LIST OF REASONS

The Nigerian Army’s 6 Division has intensified its operations against crude oil theft and illegal refining activities in the Niger Delta, leading to significant arrests and dismantling of illicit refineries. In a coordinated effort with other security agencies, troops arrested 39 suspected oil thieves and destroyed 18 illegal refining sites across the region. Additionally, over 60,000 litres of stolen petroleum products were confiscated during a special six-day operation spanning multiple states. Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Jonah Danjuma, detailed the operation's success, citing key interceptions in Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, and Akwa Ibom states. In Rivers State, troops intercepted a twin tank containing 18,000 litres of stolen products, alongside a MAN Diesel container truck attempting to smuggle crude oil concealed with sawdust. Further seizures included thousands of litres of stolen crude oil from makeshift refining sites across the region. In Bayelsa...

In a bid to enhance electricity supply in Ondo State, Lincs Power Energy Solutions has donated a 5-megawatt power project to Ondo town. The initiative, which is expected to drive economic growth and improve the quality of life for residents, was facilitated by Mr. Olumbe Akinkugbe, a former Senior Special Assistant to the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu on ICT. Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, the Project Manager of Lincs Power Energy Solutions, Mr. Otinniyi Micheal, stated that the power project would later be upgraded to 20 megawatts. This expansion is aimed at ensuring a reliable electricity supply to the entire Ondo State and its neighboring communities. He commended Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for his support and encouragement, expressing confidence that the project would be completed as scheduled. Akinkugbe emphasized that the donation marked a significant step in addressing the electricity challenges in Ondo West Local Government and beyond. He assured residents that Lincs ...

The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has announced plans to establish 18 innovation hubs across tertiary institutions in Nigeria by 2025 as part of efforts to strengthen research and technological advancement in the country. This initiative aligns with the Fund’s commitment to fostering a culture of innovation, entrepreneurship, and problem-solving among Nigerian academics and researchers. The Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono, made this known at the closing ceremony of the 30th Cohort of the Research for Impact (R4i) initiative, held at Innov8 Technology Hub in Abuja. He emphasized that education and research play a crucial role in nation-building and sustainable development, highlighting the necessity of equipping institutions with facilities that encourage innovation and knowledge application. The R4i programme, in collaboration with Innov8 Technology Hub, aims to enhance the capacity of researchers and academics to conduct impactful, solution-driven research that...

The Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), has called on paramilitary agencies in the state to intensify patrols to prevent crime and criminality. He emphasized the importance of collaboration among various security agencies to maintain peace and stability, stressing that meaningful development can only thrive in a secure environment. Ibas made this statement during a meeting with heads of paramilitary organizations at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Friday. He acknowledged their contributions to maintaining law and order in Rivers State and urged them to participate actively in joint operations designed to weaken the capabilities of criminal elements. According to Ibas, criminals gain ground when law-abiding citizens are unable to conduct their legitimate businesses freely. He, therefore, stressed the need for security agencies to prioritize the interests of the people and the nation while carrying out their duties. Ibas directed the paramilitary ...

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has officially declared businesswoman and socialite Aisha Sulaiman Achimugu wanted over allegations of criminal conspiracy and money laundering. This development was announced by the EFCC’s spokesman, Dele Oyewale, through a public notice shared on the agency’s X handle on Friday. According to the EFCC, Achimugu, 51, hails from Ofu Local Government Area in Kogi State. Her last known address is 6C, Rudolf Close, Maitama, Abuja. The agency has urged anyone with relevant information about her whereabouts to contact its offices in various states, including Abuja, or reach out via its official hotline and email. Prior to being declared wanted, Achimugu had been summoned by the EFCC to appear at its Port Harcourt office on March 5, 2025, to clarify issues related to an ongoing investigation involving alleged money laundering and a high-profile investment scam. The letter, dated March 4, was signed by Adebayo Adeniyi, the EFCC’s acting zona...

