PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 Congo audit finds pollution linked to French-British oil firm's operations, ministry says A government audit into the operations of French-British oil company Perenco in Democratic Republic of Congo found it responsible for polluting the environment with potentially harmful effects ‌on the local population, according to preliminary findings shared with Reuters on Wednesday. The hydrocarbons ministry said it found pollution attributable to oil activities carried ​out by Perenco's onshore and offshore units in the ​Muanda area, along the country's narrow Atlantic coastline. The ministry ⁠shared the findings in response to an emailed request for ​comment on a Human Rights Watch report published on Monday that ​said Perenco's operations exposed nearby communities to health risks. The audit found negative impacts on soil and air quality, notably from gas flaring near inhabited areas, ​the ministry said, without giving details of the pollutants or ​their potential effects. T...

  Norwegian teen found guilty of travelling to UK to carry out a hit for Iran-backed gang A Norwegian teenager has been convicted of conspiracy to murder after travelling to the UK to carry out a contract killing on behalf of the Sweden-based Foxtrot Network, one of Europe's most notorious organised crime groups. Johannes Kongsnes Natland, 19, was found guilty by an Old Bailey jury following a retrial and now faces a mandatory life sentence. Jurors deliberated for more than 17 hours before returning their verdict. Prosecutors said Natland travelled from Stavanger, Norway, to Manchester in March last year after agreeing to carry out the killing for £21,600. Investigators said he did not know the intended victim or the motive for the murder but accepted the assignment to impress his girlfriend and earn money. The court heard that Natland had been recruited by a 17-year-old associate known as "Generalen", who was later convicted in Norway for his role in gang-related murders...

 Ugandan opposition figure collapses in court, party official says Prominent detained Ugandan opposition figure Kizza Besigye collapsed on Wednesday while attending a court session in the capital Kampala where he is on trial ​for treason, a senior official in his party said, Reuters reported. Besigye, 70, has ‌been in custody since November 2024 after he was detained together with his aide Obeid Lutale in neighbouring Kenya and both were repatriated to Uganda where they were subsequently charged with ​treason. They denied the charges and party officials and their lawyers have described ​the charges as politically motivated. Multiple attempts to be released on ⁠bail have been denied. "Besigye collapsed ... he was just standing and he suddenly ​collapsed. After some time an ambulance came and they took him away but we ​don't know where he has been taken," Harold Kaija, a senior official in Besigye's party People's Front for Freedom (PFF), told Reuters. Besigye's...

  "Why I wear a Cross.  For over 40yrs | have worn a cross that reminds me to pray in the shower every morning. Every room in my house has a crucifix that reminds me every 3.00pm to pray for the atonement of the sins of mankind, with no exceptions. The crucifıx also reminds me in times of despair that the Lord Christ was not spared from pain, but went through the worst pain and humiliation ever. At bedtime I read the Bible with my husband and meditate on mysteries of the Rosary. The Cross of Jesus means the world to me. Anything that reminds me of the greatest love that I know, a love that surpasses all understanding, I am going to wear, eat embrace and use as a frontlet. Every time I see a cross, it is time to say a prayer of thanksgiving. So I believe that only darkness would try to discourage my devotions. Things are never what they seem, both the unseen and the seen are often beyond our understanding. This is why I will always pitch my tent with Jesus, and not with man's s...

 “Marriage is more than streaming, fooling around on social media or cameras” — Solomon Buchi reacts to Peller and Jarvis’ marriage Nigerian writer and social commentator Solomon Buchi has shared his thoughts on the marriage of Nigerian TikTok stars Peller and Jarvis, urging the young couple to take the institution of marriage seriously. Buchi said while he supports young people getting married early, he believes such marriages should come with maturity, openness to mentorship and an understanding of the responsibility that comes with building a family. According to him, marriage is “more than streaming, fooling around on social media” and cameras, adding that couples should seek proper counselling and resolve any resentment before getting married. He also advised people not to marry someone based on the hope that they will eventually change, saying couples should accept each other for who they are at the time of marriage. Buchi wished Peller and Jarvis well but urged them to seek ...

