FEATURES
Nigerian singer, David Adedeji Adeleke aka Davido has announced his wife's birthday will take place soon.
The singer is planning an elaborate birthday for the mother of his twins.
He took to Twitter and wrote:
“My wifes birthday in a bit !! We’re running mad!!!!!! We must celebrate a great woman!”
See some reactions below:
@FavorGrace90: “Happy birthday in advance to mama ibeji????.”
@Dhavidote: “We need to buy her one private jet, she deserves x
@Charlesmufc_01: “Davido you’re an amazing musician and your fans love you, but I’d like to suggest that you keep your family affairs private. I know it can be tempting to share your life with your fans, but some things are better kept between you and your loved ones. Social media can be a great way to connect with your fans, but it’s also important to maintain a sense of privacy and boundaries. Don’t let the pressure of social media get in the way of your relationships.”
@jennygodswill: “She deserves everything good fr, she has stayed with you through thick and thin, I’m guessing that Bombardier is on her name.”
@Avenger20o: So you know say na Great woman before you dey cheat around dey pull belle anyhow?”
@Bidal4Life: “E no go shock me if OBO ask Tatibiji to contribute Private Jet money for chioma.”
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The residence of a former Governor of Benue State, Late Aper Aku, has been set ablaze by hoodlums in the Gboko area of the state.
The late Aku was the first civilian Governor of the North Central state.
It was gathered that the incident was said to have happened on Monday after the occupants were safely evacuated from the building by the Police.
Speaking with reporters on Tuesday in Markurdi, the daughter of the late governor, Deborah Aku, said the Police rescued six of them early enough before the hoodlums burnt down the house.
She explained that trouble began in March after a man came to the house with a cutlass and threatened to deal with them if his goat died again, claiming that he was told that his goat died after drinking water from their house.
Aku said her mother reported the incident to the Police Division in Gboko and the matter was later charged to court.
She, however, revealed that the fresh attack took place between 7 am and 8 am on Monday when the hoodlums besieged the house and trapped all six occupants.
She said: “The incident started between 7am and 8am on Monday. They came around and didn’t talk to anyone numbering over 30. When we noticed that their visit was not friendly we locked all the doors and called the Police.
“Before the Police could arrive they started destroying the house, killed our dog, broke into the pig house and carted away with all the pigs. They also destroyed our mother’s car.
“The Police arrived and were able to rescued us out of the house. We left with the Police with only what we were putting on. While we were on our way with the Police the house was burnt with everything inside. The Police came in two trucks but the boys were many and even attacked them too.
“Yesterday (Monday) when the incident happened the Police were only able to rescue us out of the house before it was burnt down. If not for them we would have probably being burnt inside the house. We were six inside the house.
“We are waiting for the Police to carry out their investigations. We have also reported the matter to all the relevant authorities including the governor and Speaker because this is his constituency.”
A man identified as Muhammed Zenabdin has been arrested by the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Center (NPF-NCCC) in Abuja.
He was arrested for criminal conspiracy and possession of suspected counterfeit currency amounting to one hundred thousand United States Dollars ($100,000.00).
While acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the NPF-NCCC conducted a raid on a suspected cybercrime hideout located in Garki II, FCT.
Despite the escape of other members of the criminal gang, Muhammed Zenabdin was successfully apprehended. Subsequent execution of a search warrant revealed compelling evidence, including One Hundred Thousand United States Dollars in one-hundred-dollar bills believed to be counterfeits, along with sophisticated counterfeit detection equipment, international passports, mobile phones, and a luxury vehicle.
Confirming the arrest to newsmen, the spokesperson of the Nigeria Police Force, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, says the suspect has provided indicting confessional statements and also offered valuable information to aid in the apprehension of other members of the gang. Upon the conclusion of the investigation, the suspect(s) will face arraignment in court.
Adejobi stated that the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has commended the Director of the NCCC, CP Uche Ifeanyi Henry, and his team for their diligent efforts in combating cybercrime.
While assuring the public of their safety, the IGP issued a stern warning to all cybercrime threat actors, urging them to cease their illicit activities or face severe legal consequences.
A man, Austine Idemudia (a.k.a. Baba Joshua) and his wife, Margret Austine who have been illegally producing and distributing adulterated alcoholic beverages to markets in Lagos and Ogun states for the past 6 years have been arrested by the Zone 2 command of the Police force.
According to a press statement released by the Zone 2 Police Public Relations Officer (ZPPRO), SP Ayuba T. Umma, the suspects were arrested by the CSP Ngozi Braide-led Raider Section of the Zone 2 Police Command, Onikan, Lagos.
