Latest News
FEATURES
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has dismissed reports that its officials attacked protesters at the Utako Market in Abuja today.
In a press statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, the command labelled the reports as "false and misleading."
According to the statement, police operatives were deployed to the scene based on intelligence reports suggesting that some miscreants were attempting to use the protests as a cover to loot shops in the market. The officers’ actions, the command stressed, were proactive measures aimed at protecting traders and preventing criminal activities, not to disrupt lawful protests.
"As a responsible agency, we could not stand by and allow traders to be robbed of their hard-earned money and belongings without intervening," the statement read.
The police urged the public to disregard any misleading information and reassured citizens that their rights to peaceful protest are protected. The command also reiterated its commitment to maintaining public safety while ensuring the protection of lives and property during civil demonstrations.
This response follows reports circulating on social media, which claimed that the police had unjustly attacked peaceful protesters, sparking public concern.
SP Josephine Adeh further emphasized that the FCT Police Command remains focused on ensuring the safety of all residents and will continue to carry out its duties responsibly
Grammy-winning singer, Damini Ogulu, popularly known as Burna Boy, has been named the biggest Nigerian artiste of all time on Apple Music.
The streaming giant recently unveiled the top 10 most streamed Nigerian artists and songs in the history of the platform to celebrate Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day anniversary.
Burna Boy topped the list, followed by Wizkid, Davido, Rema and Asake.
Tems, Omah Lay, Fireboy DML, BNXN and Olamide complete the top 10.
Rema’s ‘Calm Down’ remix with Selena Gomez emerged as the most streamed Nigerian song of all time on Apple Music, followed by ‘Last Last’ by Burna Boy, and Wizkid’s ‘Essence’ featuring Tems.
Tems’ ‘Free Mind’ is number four on the list, Burna Boy’s ‘Ye’ is at number 5. ‘Location’ by Dave and Burna Boy, ‘Calm Down’ by Rema, ‘Rush’ by Ayra Starr, Burna Boy’s ‘On The Low’, and ‘Come Closer’ by Wizkid featuring Drake complete the list.
The platform also paid to Nigeria’s diversity by spotlighting nine Afrobeats stars: 2Baba (Jos), Omah (Lay Port Harcourt), Odumodublvck- (Abuja), Shallipopi (Benin City), Seyi Vibez (Lagos), Jeriq (Enugu), Bloody Civilian (Abuja), and Qing Madi (Benin City).
Ahead of the planned October 1 nationwide protest, a coalition of Nigerian movements, under the aegis of the Nigeria Patriotic Front Movement (NPFM), Northern chapter, has alleged the arrest of five of its leaders in Kano State.
In a statement signed by Comrade Al-Amin on behalf of the Secretariat, the coalition identified those arrested as Comrade Abdulmajid Daudu, Barrister Yusha’u Sani Yankuzo, Barrister Amina Bello, Comrade Sani NaRogo, Comrade Anas, and Comrade Abdullahi.
The coalition claimed that these comrades from the Kano NPFM chapter were taken by the police to Abuja under the instructions of the National Security Adviser (NSA).
“Comrade Abdulmajid Yakubu Daudu left his office this afternoon (Monday) at around 2:30 p.m. to attend a meeting with the Kano State Commissioner of Police at the Bompai Headquarters. He was accompanied by four other NPFM members. As of 7:42 p.m., Comrade Abdulmajid and his colleagues had not returned, and their whereabouts remain unknown.
“All efforts to reach them have proved abortive. “We urge comrades across the country to raise the alarm until Comrade Abdulmajid and his colleagues safely return home.
“No one in their right mind can take the sudden disappearance of Comrade Abdulmajid and his NPFM colleagues lightly. The growing state of political repression in the country makes it more urgent for the Kano State Commissioner of Police to produce Comrade Abdulmajid and his colleagues,” the statement read.
