Stanley Okoruwa, a Lagos-based blogger, has issued a public apology for making unfounded allegations against popular businessman Emeka Okonkwo, also known as E-Money, and Jennifer Awele, the wife of the late actor Junior Pope.
The controversy began when E-Money launched a search for two women and a man who claimed he had an affair with Jennifer Awele.
Following this, the blogger was arrested by the Lagos State Police Command after E-Money filed a petition regarding the offensive video.
In a turn of events, Okoruwa retracted his statements and expressed regret for his actions, admitting that his allegations were merely an attempt to gain followers on his Facebook page.
“I made the video to grow my page, I did not have any bad intentions towards E-Money,” he said.
“I did not know the video would go viral. I accept it is wrong for me to make such a video and I did not know it will escalate.
“Everything in the video is not true, I just tried to make the video to get popular and get the opportunity to meet E-Money.
“… I’m very sorry, E-Money. I did not mean to tarnish his image. Everything in the video is false. I’m using this medium to seek E-Money’s forgiveness and I will not repeat the mistake again.”
The spokesperson of the Lagos State Police Command, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, said the blogger will be prosecuted for allegedly defaming E-Money, in his online video.
He said E-Money followed due process by reporting to the police.
“He is going to be prosecuted because the things he engaged in were criminal in nature. He has allegedly defamed E-money and he is going to be prosecuted,” Hundeyin stated.
International Breweries announces products price hike International Breweries Plc said it has increased prices of its various product offerings in Nigeria. The brewer said in a statement that reviewing prices in its portfolio has become necessary due to current market realities, and was done to serve its customers better.
The new price review affects products such as Eagle Lager, Eagle Extra Stout, Trophy Stout, Beta Malt, and Grand Malt.
Head of Sales of the company, Olaleye Abimbola, disclosed that it is confident that the decision to review the prices benefits all its partners.
Abimbola however called on the company’s partners to honour the old pricing strategy it had in the previous months until the new changes were announced and implemented.
This is the second time the company will increase the prices of its products in one year. International Breweries disclosed a forex-related loss of N162.2 billion in its first quarter report.
Major brewers in Nigeria have been hit by an economic crisis due to inflation, foreign exchange volatility, and rising production costs, which has led to price hikes across the country
The police command in Imo on Monday said it has demoted an inspector seen in a viral video, over his alleged extortion of money from motorists in the state.
The incident happened along the Onitsha express road in Imo..
Following the virality of the video, Henry Okoye, the Imo state police spokesperson, said in a statement the erring inspector, identified as Isong Osudueh has been recommended for a reduction in rank after the necessary orderly room proceedings.
In the statement, Okoye added that Aboki Danjuma, the Imo police commissioner said the officer will face an orderly room trial after which other necessary disciplinary actions will be taken against him.
Ondo: 20-year-old barber bags 14 years imprisonment for burglary, stealing
The statement said that the erring Osudueh supervisor has been issued a query for lack of proper supervision.
“The erring officer, identified as Inspector Isong Osudueh, attached to the Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU), Owerri, has been recommended for a reduction in rank after the necessary orderly room proceedings, for exhibiting such a shameful and unprofessional act, while the supervisory officer has been issued an official query for lack of supervision,” the statement said.
“The disciplinary actions taken against the erring officer underscore the Command’s unwavering commitment to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, transparency, and integrity among its personnel, while effectively discharging its lawful duties and entrenching public trust and confidence.
The CP warned that under his watch, the command will not condone any act of extortion or misconduct by its personnel and warned that any supervisory officer who failed to carry out his oversight duties will be severely sanctioned.
In an effort to bring back the old national anthem, the senate has approved a bill for third reading.
Following the consideration of Tahir Monguno’s report—the chair of the judiciary committee—the upper house of parliament passed the bill.
The old national anthem is themed: ‘Nigeria, We Hail Thee’.
While presenting his report, Monguno said his committee disagreed with the position of Lateef Fagbemi, attorney-general of the federation (AGF), that the process to change the anthem should be subjected to a wider process.
“The proposed bill is important,” the Borno senator said.
Thereafter, the senate considered clauses of the bill and passed it.
Last week, the house of representatives passed the bill speedily, but it only scaled second reading at the senate.
Majority of the lawmakers in both chambers of the national assembly spoke in favour of the bill when they debated on its general principles.
While debating the bill last week, Victor Umeh, senator representing Anambra central, said an anthem is supposed to be motivational, adding that the current one is anything but emotive.
“The old one we are seeking to bring back is one that evokes emotions,” Umeh said.
“A national anthem is supposed to be motivational. There is motivation in the old anthem.
“I think from what my colleagues have said, there is nothing in the current anthem that motivates our people. If we bring it back, our children will be more committed to the ideals of nationhood.”
There have been mixed reactions since the national assembly began taking steps to reintroduce the old national anthem.
