TRENDING NOW

Recent Post Recent Post
View More

at

The NanaSmile Project Africa Foundation has taken its humanitarian campaign to two Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in Abuja, providing food and relief materials to vulnerable families as part of its “Operation Feed 2000” outreach to mark her birthday.


The annual birthday outreach, which took place on September 17, 2026, was organised as part of activities marking the birthday of the foundation’s founder, Chukwuneke Nana, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of De_africana by Nana (DNA) Fashion Brand.


Driven by the slogan, “Keep Smiling…,” the initiative was designed to provide immediate support to displaced persons, particularly by helping to meet their basic food and dietary needs while offering them a sense of care, hope and inclusion.

Volunteers and supporters of the foundation participated actively in the exercise, turning out in the organisation’s official T-shirts and jeans bearing the NanaSmile inscription.


Beyond the distribution of food and relief items, the outreach provided an opportunity for the volunteers to interact with residents of the camps and share moments of encouragement with people facing the challenges of displacement.


The foundation said the initiative reflects its commitment to putting smiles on the faces of vulnerable people and extending humanitarian support to communities in need.


Through “Operation Feed 2000,” NanaSmile Project Africa Foundation reaffirmed the message behind its campaign, that even in difficult circumstances, a simple act of kindness can give people a reason to smile.

Videos & Photos:





Continue reading

at

The Director-General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Abdul’Aziz Yari Abubakar, has urged the North to respect the informal power-rotation arrangement and allow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to complete his constitutionally permitted eight-year tenure.


Yari made the call while addressing journalists at the Government House,Kano, after a meeting with Kano Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.


The former Zamfara State Governor said the North should understand and respect the political arrangement that brought the presidency to the South in 2023, arguing that the presidency had been held by a northerner for several years before the emergence of Tinubu as President.


“Since our independence 66 years ago, the country was led by northerners for 47 years,” adding that Nigerians should recognise the importance of maintaining unity and understanding how the country’s political system operates.


According to him, Nigeria remains a country that all citizens must work together to protect, regardless of regional or political differences.


“As we love this country, we don’t have any country other than Nigeria. Nigerians should come and understand how this country works. It is also better than many nations,” the APC chieftain said.


He explained that his role as Director-General of the campaign council was not limited to promoting President Tinubu but also included promoting national unity and understanding among Nigerians.


He said the current political arrangement should be respected, noting that former President Muhammadu Buhari, a northerner, governed the country between 2015 and 2023 before power shifted to Tinubu from the South in 2023.


“Having said this, this country, Nigeria, from 2015 to 2023 was led by a northerner, and now from 2023 to 2026 it is being led by a Southerner,” he said.


The lawmaker,therefore, appealed to northerners not to seek to overturn the existing zoning arrangement on the basis of the region’s population, explaining that the political understanding was important for national stability.


“If we say we want to uproot the zoning arrangement because of our numbers, then my call for northerners is to understand how it works. They even understand more than I do,” Yari said.


He acknowledged that President Tinubu’s administration, like every government, is not perfect, but argued that the challenges facing Nigeria should not solely be attributed to the administration.


“Nobody is perfect. The southerners have also experienced what we are complaining about today when President Buhari was in power,” he said.


Yari also argued that insecurity is not peculiar to Nigeria, saying countries across the world, including the United States, continue to grapple with security challenges despite their level of development.


“On problems, no problem of a country is solved by any government, including even in the United States. They are managing insecurity as we are managing it,” he said.


The director-general further cited gun violence in Chicago as an example of the security challenges faced by other countries, stressing that every nation has its own problems that require continuous efforts to address.


Turning to the economy, Yari said Nigerians should assess the Tinubu administration based on economic indicators and compare the situation at the time the president assumed office in 2023 with the current position.


“When you look at when Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu came to power in 2023, go and check what was the state of our reserves and what it is today, and what was the rate of inflation in 2023 and what it is today,” he said.


Yari maintained that the administration is making efforts to address the country’s economic and security challenges, while acknowledging that governments at both federal and state levels are working to improve the situation.


He, therefore,urged Nigerians, particularly those in the North, to give the political arrangement time, arguing that the presidency would return to the region after Tinubu’s tenure if the existing rotation principle is maintained.


“I am calling on northerners to note that by the time Bola Ahmed Tinubu finishes in 2031, power will definitely come back to the North. So, this is how the arrangement is,” Yari said.


He added that federal and state governments are making efforts to address the challenges confronting the country and urged Nigerians to support measures aimed at strengthening national unity and development.


Continue reading

at

Kano State Government has assured working journalists, residents of the state and visitors of safety of their lives and property.


Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf gave the assurance while receiving members of the state chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations(NIPR) and members of the Kano Correspondents’ Chapel of the NUJ whom were on a Road Walk to the Government House.


Represented by the Director-General Media and Publicity, Government House, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa,the Governor said:”Despite the little or the spots of crisis we are facing in the border and local governments,we are committed to providing more welfare, more respect, more coordination to the media industry and public relations so that your work can be easy, can be simple and can be done in a professional manner.”


He also stated that his administrationvis willing to invest and partner with the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations(NIPR) in the training and retraining of its new members to ensure adherence to the ethics of the practice of public relations.


On the activities of his office,the Director-General recalled that the Governor had in 2025 spent over N200 million as support to various categories of the media and PR practitioners within and outside the state.


“I am happy to also report to you that in this 2026, under my office, we have spent over N150 million as a welfare to different categories of media and public relations professionals, some directly, some indirectly, some openly, some behind the scenes.


“These cut across provision of mobility, provision of working tools, provision of shelter, and provision of medical assistance to various members of this profession.


“So,it is with a great pleasure that I also report to you that any need, any valid request from the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, from the Nigeria Union of Journalists, from the Correspondents’ Chapel will be welcomed to the Kano State Government for onward approval,” he added.


