No fewer than 1,331 members of All Progressive Congress (APC) in Dawakin Tofa Local Government Area, Kano State, on Thursday defected to the ruling New Nigerian People’s Party (NNPP).

The defectors, who are mainly from 11 wards of the area, vowed to work against the return of APC as the ruling party in Kano State.

Prominent among the former APC members included former Vice chairman of the local government area, Malam Kwa; former state House of Assembly aspirant, Hon. Audu Tumfafi.

Receiving the defectors at Dawakin-Tofa, State Chairman of NNPP, Hon. Hashimu Dungurawa commended them for the decision.

Dungurawa declared that NNPP under the leadership of Sen. Rabiu Kwankwaso was committed to the socio-economic and infrastructural development of Kano State.

While assuring them of equal opportunities in the party, Dungurawa dispelled rumours of mass defection of NNPP members to APC.

He maintained that NNPP was not losing grip of control of its structure across the wards in the state.

“We learnt one APC man has been receiving members of NNPP into APC. We have checked the roll call of our members and we have not noticed any reduction in our numerical strength.

“I need to advise them to beware of 419 people coming to collect the public funds in the name of decampees”, Dungurawa said.

Earlier, Kwa alleged that former governor, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, an indigene of the area failed to develop it during his eight years in office.

Kwa also alleged that Ganduje had not managed the party very well leading to the ex-governor’s failure to clinch the House of Representatives seat during the 2023 general election.

Five people were arrested in India for the killing of a seven-year-old boy in an alleged ritual sacrifice aimed at bringing good fortune to a public school, police said Friday.

The victim was found dead in his bed on Sunday night at the hostel where he lived in the city of Hathras, not far from the country’s famed Taj Mahal.

Instead of alerting authorities, police said that school director Dinesh Baghel hid the body in the trunk of his car.

Police officer Himanshu Mathur told AFP that the boy was killed before a black magic ceremony conducted by Baghel’s father.

“The boy was meant to be taken to an altar as part of a ritual, but got killed before the ceremony could be completed,” he said.

Baghel and his father were arrested along with three other teachers at the school, Mathur added.

Mathur did not give further details on how the child had died and local media reports said the body was undergoing a post-mortem examination.

India’s National Crime Records Bureau lodged 103 cases of human sacrifice in the country between 2014 and 2021.

Ritual killings are usually conducted to appease deities and are more common in tribal and remote areas, where belief in witchcraft and the occult is widespread.

Last year police arrested five men for the 2019 murder of a 64-year-old woman who was killed and decapitated with a machete after visiting a temple in India’s remote northeast.

Police said the alleged ringleader had been conducting a religious rite to mark the anniversary of his brother’s death.

The Media Office of Yahaya Bello, former Governor of Kogi State, has launched a scathing critique of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), accusing the agency of conducting a politically motivated “hatchet job” against the ex-governor.

The statement, signed by Ohiare Michael, claims that the EFCC’s recent actions and press statements are biased and influenced by personal interests rather than a genuine commitment to combating corruption.

The EFCC had previously declared Bello wanted, stirring significant media attention.

Reports indicated that he had voluntarily appeared at the agency’s headquarters but was subsequently allowed to leave without any charges being filed against him.

This has raised questions about the EFCC’s intentions and the integrity of its actions.

“If the EFCC was truly interested in prosecution, would the agency not have taken him in on that day?” the statement rhetorically asked, suggesting ulterior motives behind the agency’s operations.

The media office further urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in the ongoing dispute between Bello and the EFCC, emphasizing that the fight against corruption must be equitable and inclusive.

“Nigeria belongs to all Nigerians,” the statement concluded, calling for a fair approach to governance and accountability.

It has been congratulations galore for the founder of Living Faith Church a.k.a Winners Chapel, Bishop David Olaniyi Oyedepo who turned 70 today, September 27, 2024.

