December 2024 | Page 4 of 12

Man slits friend’s throat in Kogi

Our Reporters3 months ago3 months ago01 mins

A 19-year old student of Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara, Kogi State, Usman Tijani’s throat has been reportedly slit by his friend over N200,000. Media reports claimed Tijani was lured to a burialground by one Abdulmuqeet Musari, who attacked him, resulting in a throat injury and stole the sum of ₦200,000 meant for Point of Sale (PoS) business. According to a family member, Zainab Avosuahi, the incident occured on December 24, 2024, when Musari deceived Usman into a secluded area. Usman is now receiving medical care at a Lokoja hospital, where he is undergoing surgery. The authorities are currently searching for the suspect, who is now at large. This incident highlights the importance of community vigilance and support for one another to prevent such unfortunate events in the future.

Police arrest Catholic Priest, others over Abuja stampede

Our Reporters3 months ago3 months ago03 mins

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested the parish priest and several officials of the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja, following a tragic stampede that resulted in the deaths of at least ten individuals, including children. The incident occurred during a grocery distribution event aimed at assisting the needy on December 23, 2024, when a large crowd surged towards the church’s gates, leading to chaos and fatalities. Police spokesperson SP Josephine Adeh confirmed the arrests, stating that the action was necessary to investigate the circumstances surrounding the stampede. She emphasized that organizing such a large event without notifying the police is a serious oversight, especially given the tragic loss of life. After initial questioning, the arrested individuals were allowed to return home as the investigation continues. Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of the Abuja Diocese criticized the arrests, describing them as counterproductive and lacking compassion. In a Christmas message, he urged the government to support the church and the victims’ families instead of pursuing legal action against church officials. He expressed concern over the government’s response, suggesting that it should focus on improving safety measures for future events rather than threatening prosecution. The stampede in Abuja is part of a larger pattern of similar incidents, with over 60 lives lost across three separate events in Abuja, Anambra, and Oyo states. President Bola Tinubu has also commented on the situation, attributing the tragedies to poor planning by the event organisers. Witnesses reported that the stampede began around 4 a.m. as thousands gathered for the distribution, with many refusing to queue, leading to a dangerous crush at the entrance. The police have since issued new guidelines for organizing large gatherings to prevent such tragedies in the future.

Gov. Adeleke grants 53 inmates pardon in Osun

Our Reporters3 months ago3 months ago03 mins

The Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has granted 53 inmates pardon in the State. Adeleke disclosed this via his X handle formerly Twitter on Wednesday. “In line with the recommendations of the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy and in exercise of the power conferred on me by paragraph (a), (c) and (d) of subsection (i) of section 212 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (As Amended), I am pleased to extend my grace and mercy unto 53 convicts serving various convictions within the Nigerian Correctional Service. “In the case of inmates convicted of simple offences, I have decided in accordance with the said recommendation to remit and forgive the remainder of the said sentences of the following 30 (thirty ) inmates in whole,” the Governor stated. The inmates that have regained freedom are; Olubo Sunday, Isah Umar Biodun, Fawas Kareem, Omirin Temitope, Olanrewaju Ayomide, Dare Sunday, Oladapo Tunde, Ganiyu Saheed, Adewumi Sodiq, Adebayo Adeoye Kehinde, Lasis Kazeem, Dauda Ojo, Ismaila Raji, Oseni Micheal, Ajayi Korede and Abiona Nurudeen. Others are; Oshi Samuel, Sheu Yusuf Olatunji, Ojo Aanu, Mustapha Kehinde, Lasis Abeeb, Alexandra Iolaha. Ojo Taiwo, Azeez Mujeeb, Akinyemi David, Adeosun Adekunle, Olabaju Samuel, Adura Adefemi, Paul Basil and Kunle David. The Governor also decided in accordance with the said recommendation to grant outright pardon to the following 12 (Twelve) inmates convicted of simple offences. They are; Olabamiji Nurudeen, Mustapha Isah, Olalekan Abdullahi, Ayomide Olojede, Akeem Raphael, Adeyemi Abiodun, Oladipupo Segun, Omisakin Sunday, Ademola Adio, Tunde Olapade. Late Chief Wole Ola Rufus Ojo and Omoloye Olajide Olayemi. In the case of the following 6 (Six) Convicts sentenced to death, the Governor approved the commutation of their sentence from death to outright release while Ojekunle Timothy has his sentence commuted from death sentence to 15 (Fifteen) years imprisonment having spent at least 10 (ten) years in custody. The freed ones are; Oluwafemi Fagbemi, Bewaji Sunday, Amehin George, Ayomide Arulogun, Taiwo Oluwatobi Stephen and Abubarkar Abdulazeez. The following 4 (Four) Convicts also have their sentences commuted from death sentence to outright pardon. They are Sunday Marakinyo, Segun Olowookere, Tunde Olapade and Demola Odeyemi.

