In a unique and somber celebration, Sean "Diddy" Combs, the influential American rapper and music mogul, marked his birthday behind bars at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. Despite his current legal troubles, Diddy was able to connect with his children over the phone, allowing for moments of family unity amid challenging circumstances.

Diddy, who has built a successful career over decades and inspired millions worldwide, reportedly engaged in heartfelt conversations with his children, who rallied around their father during this difficult time. The calls allowed Diddy to share birthday wishes and words of encouragement, providing a sense of normalcy and closeness despite the physical separation.

The hip-hop icon’s legal issues have attracted significant media attention, with fans and industry insiders alike showing support for the star and his family. While details surrounding Diddy's case remain limited, this birthday connection demonstrates his enduring commitment to his loved ones.

Supporters around the world have been vocal, expressing their hope for a positive resolution in his legal matters, while industry figures continue to highlight Diddy's cultural contributions and influence. The rapper’s birthday, even under these conditions, served as a reminder of the importance of family bonds and resilience.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited says it does not import adulterated premium motor spirit (PMS), also known as petrol.

Olufemi Soneye, chief corporate communications officer of NNPC, spoke on Tuesday while responding to protesters demanding the removal of Mele Kyari, the company’s group chief executive officer (CEO).

According to NAN, civil society organisations stormed NNPC headquarters in Abuja to protest the hike in petrol price.

Soneye challenged anyone to provide evidence that NNPC is importing adulterated petrol.

“The NNPC Ltd. does not import adulterated fuel. If anyone has evidence to the contrary, they should bring forward samples of any such fuel imported by NNPC Ltd,” he said.

“We have more pressing projects to accomplish to ensure energy security for our nation.”

On November 3, Dangote Petroleum Refinery said any oil marketer selling petrol cheaper than the refiner is importing substandard products.

Dangote refinery made the claim after some oil marketers said the refiner’s product is higher than imported petrol.

Also, Soneye said Kyari is not responsible for the increase in petrol price.

NNPC raised the price of petrol from N855 per litre in September to N998 per litre on October 3.

On October 28, NNPC increased the pump price for the second time last month to N1,025 in Lagos, and N1,050 in Abuja.

Soneye said only those without knowledge would blame the CEO for the price increase.

“If they were informed, they would know that the GCEO is not responsible for the fuel price increase,” he said.

“In fact, the GCEO ensured that Nigerians had access to fuel at N620 per litre for over a year, even when the landing cost was above N1,100.”

Soneye said despite the protests, NNPC would not be distracted from achieving the goal of implementing President Bola Tinubu’s roadmap for energy security in Nigeria.

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has informed Pinnacle Oil and Gas Limited and other oil marketers that the deregulation of the downstream oil sector should not be used as a justification for the importation of off-spec petroleum products or the undermining of Nigeria’s national interests.

The refinery made this statement on Tuesday, in response to remarks by Robert Dickerman, the CEO of Pinnacle Oil and Gas Limited, concerning the importation and blending of petroleum products, which the Pinnacle boss boss framed within the context of a “deregulated commodity market.”

On Sunday Dangote refinery tackled the firm for setting up a blending plant around its facility in Lagos, with the intention of selling substandard petroleum products to Nigerians.

Though the Chief Executive Officer of the company, Dickerman, refuted the claim, the Dangote refinery said that his argument for a deregulated market could not obscure the serious implications of his actions which, it claimed, threatened the integrity of Nigeria’s energy sector and endangered the welfare of its citizens.

While reiterating its support for deregulation and industrialisation, Dangote emphasised that this support is grounded in a commitment to the sustainable growth of the country’s economy and the protection of its people from exploitation.

The refinery affirmed that the health and safety of Nigerians should never be compromised in the pursuit of profit.

“The Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Company has long been an advocate for deregulation and industrialisation in Nigeria, but our support is rooted in a commitment to the sustainable growth of the country’s economy and the protection of its people from any exploitation.

“Unlike Dickerman’s view, deregulation should not be a licence for the importation and distribution of off-spec products or the subversion of national interests,” it said.

The company also noted that, as an American, Dickerman should be well aware of how his own country protects its industries.

It pointed to several recent examples from the United States to underline the point. For instance, US President Joe Biden recently opposed the sale of US Steel to Japan’s Nippon Steel, stressing the importance of maintaining strong American steel companies supported by American workers—an example of protectionism that prioritises national economic interests over short-term profit.

Similarly, the US has taken action to restrict the use of Chinese-made cranes in its ports, citing national security concerns, according to the refinery.

The US has also imposed a 100 per cent tariff on electric vehicles and a 50 per cent duty on medical equipment imported from China, further demonstrating its commitment to safeguarding domestic industries.