Gombe Govt to prosecute man for amputation of his 12-year-old nephew over alleged phone theft
AFOLABI
The Gombe State Government said it has filed charges against a man who amputated the two hands of his 12-year-old nephew, Adamu, over alleged phone theft.
The incident happened in Sambi Daji village, Tumu District in the Akko Local Government Area of the state.
The Director of Public Prosecutions in the Gombe State Ministry of Justice, Abubakar Jungudo, disclosed this in an interview with the punch on Monday, May 27, 2024.
"We are going to prosecute the defendant. We are awaiting the assignment of the case by the Chief Judge of Gombe State. One of the magistrates in Kashere drew my attention to the case, having seen the seriousness of the injury and it was referred to the Gombe State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps,” the DPP said.
In a statement commemorating Children's Day, the Vice Chairperson of the Nigerian Bar Association, Gombe branch, Mwalin Abdu, condemned the act.
Abdu, who doubles as Chairperson, Human Rights Committee of the NBA, condemned the spate of child abuse in a press statement she titled, ‘Protecting our future: Urgent action needed on child protection in Gombe State.’
She called on the authorities to implement the Child Protection Law to tackle cases of abuse, stressing the need for concerted efforts towards combating dastardly acts against minors
“In 2018, we woke up to the story of young Zubair Abubakar (13 years old), whose arms were amputated because of the abuse by his teacher; just four days ago was another devastating story of a 12-year-old Adamu from Tumu District in the Akko LGA of the same Gombe State, who also lost his arms due to a similar incident with Zubair Abubakar, over alleged theft of phone,” she said.
"Even though the office of the Attorney General has taken over the prosecution of the cases, we believe that is not enough, because these two stories are just a tip of the iceberg of the numerous daily-reported and unreported complaints or cases of child abuse in the state, ranging from sexual abuse, child labour, child molestation, child trafficking and so on.”
"The heartbreaking tales of young victims like Zubair Abubakar and Adamu from Gombe State underscore a troubling reality: child abuse remains a pervasive issue in our communities, transcending mere headlines to expose the harsh realities faced by our most vulnerable members.
“While the ratification of the Child Protection Law in 2022 was a pivotal step, the gap between legislation and its effective enforcement looms large, leaving the children at risk and their futures uncertain.”
She called on stakeholders to rise to the occasion to put a stop to the overwhelming incidences of child abuse in Gombe State typified by the cases of Abubakar and Adamu.
“The time for passive observance has passed, the safeguarding of every child’s well-being demands immediate and resolute action. Gombe State must move swiftly to implement and enforce the Child Protection Law, ensuring that those who exploit and harm our children face the full force of justice. Robust reporting mechanisms, specialised victim support services, and widespread awareness campaigns are imperative to redress the rampant abuse, exploitation, and trafficking that plague our dear state,” she added.
Lake Chad Basin counterterrorism and insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, who narrated the tragic event explained that the suspect caught Adamu and tied his hands with a rope, intending to keep him captive until he revealed where he hid the phone.
By the time the rope was loosened, his hands had become severely damaged, and doctors were forced to amputate them to save his life.
“His elder brother did this to him after accusing him of stealing his mobile phone. The brother caught him and tied his hands with a rope, intending to keep him captive until he reveals where he hid the phone. Tragically, the rope was too tight, cutting off circulation to his hands. By the time the rope was loosened, his hands had become severely damaged, and doctors were forced to amputate them to save his life,” he added.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has criticized the federal government for dragging the state to court alongside 35 other states over Local Government (LG) autonomy. Sanwo-Olu emphasized that Lagos State already fully complies with LG autonomy and should not be part of the legal action.
The federal government filed a suit at the Supreme Court against all 36 state governors, seeking to prevent the arbitrary dissolution of democratically elected local government leaders. However, Sanwo-Olu argued that including Lagos in the lawsuit was a legal error since the state’s local governments have been enjoying autonomy for decades.
Speaking at the ongoing Justice Reform Summit organized by the Lagos State Judiciary, Sanwo-Olu supported the suit but highlighted that the Attorney General of the Federation should have identified non-compliant states before initiating legal proceedings. He suggested that only states violating autonomy should be sued rather than all 36 states collectively.
He said: “It is interesting to read that the Honorable Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation has sued all the 36 states because Governors did not give autonomy to the third tier of government. The only mistake I am going to tell our Attorney General is that some of us are in compliance.
“The Attorney General should have done his due diligence to identify which states are not compliant, so we don’t sue all the 36 states together. You can determine which states are not violating the Constitution. If it is three, four or five states that comply, then you can sue the 31 states for violating the autonomy of the local governments. That is part of the back work that we need to do.”
Drawing a parallel with Singapore, a fishing village with environmental similarities with Lagos, Sanwo-Olu said Singapore’s faith in the rule of law and fairness transformed the efficiency of the country’s justice system, leading to its rapid economic growth and prosperity.
