Trendbrio.com

News and Entertainment Update

Live
News
Bayelsa Police Investigate Missing 24-Year-Old NYSC Corps Member 01
02
Politics
Bayelsa Governor Douye Diri Officially Defects To APC
03
News
JAMB Extends 2025 Admission Deadline for Public Universities to November 17
04
News
Oworoshoki Protest: Lagos CP Declares Sowore Wanted
05
Entertainment
“I Have More Important Things to Take Care Of Than a Private Jet” — Don Jazzy

Kamal Yalwa

UK Government Steps Up Crackdown More Than 11,ooo Illegal Workers With Surge in Raids

Kamal Yalwa04 mins

The UK government has intensified its crackdown on illegal employment, with new data revealing more than 11,000 immigration raids on takeaways, beauty salons, and car washes between October 2024 and September 2025 — a 51% increase on the previous year. The surge in operations comes as ministers move to tighten right-to-work checks and penalise employers who fail to verify staff eligibility. A six-week consultation has been launched to expand these checks to include casual and subcontracted workers, closing loopholes that allow some employers to bypass current requirements. Under the proposed reforms, employers who hire illegal workers could face up to five years in prison or fines of £6,000 per illegal employee. Currently, right-to-work checks apply only to companies with formal employment contracts. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the government’s actions under “Operation Sterling” aim to deter illegal migration and exploitation in low-wage industries. “Illegal working creates an incentive for people attempting to arrive in this country illegally. No more. Those found to be illegally working in beauty salons, car washes, and as delivery drivers will be arrested, detained, and removed from this country,” she said. The government has also invested £5m into immigration enforcement to counter what officials describe as a “pull factor” created by lax employment oversight in the gig economy. The initiative follows reports of asylum seekers using rented delivery driver accounts to work illegally for companies such as Deliveroo, Uber Eats, and Just Eat. Earlier this year, Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp claimed to have uncovered “clear evidence of illegal working” during a surprise visit to an asylum hotel. The companies involved have since pledged to improve their monitoring systems, and in July, the Home Office reached an agreement with them to share data and identify misuse patterns. The government has also begun providing the locations of asylum hotels to delivery platforms to help track and prevent unauthorised employment. Officials say the partnership marks a significant step toward reducing abuse within the gig economy. Meanwhile, fresh figures show that more migrants have crossed the English Channel in 2025 than in the whole of 2024, with over 36,816 arrivals recorded so far this year — underscoring the mounting pressure on the UK’s border enforcement system.

Read More

Ebonyi State House of Assembly Approves ₦91.7bn Supplementary Budget for 2025

Kamal Yalwa04 mins

Ebonyi State House of Assembly has passed the 2025 supplementary appropriation bill, for the services of Ebonyi State Government for the year ending December 31st, 2025 and to provide for other matters related thereto. The event, which took place at the legislative Complex, Nkaliki Road Abakaliki, during the plenary of Tuesday, was presided by the Speaker of the House, Chief Moses Ije Odunwa. Reading the Letter of the State Governor, Chief Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, Speaker Odunwa disclosed that the total amount of Ninety-One Billion, Six Hundred and Ninety-eight million, three hundred thousand naira (₦91,698,300,000) only will be appropriated for the services of Ebonyi State government for the year ending 31st December, 2025. He explained the importance of the supplementary budget, adding that it will enable the State to carryout critical projects and developmental initiatives in line with the People’s Charter of Needs Mantra of the administration. Chief Odunwa emphasized that the total amount of Thirty-one billion, one hundred and ninety- one million, five hundred and fifty thousand naira (₦31,191,550,000) Only, will be allocated for recurrent expenditure, while Sixty billion, five hundred and six million, seven hundred and fifty thousand Naira (₦60,506,750,000) only will be used for capital expenditure. Supporting the passage of the supplementary appropriation bill, the Leader of the House, Chief Kingsley Ikoro said, that the supplementary budget will allow for flexibility, and enables the government to allocate funds where necessary and also prioritize projects, and as well as addresses emergencies. He implored his colleagues to support the passage of the bill. The plenary was dissolved to committe of the whole, to enable the House Members dot their i’s and cross their t’s and thereafter, reconvened to plenary, to enable the Speaker to report progress. Reporting Progress, the Speaker of the House, Chief Moses Odunwa, said that the supplementary appropriation bill will be cited as HAB No 016 of 2025, and directed the Clerk of the House, Mrs Edene Uche Blessing, to draw up a memo, informing the State Governor, Chief Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, the passage of the bill. The plenary was adjourned to another legislative day through a motion that was moved by the Leader of the House, Chief Kingsley Ikoro, and seconded by the Member representing Izzi West State Constituency, Chief Godwin Abiri. Theophilus Ifeanyi Igwe, Chief Press Secretary to the Rt. Hon. Speaker. October 28, 2025.

