India’s COVID-19 variant giving Nigeria sleepless nights

Benjamin Chukwudaalu, Political Reporter

Share this on WhatsAppThe Nigerian government has resolved to introduce additional control measures to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 strain in India to Nigeria. The Minister of Health, Osagie Ehanire, who disclosed this on Sunday said the issue would be a subject of discussion at the ministerial experts’ committee meeting on Monday (today). India is currently witnessing what has been described as a devastating second wave of COVID-19 with confirmed cases and deaths increasing in the past weeks. The country is said to recording more than a quarter million…

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Police arrest Kwara notorious ritualists who killed about to wed

Wura Kelani, Crime Reporter

Share this on WhatsAppThe Kwara State Police Command said it has arrested four suspects who allegedly murdered Olokose Oluwasola for money ritual six days to his wedding in Patigi, Patigi Local Government Area the state. Oluwasola was murdered by his next-door neighbour, Kazeem Mohammed, and his gang for ritual purpose on March 6, 2021, which was six days to his wedding. The police in a statement by the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ajayi Okasanmi, said that they had arrested four suspects, including the leader of the gang Mohammed.…

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Reps shoot DSTV, makes pay-per-view compulsory, break monopoly

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

Share this on WhatsAppHon. Uyime Idem, Deputy Chairman of the House of Representatives’ Committee on Communication, has revealed that he and two other lawmakers had sponsored a bill that has passed second reading on the floor of the house to grant powers to the National Broadcasting Commission to regulate tariffs imposed on subscribers by service providers. Hon. Idem said on Thursday, in Abuja, while briefing newsmen that Nigerians will soon be enjoying pay-per-view bouquets. Idem, who is representing Ukanafun/Orukanam Federal Constituency in Akwa Ibom State, is chairman of the ad…

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Kidnappers halt commuter bus, march 18 passengers into the forest

Wura Kelani, Crime Reporter

Share this on WhatsAppArmed men in the Ibarapa area of Oyo State on Thursday hijacked an 18-seater bus along Igboora-Eruwa road and abducted all passengers in the commercial bus. According to an eye witness account as reported by Vanguard Newspapers, an 18-seater bus, coming from Abeokuta and transporting passengers along Igboora-Eruwa road, was ambushed by the gunmen. Vanguard further reported from a family source of one of the victims that the gunmen demanded the sum of N10 million as a ransom for each of the victims. The source said: “Yes,…

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Sad: Bandits kill 3 from abducted Kaduna varsity students

Wura Kelani, Crime Reporter

Share this on WhatsAppArmed bandits who abducted unspecified number of students from Greenfield University, a private school in Kaduna, have reportedly murdered three of the abducted students. The Greenfield University is located in Kasarami, along the Kaduna-Abuja Highway in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The state Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mr. Samuel Aruwan, who confirmed the incident, said the remains of the students were found close to the university on Friday. The bandits had kidnapped the students and staff on Tuesday and later made contact…

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‘Pantami and others linked to my son’s murder’ -Don

Wura Kelani, Crime Reporter

Share this on WhatsAppA former lecturer of Industrial Chemistry at the Kaduna State University, Professor Samuel Achi, has narrated how his son, Sunday Achi, was strangled at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University mosque in Bauchi State. The 67-year-old don also said he was aware that Nigeria’s current Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, was the Chief Imam of the university’s mosque when the incident happened on December 9, 2004. Speaking in an exclusive interview with The PUNCH on Wednesday, Samuel said his 24-year-old son and 400-level student of Architecture at…

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Heritage Bank boosts creative industry with support for “Rita Dominic Acting Challenge”