Earlier, a member of the NIPR Board of Trustees,Prof. Sule Ya’u Sule, said the Walkout was organized to sensitize the people of the state and other Nigerians on the forthcoming convergence of all practitioners of public relations in Abuja from November 15th to November 21.


“And as part of activities to create awareness about this Forum, Kano State chapter and other chapters in the country decided to stage what is called Walkout. Meaning, to track, to sensitize Nigerians and the people of Kano State that this event is coming up in November.


“And we are terminating this walk here at the Government House to deliver our message to the Governor through you, the Director-General, so that you also notify the Governor that this event is coming up.


“If you may recall, in our studies in public relations, we came up with a definition of public relations that was coined in Mexico in 1978. It has remained a reference point for all students of public relations.


“That was the first time such a Forum was staged in 1978 in Mexico City. So now, this Forum is coming to Abuja so that we can have another declaration. Since 1978, the definition of public relations has not been reviewed.


“Now,we are meeting in Abuja so that we can look at some of the emerging trends in the profession and incorporate them in the definition of public relations.This is the purpose of the forum coming up in Abuja in November 2026,” Prof.Sule added.


Continue reading

at

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has faulted former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, over his claim that President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies contributed to the death of his mother.


Wike accused Amaechi, who is the African Democratic Congress vice-presidential candidate, of bringing his late mother into political debates in an attempt to attract public sympathy.


The FCT Minister spoke on Saturday while addressing members of the Uzugbani Ekpeye National Executive Council at Ekpeye House in Ahoada, Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State.


Amaechi had alleged during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday that the economic policies of the Tinubu administration made medicines unaffordable for his mother, thereby contributing to her death.


“Tinubu’s policies killed my mother. Before Tinubu came, my mother was healthy. After 2023, it was difficult for me to buy drugs for my mother,” Amaechi said during the interview.


Reacting to the allegation, Wike questioned how Amaechi, who had occupied several prominent political offices, could claim that he was unable to afford medication for his mother.


He pointed to Amaechi’s political career, noting that he served as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly for eight years, Governor of the state for another eight years and Minister of Transportation for eight years.


“Again, you said it was Tinubu that killed his mother. It was Tinubu’s administration that led to not being able to buy drugs for his mother.


“This one, a speaker for eight years, from 1999 to 2007. This one, a governor for eight years, from 2007 to 2015. This one, a minister for eight years, from 2015 to 2023.


“And your mother was sick, and you are telling the whole world that because of the policy of Tinubu, you couldn’t buy drugs for your mother, and so your mother died,” Wike said.


Wike also questioned the circumstances surrounding Amaechi’s claim, referring to his comments about his family and describing his wife as an industrialist.


“Yet, an industrialist couldn’t give you money to buy drug for your mother,” he said.


The minister further argued that Amaechi had influential associates who, according to him, could have assisted with his mother’s medical expenses before her death.


“Yet, you didn’t know that you had friends who had private jets, who would come down to bury a mother whom you could not buy drug for, for her to survive?


“You didn’t tell them, ‘My mother was sick, can you help me? Give me money, let me buy drug.’ Let me tell you the truth, they gave you money. And then they came to bury your mother, and you accepted it,” he said.


Wike also criticised Amaechi’s reference to his late mother in relation to the outcome of the 2027 general election.


According to the minister, Amaechi had stated in a video that his mother would be happy if the ADC emerged victorious in the election.


“In one of his videos, he said if ADC wins election, his mother will be very happy. So, the only condition is that his mother will not be happy if ADC does not win.


“Too bad! She will not be happy that ADC will not win. You are the one who said your mother would be happy if ADC wins. How can you bring a loved one who’s gone to bring in politics?” Wike said.


Describing the development as inappropriate, the FCT Minister accused Amaechi of bringing his late mother into political discussions.


“It is unfortunate people can descend so low to use their mother to play politics,” he said.


Wike appealed to people to allow the deceased to rest, while praying for the peaceful repose of Amaechi’s mother.


“But all of us should pray that the old woman who died would have rest, would have peace with her Creator,” he added.


Amaechi’s mother, Mary Amaechi, died in July 2026 and was buried in September in Ubima, Rivers State. Several prominent political figures attended the burial.


The exchange adds to the long-standing political differences between Wike and Amaechi, who were once political associates before becoming prominent opponents in Rivers State politics.


Earlier in the week, Wike had also challenged Amaechi to account for his achievements in Rivers State during his 24 years in senior political positions.


Continue reading

at

The Imo State Police Command has located the suspected camp where 19 prospective National Youth Service Corps members abducted in the state are being held, but security operatives have yet to storm the location because of fears that the area may have been rigged with improvised explosive devices.


The state Commissioner of Police, Audu Garba Bosso, disclosed this on Saturday while providing an update on efforts to rescue the victims.


According to Bosso, security operatives deployed drones on Friday after tracking the suspected kidnappers into the bush, leading to the discovery of the location where the victims were believed to be held.


He said the operation was being handled cautiously following intelligence indicating that explosives had been planted around the suspected kidnappers’ camp.


“Any moment, we’ll still move into the bush. Yesterday, we were in the bush, we trailed them up to a particular location.


“But at that point in time, we couldn’t move in to where the coordinate showed us where they are because we ran drones yesterday. And the drone actually showed us exactly their location.


“But our predicament is that with the intel we have, the IED is—the camp is mined with IEDs,” the commissioner said.


Bosso explained that security agencies were making preparations to enter the area with heavy-duty equipment, including bulldozers and armoured personnel carriers, to facilitate the safe rescue of the abducted corps members.


“We are moving in there with high, you know, high-velocity vehicles, that is, bulldozers, we’re moving in with bulldozers and APCs to see how we’re going to rescue these victims unhurt,” he added.


