Wikipedia Lists Owolabi Salis As First Nigerian Astronaut

Following official recognition by the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI), globally acclaimed online media, Wikipedia has officially listed the U. S. based Astronaut, Chief Owolabi Salis, amongst the universally recognised lists of people who had successfully travelled to the outer space. The Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) defines space flight as any flight over 100 kilometers (62 miles) above sea-level. Those able to breast the tape above this threshold are awarded with Astronaut Wings. The globally acclaimed online encyclopedia further recognised the Nigeria-born Lawyer and Finance technocrat as the first Nigerian to travel to the outer space. By this rating, Salis who was numerically listed as 702, amongst the hierarchy of officially acknowledged space travellers since the annals of human existence, thus became not only the first, but also the only Nigerian ever to have successfully undertaken the journey, in the annals of outer-space adventure. The Nigeria-born Lawyer-Astronaut described the recognition by Wikipedia as immensely gladdening and encouraging, considering the fact that our planet is approximately five billion years old and about 117 billion people had lived in it, out of which only an infinitesimal 720 people had been to space. Topping the list was Yuri Gagarin, from the defunct Soviet Union recorded as the first person to have navigated the space on April 12,1961, coming close on the heels by Alan Shepard, the first American to have achieved the feat barely a month after, in May 5,1961. According to Wikipedia, the qualification for enlistment is based on achieving an altitude higher than 330,000 feet as stipulated by Federation Aeronatique Internationale, the universally endorsed body that certifies aviation records. It could be recalled that on June 29, the history-making Legal luminary, along with six others, took a trip to space, aboard the Blue Origin space-craft, which took off from West Texas and reached approximately 105 Km altitude, crossing the Karman Line, the internationally recognized boundary for space travel. The trip code-named NS-33 was undertaken under the auspices of Blue Origin, an aerospace company owned by Amazon, founder of Jeff Broz. On the historic trip with Salis was Allie Kuehner, Carl Kuehner, Leland Larson, Freddie Rescigno Jnr. and Jim Sitkin, in an adventure which Salis the Leader and Founder of Soul Makers Ministry World-Wide described as spiritually rewarding.

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Amotekun Corps Arrest Five Suspects for Robbing Tricyclists in Ogun

Five suspects have been apprehended by the Amotekun Corps in Ogun State, for robbing and assaulting two tricycle riders along the Lagos/Abeokuta Expressway. The Corps Commander, Brig. Gen. Alade Adedigba (rtd), who confirmed the incident to newsmen explained that the suspects, four male and one female popularly identified as “customs camp boys” were arrested at about 2:30 a.m on Monday in Ifo and Ewekoro local governments areas of the state following an intelligence received regarding the robbery. According to him, the suspects include 30-year- old Clement Samuel , 23-year-old Clement Monday, Olabode Yusuf, 36, Sodipo Taiwo, 34, and Ogunsakin Yemisi Opeyemi, 22. The Amotekun Corps Boss said that the victims had recounted the harrowing experience where they were attacked by the suspects, who allegedly fired a locally-made pistol and shattered their tricycle windshields, leading to severe injuries and the loss of valuables including mobile phones and cash. Adedigba added that two sophisticated Samsung and iPhones, and a sum of N40,000, a locally-made pistol, charms, and jackknife which were allegedly used in the commission of the crime were recovered from the suspects. He added that all evidence and case documents have been transferred to the appropriate police authorities for further investigation and prosecution.

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Police Intercept Motorcycle Rider with Three Human Skulls in Ogun

Operatives of the Ogun State Police Command have arrested two men in connection with the unlawful possession of three human skulls in the Ijebu area of Ogun state. On Monday, 11th August 2025, at about 1400hrs, a team of Mobile Police Officers from 71 PMF Awa Ijebu was conducting a routine stop-and-search operation along the Ijebu Ode/Ibadan Expressway at Refugees Camp Junction, Oru Ijebu. During the exercise, officers intercepted one Kadir Owolabi ‘m’, who was riding a motorcycle. A search of his luggage led to the shocking discovery of three human skulls. Preliminary investigation subsequently led to the arrest of another suspect, Jamiu Yisa ‘m’, aged 53, behind Ijebu Ode Local Government Secretariat. The Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, directed the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to take over the case for discreet investigations. The Ogun State Police Command reiterates its commitment to decisive action against crime and urges residents to cooperate with Ogun State Command. He assured members of the public of trust, confidentiality and identity protection.

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Tinubu Replaces Muheeba Dankaka as Federal Character Commission Chair Appoints Ayo Omidiran

