The Imo State Police Command have foiled an attempt by suspected human organ traffickers following the arrest of a 38-year-old man in connection with the kidnapping of a 19-year-old girl in Owerri.

Briefing journalists on the development, the command’s public relations officer, ASP Henry Okoye, in a press statement, informed that on October 10, 2024, following an intelligence, the police encountered a suspected kidnapping and organ trafficking syndicate in the popular Douglass area inside the state capital.

He stated that the operation led to the arrest of Justine Emmanuel, a 38-year-old male from Amaimo in Ikeduru LGA, Imo State, as a 19-year-old young lady, whose name is withheld for privacy, was rescued.

“The arrest followed the swift response of vigilant operatives on visibility patrol, who observed the syndicate in a blue and white bus forcefully taking the young girl to an undisclosed location where they intended to kill her and harvest her organs. During the chase, the victim managed to jump from the bus and was immediately rescued,” he stated.

The police spokesperson further informed that the operatives engaged in a hot pursuit, leading to the abandonment of the vehicle and the arrest of one suspect, while others escaped into the nearby bush.

He revealed that the command is currently conducting further investigations to identify additional members of the syndicate and assess the full extent of their criminal activities.

He maintained that the successful rescue underscores the State Police Command’s commitment to combating violent crime and ensuring community safety.

ASP Okoye used the moment to urge members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities informing that further development will be communicated as the investigation unfolds.

Festus Keyamo, the minister of aviation and aerospace development, says insufficient aircraft in Nigeria is the primary reason for frequent flight cancellations and high ticket prices for local and international flights.

In an interview with the BBC Pidgin on Saturday, Keyamo expressed concern over the challenges, including flight delays without prior notice to passengers, assuring that they would soon be resolved.

He said the government has initiated a process to empower Nigerian airline operators to partner with foreign companies that manufacture airplanes.

“I met with the people on the ground and asked them, and they told me that the money they pay to hire (rent) airplanes is too high,” Keyamo said.

“They call it wet lease, and the kind of airplanes they get are not the ones they can pay for in installments, why? It’s because the people who bring airplanes to Nigeria for business are afraid of Nigeria.

“They said Nigeria is full of dishonest people, and anytime they bring their planes to Nigeria, if the people cannot pay, they cannot recover their planes.

“I met with them around the world, and they told us to change our law called the Cape Town Convention, when you sign it, it means you are serious.

“The law we signed states that if anyone brings an airplane into Nigeria, if there’s a problem, the government will allow them to take their airplane back, we cannot hold it.”

Keyamo said after Nigeria signed the law and agreement, the country’s aviation rating improved significantly — rising from 49 percent to 70.5 percent.

He expressed optimism that as more planes become available, ticket prices will decrease.

On September 12, the federal government signed the Cape Town Convention (CTC) practice direction to enable domestic airline operators to access aircraft on dry lease.

The Cape Town accord aims to enhance asset-based financing and leasing of aviation equipment, including aircraft, thereby expanding funding opportunities and reducing costs for airlines.

With the agreement, Nigerian airline operators are expected to gain access to aircraft on dry lease, which could lead to lower flight rates for passengers.

In a bold move during his inaugural address at Eagle Square, Abuja, President Bola Ahmed Tinubudeclared, “Subsidy is gone,” a statement that triggered an immediate surge in fuel prices from ₦198 per litre to ₦540.

During his speech, Tinubu emphasized that the fuel subsidy had become a significant impediment to Nigeria’s progress, arguing that it was fueling corruption and inefficiency within the economy.

Tinubu had told some monarchs who visited him at Aso Rock a month after subsidy removal, “You have paid attention to the subsidy removal. Why should we in good heart and sense, feed smugglers and be Father Christmas to neighbouring countries, even though they say not every day is Christmas? The elephant that was going to bring Nigeria to its knees is the subsidy.

“A country that cannot pay salaries and we say we have potential to encourage ourselves. I think we did the right thing.”

Interestingly, Tinubu, as the national leader of the opposition Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), condemned the removal of petrol subsidy by the administration of Goodluck Jonathan in January 2012.

He called it “Jonathan tax” and accused the then president of breaching his social contract with the people.

