The Kogi State Police Command has confirmed the brutal attack on a second-year student of the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara, Usman Tijani, by his friend, Abdulmuqeet Musari. The Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Williams Aya, disclosed to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Lokoja that the suspect is in police custody and under investigation. “The suspect has been in our custody, and the investigation is ongoing. He will be arraigned on completion of the investigation,” Aya said. Providing further details, the Chairman of Adavi Local Government Area, Mr. Bashiru Okatenwu, stated in a…
Author: Ifeanyi N.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticized the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for allegedly politicizing the recent stampedes at palliative distribution sites, which resulted in the deaths of several Nigerians in Oyo, Anambra, and the Federal Capital Territory. In a statement released by its spokesman, Felix Morka, the APC described the PDP’s stance as “callous” and accused the opposition party of exploiting a national tragedy for political gain. “At a time of national grief over the stampedes that claimed the lives of citizens, the PDP seized the moment to engage in callous political chicanery,” Morka said. The APC spokesman recalled…
Elder statesman and member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees, Bode George, has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s recent media chat, describing it as lacking empathy and humanity. Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday, George expressed disappointment in the President’s remarks, stating that Tinubu appeared indifferent to the plight of suffering Nigerians. Citing the recent food queue stampedes that claimed 67 lives in Abuja, Anambra, and Ibadan during food distribution, George lamented the worsening hunger and anger across the country. He accused the President of insisting that his reforms are working despite rising poverty levels and…
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Imo State has dismissed reports that some of its members defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the APC stakeholders’ meeting held on Friday, December 20, 2024. In a statement released by the State Publicity Secretary, Lancelot Obiaku, the party clarified that none of its members had joined the ruling APC. Obiaku described the reports as a “publicity stunt,” insisting that the individuals in question were never members of the PDP. “We categorically state that one Mr. Chris Okewulonu and any other who were the subject of such paid publicity stunt were not…
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused President Bola Tinubu of displaying insensitivity toward the economic challenges facing Nigerians during his first media chat on Monday. In a statement issued on Tuesday, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, criticized the president for stating that he had no regrets about removing the petrol subsidy, despite the widespread hardship it has caused. Ologunagba said Tinubu’s remarks reveal a disconnect from the realities of the suffering masses. “The declaration by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that he has no regrets for the sudden removal of fuel subsidy without any cushioning measures to mitigate the…
The Anambra State Police Command has recovered the vehicle of Justice Azuka, a member of the Anambra State House of Assembly, who was kidnapped on Christmas Eve. Azuka, representing Onitsha North State Constituency 1, was abducted by unknown gunmen around 9 p.m. on Tuesday while traveling to his community for Christmas celebrations. The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the recovery of the vehicle and disclosed that an intense operation is ongoing to rescue the lawmaker. “The recovery followed an intense ongoing operation by Police Operatives attached to the Inland Town Division,” Ikenga said. He further stated that…
Troops of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) have arrested 20 suspects linked to the December 22 attack on Tingbwa Gidan Ado community in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, where 15 people were killed. Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, the Commander of OPSH and General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, disclosed this during a Christmas luncheon organized for OPSH troops and 3 Division personnel in Jos on Thursday. Abubakar stated that the arrests were made after sustained night operations by the troops. “Following hours of sustained night operations, we have apprehended 20 suspects directly and indirectly involved in…
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has pardoned and released 53 convicts serving various sentences within the Nigerian Correctional Service. The decision, according to a statement issued on Thursday by the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, followed the recommendations of the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy. A letter of commutation, dated December 24, 2024, and addressed to the relevant prison authorities, indicated that the pardoned inmates had either spent a minimum of 10 years in custody or were on death row. Governor Adeleke cited constitutional powers conferred on him under Section 212(1)(a), (c), and (d) of the 1999 Constitution…
The United Nations on Thursday confirmed receiving credible reports that dozens of civilians, including women and children, were killed in Pakistani airstrikes on Afghanistan’s Paktika province. The UN described the airstrikes, which occurred on Tuesday, as a violation of international law and called for an immediate investigation. “International law obliges military forces to take necessary precautions to prevent civilian harm, including distinguishing between civilians and combatants in operations,” the UN statement read. The UN Children’s Agency (UNICEF) disclosed that at least 20 children were among those killed in the attack. “Children are not and must never be a target,” said…
Phrank Shaibu, the Special Assistant on Public Communication to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has urged the federal government to exercise caution in its dealings with France. Shaibu’s remarks come amidst what he described as a diplomatic crisis involving France and its former colonies in West Africa. France has long been accused of maintaining a firm grip on the region, prompting concerns over its intentions. In a statement issued on Thursday, Shaibu stressed that Nigeria’s relationship with France must prioritize the country’s sovereignty, dignity, and leadership in Africa. “While the motivations behind this newfound partnership remain speculative, one thing is…