Notable pastors and organizations from across the country and other parts of the world have joined the members of Living Faith Church in sending their congratulatory messages to the revered Preacher.

Joining the host of others in celebrating Oyedepo ’s 70th birthday, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, and his wife, Pastor Folu Adeboye on his Facebook page wrote, ‘ Happy 70th Birthday, our dear son, Bishop David Oyedepo’.

Pastor Adeboye in his congratulatory message said: “Today, Mummy & I celebrate not just your life, but the incredible journey of faith, dedication, and service to God that you have walked.

“Watching how God has used you to impact countless lives and expand His Kingdom has been a great joy for me. Your passion, unwavering commitment, and boldness in faith have been truly inspiring.

“As you step into this new decade, my prayer is that God continues to renew your strength, guide your every step, and fill your heart with His peace.

“May His grace over your life multiply, and may your influence for His Kingdom continue to grow beyond measure.

“Thank you for being a faithful servant of the Lord. Happy Birthday, and may God bless you abundantly, our dear son.”

The Presiding Pastor of Salvation Ministries, David Ibiyeomie, wrote on his social media handle: “Happy Birthday Dad. Thank you for the sacrifice of alignment. Thank you for the privilege of access. Thank you for the gift of fatherhood and mentorship. Thank you for bringing light and direction to my life and ministry.

“As you celebrate 70, I pray that you will celebrate greater years of impact and exploit. I love you Papey.”

Also, the Senior pastor at Dunamis International Gospel Centre in Abuja, Dr. Paul Enenche and his wife Dr.

Becky said: “Exactly 70 years ago, a generational shining star, trailblazer, road pointer, pace-setter, history maker, men raiser, God-addict was born. “Blessed be the womb that carried you and blessed be the day of your birth Papa. You have not left your generation the way you met it. Papa, as your days, so may your strength be.

“The Lord cause you to finish the race set before you in strength, victory and triumph. And may Heaven be your home at the end of the day in Jesus Name.

“Happy! Happy! Happy birthday Sir. We love you dearly Sir.”

The Delta State Government has issued a stern warning to medical personnel who provide family planning for underage girls to desist from such acts or face the wrath of the law.

The State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General (AG), Ohwovoriole Ekemejero SAN, gave the warning at the World Contraception Day held on Thursday in Asaba, the State capital.

Ohwovoriole, represented by the Director of Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Unit, Mrs Patricia Akanagwuna, said providing minor access to these facilities without the consent of the girl child’s parents or guardian is illegal in the eye of the law, and those involved must be punished accordingly.

“In the eye of the law, any medical doctor that provides family planning for minors will face prosecution. The law did not permit such, the doctor must seek the consent of the parents or guardians,” he stated.

He however advised the medical personnel that, as principles, “allow individual women to make informed choices about their reproductive health, free from coercion or judgment, in addition to Protecting their right to confidentiality when seeking contraceptive services.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Joseph Onojaeme, said the family planning town hall meeting which was held today’s World Contraceptive Day was to sensitise every individual’s right to make choices about themselves.

He urged women to adopt family planning for their benefit

Also, the Executive Director, State Primary Health Development Agency, Dr Paul U. called on stakeholders, including local government chairmen, to fund to support family planning.

The Minister of Youth Development, Jamila Bio Ibrahim, has said the increase in allowance for corps members aligned with the promise of President Bola Tinubu to give the best to the citizens.

Jamila Ibrahim said President Tinubu’s vision for Nigerian youths has always been clear, which is to improve their welfare.

Naija News reported that the federal government increased the monthly allowance of members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) from ₦33,000 to ₦77,000, with effect from July 2024.

In a statement, the Minister of Youths stated that the increase in the allowance of corps members is a direct reflection of the commitment of her ministry’s effort to improve the welfare of youths in the country.

“The President’s vision for Nigerian youth has always been clear—he supports any initiative that improves their welfare and prospects. This allowance increase is a direct reflection of that commitment, and the Ministry is pleased that this has become a reality.