Comrade Abdulmajid and his colleagues had over the weekend addressed a press conference in Kano, announcing the commencement of a nationwide National Survival Day protest scheduled for October 1, 2024. The central concerns of the protest include the cost-of-living crisis and endemic bad governance in the country.
Among the demands raised by Comrade Abdulmajid are the following: addressing the overpriced fuel pump rate, food inflation, high cost of governance, grand corruption, persistent insecurity, and the re-nationalization of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPC) and electricity distribution companies (DISCOs), among others
#FearlessInOctober Protest: Police Show Solidarity By Distributing Water To Lagos Protesters (Video)
AFOLABI
Protesters at the #FearlessInOctober protest in Lagos were met with an unexpected gesture as police officers distributed water on Tuesday.
A video shared by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, on X.com, captured the moment officers distributed packs of bottled water to the protesters.
Naija News reports that the protesters had gathered at the Ikeja Underbridge in Lagos to voice their grievances over the hardships caused by various government policies as the country marked its 2024 Independence Day.
Meanwhile, one of the leaders of the #FearlessInOctober protest, Omoyele Sowore, has identified some of the demands of the protesters and what they are demanding from the federal government.
Speaking to newsmen on Tuesday during the protest in Lagos, Sowore said they want the government to release all the detained protesters from the #EndBadGovernance protests two months ago, and that of the #EndSars protest in 2020.
He added that they want the detainees released before the day (Tuesday) ends.
He said if, by the end of the day, their demands are not met, the next line of action would be unveiled.
“We are asking the Federal Government to release every detained protester whether in Kaduna, Abuja, Katsina or Kano. The Federal Government should release them today.
“If by the end of today, the FG did not release the EndBadGovernance protesters and EndSars people..some of end SARS people in 2020. We will tell you the next line of action,” he said.
The human rights activist cum politician also stated that the protesters are struggling for a new independence.
According to him, the 1960 independence obtained from colonial masters is different. Sowore explained that what they are fighting for now is the independence of the citizens from the clutches of the ruling class, who have turned into corrupt cabals and looters.
“Those who have made life miserable for our people deliberately, the looters, the corrupt cabals, both in the oil sector or whatever sector they may be.
“Our independence starts now, because the independence we got in 1960, they struggled for it, we are struggling for a new independence and it is part of the continuation of what we started in 2019 with Revolution Now because we believe that only revolution can save this country,” he said when asked by newsmen the reasons for the fresh protest.
See video below:
Media
The National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Felix Morka, has said the administration of Former President Muhammadu Buhari did nothing in his eight years of administration.
Morka said what Buhari administration did in his eight years administration was to clean up the mess caused by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) administrations.
He stated this on Monday in an interview with Channels TV. He argued that the PDP governments from 1999 did too bad in governance which needed cleaning.
“The Buhari administration did nothing in eight years but to clean and mop up the mess made by the PDP.
“What Nigerians don’t realise is that the PDP government created and operated a phantom economy where billions and billions of dollars and naira were awarded and thrown around for national projects that were never done as such. All of that money was simply rolled out into private pockets,” Morka said.
The APC spokesman added that the PDP administrations created generational hardship for the country “and that generation, the owners and the perpetrators of the heinous, abominable crimes against this country were manufactured, constructed, and delivered by the PDP in 16 years.”
“So, Buhari was simply an intervenor government that simply came to hold place and hold Nigeria away from the precipice,” Morka stated.
Former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has again refuted claims of embezzling the state funds during his eight-year tenure.
Naija News recalls that the Kaduna State House of Assembly indicted El-Rufia’s administration for misappropriating over N423 billion.
The former governor and his allies have denied these allegations, claiming they are being witch-hunted by the Assembly and the state government.
While featuring on the Hausa program aired on Freedom Radio station in Kaduna on Tuesday morning, El-Rufai said he joined politics solely to serve the people, not to seek money or steal public funds.
He emphasized that he was content with what he had before becoming governor, yet was accused of financial misappropriation without any specific area.