The United States has also ramped up efforts to boost its own production of computer chips and medical supplies, driven by national security concerns and the need for economic self-sufficiency.

Furthermore, during his presidency, George W. Bush used anti-dumping laws to impose tariffs on a range of Chinese goods that were considered to be unfairly priced, the facility argued.

“It is therefore perplexing that Dickerman, with all his experience in the US market, would advocate for the importation and blending of petroleum products to Nigeria under the claim of deregulation and a free market.

“The fact is that he had deceitfully approached us and pleaded that we extend the pipeline from our refinery to Pinnacle’s tank farms for the purpose of blending our high-quality products with their imported products and selling them to Nigerians.

“We categorically rejected his request to extend our pipeline to their tank farms for such devious purposes because it would be a betrayal of the Nigerian people’s trust. The health and safety of Nigerians cannot—and should not—be compromised for profit,” it stated.

The company also raised concerns over Pinnacle Oil’s decision to lease its tank farms to a company without any retail outlets in Nigeria, questioning the strategic intent behind such actions, particularly given that the farms are located just 500 metres from Dangote’s refinery.

It expressed its vigilance regarding the coordinated efforts to undermine the Dangote Refinery, drawing parallels to the fate of refineries in Port Harcourt, Kaduna, and Warri.

Dangote Petroleum Refinery called on the government, patriotic Nigerians, and local businesses to remain steadfast in defending the country’s sovereignty and economic independence.

“The choice we face is between fostering industrialisation or allowing Nigeria to remain a dumping ground for inferior products while exporting jobs.

“For nearly three decades, cartels and their collaborators have sabotaged efforts to develop Nigeria’s refining capacity, keeping the country dependent on imported products. The time has come to end this cycle of exploitation and ensure that Nigeria’s energy sector works for the benefit of its people,” it added.

Reiterating its belief that a strong, self-sufficient energy sector is vital for Nigeria’s economic growth, Dangote affirmed that it will continue to advocate for policies and practices that protect both industries and the well-being of all Nigerians.

The company also expressed its support for healthy competition that drives innovation and quality, and looked forward to the upcoming commissioning of the four state-owned refineries, as promised by the NNPCL.

“At Dangote Petroleum Refinery, we are committed to ensuring that Nigeria becomes self-reliant in petroleum production, and we welcome competition that drives innovation and quality.

“However, we will never allow the continued importation and blending of petroleum products, nor the deliberate destruction of our national economy. We believe that a strong, self-sufficient energy sector is vital to Nigeria’s economic growth, and we will continue to advocate for policies and practices that protect our industries and the well-being of all Nigerians.”

“We eagerly anticipate the coming on stream of the Kaduna, Warri, and Port Harcourt refineries before the end of this year, as promised by the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL, Mele Kyari. This milestone will not only end all baseless rumours of monopoly but also position Nigeria as a refining hub for petroleum products in Africa,” it concluded.

A Two-Year-Old Girl has reportedly been assaulted to death in Ningi LGA of Bauchi State.

The incident was confirmed by the Public Relations Officer of the Bauchi State Police Command, Superintendent Ahmed Wakil, in a press statement issued on Tuesday.

Wakil revealed that the crime took place on November 5, 2024, and was reported at the Ningi Divisional Police Headquarters.

“The lifeless body of a two-year-old girl was discovered beside a mosque on Deneva Street, Ningi LGA, showing signs of assault,” he stated.

“Upon receiving the report, detectives were dispatched to the scene, and the child’s body was taken to General Hospital Ningi, where a medical examination confirmed severe injuries from penetration, leading to her death.”

Bauchi State Commissioner Of Police, Auwal Musa Mohammed, has condemned the crime, describing it as a horrific and heinous act.

The PPRO stated that the commissioner has directed the Divisional Police Officer to intensify efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible.

“He also urged parents and guardians to ensure their children’s safety and avoid letting them roam unattended,” Wakil added.

The Police Command also appealed to the public for any information that could assist in locating and prosecuting the perpetrators of this tragic crime.

A newly promoted officer of the Nigeria Security Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) simply identified as Opatola attached to Iwo division has reportedly slumped and died after receiving salary.

The Nation learnt that Opatola died in the division’s rest room on Monday after working a while in the office.

A source, in the command who do not want to be named, said the officer who was promoted and decorated last week resumed duty hale and hearty before his death.

According to the source: “We all saw the alert of our salaries almost same time with the deceased and we were all disappointed.

“We discussed it. He was visibly worried. The officer was hale and hearty when he resumed for duty, he attended to a few cases.

“Thereafter, he excused himself to visit the rest room. It was after some minutes that some of his colleagues who didn’t hear from him, went in to check him in the restroom. He found him on the floor, he was rushed to the hospital where he was confirmed dead.”

