Local Archives | Page 10 of 31

Saheed Jamiu Osama and Uyime Godwin Udoekwere

TikTok Influencers Remanded for Accusing Mohbad’s Widow of Murder

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago02 mins

A Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the remand of two TikTok content creators, Saheed Jamiu Osama and Uyime Godwin Udoekwere, for allegedly accusing Omowunmi Aloba, the widow of late Nigerian singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, of being responsible for his death. The defendants were arraigned on charges of defamation, cyberstalking, and conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace following a protest where they held placards that read: “Wunmi Killed Mohbad! Period! E No Go Better For Wunmi!” The protest video, which went viral on TikTok and other platforms, attracted outrage and prompted a swift response from authorities. Justice Ibrahim Kala, presiding over the case, ordered the remand of the defendants at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre pending trial. The court scheduled the next hearing for September 25, 2025. The prosecution told the court that the actions of the accused amounted to character assassination, targeted harassment, and incitement against a private citizen without evidence. The arrest has sparked mixed reactions across social media. While some users defended the defendants under the right to free speech, others condemned what they described as “digital mob justice.” Legal analysts say the case could set a precedent in Nigeria’s evolving cyberspace regarding responsible online conduct and the limits of digital expression. Meanwhile, supporters of Omowunmi Aloba have called for justice and accountability against what they describe as “relentless online bullying.”

Tinubu Rewards 200 Outstanding NYSC Members with Jobs, ₦250,000 Each, and Postgraduate Scholarships

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

In a landmark move to honour exemplary service, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced automatic federal civil service employment for 200 outstanding National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members from the 2020 to 2023 service years. Each awardee will also receive a ₦250,000 cash prize and a postgraduate scholarship to any Nigerian university. The announcement was made at the NYSC Presidential Honours Award Ceremony held in Abuja. President Tinubu, who was represented by the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, described the honorees as “the future of Nigeria.” In a particularly inclusive gesture, the President also approved immediate employment for 10 physically challenged ex-corps members who sustained injuries while serving the nation. “Your patriotism and integrity have earned you this national recognition. You are the future of Nigeria,” President Tinubu stated. Notable Awardees (Highlights): Male: Female: NYSC Allowance Increased to ₦77,000 In a further boost to youth welfare, Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, announced a significant increase in the NYSC monthly allowance—from ₦33,000 to ₦77,000. “This is not politics. It’s recognition of the value our youth bring to nation-building,” Olawande said. NYSC Impact in Numbers (2025): Tribute to Fallen Corps Members NYSC Director General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, paid tribute to four corps members who lost their lives during their national service. “They are heroes of national unity. You may no longer wear khaki, but you now wear something greater—the confidence of a nation,” he told the audience. The Presidential Honours Awards serve as a reminder of the continued importance of the NYSC scheme in promoting national unity, service, and youth development.

SERHA Commits N200 Million to Tinubu’s 2027 Re-Election Bid, Launches Grassroots Mobilisation in South-East

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

A political support group, the South East Renewed Hope Agenda (SERHA), has announced a commitment of ₦200 million to support the re-election campaign of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential elections. The announcement was made by the National Coordinator of SERHA, Belusochukwu Enwere, during the inauguration and empowerment ceremony of the group’s Imo State chapter held in Owerri, the state capital. According to Enwere, the funds will be used for the purchase of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential nomination form for President Tinubu, as well as other campaign logistics. He said the group is determined to ensure the president’s re-election by driving grassroots mobilisation across the South-East region. “Today, we present a cheque of ₦200 million for the purchase of the presidential nomination form and associated logistics,” Enwere stated at the event, which also marked the conclusion of SERHA’s South-East tour. As part of the event, SERHA distributed various empowerment items including motorcycles, mini buses, sewing machines, hairdressing kits, and cash grants to local residents in a bid to promote economic self-reliance and community development. Enwere praised President Tinubu’s administration for its focus on infrastructure development, education, and inclusive governance in the South-East, describing him as a “performing president.” He also acknowledged the legacy of prominent leaders from Imo State such as the late Chief Sam Mbakwe and Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, and commended Governor Hope Uzodinma’s achievements under the 3R Agenda. Looking ahead, Enwere disclosed that SERHA would begin a comprehensive mobilisation tour of all 95 local government areas and 2,344 wards across the five South-East states starting in August. “This is the turn of Southern Nigeria to complete our eight years,” he said. “The people of the South-East will not back down to ensure Tinubu’s victory in 2027.” The inauguration event was attended by political stakeholders, community leaders, and supporters from across the region, underscoring growing momentum for President Tinubu’s re-election campaign in the South-East.