Read More

Nigeria’s Opposition in Crisis as Governors Desert PDP Amid Defection Wave to APC

Kamal Yalwa030 mins

Concerns are deepening that Nigeria may be drifting towards a one-party state as the once-dominant Peoples Democratic Party struggles to retain its few remaining strongholds following a wave of defections by its governors to the ruling All Progressives Congress. The PUNCH reports that four PDP governors in the North are considering switching to the APC ahead of the 2027 elections. The development has sparked fresh anxiety in the opposition party, further weakening the opposition’s structure across the North and raising questions about its future. The PDP, which held the presidency for 16 straight years after the return to democracy in 1999, now governs just eight of Nigeria’s 36 states — Bauchi, Oyo, Adamawa, Osun, Plateau, Taraba, Zamfara and Rivers — its weakest position in the Fourth Republic. With recent defections by some of its key governors, including Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta State), Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom State) and Peter Mbah (Enugu State), attention has turned to states such as Plateau, Taraba, Zamfara, and Adamawa, where speculations are mounting that their governors may soon cross over to the APC. The steady loss of territory — fuelled by defections and political realignments — has emboldened the APC, which continues to attract high-profile converts ahead of the 2027 general elections. In the past months, defections by governors and key party figures have reduced the PDP’s national presence, leaving the opposition battling internal divisions and leadership fatigue. With the PDP now clinging to just eight states, political watchers warn that Nigeria’s democracy risks losing the balance of multiparty competition that has defined its Fourth Republic. Analysts say the recent wave of defections — often driven by access to federal power rather than ideology — undermines opposition accountability and weakens institutional checks. “The ruling APC’s growing dominance is not just about numbers,” said one political analyst. “It’s about perception — that opposition politics no longer pays in Nigeria.” As the 2027 elections draw closer, the PDP faces the toughest test of its existence: whether it can hold its few remaining strongholds or watch them collapse, one by one, under the weight of political expediency. ‘Govs will defect’ The ruling APC hinted at imminent high-profile defections from the PDP and the Labour Party, with at least four governors reportedly in talks to join the party. The APC National Vice Chairman (South-East), Dr. Ijeoma Arodiogbu, disclosed this in an exclusive interview with The PUNCH. Arodiogbu stated that the governors of Plateau, Taraba, Rivers, and Abia (LP) states were among those being courted by the APC and could defect before the end of the year. “It is a possibility that the Plateau governor will join us likewise his Taraba counterpart. We are also looking forward to receiving Rivers governor, (Siminalayi) Fubara, and Governor (Alex) Otti of Abia State in our midst. “These are all high possibilities. We expect that to happen in the coming weeks before our congresses. Most of these defections are expected to happen before the end of this year. Once they happen, it will further confirm that the APC remains the dominant and most organised political platform in Nigeria,” Arodiogbu stated. The APC chieftain explained that the party’s open-door policy and reform agenda had made it increasingly attractive to key political figures across the country. “The truth is that the APC has become a home for all progressives,” he said. “We are not just expanding in numbers but in quality leadership. Governors and other political leaders are beginning to see that this is the platform that offers stability and direction for Nigeria’s democracy.” Arodiogbu said the leadership of the party had created an inclusive atmosphere that encouraged political participation and dialogue. “The national chairman has made it clear that the APC is not closing its doors to anyone. We are reaching out to people of goodwill who believe in President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” he said. He further stressed that the anticipated defections would strengthen the APC ahead of the 2025 congresses and 2027 elections. Kefas move ‘imminent’ In Taraba, strong indications emerged on Monday that Governor Agbu Kefas may soon abandon the PDP for the APC — a move that could end the PDP’s 26-year uninterrupted rule in the state. Multiple sources within both parties with knowledge of the matter confirmed that talks were already at an advanced stage, with Kefas’ close allies reportedly reaching out to key APC powerbrokers in Abuja. “It’s no longer speculation. Consultations are ongoing, and the governor is weighing the timing carefully,” a senior aide to the governor told The PUNCH. If the move materialises, analysts say it would mark one of the biggest political realignments in Taraba since 1999, giving the governor easier access to federal support for ongoing infrastructure and security projects. An APC insider in Jalingo described the development as “a homecoming long overdue,” saying the governor’s leadership style and grassroots appeal would strengthen the ruling party’s base ahead of 2027. “Kefas is a performer. His coming will only make our structure stronger,” the source said. But within the PDP, unease is spreading. Party loyalists describe the rumoured defection as “a betrayal of mandate” that could decimate the opposition’s hold in the North-East. “If Kefas moves, PDP will be finished in Taraba. He is the only one still holding the structure together,” a senior party member admitted. Although the governor has yet to make a public statement, his close allies say his recent political body language — including increased visits to APC-controlled states and meetings with federal officials — has heightened speculation. For now, Taraba waits, as its 26-year history of PDP dominance stands on the brink of collapse. Fintiri in talks? Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State has built a political reputation for thriving as an opposition figure. In 2007, he won his first major election under the now-defunct Action Congress, defeating a sitting member of the state House of Assembly from the then-ruling PDP. Fintiri has since sustained that record, winning the governorship in 2019 and 2023 when the APC controlled the…