Jasmin Ekua, Banking & Finance

Share this on WhatsAppHeritage Bank Plc has further reiterated its commitment to the growth and development of the creative and entertainment sector by supporting the “Rita Dominic Acting Challenge.” Heritage Bank in collaboration with a foremost Nigerian Actress and Co-Founder of the Audrey Silva Company, Rita Dominic launched an acting challenge for aspiring actors to recreate a scene in a new film “La Femme Anjola,” produced by the later. Respectively, the winners carted away cash prizes- ; the Prize winner, Jasmine Howson-Wright received N1million, Chioma Okafor, 1st runner-up got N300, 000,…

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GTBank makes ₦53.7bn PBT in 2021 first quarter

Jasmin Ekua, Banking & Finance

Share this on WhatsAppGuaranty Trust Bank plc has released its unaudited Financial Results for the period ended March 31, 2021 to the Nigerian and London Stock Exchanges. A review of the result shows a resilient performance across all key financial metrics in the face of the unprecedented macroeconomic challenges, reflecting the quality of past decisions and reaffirming its position as one of the best managed financial institutions in Africa. The Group reported Profit before tax of ₦53.7billion, representing a drop of 7.8% over ₦58.2billion recorded in the corresponding period of…

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Bandits ambush Oyo Amotekun corps, kill member

Jide Ige

Share this on WhatsAppA gang of bandits has attacked Amotekun corps at a farm in Fiditi, Afijio Local Government Area of Oyo State. One of the corps, 25-year-old Suleiman Quadir was reportedly killed during the attack while another was Amo Yisau was injured. It was gathered that the operatives were escorting some workers of a farm outfit to the farm when the hoodlums who had laid ambush for them came out from the bush and shot Suleiman. The bandits were said to have been about 11. Amo is said to…

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Sack Pantami now -Elumelu

Benjamin Chukwudaalu, Political Reporter

Share this on WhatsAppHon. Ndudi Elumelu, the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, on Wednesday, urged the House to demand resignation or sack of the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, over his controversial sermons and utterances backing the activities of Jihadist movements and deadly Islamic sects. Pantami has been under fire for once preaching the violent cause of extremist Islamist sects and Jihadist narratives of al-Qaeda and the Taliban before he became a member of the Federal Executive Council in the Buhari administration. At the plenary on…

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Groom murdered, dismembered days to wedding

Wura Kelani, Crime Reporter

Share this on WhatsAppOlokose Ojo, a would be groom, has been murdered barely six days to his wedding by his neighbour who promised to assist him to get cows for the ceremony in Kwara State. Ojo, said to be in his early 30 and a staff member at the National Health Insurance Scheme unit of the University of Ilorin  Teaching Hospital was said to have been murdered by the neighbour, Kazeem Mohammed, and his gang for ritual purposes. It was alleged that Mohammed and his gang were ritualists and Mohammed…

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George Floyd: World superstars hail cop’s guilty verdict

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

Share this on WhatsAppAmerican superstars like Beyonce, Oprah Winfrey, Mariah Carey and Viola Davis are among the stars hailing the guilty verdict in the case of Derek Chauvin, the former police officer convicted of murdering a black man George Floyd in the US. The stars are among thousands of people paying tribute to Mr Floyd, who was pinned to the ground by Chauvin in May 2020, after the verdict in the high-profile trial was announced on Tuesday, Skynews reports. Winfrey said she cried tears of joy, while Beyonce welcomed a…

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But for insufficient ammunition, soldiers repel bandits attack

Wura Kelani, Crime Reporter

Share this on WhatsAppBandits said to be numbering about 60 and heavily armed, in the early hours of Wednesday, invaded a military camp in Zazzaga community in Munya Local Government Area of Niger State and engaged the soldiers in a gun battle, leading to heavy casualties on the side of the bandits. This latest attack on a military base in the state is coming barely three weeks after bandits in their numbers attacked a Security Joint Task Force base in Allawa and Basa in Shiroro Local Government Area of the…

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Petrol lands at N216/ltr as daily subsidy hits N4.6bn