The development followed the abduction of the prospective corps members, who were travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, to NYSC orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states.


The victims were reportedly travelling in two buses when gunmen intercepted them along the Owerri-Onitsha Road around the Umunoha area of Imo State on Thursday.


The Managing Director of Uko Akwa Ibom Motors Nigeria Limited, Isiah Akpan, had said that 19 passengers, all prospective corps members, were taken into the bush by the attackers.


Akpan said the drivers managed to escape and subsequently alerted security personnel at a nearby checkpoint, prompting security agencies to begin searching the area.


The kidnappers have reportedly demanded N50m for each victim, bringing the total ransom demand to N950m. Some of the victims’ families were allegedly contacted through the phones of their abducted relatives.


A mother of one of the victims, Mrs Oladosu, also said that the kidnappers contacted her family using her daughter’s phone. She said the family was able to see some of the abducted persons during a video call.


Earlier, the Imo State Police Command had announced that 10 victims were rescued. However, the command’s spokesperson, Henry Okoye, said he could not confirm whether those rescued were part of the prospective corps members abducted along the Owerri-Onitsha Road.


With the latest development, security operatives have reportedly identified the location of the remaining victims as efforts intensify to secure their safe release.


(PUNCH)


Continue reading

at

Men of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command on Friday made a shocking discovery after accosting a shaking vehicle at the Airport Bridge Taxi Park in Abuja, only to discover a man allegedly sexually abusing a 12-year-old girl inside the car.


According to a statement signed by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, on Friday, the suspect, identified as Zayyanu Haliu, was caught by operatives of the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit while conducting a routine patrol of the area.


The operatives reportedly noticed a fully tinted navy blue Volkswagen with registration number KMC56.. parked with its windows wound up.


According to the police, the officers became suspicious after observing that the vehicle was shaking.


The operatives approached the vehicle and opened it, where they allegedly found Halilu sexually abusing the minor.


“Following the discovery, the suspect was promptly arrested and the victim was rescued. Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect had, on several occasions, lured and sexually abused the underaged victim in the said vehicle parked at the same location, with threats to “deal with her” if she reveals the abuse to anyone.


” Medical examination also revealed that the victim is about three months pregnant as a result of the abuse,” the police said.


According to the statement, the victim is currently receiving medical care and undergoing further assessment, while the suspect remains in police custody.


The Command said Halilu would be charged to court after the conclusion of investigations.


Speaking on the development, the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant and pay close attention to the whereabouts, safety and welfare of their children and wards.


The police also appealed to members of the public to remain security-conscious and report suspicious activities or persons to the nearest police station.


The Command urged residents to use its emergency lines, 08032003913 and 08028940883, to report incidents requiring police attention.


Continue reading

at

Nollywood actress Damilola Adegbite has observed that younger men are becoming increasingly open about their attraction to older women, describing the development as a notable change in Nigeria’s dating culture.


Adegbite, 41, made the observation during an episode of her podcast published on her YouTube channel, where she reflected on changing attitudes towards women and relationships.


According to the actress, older women were previously made to believe that they should withdraw from the dating scene after reaching a certain age, while younger women were perceived to command greater attention.


“When society made older women feel like once we have crossed a certain age, you should basically leave the dating market quietly. Meanwhile, the younger girls were supposedly getting all the attention. But now, the tables are turning,” she said.


Adegbite drew an analogy from the Bible, referencing Psalm 118:22, which describes a rejected stone becoming the cornerstone. She used the passage to illustrate what she described as the changing perception of older women, who she said are now being viewed as highly desirable.


“Honestly, I think Psalm 118:22 was onto something. You know that scripture about the stone which the builders rejected becoming the cornerstone? Maybe we should just say the older woman who was once overlooked has become the premium package,” she stated.


She further noted that younger men are increasingly confident about approaching women in their late 30s and early 40s, adding that such confidence can itself be attractive.


“But seriously, why is this happening? A younger man will see a woman who is 38, 40 or 42 and say boldly, ‘I like you.’ And you are sitting there thinking, ‘Sorry, wait, are we doing this?’ And he is looking you dead in the eye like, ‘Yes, we are.’ And I think that confidence is attractive,” she said.


Continue reading

at

The head of Aujarawar Alkali in Gezawa Local Government Area of Kano State, Ahmad Yakubu Ahmad, has been found dead days after suspected bandits abducted him from his community.


Ahmad, popularly known as Ruwata, was reportedly taken away during a night attack on Thursday, September 17, 2026, after armed assailants invaded the community.


His remains were subsequently found in a shallow grave at Danladin Gezawa, causing anguish among residents and members of the community.


Security analyst Bakatsine (@DanKatsina50) reported the recovery of the traditional ruler’s body in updates shared on X. His funeral prayer was reportedly conducted at about 3pm on Wednesday.


A resident of the area also confirmed the killing, although the Kano State Police Command had not released an official statement on the incident as of the time of filing this report.


The traditional ruler’s abduction was initially reported on September 18, following information that armed men had invaded Aujarawar Alkali the previous night and taken him to an undisclosed location.


The incident had heightened anxiety among residents, who appealed to security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the village head and prevent further attacks on the community.


The subsequent discovery of Ahmad’s body ended hopes that he would be rescued alive.


The incident is the latest in a series of attacks involving abductions and killings reported in parts of northern Nigeria, where rural communities have continued to face security threats from armed groups.


Traditional rulers play an important role in community affairs and frequently serve as links between residents and government authorities. Their abduction or killing therefore raises concerns about the safety of local leadership and residents in vulnerable communities.


Details surrounding the circumstances of Ahmad’s death remain unclear. It is also not known whether his abductors demanded a ransom or whether any ransom negotiations took place.


The Kano State Police Command had yet to publicly comment on the incident or disclose whether arrests had been made in connection with the killing.


