Politics – Page 2 – National Infinity Magazine

South Africa’s Ramaphosa hits back at Trump over land confiscation allegations

South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa on Monday hit back at his United States counterpart, Donald Trump over the latter’s threat to cut funding to the African nation after accusing it of “confiscating” land and “treating certain classes of people very badly.” Trump on Sunday announced he was cutting off all future funding to the country pending an investigation. “South Africa is confiscating land, and treating certain classes of people very badly. I will be cutting off all future funding to South Africa until a full investigation of this situation has…

Alaafin designate, Owoade dissolves unauthorised coronation committee

Jide Ige

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade I, has ordered the immediate dissolution of an unauthorised coronation committee allegedly set up by a group of individuals without his approval. In a statement made available to The PUNCH on Wednesday in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, the monarch warned that any further meetings or activities related to the committee would be considered illegal and would not be tolerated. Oba Owode emphasised that any committee or event related to his coronation must receive prior approval from his office. The statement, titled “Coronation…

Finally, Osun APC expels Aregbesola

Jide Ige

The All Progressives Congress has expelled a former Minister of Interior and ex-Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, over alleged anti-party activities. Aregbesola, who led Osun State for two terms, had spearheaded a faction within the APC known as The Osun Progressives which was later rebranded as the Omoluabi Caucus. A letter from the APC leadership seen by newsmen on Wednesday officially confirmed Aregbesola’s expulsion. The letter, titled “Allegations of Anti-Party Activities – Conveyance of State Exco Decision to You,” accused him of breaching Article 21 of the party’s constitution, which…

3,690 Nigerians involved as Trump moves to kick illegal immigrants out of US

Benjamin Chukwudaalu, Political Reporter

About 3,690 Nigerians in the United States are faced with deportation as Donald Trump begins a crackdown on illegal immigrants in the country. In a document compiled by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations and sighted by our correspondent on Tuesday, the agency revealed the data is broken down by nationality and number of people faced with deportation. It also clarified that as of November 24, 2024, there are 1,445,549 non-citizens on ICE’s non-detained docket with final removal orders. In the document titled “Noncitizens on the ICE…

Why I returned $5,700 I found in US toilet to owner -Nigerian woman, Ogunremi

Jide Ige

A Nigerian-American woman, Victoria Ogunremi, returned the cash sum of $5,700, which she had found in the toilet at her workplace in New Jersey, United States. Most Nigerians living abroad have described the gesture as one of the remarkable acts of honesty and kindness. Ogunremi told the News Agency of Nigeria in a telephone interview on Monday that the gesture had earned widespread praise from her employer, colleagues and the person who lost the money. According to her, the decision to return the money was made with concern for the…

Power generation in Nigeria and the bane of Corruption

Jide Ige

“ Oh, I am very weary. Though tears no longer flow; my eyes are tired of weeping, my heart is sick of woe” – Anne Brontë Poor electricity generation with the unabated collapse of the national grid should be a major concern to every Nigerian. One wonders how the country has put up with this malaise, over the years. Our national grid, which is the lifeline of the nation’s electricity generation, has become what the Yorubas call ‘abiku’! The Nigerian electricity sector, managed by one of the world’s largest publicly…

Like father, like son: Sen. Obanikoro’s son, Gbolahan, others to be tried for N1.3bn

Wura Kelani, Crime Reporter

The Police Special Fraud Unit (PSFU) is set to arraign Gbolahan Obanikoro, son of Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, and four others, in court for alleged conspiracy, obtaining by false pretenses, and involvement in a N1,356,057,330.43 billion fraud. His father, Sen. Musiliu Obanikoro, a former Minister of State for Defence is also standing trial in court for alleged multi-billion naira fraud in a case instituted by the EFCC. Others to be arraigned alongside Obanikoro are: Adejare Adegbenro, 51; Balmoral International Limited; M.O.B. Integrated Limited; and DDSS International Company Limited. The suspects will…