 Nigeria/African Union To Deepen Cooperation In Promoting Peace And Security Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting peace, security, and democratic governance across Africa through stronger collaboration with the African Union. This was on the sidelines of the AU Executive Council meeting between Nigeria's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and the AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Bankole Adeoye in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The Minister thanked the AU Commissioner for his role in facilitating the European Union’s 21 million dollar support to the Multinational Joint Task Force. Meanwhile, Ambassador Adeoye commended Nigeria for its 22 years of outstanding contributions to the AU Peace and Security Council, and urged the country to sustain its leadership role in conflict prevention and regional diplomacy. Discussions also focused on the security situation in the Sahel, Guinea, Burkina Faso and Sudan, and preparations for the forthc...

  "When It's Your Turn, Teach Your Children Igbo" — Mr P Says His Children Speak French, Chinese and English, Not Igbo Afrobeats singer and former member of the now-defunct P-Square duo, Peter Okoye (Mr P), has stirred reactions after suggesting that his children have no need for the Igbo language, saying they are fluent in French, Chinese and English instead. The singer made the remarks after a fan asked whether his children also speak Igbo, following his post celebrating their proficiency in French. Responding, Mr P said his children have nothing to do with the Igbo language. He added that if others consider Igbo and other Nigerian indigenous languages important, they are free to teach them to their own children. His comments have sparked debate online, with many Nigerians expressing concern over the declining use of indigenous languages among younger generations. For many Igbos, the language is more than a means of communication—it is a vital part of identity, history,...

Senate Clarifies FRSC Act Amendment Does Not Introduce New Ban, But Only Reinstate Ban on Preaching, Hawking The Senate has clarified that its ongoing amendment to the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) Act does not introduce a new ban on preaching or hawking, but only restates long-standing provisions that already prohibit those activities in commercial vehicles. In a statement issued on Monday by the Directorate of Media and Public Affairs in the Office of the Leader of the Senate, the chamber said it had noted public concerns over reports of a purported proscription. According to the statement, Section 10(4) of the FRSC (Establishment) Act, 2007, and Regulation 220 of the National Road Traffic Regulations, 2012, already make preaching and hawking in commercial vehicles offences. The provision has been listed as Item 36 in the Second Schedule to the 2007 Act for nearly two decades and appears as Item 49 under the current amendment. The Senate stressed that the bill does not outlaw...

 Zlatan and Partner Davita Lamai Announce Upcoming Wedding in Style Nigerian music sensation Zlatan and his beautiful partner, Davita Lamai, are officially taking the next step in their relationship. The couple has announced their highly anticipated upcoming wedding, sending waves of excitement through the Nigerian entertainment industry and their global fanbase. A High-Flying Announcement The romantic revelation unfolded in spectacular fashion over the weekend. While traveling aboard a private jet en route to the lavish wedding of music executive Soso Soberekon, the couple shared their joyous news with a close-knit group of fellow entertainers. The intimate and celebratory moment was captured in a video that has since gone viral across social media platforms. Teni the Entertainer Sparks the News Before the couple officially spoke, fellow superstar Teni set the stage. Introducing the lovebirds to the star-studded cabin, Teni excitedly announced, "So Zlatan and his wonderful wife a...

 Karoline Leavitt, 28, humiliated as she poses for picture with much older husband Karoline Leavitt’s recent Instagram post from the rescheduled White House Correspondents’ Dinner has stirred conversation not only about her role as press secretary but also about her marriage to Nicholas Riccio, who is more than three decades her senior.  The 28‑year‑old shared images from the July 24 event, including one of herself standing with hand over heart during the National Anthem, another seated beside President Trump, and a final shot in the Oval Office with Riccio.  While some followers praised her look a sheer pale blue ensemble paired with bold makeup  others criticized the age gap, leaving mocking comments that likened Riccio to her father or grandfather. The backlash came amid a tense evening for Leavitt, as President Trump made remarks about her during his speech. He congratulated her on the birth of her daughter Viviana in May, praised her work, but also teased her by...

