of disrupting public peace, safety, law and order. The Commissioner of Police, CP Patrick Daaor, PSC(+), MNIPS, acknowledges citizens’ right to peaceful protest and advises any one with grievances to channel their complaint through appropriate and legitimate means instead of resorting to self-help that could truncate existing peace.  He warns against violence, destruction of property, obstruction of public roads, and other acts capable of threatening public peace and order, as the command will not tolerate any of such unlawful acts from any individual or group of persons. The Command assures residents that adequate ...

 A 77-year-old woman became her own HERo when a man attacked her in the dark. He appeared out of nowhere while she was feeding the community cats before sunrise.  On the morning of Monday, October 5, the woman had stopped at Macclenny Veterinary Hospital in Florida to feed the cats, like she always does.  That’s when a man approached her in the parking lot with bad intentions. According to authorities, 57-year-old Alvin Tyrone Tisdale attacked the woman and violently forced her into her own vehicle. While the elderly woman was being assaulted in her car, she had the wherewithal to reach for her handgun, and shoot her assailiant. With the imminent threat immediately neutralized, the brave woman called 911. Authorities arrived quickly, at approximately 4:30 a.m.  The man was trying to rob and kidnap her..... and God knows what else. But she did not go quietly. She reached for her gun and shot him. The woman, whose name has not been publicly released, later told investi...