Jasmin Ekua, Banking & Finance

Share this on WhatsAppWith the continuous increase in global oil prices and further depreciation of the naira against the dollar, the landing cost of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) imported into Nigeria has jumped to N216.31 per litre. The Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency had in March released a pricing template that indicated the guiding prices for the month. The template, which showed that petrol pump price was expected to range from N209.61 to N212.61 per litre, was greeted with widespread public outcry and was later deleted by the agency from…

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Access Bank acquires Botswana’s 5th largest bank

Jasmin Ekua, Banking & Finance

Share this on WhatsAppAccess Bank said on Monday it has agreed to buy a majority stake in African Banking Corporation of Botswana for cash, a month after it acquired a South African bank. Access Bank is expanding across Africa to counter stagflation at home and dollar shortages that have frustrated businesses. The lender will acquire just over 78 per cent of BancABC Botswana for cash of around 1.13 times book value and a two-year deferred payment, amounting to an undisclosed sum, Atlas Mara said in a statement. The latest acquisition…

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Chad’s Idriss Derby dies at war front, to be replaced by son

Benjamin Chukwudaalu, Political Reporter

Share this on WhatsAppChad’s President Idriss Deby Itno has died on the battlefield after three decades in power, the army announced on state television on Tuesday. The shock announcement came only the day after the 68-year-old was proclaimed the winner of a presidential election that had given him a sixth term in office. The army said Deby had been commanding his army at the weekend as it battled against rebels who had launched a major incursion into the north of the country on election day. Deby “has just breathed his…

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FirstBank reiterates commitment to excellent service delivery with new corporate website

Jasmin Ekua, Banking & Finance

Share this on WhatsAppFirstBank, Nigeria and indeed West Africa’s premier financial inclusion services provider has announced the launch of its newly designed website at https://www.firstbanknigeria.com/.  The new website is upgraded with features that are streamlined to reinforce its role in delivering seamless banking and technology solutions to its customers across the world. The website is configured with modern design and improved functionality that eases customer experience whilst carrying out various activities on the site, including electronic banking. Non-customers are also able to open an account, putting them at an edge in…

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Why there is no Amotekun in Lagos -Sanwo-Olu

Wura Kelani, Crime Reporter

Share this on WhatsAppLagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has said that operatives of Lagos Neighborhood Safety Corps are currently doing the work of Amotekun in the state. He spoke during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics at the Lagos House. According to him, apart from community policing, operatives of the LNSC also engage in border patrol. Sanwo-Olu said, “It’s just a name change in the case of Lagos. I appreciate what my colleague governors are doing, and they also appreciate the peculiar nature of Lagos. “I have got over 7,000 neighbourhood…

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Video: Gov. Sanwo-Olu meets, commends armed police officer assaulted on duty after arresting ‘one-way driver’

Wura Kelani, Crime Reporter

Share this on WhatsAppLagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, met with Erhator on Monday at the Lagos Governor Office in Alausa for a “Governorship Handshake”. The governor also applauded the police officer for his “show of patience, decorum and what is expected of a police officer” in the face of provocation and urged other officers to emulate him. The policeman was then presented with a state plaque as a mark of honour and prestige to appreciate his commitment to promoting core values of modern policing and protection of fundamental human rights.…

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Spurs add to Mourinho’s dismissal profile at EPL

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

Share this on WhatsAppCristian Ronaldo’s fellow Portuguese and manager, Jose Mourinho has been sacked as Tottenham coach after 17 months in charge of the London club. The dismissal by Spurs is the fourth for the self acclaimed ‘Special One’ in the Premiership haven been sacked twice by Chelsea, once by Manchester United and now by Tottenham. According to reports, Ryan Mason and Chris Powell will be in temporary charge until a new permanent manager is appointed. It was gathered that Tottenham have begun the process of appointing a new coach.…

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Pantami once called for jihad in Nigeria, prayed for Taliban, Al-Qaeda victory