My impeachment is fake, -Obasa, insists due process not followed

Benjamin Chukwudaalu, Political Reporter

The impeached Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, has faulted his removal by lawmakers. Obasa, who spoke on his removal for the first time on Saturday, said it was important for the lawmakers to “follow constitutional procedure” to remove him as speaker. During a welcome rally at his 47 Joel Ogunnaike GRA official residence, Ikeja, he described the allegations against him as “fictitious and unsubstantiated.” The former speaker also debunked the allegations of corruption brought against him by the lawmakers during his removal, describing the alleged…

PDP condoles as Oyo Gov., Seyi Makinde loses brother

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The Peoples Democratic Party on Friday commiserated with Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State over the death of his elder brother, Mr Sunday Makinde. PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, in a statement in Abuja on Friday, said the nation and Oyo State had lost a rare gem with the demise of Makinde. Ologunagba described the deceased as a humble, exceptionally brilliant and highly ingenious professional. He said that as a committed patriot, the deceased dedicated his life towards the progress and development of Oyo State and Nigeria. “Makinde was…

We know retired Generals behind illegal mining in Nigeria -Oshiomhole

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Senator Adams Oshiomhole, a former Governor of Edo State who represents Edo North in the National Assembly, has alleged that retired military generals are behind illegal mining across the country. Oshiomhole, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Interior, made the allegation on Friday when Sampson Ekong, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals Development, submitted his 2025 budget report before the Senate Committee on Appropriations. The former labour leader, who is a member of the Appropriations Committee, said the retired military generals are known to him and…

32 Years after stepping aside, Babangida set to launch memoir, Presidential Library

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Ex-military President, Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) is set to launch his long-awaited autobiography titled: ‘A Journey In Service’. It will be released on February 20, 2025, at the event billed for the Congress Hall of Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja. The development is coming 32 years after IBB left office. The regime of the former Head of State was dogged by the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) policy which sparked a nationwide riot among other economic regulations. There was also the unresolved murder of late veteran journalist, Dele Giwa and…

FirstBank’s FirstGem: Redefining Women’s Empowerment in Nigeria

Wura Kelani, Crime Reporter

The story of women’s contribution to Nigeria’s economy is as old as the nation itself. It is no secret that women are the largest untapped source of national wealth worldwide. All over the world, women hold their place of pride in commercial enterprise. The Nigerian businesswoman have for a long time faced significant barriers in accessing the financial services and business support needed for their businesses to thrive. Globally, traditional banking failed to recognize the unique challenges of female entrepreneurs. It is against this backdrop that the 2019 International Women’s…

Oyinlola assumes duty as GOC 3 Div, commander OpSH

Wura Kelani, Crime Reporter

Maj.-Gen. Eyitayo Oyinlola has assumed duty as the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, Rukuba, near Jos, and Commander of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH). Oyinlola took over from Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, who has been posted to the National Defence College, Abuja. He thanked the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, for finding him worthy to head 3 Division and OPSH. He promised to sustain the successes achieved by his predecessor and ensure lasting peace in Plateau and other areas of responsibility. Earlier, Abubakar congratulated…

N8bn budget allocation for anti-vandalism advocacy, not electricity bill awareness says Adelabu

Benjamin Chukwudaalu, Political Reporter

The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has reassured Nigerians of his commitment to delivering a stable electricity supply, stating that efforts are ongoing to improve the country’s power infrastructure. Adelabu also addressed misconceptions surrounding the N8bn allocation in the Ministry of Power’s 2025 budget, clarifying that the funds are earmarked for advocacy against vandalism, education, enlightenment, and deploying technology to safeguard power infrastructure—not for sensitising citizens to pay electricity bills. The minister, who came under fire on social media following claims that the ministry was spending N8bn on electricity bill…