Another source said: “it is so disheartening that a newly promoted Opatola slumped and died few days after he was promoted. We guess that disappointment from his salary aggravated his underlying ailment which resulted to his death.”

Efforts to get the reaction of Osun Command NSCDC spokesperson, Kehinde Adeleke were abortive.

She did not respond to calls and text messages as of the time of filing this report.

Ali Ndume, the federal lawmaker representing Borno South Senatorial District in the National Assembly (NASS), has stated that the tax reform bills sent by President Bola Tinubu are “dead on arrival.”

Ndume explained, “Our people are saying they don’t want the VAT bill, they don’t even want to hear about it. That is why we are going to make it dead on arrival,” urging President Tinubu to heed the advice of the National Economic Council (NEC) and the Northern Governors’ Forum and withdraw the bills immediately.

The lawmaker who made the remarks on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme argued that the Federal Government should be looking to reduce, rather than increase, the tax burden on Nigerians.

His words, “The general sentiment is that Nigerians are not willing to talk about or pay any tax now, considering the economic situation we are in.

“Nigerians are willing to pay taxes but only when they can afford it. Right now, people are struggling to survive. Let people live first before you start asking them for taxes.”

“It will be fair to shut the bill down; it is the fairest thing to do,” indicating that he has started rallying support among colleagues to reject the bills.”


Ndume, a member of the President’s party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), also commented that the Tinubu administration should focus on reforming itself rather than increasing taxes.

“What he [Tinubu] needs to do is to withdraw the bill, educate Nigerians, and make us understand it. We are representing the people, and they have already made their stance clear,” he said.

“The governors and traditional rulers have said that the bill is not good. So, the best course of action is to withdraw it immediately. Right now, our people don’t want the VAT bill; they don’t even want to hear about it. That is why we are going to make it dead on arrival.”

The tax reform bills, currently in the National Assembly, have faced substantial criticism, with the 36 state governors urging the President to withdraw them.


However, the President has stated the bills will not be withdrawn, though he is open to “inputs and necessary changes” from lawmakers.

 Republicans seized control of the U.S. Senate late Tuesday, flipping key Democratic-held seats and securing a majority for the first time in four years. The pivotal moment came in Nebraska, where incumbent GOP Senator Deb Fischer narrowly defeated independent challenger Dan Osborn. This victory, along with other gains in West Virginia and Ohio, allowed Republicans to edge past the Democrats.

In West Virginia, GOP Governor Jim Justice won the Senate seat vacated by retiring Democrat Joe Manchin. In Ohio, Democrat Sherrod Brown lost to wealthy Republican newcomer Bernie Moreno. The Democrats’ efforts to unseat high-profile Republicans like Ted Cruz of Texas and Rick Scott of Florida failed.


Despite the setbacks, attention now turns to the Democratic strongholds of Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin, where key Senate races could determine whether Republicans sweep the chamber.

This shift in Senate power marks a turning point in the political landscape, with the GOP’s Mitch McConnell stepping down from leadership. Meanwhile, debates over the party’s leadership and direction loom, with South Dakota Senator John Thune and Texas Senator John Cornyn emerging as potential successors.

The election results are shaping the future of U.S. governance, with Congress poised to influence presidential agendas, particularly with the backdrop of the upcoming presidential race between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris.

On October 31, the federal government launched an amnesty initiative to allow individuals to deposit foreign currencies into banks without penalties or taxes — provided the funds are not proceeds of crime.

The programme is called the ‘Disclosure Scheme’, according to the ministry of finance.

In a statement, the ministry said the scheme would span nine months and is designed to enhance transparency in the financial sector and boost Nigeria’s economic resilience, growth, and development.

Wale Edun, minister of finance and coordinating minister of the economy, said the initiative would enhance financial security and contribute positively to the economy by increasing reserves and stabilising exchange rates.

TheCable highlights the major things to know about the new policy.

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE IN THE SCHEME?

To participate in the scheme, the federal government said all Nigerians holding legitimately earned internationally tradable foreign currency are eligible.

The finance ministry also said participation is voluntary and candidates must own domiciliary accounts.

“The scheme is based on voluntary disclosure by eligible participants,” the statement reads.

“Participants are required to maintain a domiciliary account with participating financial institutions, with deposited or repatriated funds held in a sub-account specifically designated for depositing foreign currency disclosed under the Scheme.”

WHICH FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS ARE INVOLVED?

According to the ministry of finance, all deposit money banks (DMBs) regulated by the CBN will act as participating financial institutions. The banks will be responsible for processing applications, maintaining designated accounts, and ensuring compliance with the scheme’s guidelines.

The participating financial institutions are also expected to comply with Nigeria’s anti-money laundering measures.