The operatives had acted on intelligence on the illegal production, and raided the couple's Muibi Olawumi Close residence, off Ayetoro/Itẹle Road on April 4, during which fake drinks, comprising wine, liquor, champagne and other alcoholic drinks, were recovered.
These include brand label of Del-Mud, Del-Mud Royal, Smooth Brandy Wine drinks, both in bottles and mini packs.
Also recovered, according to a were unlabeled and branded bottles of suspected adulterated alcoholic drinks and various containers, filled with mixtures suspected to be ingredients for the adulterated beverages.
The ZPPRO said that the equipment used in the production process, such as pumping machines, funnels, sealing machines, a funnel containing a white handkerchief (used as filter) and corkscrew, among various other production and branding items, were all recovered.
The female suspect, Margret, apprehended at the scene, confessed to a six-year involvement in the illegal operation, and that their adulterated finished products were sold to buyers across Lagos and Ogun states.
"The Zone 2 Command is actively investigating this case and will release further information to the general public as it becomes available", the ZPPRO said
The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2 Command, AIG Olatoye Durosinmi, has consequently urged the public to be vigilant when purchasing food and beverages, while expressing concern over the health hazard such adulterated products pose to consumers.
According to the statement, "The Zone 2 Police Command remains committed to the safety and well-being of all residents within Lagos and Ogun states"
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Popular Kannywood actress, Saratu Gidado aka Daso is dead.
The actress died while fasting.
The sad news was confirmed by her relatives to Freedom Radio on Tuesday, revealing that the beloved actress was found deceased early in the morning.
Gidado, who was observing the Ramadan fast, had reportedly returned to bed after the pre-dawn meal, Sahur, only to be found lifeless later.
Her sudden passing at the age of 56 has sent shockwaves throughout the film community and among her fans.
Born on January 17, 1968, in Kano, Daso carved a niche for herself in Kannywood with her distinctive portrayal of comical yet aggressive and mischievous characters, earning her a place in the hearts of many movie enthusiasts.
Her career, spanning over two decades, was launched with her role in the 2000 movie “Linzami Da Wuta,” produced by Sarauniya Movies.
Daso’s remarkable performances in films such as “Nagari,” “Gidauniya,” “Mashi,” and “Sansani” cemented her status as one of the industry’s iconic figures. Her acting prowess and ability to bring characters to life made her a household name in the northern film industry.
The entertainment community and fans are awaiting the announcement of her burial arrangements as they come to terms with the loss of a talent who brought laughter and entertainment to many.
On Monday, the federal government launched the citizens’ delivery tracker (CDT).
Speaking at the public demonstration of the tracker, Hadiza Bala-Usman, special adviser to the president on policy and coordination, and head of the central coordination delivery unit (CDCU), said the initiative will help keep every minister accountable on key deliverables of their portfolios.
But chances are, you were not at the public demonstration and are curious about how you can use this tracker to keep the government on its toes.
Below are seven things you need to know about the CDT.
WHAT IS THE TRACKER AND WHAT IS ITS GOAL?
The citizens’ tracker was first launched in 2022. It has been upgraded and relaunched by the CDCU in consultation with stakeholders, and provides citizens with information on priority projects, policies, and programmes of the federal government.
The unit said the tracker app will undergo continuous enhancements, incorporating observations to ensure user-friendliness.
HOW CAN NIGERIANS ACCESS THE APP?
The CDCU said the citizens delivery tracker application will be available for download on the Google and Apple stores within the next month. It, however, said the tracker can be accessed directly on app.cdcu.gov.ng.
HOW CAN NIGERIANS MONITOR PROGRESS WITH THE APP?
The CDCU said citizens can access detailed information on government priority projects, deliverables and programmes nationwide, in order to monitor and evaluate performance.
The aim is to help in promoting transparency and accountability, and fostering a sense of shared responsibility.
TheCable found that on the tracker website, deliverables and priority projects are listed in order of ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs).
HOW WILL NIGERIANS SUBMIT FEEDBACK?
Users can assess the MDAs and provide feedback and observations directly.
TheCable found that in order to submit a feedback on the website, one would fill a form requiring your name, email and phone number. This aims to help in facilitating timely responsiveness from the CDCU.
Nigerians can submit feedback for each deliverable and project under each MDA.
REAL TIME FEEDBACK
The unit says with the tracker, Nigerians can provide immediate feedback on their perception of the government’s performance in implementing policies, projects, and programmes anywhere within or outside the country.
DIRECT COMMUNICATION WITH THE CDCU
The tracker facilitates direct engagement between citizens and the CDCU, as Nigerians will be allowed to submit assessments and observations of ministries.
