The body of a police inspector identified as Haruna Mohammed has been found in a hotel room in Ogun state.

Mohammed, who was attached to the Ishashi police division in Lagos, was said to have checked into Super G Royal Hotel at Anthony Uzum Estate, Oyeyemi Akute, around 1 a.m. on Saturday with an unidentified woman.

TheCable understands that Deborah Adejobi, the hotel manager, noticed that the room door was left open and found the officer unresponsive at about 8:52 a.m. while the woman was nowhere to be found.

According to a police report, the hotel owner, Abiodun Olagunju, reported the incident to the authorities.

 

Olagunju also noted that the woman had briefly visited the reception at about 6 a.m. to request a bottle of water before disappearing.

Mohammed’s body has been taken to Life Channel Mortuary in the Olambe area of Akute.

Omolola Odutola, the police spokesperson in Ogun state, confirmed the incident.

“At first, it was the uniform found in his bag, so it was not possible to say he is a police officer. There was no identification card on him or his belongings,” Odutola said.

“But further investigation revealed that the deceased is an inspector of police serving with the Ishashi division in the Lagos command.

“The DPO has been contacted and his body identified.”

Odutola said operatives of the command have launched a manhunt for the fleeing lady, while an investigation is ongoing to unravel the circumstances surrounding his death.

Chimamanda Adichie, the award-winning author, has welcomed twins with her husband at age 47.

The boys, born in April 2024, were revealed during her interview with The Guardian on Saturday.

The writer revealed she kept the birth of her twin from the public to “protect” them.

She said that Nigerians’ curiosity about people’s personal lives makes her even more reluctant to share.

“I want to protect my children. I’m okay with having them mentioned, but I don’t want the piece to become about them,” she said.

“So, here is the thing, Nigerians are sosy. They want to know about your personal life. Because of that, I am resistant. I very rarely talk about it,” she said.

Adichie will be releasing her first feature-length novel in 11 years in March.

The novel titled ‘Dream Count’ is a reflection on love, desire, and the intricacies of womanhood explored through the lives of four distinct women.

Talking about her writing hiatus, she revealed it happened unplanned after she got pregnant with her first child.

Adichie said she struggled for years to reconnect with her creative self after feeling “cast out” from the part of her that imagines and creates, even though she could still write nonfiction.

“I did not want to leave such a long gap between novels. When I got pregnant with my daughter, something just happened,” she said.

“I had a number of years in which I was almost existentially frightened that I wouldn’t write again. It was unbearable.

“There are expressions like ‘writer’s block’ I don’t like to use because I’m superstitious. But I had many years in which I felt cast out from my creative self, cast out from the part of me that imagines and creates; I just could not reach it.

“I could write nonfiction, that was fine. But that’s not what my heart wanted.”

Adichie is married to Ivara Esege, a Nigerian doctor. The lovebirds tied the knot in 2009 and welcomed their first daughter in 2016.

Aside from being a novelist, Adichie is also a feminist.

She is best known for her themes on politics, culture, race, and gender.

She has received global recognition and won numerous awards.

In 2019, Adichie became the first Nigerian to receive the United Nations Foundation’s Global Leadership Award.

The writer has also made the New African’s list of ‘100 Most Influential Africans’, New Yorker’s ’20 under 40′, and Time Magazine’s ‘100 Most Influential People’.

Muhsin Hendricks, believed to be the world’s first openly gay imam, has been shot dead in South Africa.

Hendricks was killed on Saturday near the southern city of Gqeberha after assailants ambushed his vehicle and opened fire.

According to reports, the imam had just finished officiating a lesbian wedding before he was killed.

A police statement said Hendricks was in a car with another person on Saturday when a vehicle stopped in front of them and blocked their exit.

“Two unknown suspects with covered faces got out of the vehicle and started firing multiple shots at the vehicle,” the statement reads.

“Thereafter they fled the scene, and the driver noticed that Hendricks, who was seated at the back of the vehicle was shot and killed.”

The imam ran a mosque intended as a haven for gay and other marginalised Muslims.