He said: “Just like Lagos, Singapore has no resources. Singapore is what it is today because of the Ease of Doing Business. Registering a business in Singapore takes less than 30 minutes, surpassing many countries in ease of doing business. Singapore has one of the best judiciary systems in the world; they have quick turnaround time in mediation and dispute resolution.”
Representatives of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) and the Attorney General of the Federation acknowledged the strides made by the Lagos judiciary in promoting justice development. They pledged continued support for reforms to enhance public trust in the judiciary and foster economic growth.
Nigerian actress, Eniola Badmus has confirmed her appointment as the special assistant on social events and public hearing to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas.
In her Instagram post on Monday, Eniola thanked Abbas for entrusting her with the role, describing it as a “significant milestone” in her career.
Among the pictures the Omo Ghetto: The Saga actress posted is one of herself bending to greet Abbas.
She wrote:
“A sincere heartfelt gratitude for entrusting me with the recent political appointment. It is an honor to be given this opportunity, I am truly honored and excited to serve under your leadership @speakerabbas and I am deeply appreciative of the confidence you have placed in me.
“This appointment is not only a significant milestone in my career but also a chance to contribute meaningfully to our shared goals and vision.”
Eniola’s appointment went viral on May 10 and was greeted with mixed reactions.
The 41-year-old added in her appreciation post:
“Your support and belief in my abilities mean a great deal to me. I am committed to working diligently and upholding the principles and values that our team stands for. Thank you for your belief in my potential, and for giving me the chance to make a positive impact.
“I look forward to collaborating closely with you and our colleagues to achieve success in our collective goals and to bring about the positive changes we all aspire to see.”
Eniola supported President Bola Tinubu’s campaign for the presidency last year. Many of her critics said they would boycott her movies due to her political affiliation.
A group of crossdressers from Ikorodu has stirred up reactions online as they took to the streets to demand the release of controversial figure, Bobrisky, from prison.
The protest comes in the wake of Bobrisky’s arrest and subsequent sentencing to six months in prison over issues relating to the abuse of the Nigerian currency, after the self-styled social media sensation pleaded guilty.
The arrest of Bobrisky, known for his flamboyant and often polarizing persona, caused a serious buzz online, with supporters and critics voicing their opinions on the matter.
However, the emergence of this protest by fellow crossdressers adds a new dimension to the ongoing discourse surrounding the case.
Video footage shared on social media captured the striking image of the crossdressers, all adorned in feminine outfits, passionately advocating for Bobrisky’s release.
Holding placards with messages pleading for the freedom of the self-proclaimed ‘Mummy of Lagos.’
“Free Bobrisky” the message on one of the placards read.
The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dr Ralphs Okey Nwosu, has said it will take six years for Nigerians to get over the impact of subsidy removal.
Speaking at the leadership retreat Organised by the ADC in Abuja on Monday, Nwosu said one of the reasons the first year anniversary of the present administration has been so dramatic and full of flip – flops is because the president failed to listen to the people and “started the wrong way”.
The ADC Chairman who stated that leadership is not about the elite, but about what the people want, said “the President is not doing too well. And you know why? you can’t see hungry people. And the first policy you would bring even before you step into the office was to tell them your fuel price has gone up by 400 percent.
“It will take them more than six years or more than four years to address the problem that the singular decision they took brings. You are leading people, before you step into your vision, you tell them, you know, your prices to pay for your rent, to pay for your houses and so on has gone up by 400 percent. You more or less kill the morale of the people that will help you to reflect the economy.”
Meanwhile, in a communique issued after the retreat, the party encouraged political parties not to wait until election year before planning on how to win elections.
“That’s why the party is organizing leadership retreats to develop the capacities of her party leaders. The party believes in continuous learning.”
“ADC wants change in the electoral process to start with the voters. We will intensify our voter education programmes. The voters are critical to democracy and nation building. ADC asserted that it’s liaison with the electorates must continue in good spirit.
The retreat also resolves, that “ADC honed its transformation leadership ideology. And says that the entire Nigerian system is rotten and needs overhaul. Political parties must take systematic actions towards transforming the rottenness in the polity.
“Members agreed to emulate Senegal youths and to use its young members to shore up mobilisation and bring about change in all election including LGA, state and national.”
Hundreds of people have fled their villages in a rural community in Niger State after weekend attacks by armed groups left 10 dead and at least 160 missing, a local government chairman and two residents said on Monday.
A year after President Bola Tinubu came to power promising to end widespread insecurity, kidnappings in the northwest by armed gangs demanding ransoms have become almost routine, with authorities seemingly powerless to stop them.
Gunmen on motorbikes first attacked Kuchi community in Niger state's Munya local government area on Friday evening, killing five residents and five hunters who tried to fight back, before kidnapping dozens of people, said local chairman Aminu Ajume.