Residents are now awaiting an official account of the circumstances surrounding the abduction and death of the traditional ruler, as well as assurances on measures being taken to strengthen security in the area.


(SAHARA REPORTERS)


Continue reading

at

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has said the people of Bayelsa State will continue to appreciate the late former military Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha, for creating the state from the old Rivers State in 1996.


Jonathan made the remarks on Thursday night in Yenagoa during activities marking the 30th anniversary of Bayelsa State, where he was also honoured.


The former president dedicated his award to his late political mentor and former governor of the state, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, who brought him into politics and appointed him as his deputy.


Jonathan acknowledged that some young Bayelsans had questioned what the state had achieved in three decades, but maintained that Bayelsa had recorded considerable progress since its creation.


He said, “Although we have not reached where we are supposed to be, I am happy where we are. I am happy that Bayelsa State was created, and we have gained tremendously. Most people might not know, we have gained tremendously following the creation of the state.


“Bayelsans will always remain grateful to late Gen. Sani Abacha who made it possible for Bayelsa to be among the last six states he created.”


Jonathan also commended Governor Douye Diri for organising the anniversary celebration and recognising individuals who contributed to the creation and development of the state.


Speaking at the event, Diri similarly acknowledged Abacha’s role in the creation of Bayelsa on October 1, 1996, saying the late military ruler remained worthy of recognition by the Ijaw people.


The governor said his repeated references to Abacha were deliberate, noting that the late military leader could be viewed differently by different groups, but was remembered by Bayelsans for creating a separate Ijaw state.


He said: “If at every point in my remarks I keep calling him, it is because of what God used him to do for the Ijaw ethnic nationality. As I said yesterday, General Abacha might mean different things to different people, but to Bayelsans, he is the one who freed us from oppression.


“He freed us from injustice and gave a homogenous state for a people that had been balkanised into various states, and making us minority in some.”


Those honoured during the anniversary ceremony included Abacha, Jonathan, Major Isaac Adaka Boro, Alamieyeseigha, Chief Harold Dappa-Biriye, former military administrators of Bayelsa and the immediate past governor, Senator Seriake Dickson.


Among the former administrators recognised were the late Navy Captain Caleb Olubolade (rtd), Navy Captain Phillip Ayeni (rtd), Police Commissioner Habu Daura (rtd) and Col. Edor Obi (rtd).


Continue reading

at

The co-pilot accused of stabbing the captain of a FlyDubai passenger aircraft travelling to Israel has been identified as an Omani national, Hamam al-Hammami, as investigators probe his background and possible motive.


Three people familiar with the incident, including a Gulf diplomat and a Western diplomat, disclosed his identity on Saturday. They spoke anonymously because they were not authorised to discuss the investigation publicly.


The co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain while the aircraft was en route to Tel Aviv on Wednesday, forcing passengers and other crew members to intervene.


According to one of the diplomats, investigators are examining whether al-Hammami acted alone or had links to an extremist organisation.


The Gulf diplomat said investigations are underway to establish whether he acted as a “lone wolf or has any connection with any extremist groups.”


A person familiar with the matter also disclosed that al-Hammami had previously been prevented from flying by Omani authorities over concerns that he had developed extremist views.


Despite the restriction, the co-pilot was subsequently employed by FlyDubai, a United Arab Emirates-based airline, according to the source, who also spoke anonymously because of the ongoing investigation.


It remains unclear how thoroughly his background was examined before he was employed by the airline.


The aircraft, which was carrying 182 people, reportedly went into a steep descent during the incident, with officials saying the co-pilot nearly caused the plane to crash.


The circumstances that enabled al-Hammami to occupy a cockpit position on the flight have consequently emerged as a major focus of the investigation.


The case also raises questions about aviation arrangements involving Israel and countries that do not have diplomatic relations with the country.


Israel says it has long-standing agreements with international airlines that restrict pilots who are citizens of countries without diplomatic ties with Israel from operating flights into the country.


Oman and Israel do not maintain formal diplomatic relations.


FlyDubai, the UAE government and Oman Air had not issued immediate comments on the development. Oman’s government has also not publicly responded to repeated requests for comment since the incident.


The incident has heightened attention on security procedures involving flight crews, particularly the vetting and clearance of pilots operating international routes.


Continue reading

at

Lawyers representing President Bola Tinubu have urged a United States federal court to reject a request by transparency activist Aaron Greenspan for unredacted FBI and DEA records linked to an investigation involving the Nigerian leader, arguing that the records are being sought partly to influence politics in Nigeria.


The position was contained in an amended response filed before the US District Court for the District of Columbia, where Greenspan is pursuing a Freedom of Information Act case against US government agencies.


Greenspan has asked the court to compel the FBI, DEA and Executive Office for US Attorneys to release records relating to a 1990s narcotics investigation which, according to his filings, identified Tinubu as a subject.


Tinubu’s lawyers are opposing Greenspan’s motion for summary judgment and have asked the court to uphold the redactions and withholding of portions of records already processed by the agencies.


At the centre of their argument is the contention that Greenspan’s request is focused primarily on obtaining records bearing Tinubu’s name rather than information that would shed light on the performance of the US agencies.


“Plaintiff’s filings, overwhelmingly, demonstrate that his singular focus is obtaining documents with Intervenor’s ‘name on them,’” the lawyers said.


They argued that the records concern an individual’s private information and that releasing them would not necessarily provide information about how the FBI or DEA carried out their official responsibilities.


The lawyers also referred to Greenspan’s stated interest in Tinubu’s fitness for public office, arguing that the FOIA request was being used to pursue information about individuals allegedly connected to criminal investigations.


“Plaintiff is admittedly attempting using FOIA to try to implicate private individuals in criminal investigations and possible indictments,” they said.


