Our Reporters

Dele Farotimi regains freedom 21 days after arrest

Dele Farotimi, a human rights advocate, has been released from the correctional centre in Ekiti State after meeting his bail conditions. Farotimi was released on Tuesday morning. A Presidential Candidate of the African Pro….Omoyele Sowore revealed the development in a post on his X handle. “I’m pleased to report that Dele Farotimi is no longer being held at the prison yards in Ekiti State and is now returning home to Lagos. “The stfruggle continues! “Happy holidays to you all,” Sowore wrote. Recall that a Magistrate’s Court in Ado-Ekiti granted N30 million bail to Farotimi last Friday. Farotimi, had since December 4, been remanded in prison over alleged defamation of Afe Babalola, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and founder of Afe Babalola University Ado Ekiti (ABUAD). He was arrested in Lagos on Dec 3, 2024 by police officers deployed from the Ekiti State police command and taken to Ado Ekiti the same day.

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NAFDAC seizes unregistered food products worth N3.8bn

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control’s Investigation & Enforcement Directorate raided a warehouse at Apongbon Oke Arin Market, following a tip-off about the sale of unregistered food products. Various unregistered items valued at N3,818,802,720 were seized during the operation, and the facility has been placed on hold pending further investigation. The warehouse management, according to statement on NAFDAC’s X handle, has been summoned for questioning, and appropriate sanctions will follow after investigations.

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Tinubu celebrates Faleke on his 65th birthday

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Hon. James Abiodun Faleke, who marks his 65th birthday on December 25, 2024. Faleke has been the representative for the Ikeja Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives since 2011. President Tinubu acknowledged Faleke’s invaluable contributions and unwavering loyalty over the past two decades, emphasising his steadfast support during pivotal moments. Reflecting on Faleke’s exemplary service as the chairman of the Ojodu Local Council Development Area (LCDA) from 2003 to 2011, President Tinubu further commends his pivotal leadership in orchestrating the successful 2022- 2023 presidential campaign, which paved the way for the Renewed Hope administration. President Tinubu praised Faleke for his instrumental role as the campaign’s lead strategist and for tirelessly working to ensure his and his party’s triumph. Tinubu lauds Hon. Faleke, a senior Federal House of Representatives member, for his incisive contributions to the national discourse. He particularly appreciates his strong advocacy for true federalism, prudent financial management, anti-corruption measures, transparency in public procurement, and youth empowerment. The President said that Hon. Faleke’s extensive experience in the National Assembly and various leadership roles continues to benefit the people of Lagos and Nigeria as a whole. President Tinubu prayed that God Almighty grants Hon. Faleke good health and gives him more opportunities to serve the nation diligently.

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Police arrest 30,313, recover 1,984 firearms, 23,250 ammuntion

The Inspector-General of Nigerian Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has revealed the arrests of 30,313 suspected criminals in the out-going year. Egbetokun made this revelation on Tuesday during a strategic meeting held on Tuesday, with senior police officers of the Nigeria Police Force. The meeting, which took place at the Goodluck Ebele Peacekeeping Hall, Force Headquarters Abuja, served as a platform for reviewing the achievements of the Force in the year 2024 while outlining strategic plans for innovation and adaptability as the Force prepares for the challenges of the coming year. In his remarks, the IGP acknowledged the hard work and dedication displayed by police officers throughout the year, particularly the significant accomplishments in crime reduction and community engagement, noting the importance of collaborative efforts in fostering trust between the police and the public. In the year under review, the Nigeria Police Force recorded major successes in tackling crime, leading to the arrest of 30,313 suspects for various heinous offences, the recovery of 1,984 assorted firearms, 23,250 rounds of ammunition of varying calibres, and the rescue of 1,581 kidnapped victims. The IGP emphasized that the Force will prioritize innovation in technology and operational strategies in 2025, learning from experiences and adapting as we move on. The IGP also encouraged senior officers to embrace modern tools and progressive practices that enhance the Force’s effectiveness in crime prevention and investigation. As the nation approaches the festive season, the Nigeria Police Force, under the leadership of IGP Egbetokun, is poised to implement the necessary measures to ensure a peaceful and secure environment for all citizens. The IGP reiterates the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with the public, ensuring safety, and fostering a culture of accountability.

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Stampede: Court remands Ooni’s ex-queen, Oriyomi Hamzat

The Chief Magistrate Court sitting in Iyaganku, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Tuesday ordered the remand of the Principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun Ibadan, Mr Abdullahi Fasasi; the Chairman of Agidigbo FM, Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat; and Naomi Silekunola, an estranged wife of the Ooni of Ile Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, at Agodi Correctional Centre. The court presided over by Chief Magistrate Olabisi Ogunkanmi, remanded the three defendants on a four-count charge of conspiracy and murder in connection with the children’s funfair stampede in Ibadan on Wednesday. The three defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. The trio were arrested in connection with the recent stampede that occurred at the school, and they were brought to court on Tuesday by men of the Oyo State Police Command. The suspects were arraigned amidst heavy security. The premises of the court were filled with relatives of the defendants and other interested parties. The police prosecutor argued that the offence committed by the defendants was contrary to Section 324 of the Criminal Code, Cap. 38, Vol. II, Laws of Oyo State of Nigeria, 2000. Ogunkanmi ordered that the suspects be kept at Agodi Correctional Center pending advice from the State Prosecutor. The case has been adjourned until January 14, 2025.