“The increase is not just a response to economic challenges; it is part of a strategic agenda to enhance the conditions of service for our youth, ensuring they are well-equipped to contribute to national development,” Ibrahim said.

The Minister added that the allowance increase is just “one of many initiatives the Ministry of Youth Development will continue to pursue to improve the lives of youths”.

Folakemi Falana, the daughter of renowned human rights lawyer Femi Falana, has denied allegations of bribery and corruption involving her father, her brother, Nigerian musician Falz, and popular socialite Bobrisky.

Taking to her Instagram page, Folakemi addressed the accusations head-on, clarifying that her father has never met nor communicated with Bobrisky.

She further explained that Bobrisky had reached out to Falz solely for financial assistance during his incarceration, specifically to secure a more comfortable position in the VIP section of the prison.

She stressed that there had been no discussions related to a presidential pardon.

To bolster her claims, Folakemi shared documents showing that Falana & Falana Chambers has, since 2016, provided free legal support for individuals seeking presidential pardons.

She highlighted that, in Nigeria, any citizen has the right to request a pardon for a convicted person, pointing out that her family’s efforts to assist in such cases have been transparent and at no cost.

Folakemi also expressed disappointment over the spread of false rumors, particularly those claiming that Falz is homosexual or involved in an affair with Bobrisky.

She criticised the tendency of some Nigerians to believe unsubstantiated claims, urging the public to be more discerning about the information they consume.

She wrote, “My Parents and our firm, Falana & Falana have been applying for presidential pardons for Nigerians FREE way before a lot of you were born or before you could talk. Slide 1 is from 2016 and Slide 2 is from 2022.

“It’s crazy that some Nigerians act like they can’t read or think for themselves. It’s unfortunate.

“It’s even crazier that all it takes is for a ridiculous character like VDM to accuse my dad and Falz of bribery, corruption and perversion of the course of Justice and you suddenly forget who they are and what they stand for. For him to have the audacity to go as far as even accusing Falz of being homosexual and having an affair with Bobrisky is wild. The fact that some of you believe it, is what is blowing my mind.

“For the record, anyone can write the president to request a pardon for any convicted person in Nigeria.

“To be crystal clear, the facts are as follows: 1) My dad has never met or talked to Bobrisky whether directly or via a proxy.

“2) Bobrisky reached out to Falz the same way he reached out to many other celebrities asking for money. The reason he gave was so that he could afford to stay in the VIP section of prison. He never discussed a presidential pardon with him. He said he was reaching out from prison Falz had no reason to believe otherwise.

“3) DO you think my dad or Falz need Bob’s money??? for what?.”

Folakemi condemned the accusations as baseless and threatened legal action against the accuser, VeryDarkMan (VDM), saying “Seeing as you have refused to do the needful, #verydarkblackman see you in court.”

Recall that VeryDarkMan shared audio recordings in which Bobrisky allegedly stated that both Femi Falana and his son, Falz, had reached out to him prior to his release from prison.

The recordings further implied that Femi Falana had negotiated a settlement of 10 million naira to settle the case.

In response to these claims, Falz issued a 24-hour ultimatum to VeryDarkMan, demanding the immediate retraction of all defamatory remarks

The landing cost of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol or fuel, has decreased to ₦981 per litre, as reported by the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria on Thursday.

This reduction marks a decline of over ₦140 from the previous weeks, where the petrol landing cost was approximately ₦1,130, attributed to the recent fall in global crude oil prices as of September 25, 2024.

In August 2024, Brent crude, the global benchmark, was trading at an average of over $80 per barrel but has since fluctuated between $70 and $75 per barrel this month.

On Thursday, it was recorded at $71.41 per barrel, a decrease from the previous day’s price of $73.46 per barrel, according to industry data from the Petroleum Ministry.