The legal team further alleged that Greenspan’s requests were aimed at finding alleged criminal records concerning Tinubu and using such information to affect political developments in Nigeria.


“Plaintiff’s FOIA requests are also intended to uncover alleged criminal records of an individual and utilize those to influence politics in a foreign nation,” the filing states.


“Neither the interest in possible criminal records of an individual, nor influencing a foreign nation are ‘public interests’ that FOIA recognizes,” the lawyers argued.


The dispute dates back to 2023, when Greenspan began litigating over his requests for records from US agencies.


In April 2025, the US District Court for the District of Columbia ruled on an earlier refusal by the FBI and DEA to confirm or deny whether records responsive to the requests existed. The court ordered the agencies to search for and process records that were not exempt from disclosure.


Tinubu’s lawyers have now maintained that the earlier ruling did not amount to an order requiring the government to release every piece of information contained in investigative files.


They distinguished between establishing whether an investigation existed and compelling disclosure of the contents of records generated during such an investigation.


According to the lawyers, the FBI and DEA have already released thousands of pages of documents, while other portions remain redacted or withheld.


They cited FOIA Exemption 7(C) and the Privacy Act as legal grounds for protecting personal information contained in law-enforcement records.


The lawyers also challenged Greenspan’s apparent reliance on the fact that information concerning Tinubu’s background became public following a 1993 US civil forfeiture proceeding.


They argued that the forfeiture case did not make public the details or outcome of any possible criminal investigation involving Tinubu.


“Other than by speculation or labels, Plaintiff does not point to an existing public record that contains details of a governmental criminal investigation or findings about Intervenor,” they said.


The lawyers further argued that Tinubu’s status as Nigeria’s president does not automatically eliminate his privacy protections in relation to records concerning events that allegedly occurred before he assumed public office.


“Intervenor was not President of Nigeria in 1993,” the amended filing states.


They said the records sought by Greenspan relate to events dating approximately from 1988 to 1991.


The legal team also disputed claims of possible government misconduct, including allegations relating to a hidden prosecution, secret agreement or cover-up, arguing that Greenspan had not produced sufficient evidence to substantiate such claims.


“Unsubstantiated assertions of government wrongdoing” do not, according to the lawyers, justify access to private law-enforcement information.


Tinubu’s lawyers subsequently asked the court to dismiss Greenspan’s motion for summary judgment and permit the FBI and DEA to retain the redactions and withholdings currently applied to the records.


The filing represents the position of Tinubu and his legal team in the ongoing litigation. It does not establish that the records contain evidence of criminal conduct by the President, nor does it constitute a judicial finding on Greenspan’s allegations.


Greenspan has asked the federal court in Washington, D.C., to order the FBI, DEA and Executive Office for US Attorneys to release records without redactions relating to a 1990s narcotics investigation that he says identified Tinubu as a subject.


The case also involves documents connected to a 1993 US civil forfeiture proceeding involving approximately $460,000 linked to Tinubu.


Tinubu has denied wrongdoing.


Greenspan, an American researcher and information technology expert who founded the legal transparency platform PlainSite, initiated the FOIA requests through a series of filings in his lawsuit against the US agencies.


(SAHARA REPORTERS)


Continue reading

at

The Anambra State Government has ordered the immediate closure of Otuocha Market following a violent dispute between Aguleri and Umuoba-Anam communities that left five people dead.


The directive was issued by the Deputy Governor, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim, during an inspection visit to the communities affected by the crisis.


Ibezim, who also chairs the Anambra State Boundary Committee, said the decision was taken on the instruction of Governor Chukwuma Soludo.


He directed that all commercial and other activities at the market remain halted until investigations into the incident are concluded and appropriate measures are taken against those found responsible.


“No community leader or local government chairman has the authority to determine boundaries between communities without the knowledge of the State Government.


“The State Boundary Committee is responsible for the demarcation and monumentation of boundaries within the state,” he said.


The crisis resulted in significant destruction of property, with several houses and shops, as well as a rice processing factory containing bags of rice, reportedly set ablaze.


Traders were also seen leaving the area with whatever goods they could salvage from the affected market.


Speaking separately to journalists, the traditional rulers of Aguleri and Umuoba-Anam, Igwe Michael Idigo and Igwe George Ekwealor, attributed the outbreak of violence to an attempt by people from Aguleri to erect a signpost and install security cameras within the market area.


According to the monarchs, three people were killed in Aguleri while two others died in Umuoba-Anam. They added that several people sustained injuries and were receiving treatment in hospitals, while property and other valuables were destroyed.


The traditional rulers praised the state government for its prompt response, saying the intervention helped to contain the situation and avert further loss of lives and property.


The deputy governor was accompanied during the assessment visit by the Commissioner of Police, Mr Nnanna Oji; Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr Vepor Egbuna; and Special Assistant to the Governor on Boundary Matters, Mr Ekenechukwu Okoye, among other officials.


Continue reading

at

Former Rivers State Governor and African Democratic Congress (ADC) vice-presidential candidate, Rotimi Amaechi, has said he would withdraw from the party’s 2027 presidential ticket and campaign for President Bola Tinubu if petrol sells for ₦600 per litre.


Amaechi made the declaration on Friday, October 2, 2026, while appearing on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he criticised the economic impact of the Tinubu administration’s policies, particularly the removal of the petrol subsidy.


The former Transportation Minister said he was prepared to personally visit a filling station to verify the pump price and follow through on his pledge if petrol had fallen to the stated amount.


“If fuel comes down to 600 tomorrow, I will campaign for President Tinubu,” Amaechi said.


“Tomorrow, if you doubt, come with your camera in the morning in the house, and I will go to the fuel station, and I will buy fuel.


“If fuel has come down, if it comes down to this, I, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, will withdraw as the vice-presidential candidate of Atiku and campaign for President Tinubu, if it has come down.”