Jide Ige

Share this on WhatsAppIsa Ibrahim Pantami, Nigeria’s Communication and Digital Economy Minister’s fanatical indoctrinated past is perching on him like a leech as some of his hardline  quotes have resurfaced. Pantami was quoted to have said “this jihad is an obligation for every single believer, especially in Nigeria,’’ in one of his vicious preaching in the 2000s. The embattled minister was also quoted to have prayed “Oh God, give victory to the Taliban and Al-Qaeda,” during the same period. Even though he has renounced terrorism pleading that his outburst, as…

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Uber, Bolt drivers go on strike tomorrow

Jide Ige

Share this on WhatsAppUber and Bolt drivers in Lagos have asked the e-hailing companies to immediately increase fares being charged by the operators, failing which they would go off the road from Monday. The e-cab operators, under the aegis of Professional E-hailing Drivers and Private Owners Association (PEDPA), threatened to embark on the strike if their demands were not met. At a news conference in Lagos, the National President of PEDPA Idris Shonuga called for immediate upward review of e-cab fares to reflect the current economic reality in the country.…

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Video Updated: Popular crossdresser, James Brown got a beating of his life

Jide Ige

Share this on WhatsAppThere is a video, currently trending on Twitter, of popular crossdresser, James Brown, who was recorded while receiving a serious beating from some boys on the street. The video did not contain details as to where and when the incident occurred, but from the voices and pidgin English uttered by the dude’s attackers, it obviously took place in a Southern Nigerian City. Some commentators on the thread condemned the attack on the crossdresser, while others supported the act as due punishment for an act alien to Nigerian…

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Why FG bar Adeboye’s chopper from flying

Jide Ige

Share this on WhatsAppThe Federal Government through the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority has grounded a private chopper belonging to Pastor Enoch Adeboye of the Redeemed Christian Church of God at the Lagos Airport, investigations by Sunday  PUNCH, has revealed. It was learnt that the aircraft, AgustaWestland AW139 chopper, with registration number 5N-EAA, was suspended from flying over two weeks ago, following the expiration of some of its papers and spare parts. The suspension, officials said, would also allow the regulator to conduct vital safety checks on its safety-critical components, especially some spare…

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Why I picked Baba as IG -Buhari

Wura Kelani, Crime Reporter

Share this on WhatsAppPresident Muhammadu Buhari said he chose Usman Baba over others including Moses Jitoboh, a senior Deputy Inspector General of Police as the acting inspector general of police because he has been a policeman for a long time and “has the necessary experience.” Baba’s appointment, which will be forwarded to the Senate for confirmation, will effectively deny Mr Jitoboh, the police chief from Bayelsa who should have been the inspector general in line with the law. Buhari, who announced the acting police chief’s appointment while in London, spoke…

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Pantami feels the heat, says my driver, secretary, other aides are Christians

Jide Ige

Share this on WhatsAppMallam Isa Pantami, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications and Digital Economy is continuing the battle to extricate himself from the reports linking him to terrorist groups insisting his past controversial comments on terrorist groups including Taliban and Al-Qaeda were misconstrued. The minister, in an interview published by Peoples Gazette on Friday, also said he has no issues with Christians, adding that his personal driver, secretary and technical assistant are all Christians He said, “My personal driver is Mai Keffi, a practising Christian. I also have a Christian, Ms Nwosu,…

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Stop lying, you printed N60bn, Obaseki replies Finance Minister

Jide Ige

Share this on WhatsAppGodwin Obaseki, the governor of Edo State has called out the Minister of Finance, Budget, and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, for denying that the Federal Government printed N60 billion in March to support allocation to states. The governor, who accused the Federal Government of “monetary rascality”, also tackled the finance minister for “playing the ostrich”. Obaseki said this while reacting to the denial by Ahmed that his claim on FG’s printing of N60bn was “untrue”. On Thursday, Obaseki tweeted, “While we do not want to join issues…

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Buhari returns after London medical trip