Data from Statistica, a global statistical firm, indicated that the average price of a barrel of Brent in August 2024 was $80.36, reflecting a decline from the prior month due to reduced oil demand in China and indications from the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries regarding potential production increases.

In light of the falling petrol landing cost and rising pump prices across the nation, major oil marketers have begun importing the product.

NNPCL

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) previously held the exclusive position of petrol importer into the nation before the recent increase in fuel prices and the initiation of production and distribution by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.

Recall that on September 18, 2024, three prominent oil marketers anticipated the arrival of vessels carrying imported petrol the previous week, contingent upon any unforeseen events.

The marketers indicated that approximately 141 million litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) were being transported to Nigeria by these vessels following the federal government’s complete deregulation of the downstream oil sector.

They confirmed on Thursday that some of these vessels had indeed reached Nigerian shores.

This development coincides with the Dangote oil refinery increasing its local petrol production after more than twenty years of reliance on fuel imports.

According to the Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN), the landing cost of petrol began to decline in mid-July, dropping below N950 in early September.

Notably, this decrease occurred despite the appreciation of the dollar against the naira, with the landing cost calculated at ₦1,667.22 per dollar.

As of Wednesday, MEMAN reported that the average ex-depot price of petrol ranged from ₦865 to N1,200 in Lagos, ₦980 to ₦1,400 in Calabar, and ₦1,200 to N1,400 in Port Harcourt.

The major marketers also revealed that the landing cost of diesel is currently N1,089 per litre, while aviation fuel is priced at ₦1,117.34.

It was noted that the average ex-depot price of diesel is approximately ₦1,165 in Lagos and ranges from ₦1,200 to ₦1,200 in both Calabar and Port Harcourt.

Furthermore, it was observed that the price difference between imported petrol and that produced by Dangote could be ₦83, assuming a purchase price of ₦898, which the Nigerian National Petroleum Company claimed to have paid for Dangote’s fuel.

Although officials from the $20 billion refinery have denied selling their fuel at N898 to the NNPC, they have not provided an alternative figure for over a week.

It is worth mentioning that the NNPC raised petrol prices on the same day that the Dangote refinery launched its locally-produced fuel.

The NNPC has announced that it will offer petrol sourced from the Dangote refinery at prices exceeding ₦1,000 per litre in the northern regions of the country.

Recently, the NNPC spokesperson, Olufemi Soneye, said the price could reach as high as ₦1,019 per litre in areas such as Borno State, while it may be set at ₦999.22 in cities like Abuja, Sokoto, and Kano.

In southern regions, including Oyo and Rivers, the price is expected to be N960 per litre.

The lowest recorded price, as indicated in an infographic shared by the NNPC, is ₦950 in Lagos and its surrounding areas.

However, it has been noted that petrol prices can soar to ₦1,200 or more in certain locations across Nigeria, while some major retailers continue to offer a litre for ₦910 in Lagos.

In a recent media discussion with prominent journalists, Dapo Segun, the Executive Vice President of Downstream at the NNPC, clarified that although an agreement has been established with managing the Dangote refinery, pricing will ultimately be determined by market conditions.

Segun also provided details regarding the negotiations between the NNPC and Aliko Dangote.

“Dangote said to us, ‘This is how much I want for it (PMS)’. And we say, ‘Hey, Dangote, if we go out there, we can get it for this much, so we won’t pay you this much for it‘. And we went into the negotiation. And that negotiation took us over a week to complete. They (Dangote officials) will come with their position, we’ll come with a counter; they’ll come with a revised position, and we’ll counter it.

“At the end of the day, we were able to reach an agreement on what to be the price to pay for it,” Segun said.

He emphasized a statement by Soneye that the company would lift Dangote PMS only if it was cheaper than imported one.

Meanwhile, the sale of PMS to NNPC continues at the Dangote refinery as Nigerians are hopeful that the price of PMS will crash when the naira crude sale begins on October 1, 2024.