In a piece titled, ‘Removal of oil subsidy: President Jonathan breaks social contract with the people’, he noted that with the subsidy removal, the people would become “enslaved to greater misery.”

The piece reads, “By taking this step, the government has tossed the people into the depths of the midnight sea. Government demands the people swim to safety under their own power, claiming the attendant hardship will build character and add efficiency to the national economy.

“It is easy to make these claims when one is dry and on shore. Government would have us believe that every hardship it manufactures for the people to endure is a good thing. This is a lie. The hardships they thrust upon the poor often bear no other purpose than to keep them poor. This is such a time.

“I am not calling President Jonathan an evil man. I do not believe he is perverse. However, the economic ideas controlling him are so misguided that they have a perverse impact. Because he is slave to wrong-headed economics, the people will become enslaved to greater misery. This crisis will bear his name and will be his legacy.

“The people now pay a steep tax for voting him into office. The removal of the subsidy is the ‘Jonathan tax.’ This situation shows that ideas count more than personalities. People may occupy office but how that person performs depends on the ideas that occupy his mind.”

Gospel artiste Tope Alabi has celebrated her daughter Deborah Alabi who recently graduated from Covenant University with impressive grades.

On Saturday, Tope shared photos on Instagram of Deborah alongside herself and her husband Soji Alabi as they expressed their gratitude to God for Deborah’s academic success.

Tope Alabi wrote:

“Our hearts are filled with so much joy, seeing my little daughter from yesterday all grown up and graduating from Covenant University with good grades today. Thank you, Jesus, for blessing us with such a brilliant and godly Deborah.”

She continued with prayers:

“I pray that your paths are straightened for greatness, that you find favor in all your endeavors, and that God continues to guide you toward success and happiness.

“May you always be surrounded by love and support, and may your future be filled with endless opportunities. It’s from here to amazing things with God. Amen!”

Fans and celebrities quickly joined in the celebration. See their comments and more photos below:

Fellow gospel singer Rejoice Iwueze commented, “Massive congratulations dear.”

Actress Funke Akindele added, “Oluwaseun. Congratulations ma.”

Another actress Biola Adebayo wrote, “Congratulations to my darling prophetess Deborah… Oluwaseun.

“Congratulations mummy and daddy. Aku orire o.”

Gospel singer Sinach also congratulated the family, commenting, “Congratulations.”

This isn’t the first time the Alabi family is celebrating such a milestone.

In 2020, Tope’s first daughter Ayomiku Alabi graduated with a second-class upper degree in music from Bowen University.

Tope had also shared the good news with her followers, expressing pride and joy.

Tope Alabi who is married to Soji Alabi is blessed with three children.

Big Brother Naija “No Loose Guard” winner Kellyrae Sule recently shared the heartwarming story of how he met his wife, Kassia. The couple, who entered the BBNaija house as a team, faced numerous challenges but ultimately emerged victorious.

During an interview with Arise TV, Kellyrae explained that his initial connection to Kassia came through her elder sister, who was his colleague during their movie production days. One of the film projects they worked on used Kassia’s house as a shooting location.

It was there that Kellyrae first met Kassia and immediately felt attracted to her. He recalled asking for her number, and what began as a casual friendship gradually blossomed into a romantic relationship about a year later.

Reflecting on their journey, Kellyrae noted that their relationship wasn’t always smooth. They experienced ups and downs and even spent months apart at times. Despite the challenges, they always found their way back to each other, solidifying their bond.

When discussing their marriage, which took place earlier this year, Kellyrae humorously described their time in the Big Brother house as their “first honeymoon.” Now that he is in a better financial position, he shared his plans to take Kassia on another honeymoon, celebrating their love in a more traditional setting.

Meanwhile, Nigerians were shocked to see a video of Kellyrae being interviewed on how his prize money would be spent and the percentage that goes to his wife, Kassia.

Recall that Ebuka asked Kellyrae what he would do following his win; he noted that he would love to focus his energy on his music and break the jink of BBN stars being unsuccessful in music.

In a fresh development, Kelly was asked how much money would be given to his wife, and his response took many aback. He says all the money will go to his wife, Kassia as she manages the funds in their home.

He explained that he is not a prudent spender and that it would not be wise for him to be in charge of all that money.

Nigerian actress Iniobong Edo has reacted to the rumours about her getting married soon.