“In implementing the Scheme, participating financial Institutions must fully comply with existing anti-money laundering (AML)/ countering the financing of terrorism (CFT)/ counter-proliferation Financing (CPF) requirements,” the ministry said.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the effective application of AML/CFT/CPF preventative measures is key to ensuring that the scheme is not used for money laundering or terrorism financing.”

FG’S COMMITMENTS, ASSURANCES

The federal government pledged that individuals participating in the scheme will get access to protection, “tax incentives and unrestricted repatriation”.

Specifically, participants will not be subjected to any tax audit, investigation, or liability regarding the disclosed amount of foreign currency.

The government also promised that “disclosed, deposited, repatriated, and invested foreign currency under the scheme” shall not be liable to any form of expropriation, seizure, or forfeiture.

“Participants can freely repatriate their foreign currency and any proceeds or accretions at the prevailing exchange rate, subject to the scheme’s guidelines,” the finance ministry said.

“Information provided by participants will be treated with utmost confidentiality in accordance with relevant laws.”

HOW TO APPLY FOR THE SCHEME

To participate in the disclosure scheme, the individual must maintain or open a domiciliary account with a participating financial institution.

Also, participants must complete an application form prescribed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) through the participating financial institution, providing the required details and undertakings.

After providing the necessary requirements, the participant can deposit or repatriate the disclosed foreign currency into the designated domiciliary account.

The ministry of finance encouraged individuals to contact their banks for additional details as the process may vary.

A large crowd of activists flooded Abuja’s Three Arms Zone, yesterday, demanding sweeping reforms in the oil sector.

Organised by the APC Solidarity and Development Forum and comprising youth and civil society organisations, the protesters expressed frustration over soaring fuel prices, persistent fuel scarcity, and the intensifying economic hardship affecting Nigerians.

Speaking to journalists during the protest held near the National Assembly Complex, group leaders Kabir Matazu and Danielsi Momoh described the ongoing fuel crisis as a reflection of systemic failures within the industry.

In a letter addressed to Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, they argued that despite repeated assurances from authorities, shortages and high prices continue to persist, impacting citizens and eroding public trust in the government’s management of oil resources.

The protesters highlighted the lack of operational local refineries, despite a $4 billion government investment, as a significant oversight and management failure.

They contended that the government’s inaction not only undermines the administration’s ‘renewed hope’ agenda but also underscores the need for a leadership change focused on accountability.

Additionally, they pointed out the absence of a clear plan to revitalise and operate local refineries as a major concern.

Concerns over unresolved corruption within the sector were also raised, with calls on the National Assembly to implement stringent measures to prevent the importation of substandard petroleum products, which threaten public health and safety.

The protesters demanded the establishment of an investigative committee to address alleged misconduct, with any official implicated prosecuted the through anti-corruption agencies.
They further called on the National Assembly to act decisively to reform the industry, ensuring it operates efficiently and supports the nation’s economic welfare.

The protest leaders stated, “We demand a clear roadmap for the revitalization and operationalisation of our local refineries to ensure self-sufficiency in petroleum products and reduce reliance on imports.

“The National Assembly must enact and enforce strict regulations to prevent the importation of substandard petroleum products, protecting the health and safety of Nigerians.

“We urge the President to appoint a qualified individual who possesses the integrity and expertise necessary to navigate the complexities of the oil sector and restore public confidence.
“We call for the immediate establishment of a committee to investigate the ongoing allegations of sleaze and fraud within the oil sector.”

Furthermore, we demand that those responsible be held accountable and handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for prosecution.”

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) says a commercial bus driver set ablaze one of its officers while resisting arrest over a violation of traffic regulations.

Adebayo Taofiq, the LASTMA director of public affairs, said the commercial driver and his conductor “brutally attacked” the officer while discharging official duties.

“LASTMA has been made aware of a distressing video showing the driver of a Volkswagen T4 commercial bus, license plate LSD 355 CK, setting both his vehicle and LASTMA officer ablaze in a brazen attempt to evade arrest,” NAN quoted Taofiq to have said.

“This shocking event transpired today (Tuesday), Nov. 5, when the driver resisted arrest with extreme aggression by LASTMA officials.

“The vehicle had been intercepted for violating traffic regulations in the Cele inward Mile 2 area.”

Taofiq said the bus driver and conductor violently resisted arrest, physically assaulted a LASTMA officer, and then doused him with petrol.

He added that the severely burnt LASTMA officer was rushed to a nearby hospital for urgent medical treatment.

The spokesperson implored commercial and private drivers to fully comply with traffic laws and show respect to LASTMA officials’ authority.

“LASTMA will not condone any form of violence or intimidation and will take firm and decisive action against those responsible,” he added.