NOA Seeks Land, Operational Vehicles for South-East Liaison Office in Anambra By Okafor Nwakaego Loretta The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has appealed to the Anambra State Government to allocate a parcel of land for the construction of its South-East Zonal Liaison Office and provide operational and utility vehicles to enhance the agency's operations in the state. The South-East Zonal Director of NOA, Mrs Theresa Maduekwe, made the appeal on July 24  during an advocacy visit to the Chief of Staff to Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Chief Ben Nwankwo, at the Government House, Awka. She commended the Soludo administration for its infrastructural development and prudent management of the state's resources. Maduekwe said the agency's Director-General, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, would soon pay a courtesy visit to Gov. Soludo as part of his nationwide familiarisation tour of NOA offices. She also called for stronger collaboration between the agency and the state government to promote ...

 Man apprehended while allegedly attempting to steål a Mercedes-Benz GLE worth ₦70 million from a car dealership in Delta State. According to reports, he visited a dealer shop dressed in expensive clothes and negotiated for the vehicle before collecting the owner's phone number and leaving. He reportedly returned the following day when the owner was absent and allegedly convinced the staff that payment had already been made to their boss. The workers then issued a receipt and handed over the vehicle and its documents. However, as he was about to drive the car out of the dealership, the owner arrived, locked the gate, and alerted the police. Further reports claim the suspect allegedly used charms to deceive the workers, but the effect reportedly wore off when the shop owner arrived.

 WANTED SOLDIER ARRESTED OVER ALLEGED SUPPLY OF MILITARY ACCOUTREMENTS TO TERRORISTS Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a soldier recently declared wanted by the Nigerian Army for his alleged involvement in the illegal supply of military accoutrements to terrorist and other criminal elements, in a sustained effort to dismantle criminal support networks. The suspect, 23NA/84/1939 Private Mohammed Yusuf of the Nigerian Army Ordnance Kits Factory, Lagos, was arrested at about 6:30 p.m. on 25 July 2026 by troops of 7 Provost Group, following credible human intelligence. He had been declared wanted by the Nigerian Army on 23 July 2026 over the same allegations. The suspect was apprehended at Jidari Bus Stop, Maiduguri, while allegedly attempting to flee to the Republic of Cameroon. Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect absconded from his unit on 7 July 2026 and subsequently relocated to Maiduguri, where he reportedly went into hiding in the Gomari Costain area of ...

 “He didn’t invite anybody in the family because we don’t have money” — GehGeh’s sister speaks on his wedding GehGeh’s sister has claimed that none of their family members were invited to the social media personality’s wedding because they are not wealthy. In a video making the rounds online, she alleged that the family was left out because they were not considered “aesthetically pleasing” and did not have money, adding that she felt it was unfair to be treated differently because of their financial situation. She further claimed that the family would only be respected if they had money, expressing disappointment over not being included in the wedding despite being members of the same family.

 GOVERNOR SANWO-OLU AS CONVOCATION LECTURER AT BABCOCK UNIVERSITY'S 2026 UNDERGRADUATE CONVOCATION CEREMONY, HELD AT THE UNIVERSITY STADIUM, ILISHAN-REMO, OGUN STATE, ON SUNDAY, JULY 26, 2026 L-R:  Associate Vice President and Director, Research, Innovation and International Cooperation (RIIC) Division, Babcock University, Professor Foluso Ojewole; Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; and President and Vice-Chancellor, Babcock University, Professor Afolarin Ojewole, during Babcock University's 2026 Undergraduate Convocation Ceremony, held at the University Stadium, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, on Sunday, July 26, 2026. L-R: Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and President and Vice-Chancellor of Babcock University, Professor Afolarin Ojewole, during Babcock University’s 2026 undergraduate Convocation Ceremony held at the University Stadium, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State on Sunday, July 26, 2026. L-R: Director of Education and Research, West-Central Africa Divis...