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Kogi West Senator addresses ‘spoilt’ rice palliatives 

A senator representing Kogi West Senatorial district, Senator Karimi Sunday has expressed sadness over the alleged spoilt rice palliatives for the Constituency during the Yuletide season.  The federal lawmaker, who is alarmed by the claims in the media assured that he is prepared to investigate the matter and bring to book the perpetrators.  “I wish to address the recent situation regarding the rice palliatives intended for the Christmas celebration in Kabba/Bunu Local Government from a constructive perspective. “While the effort will provide relief and joy to our community during this festive period, we faced a challenge when the rice delivery was unfortunately found to be spoiled. 

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Atalanta rejects Liverpool interest in Lookman

Atalanta are unwilling to sell any of their stars in the January transfer window, including Ademola Lookman, who is wanted by Liverpool. Premier League giants Liverpool have eyed Atalanta striker Lookman, but La Dea will not sell any of their stars in the winter transfer window. Tuttosport newspaper claimed that Atalanta have already ‘said no’ to a Liverpool request for the 27-year-old striker. The Nigeria international was named the Best African Player of 2024 and has contributed to impressive results from the Nerazzurri. Lookman has already scored 11 goals and provided five assists in 19 appearances across all competitions this term. Last season, he helped Atalanta win their first European trophy by scoring a hat-trick in the Europa League Final against Bayer Leverkusen. Atalanta have won ten consecutive matches in Serie A and are the current table leader. Lookman was in talks to join PSG last summer but eventually remained in Bergamo, where his contract expires in 2026. Liverpool’s domestic rivals Manchester City have targeted another Atalanta star, Ederson, but La Dea will keep hold of the Brazilian until the end of the season.

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8th CHAN: Rabiu Ali, Alimi, 16 others to tackle Ghana

Stand-in Head Coach Daniel Ogunmodede has picked ageless warhorse Rabiu Ali, wing-back Sadiq Ishmael, centre-back Stephen Manyo, midfielders Musa Zayyad and Jide Fatokun, and forwards Anas Yusuf and Sikiru Alimi in an 18-man roster for Sunday’s 8th African Nations Championship qualifying match against Ghana’s Black Galaxies in Accra. The gaffer also picked goalkeeper Henry Ozoemena, defender Victor Collins and forward Abubakar Adamu for the must-win two-leg fixture, with the Galaxies being the reason why Nigeria failed to qualify for the championship on two different occasions in the past, namely 2009 and 2023. The Super Eagles B, with Ogunmodede and Coaches Fidelis Ilechukwu and Olatunji Baruwa in charge, had staggered training sessions over three weeks from the month of October, before a final training camp commenced at the Remo Stars Sports Institute, Ikenne-Remo three weeks ago. Sunday’s first leg fixture is scheduled for the Accra Sports Stadium, with kick-off set for 4pm Ghana time (5pm in Nigeria), and some kilometres away, both countries’ U17 girls will be battling for the inaugural WAFU B U17 Cup at the Ghana Centre of Excellence in Prampram. Over the past 10 months, Nigeria have dominated Ghana at international level, starting with the Super Eagles’ 2-1 defeat of the Black Stars in a friendly match in Marrakech, Morocco – a first win at senior level for Nigeria against the West African rivals in 18 years. In the summer, Nigeria’s U17 boys edged the Black Satellites 3-2 in the third-place match of the WAFU B U17 Championship staged by Ghana, and in October, the Flying Eagles defeated the Black Satellites 3-1 to successfully retain their WAFU B U20 Championship title in Lome, Togo. Togolese referee Aklesso Gnama will be in charge of Sunday’s encounter at the Accra Sports Stadium, with compatriots Jonathan Ahonto Koffi, Wassiou Tchamolla Ourotou and Kossi Fabrice Senyo in the roles of assistant 1, assistant 2 and fourth official respectively. Liberian Ivan Gartor Brown will serve as commissioner while Hugues Alain Adjovi from Benin Republic will be the referee assessor. The second leg will hold at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo on Saturday, 28th December, with the winner on aggregate to pick a ticket to the 8th African Nations Championship taking place in Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda, 1st â€“ 28th February, 2025. 18 SUPER EAGLES B FOR WAR AGAINST GHANA’S BLACK GALAXIES Goalkeepers: Henry Ozoemena (Enyimba FC); Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars) Defenders: Ismail Sadiq (Remo Stars); Waliu Ojetoye (Ikorodu City); Imo Obot (Enyimba FC); Junior Nduka (Remo Stars); Victor Collins (Nasarawa United); Ifeanyi Onyebuchi (Rangers International); Steven Manyo (Rivers United) Midfielders: Jide Fatokun (Remo Stars); Rabiu Ali (Kano Pillars); Saviour Isaac (Rangers International); Musa Zayyad (El-Kanemi Warriors) Forwards: Anas Yusuf (Nasarawa United); Adamu Abubakar (Plateau United) Sikiru Alimi (Remo Stars); Emmanuel Ogbole (Kwara United); Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes)

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