His killing has stirred anger from the LGBTQ+ community.

Hendricks, involved in various LGBTQ advocacy groups, came out as gay in 1996.

He was also the subject of a 2022 documentary called “The Radical,” which gave an insight into his queer choice as a clergyman.

Hendricks previously alluded to threats against him but insisted that “the need to be authentic” was “greater than the fear to die

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Nasir el-Rufai, former governor of Kaduna, on his 65th birthday.

Tinubu commended el-Rufai for his “endeavours for democracy and meritorious service to the nation”.

In a statement issued on Sunday by Bayo Onanuga, presidential spokesperson, Tinubu commended the former Kaduna governor for his role in the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“President Tinubu celebrates Mallam El-Rufai on this occasion and commends his endeavours for democracy; his meritorious service to the nation, and mentorship of the younger generation,” the statement reads.

“The President acknowledges Mallam El-Rufai’s role in the dialogues leading up to the formation of the APC and his contributions to the success of the party in the three consecutive elections of 2015, 2019, and 2023.

“President Tinubu wishes El-Rufai good health and strength for continuous service to the nation.”

The president’s felicitations come amid the political friction between his camp and the former Kaduna governor.

In the build-up to the 2023 elections, el-Rufai was one of the northern leaders who insisted that power must return to the south after the tenure of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

The former Kaduna governor supported the presidential ambition of Tinubu.

After Tinubu won the election, el-Rufai was nominated as a minister but the senate withheld his confirmation, citing security concerns.

The development was interpreted by political analysts as a move to whittle down his influence in the presidency.

Despite initially retreating from the political scene, el-Rufai recently resurfaced, unleashing a series of scathing critiques of the APC and the administration of Tinubu.

He is also known to constantly retweet X(formerly Twitter) posts critical of the Tinubu administration.

Of late, there have been unconfirmed reports that el-Rufai is seeking another political tent ahead of the 2027 elections.

The former governor also recently alleged that there may be plans to arrest and torture him upon his return to the country

Businessman Tunde Ayeni has denied the authenticity of a DNA certificate presented by Adaobi Alagwu, which allegedly proves his paternity of her child.

Ayeni, a former chairman of the board of directors, Skye Bank Plc, has been in the public eye over a paternity tussle with Alagwu, an Abuja-based lawyer.

Alagwu claimed they dated in 2019 and that she welcomed a child with Ayeni in the United States in 2022.

The businessman, however, denied the allegations and insisted that he “is not in any way connected to the child”.

In July 2023, Biola, Ayeni’s wife, argued that her husband was a target for “runs girls” who use “diabolical” means to seduce “unsuspecting and naive victims” due to his popularity.

However, TheCable Lifestyle recently obtained a DNA test report, which attributed a “99.9999997% probability of paternity” to Ayeni.

According to the now-disputed report, the DNA test was conducted at the DNA Diagnostics Center (DDC) in London on April 11, 2023.

The test results allegedly identified Ayeni as the biological father of Alagwu’s child. It stated that “the alleged father is not excluded as the biological father of the tested child”.

“Based on testing results obtained from analyses of the DNA loci listed, the probability is 99.9999997%. The probability of paternity is calculated by comparing to an untested, unrelated, random individual of the black population (assumes prior probability equals 0.50,” it added.

“Note: one possible mutation was observed. The mutation frequency was included in the calculation of the probability of paternity. This paternity calculation does not take into consideration any Biological relatives of the alleged father.”

Also, court documents filed by Ayeni’s lawyers and obtained by TheCable Lifestyle admitted that he paid “the customary dowry required to marry Alagwu in 2022, but the marriage didn’t proceed. In 2024, the dowry was returned to Ayeni, who accepted it”.

The dispute, according to the document, led to a summons from a customary court in Abuja, where Ayeni (the complainant) sought to dissolve the customary marriage due to its breakdown.

AYENI DENIES ALAGWU’S ALLEGATIONS

In a statement shared with TheCable Lifestyle, Ayeni claimed the certificate is “fake and compromised,” citing “irregularities in the DNA testing process”.