Amaechi is the running mate to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who is contesting the 2027 presidential election on the ADC platform.


His comments followed a discussion on the Federal Government’s economic reforms and whether Nigerians were experiencing improvements in their living conditions. Amaechi argued that the cost of transportation, housing, healthcare and other basic needs remained burdensome despite measures such as the increase in the minimum wage.


He cited the situation of workers whose earnings, according to him, were being substantially consumed by transportation costs.


“I have my wife, I have staff in her shop, and they’re asking for a salary increase,” he said. “Do you know why they’re asking for a salary increase?


“Transport from where they live to the 70,000 Naira you pay them in a month as wage, as their income. Transport alone takes N65,000.”


He also raised concerns about rising rents and other expenses confronting households.


“What about house rent?” Amaechi asked. “That loan has increased its rent by 300%. I have somebody call me up in Lagos and tell me they’ve increased my leasing by 100%.”


According to the former governor, salary increases are being undermined by taxation and the rising cost of living.


“So, government increases your salary to 70,000, introduces taxes that take away over 60 to 70%,” he said.


Amaechi further spoke about access to healthcare, saying some Nigerians had approached him for assistance with medical expenses.


“How many people have died because they can’t afford drugs?” he asked. “How many people have called me, sent me texts asking me to pay for their drugs? And I’m not able to pay because I have my children, I have my siblings to take care of.”


On the 2027 election, Amaechi described the contest in stark terms, arguing that economic survival should take precedence over regional and other considerations.


“The people have not two choices, one choice to make, the choice to be alive, because Tinubu presents the choice of death,” Amaechi said.


He added that the economic circumstances of Nigerians should be considered before other political factors.


“If you vote for Tinubu, first, before you even talk about the country, before you talk about the north, before you talk about the south, or east, or west, or the region, you must learn that the first thing is that you must be alive,” he said.


“And most people won’t be alive if Tinubu wins their second tenure. Tinubu will not win this election because there may not be a Nigeria if he wins the election.”


Asked to explain his position, Amaechi said, “The people are tired. They are hungry. The president can only help them by giving them food.”


His comments came amid renewed political arguments over the economic reforms of the Tinubu administration. Atiku had also criticised the government over the cost of living, while Tinubu has defended his reforms and said in his October 1 Independence Day address that the measures were beginning to deliver economic gains.


Petrol prices have remained a major issue in the political debate ahead of the 2027 election, with Amaechi using the pump price as a measure of the administration’s economic performance.


Despite his criticism of Tinubu, Amaechi said he had no personal hatred for the President.


“Nobody hates Tinubu,” he said. “I love Tinubu. He knows.”


The ADC candidate also rejected the suggestion that his criticism of the administration was motivated by personal animosity, maintaining that his concerns were centred on the effect of government policies on Nigerians.

Amaechi was further questioned about corruption allegations associated with the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, under whom he served as Transportation Minister.


Responding to the comparison, he said:

“No, that is not as bad as this,” he said. “In fact, there is no corruption here. They are just taking the thing home.”


When reminded that he was part of the Buhari administration, Amaechi challenged anyone accusing him of corruption to substantiate the allegation.


“Have you asked yourself why they are finding it difficult to arrest me?” he asked. “And I’ve been in politics since 1987.”


Asked whether that meant he was not corrupt, Amaechi replied, “Exactly.”


He also recalled an earlier interview in which he was asked whether he was corrupt.

“There was a time when Margot Bell was interviewing me, and she asked, are you corrupt?” he said. “And I said no. And I’m waiting for the person to prove that I was corrupt.”


Amaechi served as governor of Rivers State from 2007 to 2015 before becoming Minister of Transportation under Buhari. He is currently Atiku Abubakar’s running mate on the ADC ticket for the 2027 presidential election.


Continue reading

at

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has commenced a nationwide promotional campaign offering customers a ₦66 discount on fuel purchases made through its NNPC Fuel App.


The promotion, which began on October 1, will run until October 7 at NNPC filling stations across the country.


NNPC announced the initiative in a post on its X handle on Friday, saying customers had already started taking advantage of the offer at various stations.


“The ₦66 Discount Promo is ongoing & the excitement is already happening across our stations nationwide!


“All over Nigeria, our customers are getting in on the action & there’s still time for you to benefit!


The promo runs from 1–7 October on the NNPC Fuel App,” the post read.


The company said activities had commenced at several of its stations nationwide, with highlights from the first day of the promotion shared with the public.


NNPC urged motorists and other customers to continue using the Fuel App for their transactions throughout the seven-day campaign in order to benefit from the discount.


“Keep fueling, keep transacting and keep your eyes on our pages,” the post read.


The national oil company also said it would continue to release pictures and updates from participating stations as the promotion progresses.


Customers have been advised to take advantage of the offer before the promotional period ends on October 7.


The ₦66 discount applies to eligible transactions made through the NNPC Fuel App during the promotion.


Continue reading

at

Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has accused the administration of President Bola Tinubu of failing to adequately protect Nigerians from worsening economic hardship.


Atiku made the assertion in a statement issued by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, in reaction to the President’s Independence Day address.


He said the speech highlighted what he described as a growing disconnect between the Federal Government’s narrative on economic prosperity and the realities confronting Nigerians.


According to Atiku, the administration has continued to defend policies that have increased the cost of petrol and other essential commodities, while describing fuel subsidies as “addictive.”


The former vice president also disputed Tinubu’s claim that salaries and pensions were being paid “on time and in full”, saying reports of delays by federal workers and protests by pensioners contradicted the assertion.


Atiku cited Germany’s decision to reduce taxes on petrol and diesel by €0.17 per litre between October and December, saying the measure was estimated to cost the European country €2.5 billion and had started contributing to lower pump prices.