NDLEA Arrests 80-Year-Old Woman in Calabar, Uncovers Drugs Hidden in Moimoi Sachets and Canned Foods

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

In a startling operation that has drawn national attention, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested an 80-year-old woman, Mrs. Grace Ekpeme, in Calabar, Cross River State, for her alleged involvement in a drug trafficking network that spans multiple states across Nigeria. The arrest was made on Saturday, July 26, 2025, following actionable intelligence gathered by the agency. Operatives stormed her residence on Edet-Nsa Street, Base Site, Calabar South, where she was taken into custody. Drugs Hidden Inside Moimoi Sachets and Canned Goods During the raid, NDLEA operatives uncovered over three kilograms of skunk, a highly potent form of cannabis, hidden in food packaging. The agency revealed that narcotics were cleverly concealed in moimoi sachets and canned foods, part of a growing trend among traffickers to use household items to smuggle drugs past checkpoints and law enforcement. Seized items included: According to officials, the discovery is part of a broader crackdown on sophisticated drug syndicates that exploit food packaging to evade detection and prosecution. NDLEA: No One Is Above the Law An NDLEA spokesperson reiterated the agency’s zero-tolerance policy, stating that age or status will not shield anyone from facing the full force of the law. “This operation reflects our unwavering commitment to fight drug trafficking across all levels,” the spokesperson said. “Age, gender, or social standing is no barrier to prosecution.” Mrs. Ekpeme remains in custody and is expected to face charges after investigations are concluded. Authorities confirmed she will be tried alongside others arrested during the coordinated national operation. Nationwide Crackdown Intensifies The arrest comes amid an ongoing nationwide offensive by the NDLEA to dismantle drug trafficking rings and disrupt distribution channels. The agency has made a series of high-profile arrests in recent months and continues to call on the public to report suspicious activities. “We urge all citizens to stay alert and help protect our communities. Together, we can weaken these criminal networks,” the NDLEA added.

Gully Erosion Cuts Off Homes Roads in Calabar Community

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago02 mins

By Kamal Yalwa – Calabar, July 26, 2025 Residents of Odo Edem Aka Effa community in Calabar Municipality, Cross River State, are facing daily hardship as a rapidly expanding gully erosion site continues to wreak havoc—cutting off access to homes, destroying roads, and endangering lives. What started as a small depression has grown into a dangerous chasm, swallowing portions of the main access road and isolating parts of the community. Locals say the erosion worsens after every rainfall, deepening the gully and bringing down more structures along its path. “We now climb through makeshift planks or take long detours through the bush just to get home,” said a resident, Mrs. Idara Eyo. “It’s especially dangerous for children and the elderly.” The worsening condition has raised health and safety concerns, with many residents calling on both the state and federal governments to urgently intervene before the situation escalates into a full-blown humanitarian crisis. Community leaders say repeated appeals to local authorities have yielded little action. Environmental experts warn that without immediate engineering intervention—such as proper drainage, channelization, and soil reinforcement—the gully could continue to expand, threatening nearby schools, churches, and even power infrastructure. Efforts to reach officials from the Cross River State Ministry of Environment for comment were unsuccessful as of press time. Source: TVC NEWS

Troops Kill Notorious Bandit Leader Dan Dari Biyar in Sokoto Operation

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

By Kamal yalwa July 26, 2025 Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation Fansan Yanma have neutralised Dan Dari Biyar, a notorious bandit kingpin long linked to a reign of terror in Sokoto State. He was killed during a clearance operation in the western axis of Sabon Birni Local Government Area, military sources confirmed. Counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama reported that Biyar was eliminated on Thursday while attempting to collect a ransom from relatives of kidnapped victims. According to Makama, Biyar had summoned the victims’ families to deliver the ransom deep inside the forest before falling into an ambush by troops. Biyar was widely feared across the Sokoto East Senatorial District, with his operations based deep within the Tidibale Forest. From there, he orchestrated coordinated attacks on several communities, including Lalle, Tsamaye, and parts of Gwadabawa. He was also allegedly responsible for the notorious burning of Gidan Sale village along the Gundumi axis. Known for his cruelty, Biyar earned infamy for his brutal treatment of kidnap victims, and for his provocative slogan, “I prefer ₦500 to a Hausa man,” which underscored his disdain and ruthlessness. Intelligence reports linked him to numerous acts of arson, ambushes, and raids on rural communities, military sources said. The operation that led to his death was carried out by a joint team of Nigerian Army personnel and local security volunteers under the Sokoto State Government’s Community Protection Initiative. Troops reportedly recovered a cache of high-calibre weapons, while several members of Biyar’s gang fled the scene. Pursuit operations are ongoing. The successful neutralisation of Biyar marks a significant breakthrough in ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks operating in Nigeria’s northwest.