El-Rufai stated that he was prepared to swear with the Quran whenever former state governors and current leaders swore that they never misappropriated public funds.
The ex-governor also noted that after his studies, he will return to politics by 2027 because there is no retirement in politics like government work, “We will return and continue with politics, God willing.”
He added, “I was quiet to see how things would turn out, but for me, I always ask God to help me in whatever I do in life because, as a human being, I always try not to do anything wrong or betray the people’s trust.
“I always say that whenever the former governors of Kaduna State and other leaders decide to take an oath swearing with the Quran that they never took people’s money, I’m also ready to swear. This is because I know that I didn’t go into public service to steal or take people’s money. I joined politics only to serve the people of Kaduna State; I didn’t come to look for money, because I give glory to God that I’m content with what I had even before becoming governor. Yet, we were accused of misappropriation of funds during our tenure without being given a specific area where the money went missing or who took it.
“Yet they are going after my allies by inviting them to the ICPC and EFCC with the intention of tarnishing their names. As for me, I had already prayed two Raka’at on Friday night, leaving everything to God, seeking His judgment. This is why I’m not saying much about the issue.
“But it’s surprising and painful what is happening; such is life. What I would like to say here is that whatever evil plans, witch-hunts, and lies against us should continue because we have reported the issue to God, and God willing, we will get justice from Him.
“If you report something to God, you must desist from making comments. Although I have ordered my lawyers to sue in court against attempts to tarnish my name, that will continue. But presently, I’m doing fine by going about my normal activities such as reading and writing.
“You can still continue working for the people even after government, and that is what we are doing right now. We are still working alongside those who cherish serving the people, not those who enter politics or governance to siphon public funds to add to their wealth. That is not our intention. God knows that, and the people with positive minds know that too. May God bring development to our people.”
The Shepherd Superintendent of the Household of God Church, Lagos, Rev Chris Okotie, has urged Nigerians to use the occasion of the nation's 64th Independence Anniversary to reinforce their faith in God's sure promises.
In a press release circulated in Lagos yesterday by Rev Okotie's media adviser, Ladi Ayodeji, the cleric, who quoted profusely from the Bible in his main text on the story of Abraham, urged Nigerians to be hopeful always for better days as God does not abandon his people.
Below is the summary of his goodwill message:
"These are perilous times.
"Our faith in God must become the Gyrostat which keeps us afloat as we navigate the tempestuous waters of our convoluted reality. Nigeria is a client Nation for God. Nigeria has a prophetic destiny.
Therefore the sovereign superintendence of Almighty God is assured.
"Nigeria is strong. Nigeria will survive.
So Hope on. Hope ever.
Hope on. Hope ever!"
Rev Okotie has always said that Nigeria enjoys a special bond with God, and the country's trajectory should not bother the Nigerian people.
The Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) Mr Haliru Nabana have said that Mr Idris Okuneye, a cross dresser popularly known as Bobrisky, served his jail term in correctional facility in Lagos state.
Nababa stated this while addressing the House of Representatives Committee investigating alleged bribery and misconduct against the NCS and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja on Monday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Bobrisky was convicted for mutilating the naira and was sentenced to six months in jail.
NAN recalls that Mr Vincent Otse, social media influencer and human rights activist known as Very Dark Man (VDM) published an audio recording which captured Bobrisky allegedly saying that he spent his jail term in a private apartment.
The audio also captured Bobrisky allegedly saying that he paid N15 million to EFCC officials to drop charges of money laundering against him.
Nanaba, however, explained to the committee that Bobrisky was convicted and was incarcerated from April 12 to August 13, 2024 in the facility.
He said that there was no time when Bobrisky was allowed outside the correctional facility saying that there are records of his activities in jail to show that he was in the facility.
He, however, said that as a result of special features such as mammary gland and curvy hips which portrays Bobrisky like a women, he kept in a private cell away from other inmates.
According to him, this is inline with international best practices as it is to protect his human right and to protect him against violation by other inmates.