DIRECT ACCESS BY THE PRESIDENT
According to the coordination unit, the president would glean feedback on ministerial deliverables from a dedicated dashboard in his office.
Through this dashboard, the president would be able to see and track the implementation of his priority programmes.
[TheCable]
Nollywood actress, Halima Abubakar has stormed social media following reports that she was fined N10M for defaming the popular clergyman, Apostle Suleman.
The star ignored the news and instead posted a beautiful photo of herself.
She revealed that God is good and urged her followers to enjoy the holiday.
Recall that on Monday, news surfaced that a Federal High Court had ruled against the actress’s continued publication of defamatory remarks against Apostle Johnson Suleman, as well as ordered her to pay N10 million in damages.
The judge observed that although Abubakar was given the opportunity to defend herself, she chose not to do so. She was forced to take down her criticism of the priest from her Instagram profile for this reason.
Halima posted a new picture on her Instagram profile, her first since the news broke. She said that she was grateful for life.
Sharing the photo, she wrote:
“Filled with gratitude and the gift of life.
Enjoy your holiday dearies
God is good”.
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Popular activist, Verydarkman has revealed what it took him to have Bobrisky arrested.
According to him, he intentionally called out the police in order to get them to arrest him and the crossdresser, Bobrisky.
The controversial activist stated that all that had happened, including his arrest was all part of his grand plan to get Bobrisky arrested by the police.
He said that he began calling out the police and alleging that some of the were patronizing Bobrisky’s service just so that they’d be triggered into arresting him and Bobrisky.
Verydarkman stated that what he hadn’t anticipated was when someone collaged a photo of Bobrisky and Frank Mba to make it seem as though that was the person verydarkman was referring to.
Verydarkman emphasized that this isn’t true and he had no idea who had collaged the photos.
Omobayo Godwins, the new deputy governor of Edo State has said his people asked him to leave the Labour Party (LP) for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Recall that he was on April 8 sworn-in as deputy Governor of Edo State by the Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, after Philip Shaibu was impeached.
Appearing on Politics Today, later on Monday, April 8, Godwins said the people of Akoko Edo have always been his priority.
He said: “To be very frank with you, the Labour Party is not just a party but a movement I hold dearly. If I have the opportunity over and over, I will continue to thank them.
“It was LP that gave me the platform, but like I told you, what informed it (defection) is Akoko Edo. It is my major project and we are predominantly APC and PDP.
“I am happy that these six months or what you called seven months are okay for me. The governor has told me in clear terms — we have discussed some critical issues and I have given him a needs assessment of our people.
“I may not be able to do so much but I will make an impact that the people of Akoko Edo and Edo north will remember me for.”
No fewer than 39 lecturers in the nation’s tertiary institutions have been indicted and dismissed over sexual misconduct in the past five years, analysis of media reports by The PUNCH has revealed.
Sexual harassment has been recurring in Nigerian higher educational institutions with a survey conducted in 2018 by the World Bank Group’s Women revealing that 70 per cent of female graduates from tertiary institutions in the country were sexually harassed in school, with the main perpetrators being classmates and lecturers.
Although the Senate had in 2021 passed a bill stipulating 21 years imprisonment for randy lecturers, The PUNCH reports that most of the lecturers indicted and found guilty after the bill was passed were simply sacked.
In April 2018, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, announced the indefinite suspension of a professor of Accounting, Richard Oladele, over sexual harassment.
In 2021, the university also dismissed three lecturers from the Departments of English Language, International Relations and Accounting over sexual harassment.
In February 2020, the institution also announced the suspension of a lecturer at the Centre for Distance Learning, Monday Omo-Etan, for sexually molesting a 19-year-old female student.
In 2019, Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma, announced the suspension of an associate professor, Monday Igbafen, over allegations bordering on sexual harassment of female students.
Igbafen, who was the chairman of the AAU branch of the Academic Staff Union of Universities at the time, had accused the vice-chancellor of the institution of trying to frame him.
The senior lecturer in the Department of Philosophy at the university, in a letter written to the school by his lawyers, Osahon Irebhude & Co, demanded a written apology from the school.
In September 2020, the management of the Imo State University announced the suspension of two lecturers, who were alleged to have been involved in sexual misconduct with female students.
In February 2021, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, announced the suspension of a lecturer in the Department of Archaeology and Tourism, Dr Chigozie Odum, over allegations bordering on sexual misconduct.
The Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, similarly suspended a lecturer in the Department of Media and Theatre Arts in June 2021 for sexual misconduct.
In the same month, the management of the University of Lagos announced the dismissal of two lecturers over similar offences.