In September, Ini Edo ignited excitement and speculations online by sharing what appeared to be a wedding announcement. 

Many people quickly assumed she was engaged and preparing for her wedding because she was dressed in a traditional Efik bridal gown in the photo.

Ini Edo further fueled the speculation with her caption, which bothered on love and advising her fans not to give up hope in finding happiness.

Although it was later discovered that it was all a ruse to promote her upcoming 4-part movie.

The Nollywood star got married to a Nigerian-American businessman, Philip Ehiagwina, on November 29, 2008, in the United States, but they divorced in 2014.

In a recent interview with Premium Times, Ini Edo said that marriage is no longer a priority in her prayers or expectations. She however noted that the public stunt was a promotion for her upcoming four-part series, My Fairytale Wedding.

When asked if she is looking forward to a true fairytale wedding in the future, Ini Edo’s stated:

“I’m not crazy about marriage; I’m crazy about having a solid relationship. I’m not hoping, and it’s not any of my prayer points.”

Popular Comedian, actor, and filmmaker Basketmouth has shared his insights on the movie industry and the importance of budgeting for films.

In a recent interview, he emphasized the need for a sufficient budget to produce high-quality movies, highlighting the pitfalls of mismanaging funds.

Basketmouth recounted a personal experience where he had to secure 300 million Naira for a movie project within 24 hours, which he successfully accomplished.

He stressed the value of collaboration between older and younger filmmakers, noting that both generations can learn from each other.

Basketmouth also addressed the practice of soliciting funds on stage in the comedy industry, deeming it dishonorable and urging his colleagues to focus on delivering exceptional performances instead.

Maverick singer Seun Kuti has opened up about how he truly felt, when he wasn’t invited to Davido’s highly publicized wedding.

The event, which took place on June 25, 2024, was attended by numerous dignitaries and celebrities.

In a recent interview on ‘Curiosity Made Me Ask‘ with Bae U Barbie, Kuti shared his disappointment and frustration about not receiving an invitation.

He revealed that he struggled to sleep for a week due to the snub, which he found particularly hurtful given their past relationship.

Seun Kuti explained that Davido and his entourage would often visit his family’s bar, the African Shrine, and enjoy free drinks.

He felt that their past connection made the exclusion from the wedding guest list even more painful.

“Davido would come to the African Shrine with 100 guys, and he would drink without paying, but when it was time for his wedding, I didn’t get IV. I was pained, I didn’t sleep for one week,” he said.

Faisal Makarfi, the eldest son of a former Governor of Kaduna State, Ahmed Makarfi, is dead.

According to a family source, he died in a motor accident along the Kaduna-Zaria Expressway on Saturday evening.

The source said that the deceased after the accident was taken to a hospital where he was confirmed dead.

The late Faisal Makarfi was until his death a trained engineer.

He attended Kaduna International School and Adesoye College, Offa, Kwara State for his secondary education.

He also attended the University of Greenwich, London, for his undergraduate and master’s degrees, and later enrolled for his PhD programme at the same institution.

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has approved a minimum wage of ₦73,000 for civil servants in Ondo State.

Aiyedatiwa announced the new minimum wage during the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign flag-off held in the Ondo West Local Government Area on Saturday.

Recall that in September, the federal government and organized labour reached an agreement establishing a new minimum wage of ₦70,000 for government employees nationwide.

Accompanied by his deputy, Chief Olayide Adelami, and prominent party officials in preparation for the off-cycle governorship election scheduled for November 16, 2024, Aiyedatiwa stated that his administration, which took office ten months ago following the passing of the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, has been actively transforming governance in the state, particularly by enhancing the welfare of civil servants.

Aiyedatiwa, who is the APC candidate for the upcoming governorship election, emphasized that the state government is committed to motivating its workers through training opportunities and promotion initiatives while also ensuring the timely payment of salaries and any outstanding arrears.

“Our civil servants are being motivated through different training programmes, and their salaries are being paid regularly. We do not owe, but let me announce to you that this administration has decided to implement the new minimum wage.

“Even though the minimum wage is supposed to be N70,000, ours is going to be N73,000. We will continue to improve on your welfare and advance further. By November 16, 2024, come out en mass and vote for APC,” the governor said.