2025 | Page 146 of 265 | Trendbrio.com

EFCC Arraigns Benin City Socialite for Naira Abuse

Fola Badmus4 months ago4 months ago64 mins

The Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on Monday, May 26, 2025 arraigned Kelly Okungbowa a.k.a Ebo Stone, a Benin City-based socialite before Justice C. A. Obiozor of the Federal High Court, sitting in Benin City on a two-count charge of Naira abuse and mutilation. Okungbowa is alleged to have on two different occasions while dancing with women in recreational centres in Benin City, sprayed a total of N300, 000 (Three Hundred Thousand Naira) and trampled on them in the process. Count one of his charge reads: “That you Kelly Okungbowa (m) sometime in November 2024 at Uyi Grand Marquee Event Centre, Benin City, Edo State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court whilst dancing with “Mummy Shallipopi,” tampered with the total sum of N200,000 (two hundred thousand Naira) notes of N500 (five hundred Naira) denomination, issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria by spraying the same and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 21(3) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (Establishment) Act 2007 and punishable under Section 21 (1) of the same Act.” Count two reads: “That you Kelly Okungbowa (m) on or about the 9th day of March 2025 at a Lounge/Bar owned by you, located at lhama Road, Benin City, Edo State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court whilst dancing with some young ladies, tampered with the total sum of N100,000 (one hundred thousand Naira) notes of N200 (two hundred Naira) denomination, issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria by spraying same and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 21(3) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (Establishment) Act 2007 and punishable under Section 21 (1) of the same Act.” He pleaded “not guilty” to the charge when it was read to him, following which prosecution counsel, Francis Jirbo prayed the court for a trial date, while the defence counsel, C. B. Ogiegbaen informed the court of a pending bail application for the defendant which has been served on the prosecution. The court at this point stood down the case and when the matter came up again at about 4pm, the judge informed the parties that the day was far spent and adjourned the matter till Tuesday, May 27, 2025 and released the defendant to his lawyer upon undertaking in writing to produce him in court on the adjourned date for the consideration of his bail application.

Tinubu Departs for Lagos to Mark 50th ECOWAS Anniversary

Fola Badmus4 months ago4 months ago03 mins

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will leave Abuja on Tuesday for Lagos to celebrate, along with other leaders, the 50th anniversary of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The ECOWAS golden jubilee was flagged off in Accra last month. In a statement signed by the Special Adviser on Information & Strategy to the President, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, on Monday the Lagos events will include reenacting the 1975 declaration at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs in Victoria Island. At the Eko Hotels and Suites event, President Tinubu, the Chairman of ECOWAS, will highlight the economic bloc’s milestones. The Chairman of the NIIA and former Minister of External Affairs, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, will review the bloc’s 50-year journey, which panellists at the NIIA will later analyse. The only surviving Head of State who signed the ECOWAS declaration, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (Rtd), will participate in all the ceremonies and deliver a speech at the Eko Hotels. Dr Omar Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, will deliver the welcome address. While in Lagos, President Tinubu will, on Saturday, May 31, commission some projects of the administration. Among them are Section I of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Lekki Deep Sea Port Tax Credit Concrete Road, the flag-off of Section II of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, and the 7th Axial Road. The President will virtually commission Kano-Kanwar-Danja-Hadejiya Section II Road and Yakasai-Zalli Road and flag off the Kano Northern By-pass, Zaria-Hunkuyi-Dabai Section I, Dabai-Kafur Malumfashi, and Malumfashi-Dayi-Yashe-Gidan Mutum Daya Section III. President Tinubu will observe the Eid-el-Kabir prayers at the State House, Dodan Barracks, before returning to Abuja.