NaAbba also said that for security reasons, Bobrisky was at a point, moved from Medium Security Custodian Centre to Maximum Security Custodian Centre all within the correctional facility.
In his remarks, the Executive Chairman of EFCC, Mr Olanipekun Olukoyede said that no money was received to drop charges against Bobrisky.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr Michael Nzekwe, Olukoyede said that in April, 2024, Bobrisky while undergoing investigation, in his extra-judicial statement made a confession.
He said that Bobrisky was alleged to have failed to submit to Special Control Unit against Money Laundering (SCUML) a declaration of its activities of his firm, Bob Express.
According to Olukoyede, this is contrary to Section 6(1) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022
“Notwithstanding the unequivocal confession of the now ex-convict admitting the essential ingredients, the prosecution in total fidelity and candor to its oath and strict adherence to professional practice of not only disclosing exculpatory documents to the defense.
“We received a report of the investigation activities from SCUML which showed that Bob Express is not a Designated Non-Financial Business and Profession (DNFBP),
“We then decided to drop the charge in the interest of justice and fair hearing, without any inducement or prompting of any sort from the defense, and in line with the mandate of the Special Task Force against Naira abuse,” he said.
Earlier, VDM told the committee that he has more evidence yet to be released to the public saying that he would continue to fight corruption.
He said that while other Nigerians are in jail for offenses committed, Bobrisky should not be given any form of special treatment.
“Nigeria is not for the godfathers, I will not allow corruption, if I see a secret about you, I will tell, I am being very honest, I will not fear anybody because Nigeria is going down.
“I will implore you people to do the right thing because the judiciary system is been messed up so bad, you people have to to save your face,” he said.
He, however, tendered some part of the evidence to the committee and promise to release more as the investigation progresses.
He told the committee to ensure Bobrisky appears before it and not to tolerate any further disrespect from him.
In his ruling, the Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Ginger Onwusibe (LP-Abia) said that Bobrisky must appear in person in their next hearing.
He demanded video footage of the activities of Bobrisky through out his terms in the correctional facility.
The chairman said that the accounts provided by VDM into which the allayed money for bribe was paid into will be investigated.
The hearing was then adjourned to a further date to announced.
NAN reports that Bobrisky was absent at the hearing and his counsel who came to represent him was not recognised to speak as he had no letter or approval to speak on his behalf.
(NAN)
The Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has urged Nigerians to hold steadfast to the belief in the assured prosperous future of the country.
Obaseki who stated this in a statement in commemoration of the 64th Independence Day, said this is realisable even as we all individually and collectively play our part in realising the noble vision of our founding fathers.
He said, “My dear good people of Edo State, I join you in marking Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day celebration, as we journey together on the path of building a strong, virile and prosperous nation.
“This is another day to celebrate our shared experience as compatriots of the world’s largest black nation, which has over time defied all odds in reinventing itself and showcasing the indomitable spirit of its various peoples.
“As a nation, we have grown stronger, are more united and have trudged together to overcome threats to our nation. Today, at 64, we have much to be thankful for, in the face of daunting global headwinds that have rocked many nations. It is imperative to restate our commitment to democracy even in the face of pressures from different interests that seek to set us back.
“As we celebrate Nigeria’s Independence Day today, I urge you all to hold steadfast to the belief in the assured prosperous future of our great State and the Nigerian nation even as we all individually and collectively play our part in realizing the noble vision of our founding fathers.”
[Punch]
President Bola Tinubu addressed the nation to mark its 64th Independence Anniversary on October 1.
Here, Vanguard highlights ten (10) key points from the President’s speech:
Economic Reforms: Tinubu acknowledged the economic difficulties, including rising living costs and unemployment. He urged Nigerians to remain patient, assuring them that reforms are beginning to yield positive results. “I want to assure you that your voices are heard… we are beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel.”
Security Achievements: The President announced progress in the fight against terrorism and banditry, stating that over 300 Boko Haram and bandit commanders have been eliminated. “Our administration is winning the war on terror and banditry… we have restored peace to hundreds of communities.”