The gunmen returned on Sunday night and seized livestock and food and burned shops, forcing at least 700 villagers to flee to nearby communities, Ajume added.
"As I am speaking to you, Munya is (a) no go area. They moved from house to house abducting people ... they abducted 160 villagers, including women," he told Reuters by phone.
Kidnapping gangs, known locally as bandits, and members from a faction of insurgent group Boko Haram joined forces to launch the attacks, Ajume said without providing evidence.
Boko Haram has been fighting an insurgency in the northeast since 2009 but Niger authorities have previously said its smaller faction had cells in the state and carried out some attacks.
The police and army spokespersons in Niger state did not respond to several requests for comment.
Maryam Abubakar, a resident, said she hid in the toilet when she heard sporadic gunfire around 1900 GMT on Friday and gunmen burst into her home shortly after.
"It was raining at that time. The bandits entered the house, searched the rooms and kitchen and they took my aunt and her two children," Abubakar said, adding the three were still missing.
Musa Auwal was in his shop when gunmen attacked on Friday but he hid in a nearby bush, he said. When he returned the next day, his shop had been looted, so he fled to stay with relatives 60 km away.
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Super Eagles goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, has dropped the biggest hint that he could leave Chippa United this summer.
Nwabali burst onto the scene at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in January this year.
The 27-year-old goalkeeper finished the competition with four clean sheets in seven appearances.
He also made two penalty saves in the shoot-out against South Africa in the quarterfinals.
This season, Nwabali has kept 11 clean sheets for Chippa United in 26 appearances.
Following his impressive performances, Nwabali has become a target for clubs abroad.
Saudi Pro League club Al Ettifaq, English Championship side Queens Park Rangers, and South African side Kaizer Chiefs have all been linked.
Following the final game of the season – a 2-0 defeat to Orlando Pirate – Nwabali dropped a hint on his future.
“Well, everyone would love to leave because when you are in some position, you need to grow,” said Nwabali.
“Like everyone in my position, I would like to grow more. I’m talking about clubs higher than this [bigger than Chippa United] because I have been giving my all to my club this season.
“I just wish to have another challenge at some other place,” Nwabali said.
[DailyPost]
Cristiano Ronaldo broke the record for the most goals in a Saudi Pro League season when he struck for the 34th and 35th time in Al Nassr’s final game of the campaign.
“I don’t follow the records, the records follow me,” the 39-year-old Portuguese forward tweeted afterward.
The former Real Madrid and Manchester United star struck in first-half stoppage time and again in the 69th minute with a header as Al Nassr defeated Al Ittihad 4-2 at home on Monday.
The previous record for most goals in a single season was the 34 scored by the Moroccan Abderrazak Hamdallah in 2018-19.
Al Nassr were already assured of a second-placed finish, coming a distant 14 points behind champions Al Hilal.
Ronaldo joined Riyadh-based Al Nassr in December 2022, the start of an influx of overseas players to the Saudi league on lucrative contracts.
Ronaldo, who led Portugal to victory at the 2016 Euros, has been selected for the squad for this year’s edition in Germany next month — his 11th international tournament.
He is the most capped player in men’s international football with 206 appearances and has scored a record 128 goals.
AFP
The Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri has massively expanded his cabinet with the appointment of 182 special assistants just as he also sent a list of 57 names to the state House of Assembly for appointment as heads of boards and commissions.
A press statement issued in Yola by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor Humwashi Wonosikou, stated that the appointments are with immediate effect.
Arewa PUNCH’s scrutiny of the names revealed that the appointments have all the 21 local governments represented.
In a similar development, the governor appointed Dr. Micheal Zika, the former Personal Assistant to former Governor Jibrila Bindow as the executive secretary Poverty Alleviation and Wealth Creation Agency.
The naira depreciated in the parallel segment of the foreign exchange (FX) market on Monday. At the Lagos street market, currency traders, known as bureau de change (BDC) operators, quoted the naira at N1,520 to the dollar. The traders set the buying price at N1,490 and the selling price at N1,520, resulting in a profit margin of N30. This marks a decline of N10 or 0.66 percent from the N1,510/$ traded on May 24.
Conversely, in the official market, the naira appreciated by 9.6 percent or N143, reaching N1,339.33/$ on Monday from N1,482.81/$ on May 24. According to FMDQ Exchange, which oversees official FX trading in Nigeria, the highest exchange rate during trading hours was N1,501/$, and the lowest was N1,310/$. A daily turnover of $180.80 million was recorded at the official window.
The Association of Bureau De Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON) stated on May 23 that the naira's weakening is driven by unearned income chasing the local currency, rather than a surge in demand for the dollar. Aminu Gwadabe, president of ABCON, attributed the naira's depreciation to corruption, not the activities of BDCs.