In a renewed effort to curb crime in the community, the Aladja Crack Team—comprising Exco, Vigilantes, Hunters, CJTF, and Quarter Youth Excos—on Thursday, January 9, 2025, arrested a 23-year-old suspected motorcycle thief, Joshua Akpotu. Akpotu, a resident of Ovwian Community in Delta State was apprehended for allegedly stealing a Qlink motorcycle belonging to one Efe Mukoro. The suspect was intercepted by members of the security team patrolling the streets of Aladja. Upon being flagged down, Akpotu attempted to flee but was pursued and captured by the team. According to sources, the suspect confessed to working with accomplices to steal motorcycles…
Author: Ifeanyi N.
A truck transporting granite stones crushed a young man, Jelili Soretire, to death on Wednesday along Ajebo Road in Abeokuta, Ogun State. The Volvo truck, with registration number AAB 917 ZY, reportedly hit Soretire, an apprentice at the spare parts section of the Mechanic Village, while he was riding his motorcycle to deliver a repaired car door to a customer. The tragic incident occurred at a failed section of the road near Kemta Housing Estate, adjacent to the Eco Gas Station in Idi-Aba, Abeokuta. Eyewitnesses reported that the victim’s body was trapped under the truck after the collision. The driver…
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured the conviction of Chima Hyginus Nkwocha, popularly known as “Young Billionaire,” on charges of impersonation and money laundering. In a statement released on Thursday via its official X handle, the EFCC announced that Nkwocha was arraigned before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja, on a two-count charge. The defendant pleaded guilty to the charges when they were read to him. Details of the Case Prosecution counsel Lanre Adeola Olanrewaju told the court that Nkwocha was arrested in August 2024 in the Lugbe area of Abuja following…
Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has dismissed concerns over a potential coalition of opposition parties aimed at challenging the dominance of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections. Speaking on the state of the nation, Sule highlighted the positive impact of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, emphasizing consistent economic growth and improved production levels as evidence of progress under the APC-led government. Tinubu’s Achievements The governor praised President Tinubu for the successful rehabilitation of the Warri and Port Harcourt refineries, describing the milestone as a major achievement that should be celebrated. “This is a remarkable development…
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, has condemned the assault on Mr. Ndubuisi Orji, a journalist with The Sun Newspaper, allegedly carried out by a staff member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Emmanuel Okoronkwo. The incident occurred on Monday, January 5, 2025, at the PDP National Secretariat, Wadata Plaza, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja, as Orji attempted to enter the press center to perform his lawful duties. NUJ’s Reaction In a statement signed by the council’s Secretary, Jide Oyekunle, the NUJ described the attack as “irresponsible, uncivilized, unwarranted, and an affront to press freedom.” The union demanded an…
Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has dismissed speculation that former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has left the All Progressives Congress (APC). He also ruled out the possibility of a merger involving opposition figures ahead of the 2027 general elections. Sule’s comments follow a recent closed-door meeting in Abuja involving El-Rufai, Social Democratic Party (SDP) Chairman Shehu Gabam, former presidential candidate Hamza Al-Mustapha, and Segun Sowunmi, an ally of Atiku Abubakar. The meeting, held at the SDP Secretariat, reportedly focused on strengthening opposition engagement in the country. Gabam Speaks on the Meeting Shehu Gabam, speaking about the gathering, clarified…
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has dismissed allegations by Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, claiming threats to his life. Ganduje described Obi’s assertions as “unfortunate, misleading, and outright falsehood.” In a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday night, Ganduje labeled Obi’s accusations as “sheer mischief” and a “malicious lie” designed to garner public sympathy and play the victim. He said the APC would ordinarily ignore such claims but chose to address them to prevent misinformation from spreading further. Ganduje’s Response Ganduje expressed concern over Obi’s allegations, which were posted…
Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State has stated that he is not concerned about securing re-election in 2027, emphasizing that his focus is on delivering the dividends of democracy during his first tenure. Speaking in Kano, Yusuf expressed confidence in Allah’s will, adding that his re-election would be determined by divine providence, not political pressure. Focus on Performance “What I am worried about is not re-election,” the governor said. “I am more concerned about delivering the dividends of democracy on the mandate given to me in this first tenure. I want the good people of Kano to judge me by…
Babafemi Ojudu, former Special Adviser on Political Matters to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, has criticized former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, accusing him of lacking honour and a proper understanding of politics. Ojudu made the remarks during an interview on State Affairs, a podcast hosted by Edmund Obilo, on Thursday morning. Recalling the 2011 senatorial election in Ekiti State, Ojudu claimed he defeated Fayose despite the latter’s financial resources. According to Ojudu, he secured 68,000 votes, while Fayose garnered 28,000 votes. Allegations Against Fayose Ojudu alleged that Fayose became governor after his impeachment through vote-buying, exploiting the poverty of the Ekiti…
The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology, has launched a free Artificial Intelligence (AI) Academy aimed at equipping Nigerian youths with advanced AI skills. This initiative is in collaboration with the Commonwealth Secretariat and Intel Corporation. Program Highlights Free Courses: Participants will gain access to self-paced courses covering AI fundamentals, ethics, tools, and real-world applications. Career Opportunities: The program offers the chance to compete for AI ambassadorial roles and internships with Intel Corporation. Global Exposure: Participants will gain hands-on experience in AI with a global perspective. Future-Ready Skills: The academy is designed to prepare participants for…