Return of Displaced Persons: Tinubu shared that many Nigerians in conflict zones are returning to their homes. “Thousands of our people have been able to return home… our security agencies are committed to ending this as quickly as possible.”
Natural Disasters Response: In response to recent flooding, the President announced the creation of a Disaster Relief Fund and integrity tests for dams. “This federal government will always stand with our people in their times of trouble.”
Foreign Investments: Nigeria attracted over $30 billion in foreign direct investments within the past year. “Thanks to the reforms, our country attracted foreign direct investments worth more than $30 billion.”
Agriculture and Food Security: Tinubu emphasised the importance of mechanised farming and highlighted the establishment of a tractor assembly plant to boost food production and reduce costs. “We expect to see a leap in food production and a downward spiral in food costs.”
Energy Transition: The President confirmed the expansion of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) usage in mass transit to lower transportation costs. “Our energy transition programme is on course… to provide cheaper public transportation.”
Youth Empowerment: Tinubu announced a National Youth Conference and several youth-centred initiatives, including the 3 Million Technical Talents programme and the Nigerian Education Loan Fund. “This conference will empower our young people to participate actively in nation-building.”
Fiscal Responsibility: The administration has reduced Nigeria’s debt service ratio and paid off significant inherited debts, maintaining stable foreign reserves. “We have reduced the debt service ratio from 97 per cent to 68 per cent.”
Unity and Resilience: Tinubu urged Nigerians to remain hopeful and united in the face of challenges. “We are Nigerians—resilient and tenacious. We always prevail and rise above our circumstances.”
[Vanguard]
More...
Reveals Fastest Growing Political Party
The presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in the 2023 election, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has declared his party as the fastest-growing political party in Nigeria.
The national leader of the NNPP disclosed this in Abuja on Monday during the Party National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, emphasizing the numerous challenges they had faced.
He expressed confidence in the NNPP’s upward trajectory, thanking supporters for their commitment as the party positions itself as a viable alternative in Nigeria’s political landscape.
Kwankwaso also stated that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is ‘dead’ and has many concerns within the party.
He also criticized the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), highlighting a disconnect between its leadership and the realities facing Nigerians, including rising insecurity, poverty, and hunger.
He said, “I’m pleased to say that, despite all the challenges, today our party is the fastest-growing party in this country. I remember when I visited Katsina State to open our state office; there I mentioned that the two parties, especially the PDP, were dead, and there are so many concerns within the fold of the PDP.
“I’m sure when I was making that statement, many of them did not see what was happening today, that the party was being made into pieces. The party is imploding, and therefore if they didn’t understand at that time, now I believe they will agree with all of us that the party is dead.
“The APC, as it stands today, you can see that the leadership is just up there in the air, and the entire nation, the people of this country, are on the ground.
“At that level, whether they believe they are doing well, all of us, especially the voters in this country, believe that they are performing very, very badly, especially if you look at the issue of security, the level of poverty in this country, and of course the issue of hunger that we are witnessing in this country.”
The Deputy Controller of the Maximum Correctional Center, Kirikiri, Lagos, Michael Anugwa, has admitted that crossdresser, Idris Okuneye aka Bobrisky, was placed in a separate cell.
Recall that Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, had in a video alleged that Bobrisky who was convicted of a crime and sentenced to six months in jail was given an apartment outside the custodial centre.
Reacting to the claim on Monday, Anugwa while addressing members of the House of Representatives Joint Committee on Financial Crimes and Reformatory Institutions, insisted that Bobrisky was not at any point held in a facility outside the correctional center.
His words: “Bobrisky was admitted on the 13th of April with a valid warrant and a transfer order from Ikoyi Correctional facility.
“The warrant was given to me the same day of his conviction. The biometric was taken the next day because when he came was around 10:30 p.m. So it was done on the 13th of April 2024.
“Idris spent 10 days at the Medium Correctional Center and was moved to maximum, because he refused to eat the prison food.