The Premier League has announced the scheduling of two summer transfer windows this year, a decision attributed to "exceptional" circumstances arising from the FIFA Club World Cup. The first window, deviating from the usual schedule, will open from Sunday, June 1, to Tuesday, June 10, and then temporarily close before reopening on Monday, June 16. The second transfer window will adhere to the standard schedule, closing on Monday, September 1.  This adjustment is in response to FIFA's announcement of an interim transfer window for clubs participating in the Club World Cup, allowing teams such as Chelsea and Manchester City to reinforce their squads and finalize contract extensions prior to the tournament's commencement in the United States on June 14. This decision was made following a Premier League meeting on Thursday, where an agreement was reached to accommodate the needs of clubs involved in the FIFA Club World Cup, while also addressing concerns from other Premi...

The Lagos State Government has articulated its strategic partnership with EnterpriseNGR , operating under the Lagos International Financial Council (LIFC) platform, with the primary objective of significantly boosting the tech ecosystem's contribution to the state's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The government aims to elevate this contribution from the current three percent to ten percent through strategic venture capital investments in Lagos-based tech startups. This initiative was underscored during a meeting between state officials and international partners at the Ministry of Finance Conference Room in Ikeja.  The LIFC, envisioned as a pivotal financial hub, is designed to integrate Lagos into global financial networks, fostering an environment conducive to seamless trading, attracting foreign investments, and enhancing the overall competitiveness of Nigeria’s financial markets. The initiative aligns with the Lagos State Development Plan (LSDP) 2022–2052, whic...

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), through its Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) members, has emphasized the critical need for strategic investments in food storage infrastructure and the development of targeted policies to mitigate supply-side constraints, as key measures to combat the nation's persistent inflation . During the February 2025 MPC meeting, members highlighted that Nigeria's inflation challenges are largely structural, stemming from issues within critical sectors like agriculture, infrastructure, and oil.  Aku Odinkemelu, an MPC member, stressed that the recent rebasing of inflation, which assigns greater weight to core inflation, underscores this reality. He pointed out that core inflation, driven by factors such as transportation, housing, healthcare, and electricity costs, remains stubbornly high and less responsive to traditional monetary policy tools. To address this, the CBN is urged to collaborate closely with fiscal authorities to formulate p...

Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), has called upon Muslims across Nigeria to commence the search for the new moon of Shawwal 1446AH on Saturday, March 29, 2025.  This request, made in anticipation of the Eid-el-Fitr celebration, was conveyed through a statement released by the Waziri of Sokoto, Prof. Sambo Wali Junaidu, on Friday, March 28, 2025. The sighting of this new moon is a pivotal moment, as it determines the conclusion of Ramadan and the commencement of the Eid-el-Fitr festivities. The Sultan emphasized that March 29 marks the 29th day of Ramadan 1446AH, signifying the earliest possible date for the moon's visibility. He has urged anyone who successfully sights the moon to promptly report their observations via designated phone numbers provided in the statement. Specifically, Muslims are asked to use the following numbers: 08037157100, 08066303077, 08035965322, 08035945903, and 070...

An Ona-Ara Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ibadan delivered a six-month prison sentence to Olaniyan Qudus, a 19-year-old ex-convict, following his conviction for stealing electronics from a church. The presiding Magistrate, A.M. Ayo-Alagbe, handed down the sentence after Qudus pleaded guilty to two charges: conduct likely to cause a breach of peace and stealing. The court's decision mandates that Qudus serve one month for disturbing the peace and six months for the theft, with both sentences running concurrently, resulting in a total of six months of imprisonment at the Agodi Correctional Facility.  The prosecuting counsel, Salewa Hammed, presented evidence detailing the crime, which occurred on March 15 at approximately 2:00 p.m. at the All of Faith Christian Church in Oniyefun, Idi-Osan, Ibadan. The stolen items included an Elepaq generator valued at N200,000, an Ox fan worth N50,000, a Top engine valued at N30,000, a bell priced at N20,000, and a ceiling fan worth N50...

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives , Rep. Benjamin Kalu , has passionately advocated for the passage of the Seat Reservation in Parliament Bill, emphasizing its critical role in addressing the historical under-representation of women in Nigeria's political landscape. According to a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Chief Levinus Nwabughiogu, Kalu views this legislation as a strategic intervention aimed at dismantling the systemic barriers that have long marginalized women in the nation's political process. He asserts that reserving seats for women in both the National and State Assemblies is not an act of charity, but a matter of justice, strategic importance, and national prosperity.  The Deputy Speaker underscored that a truly representative government must reflect the diversity of its population, and the current exclusion of women undermines this fundamental principle. He highlighted that women's perspectives, shaped by their unique lived e...

The Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Mr. Sonny Echono, clarified that the agency's focus on fencing and other physical infrastructure in tertiary institutions does not indicate a prioritization of such projects over research. Speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, Echono emphasized that the necessity for enhanced security measures stems from the country's prevalent insecurity challenges. He explained that the fencing initiatives, which also extend to secondary schools, are designed to protect school lands from encroachment, a significant issue affecting educational institutions.  Echono stressed that the agency's investment in security infrastructure, including fencing, constitutes less than one-third of its overall funding allocated to research in tertiary institutions. He reiterated that TETFund remains committed to the holistic development of tertiary education across Nigeria, with a signi...

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has announced the deployment of 754 patrol vehicles, 143 ambulances, and additional resources to monitor highways and manage traffic flow during the Eid al-Fitr celebrations. This deployment, which will run from March 27 to April 2, 2025, is aimed at minimizing road traffic crashes, fatalities, and injuries during the festive period. According to FRSC Spokesperson Olusegun Ogungbemide, the patrol vehicles will be strategically positioned along critical routes to enforce traffic regulations, clear obstructions, and provide swift responses to emergencies. The initiative also includes 157 administrative vehicles, 48 tow trucks, and radar guns to monitor and curb speed violations. Additionally, the FRSC has set up 16 traffic control camps and is manning 53 critical routes nationwide. The Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, emphasized that the proactive deployment of these resources is essential to managing the expected surge in traffic volume and mitigating...

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has announced that it is in the final stages of preparing for its highly anticipated Initial Public Offer (IPO) as mandated by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) of 2021. The company’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, disclosed this in a statement released in Abuja, revealing that the company is actively engaging with prospective partners as part of an exercise known as the “NNPC Ltd. IPO Beauty Parade.” According to the Chief Finance and Investor Relations Officer, Olugbenga Oluwaniyi, the primary objective of the IPO Beauty Parade is to evaluate potential partners and assess how they can contribute to the success of the company’s upcoming public listing. The company is specifically looking for partnerships in key areas such as Investor Relations, IPO Readiness Advisory, and Investment Banking. The best offers in these categories will be selected to support the company’s transition into the capital market. A...

Veteran Nollywood actor Hanks Anuku has opened up about his struggles in the Nigerian movie industry, revealing that some of his colleagues engaged in diabolical practices due to jealousy. During a recent interview on the Nollywood Hardcore podcast, Anuku reflected on his experiences and interactions with fellow actors, stating that envy and blackmail were some of the challenges he faced. According to Anuku, some individuals in the industry deliberately tried to bring him down because of his success. He described how certain actors, rather than supporting one another, resorted to dark and harmful practices in an attempt to sabotage their colleagues. He emphasized the importance of love and unity, urging people to embrace kindness instead of condemnation. “In life, we must always keep space for falling down and standing up again, but in the industry, there are many staircases that were not well built. Even when you try to get up, someone is always out there trying to pull you down,” An...

A 37-year-old woman, Linda Stephen, has approached a Kaduna Customary Court seeking the dissolution of her marriage due to what she describes as her husband's excessive sexual demands. Linda, a resident of Ungwan Sunday in Kaduna, told the court that her husband, Felix Stephen, frequently forces her into sexual intercourse, sometimes from midnight until dawn. She further alleged that whenever she refused his advances, he would physically assault her, often in the presence of their two children. According to her, she has endured this for six years but can no longer cope, prompting her to move out of their matrimonial home three months ago. Despite repeated pleas from her husband's relatives urging her to return, she remains adamant about ending the marriage. "I urge the court to dissolve this marriage because I can’t stand his excessive sexual urge. Even when I cry and beg him to stop, he does not listen," she stated. Felix, in his defense, admitted to his actions but...

Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has approved the recruitment of 1,800 health workers to address the personnel gaps in all Primary Health Care (PHC) facilities across the state. The decision aims to enhance healthcare delivery and ensure that quality medical services are accessible to the people of Kaduna. According to a statement issued by the Commissioner of Health, Hajiya Umma Ahmad , the recruitment is a crucial step toward strengthening the state’s position as a leader in Primary Health Care. She emphasized that the initiative will significantly reduce maternal and child mortality rates while improving the overall well-being of residents. The Commissioner also highlighted the ongoing revitalization of 255 PHC facilities, which includes the provision of modern medical equipment and essential drugs. As part of Governor Uba Sani’s broader health sector reforms, all 255 PHCs in the state are set to be upgraded to Level 2 status. This upgrade will enable them to manage conditions such a...

The Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) has announced a major transformation in its examination system, set to take effect in April 2025. This upgrade introduces a revised syllabus and a transition to a Computer-Based Examination (CBE) format for all candidates. The initiative is aimed at aligning taxation education in Nigeria with global best practices while enhancing the technical and analytical capabilities of candidates. In a statement signed by the Registrar and Chief Executive of CITN, Afolake Oso , the institute emphasized that the adoption of the CBE system is a strategic move designed to ensure that taxation professionals are well-equipped to meet the demands of the evolving industry. The revised syllabus has been carefully structured to provide candidates with a more comprehensive understanding of modern taxation principles, fostering skills that are critical for professional success. The CITN highlighted several key advantages of the new examination system, in...

Bisola Ajimobi Kola-Daisi, the first daughter of the late former governor of Oyo State, Abiola Ajimobi, has passed away in the United Kingdom. Reports indicate that the 42-year-old died in the early hours of Thursday due to complications from cancer. Bisola was married to Kolapo Kola-Daisi and held the position of Special Adviser to Atiku Bagudu, Nigeria’s Minister of Budget and Planning, until her passing. Her death was confirmed by Bolaji Tunji , the Special Adviser to the former governor, who addressed the media in Ibadan on Thursday. “Yes. It has been confirmed,” Tunji stated, putting an end to speculation about the tragic loss. Bisola’s passing has left a void in the Ajimobi family and the political community in Nigeria. Many who knew her professionally and personally have expressed their condolences, remembering her contributions to governance and policy planning. Her death serves as a reminder of the growing concerns about cancer-related fatalities in Nigeria and the need for im...

The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria has urged governments at all levels to focus more on agriculture to revive citizens' interest in farming, ensure food security, and enhance the country’s gross domestic product. This call was made through Caritas Nigeria , the bishops’ development agency, during the flag-off ceremony of agricultural input distribution to 500 farming households in Ekiti State. The initiative, supported by Conrad Hilton, was held in Awo Ekiti, Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area. During the event, 150 farmers from Ekiti South West and Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Areas received agricultural training and were empowered with essential farming tools, including knapsack sprayers, improved maize seeds, and cassava stems. Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of Caritas Nigeria, Rev. Fr Peter Audu, emphasized that agriculture remains the lifeline of any nation, as food is a fundamental necessity. He urged the government to take decisive steps t...

The Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Bayero, has announced the cancellation of the annual Eid al-Fitr Durbar celebration, citing security concerns in the state. The announcement was made during a press briefing at his Nasarawa Mini Palace in Kano, where he emphasized that the peaceful coexistence of the people was more important than the festival. The decision to cancel the Durbar was influenced by advice from respected Islamic clerics, elders, stakeholders, and members of the emirate council. Emir Bayero had initially planned to hold the event, which would have coincided with his fifth anniversary on the throne. However, he stressed that maintaining peace in Kano outweighed any personal or cultural celebrations. In his address, the Emir urged Kano residents to use the Eid period to visit their families and friends while observing the festivities in a peaceful and harmonious manner. He also prayed for Allah’s blessings and mercy upon the people, expressing hope that the holy month of Ramada...

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the exemption of healthcare product raw materials from import duties and Value Added Tax (VAT) as part of an initiative to lower the cost of essential medicines and medical supplies. This move aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Executive Order, which seeks to make healthcare more affordable and accessible to Nigerians. The policy, approved through the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Olawale Edun, is expected to drive down production costs for local pharmaceutical manufacturers. According to Customs Spokesman Abdullahi Maiwada, the exemption will last for two years and will apply exclusively to manufacturers recognized by the Federal Ministry of Health. The policy covers critical raw materials such as Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), excipients, Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs), diagnostic kits, reagents, and packaging materials. Only pharmaceutical manufacturers with...