He alleged that Alagwu and her associates hacked into the email accounts of the laboratory responsible for the DNA test and inserted a fake document to support her claims.

The businessman reiterated that he has no “biological relationship with Alagwu’s child” and is seeking a new, independent DNA test to confirm his position.

“This lady is being clever by half. She is haunted by her reckless past and is truly desperate. It is this desperation that is pushing her on this journey to infamy and ultimate disgrace,” the statement reads.

“It has become necessary to once again address the persistent and shameful campaign of blackmail, deceit, and defamation orchestrated by Ms. Adaobi Alagwu. When I say the certificate is fake, it is a position informed by indisputable facts.

“First, the result was meant to be out in five days. Later, a letter, purportedly from the centre, came pushing the date the result will be ready by two extra days. When we cross-checked from the centre, they denied knowledge of the said letter and the Indian name that signed it.

“At that point, it became crystal clear to us that the process has been compromised and that the outcome can not be genuine. We have since discovered other nefarious steps taken to come about the so-called DNA certificate.”

Ayeni also alleged that Google notified him that his email account had been compromised at a critical point when they were expecting the DNA test results.

He claimed that “this was not a coincidence” and that it was clear that the “process had been compromised”.

Ayeni also denied “marital connection to Alagwu,” adding that his position has been “repeatedly affirmed through official legal documents, including an affidavit”.

“This desperation will lead Adaobi nowhere. If she is confused about the true father of her daughter, she should invite her numerous dates for DNA tests,” the statement added.

He also stated that legal actions are ongoing to address the alleged blackmail and cyber-attacks.

Alagwu was summoned by the court on February 11, 2025, to answer questions by Ayeni regarding their purpoted marriage but she was absent in court.

The court however adjourned the case till February 17.

Ali Pate, coordinating minister of health and social welfare, says the federal government is planning to engage 28,000 Nigerian health workers previously being paid by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

Speaking in an interview on Channels Television on Friday, Pate said the federal government is ready to take ownership of the country’s healthcare sector amid the change in the policy of the US government.

US President Donald Trump recently ordered a funding pause for HIV treatment in developing countries as part of an executive order on foreign aid. The executive orders also affected the operations of USAID and other foreign interventions of the US government.

As a result, the US Department of State suspended the disbursement of funds from the president’s emergency plan for AIDS relief (PEPFAR).

PEPFAR is providing HIV treatment for more than 20 million people living with the disease in Nigeria and globally, including 566,000 children under 15 years of age.

However, the joint United Nations programme on HIV/AIDS in a statement had said the US government approved a waiver that allows people living with HIV to continue accessing treatment.

Recently, the federal executive council (FEC) approved an allocation of N4.5 billion for the procurement of HIV treatment packs to support Nigerians living with HIV/AIDS.

‘FG TO REDUCE FOREIGN DEPENDENCE’

Speaking further, the health minister said Nigeria has not invested heavily in the healthcare sector, adding that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is ready to change the narrative.

Pate said more than 70 percent of the medications being used in Nigeria are imported and that the country also imported more than 99 percent of its medical devices.

The health minister said 30 percent of the country’s health expenditure comes from the government while 70 percent comes from private individuals.

He noted that while part of the government’s healthcare expenditure is funded by external donors, foreign funding does not make up the largest portion of the country’s healthcare spending.

The health minister acknowledged the role played by the US government in supporting the country’s healthcare.

He said the federal and state governments must come together to fill the gaps created by the suspension of US aid and reduce foreign dependence.

“Quality healthcare is not cheap. We, as a country, have not invested in it yet and we are asking for the highest quality healthcare,” he said.

“Domestically, we have not invested. We have since things changed in the last 18 months with the deliberate efforts to improve investments and to allocate investments to where it matters — the foundation.

“Can you believe that more than 70 percent of our drugs, we import them with foreign exchange that we don’t really have.

“We are a capable country and we are determined to own up to that responsibility. If others step in and support us, we appreciate it but we are not begging.