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has withdrawn the reappointment of Dr. Muheeba Dankaka as Chairperson of the Federal Character Commission (FCC) and named Hon. Ayo Omidiran, a former member of the House of Representatives, as her replacement. News360 Nigeria reports that the change followed an earlier statement from Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, announcing Dankaka’s nomination. A subsequent release revealed the decision was reversed due to controversies surrounding her tenure. The President also appointed Mohammed Musa as the FCC Secretary and retained Kayode Oladele, the commissioner from Ogun State, who has been serving as Acting Chairman since 2024. Other reappointments include Lawal Ya’u Roni (Jigawa), Abubakar Atiku Bunu (Kebbi), Eludayo Eluyemi (Osun), and Abdulwasiu Kayode Bawalla (Lagos). The newly appointed commissioners are: Hon. Obina Oriaku (Abia), Mrs. Bema Olvadi Madayi (Adamawa), Obongawan Dora Ebong (Akwa Ibom), Hon. Nnoli Nkechi Gloria (Anambra), Babangida Adamu Gwana (Bauchi), Sir Tonye Okio (Bayelsa), Aligba Eugene Tarkende (Benue), Engr. Modu Mustapha (Borno), Dr. Stella Odey Ekpo (Cross River), and Ederin Lovette Idisi (Delta). Others include Barr. Nwokpor Vincent Nduka (Ebonyi), Hon. Chief Victor Sabor Edoror (Edo), Hon. Sola Fokanle (Ekiti), Peter Eze (Enugu), Ibrahim Baba Mairiga (Gombe), Hon. Jerry Alagbaoso (Imo), Ruth Jumai Ango (Kaduna), Muhammad Awwal Nayya (Kano), Hon. Anas Isah (Katsina), Bello Idris Eneye (Kogi), Dr. Ibrahim Abdullahi (Kwara), Alh. Isah Jibrin (Niger), Comrade Ajimudu Bola (Ondo), Prince Ayodeji Abas Aleshinloye (Oyo), Hon. Pam Bolman (Plateau), Aaron Chukwuemeka (Rivers), Alh. Aminu Tambar (Sokoto), Comrade Bobboi Bala Kaigama (Taraba), Hon. Jibir Maigari (Yobe), Sani Garba (Zamfara), and Solomon Ayuba Dagami (FCT).

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EFCC Arrests Former Sokoto Governor Tambuwal Over Alleged ₦189bn Fraudulent Withdrawals

Former Sokoto State governor, Aminu Tambuwal, is in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at its Abuja headquarters over allegations of fraudulent cash withdrawals totalling ₦189 billion. According to EFCC sources, the transactions, allegedly carried out during Tambuwal’s tenure, are suspected to be in clear violation of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. The former governor reportedly arrived at the EFCC office around 11:30 a.m. on Monday and was ushered in to face a panel of interrogators over the alleged financial infractions. Investigators have described the withdrawals as a major breach of financial regulations. As of press time, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale declined to comment on the ongoing investigation.

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FG Disburses N5.12bn Pension Arrears to Over 90,000 Retirees

The Federal Government has disbursed N5.12 billion in pension arrears to 90,689 retirees under the Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS) through the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD). This was disclosed on Monday in Abuja by PTAD’s Head of Corporate Communications, Mr. Olugbenga Ajayi, who confirmed that the payments had been concluded. According to Ajayi, the disbursement covers pensioners across the four pension departments as follows: Ajayi reiterated that the payments reflect the administration’s commitment to pensioners’ welfare in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

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Middle Belt Forum Backs Peter Obi’s One-Term Pledge, Obidient Movement Gains Ground in Ibadan

The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has endorsed Labour Party’s 2027 presidential hopeful, Mr. Peter Obi, for pledging to serve only one term if elected, describing him as a man of integrity who can be trusted to honour his word. In a statement, MBF National President, Dr. Bitrus Pogu, said the forum believes Obi’s track record shows he would keep his promise “to the letter” and not use it as a political ploy. “We believe Peter Obi is a man of honour and, if he wins, he will keep to his promises,” Pogu said. He stressed that term limits should ideally be decided by the constitution and the electorate, but maintained that the Middle Belt had confidence in Obi’s sincerity. Meanwhile, Obi’s support base, the Obidient Movement, is gaining momentum in Oyo State. At the weekend, members gathered for the Oyo State Obidient Conference themed “Going Forward 2027: A New Nigeria is Possible” at the Empowerment Centre, Ring Road, Ibadan. The event attracted party loyalists, political analysts, and grassroots organisers. Delivering the keynote address, Professor Francis Egbokhare of the University of Ibadan lamented Nigeria’s underperformance despite abundant talent. He described the nation as “a giant lying prostrate, trampled by dwarfs,” criticising poor governance, propaganda-driven politics, and lack of strategic thinking. “The first order of business is to restructure the mindset, because to win elections without it is to perpetuate the same failures,” he warned, urging the movement to adopt disciplined execution, integrity, and a focus on human development. Obidient Movement National Coordinator, Dr. Tanko Yunusa, dismissed rumours of Obi leaving the Labour Party, confirming his candidacy for 2027 on a single-term agenda. “If elected, he will provide Nigeria with a single term of purposeful leadership. Many problems can be resolved within one year if we focus on essential human development,” Yunusa said. Oyo State Coordinator and convener, Mr. Ayo Akinyemi, called the conference a unifying moment for members, urging them to remain committed to Obi’s vision for national transformation.

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EFCC Arrests Tambuwal Over Alleged Withdrawals of N189B

Former governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal, is currently in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at its Abuja headquarters. Tambuwal is being quizzed over allegations of fraudulent cash withdrawals amounting to ₦189 billion, reportedly in clear breach of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. It was reliably gathered that the former governor arrived at the EFCC office around 11:30 a.m., where he was ushered in to face a panel of interrogators over the alleged financial infractions. The controversial withdrawals, said to have been made during his tenure, are being described by investigators as a significant violation of financial regulations. As of press time, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale declined to comment on the ongoing investigation. The development marks the latest in a series of high-profile corruption probes involving former public office holders.

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