“He then applied for self-feeding which was approved and Bobrisky nominated two persons to bring his food to the facility — Ogunleye Abiola and Moji Ogunleye.
“During the admission, we discovered that Idris, though a man, had special features like breasts that would not allow us put him in the general cell.
“We agreed to put him in a separate cell. While he was there he had a total of 39 visitors.”
A father, Samson, in Evwreni Community of Delta State, who smashed his son to death, killed a nursing mother and injured others in inexplicable circumstances, was apprehended by the agitated mob, who beat him to death, setting his corpse on fire in an act of jungle justice.
Samson, whose other name could not be ascertained at press time, committed the outrageous act in the wee hours of yesterday.
A source said that Samson about 2a.m., yesterday smashed his son to death and in the course of sympathizing, killed a nursing mother identified as Princess and injured a yet-to-be-identified male.
A source who craved anonymity revealed that Samson had been behaving strangely and that he was to be taken to a medical centre for medications before the unfortunate incident occurred.
According to him, “He smashed his toddler son, then machete a woman who took her son out to toilet to death, and injured the youths in process of trying to apprehend him, he injured more persons.
“After the incident, he was finally apprehended, beaten to a stupor and his remains were set ablaze with his motorcycle.”
Though the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, Edafe Bright could not respond to his call at press time, but a senior security source, who confirmed the incident, said: “Before our men could get to the scene, the suspect has been set ablaze.”
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has denied receiving a bribe to drop the money laundering charge against controversial crossdresser, Idris Okuneye, better known as Bobrisky.
The EFCC, on Monday, explained that the allegations of money laundering were dropped based on Bobrisky’s confessional statement on naira abuse in court and the disclosure of the Special Control Unit against Money Laundering, SCUML, that Okunenye’s firm, Bob Express, was not a Designated Non Financial Institution, Business and Profession, DNFIBP, and could not be prosecuted for flouting provisions of the Money Laundering Prevention & Prohibition Act, 2022.
The representative of the anti-graf agency, Bilikisu Bala, head of the prosecution team that handled the trial of Bobrisky, who made the clarification during an appearance before the House of Representatives investigative committee probing the alleged case of ₦15 million bribery involving Bobrisky and the EFCC, added that it is well within the powers of the agency to amend charges.
Bala denied any insinuation that the EFCC or any of its operatives received a bribe to drop the charges against Bobrisky.
“We initially raised six count charges bordering on Naira Abuse and Money Laundering against Okuneye based on his confessional statement that his firm, Bob Express, was not registered with SCUML and was not rendering returns to it. Counts 1-4 were on Naira Abuse while counts five and six were on money laundering. Okuneye’s confession that he didn’t register his firm, Bob Express with SCUML and not rendering returns to it informed the money laundering charges initially included in the six count charges. However, when we wrote to SCUML on the status of the firm, the Unit responded that it was not a Designated Non-Financial Institution, Business and Profession, DNFIBP. We cannot lawfully sustain the charges in all sincerity. We, therefore dropped them and relied on the four counts on Naira mutilation to which Okuneye had pleaded guilty”, she said.
The prosecutor dismissed claims of financial inducement in dropping charges maintaining that no such thing happened.
“There is simply no basis for that. The Administration of Criminal Justice Act, ACJA, allows amendment of charges. It is a professional practice. It is laughable for anyone to attribute our decision to monetary issues. Why did we write to SCUML if we didn’t want to include the charges? We wrote to be lawfully guided and when the Unit responded that the firm had not breached any law, on what basis should we have retained the money laundering charges?,” she said.
The Chairman of the Committee, Ginger Onwusibe, however, said that at the next meeting, the person who did the audio recording on the alleged bribery should appear before the committee while the meeting was adjourned sine die.
Meanwhile, the lawyer to Bobrisky, Avwerosuoghene Omuvwie, told the investigative committee that his client couldn’t appear physically due to health issues.