“There are health workers, 28,000 of them who are being paid through US government support. While it has been appreciated, these health workers are Nigerian, we have to transit them.

“Our approach, long before the change in US policy, has been to increase national ownership.”

Nollywood actress and filmmaker Temidayo Babatunde has offered her thoughts on the importance of talent in achieving success in the film industry.

In a recent interview with Saturday Beats, Temidayo Babatunde emphasized that while physical beauty can be an asset, it is not enough on its own to succeed in the industry.

Babatunde acknowledged the role of beauty in the entertainment industry but stressed that talent is essential for building a lasting career.

“Beauty is never enough. As much as beauty is important, talent is also very important because your talent will pave the way for you and allow you to sit with kings and queens. Both talent and beauty complement each other, and one cannot do without the other,” she said.

Temidayo Babatunde also shared her thoughts on the impact of social media on her career.

While she acknowledged the benefits of social media, including its ability to help her share her work and connect with fans, she also noted its potential drawbacks.

“Social media has been a powerful tool and influence. As much as it has its advantages, it also has its disadvantages. I have had my fair share of it.

“Social media has helped me share my craft and engage with many fans across the world. I would gladly say I am happy with the reception so far“, she stated

he House Of Representatives has submitted that the allegation by Binance executive, Tigran Gambaryan, against some federal lawmakers is not targeted at the lower chamber of the National Assembly as an institution but at some members of the House.

The position of the House was made known in a statement on Saturday by the spokesman of the House of Representatives, Akin Rotimi (Jr).

He disclosed that the three lawmakers mentioned specifically in the $150 million bribe allegation have assured the leadership of the House of their innocence and have been encouraged to take legal action to clear their names.

Rotimi added that the matter has escalated to a diplomatic issue between Nigeria and the United States of America, which is being handled by those concerned but warned members of the public not to be carried away by claims aimed at discrediting Nigerian institutions and public officials.

Due to the nature of the discussions, the spokesperson said the House would not be making further public comments.

“These allegations, which have been previously circulated last year, are directed at individual members, not the institution itself.

“The House of Representatives urges the public to rely on verified facts and not be misled by recycled claims aimed at discrediting Nigerian institutions and public officials,” the House spokesperson said.

Naija News recalls Gambaryan, who is the Binance Head of Financial Crime Compliance, has insisted three Nigerian lawmakers demanded a $150 million bribe from him in order to facilitate his release from detention.

He made the fresh claim in a statement via his ? account on Saturday.

It would be recalled the Binance executive had earlier, In a statement on his ? handle on Friday, titled ‘Some Unknown Facts’, alleged that in collaboration with Department of State Sevices (DSS), House of Representatives members, Peter Akpanke, Philip Agbese and Ginger Obinna Onwusibe demanded $150 million bribe from him to be paid in cryptocurrency to their wallets.

Following denials by Agbese, and the federal government through the Minister of Information,Mohammed Idris, Gambaryan insisted on Saturday that his claims are nothing but the hard truth.

Reacting to the allegations, Rotimi described the allegations as hefty, thus requiring clarification and stressed the need for the affected members to clear their names.

“The Honourable Members named have assured the House Leadership that they never had any such dealings as reported. One of the members has already instituted legal action to clear his name, while others affected have been encouraged to do the same in pursuit of justice and the protection of their reputations,” the statement added.

He emphasized the diplomatic implications of the matter, noting that the issue has now “evolved into a government-to-government engagement between Nigeria and America.

“These facts raise serious questions about the credibility and intent of the allegations being peddled.”

The House of Reps said since the claim has been taken to court and is a “matter of ongoing diplomatic engagements,” the lower lawmaker body “will refrain from further comment in line with established parliamentary, judicial, and diplomatic principles.”

“The House of Representatives urges the public to rely on verified facts and not be misled by recycled claims aimed at discrediting Nigerian institutions and public officials.

“The House remains steadfast in its commitment to transparency, accountability, and the protection of Nigeria’s democratic institutions,” the statement added.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has urged the National Assembly to implement more stringent regulations prohibiting the possession of significant amounts of cash in polling locations.

