Okpebholo Claims Rising Kidnappings Are Plot to Undermine President Tinubu

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has alleged that the recent spike in kidnappings across the country is a calculated move to weaken President Bola Tinubu politically. According to the governor, the same strategy was deployed years ago against former President Goodluck Jonathan and it worked at the time. However, he maintained that it will fail under the current administration. His comments follow a string of violent abductions by suspected bandits in different parts of the country. In November, gunmen invaded the Christ Apostolic Church, CAC, Oke Isegun, in the Eruku area of Kwara State and kidnapped several worshippers during a church service. Around the same period, at least 10 residents were also abducted from Biresawa and Tsundu communities in Tsanyawa Local Government Area of Kano State. While addressing Igbo leaders at the Government House in Benin City, Okpebholo described the kidnappings as politically driven rather than random criminal acts. “What they are doing now is that they will go and kidnap people just because they want to discourage Mr President but he is resolute. “They are kidnapping people because somebody wants to win an election, it’s not fair. They did this to Goodluck Jonathan and they succeeded, but we know their trick already.”

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Korra Obidi Stirs Reaction By Twerking In Tribute At Fela Kuti’s Grave

Singer and dancer Korra Obidi has drawn widespread attention after visiting the grave of Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo Kuti, performing a dance she called a tribute to the late musician. In a video shared online, Korra explained her homage: “Fela loved a woman with gyrating hips, so I decided to pay Baba a little tribute — I shook my nash for him.” She added that Seun Kuti, Fela’s son, supported her gesture, saying, “You know what Baba likes — will you never give him what he wants.” Korra said the visit was her way of celebrating Fela’s enduring legacy and his impact on Afrobeat. She described feeling his presence during the tribute, noting that Seun suggested Fela might even appear to her in a dream. The clip has sparked mixed reactions online. Some praised Korra’s bold and creative homage, while others criticised her for the provocative nature of dancing at the grave. The incident has reignited conversations about how best to honour cultural icons — whether through traditional reverence or expressive, unconventional tributes.

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Nollywood Actress Bimbo Akintola Says Online Harassment Shaped Her Support For Tinubu In 2023

Nollywood actress Bimbo Akintola has disclosed that online bullying of those with opposing political views influenced her decision to back President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2023 general election. In an interview with Chude Jideonwo, Akintola explained that she was disturbed by attacks on people, including veteran actress Joke Silva, simply for sharing their preferred candidates. The intensity of the harassment prompted her to openly reaffirm her own choice. She urged Nigerians to respect differing opinions, stressing that disagreement is natural and contributes to the country’s diversity. While acknowledging that some may not consider Tinubu the best candidate, she said her support reflected her personal conviction at the time. “Somebody annoyed me; Nigerians annoyed me. Don’t bully other people. We have our right to different opinions. Don’t you like this man? Fine. You have the right not to like him. Do you prefer this person? Good for you. They bullied Aunty Joke to the point that somebody wrote something that offended me so deeply. I now did a video saying, you know what, I’m going for the same person; kill me. Let me see you change my mind with the bully,” she said. Akintola called for greater tolerance, adding, “We can never agree with everybody. That’s what makes us great, beautiful, and different. Till tomorrow, you might not agree he is the best person for the job, but at that point, that is who I wanted; that is who I voted for.”

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Mortal Kombat Star Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa Dies At 75, Fans Pay Tribute

Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, the celebrated actor known for his iconic role as Shang Tsung in Mortal Kombat, has died at the age of 75. TMZ reports that he passed away on Thursday, December 4, 2025, following complications from a stroke. Tagawa reportedly spent his final moments surrounded by his family and children. Born on September 27, 1950, in Tokyo, Japan, Tagawa moved to the United States as a child and grew up in Southern California. His father, a Japanese-American, served in the US Army, while his mother was a Takarazuka actress. He discovered his passion for acting in high school and later studied at the University of Southern California. Tagawa first gained international acclaim with his role as Eunuch Chang in Bernardo Bertolucci’s The Last Emperor (1987), which won nine Academy Awards, including Best Picture. He became a household name with his portrayal of Shang Tsung in the 1995 Mortal Kombat film, a role that remains a fan favorite. He is survived by his three children with ex-wife Sally Phillips, whom he married in 1984 and divorced in 2014. Tributes have poured in from fans and prominent figures, including Ed Boon, Margie Weiner, and Penny Vizcarra, who remembered Tagawa for his talent, legacy, and lasting impact on film and gaming culture.

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Buratai Rejects Terrorism Financing Claims, Demands Retraction and Apology

Former Chief of Army Staff and Ambassador to Benin Republic, Lt.-General Tukur Buratai (rtd), has rejected claims linking him to terrorism financing, describing the allegations as entirely false and malicious. In a statement released on Saturday and signed by his former Army spokesperson, Brig.-General Sani Kukasheka Usman, Buratai said the insinuation is inconsistent with facts and contradicts his lifelong commitment to defending Nigeria against terrorism. The statement followed an online report connecting him and other prominent figures to terrorism financiers. The statement stressed that at no time in his career was Buratai ever investigated, questioned, or associated with terrorism financing by any official body, including security agencies, intelligence services, judicial panels, or oversight institutions. It also criticized Sahara Reporters for relying solely on the unverified claims of Major General Danjuma Ali-Keffi (rtd), calling the publication a “misrepresentation borne out of malice” with no factual or legal basis. Buratai’s statement highlighted his four decades of service, noting his leadership in significantly weakening Boko Haram and ISWAP, reclaiming territories, restoring civil administration, and facilitating the return of displaced Nigerians. “It defies logic to suggest that the same person who led decisive actions against terrorism could be connected to the very elements he spent his career fighting,” the statement said. The statement concluded by demanding that Sahara Reporters and Major General Ali-Keffi retract the publication and issue a public apology, warning that failure to comply would force Buratai to pursue legal action to protect his reputation.

