Blessing CEO Celebrates As IVD Is Discharged And Acquitted In Wife’s Death Case

Blessing CEO has celebrated the court’s decision to discharge and acquit Ikechukwu Darry Ogobnna, widely known as IVD, in the case linked to the death of his wife. Marking the ruling, which came on December 15, 2025, the relationship therapist shared a photo of herself with IVD and poured out her emotions online, describing the moment as the end of a long and painful chapter. “Discharge and acquitted 15th December 2025… It ended in praise… 4 years of tears and false narratives. Nigeria justice system still works. I am proud of my country. Ikechukwu Darry Ogobnna IVD. You can now have your life back. Congratulations…” She reflected on the years of emotional strain, insisting the case was fueled by misinformation and unnecessary public attacks before the court finally cleared IVD. Blessing CEO also turned the moment into a broader message on relationships, cautioning people against remaining in unhealthy unions. “If marriage or relationship no dey work pls run ooooooo, run oooooo, don’t wait for anybody to pass. Run.” The ruling brings an end to a case that lasted four years and attracted intense public attention, with Blessing CEO hailing the outcome as a victory and a reassurance that justice can still prevail in Nigeria.

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Davido Shows Up For Imade’s School Christmas Carol Hours After His Concert

Davido melted hearts after attending his daughter Imade’s school Christmas carol only hours after stepping off stage from his own performance. The singer, despite his demanding schedule, was present at the school event to cheer Imade on as she took part in the festive presentation. A video shared online showed him watching proudly among other parents. Sharing the clip on social media, Davido made it clear the moment mattered deeply to him, writing, “Made it couldn’t miss it for the world @realimadeadeleke”. The post quickly drew admiration from fans, who applauded the superstar for prioritising fatherhood and being actively involved in his daughter’s life despite his busy career. From Abuja to Lagos!! Biggest davido attends Imade's school Christmas carol🥹 beautiful Father and daughter moment 🥰 pic.twitter.com/beIBogadHJ — Big Love (@bigHotbaby1) December 15, 2025

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Saudi Arabia Breaks Execution Record Again With 340 Deaths in 2025

Saudi Arabia has set a new record for the most executions carried out in a single year, with 340 people put to death in 2025, following the execution of three individuals on Monday, according to AFP’s tally. The figure surpasses the previous record of 338 executions in 2024 and marks the second consecutive year the kingdom has broken its own record since rights groups began documenting executions in the 1990s. A statement from the Interior Ministry, carried by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), confirmed that the three people executed in the Mecca region were convicted of murder. Of this year’s total, 232 executions involved drug-related offenses, accounting for the majority of the deaths. Analysts link the rise in executions to the kingdom’s “war on drugs” launched in 2023, with many of those previously arrested now facing capital punishment after completing legal proceedings. Saudi Arabia had temporarily suspended executions for drug offenses for around three years but resumed them at the end of 2022. The government has increased police checkpoints on highways and at border crossings, confiscated millions of captagon pills, and arrested numerous traffickers, with foreigners disproportionately affected. The kingdom, the world’s largest oil exporter, relies heavily on foreign labor in construction, domestic work, and hospitality. Critics have long condemned its use of the death penalty as excessive, noting it contrasts sharply with efforts to present a modern image internationally. Amnesty International has been tracking executions in Saudi Arabia since 1990, as data from earlier years remains largely unclear.

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Recuse Yourself, Don’t Be Part of Witch-Hunt, Malami Warns EFCC Chairman

Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, has demanded that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Chairman recuse himself from an ongoing investigation and threatened prosecution, describing the probe as a politically motivated “witch-hunt.” In a press release on Monday, Malami described the probe as politically motivated, linking it to his recent defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). He alleged that the EFCC Chairman harbors a longstanding grudge stemming from the Justice Ayo Salami Judicial Commission of Inquiry, which investigated corruption allegations within the EFCC during Malami’s tenure as Attorney-General. “The present investigation—marked by illegal detentions, media harassment, and procedural abuses—bears all the hallmarks of retaliatory persecution motivated by personal vengeance,” Malami said, stressing that the current EFCC leadership cannot conduct a fair or impartial probe into his activities. Malami formally demanded that the EFCC Chairman step aside and that the matter be handed over to another government agency to ensure credibility, impartiality, and public confidence. He also urged the current Attorney-General of the Federation to intervene, warning that continued involvement by the EFCC Chairman could lead to further institutional damage and abuse of prosecutorial powers. He emphasized the need for judicial oversight, insisting on immediate arraignment before a competent court in line with Sections 35(3), (4), and (5) of the Nigerian Constitution. According to Malami, only a court—not a politically compromised agency—can lawfully adjudicate the matter. Malami further accused the EFCC of planning to rely on questionable witnesses, including individuals convicted abroad, calling such tactics “desperate, scandalous, and corrosive to the integrity of Nigeria’s criminal justice system.” His office has formally requested certified copies of the petitions and investigation reports underpinning the EFCC’s actions, citing complaints from Human and Environmental Agenda and Grassroot Advocacy for Peace and Good Governance. Malami concluded by underscoring his commitment to clearing his name through lawful judicial processes and warning against the politicization of anti-corruption agencies. “The law must remain supreme—above politics, above power, and above persons,” he said. The statement was issued by Mohammed Bello Doka, Special Assistant on Media to Abubakar Malami, SAN.

