The delay in the re-arraignment of Sirika and others on a new 8-count charge
News

The delay in the re-arraignment of Sirika and others on a new 8-count charge

Plans by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to bring former Aviation Minister, Hadi Abubakar Sirika, before Justice Suleman Belgore of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on fresh charges hit a snag due to the absence of the suspects. Charges against Sirika and two others were related to financial misconduct linked to the failed Nigeria Air project. The prosecution, represented by Oluwaleke Atolagbe, informed the court about the unavailability of the defendants, as their legal counsel reported that they were out of Abuja and could not make it to the court on the scheduled date. Consequently, a request was made for an adjournment to allow the defendants to be present in court for their pleas. The court then adjourned the case until May 23 for the form...
The NLC will disown Peter Obi if he implements IMF and World Bank policies, says NLC President
News

The NLC will disown Peter Obi if he implements IMF and World Bank policies, says NLC President

Joe Ajaero, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, has stated that the labour union will disown Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, if he decides to adopt the policies of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank should he become Nigeria's President. Ajaero made these remarks during an interview with Channels Television, which was monitored by NewsNow. Describing the NLC's stance on the removal of petrol and electricity subsidies as "fixated," Ajaero also warned that any Labour Party president implementing IMF's policies would face backlash from the labour union. He emphasized the need for alignment between the presidential candidate of the Labour Party and the NLC, stating, "Whoever is the presidential candidate or official of the Lab...
UK Court Sentences Nigerian Pastor Oluronbi and Wife to 34 years in Jail for Raping Church Members
Metro

UK Court Sentences Nigerian Pastor Oluronbi and Wife to 34 years in Jail for Raping Church Members

After being found guilty of sexual offences against six women and a man, Nigerian pastor Michael Oluronbi and his wife Juliana have been handed a joint jail term of 34 years in the United Kingdom. Oluronbi, a Nigerian clergyman based in the UK, was accused of abusing both children and adults for more than two decades, luring them into participating in "spiritual bathing" rituals under the guise of cleansing them of evil spirits. Oluronbi was convicted on multiple charges, including fifteen counts of rape, seven counts of indecent assault, and two counts of sexual assault, with at least 88 separate incidents of rape against his victims. The Birmingham Crown Court revealed that some of the victims became pregnant several times, and Oluronbi would facilitate their visits to abortion cli...
A Major Drug Enforcement Operation Results in Confiscation of Illicit Substances and Arrests in Kaduna
Metro

A Major Drug Enforcement Operation Results in Confiscation of Illicit Substances and Arrests in Kaduna

In the month of April, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Kaduna State seized a total of 425,127kg of illegal drugs. The NDLEA Commander in the state, Mr. Samaila Danmalam, announced that 71 individuals were apprehended in relation to various drug-related offenses. Among the drugs confiscated were cannabis sativa, cocaine, rohypnol, methamphetamine, and heroin. In addition, 10 drug selling points were shut down, seven convictions were secured, and six suspects were brought to trial during this time frame. Utilizing a non-kinetic approach, the agency also organized several awareness campaigns to educate the public about the dangers of drug abuse. Commander Danmalam credited the successful operations to effective collaboration with other law enforcement agencies, t...
A Court Order for APC and INEC to Submit Their Defense in a Lawsuit Seeking Aiyedatiwa’s Removal as Candidate in Ondo Governorship Election
Politics

A Court Order for APC and INEC to Submit Their Defense in a Lawsuit Seeking Aiyedatiwa’s Removal as Candidate in Ondo Governorship Election

Justice Inyang Edem Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja has directed the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to present their defense in a lawsuit that seeks to disqualify Aiyedatiwa as the APC's gubernatorial candidate for the upcoming November election. In a time-sensitive matter, the judge ordered the three defendants to submit their respective defenses within the legally stipulated timeframe. This directive came after the APC claimed to have requested the transfer of the case from Abuja to Ondo State by writing to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court. During the proceedings on Tuesday, APC's lead counsel Tayo Oyetibo informed the court about the request for the case to be move...
Debate Ensues: Neville and Carragher at Odds over Premier League Player of the Season
Sports