He argued that reducing fuel costs would have a direct effect on transportation, food prices and household expenses.


“When petrol becomes more expensive, transport becomes more expensive. When transport costs rise, food and other essentials cost more. The hardship follows Nigerians from the filling station to the market and into their homes.


“Germany understands that when fuel prices put families under pressure, government must act. Nigerians deserve the same compassion and urgency.


“Our plan is to restore targeted, budgeted support for fuel refined in Nigeria, with strict auditing and a guarantee that the benefit lowers pump prices. Support will follow the barrel refined here, creating jobs here and easing costs for Nigerians. It will be funded by cutting waste, protected against diversion and price manipulation, and will not apply to imported fuel.


“To every Nigerian forced to choose between feeding a family, paying for transport or meeting another basic need, I am deeply sorry. You did not deserve this hardship. Tinubu made life unbearably expensive and called your suffering the price of reform. I will make life affordable again.”


Atiku maintained that a reduction in fuel prices would have broader benefits for households, including cheaper transportation, lower prices of goods and increased disposable income.


He added: “Nigeria’s wealth should ease the burden on its people.”


Continue reading

at

The Independent National Electoral Commission has commenced the online recruitment process for Nigerians interested in working as ad hoc personnel during the 2027 general elections.


The commission announced the development in a public notice shared on its X handle on Friday, stating that its INECPRES recruitment platform had been opened for prospective applicants.


According to INEC, applications will be accepted from 8am on Friday, September 18, 2026, until midnight on Wednesday, November 18, 2026.


INEC said, “The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will activate the INECPRES for interested Applicants who wish to serve as ad-hoc staff during the 2027 General Election as scheduled below.”


The electoral body reiterated that the recruitment portal would remain accessible throughout the stated period, giving eligible Nigerians an opportunity to submit their applications before the deadline.


“The activation of INECPRES on Friday, 18 September 2026 by 8:00am and closes on Wednesday, 18th Nov, 2026 by 12 midnight,” the notice read.


INEC explained that interested applicants could apply through its online channels, with options available for both mobile-device users and those accessing the platform through a web browser.


“The Online application will be available on the INEC website via the link inecnigeria.org (for both mobile App. and the Web Application),” it stated.


For applicants using laptop or desktop computers, the commission directed them to the web-based version of the INECPRES platform.


“The web version (using a laptop and desktop) shall be accessible via the portal URL: pres.inecnigeria.org,” the notice added.


INEC also provided an option for Android users, who can download the mobile application through the links specified by the commission.


“The Android mobile App. shall be accessible via the link inecnigeria.org/pres.apk or inecpres-app.com/pres-app.apk,” it stated.


The commission advised prospective ad hoc personnel to complete their applications through the approved INECPRES platforms before the November 18 deadline.


The recruitment exercise forms part of INEC’s preparations for the 2027 general election.


Continue reading

at

The Enugu State Police Command has disclosed the identity of a 27-year-old woman allegedly killed by her boyfriend in the Olympic Layout area of Enugu.


The deceased, identified as Chinyere Rosemary Ugwu, was a graduate of Medical Laboratory Science from the Institute of Management and Technology, Enugu, and had recently completed her National Youth Service Corps programme.


The command made the disclosure in an update issued on Friday as investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death continued.


According to the police, “Investigation has established the identity of the deceased as Chinyere Rosemary Ugwu, aged 27, a graduate of Medical Laboratory Science from the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), who recently concluded her NYSC.”


The police also confirmed that members of Ugwu’s family had been located and interviewed in connection with the investigation.


“Her parents and siblings have also been identified and interviewed by the Commissioner of Police, alongside the suspect,” the statement added.


The Commissioner of Police, Mamman Giwa, assured the deceased’s family that the circumstances surrounding her death would be thoroughly investigated and justice pursued.


“The CP has reassured the family that justice will be served in the case,” the command said.


Ugwu was allegedly killed at the residence of her boyfriend, who was subsequently arrested by the police.


The command had earlier disclosed that preliminary findings indicated that the incident followed an argument between the couple over allegations relating to the source of a Human Immunodeficiency Virus infection.


According to the police, Emmanuel allegedly hit Ugwu on the head with a pestle, causing her death, before wrapping her body in nylon and concealing it inside the toilet of his apartment.


The body was later reportedly discovered after a foul odour emanating from the apartment raised the suspicion of neighbours. The neighbours were said to have forced the door open and apprehended the suspect before police operatives arrived.


The deceased’s remains were subsequently taken to a mortuary for preservation and autopsy, while police officers attached to the Awkunanaw Division rescued Emmanuel from an angry mob and took him into custody.


In its latest advisory, the command urged members of the public, particularly women, to be more vigilant in their relationships and ensure that trusted relatives or friends are aware of their whereabouts.


“Once again, be careful about who you go out with. Ladies, especially, let someone you trust know your whereabouts,” the statement said.


The police added, “Do not assume that because you know someone, you are necessarily safe with them. People can change.”


The command further urged members of the public to remain cautious, saying, “Above all, stay vigilant, trust your instincts, and do all you can to avoid getting involved with the wrong person.”


Continue reading

at

The Indian pilot who was attacked by his co-pilot aboard a Flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv has recounted how he managed to open the cockpit door despite his injuries, allowing passengers to intervene and help bring the situation under control.


Capt Smit Machchhar said he was lying on the cockpit floor while being attacked when he realised that the aircraft was rapidly losing altitude and that immediate action was necessary to prevent a tragedy.


“I was lying on the floor injured but I told myself to go for one last push to open the door from inside,” he said in a video call with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.


“Others came in and also played a role [in controlling the situation]. I was of course fighting for my own life but at the same time I knew I was not going to let others die,” he added.