19 Dead 8 Injured in Kogi Highway Crash Involving Truck and Bus

Fola Badmus4 months ago4 months ago02 mins

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has confirmed a tragic accident along the Lokoja-Obajana highway in Kogi State that claimed 19 lives and left eight others injured. According to a statement released by the Kogi Sector Commander, Mr. Kumar Tsukwam, the crash occurred around 4 pm on Sunday at the Gadabiu community in Lokoja Local Government Area. The victims were traveling in a Toyota Hummer bus heading towards Abuja when it collided head-on with an articulated truck, resulting in a deadly inferno that killed five children among the deceased. The FRSC explained that the accident was caused by speeding and wrongful overtaking, as the bus, in an attempt to overtake another truck, crashed into an oncoming articulated vehicle. Tsukwam revealed that the injured victims suffered various degrees of injuries, including cuts, fractures, and burns, and were rushed to Fisayo Hospital, Obajana for treatment. The rescue operation involved both FRSC personnel and the police. Tsukwam urged motorists to exercise caution on the roads, emphasizing that highways are not racetracks and that reckless driving, speeding, and dangerous overtaking lead to needless loss of lives. He appealed to drivers to adhere strictly to traffic regulations to prevent further tragedies on Nigerian roads.

Trump Calls Putin Crazy: After Russia Launches Record Drone Barrage on Ukraine

Fola Badmus4 months ago4 months ago05 mins

Kyiv, Ukraine | May 27, 2025 – Russia unleashed its largest drone and missile assault on Ukraine since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022, just hours after U.S. President Donald Trump described Vladimir Putin as “crazy” and accused him of “needlessly killing a lot of people.” Trump’s remarks, made on Truth Social and during a press event in New Jersey on Sunday, have sparked diplomatic ripples, with the Kremlin calling the comments a reflection of “emotional overload.” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov defended the Russian president’s actions as “necessary for Russia’s security.” Meanwhile, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attacks, saying only “a sense of total impunity” could allow such strikes to continue and escalate. Wave of Attacks Leaves Dozens Dead At least 13 people were killed and dozens injured between Saturday night and Sunday, as Russia launched 367 drones and missiles across Ukraine. Hours later, between Sunday evening and Monday morning, Kyiv’s air force reported 355 drones and nine cruise missiles targeting Ukrainian cities, marking the largest drone-only attack to date. Air raid sirens sounded across multiple regions of Ukraine early Monday, with additional casualties reported. Russia’s defence ministry claimed its air defence systems intercepted 20 Ukrainian drones targeting several Russian regions. Peskov said Moscow’s strikes were in retaliation for Ukrainian attacks on Russian “social infrastructure.” Trump-Putin Relations in Focus President Trump, who has maintained a personal rapport with Putin over the years, voiced strong criticism on Sunday, saying: “I’ve known him a long time, always gotten along with him, but he’s sending rockets into cities and killing people, and I don’t like it at all.” He also hinted at tougher U.S. sanctions against Russia, though no new measures have been enacted yet. In a subsequent Truth Social post, Trump doubled down, saying: “I’ve always said that he wants all of Ukraine, not just a piece of it… but if he does, it will lead to the downfall of Russia!” Trump also took aim at Zelensky, warning that his rhetoric “causes problems” and “better stop.” Talks of Ceasefire Amid Escalation Despite the escalation, Trump claimed that his recent two-hour phone call with Putin on a proposed ceasefire went “very well,” adding that Ukraine and Russia would “immediately start” negotiations toward a peace deal. Ukraine has publicly agreed to a 30-day ceasefire, while Putin has proposed crafting a “memorandum” on a “possible future peace”—a move Kyiv and its European allies view as a stalling tactic. The first direct Ukraine-Russia talks since 2022 took place on May 16 in Istanbul, Turkey. However, beyond a major prisoner exchange last week, progress remains limited. Russia currently occupies about 20% of Ukraine’s territory, including Crimea, annexed in 2014. Global Response European allies of Kyiv are preparing additional sanctions against Moscow, while the U.S. says it will continue brokering peace talks but could “walk away” if no progress is made. Peskov expressed “gratitude” to Trump and the U.S. for their role in facilitating talks, saying: “We are truly grateful to the Americans and personally to President Trump for their help in organising and launching this negotiation process.” The situation remains fluid as Ukraine braces for further attacks and the world watches for diplomatic breakthroughs.