Jide Ige

Share this on WhatsAppPresident Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday evening returned to Nigeria from London after a prolonged medical check-up. The Chief of Staff to the President, Prof Ibrahim Gambari, led other top government officials to receive Buhari at the presidential wing of the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja. After the brief airport ceremony, Buhari and his entourage made their way to the Presidential Villa. Share this on WhatsApp

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We want to reduce child abuse cases -Eleto

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

Share this on WhatsAppThe CEO of Inclusive Social Welfare Empowerment Foundation, Chief (Mrs.) Pat Eleto has urged the government to be proactive in handling the growing cases of child molestation In Nigeria. She said this, after one Nurudeen Nasiru, a 20year old sex offender was arraigned at the Ebute Meta Magistrate Court, Lagos for a case of sexual assault on a minor. The victim, aged 11, reported the case of repeated molestation by the defendant, and the Inclusive Social Welfare Foundation swung into action by following up, to ensure that…

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FirstBank hosts protection webinar on business security in information age

Jide Ige

Share this on WhatsApp First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Nigeria’s leading financial inclusion services provider has announced a webinar to sensitise individuals and businesses with useful information on being protected in today’s digital age.  The virtual event is scheduled to hold by noon on Friday, 16 April 2021 with “Staying Protected Amidst the Pandemic Chaos” being the topic to be discussed at the event. Registration is ongoing for the event via the link https://firstbanknigeria.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_PUnqA7enTMG8o0OfOaWxlg  Today’s world, largely referred to as the digital age has been influenced by information technology which has optimised the way we carry out our…

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Ahmed Musa joins Kano Pillars, to be unveiled by Gov. Ganduje

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

Share this on WhatsAppKano State Governor, Umar Ganduje, is expected to unveil Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa as Kano Pillars latest signing. The club made this known in a series of tweets on Wednesday. Musa is expected to be unveiled before the second stanza of the league season, according to the club. “Kano State Governor, @GovUmarGanduje to unveils @Ahmedmusa718 before the commencement of the@LMCNPFL second stanza,” the tweet read. Musa joins Sai Masu Gida for the rest of the season, 11 years after he first featured for the club. The 28-year-old previously…

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Medical doctor, Nurse, 13yr old boy released by kidnappers in Ogun

Jide Ige

Share this on WhatsAppThe doctor and the nurse abducted last week Wednesday by gunmen on the Abeokuta-Imeko road have been released on Monday night. Also, a 13-year-old boy who was kidnapped on Saturday in Obada-Oko has been released. However, another doctor was abducted the same Monday night that the two health workers were released. The former Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association in Ogun State, Dr. Adewunmi Alayaki, confirmed the release of the doctor and the nurse. Alayaki, who said he served as the Chief negotiator with the kidnappers, identified…

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Ecobank names Dada as ED Corporate Banking

Jasmin Ekua, Banking & Finance

Share this on WhatsAppEcobank Transnational Incorporated, parent company of the Ecobank Group, has announced the appointment of Akin Dada as the new Executive Director of Corporate and Investment Banking. Previously Head of Ecobank Group’s Corporate Banking, Dada joined Ecobank in 2017 as the Executive Director of Corporate Banking in Nigeria, according to a statement from Ecobank on Tuesday. The bank said Dada had over 30 years of banking experience in client coverage, strategic transaction initiation and advisory dialogues across various client segments, including public sector, telecoms, FMCG and oil and…

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City break Dortmund’s heart to clinch UCL semi

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

Share this on WhatsAppManchester City set up a blockbuster Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain as Phil Foden’s second-half winner sealed a 2-1 victory at Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday to send the Premier League leaders through 4-2 on aggregate. England midfielder Jude Bellingham gave Dortmund an early lead, but a second-half Riyad Mahrez penalty and Foden’s powerful strike moved City into the last four of Europe’s top club competition for the second time. Having also scored the 90th-minute winner to give City a 2-1 victory in last week’s first leg…