Read More

DSS Arrests Man in Rivers Over Social Media Call for Military Coup

Kamal Yalwa03 mins

The Department of State Services (DSS) says it has arrested a man in Oyigbo, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, after tracing social media posts that urged the military to overthrow the federal government. Security operatives detained Innocent Chukwuma — who posts under the handle @TheAgroman on X — following a series of messages in which he called for a “coup in Nigeria” and urged citizens to back the military to “suspend the Nigerian government.”In one post quoted by investigators, Chukwuma wrote: “A coup in Nigeria is needed. Dispose of APC, suspend the Nigerian Government, and join the AES. That is all we need now.” He added in a separate message that “the military needs your support now! Only them can save this country.” The DSS confirmed the arrest and said the suspect is cooperating with investigators, according to sources. Further details about the arrest, including whether formal charges have been filed, were not immediately available. Authorities have in recent years monitored online calls for violence and unlawful change of government more closely, saying such messages can undermine national security and public order. The DSS did not release a formal statement on the case at the time of reporting. Local residents in Oyigbo told reporters that the arrest was carried out quietly and that security agents removed the suspect without incident. Neighbours described Chukwuma as active on social media but not previously known for violent behaviour. The matter may attract further scrutiny from law enforcement and prosecutors as investigators review the posts and the suspect’s contacts and motives. The DSS has in the past warned Nigerians against using social platforms to incite violence or promote undemocratic actions. We will update this story as more information becomes available from official sources.

Read More
LIVE: Israel Kills 100 in Gaza as Trump Insists Ceasefire Remains Intact

LIVE: Israel Kills 100 in Gaza as Trump Insists Ceasefire Remains Intact

Kamal Yalwa03 mins

At least 100 Palestinians, including 35 children, have been killed in fresh Israeli air strikes across Gaza, according to medical sources, marking one of the deadliest incidents since the fragile truce took effect earlier this month. The attacks, which hit multiple residential areas, including Al-Mawasi in southern Gaza where displaced families had been sheltering, have left scores wounded. Emergency responders continue to pull victims from the rubble amid warnings of a humanitarian collapse. Images from the scene show injured children being treated in ambulances before being taken to Nasser Hospital. Despite the bloodshed, US President Donald Trump insisted the ceasefire “remains in place,” saying Israel had merely “hit back” after one of its soldiers was “taken out.” Trump told reporters that “nothing is going to jeopardise” the truce, though he added that “Hamas has to behave.” The Israeli military claimed it had “resumed enforcing the ceasefire,” even as witnesses described sustained aerial bombardments in Gaza City and Khan Younis. Meanwhile, tensions are also flaring in the occupied West Bank. Israeli settlers reportedly torched Palestinian vehicles in two separate attacks — one in the town of Surif near Hebron and another in Atara, north of Ramallah. In Gaza, Palestinian human rights defenders have condemned Israeli demolition work in the enclave’s ruins, accusing private contractors of “profiting from a crime.” Tahseen Elayyan of Al-Haq told Al Jazeera that contractors were being paid over $1,000 a day for demolition operations and even dumping Israeli construction waste onto Gaza’s rubble. “They are feasting on this crime. They are aiding and abetting genocide,” he said. The ongoing violence raises doubts about the sustainability of the US-brokered ceasefire, which was meant to usher in a second phase of the Trump administration’s Gaza plan — including prisoner exchanges and reconstruction efforts under international supervision.