In August of that year, the University of Port Harcourt announced the dismissal of a lecturer in the Department of Foreign Languages and Literature for sexual misconduct.
In October 2021, the Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi, also announced the dismissal of two lecturers from the departments of Nutrition/Dietetics and General Studies over sexual misconduct.
A lecturer in the Department of Sociology, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education was dismissed for impregnating a female student.
In December 2021, the Kwara State University, Malete, announced the dismissal of a lecturer for harassing a student in the Department of Pure and Applied Sciences.
In January 2022, the Elechi Amadi Polytechnic, Rivers State, announced the dismissal of a lecturer for harassing a female student.
In April 2022, OAU again launched a probe into allegations of sexual harassment against a professor in the Department of Linguistics and African Studies. So far, two professors have been affected in the institution.
In June 2022, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja, Prof Abdul-Raheed Na’allah, announced the dismissal of two lecturers for sexual misconduct. Both of them are professors.
Earlier in 2023, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission arraigned Dr. Balogun Olaniran of the Tai Solarin University of Education, who was said to have allegedly demanded sexual gratification from a female student to alter her results in 2021.
In March 2023, a lecturer at the Kogi State Polytechnic, Abutu Thompson, was dismissed on account of sexual harassment and victimisation of a female student in the Department of Computer Science.
In May, the management of the Ambrose Alli University in Edo State reportedly dismissed an unnamed lecturer over allegations bordering sexual harassment.
Reports noted that the lecturer was dismissed on the recommendations of the institution’s Staff Disciplinary Committee, which found him guilty of the offence.
According to AAU’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Asomwan Adagbonyin, the dismissed lecturer had claimed to only make advances, yet he went to the girl’s church to plead for forgiveness.
In July 2023, the VC of UNIABUJA, Na’allah, said two lecturers were dismissed following allegations of sexual harassment.
In August, the management of the University of Calabar suspended the embattled Dean, Faculty of Law, Prof. Cyril Ndifon, over allegations of sexual harassment. Ndifon is currently being held by security operatives.
On September 7, 2023, the University of Lagos suspended a lecturer, Kadri Babalola, who was accused of raping a 21-year-old student.
Similarly, in October 2023, the Federal College of Forestry, Plateau state announced the suspension of four lecturers over allegations bordering sexual harassment of female students.
Speaking with our correspondents on the matter, the Director of Programmes, Reform Education Nigeria, Ayodamola Oluwatoyin, urged President Bola Tinubu to sign the sexual harassment bill into law.
Oluwatoyin said, “The President signing the bill will be a game-changer. We need to make schools safe for our students. The most unfortunate part of the issue is that some of these students even when harassed are scared to come out in the open for fear of victimisation and other issues.”
Former Programme Manager, Gender Justice at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Foundation, Nafisa Atiku-Adejuwon, urged institutions to prevent survivors from being further victimised into silence and provide safe anonymous pathways for them to report such incidents.
Atiku-Adejuwon also called for the building of a system of trust between university management and the student population.
“The response system has to be survivour-centred and holistic; mental and physical health concerns must be taken seriously. The response system shouldn’t be created to make the university look good; it should be to take care of the survivors,” she added.
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A Sokoto-based cleric, Sheikh Musa Lukwa, defied the directives of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, and led his followers on Tuesday, to observe Eid prayers.
Recall that the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, under the leadership of the Sultan of Sokoto, had on Monday night declared that fasting would continue on Tuesday as the crescent moon could not be sighted.
The Sultan declared Wednesday as the first of Shawwal and Eid day, which would commemorate the completion of the 2024 Ramadan fast.
The Saudi Arabian authorities had also announced Wednesday for the celebration of the 2024 Eid-el-fitr.
But Sheikh Lukwa, who has over the years disobeyed the Sultan’s directive on moon sighting, led prayers at his Juma’at mosque on Tuesday morning.
Lukwa claimed that the moon of Shawwal was sighted in neighbouring Niger Republic on Monday night.
“There were reports of sightings of the new crescent in many places, including here in Nigeria, but the one that we were sure of is that of Niger Republic.
“We have a verified video clip of their Council of Ulamah authenticating the report after which the country declared Tuesday as Sallah day. So it is now binding on us to observe Eid on Tuesday because this is what the teachings of the Holy Prophet says.
“If we can accept that of Saudi Arabia, why can’t we agree with that of Niger Republic which is nearer to us?
“I am not saying all Nigerian Muslims must observe their Eid prayerson Tuesday but we have no moral justification not to observe our prayer on Tuesday because the new moon was sighted by our neighbors. And remember there is no fasting on Sallah day, it is prohibited,” he said.