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Again Real Madrid halt Liverpool’s UCL honours chase

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

Share this on WhatsAppLiverpool were left to rue a host of missed chances as Real Madrid held out for a 0-0 draw at Anfield to progress to the semi-finals of the Champions League 3-1 on aggregate. Mohamed Salah and Georginio Wijnaldum were guilty of wasting glorious opportunities to get Jurgen Klopp’s men back into the tie as they failed to replicate a remarkable recovery from 3-0 down to beat Barcelona 4-3 on aggregate at the semi-final stage two years ago. Madrid were far from their best, but did not need…

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CBN begins N50bn COVID-19 credit facility

Jasmin Ekua, Banking & Finance

Share this on WhatsAppThe Central Bank of Nigeria has said that households and businesses affected by the COVID-19 can now apply for loans under its N50bn Targeted Credit Facility. It said the stimulus package was to support households and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, adding that beneficiaries could access up to N25m. This was disclosed in a tweet on Monday by the Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending Microfinance Bank. The NIRSAL microfinance bank stated that interested households and businesses could apply via…

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Police, hunters arrest 3 suspects planning kidnap operations on Lagos-Ibadan highway

Wura Kelani, Crime Reporter

Share this on WhatsAppOperatives of the Ogun State Police Command have arrested three members of a kidnap syndicate terrorising commuters on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. The suspects, Nathaniel Jacob, 24, from Nasarawa State; Isah Danladi, 22, from Kogi State; and Abubakar Rabiu, 23, from Niger State, were arrested on Thursday in the Fidiwo area along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Abimbola Oyeyemi, disclosed this in a statement on Monday. Oyeyemi said the suspects’ arrest followed a tip-off by hunters, who sighted them in the…

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Red Alert: FAAN warns of planned terrorist attack at airports

Wura Kelani, Crime Reporter

Share this on WhatsAppThe Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has raised the alarm over planned attacks on airports across the country. FAAN said it received an alert from the ministry of aviation over the planned attacks. In a memo sighted by The Nation, FAAN Deputy General Manager of Administration and Logistics, S.M. Mamman, explained the elements were considering carrying out attacks in Kaduna, Maiduguri, Sokoto, Kano, Abuja, and Lagos airports. “I am directed to convey an alert from the Ministry of Aviation regarding security threats by criminal elements against…

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Fireworks as Army Chief face Reps over arms purchase

Jide Ige

Share this on WhatsAppFireworks and fierce exchange dominated the day as Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, appeared before the House of Representatives Ad Hoc Committee on the Need to Review the Purchase, Use and Control of Arms, Ammunition and Related Hardware by Military, Paramilitary and Other Law Enforcement Agencies on Monday. The committee had earlier invited Attahiru and Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, on the 22nd of March and the 7th of April respectively to answer questions on the procurement of arms and ammunition.…

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Cement: Dangote denies increment says factory price is N2,450

Jasmin Ekua, Banking & Finance

Share this on WhatsAppThe management of Dangote Industries has denied reports that it has increased cement price to over N4,000, insisting that the ex-factory price of cement at their factories in Obajana, Kogi State, and Gboko, Benue State, is N2,450. According to its Group Executive Director, Strategy, Capital Projects and Portfolio Development, Edwin Devakumar, who also denied reports that Dangote cement is sold at a lower rate in Zambia and Ghana, the retail price of cement in Nigeria is controlled by the hike in transportation cost. Ex-factory price means the…

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Arapaja, Gov. Makinde’s candidate emerges PDP’s S/W Chairman

Benjamin Chukwudaalu, Political Reporter

Share this on WhatsAppAmbassador Taofeek Arapaja, the candidate backed by the camp of Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, got 343 votes to emerge as new South-West Zonal Vice Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party on Monday. Dr. Eddy Olafeso backed by ex-governor Ayo Fayose got a total of 330 votes. Share this on WhatsApp