 When a mother is informed that a 26-year-old man impregnated and S/A'ed her 13-year-old daughter, she did the absolute unthinkable.  Instead of calling the police, she accepted cash, the use of the @busers vehicle, and tickets to sporting events in exchange for her silence. Not only did she remain silent, she also allowed the man to continue S/A'ing her little girl.  Kendrell Bowden's daughter moved in with 26-year-old Dawson Brown and his parents, Michael and Sabrina Brown, in the autumn of 2025, according to authorities.  People in the community have shared the young girl moved into the family's Poplarville, Mississippi home, before the fall of 2025. It has not been publicly released precisely why the young girl moved in with the family, but, authorities have stated that the young girl and her mother attended the New Heights/College Heights Baptist Church where Michael Brown happened to be the pastor.  In October-November 2025, very shortly after moving in wi...

 TROOPS OF OPERATION FANSAN YAMMA RESCUE 48 KIDNAP VICTIMS IN ZAMFARA STATE Troops of Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA (JTF NW OPFY), have rescued 48 kidnapped victims following a swift response to a terrorist attack on Magami village, Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara State, in the early hours of 26 July 2026. The operation was launched after troops of Sector 2 received a distress call indicating that a large group of terrorists, riding about 40 motorcycles, had invaded the community. The terrorists rounded up numerous residents with the intention of taking them into the bush, while another group remained at the outskirts of the village with the motorcycles. On arrival at the scene, the troops immediately engaged the terrorists in a fierce firefight, forcing them to abandon the kidnapped victims and flee into the surrounding bush. The prompt intervention led to the successful rescue of all 48 abducted civilians. Regrettably, one civilian lost his lif...

 PRESS RELEASE NIGERIA POLICE ORDERS INVESTIGATION INTO VIRAL STOP-AND-SEARCH INCIDENT ON LAGOS-BENIN EXPRESSWAY  The Nigeria Police Force has begun disciplinary proceedings after a video went viral showing officers attached to a stop-and-search team on the Lagos-Benin Expressway allegedly acting unprofessionally and making derogatory ethnic remarks toward a member of the public. The officers involved, comprising one Assistant Superintendent of Police and three Inspectors, have been identified and are currently in custody pending an orderly room trial. The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, has directed the Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, to conduct a full and transparent investigation to determine each officer’s level of involvement and ensure appropriate sanctions are applied. The conduct shown in the video does not reflect the values of the Nigeria Police Force. Ethnic profiling and disrespect toward any citizen will not be toler...

On 22nd July 2026–just two days ago, I had what I’d describe as the worst airport experience of my life. I was harassed at the Osubi Airport while taking an 11.45am United Nigeria Airlines Flight from Warri to Abuja. I have since filed formal complaints with Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria(FAAN)MMIA and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority,Abuja (NCAA) because what happened should concern every Nigerian who flies. I’m sharing this for three reasons:     1. The FAAN staff member said that others were cooperating except me, so apparently, they’re used to people not speaking up(or maybe they only do it to certain people), but the fact that people are silent about it doesn’t make it right.     2. Secondly, my family members have been extorted through this same process at this Osubi airport     3. Nigeria is the way it is because, most times, people don’t speak up, and even those who do don’t formally file a report or ensure that such a misnomer is checke...

 BAUCHI STATE POLICE COMMAND   PRESS RELEASE   SAFE SCHOOLS INITIATIVE: POLICE ARREST SUSPECTED IMPERSONATOR FOR CRIMINAL TRESPASS AND ATTEMPTED RAPE/THEFT AT A COLLEGE OF HEALTH   Operatives of the Bauchi State Police Command have arrested one Ahmed Saleh, male, 22-years-old, of Kobi Area, Bauchi, for alleged impersonation, criminal trespass, attempted rape and theft at Malikiyya College of Health, Old GRA, Bauchi. The incident was reported to the Command on 24th July, 2026 at about 0630hrs via a distress call from the College. Preliminary investigation revealed that at about 0230hrs on the same day, the suspect, who claims to be attached to Garu Security Service, Bauchi, unlawfully gained entry into the female students’ lodge at Old GRA, Bauchi while dressed in a full police camouflage uniform. Upon receipt of the report, the Divisional Police Officer, "B' Division led a team of detectives and patrol operatives to the scene. The suspect was promptly ...