Ogun Police kill abductors of ex-AIG Odumosu’s wife in gun battle

Wura Kelani, Crime Reporter

The Nigeria Police Force says its operatives have rescued the wife of the former Assistant Inspector General, Hakeem Odumosu Mrs Folasade Odumosu. Mrs Odumosu was abducted last Thursday at the entrance of her residence in the Arepo area of Ogun State. The Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, confirmed this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja. Adejobi said with the support of the Force Headquarters technical intelligence platforms, the Ogun State police operatives engaged Odumosu’s abductors in a gun duel and neutralised the criminals in the swampy area of…

Court grants FG’s proscription request, declares Lakurawa, others terrorist groups

Wura Kelani, Crime Reporter

The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Thursday, made an order proscribing the Lakurawa sect. The court also proscribed other similar groups in parts of Nigeria, especially in the North West and North Central regions of the country. Justice James Omotosho made the declaration while delivering a ruling in a motion ex-parte originating summons filed by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Lateef Fagbemi (SAN). The AGF had in an ex-parte application marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/41/2025, approached the court seeking four orders. An Assistant Director in the Federal…

Jubilation in Enugu as Ekweremadu’s wife returns from UK prison

Jide Ige

Mrs. Beatrice Ekweremadu, wife of former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, has returned to Nigeria sparking a wild jubilation in her Enugu community. A reliable source on Wednesday confirmed her return to Vanguard. The former Deputy Senate President, his wife, and Dr. Obinna Obeta were sentenced by a United Kingdom court over charges related to organ harvesting. Senator Ekweremadu received a 10-year prison sentence, while Mrs. Ekweremadu was sentenced to six years.

Nigeria: Is Egalitarian society a mirage in our clime?

Jide Ige

As long as poverty, injustice and gross inequality persist in our world, none of us can truly rest_ – Nelson Mandela The news about the “Presidential award” to the highest echelons of the military, dropped like a bombshell. I was awestruck by the outlandish retirement packages approved for military officers by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, penultimate week. What a provocative and wasteful gesture! Another slap in the face of the longsuffering, ever-rugged Nigerians, sucked in by a docile and mentally conquered populace? They say silence means consent. I am more…

PMS: Dangote’s hike pushes pump price to N1,150/litre

Jide Ige

The pump prices of Premium Motor Spirit, popularly called petrol, have risen to between N1,050 and N1,150/litre depending on the area of purchase, following the hike in the cost of the commodity by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and various depot owners. Dealers confirmed that PMS prices would continue to rise since the major component in fuel production, crude oil, has been on the upward swing lately. The National President of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, Festus Osifo, earlier alluded to this when he pointed out…

ex-Delta First Lady dies in London

Jide Ige

Edna, a former first lady of Delta State and wife of the first civilian governor of Delta State, Olorogun Felix Ibru, has passed away. Edna, a former Miss Nigeria and the first Nigerian/African to represent Nigeria at Miss Universe in 1964, died in London after a brief illness on Wednesday. She had two children for Ibru who was the first democratically elected executive governor of Delta State between 1991 to 1992. Dr. Paul Aidido Ibru, the head of the Ibru family confirmed the passage of the former first lady in…

How masked gunmen kidnapped AIG Odumosu’s wife

Jide Ige

Details have emerged on how gunmen suspected to be kidnappers abducted the wife of Hakeem Odumosu, a former Lagos state commissioner of Police and retired Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) from her residence in the Arepo area of Ogun State. The Witness gathered that the four hooded heavily armed men intercepted the wife of Odumosu as she was about to enter her compound at about 9:55pm on Thursday. Her Lexus SUV was forcibly stopped, and she was dragged out before being whisked away through a swampy area to an…

Federal Court bars FRSC from arresting vehicles with faded plate numbers

Wura Kelani, Crime Reporter

A Federal High Court, in Lagos on Friday, restrained the Federal Road Safety Corps from arresting vehicles with faded number plates. The court also ordered the restriction of the FRSC from imposing any fine or punishment on any driver for driving with a faded vehicle number plate. Justice Aluko made the orders while delivering judgment in a suit marked FHC/L/CS/253/2024, filed by Chinwike Chamberlain Ezebube against FRSC. The applicant, Ezebube, in an Originating Summons dated January 12, 2024 and filed on February 13, 2024, by his lawyer, U.G.Nwokedi, had asked…