The cleric had in 2022 disobeyed the directive of the Sultan on the moon sighting and led Muslims in Sokoto State for Eid prayers on a contrary date.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has begun a probe into eight suspected oil thieves in its custody in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom capital.
A statement released on Tuesday by EFCC head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, said the suspects were dealing in petroleum products without appropriate licences.
The suspects were arrested on Friday February 23, 2024, onboard a wooden boat, MV Jasmine, by the Nigeria Navy Ship, Forward Operating Base Ibaka, in Akwa Ibom, and handed over to the Commission on Tuesday, April 3, 2024 by the Commanding Officer Captain (NN) Uche Aneke.
According to the EFCC spokesperson, the arrested suspects include Pere Ebiye (Captain), Okon David (DeckMan), Enuwa Wilson (Cook), Wesley Okon (DeckMan), Ade Ojo Idowu (Asst. Engineer), Oluwadamire Abraham (DeckMan), Oluwole Azuzu (Asst. Captain) and Taiwo Adebanwo (Chief Engineer).
They were arrested in a boat which was laden with 30,000 litres of petroleum products suspected to be crude, bunkered in a cellophane-sealed compartment of the boat and in four Geepee tanks.
“Both the arrested crew members and the exhibits were handed over to the Commission on Tuesday April 3, 2024 by the Commanding Officer Captain (NN) Uche Aneke of the Nigeria Navy Ship, Forward Operating Base Ibaka, in Akwa Ibom State.
“According to him, the crew were arrested at Posn Lat. 04°18.258°N. Long 008°29. 696’E by the Navy Ship Ekulu during a patrol. He expressed determination to ensure that the Nigerian waterways remain safe and free of criminal activities.
“While receiving the crew members, boat and products, the Uyo Zonal Commander, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE1 Bawa H. Saidu, who was represented by Assistant Superintendent of the EFCC, ASE1 Terseer Chinyam, thanked the Nigerian Navy and assured it of the Commission’s readiness to always partner with it and other security agencies to curb economic crimes in Nigeria.”
Ace journalist and presidential aspirant, Dele Momodu, has said that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, cannot be trusted due to his alleged disloyalty to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
Momodu’s accusations highlight a deepening rift within the party, underscoring the political tension following the 2023 presidential election.
Despite serving in President Bola Tinubu’s APC-led administration, Wike remains a PDP member, a situation that has stirred controversy and distrust in political circles.
Momodu claims that even the president’s camp is wary of Wike’s allegiance, signaling a broader mistrust that transcends party lines.
Wike’s political journey took a contentious turn when he supported APC’s Tinubu in the 2023 elections, following disagreements within the PDP regarding the nomination of Atiku Abubakar, a northerner, as the party’s presidential candidate.
This move, coupled with his subsequent appointment as FCT Minister, has placed Wike at the center of political discourse, questioning his fidelity to the PDP.
Despite the turmoil and calls from certain quarters within the PDP for disciplinary action, the party has yet to officially sanction Wike.
Momodu, a prominent figure and publisher, expressed his disapproval of Wike’s actions, accusing him of undermining the PDP’s unity and strength.
Nigeria appreciated further in the official and parallel markets, on Monday after a 12 per cent or N152.23 reduction in the Bureaux de Change (BDC) exchange rate to N1,117.5 per dollar.
Over the weeks, Nigeria’s local currency, the naira has experienced steady appreciation against the dollar, as efforts to boost the economy are intensified by the federal government.
It is pertinent to know some of the factors responsible for the naira’s appreciation, and a few of them are discussed below:
1. CBN sells dollars to BDCs
In a circular on its website yesterday, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) sold dollars to Bureau de Change (BDC) operators.
The apex bank said it would sell $10,000 to each BDCs a1 about N1101 per/$ and also instructed the BDCs to sell at a spread not exceeding 1.5 per cent above the CBN rate.
This approach has the capacity to strengthen the naira against the dollar, making it to be exchanged at N1,117.5 per dollar.
With this, the customers are suspending the decision to buy because based on the CBN announcement, they expect the exchange rate to further go down.
2. Implementation of CBN policies
The policies of the apex bank led by Dr Olayemi Cardoso are responsible for the naira’s steady appreciation according to the affirmation by co-founder, Comercio Partners Limited, an investment bank, Nnamdi Nwizu.
Nwizu said, “Factors behind the appreciation are basically around the various CBN policies implemented and the confidence it is bringing back to the market.
‘’We now have Foreign Portfolio Investment, FPI’s showing interest in Nigeria and have seen the forex backlog cleared by the CBN. Also, we have high-interest rates, making it harder to source naira to buy the dollars. All of these have contributed largely to the naira’s appreciation.”