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Ooni of Ife Confers Chieftaincy Title on Ghanaian President John Mahama

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has conferred the chieftaincy title of Aare Atayeto Oodua of the Source on Ghanaian President Dr. John Mahama. The ceremony, held on Monday in Ile-Ife, Osun State, was part of the Ooni’s 10th coronation anniversary celebrations. President Mahama was first received at the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport in Ibadan, Oyo State, before making his way to Ile-Ife, where he was warmly welcomed by a large crowd. Ghana’s national broadcaster, GTV, reported on X that the title, which translates to “A President who reorganises the global space for humanity,” was bestowed by Ooni Ogunwusi in recognition of Mahama’s contributions to leadership and global affairs. The event took place at the Palace Square and drew prominent attendees, including Dangote Group President Aliko Dangote and Ovation Magazine Publisher Dele Momodu. Earlier, the Ooni had also honored Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, with the Yeye Asiwaju title, PUNCH Online reported.

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Awoniyi Splashes Cash Rewards on Award Winners as Kwara Kiddies League Season IV Ends in Style

Kwara Football Academy (KFA) were celebrated as champions of the Kwara Kiddies League Season IV following a 1–0 victory over Gaa Akanbi Kids in the Grand Finale, bringing an exciting campaign to a colourful close. Although KFA had already secured the league title with five games to spare, the champions rounded off the season in emphatic fashion on the final matchday. A fine strike from Jimoh Kamaldeen in the 182nd match of the season separated both sides and capped a dominant campaign for the Ilorin-based academy, who finished the season on a record-equalling 66 points. The Grand Finale ceremony was highlighted by a lavish awards presentation, as Super Eagles forward Taiwo Awoniyi splashed cash rewards and scholarships on outstanding performers across the league, reinforcing the competition’s commitment to grassroots football development. In recognition of excellence throughout the season, each of the 15 players named in the Team of the Season received ₦100,000, while individual award winners in major categories—Goalkeeper, Defender, Midfielder, Top Striker, Young Player, Manager of the Season and Referee of the Year—were each rewarded with ₦150,000. Abubakar Solihu of Gaa Akanbi Kids emerged as Goalkeeper of the Season, while KFA defender Eko Martins enjoyed a remarkable campaign, winning both the Player of the Season and Defender of the Season awards. Afeez Azeez of Afrikan Kiddies FA was named Midfielder of the Season, with Ajibola Gidado of Unicorn FA claiming the Top Striker of the Season honour. Arisekola Faruq of Busari FA was recognised as the Soliu Sanusi Revelation of the Season in the U-13 category. The Team of the Season featured Abubakar Solihu (Gaa Akanbi Kids) in goal; defenders Eko Martins (KFA), Abdullahi Kamaldeen (Future Stars), Yunus Abdulmajeed (Achievers FA) and Soliu Kamaldeen (Barca Kiddies); midfielders Afeez Azeez (Afrikan Kiddies FA), Isiak Mustapha (KFA) and Jimoh Mubarak (Makamz FA); and forwards Adeoye Tobi (KFA), Gidado Ajibola (Unicorn FA) and Abdulhamid Yunus (Koller FA). The reserve list included Muritala Azeez (Barca Kiddies), Abdulwahab Abdulsamad (Koller FA), January Goodluck (Makamz FA) and Oluwaseyi Adeyemi (Unicorn FA). Other awards saw Emmanuel Ajewole named Referee of the Year, Oluwaseyi Ajayi of KFA honoured as Manager of the Season, while Unicorn FA clinched the Fair Play Award. The event attracted top sports stakeholders and dignitaries, including the Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission, the Chairman of the Kwara State Football Association, the Chairperson of the Kwara State House of Assembly Committee on Sports, Mrs Shittu Rukayyat, and the Commissioner for Water Resources, Mr Yunusa Lade Usman, among others. The ceremony climaxed with the presentation of the championship trophy to Kwara Football Academy in a colourful celebration that fittingly marked the end of a successful and impactful Kwara Kiddies League Season IV.

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It Was Painful: Akin Lewis Opens Up About Sudden End of First Marriage

Veteran actor Akin Lewis has spoken candidly about the abrupt end of his first marriage, describing it as a deeply painful experience that still leaves him with lingering questions. Reflecting on the heartbreak, Akin said, “I still don’t understand why my first wife left. Even after all these years, it remains a mystery to me. The sudden end of that marriage shook me deeply and it left questions I never got answers to. It caused me intense pain.” The unexpected separation had a profound impact on him, reshaping his views on relationships and trust. Despite the emotional toll, Akin channeled his pain into personal growth and his acting career, which has flourished for more than five decades.  

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House of Reps Passes Bill to Prohibit Contract and Casual Staff Employment in Nigerian Banks

The House of Representatives has advanced a bill seeking to regulate employment practices in Nigerian banks, passing its second reading on Thursday. The legislation, sponsored by Fuad Laguda, an APC member representing Surulere I federal constituency in Lagos, aims to amend the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act 2020 to “prohibit, criminalise and penalise” the hiring of casual or contract staff by banks. Speaking during plenary, Laguda said the bill is intended to address exploitative practices affecting millions of Nigerians employed on casual or contract terms in the banking sector. He noted that current laws, including the Labour Act 2004 and the Employees’ Compensation Act 2010, do not adequately protect these workers’ welfare. Laguda cited a 2023 report by the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), stating that banks rely on casual and contract workers to cut costs for pensions, minimum wages, health insurance, promotions, bonuses, study grants, and severance packages. He added that such workers constitute roughly 65 percent of the banking workforce. The bill also targets breaches of section 7(1) of the Labour Act 2004, which limits employment without formal recognition to three months. “I urge my colleagues to support this bill because it corresponds with the viewpoints of the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr Olayemi Cardoso, who said casual and contract staff in Nigerian banks are exposed to poor working conditions,” Laguda said. He further explained that banks often hire casual and contract employees to avoid legal obligations, leaving them vulnerable to systemic inequalities, emotional abuse, and mental health challenges. Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu called for a voice vote, and lawmakers unanimously approved the bill, moving it forward in the legislative process.

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