The incident occurred aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073, which departed Dubai for Tel Aviv early Wednesday. About two and a half hours into the journey, the aircraft plunged more than 17,000ft (5,200m).


The flight initially transmitted an emergency signal to air traffic controllers before its transponder was changed to squawk code 7500, an international signal indicating a hijacking.


Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu subsequently said one pilot had stabbed the other and had apparently attempted to crash the aircraft.


Passengers eventually overpowered the attacker, allowing two reserve pilots who were travelling on the flight to take control and land the plane safely at Tabuk Airport in north-western Saudi Arabia at 06:58 local time.


Machchhar was taken to a hospital in Tabuk before being transferred by air ambulance to Abu Dhabi. He was later reported to be in stable condition.


Netanyahu described Machchhar as a “true hero” and told Fox News that the attacker was an Omani national. He also said preliminary investigations indicated that the suspect had undergone “Islamist radical indoctrination”.


According to Netanyahu, the attacker was restrained and tied up by passengers and crew after being overpowered and subsequently shouted, “kill me, kill me”, which he said indicated that the man was suicidal.


The United Arab Emirates has launched an investigation into “whether the incident was linked to any terrorist activity or purpose”, according to the country’s state news agency.


Machchhar has received widespread praise in India following the emergence of details about his role in helping to prevent a possible disaster.


During his conversation with Modi, the pilot said he had been flying aircraft for 17 years and “can tell what is happening to the plane even with my eyes closed”.


Modi praised Machchhar’s response, telling him that “his courage, patience and quick decision-making saved the lives of so many people” and that the country was proud of him.


The Indian embassy in the UAE said on Thursday that Machchhar was “in good health and recovering well”. India’s Ambassador to the UAE, Deepak Mittal, also said he was “proud of Capt Smit for his bravery” and “very reassured” after meeting him.


Despite the injuries he sustained, Machchhar said he was maintaining a positive outlook about his recovery.


“I am not looking at this wound like a wound because that would make my recovery even more difficult,” he said.


“I am looking at it as a journey which is slowly going on and will take time but I am confident that the recovery will be there and I will become fit and healthy again.”


(BBC)

Continue reading

at

Reality TV star Josephina Otabor, popularly known as Phyna, has made history after defeating actress Nkechi Blessing in a celebrity boxing contest held in Lagos.


Phyna secured a knockout victory over Nkechi Blessing in their four-round bout at Balmoral Promotions’ ‘Chaos in the Ring’ event, staged on October 1 at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island.


The victory made the Big Brother Naija season seven winner the first female celebrity boxer to win a bout in the competition.


Following her victory, Phyna turned her attention to another celebrity, actress Etinosa Idemudia, whom she accused of repeatedly sending her direct messages.


“I stayed calm and got the job done. Now I want to fight Etinosa. Time to teach her a lesson,” Phyna said.


Etinosa, who was at the venue to watch the contest, accepted the challenge.


“We don’t run from fights in Edo. I accept fully,” she said.


The clash between Phyna and Nkechi came after the two celebrities had exchanged words online, with the actress previously criticising the reality star over what she described as her regular involvement in online confrontations.


Nkechi had alleged that Phyna “frequently engaging in online confrontations,” and further claimed that she “fights with everybody”.


Phyna later questioned the reason behind the actress’ comments.


In a separate bout on the same night, skit maker Carter Efe defeated rapper Speed Darlington by technical knockout after Darlington stopped moving during the contest.


The victory extended Carter Efe’s unbeaten record in the celebrity boxing series.


He had earlier defeated controversial singer Portable by unanimous decision in their May 1, 2026 bout.


Speed Darlington had previously faced Portable in a boxing contest that followed a dispute over performance fees.


The disagreement started after Darlington invited Portable to perform at an event and offered him N500,000. Portable turned down the offer and mocked Darlington for being “poor”.


Darlington subsequently accused Portable of insulting his mother, leading Portable to challenge him to a fight.


Portable had boasted that he would defeat Darlington in the same manner he had previously beaten actor Charles Okocha.


The fight was eventually organised after public interest in the dispute grew.


Portable won the contest by knockout following a fierce opening-round exchange, with Darlington failing to return for the second round.


His failure to answer the bell handed Portable a technical knockout (TKO) victory.


Phyna’s victory also coincided with the anniversary of her Big Brother Naija victory, a milestone she celebrated in a social media post.


She said the achievement represented another significant step in her journey from reality television to boxing.


 


(THE CABLE)

Continue reading

at

Saudi authorities have dismissed reports circulating on social media that a suicide bomber was apprehended at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, describing the incident as the arrest of a man accused of harassing passersby and triggering panic.


The Saudi General Directorate of Public Security, in a statement posted on X on Friday, October 2, said security personnel in the Holy Capital apprehended the individual following his conduct towards people in the area.


According to the authorities, the man was dealt with immediately and subsequently subjected to legal procedures before being handed over to the Public Prosecution.


The security agency also rejected claims linking the incident to a suspected suicide bombing, urging members of the public to rely on official channels for accurate information.


The clarification followed the circulation of videos on social media purporting to show security personnel arresting a suspected bomber near the Kaaba.


Posts accompanying the footage claimed that a man wearing an explosive vest had approached the Kaaba with an intention to detonate the device.


However, checks showed that the video was not from a recent incident.


The footage dates back to February 2017 and had previously been published in reports concerning an incident near the Kaaba.


A report by Arab News at the time said Saudi security personnel had intercepted a man who had poured petrol on his clothes and attempted to set himself on fire near the Kaaba.


The man was arrested before he could carry out the act.


The old footage was subsequently recirculated online and falsely presented as evidence of a recent security incident at the Grand Mosque in Makkah.


Saudi authorities have therefore urged the public to verify sensitive reports through official sources rather than relying on unverified social media posts.


Continue reading
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)