This initiative aims to combat vote-buying and other forms of electoral misconduct.

During a consultative meeting held in Abuja over the weekend, which included security personnel and a technical committee focused on electoral law reforms, INEC’s Director of Litigation and Prosecution, Tanimu Muhammed, SAN, expressed serious concerns regarding the escalating issue of vote-buying, which poses a substantial risk to Nigeria’s democratic integrity.

This meeting was organized by the Joint Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Electoral Matters, in partnership with the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) and with support from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO).

It served as a forum for stakeholders to discuss electoral security and necessary legal changes.

The INEC representative pointed out that politicians frequently defend their possession of large sums of cash on election day by referencing payments to party agents and logistical needs.

However, he cautioned that the unregulated cash flow at polling stations has exacerbated vote-buying and undermined the credibility of elections. To mitigate this issue, Muhammed proposed that individuals should be restricted to carrying no more than ₦50,000 in polling areas.

“Vote-buying remains one of the biggest threats to credible elections in Nigeria. We need legislation that not only criminalizes this practice but also puts preventive measures in place,”Muhammed stated.

The commission has called on legislators to focus on amendments aimed at eliminating loopholes that are being taken advantage of by political figures.

In addition to concerns regarding vote-buying, officials from INEC emphasized their persistent request to create an Electoral Offenses Commission, contending that the electoral body does not possess the necessary capabilities to prosecute violators adequately.

While INEC is making efforts to manage prosecutions, there is a pressing need for a specialized institution equipped with the legal power and resources to thoroughly investigate and prosecute electoral offenses, as stated by Muhammed.

“The creation of an Electoral Offenses Commission would ensure that vote-buying, ballot snatching, and other crimes are met with swift legal action,” he added.

On his part, the Ondo Resident Electoral Commissioner, Oluwatoyin Babalola, stressed that reducing cash transactions at polling units would make it harder for politicians to influence voters with financial inducements.

“If we set a cash limit, security agencies will have clearer guidelines on what constitutes an electoral offense, making enforcement easier,” she added.

In addressing the concerns raised by INEC, the security agencies present at the meeting reiterated their dedication to facilitating free and fair elections.

Nonetheless, they recognized the difficulties faced, especially regarding logistics and coordination.

Police Face Logistic Issues During Elections

The Commissioner of Police responsible for election planning and evaluation, Abayomi Shogunle, who stood in for the Inspector General of Police, emphasized that insufficient resources frequently hinder law enforcement operations during electoral processes.

“We face major logistical challenges, from deploying officers to remote areas to ensuring real-time communication during elections. These are issues that need to be addressed if we are to effectively enforce electoral laws,” Shogunle said.

Despite these challenges, security agencies pledged to remain neutral and professional in carrying out their duties.

Responding to the concerns raised, the Chairman of the House Committee on Electoral Matters, Hon. Adebayo Balogun, assured that all issues discussed would be addressed in future electoral reforms.

He announced plans for a 2025 Electoral Act to replace the current 2022 version, which he said had exposed gaps during the 2023 elections.

“The 2022 Electoral Act was a significant step forward, but its implementation in the last general elections showed areas that need improvement. We are committed to strengthening our electoral laws to reflect the realities of our democracy,” Balogun said.

He underscored the need for heightened awareness among political parties, INEC officials, and civil society organizations regarding the risks associated with vote-buying and other electoral misconduct and the need for legislative reforms.

The citizens of Nigeria are entitled to a trustworthy electoral process. It is imperative that our laws are not only robust in theory but are also rigorously enforced, Balogun stated.

The Senate Chairman on Electoral Matters, Senator Sharafadeen Alli,  remarked that although the 2022 Electoral Act was initially viewed as thorough, its execution has exposed deficiencies that require rectification.

“This meeting is a step towards strengthening our electoral system. The reforms we propose must reflect lessons learned from past elections and ensure that our democracy continues to evolve positively,” Alli said.