2027: Labour Party Rejects Claims of Endorsing Obi, Declares Presidential Ticket Open

Fola Badmus4 months ago4 months ago13 mins

The Labour Party has denied reports suggesting it is celebrating Peter Obi’s declaration to contest the 2027 presidential election on its platform. In a statement released on Sunday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, the party clarified that such claims are “erroneous, inaccurate, and do not reflect the position or mood of the party.” The statement reads, in part: “I was quoted out of context, and the impression conveyed by the media report is misleading. While we are not opposed to any individual seeking the Labour Party’s ticket in the 2027 general election, it must be made categorically clear that the party has an established process for selecting its candidates. An automatic ticket is not one of those routes.” Ifoh reminded Nigerians that the party had previously rescinded its 2024 National Convention decision, which erroneously granted automatic tickets to its 2023 presidential candidate and the only Labour Party governor. He further expressed concern over Obi’s recent appearance at a pro-coalition meeting in Abuja, noting that it was done without the knowledge or consent of the Labour Party leadership. “This is confusing, and it appears that Peter Obi has not fully clarified his intentions for the 2027 presidential race,” Ifoh stated. The Labour Party reaffirmed its stance against any form of coalition or merger ahead of the 2027 general election, describing Obi’s continued involvement with coalition activities as “distasteful, unacceptable, and an affront to party leadership.” Ifoh concluded by reiterating that the Labour Party’s presidential ticket remains open to all aspirants: “We are letting Nigerians know that the presidency for 2027 is open to anyone who wants to run under the platform of the Labour Party.” The development adds a new twist to the evolving dynamics within the party ahead of the next general election.

EFCC Arrests 49 Suspected Internet Fraudsters, Recovers Loaded Pistol

Fola Badmus4 months ago4 months ago21 mins

Officers of the Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested 49 suspected internet fraudsters in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital. They were arrested between Saturday, May 24, 2025 and Sunday, May 25, 2025, following actionable intelligence that linked them to fraudulent internet activities. The operations targeted multiple hideouts across the city with an unlicenced loaded pistol recovered from one of the suspects, who claimed during preliminary interrogation that he was a former cult member. Other items recovered from the suspects include high-end smartphones, laptop computers and two luxury vehicles. They will be charged to court upon the conclusion of the investigations.

Oshodi Seeks Re-Election as ITTF Executive Vice President

Fola Badmus4 months ago4 months ago14 mins

Nigeria’s Wahid Enitan Oshodi will be among 17 global candidates vying for eight available positions as Executive Vice Presidents of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) on Tuesday, May 27, in Doha, Qatar. The election will take place during the ITTF Annual General Meeting. All candidates have been vetted and approved by the Nominations Committee following the ITTF Electoral and Appointment Regulations, following their meeting on March 6, 2025. Oshodi, one of four incumbents seeking re-election, is widely regarded as a strong contender due to his significant contributions during his first term on the Executive Board. His leadership and diplomacy have earned him respect within the global table tennis community. In 2024, Oshodi was elected President of the African Table Tennis Federation (ITTF Africa), further cementing his influence in the sport. He played a pivotal role in resolving tensions between World Table Tennis (WTT) and the athletes’ community, enhancing his reputation as a unifying figure. Other candidates for the Executive Vice President positions include: Hajera Hajee (South Africa), Robert Jjagwe (Uganda), Ayman Ali (Sudan), Beatrice Romanescu (Romania), Paul Calle (Ecuador), Ichiro Hoshino (Japan), Imre Kovacsics (Hungary), Veli Ozan Cakir (Turkey), Alaor Azevedo (Brazil), Alaa Meshref (Egypt), Anthony Moore (Australia), Liu Guoliang (China), Stefano Bosi (Italy), Princess Zeina Rashid (Jordan), Virginia Sung (USA) and Ryu Seungmin (South Korea). Meanwhile, Andrew Mudibo (Kenya), Elhajji Monqid (Morocco), and Lotfi Guerfel (Tunisia) have withdrawn their candidacies. In addition to the Vice Presidential race, the ITTF Presidential election will also take place, featuring three candidates: incumbent Petra Sörling (Sweden), Khalil Al-Mohannadi (Qatar), and newcomer Mohamed El Hacen Ahmed Salem (Mauritania). Sörling, the first female ITTF President, was elected in 2021 during a turbulent period marked by the global pandemic and geopolitical tensions. Her tenure has been credited with stabilising the federation’s finances and promoting unity through sport. She also became the first ITTF President to earn a seat on the International Olympic Committee (IOC), a milestone that has elevated the sport’s global profile. Backed by major sporting nations, Sörling is seeking a second term to build on the momentum of the past four years and continue advancing the sport worldwide. The ITTF, with 227 member associations, remains the largest sports federation globally, and the upcoming elections are expected to shape the future of table tennis for years to come.