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Ramadan starts Tuesday as Sultan announces sighting of moon

Jide Ige

Share this on WhatsAppMuhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs has announced that Ramadan will start in the country on Tuesday, April 13, 2021. Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar made the announcement on Monday in a broadcast heralding the Islamic holy month. He said the new moon was sighted in different parts of Nigeria and that report of the crescent sighting were received from Muslim leaders and organisations across the country. “After due verification and authentication by the national moon sighting committee…

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Gunmen in military camouflage kidnap boy 13, demand N50m

Wura Kelani, Crime Reporter

Share this on WhatsAppGunmen in Nigerian Army camouflage have kidnapped a 13-year-old boy at the Obada-Oko in Ewekoro Local Government Area of Ogun State. It was learnt that the gunmen invaded Destiny Estate in Obada-Oko at 9:15pm on Saturday and started shooting before they whisked away the boy identified as Gbolahan Ajibola. It was gathered that they had contacted the family and demanded  N50m as ransom. The grandmother of the victim, Victoria Felix, told one of our correspondents that the gunmen who were six invaded her house on Saturday night.…

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Buhari’s minister denies Boko Haram, Al-Quaeda links

Benjamin Chukwudaalu, Political Reporter

Share this on WhatsAppThe Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, has slammed reports linking him to Al-Qaeda terrorists. Pantami made this clarification on Monday, April 12, via a series of tweets that stated, “My lectures against the doctrines and all other evil people have been available for over 15 years, including debates that endangered my life against many criminals in Nigeria. If you can’t understand Hausa, get an objective Hausa speaker to translate for you objectively. “On the issue of NIN-SIM Verification to fight insecurity, there is no going back. Our…

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Odumakin: Family announces burial dates

Benjamin Chukwudaalu, Political Reporter

Share this on WhatsAppYinka Odumakin, the late activist and Afenifere spokesman, will be buried on April 24, 2021.. According to a statement by his widow, Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin, on Monday, the rites would span three days – starting from Thursday, April 22 through Friday 23 and Saturday 24, 2021. She said, “Thursday, April 22: Day of Tributes and Service of Songs at the Police College, Ikeja Lagos between 11 am and 4 pm while his body lies in state. Share this on WhatsApp

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CIBN Registrar counsels Ecobank trainees

Jide Ige

Share this on WhatsAppThe Registrar/Chief Executive, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), ‘Seye Awojobi has called on graduands of Ecobank Nigeria Academy to make their word their bond to excel in the banking profession. The CIBN Registrar who gave this charge at the virtual graduation of the Ecobank Management Development Programme (EMDP) Batch 3 trainees in Lagos, emphasized integrity, honesty, trust as principal values to excel in their chosen career. He enjoined them to imbibe the ethics of the profession. The EMDP batch 3 comprises 16 graduates who were…

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Meghan’less’ Harry to attend Prince Philip’s funeral

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

Share this on WhatsApp The funeral of Prince Philip, Queen Elizabeth II’s husband will take place next week, Buckingham Palace has announced on Saturday. In a release, the palace also announced a stripped-back ceremony due to coronavirus restrictions, and a return for exiled royal Prince Harry but without his wife, Meghan. Palace officials confirmed Harry would attend the funeral but his American wife, Meghan, who is pregnant with their second child, had been advised against travelling from the United States on medical grounds. Royal officials said Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral,…

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S/West Zonal Congress: PDP releases candidates’ list as Makinde Fayose battles for control of 765 delegates

Benjamin Chukwudaalu, Political Reporter

Share this on WhatsAppMain opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party has released the list of candidates cleared by its screening committee for the April 12 South-West Zonal Congress expected to produce the party’s executive in the region. The list is coming just as two former friends; Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and a former governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, intensify efforts as to who gains the upper hand in the control of the 756 delegates that will elect officials of the Peoples Democratic Party in the South-West on…

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