The Bauchi State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested 10 suspects for various crimes committed during the yuletide period. The State Commandant, Oloyede Oyerinde, disclosed this on Wednesday in Bauchi while parading the suspects. According to Oyerinde, the suspects were arrested for crimes including vandalism, rape, and theft. Seven suspects were apprehended on December 24 at Zaranda village in Toro Local Government Area for vandalizing an old NITEL tower. Items recovered from the suspects include six oxyacetylene gas cylinders, perimeter fencing wire mesh, and parts of the vandalized tower. Additionally, two suspects were arrested…
The Lagos State Police on Wednesday arraigned a 23-year-old salesgirl, Bukola Adeoye, before a Badagry Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly stealing N2.1 million belonging to her employer. Adeoye, whose residential address was not provided, was charged with one count of stealing. She pleaded not guilty to the charge. According to the prosecutor, Inspector Ayodele Adeosun, the defendant committed the offence on December 20, 2024, around 2:00 p.m. at the Mosafejo area of Badagry, Lagos. Inspector Adeosun alleged that Adeoye stole N968,200 in cash from her employer, Zannu Thomas, and converted N1,174,800—sales proceeds for one week—to her personal use. The prosecutor…
The Executive Chairman of Soba Local Government Area, Hon. Muhammad Lawal Shehu, has announced an increment in the monthly allowances for Imams of Jumu’at mosques within the council. Speaking during a meeting with the clerics at the Dahiru Maigana Secretariat, Hon. Lawal disclosed that upon assuming office, he discovered that the Imams had gone without their stipends for several months, a situation he described as unacceptable. “When I took office, I found that the chief Imams were receiving very low monthly allowances and had even gone without pay for several months. I found this situation untenable. We began paying them…
The Kano State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (KSCHMA) has enrolled inmates at the Goron Dutse Custodial Center into the state’s Basic Healthcare Scheme, following approval from Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf. This was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Public Relations Officer of KSCHMA, Aminu Ahmad Turaki. Speaking during a briefing, the agency’s Executive Secretary, Dr. Rahila Aliyu Muktar, revealed that 108 inmates were screened for tuberculosis (TB), with seven testing positive for the disease. Additionally, 21 inmates were identified as having symptoms suggestive of TB. “We are committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of all residents…
The Katsina State government has disbursed over N50 million to victims of bandit attacks in Matazu, Kankia, and Batsari local government areas as part of its support for affected communities. Saidu Ibrahim Danja, the Senior Special Assistant on Victims of Banditry and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), presented the funds to the beneficiaries, emphasizing that the disbursement was not compensation but a measure to ease their hardships. According to Danja, the funds were released following the directive of Governor Dikko Umar Radda after a thorough assessment of the victims in the affected areas. He highlighted that the Radda administration has consistently…
Senator Lawal Usman, representing Kaduna Central Senatorial District, has criticized the Kaduna Elders Forum (KEF) for calling for his recall from the National Assembly, describing their allegations of non-performance as unfounded and politically motivated. The KEF, through its chairman, Inuwa Rigasa, accused the senator of failing to fulfill his campaign promises and neglecting his constituents during challenging economic times. Rigasa remarked, “Since his election to the Senate in 2023, Senator Lawal Adamu has failed to speak up or act in the interest of his constituents despite the prevailing economic hardships. This is unprecedented in the history of senatorial representation in…
Nineteen suspects have been arrested by the Ondo State Police Command in connection with the violent cult clashes that rocked Owo, the headquarters of Owo Local Government Area, on Monday. Speaking during an on-the-spot assessment of the situation on Tuesday, the newly deployed Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, assured that those found culpable would face the full weight of the law. The clashes, which claimed five lives, prompted Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to impose a dusk-to-dawn curfew on the ancient town to restore order. Providing an update to journalists, Commissioner Afolabi stated that the arrests were part of efforts to curb…
Governor Okpebholo Accuses Suspended LG Chairmen of Diverting N12 Billion, Calls for Transparenc Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has asserted that impeaching corrupt elected officials is neither wrong nor a sin, especially when public funds are misused. Speaking on Tuesday while hosting the acting Chairmen and Councilors of the 18 Local Government Areas at the Government House in Benin City, Governor Okpebholo alleged that the suspended council chairmen remitted approximately N12 billion to leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over a 15-month period. The chairmen, elected on the PDP platform on September 2, 2023, were accused of channeling N800…
Former Senator representing Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani, has criticized the political situation in Rivers State, describing it as uniquely complex and unpredictable compared to other states in Nigeria. In a post shared on his verified Facebook page, Sani remarked that Rivers State stands out among the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory as having a political climate that defies conventional political theories and practices. “Rivers State is the only state in Nigeria with a complex political climate that defies all the known and unknown laws of political thought and science,” the former senator wrote. He further highlighted the state’s…
The Obidient Movement has expressed grave concern over what it described as a reckless verbal attack on Peter Obi, the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 general election. The movement, in a statement signed by Dr. Yunusa Tanko, highlighted recent comments made by Felix Morka, National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), during an interview on Arise TV on January 5, 2025. Morka had remarked that Obi had “crossed the line so many times” and that “whatever he gets, he should manage it.” Dr. Tanko described Morka’s statement as a direct threat to Peter Obi’s life…