Lagos Fashion: How Nigerian Designers Localize Global Trends

Fola Badmus4 months ago4 months ago25 mins

African fashion is rapidly evolving, blending creativity, innovation, and cultural identity to captivate global attention. At the heart of this transformation is Lagos, Nigeria’s bustling commercial capital, where designers are reinterpreting global trends to create fashion that is uniquely Nigerian. Designers like Ejiro Amos Tafiri and Mai Atafo in Nigeria, alongside others across Africa—including Ghana’s Christie Brown and Larry Jay, Kenya’s Ikojn, and South Africa’s Boyde—are leading the charge in shaping the continent’s global fashion narrative. Cities such as Lagos, Accra, Marrakesh, Nairobi, and Johannesburg have become vibrant fashion hubs, mirroring their cosmopolitan identities and dynamic mix of cultures. A recent study highlights how fashion in Lagos reflects the city’s unique blend of global and local influences. Through interviews with 18 Lagos-based designers, the study explores how these creatives navigate the intersections of tradition, modernity, and gender in their work—fusing cultural heritage with global aesthetics to redefine African fashion. Cosmopolitanism with Local Roots Cosmopolitanism, often associated with Western cities, is deeply embedded in African metropolises like Lagos. Philosopher Kwame Anthony Appiah describes this as rooted cosmopolitanism—a blend of global influences with strong local identities. Lagos, Africa’s most populous city, embodies this concept as a melting pot of migrants and cultures. Fashion in Lagos exemplifies this hybridity. Designers use local fabrics—such as Aso oke, Akwete, Ankara, lace, and George—to create styles with global appeal. This trend, however, has not always been mainstream. Before the 2000s, indigenous fabrics were largely reserved for special occasions, while imported fabrics dominated everyday wear. The shift towards local fabrics emerged through a combination of designer innovation, consumer education, and government policies—such as Nigeria’s 2017 Made-in-Nigeria Dress Days, which encourage the use of locally produced fabrics. Designer Zena, a study participant, recalled her early struggles convincing clients to embrace local fabrics: “Funny enough, they are easy to wear and not expensive. But it took a while for them to appreciate it.” Today, Lagos designers are championing local fabrics in modern, globally appealing silhouettes, particularly for women. According to designer Eji, this fusion is intentional: “The African woman is not only situated in Africa, but they are also all over the world. The world is more cosmopolitan now; we have interracial marriages, we can borrow culture from everywhere, we can interweave stuff.” Men’s Fashion: The Reverse Trend Interestingly, men’s fashion in Lagos takes the opposite approach. While women’s fashion often features local fabrics in Western-inspired styles, men’s fashion leans towards Western fabrics but retains traditional Nigerian designs. Popular styles for men include the buba and sokoto for daily wear and the agbada for formal occasions, reflecting cultural heritage through modern tailoring. This duality in Lagos fashion—global trends for women, local styles for men—demonstrates the complexity of cultural exchange and identity in Nigeria’s fashion scene. As Lagos continues to cement its status as a global fashion capital, its designers are ensuring that African stories remain at the forefront of global conversations.