The Theatre Commander of the Joint Task Force North West Operation Hadarin Daji, Major General Oluyinka Olalekan Soyele, has called on troops to strictly adhere to information security protocols and avoid any form of communication with the enemy. Major General Soyele made the remarks during a Christmas lunch organised for the troops in Gusau, Zamfara State. This directive was contained in a statement issued by the Joint Media Coordinator, Lt. Col. Abubakar Abdullahi, and made available to newsmen on Tuesday. Commending the troops for their resilience and operational successes in the past year, Soyele highlighted their crucial role in restoring…
The Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has signed the N971 billion 2025 Appropriation Bill into law, pledging to implement the budget rigorously to achieve exponential economic growth and inclusive prosperity for the state. The budget allocates N837.9 billion to Capital Expenditure, accounting for 86% of the total budget, and N133.1 billion to Recurrent Expenditure, representing 14%. The education sector received the largest share for the second consecutive year, with an allocation of N320.6 billion, representing over 33% of the total budget. Speaking during the signing ceremony held on Tuesday and attended by members of the Enugu State House…
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has called on Nigerians to remain optimistic, stating that the year 2025 holds the promise of brighter days ahead. The Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the party, Durosinmi Meseko, made the appeal in a Christmas message on Tuesday in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital. Meseko highlighted the various economic policies implemented by President Bola Tinubu, stressing their potential to yield positive results for the nation. He assured Nigerians that the full effects of these initiatives would become evident in the coming year, leading to improved economic conditions. “This Christmas, let us celebrate the spirit of…
The Labour Party (LP) has expressed concern over the economic hardship affecting Nigerians, which it says has prevented some citizens from fully participating in the 2024 Christmas celebrations. In a statement issued on Wednesday by the LP’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, the party’s National Chairman, Barr. Julius Abure, highlighted this challenge in his Christmas message to Nigerians and party supporters. Abure called on Nigerians to show compassion to the millions living below the poverty line. “It will interest you to know that not many homes in Nigeria can afford to join in today’s celebration of Christmas because of the…
A member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State, Edwin Woko, has criticized the factional chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Tony Okocha, for accusing Governor Siminalayi Fubara of instigating crises within the APC. Okocha had alleged that Governor Fubara was sponsoring internal discord within the APC, following a recent court ruling that nullified the party’s state, local government, and ward congresses. The court cited the APC’s failure to comply with an existing court order as the basis for its decision. Responding to the allegations in a statement on Wednesday, Woko dismissed them as…
A Grade A Customary Court in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Tuesday reprimanded a 27-year-old man, Taiwo Ajala, for urinating in a public place. Ajala was caught urinating within the premises of the court, prompting the court’s president, Mrs. S.M. Akintayo, to administer an immediate punishment. Akintayo instructed Ajala to kneel down, face the wall, raise his hands, and close his eyes as a penalty for polluting the environment. She further ordered the police to formally arraign him as an offender. Overwhelmed by the punishment, Ajala broke down in tears and pleaded for leniency, saying, “Please, forgive me, I did not…
The Edo State Government has prohibited the direct collection of revenue in cash, emphasizing its commitment to streamlining revenue processes and eliminating extortion. This directive was disclosed in a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Musa Umar Ikhilor, on Tuesday in Benin City. Ikhilor reiterated the earlier ban on unlicensed agents and touts from engaging in revenue collection across the state, adding that security agencies have been put on alert to enforce compliance. “Any person or group of persons that violates this order will face the full wrath of the law,” he warned. He further explained that…
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, on Tuesday signed the 2025 Appropriation Bill of N675.2 billion into law, describing it as a budget aimed at reviving the state’s economy and delivering the dividends of democracy. Speaking during the signing ceremony at the Government House, Okpebholo referred to the 2025 fiscal plan as the “Renewed Hope Budget for a Rising Edo.” “I have just signed into law a budget of N675,220,058,858.52, tagged a ‘Renewed Hope Budget.’ It is my hope that the approved budget will revive the economy of Edo State and deliver the dividends of democracy to the good people of…
The Caretaker Chairman of the Nimo Town Development Union (NTDU), Nduka Aguofia, has announced the closure of the community’s town hall to prevent the breakdown of law and order. Aguofia disclosed that the royal cabinet of Nimo reached the decision following a court ruling that nullified the leadership of the community’s former executive, led by Dan Anakpe. In a press statement made available to journalists, the caretaker chairman stated that all activities of the town union had been suspended and warned against acts of violence or disobedience. “The recent court judgment has brought to an end the leadership crisis that…
The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, has announced the deployment of 1,000 Naval officers to Maradun Local Government Area in Zamfara State as part of efforts to combat banditry in the region. Matawalle made this known during a six-day visit to Zamfara while addressing residents at his country home in Maradun. He revealed that a letter detailing the deployment had been sent to the Zamfara State Government for necessary actions. “We have deployed 1,000 Naval officers to Zamfara as part of our determination to fight banditry in the state,” he stated. The minister also disclosed that…