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CAC Issues Nationwide Crackdown On Unregistered PoS Operators Starting January 2026

The Corporate Affairs Commission has announced a nationwide crackdown on unregistered Point-of-Sale operators, warning that all PoS businesses must complete proper registration to continue operating in Nigeria. In a statement posted on its Instagram page on Saturday, the CAC noted a surge in PoS operators running without official registration. The commission said this trend violates the Companies and Allied Matters Act 2020 and the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Agent Banking Regulations. The CAC also accused some fintech companies of allowing unregistered agents to operate, describing the practice as dangerous and a threat to Nigeria’s financial system. It warned that unregulated operations put millions of Nigerians, including small business owners and rural communities, at risk of financial and investment losses. The commission stated that beginning 1 January 2026, security agencies will enforce compliance nationwide. Unregistered PoS terminals will be seized or shut down, and fintech firms that facilitate illegal operations will be flagged and reported to the Central Bank of Nigeria. “Effective 1 January 2026, no PoS operator will be allowed to operate without CAC registration. All operators are urged to regularise their businesses immediately. Compliance is mandatory,” the statement read. The move follows growing concerns over fraud in PoS operations and unlicensed cryptocurrency activities. Olufemi Bamisile, Chairman of the House of Representatives ad hoc committee on Economic, Regulatory, and Security Implications of Cryptocurrency Adoption and PoS Operations, highlighted issues including unprofiled agents, cloned terminals, anonymous transactions, and weak Know-Your-Customer measures, all of which expose Nigerians to financial loss, cybercrime, and security breaches.

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Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan Says Invitation to Senate President for Kogi Projects Was Procedural, Not Personal

Akpoti-Uduaghan Ready To Prove Sexual Harassment Claims Against Akpabio In Court

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) has stated that she is fully prepared to prove her sexual harassment allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio in court. Her statement followed the formal service of a ₦200 billion defamation lawsuit filed by Akpabio, which she confirmed receiving on Friday in Abuja. She said the court now provides the platform that the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges had previously denied her. “The court process gives me the chance I have long sought to establish the truth of my claims,” Akpoti-Uduaghan said, adding that she will show that her refusal to submit to Akpabio’s alleged advances led to prolonged and politically motivated attacks against her. “See you in court, Godswill Akpabio,” she declared. The lawsuit, filed at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, accuses the Kogi Central senator of making false statements that depicted him as a predator who abused his office for personal gratification. The suit seeks ₦200 billion in damages, nationwide public apologies, retractions, and the removal of all online materials containing the allegations. Court documents indicate that Akpabio claims millions of Nigerians were exposed to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s interviews on television, radio, and online, causing him reputational harm, humiliation, and emotional distress. The filings include a detailed Statement of Claim and a list of witnesses. After attempts to serve Akpoti-Uduaghan directly failed, a court order on November 6, 2025, allowed service through the Clerk of the National Assembly. With both parties now officially before the court, the case is expected to proceed and is emerging as one of Nigeria’s most closely watched political and legal disputes in recent times.

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Trump Honoured With First-Ever Fifa Peace Prize Ahead Of 2026 World Cup Draw

United States President Donald Trump was awarded the inaugural Fifa Peace Prize on Friday in Washington DC, just ahead of the draw for the 2026 Fifa World Cup. The new accolade, introduced this year by Fifa President Gianni Infantino, recognises individuals who have made “exceptional and extraordinary contributions to peace” and who have “united people across the world.” Trump’s selection had been widely anticipated, given his recent appearances alongside Infantino. At the ceremony, Trump received a large golden trophy, a medal, and a certificate before delivering a speech to attendees. “This is truly one of the great honours of my life,” he said, adding that his diplomatic efforts had saved “tens of millions of lives” and prevented wars before they could begin. Trump also highlighted the strong ticket demand for the upcoming World Cup. “Gianni has done an incredible job. It is a nice tribute to you and the game of football, or as we call it soccer. It is beyond the numbers we thought were possible,” he said. He described the United States as having regained prominence on the global stage. “The world is a safer place now. The USA was not doing well a year ago; now we are the hottest country in the world right now.” The 2026 World Cup will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, running from June 11 to July 19. Following his speech, Trump joined Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney to conduct the ceremonial draw. Each leader revealed the ball for their nation, which had already been assigned groups, before posing for a selfie with Infantino. Mexico was placed in Group A and will play in the opening match, Canada in Group B, and the United States in Group D. Trump ended with a lighthearted remark on the American naming of football. “We have to find another name for the NFL. This is football, we call it soccer here in the USA but it is really football. It doesn’t make sense that we call it soccer.”

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