Alaafin Stool: My story of betrayal and lessons for life -Prince Ladigbolu

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Popular Oyo Prince and a major contender for the Alaafin of Oyo throne, Prince Ayobami Ladigbolu, has recounted his experiences during the crown contest. In a statement published on his Facebook page on Tuesday, Ladigbolu congratulated the new Alaafin, Oba Abimbola Owoade, describing his emergence as divinely ordained. Reflecting on the competition, the prince expressed disappointment that some of his initial supporters abandoned him in favour of other candidates due to financial constraints. “I learned the value of money in one’s life from the race for the crown of Alaafinate.…

EFCC to arraign FirstBank’s ex-Chairman, Otudeko, ex-CEO, Onasanya for N12.3bn fraud

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, is set to arraign Oba Otudeko, a former chairman of First Bank of Nigeria FBN Holdings, and Stephen Bisi Onasanya, a former Managing Director of First Bank of Nigeria Limited before a Federal High Court in Lagos for alleged N12.3billion loot. According to reports, Otudeko who is the chairman of Honeywell Group and Onasanya, now CEO of Address Home Limited, will be arraigned alongside a former board member of Honeywell, Soji Akintayo and a firm, Anchorage Leisure Limited linked to Otudeko. Otudeko, Onasanya,…

Gov., Sanwo-olu not involved in Obasa’s impeachment -Akosile

Benjamin Chukwudaalu, Political Reporter

Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu has denied involvement in the impeachment of the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa. Obasa was impeached on Monday by the lawmakers. The Deputy Speaker, Hon Mojisola Lasbat Meranda was immediately unanimously elected as the new speaker, thus emerging as the first female speaker of the House. Sanwo-Olu’s Special Adviser on Media & Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, described Obasa’s impeachment as a strict legislative affair devoid of politics or the state government’s influence or interference. “It is purely a legislative matter and…

Nine Oyo Royal families tackle Gov. Makinde, Awise Agbaye, Prof. Wande Abimbola over Owoade’s choice as Alaafin-elect

Benjamin Chukwudaalu, Political Reporter

Princes from nine royal families in Oyo, collectively known as the Atiba 9say they have rejected the appointment of Prince Abimbola Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo. The Atiba 9 described his appointment as unacceptable and a blatant disregard for Oyo’s revered traditions. Recall that Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, presented the staff of office to the Alaafin-designate on Monday. The Atiba 9 criticised the decision, accusing Makinde of basing his action on a proclamation by US-based Awise Agbaye, Prof Wande Abimbola, who claimed that Ifa chose Owoade as…

Kebbi suspected bandits offer Policeman N1.06m bribe -Police

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The Kebbi State Police Command of the Nigerian Police has announced that its officer rejected a ₦1,060,000 bribe offered by suspected bandits in the state. This was stated in a release signed by the Command’s spokesperson, CSP Nafiu Abubakar, and made available to the media in the state on Tuesday. According to the statement, “On January 13, 2025, at about 1800hrs, one Umaru Garba ‘m’ aged 53yrs of Dangandu village, Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji Mamman ‘m’ aged 51yrs of Maimaichi village, all of Arewa LGA, and Usman Muhammadu ‘m’ aged 50yrs…

Alaafin’s Enthronement: The tales of two Oracles and Olu’awo of Oyo State!

Jide Ige

Oyo State’s sobriquet was not acquired without historical evidence or background. The word – pacesetter – became a watchword as a result of the dint of unceasing work to distinguish itself among the states in Nigeria. Ajise bi Oyo ni anri, Oyo o nse bi baba eni kookan literally translates thus, Oyo is unique and it’s the cynosure of other eyes to behold in all its strife for the best. It’s not a copycat of any in whatever it does to justify its existence. This goes to confirms its originality…