The House of Representatives has taken a significant step toward attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) by advancing a bill that seeks to introduce citizenship by investment into the Nigerian Constitution. The proposed legislation, known as the Citizenship by Investment Bill, has successfully passed its second reading. Sponsored by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu and other lawmakers, the bill aims to grant Nigerian citizenship to foreign investors who meet a specified financial threshold or invest in strategic sectors vital to national development. The primary objective of the bill is to enhance Nigeria’s economic growth by creating an avenue for foreign investors to contribute to the nation's development while enjoying the benefits of citizenship. By providing a clear legal framework for economic participation, the proposed law is expected to make Nigeria a more attractive destination for global investors. This move aligns with global practices where several countr...

Controversial crossdresser Bobrisky has opened up about his struggles and responsibilities since the passing of his mother. In an emotional Instagram post, he expressed deep sorrow over her loss and detailed the burdens he has carried since her death. He described the experience as heartbreaking, significantly altering his life and responsibilities. Bobrisky recalled the painful moment when his mother, who passed away in Mecca on October 28, 2008, gave him her final words. She had entrusted him with the responsibility of taking care of his elder brother, a duty he questioned at the time. However, she assured him that he was chosen for this role because she believed he was strong and resilient. The next day, he received the devastating news of her passing, leaving him in shock and grief. Since then, Bobrisky has taken on the role of caring for his family, including his 87-year-old grandmother, who remains in good health, and his elder brother, who has a family of his own. Despite the c...

Security forces in Rivers State successfully prevented an attempt to bomb another oil pipeline, reinforcing their commitment to safeguarding critical infrastructure. A joint operation involving the Nigerian Police, Army, Navy, Air Force, and other security agencies thwarted the planned attack. The Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, Olugbenga Adepoju , emphasized that this effort was part of a broader strategy to maintain stability in the state during the ongoing state of emergency . The foiled attack took place at Aluu-Rumuekpe in Ikwerre Local Government Area, where a suspect attempting to detonate an explosive device on a pipeline was neutralized. Security operatives acted swiftly to prevent further damage, highlighting their proactive policing approach. The police urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to prevent future threats to public safety and economic stability. Beyond this specific incident, security agencies have intensified operations again...

A Sudanese war monitor has accused the country’s military of killing hundreds of civilians in an airstrike on Tur’rah market in Darfur . The attack, described as a "horrific massacre" by the Emergency Lawyers group, reportedly left hundreds injured. The market, located about 35 kilometers north of the army-controlled city of el-Fasher, was bombed in what activists are calling the deadliest single airstrike since the civil war erupted in April 2023. Videos circulating on social media, including those shared by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), depict the devastation, showing charred bodies and smoking remains of market stalls. The Sudanese army has denied targeting civilians, stating that its attacks are directed at legitimate hostile targets. However, both the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF have been accused of shelling civilian areas throughout the conflict. The RSF primarily uses drones, while the army relies on airstrikes to target RSF positions across Darfu...

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Rivers State have strongly condemned the state of emergency by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on March 18, 2025. The organized labour groups described the move as baseless and unjustified, arguing that it unlawfully suspended the elected Governor, Deputy Governor, and House of Assembly members chosen by the people of Rivers State. Labour leaders, including Comrade Alex Agwanwor of the NLC, Comrade Ikechukwu Onyefuru of the TUC, and Comrade Chuku Emecheta (JP), jointly signed a statement denouncing the emergency rule. They warned that the decision is already causing severe economic hardship, particularly for local government workers who have yet to receive their salaries. The non-payment of wages has left many workers in financial distress, exacerbating the ongoing economic challenges in the country. Furthermore, labour leaders emphasized that Rivers State holds significant economic importance in Nigeria, particularly...

Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has stepped down from presiding over the case involving suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan . His decision was prompted by a petition from Senate President Godswill Akpabio who questioned the judge’s impartiality in handling the matter. When the case was called in court, Justice Egwuatu announced his recusal, stating that the case file would be returned to the Chief Judge for reassignment to another judge. This development follows an interim order the judge had previously issued, which halted the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions from proceeding with disciplinary action against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan. The disciplinary action stemmed from allegations that the senator had violated the rules of the legislative house. Justice Egwuatu had ruled that the process should be put on hold until the lawsuit was resolved. He also directed the defendants to justify why an order of interlocutory injunction ...

Russia is facing accusations of insincere peace negotiations following its missile strike on Sumy, a city in northeastern Ukraine. The attack, which injured dozens, took place as Russian and US officials engaged in discussions aimed at pausing hostilities. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha criticized Russia, stating that its continued aggression contradicted its diplomatic efforts and rendered its peace statements "hollow." The latest round of Russia-US talks took place in Riyadh , Saudi Arabia, where discussions centered on reviving the 2022 Black Sea grain deal. While Kyiv sought assurances for safe exports, Moscow reportedly aimed for sanction relief to facilitate fertilizer exports. Despite a 12-hour negotiation, no immediate resolution was reached, though a White House official described the talks as progressing "extremely well," with expectations of a forthcoming positive announcement. However, skepticism remains due to Russia's continued military ...

The recent revelation that senior officials in the Trump administration accidentally included a journalist in a group chat discussing planned military strikes on Yemen has sparked widespread outrage and concern. The Atlantic first reported that high-ranking officials , including National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, were engaged in a private Signal chat to discuss military operations targeting Houthi militants in Yemen. Unintentionally, Atlantic editor Jeffrey Goldberg was added to the conversation, exposing the sensitive exchange. The messages contained crucial details about the timing, targets, and weaponry involved in the operation. Despite the Trump administration’s admission that the messages appeared authentic, officials did not provide an explanation for why such highly classified discussions took place outside of secure government communication channels. The use of Signal, an encrypted messaging app, for natio...

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has issued a five-day ultimatum to Chris Nehikhare, the Edo State Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Shedrach Udugbai, a chieftain of the party, demanding an immediate and unreserved apology for alleged defamatory statements made against him. The governor, through his legal representatives, contends that these remarks were false, malicious, and intended to tarnish his reputation. The controversy began when Nehikhare released a statement on March 10, 2025, accusing Governor Okpebholo of attempting to bribe lawmakers to defect from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC) . In the press release titled “Edo PDP Condemns Okpebholo’s N200m Bribery Ploy to Buy Defection of Each Assembly Member,” Nehikhare alleged that the governor was offering N200 million per legislator and N2 million to each councillor from the 18 local government areas in a bid to lure them into the APC. Udugbai, on his part, reinforced these claims...

The Imo State Police Command has successfully arrested three individuals linked to the kidnapping of a 48-year-old businessman, Sabinus Ibe, in Owerri.   Police spokesperson Henry Okoye, while parading the suspects before journalists, identified them as Favour Dike (22), Ifeanyi Kingsley (30), and Wisdom Chikodi (31).   According to the police report, Ibe was abducted in Egbu, Owerri, on the evening of February 22, 2025. Following a thorough investigation, law enforcement operatives apprehended the suspects on March 18. The breakthrough came after a ₦2 million ransom transaction was traced to a Moniepoint account registered to Dike, who operated a POS business at the Timber and Allied Market.   Upon questioning, Dike admitted to receiving the ransom under the instruction of Kingsley, a trader at the same market. Kingsley later disclosed that he provided Dike’s POS account details at the request of Chikodi, whom police identified as a key member of the gang. ...

The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Ibok-Ete Ibas, has cautioned traditional rulers in the state against engaging in partisan politics, urging them instead to focus on maintaining peace and security in their domains. Speaking at a meeting with traditional rulers at the Government House in Port Harcourt, Ibas emphasized the importance of neutrality in leadership, stating that monarchs play a crucial role in fostering stability within their communities. The retired vice admiral and former Chief of Naval Staff expressed his deep concern over the persistent instability in Rivers State, stressing that political conflicts should not undermine the region’s development. Commitment to Restoring Stability Ibas, who was appointed as the Sole Administrator following the state’s political crisis, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to restoring peace. He lamented the constant unrest in the state, stating that it pained him to see Rivers, a vital economic hub, embroiled in turmoil. “As a ...