FG launches N250bn Real Investment Fund

Our Reporters3 months ago3 months ago01 mins

As part of efforts to increase housing opportunities for all Nigerians, the Federal Government has launched a N250 billion Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) Real Estate Investment Fund (MREIF). According to a statement released by the Ministry of Finance on its X page, the government said the initiative was designed to provide low-cost, long-term mortgage financing and stimulate economic growth through the housing and construction sectors. Presiding over the signing ceremony, the Honourable Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun, emphasised that the initiative addresses Nigeria’s housing finance gap by offering mortgages with repayment terms of up to 25 years. This contrasts sharply with the high-interest, short-tenor loans currently offered by commercial banks. The initiative would enable Nigerians to build generational wealth through sustainable homeownership.

Sola Sobowale celebrates 59th birthday

Our Reporters3 months ago3 months ago01 mins

Frontline Nollywood actor Sola Sobowale on Wednesday marked her 59th birthday. Trendbrio.com can report. The thespian took to her X handle formerly Twitter to celebrate her day. An elated Sobowale gorgoeus dressed in a pictured flowing gown wrote; “Lord you are faithful and true… “I am grateful for another year added on to my life.” Meanwhile, congratulatory messages from her top musical art and other Nollywoods actors which includes; Queen Salawa Abeni, film marketer Alhaji Kasim Adeoti, Ronke Oshodi Oke, Akin Olaiya, Allwell Ademola, Regina Askia, Broda Shagi, Sunkanmi Omobolanle, Eniola Ajao, Kehinde Bankole, Kie Kie, Gabriel Afolayan, Wumi Toriola and Yemi Solade. Sobowale had her big break in 2001, in the premiere of Nigeria’s popular television drama series Super Story: Oh Father, Oh Daughter. She has also won several movie awards to her credit.