Obasa, Lagos Speaker impeached

Benjamin Chukwudaalu, Political Reporter

Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa has been impeached by members of the House. According to a reliable source, the Deputy Speaker, Hon Lasbat Meranda has been elected to replace him. A video of her swearing has also gone viral on social media. The Deputy Chief Whip, Fatai Mojeed is elected as the Deputy Speaker. Obasa has been engulfed in a series of controversial circumstances in terms of financial dealings. The terse statement reads, “Obasa is impeached and the deputy speaker, Mojisola Meranda elected speaker. Mojeed…

Alleged Bribery Scandal and Bad Debt: Why Lukmon Gbadegesin lost out on Alaafin stool

Benjamin Chukwudaalu, Political Reporter

On Friday, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde approved the appointment of Prince Abimbola Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo. Makinde communicated the approval to the general public via Dotun Oyelade, the state’s commissioner for information and orientation. Owoade succeeds the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi who died on April 22, 2022, aged 83. Interestingly, the announcement came a day after five kingmakers in Oyo Town rejected a directive issued by the governor to initiate a fresh selection process for the Alaafin of Oyo throne. The kingmakers, consisting of Yusuf Akinade,…

I met Alaafin Owoade first time yesterday – Gov. Makinde

Jide Ige

Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde has maintained that he decided not to meddle in the appointment of the new Alaafin of Oyo because of his administration’s belief in openness and transparency. Makinde made the revelation on Monday, January 13, at the state government’s council chambers, in Ibadan during the presentation of staff of office to the 46th Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade. “I met Prince Owoade for the first time in my life yesterday. I never spoke to him in my entire life until yesterday. I did…

Gov. Makinde installs new Alaafin of Oyo as Oba Owoade gets staff of office

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Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde has presented the staff of the office to new Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Abimbola Akeem Owoade. The governor presented the official instrument legitimising the reign of a king to the new monarch on Monday morning at the Exco Chamber of the Governor’s Office in Ibadan, the state capital. The symbolic event was performed nearly three years after the death of the former Alaafin, Lamidi Adeyemi III. The presentation of the staff of office was done amid controversy concerning the choice of the…

NNPCL diverted N2.68tn, $9.77m, shunned probe invitations – Report

Jide Ige

Amid its controversial financial dealings that have negatively impacted the nation’s financial standing, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has been accused by the Auditor-General of the Federation of diverting a total sum of N2.68tn and $9.77m in the last four years. Findings by Sunday PUNCH using the Auditor-General’s annual reports published between 2017 and 2021 showed that N1.33tn was diverted in 2017, N681.02bn in 2019, N151.12bn, ($19.77m) in 2020 and N514bn in 2021 amounting to N2.68tn and $19.77m over four years. The reports, which were submitted to the National…

Portrait of a Narcissist

Jide Ige

By ‘Lanre Ogundipe _Nobody can be kinder than the narcissist while you react to life in his own terms_ – _Elizabeth Bowen_ We have reached a stage where Nigerians should be really interested in the character and predilection of their leadership. In matured climes, political suitors are dissected before elected. Time has come to render out of vogue, the unhealthy practice of pre-election endorsement before dissection of the character, mental status and psycho-composition of prospective leadership. A school of thought canvassing for the conduct of psychiatrist examination – you may…

US repatriates $52.88m Diezani Alison-Madueke’s loot to Nigeria

Wura Kelani, Crime Reporter

The Federal Government has received $52.88 million in recovered assets linked to a former Minister of Petroleum, Diezani Alison-Madueke, from the United States of America. The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, disclosed this during the formal signing ceremony of the asset agreement between Nigeria and the United States in Abuja on Friday. In his remarks, Fagbemi, according to Channels TV reports, explained that $50 million of the recovered assets would be deployed through the World Bank for the development of rural electrification projects, while the…

Nigeria’s defence chief, Musa asks UN to probe training, funding of Boko Haram

Wura Kelani, Crime Reporter

Nigeria has called on the United Nations to investigate the funding and training of the Boko Haram terrorists. The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, made the call in a recent interview he had with Al-Jazeera. Musa said there was international flow of funding for the terrorists, stressing the need for the UN to come in to trace and track it. The defence chief, who questioned how the insurgents had sustained themselves for 15 years, also fingered international conspiracy in providing the terrorists with funds, training and equipment.…