IGP Applauds Gov. Diri’s Honours for Police Officer of the Year

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago02 mins

By kamal yalwa: July 26, 2025 The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has commended Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, for hosting a high-profile state banquet in honour of Superintendent of Police (SP) Sentome Obi, the recipient of the Police Officer of the Year 2024 and the prestigious IGP Integrity Award. The celebratory event, held in Yenagoa, was described by the IGP as a significant gesture that promotes honour, courage, and ethical excellence within Nigeria’s law enforcement community. SP Sentome Obi, who hails from Bayelsa State, currently heads the Financial and Cybercrime Unit at Zone 16 Command, Yenagoa. He garnered national recognition after he rejected a $17,000 bribe intended to derail a sensitive criminal investigation—an act that earned him accolades for integrity and professionalism. In recognition of his exemplary conduct, Governor Diri presented SP Obi with a brand-new car and a fully furnished three-bedroom bungalow, highlighting the state’s appreciation for upright public service. The IGP praised Governor Diri’s gesture as a “watershed moment” in ongoing efforts to embed a culture of accountability and integrity within the Nigeria Police Force. “This recognition is not only well deserved, but it also sets a new standard for public service and moral leadership,” IGP Egbetokun said. The honouring of SP Obi aligns with the IGP’s broader vision to reposition the Nigeria Police Force as a modern, ethical, and community-trusted institution. According to Egbetokun, such recognitions inspire officers across the country to uphold the core values of honesty, service, and professionalism.

Tinubu Reportedly Distances Longtime Ally Eludoyin Amid NNPC Turmoil

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago04 mins

Abuja – In a dramatic turn of events that has gripped the political elite, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is said to have distanced himself from his longtime ally and confidant, Prince Dapo Eludoyin, as controversy deepens around the embattled Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), Bayo Ojulari. According to insider sources, the President’s cold shoulder towards Eludoyin stems from a series of missteps and allegations surrounding Ojulari, who is facing scrutiny over what critics describe as poor judgment and questionable political alignments. Ojulari first came under fire over his ill-timed NNPC executive retreat in Kigali, Rwanda, which drew criticism given the country’s pressing economic challenges. However, the pressure mounted further following unconfirmed reports that he allegedly facilitated travel arrangements for key opposition figures, using NNPC aviation contracts in a manner seen by some as politically subversive. What appears to have drawn President Tinubu’s ire even more is the fact that Ojulari was reportedly nominated for the top NNPC role on the strong recommendation of Prince Eludoyin. Sources within Aso Rock suggest the President now feels blindsided, particularly after revelations of Ojulari’s alleged ties to businessman Bashir Abdulahi Haske — a figure currently under investigation over alleged fraud and corruption. Observers say Tinubu’s silence and visible detachment from Eludoyin signal a deep sense of disappointment. One senior official described the fallout as “a classic case of political self-preservation,” suggesting that the President may be trying to shield his administration from further reputational damage. Political analysts note that while Tinubu is known for rewarding loyalty, he is equally swift to reposition when allies become political liabilities. “This may be more of a strategic retreat than a permanent fallout,” said one source familiar with the situation. “The President is pragmatic — he distances himself when necessary but rarely closes the door completely.” As Abuja’s political circles continue to buzz, questions remain: Is Eludoyin’s influence within the Tinubu camp permanently diminished? Will Ojulari survive the mounting pressure? Or is this the beginning of a broader shake-up within the nation’s oil sector? What is clear, however, is that the episode has sent ripples through the upper ranks of government, laying bare the high-stakes calculations and shifting alliances that define Nigeria’s political theatre.