Read More

Trump Administration Revokes US Visa of Nigerian Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka

Kamal Yalwa05 mins

The United States government has revoked the visa of Nigerian Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka, the first African to win the Nobel Prize for Literature, amid a widening crackdown on figures critical of President Donald Trump’s administration. Soyinka revealed the development on Tuesday at Kongi’s Harvest Gallery in Lagos, reading aloud from a letter issued by the US Consulate on October 23. The notice requested that he submit his passport for “physical cancellation” of his visa — a move he described humorously as “a rather curious love letter.” “I like people who have a sense of humour, and this is one of the most humorous requests I’ve had in all my life,” Soyinka joked, telling the audience he was too busy to comply with the consulate’s invitation. “Would any of you like to volunteer in my place?” he added with characteristic wit. The visa in question had been issued during Joe Biden’s presidency. However, Trump’s return to the White House earlier this year ushered in a series of immigration restrictions, including the revocation of visas and green cards from individuals deemed out of alignment with his administration’s views. Despite taking the news lightly, the 91-year-old playwright admitted the revocation would limit his ability to attend literary and cultural events in the United States. “I am very content with the revocation of my visa,” he quipped, later suggesting it might be time to write a play about Trump. Soyinka, known for his sharp criticism of global leaders, has long championed free expression and human rights. He famously tore up his US green card in 2017 following Trump’s first election, saying he would no longer associate himself with a country that “brutalised immigrants.” He reiterated during Tuesday’s event that the act had been deliberate, joking that the document “fell between the fingers of a pair of scissors.” The Nigerian author joins a growing list of Nobel laureates affected by Washington’s new visa policy. In April, former Costa Rican President and 1987 Nobel Peace Prize winner Oscar Arias had his visa revoked, reportedly over his ties to China. Arias later suggested that his criticism of Trump may also have played a role. Human rights groups have condemned the US government’s sweeping visa cancellations, warning that the policy could be used to suppress dissent. Critics say the administration’s criteria — targeting those with “hostile attitudes toward US culture or institutions” — are vague and open to abuse. Responding to the controversy, Soyinka questioned whether such actions truly served US interests. “Governments have a way of papering things for their own survival,” he said. “The revocation of one visa, 10 visas, or even a thousand visas will not affect the national interests of any astute leader.”