Nigeria rejects Niger Republic’s Military Leader’s allegations

Our Reporters3 months ago3 months ago06 mins

The Federal Government has strongly rejected the allegations in a viral video by the military leader of Niger Republic, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, claiming non-existent collusion between Nigeria and France to destabilise his country. These claims, according to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, exist solely in the realm of imagination, as Nigeria has never engaged in any overt or covert alliance with France – or any other country – to sponsor terrorist attacks or destabilise the Niger Republic in the wake of the undemocratic change in the leadership of that country. Idris said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as Chairman of ECOWAS, has demonstrated exemplary leadership, keeping the doors of the sub-regional body open to re-engaging Niger Republic despite the political situation in the country. Nigeria remains committed to fostering peace, harmony, and historic diplomatic ties with Niger. “Nigeria’s Armed Forces, in collaboration with partners in the Multinational Joint Task Force, are succeeding in curbing terrorism within the region. It is, therefore, absurd to suggest that Nigeria would conspire with any foreign power to undermine the peace and security of a neighbouring country. “Neither the Nigerian government nor any of its officials has ever been involved in arming or supporting any terror group to attack Niger Republic. Furthermore, no part of Nigeria has been ceded to any foreign power for subversive operations in Niger Republic. “We reiterate our full support to senior Nigerian government officials for their untiring commitment to fostering peace and security between the government and people of Nigeria and Niger, and for their efforts towards stronger cooperation in the ECOWAS region. “Indeed, Nigeria has a long-standing tradition of safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Unlike some nations, Nigeria has never permitted foreign powers to establish military bases on its soil. This demonstrates our commitment to national independence and regional leadership. “The accusation that Nigeria seeks to sabotage Niger’s pipelines and agriculture is both unfounded and counterproductive. Nigeria has consistently supported Niger’s economic development through joint energy and infrastructure projects, such as the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline and the Kano-Maradi Railway Project. It is illogical to suggest that Nigeria would undermine initiatives it has actively promoted. “The claims about the alleged establishment of a so-called Lakurawa terrorist headquarters in Sokoto State, purportedly orchestrated by Nigeria in collaboration with France, are baseless. Nigeria has been a regional leader in combating terrorism, dedicating significant resources and lives to ensure stability in the Lake Chad Basin and beyond. “Recently, the Nigerian military launched Operation Forest Sanity III, specifically addressing the Lakurawa threat, Code Named Operation Chase Lakurawa Out. How can a government actively fighting the Lakurawa menace now be accused of harbouring the same group within its borders? These accusations lack credible evidence and seem to be part of a broader attempt to deflect attention from Niger’s internal challenges. “The public is urged to disregard these false allegations. Those making such claims, particularly the Military Leader in Niger Republic, must provide credible evidence to substantiate them. Any attempt to blackmail Nigeria over ECOWAS’s principled stance against the unconstitutional seizure of power in the Niger Republic is both disingenuous and doomed to fail. “President Tchiani’s allegations are not only unfounded but also a dangerous attempt to divert attention from his administration’s shortcomings. Nigeria remains committed to fostering regional stability and will continue to lead efforts to address terrorism and other transnational challenges. “We urge Niger to focus on constructive dialogue and collaboration rather than peddling baseless accusations.”

Breaking: Music icons, Asake, Olamide part ways

Our Reporters3 months ago3 months ago03 mins

Popular Nigerian singer and rapper Ahmed Ololade also known as Asake has reportedly parted ways with Olamide and his record label, YBNL Nation. Media claims have it that the Afrobeat musician unfollowed his erstwhile boss on all social media and have not showed up at any of Olamide’s organised gigs in the recent time. The rumours however became rifle social media personality, Emmanuel Philip, aka Naijashimadun addressed the issues between singers. Just recently, the relationship between Asake and Olamide started raising questions after it was seen that the Lonely At The Top crooner had unfollowed his record label boss on Instagram and also removed YBNL from his bio. According to him, Olamide recently had his December concert in Lagos but Asake was nowhere to be found even though he was supposed to be one of the first people at the venue. Asake unfollows everyone on Instagram including Olamide, removes YBNL from his bio: “Contract ended.” Naijashimadun advised Asake and Olamide to settle their differences because they are a family. He said: “Asake, your senior brother, Olamide, had an event some days ago. You were supposed to be the first person there arranging chairs even before guests arrive but we didn’t even see you at all, we can’t even see you anywhere in Nigeria right now. I also went to your Instagram page, it has become a desert, I even checked to be sure it was the right page. You have removed your YBNL record label from the page and replaced it with ‘creative director’. “Anything that is happening between you and your senior brother, you will both need to settle it. It’s a family case. Go and meet your brother and find ways to settle it.”

Bundesliga star, Karim Adeyemi visits Ooni of Ife

Our Reporters3 months ago3 months ago01 mins

Borussia Dortmund forward Karim Adeyemi on Wednesday paid courtesy visit to the Imperial Majesty, Ooni of Ife Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi at his palace in Ile Ife, Osun State. Reasons for his visit to the monarch is still sketchy as at press time but Adeyemi was born in Munich, Germany, to a Nigerian father and Romanian mother enjoying his holidays in Nigeria. The former Red Bull Salzburg player however eligible to star for Nigeria, having represented the Germany under-16s, under-17s and under-21s and made his debut for the Germany senior team in a 6–0 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification win over Armenia in 2021.