Cross River Commissioner dies after state council meeting

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Commissioner for Tourism and Culture in Cross River State, Mr Abubakar Ewa, is dead. The Commissioner for Information, Erasmus Ekpang confirmed the incident to newsmen. Ekoang said, “He was actually with us at the state council meeting with His Excellency where he even moved a motion. “But at about 4pm, he moved to the governor and whispered something to him. Perhaps he was requesting permission to leave the meeting. “We saw him moved out, telling a colleague he had a headache. When the meeting ended, we stepped out to collect…

Amidst controversy, face-off with Kingmakers, Makinde names Owoade as new Alaafin

Jide Ige

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has approved the appointment of Prince Abimbola Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo. Owoade will succeed the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, the former Alaafin, who died on April 22, 2022. The announcement was made in a statement on Friday by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade. Oyelade stated that Owoade was chosen after extensive consultations and traditional divinations conducted by the Oyo kingmakers, the Oyomesi. “Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade, after thorough consultations and divinations, has been recommended by the Oyomesi and…

I was an almajiri -Mele Kyari

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Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, has expressed gratitude to Allah for the privilege to grow from an Almajiri school pupil into becoming the head of NNPCL. In a post via X on Wednesday to celebrate his 60th birthday, the NNPC Boss expressed appreciation for the “exceptional” privilege given to him by former President Muhammadu Buhari and President Bola Tinubu to serve as the last Group Managing Director of the NNPC and the pioneer CEO of the NNPC Ltd. In the post,…

ALEBIOSU: In line with our vision, FirstBank is well-positioned to break new grounds in 2025 and beyond

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As the foremost Nigerian bank, First Bank of Nigeria Limited no doubt has a history of curating products and services that not only meet the immediate and future needs of its customers. In this interview with THISDAY, the bank’s Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Olusegun Alebiosu described 2025 as the beginning of the bank’s new strategic planning horizon when it is poised to double down on its market dominance position across all the markets where the bank operates. What’s your view on the global economic outlook in 2025, and what…

Soldiers kill two suspected killers of Army personnel, who abducted two Korean expatriates

Wura Kelani, Crime Reporter

Soldiers of the 5 Battalion of the Nigerian Army have neutralised two members of a gang reportedly responsible for the killing of four soldiers and abduction of two Korean expatriates who were staff of Daewoo company in Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State. A press statement issued in Port Harcourt on Monday by the acting Deputy Director of Public Relations of the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, Lt. Col. Danjuma Jonah, said the troops struck the hideout of the gang at Kalaogbokolo in Ahoada in a carefully…

Explosion in Abuja Islamic School killed suspected terrorists, two others Injured

Wura Kelani, Crime Reporter

An explosion at an Islamiyyah school in the Kuchibiyi community of Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has reportedly resulted in the deaths of two persons. According to the FCT Police command, the explosion occurred at approximately 11am at the Tsangagyar Sani Uthman Islamiyya School located in Kuchibuyi Village, Byazhin area of the FCT. A statement by the command’s spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, said the command received a distress call from the Sarki of Kuchibuyi and a team of police operatives, including the Command’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal…

11 suspects arrested as Army destroys 21 illegal refineries in Niger Delta

Wura Kelani, Crime Reporter

The 6 Division of the Nigerian Army has announced the destruction of 21 illegal oil refining sites, the arrest of 11 suspected oil thieves, and the recovery of 190,000 litres of stolen petroleum products in the Niger Delta. The Army stated that these successes were a result of its intensified operations, conducted in collaboration with other security agencies, aimed at dismantling the network of criminal enterprises run by oil thieves in the region. The Acting Deputy Director of the 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Jonah Danjuma, disclosed this…