An Oklahoma man, Wendell Grissom, was executed by lethal injection on Thursday for the 2005 murder of 23-year-old Amber Matthews during a home robbery. This marks the third execution in the United States this week. Grissom, 56, was pronounced dead 10 minutes after the procedure began at the state penitentiary in McAlester, according to the Oklahoma Department of Corrections. The execution used a three-drug protocol: Midazolam (sedation), Vecuronium Bromide (respiratory arrest), and Potassium Chloride (cardiac arrest). Court records indicate that Grissom and an accomplice, Jessie Johns, broke into the home of Dreu Kopf intending to rob it. Grissom shot and wounded Kopf and killed Matthews as she attempted to protect two young children. While Johns received a life sentence without parole, Grissom faced the death penalty. This week has seen a string of executions across the country. On Tuesday, Louisiana executed Jessie Hoffman using nitrogen gas, marking the state's first execution i...

The House of Representatives has called on the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to shut down all pornographic websites in the country, citing their harmful effects on societal values and family structures. Last week, the House passed a resolution directing the NCC, as the industry regulator, to enforce a ban on these sites and impose strict penalties on non-compliant service providers. This motion, initiated by Hon. Dalhatu Tafoki (APC, Katsina), highlighted pornography’s negative impact on moral values, youth development, and the sanctity of marriage. According to Tafoki, unrestricted access to porn normalizes indecency, distorts perceptions of relationships, and contributes to social vices. Lawmakers argue that the spread of explicit content encourages unhealthy sexual behaviors, addiction, and weakens family bonds—threatening the fabric of Nigerian society. Advocates for the ban draw parallels with countries like Saudi Arabia, China, and the UAE, where strict regulations hel...

The political landscape in Rivers State has taken a dramatic turn as the State House of Assembly has issued a formal notice of gross misconduct against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Mrs. Ngozi Nma Odu. If the impeachment process unfolds without legal hindrances, both officials could be removed from office by mid-July, paving the way for Speaker Martin Amaewhule to assume the role of acting governor. Impeachment Scenarios Unfold  Sources indicate that while one option is the outright removal of both the governor and deputy, alternative resolutions could involve sparing the deputy governor or appointing a neutral administrator to manage the state temporarily. Under constitutional guidelines, the impeachment process can be completed within 120 days, and with 111 days remaining, legislators appear resolute in their bid to oust Fubara on allegations of gross misconduct. Despite escalating tensions, the Rivers State Police Command has dismissed rumors that the residence of f...

The political landscape of Rivers State has been embroiled in a series of tumultuous events, marked by power struggles, legislative confrontations, and eventual moves towards reconciliation. Central to this narrative are key figures such as Governor Siminalayi Fubara, former Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike, and Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Dr. Tammy Danagogo. The discord within Rivers State's political echelon can be traced back to a series of disagreements between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike. Wike, who played a pivotal role in Fubara's ascension to the governorship, began expressing dissatisfaction with certain administrative decisions made by Fubara. Accusations surfaced, alleging that Dr. Tammy Danagogo was inciting political unrest within the state, further straining the relationship between the incumbent governor and his predecessor. The rift escalated when a faction of the Rivers State House ...

In a firm response to recent allegations, Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has dismissed reports of systematic killings targeting Christians. Acting spokesperson Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa clarified in a Friday statement that while security challenges persist in the country, the incidents in question are not motivated by religious bias but are rather the result of broader issues including criminality, terrorism, and communal strife. The ministry stressed that insurgency and banditry in Nigeria’s predominantly Muslim north are not directed against any single faith. It recalled that past concerns raised by U.S. Congress reports—which once led to Nigeria being labeled a Country of Particular Concern—were similarly refuted by successive Nigerian administrations. Emphasizing the nation’s long history of multi-ethnic and multi-religious coexistence, the government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting every citizen regardless of religion, ethnicity, or gender. President Bola Ahmed Tinu...