Debate Ensues: Neville and Carragher at Odds over Premier League Player of the Season

In a recent discussion, former England national team stars Gary Neville and Jamie Caragher found themselves on opposite sides regarding who should be crowned the 2023/24 Premier League Player of the Season. The ongoing Premier League season is set to wrap up this Sunday, with a tight title race between Manchester City and Arsenal. Neville put forward Arsenal's skipper Martin Odegaard as his choice for Player of the Season, citing his impressive performances. On the other hand, Carragher leaned towards Manchester City's Phil Foden. Reflecting on Odegaard's impact, Neville shared his view during a Sky Sports session, acknowledging the midfielder's exceptional skills and influence on Arsenal's game plan. Meanwhile, Carragher deliberated on his decision, mentioning both Foden and Pa...
Attempted Bombing Incident Thwarted at Plateau Bank
Metro

Attempted Bombing Incident Thwarted at Plateau Bank

Reports indicate that an unidentified individual was apprehended while attempting to plant an explosive device at a bank in Plateau State. The incident took place on Monday in Dadin Kowa town, Jos South region, where the suspect was discovered with a Person Borne Improvised Explosive Device (PBIED) attached to his body. According to security analyst Zagazola Makama, who shared details through his official X handle on Tuesday, the bank's vigilante security personnel effectively prevented the potential attack by identifying the suspect. Following the discovery, an enraged crowd surrounded the suspect, demanding immediate justice. The motive behind the attempted bombing remains unclear, with no confirmed links to any known terrorist groups in the region at this time. Makama added that the...
Bello El-Rufai: No Involvement in Contracts During Father’s Administration
News

Bello El-Rufai: No Involvement in Contracts During Father’s Administration

Dismissing any association with contract awards during his father, Nasir El-Rufai's, tenure as the governor of Kaduna State, Bello El-Rufai, the House of Representatives member for Kaduna North Federal Constituency, made this known during an interview with Yaya Abba on the show 'With Shuraim'. Nasir El-Rufai, a former governor of Kaduna State who also served as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory under the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo from 2003 to 2007, held the position of Kaduna State governor for two terms from 2015 to 2023. Recent accusations claim that Nasir El-Rufai left significant debts amounting to $587 million, N85 billion, and N115 billion in contract liabilities for his successor, Uba Sani, leading to insufficient funds to pay salaries in t...
Police in Lagos Make Arrests of 428 Suspects from Black Spots
Metro

Police in Lagos Make Arrests of 428 Suspects from Black Spots

Recently, the Lagos State Police Command reported the apprehension of approximately 428 suspects from various black spots scattered across the region. In a statement issued on Monday, the State Police's Spokesperson, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, disclosed this information. These arrests took place in hotspots like Fagba, Orile, Mile-2, Oshodi, Dopemu, Alausa, and Ijora Badia. Following a screening process, individuals who were not involved in any criminal activities were promptly released, while others are set to face legal charges. Over the past four months, the police have arrested over 2,500 suspects believed to be involved in criminal activities during extensive raids on black spots throughout Lagos State.
Bello El-Rufai Denies Involvement in Contracts During His Father’s Administration
Press

Bello El-Rufai Denies Involvement in Contracts During His Father’s Administration

During a recent interview on ‘With Shuraim’ hosted by Yaya Abba, Bello El-Rufai, the current House of Representatives member representing Kaduna North Federal Constituency, refuted claims that he had any role in the awarding of contracts while his father, Nasir El-Rufai, served as the governor of Kaduna State. Nasir El-Rufai, who held the governorship position for two terms from 2016 to 2023, has come under fire for allegedly leaving behind a heavy debt burden amounting to $587 million, N85 billion, and N115 billion in contract obligations for his successor, Uba Sani. Uba Sani revealed that the state is now struggling with limited funds, making it difficult to meet salary obligations. Sharing his thoughts on his father’s leadership, Bello stated, “I believe he (Nasir) is an exceptional...