Police begins manhunt for Miyetti Allah’s leader killers

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The Katsina State Police Command has commenced a manhunt for the killers of the state chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, Surajo Ahmadu, who was attacked and killed in Mai Rana village, Kusada Local Government Area, on Saturday. The command’s spokesman, ASP Abubakar Sadiq, in a statement on Sunday, disclosed that the suspected bandits stormed Surajo’s residence, shot him, and abducted his wife and daughter. The statement read, “On January 4, 2025, at about 11:30am, suspected armed bandits invaded the residence of the Chairman of Miyetti Allah, Surajo Ahmadu,…

Saudi Govt frees 3 Nigerian female drug traffickers after 10 months in prison

Wura Kelani, Crime Reporter

Saudi Arabia has released three Nigerians earlier arrested and prosecuted for alleged drug trafficking. In a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday by the acting spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the release followed a high-level diplomatic engagement between the Nigerian government and Saudi authorities. The three Nigerians namely: Hadiza Abba, Fatima Malah and Fatima Gamboi were arrested for alleged possession of a substance suspected to be cocaine while on pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. According to the statement, they were arrested and prosecuted on March 5, 2024,…

Again, Northern Elders caution Tinubu against tax reforms

Benjamin Chukwudaalu, Political Reporter

The Northern Elders’ Forum (NEF) has again raised concerns over the Federal Government’s proposed Tax Reform Bills, urging immediate suspension of the implementation and calling for extensive dialogue with stakeholders. The forum criticized the government for failing to engage critical stakeholders and experts before drafting the reforms. NEF expressed its position in a statement on Saturday signed by its Chairman of Management Board, Al-Amin Daggash, highlighting the reforms’ potential adverse effects on Northern Nigeria and the nation as a whole. Daggash said: “Once again, it is necessary to reiterate, that…

Data Protection Commission threatens heavy fines against violators

Wura Kelani, Crime Reporter

The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has announced plans to significantly ramp up enforcement and impose substantial fines on data controllers and processors that violate the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA). This was disclosed by the National Commissioner/CEO of the Commission, Dr Vincent Olatunji, in a video outlining the Commission’s 2025 agenda, shared on its social media platforms at the weekend. Olatunji stated, “For data controllers and processors, there is going to be massive enforcement. We have never really issued any fine, but going forward, you’ll hear us giving heavy…

TRIBUTE: Good Night Jimmy Carter – the prolific writer and global crusader, by Lanre Ogundipe

Jide Ige

As the world celebrates the passage of the phenomenal of a man called- Jimmy Carter, he was not a president of the first rank, but he survived and his impact resonated through the corners of the world by dint of hard work and determination and etched a global recognition in his post – office efforts and stamp his footprint on the sands of time. By devoting himself to the project of promoting world values – peace, political stability and progress. Cater became an iconic world leader, with an inspiring, if…

Of Hunger Pollutions, And No Solutions: A clarion call to stop further death toll, by Lanre Ogundipe

Jide Ige

“When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: But when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.” -Proverbs 29:2 KJV In Ibadan, Oyo State, 35 children we confirmed lost their lives, with several others hospitalised after a Christmas funfair turned into a chaotic disaster. Organised to distribute cash and food, the event at Islamic High School, Bashorun, was overwhelmed by an unanticipated crowd of over 7,500 people, far exceeding the 5,000 the organisers had planned for. Days later, as if the lives lost the previous days were not enough,…

Ekiti State Gov., Oyebanji, philanthropist King, Adedokun Abolarin named National Infinity Magazine’s Nigerian of the Year 2024

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Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, the governor of Ekiti State and a well-respected philanthropist monarch from Southwest Nigeria, His Royal Majesty, Oba Adedokun Omoniyi Abolarin, the Orangun of Oke-Ila, in Osun State, have been named Nigerian of the Year 2024. The award, instituted in 2010 by National Infinity Magazine, has honoured notable Nigerians and institutions from all walks of life including public servants and business people and has expanded into recognitions for deserving corporate organisations. In recognising Oyebanji, the sixth executive governor of Ekiti State who turned 57 on December 21, in…