Read More

Horrific Violations: Arab Nations Condemn RSF Atrocities in Sudan’s El-Fasher

Kamal Yalwa05 mins

Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, Turkiye, and Jordan have strongly condemned the mass killings allegedly carried out by Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the recently captured city of El-Fasher, amid mounting evidence of widespread atrocities. The condemnations follow a report by researchers at Yale University, which revealed satellite imagery showing clusters of bodies and large patches of red discoloration consistent with scenes of mass killings. The images were taken after RSF forces took control of El-Fasher, the Sudanese army’s last major stronghold in Darfur. According to Sudanese officials, at least 2,000 people have been killed since the RSF entered the city, while aid agencies report credible evidence of summary executions, sexual violence, and house-to-house raids targeting civilians. El-Fasher’s fall has effectively given the RSF control over most of Darfur and sparked fears of a potential breakup of Sudan, more than a decade after the creation of South Sudan. Regional Outrage and Calls for Action Saudi Arabia expressed “deep concern and condemnation of the grave human rights violations,” urging the RSF to fulfill its duty to protect civilians. Egypt called for an “immediate humanitarian truce” and pledged continued support to help Sudan overcome its crisis. Turkiye condemned the “atrocities committed against civilians” and urged an immediate cessation of hostilities, safe passage for civilians, and unhindered humanitarian access. Qatar described the events in El-Fasher as “horrific violations” and called for renewed dialogue to end the conflict. Jordan also joined in denouncing the violence, calling for restraint and a ceasefire to safeguard civilian lives. Egypt, Turkiye, and Qatar reaffirmed their support for Sudan’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, rejecting any attempt to divide the country. Unprecedented Violence The Yale School of Public Health’s Humanitarian Research Lab said the RSF appeared to be conducting “alleged mass killings” after seizing El-Fasher. Satellite imagery from Airbus revealed gun-mounted trucks in formation across the city, and numerous objects “consistent with human bodies” lying near RSF vehicles. Nathaniel Raymond, the lab’s executive director, described the violence as “unprecedented,” noting that many of the bodies appeared in areas where they had not been seen 48 hours earlier. “Those objects now litter the city,” he said, adding that warnings of such a massacre had been raised for months. The report concluded that the RSF’s actions “may be consistent with war crimes and crimes against humanity” and could potentially “rise to the level of genocide.” International Concern Grows UN Secretary-General António Guterres, speaking from Malaysia, said the fall of El-Fasher marked a “terrible escalation” in Sudan’s war and called for an end to foreign military support for both the RSF and the Sudanese army. He warned that “external interference” was deepening the conflict and undermining hopes for peace. The RSF, which emerged from the notorious Janjaweed militia responsible for atrocities during the 2000s Darfur conflict, has not responded to the latest allegations. The United States has previously accused the group and its allies of committing genocide in the ongoing war. Yale’s report concluded with a stark warning: “The world must act immediately to put maximum pressure on the RSF and its backers, specifically the UAE, to end the killing now.

Read More

EFCC Warns Youths Against Greed and Quick Wealth Mentality

Kamal Yalwa05 mins

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has raised alarm over the increasing involvement of young Nigerians in fraudulent activities, blaming the surge on laziness, greed, and an unhealthy desire for quick wealth. According to the Commission, the obsession with material success among the youth is eroding moral values and weakening Nigeria’s ethical foundations. The EFCC described the trend as a dangerous shift in mindset, where many now prioritise luxury and fame over hard work, discipline, and integrity. EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede made these remarks during an orientation and sensitisation programme for new students of the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), Nigerian Air Force, Mando, Kaduna, for the 2025/2026 academic session. Represented by Chief Superintendent Nana Fatima Abubakar from the EFCC Public Affairs Department, Olukoyede delivered a lecture titled “Dangers of Cybercrime.” He urged Nigerian youths to resist the lure of quick riches through illegal means, reminding them that there is no shortcut to success. “True success is earned through hard work, perseverance, and integrity. The urge to get rich overnight has destroyed many promising lives,” he warned. Olukoyede added that cybercrime not only leads to criminal prosecution but also results in loss of freedom, depression, and even death. The EFCC chairman lamented the growing popularity of internet fraud, widely known as “Yahoo Yahoo,” which many young people now see as an easy route to wealth. He attributed the mindset to social media influencers and peer groups that glamorise extravagant lifestyles. “The constant display of luxury cars, designer clothes, and foreign trips online has created unrealistic expectations among youths, who now believe crime is the only way to achieve success,” he said. Olukoyede encouraged students to channel their energy and creativity into legitimate ventures such as digital entrepreneurship, software development, and innovation. He stressed that the same internet used for fraud can also be a powerful tool for progress and impact. The EFCC also identified greed, laziness, lack of patriotism, and peer pressure as key factors pushing youths into financial crimes. Nana Fatima Abubakar, speaking on behalf of the Chairman, revealed that many cybercrime suspects confessed to being influenced by friends flaunting sudden wealth. “They want to live big without putting in effort. Some even mix fraud with drug use and fetish practices. It’s a dangerous cycle of moral decay,” she noted. The Commission further urged schools to integrate anti-corruption and digital ethics into their curriculum to educate students early. It also called on the public to join the fight against financial crimes by reporting suspicious activities through its Eagle Eye App, assuring that whistleblowers’ identities remain confidential. Olukoyede reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s image and future but stressed that success in fighting cybercrime requires collective responsibility. “Every youth has a choice to make — to build or to destroy. Nigeria needs your creativity and innovation, not crime and corruption,” he concluded. The EFCC’s warning serves as a timely reminder that while technology offers vast opportunities, it also poses risks when misused. The Commission insists that true and lasting success can only come from honesty, hard work, and integrity.

Read More