Author: Khadijah Olowode

A Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Gwagwalada, Abuja has found guilty and convicted one Mrs. Ramat Mercy Mba, a mother of five children guilty of forging the signature of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s Chief of Staff, the late Abba Kyari. The presiding judge, Justice Ibrahim Mohammad however deferred the sentencing of the convict till Thursday, 16th of May, 2024 but directed that she should be remanded in Suleja Correctional Centre. The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) had arraigned Mba in June, 2022 on a 5-count charge bordering on cheating, fraud and forgery contrary to…

By Abimbola Ogunnaike The world’s first patient with a transplanted pig kidney has died, almost two months after the operation. In March, Massachusetts General Hospital transplanted the genetically-edited pig kidney into Rick Slayman, a 62-year-old man living with end-stage kidney disease. The operation was a milestone in xenotransplantation – the transplantation of organs or tissues from one species to another – as a potential solution to the worldwide organ shortage, the hospital said at the time. Slayman’s death was not linked to the transplant, the hospital reported. “Our family is deeply saddened about the sudden passing of our beloved Rick…

By Abimbola Ogunnaike The officials of Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), on Sunday, 12 May, 2024 departed Abuja for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the final preparation to receive the first set of Nigerian pilgrims from Kebbi State who would be arriving in the Kingdom on Wednesday, May 15. The team, made up of 35 NAHCON officials and eight medical personnel will be in Saudi Arabia to organize and coordinate the reception, accommodation, feeding and transportation, health and general welfare of pilgrims throughout the Hajj period. Addressing the team in a brief farewell ceremony at the Hajj House headquarters of…

By Abimbola Ogunnaike Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Port Harcourt Zonal Command, have arrested 26 suspected internet fraudsters at the Nigeria Television Authority and Choba axes of Port Harcourt, Rivers State. It was gathered that they were arrested following credible intelligence on their suspected involvement in internet-related activities. EFCC’s Spokesman, Dele Oyewale, who confirmed the development, said items recovered from them included different brands of phones, laptops and six exotic cars. He added that the suspects would be charged to court as soon as investigations were concluded.

By Abimbola Ogunnaike At least 49 persons have been reported killed by gunmen during a five-day-long operation in Zamfara State. The deceased, according to residents, were killed in five affected villages in Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State from Tuesday, 7 May, to Saturday, 11 May, 2024. According to the locals, 18 persons were killed in Farar-Kasa village; 22 in Dangulbi, two in Duhuwa, four in Tsatsomawa and three others in Yar Sabaya villages respectively. A resident of Anka town, Malam Idris Anka (not real name) said the bandits have been attacking communities in the local government since the…

A culture and creative industry advocacy group, Arewa Creative Industry Heritage Vanguard, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Art, Culture, and Creative Economy, Hanatu Musawa, to lead efforts in securing the hosting rights for the next two editions of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) offered by the African Union Commission to Nigeria and South Africa as reported in the media recently. They are also rooting for at least one edition of the prestigious event to take place in the northern region of Nigeria: Kaduna, Jos or Abuja due to years of deliberate marginalization and…

By Abimbola Ogunnaike The 10th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, AMVCA, was held amid pomp and pageantry at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos State, on Saturday, 11 May, 2024 IK Osakioduwa returned as the host for the 10th consecutive year. Chimezie Imo won the Trailblazer Award, while Industry Merit Awards were presented to Richard Mofe Damijo and Idowu Philips, aka Iya Rainbow, for their remarkable contributions to the movie industry. Here is the full list of winners: Best Digital Content Hello Neighbour – Elozonam Ogbolu, Lina idoko and Jemima Osunde National Treasure – Adebola Adeyela…

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, received the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, on Sunday, 12 May, 2024. The British Royal couple was received by Governor Sanwo-Olu; his wife, Dr. Ibijoke, and some members of the State Executive Council during a courtesy visit at Lagos House, Marina. Prince Harry, accompanied by his wife, Meghan, is on a three-day visit to Nigeria to promote the Invictus Games, which he founded in 2014. The couples had a stopover in Lagos on Sunday. The Invictus Games are aimed at raising funds and supporting serving members of the military…

Some members of the All Progressives Congress under the umbrella of Southwest Tinubu-Shettima Presidential Supporters Movement have called on President Bola Tinubu not to delay in sacking some of his appointees who have allegedly been plotting his political downfall for their selfish interests. Addressing a press conference on Thursday, 9 May, 2024, in Lagos, the Tinubu-Shettima Presidential supporters condemned, in its entirety, the development which they described as “satanic agenda”, and called on President Tinubu and the APC leadership to immediately arrest the situation and ensure that the party is not hijacked by a disloyal few. They also vowed to…

Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja on Friday, May 10, insisted on the physical appearance of the former governor of Kogi State, Mr Yahaya Adoza Bello for arraignment before any of his applications can be entertained by the court. The judge further held that, Bello, who is facing prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on an alleged N80.2billion fraud, is acting in disrespect and contempt of the court by resisting lawful arraignment and as such lacks any entitlement for his applications to be heard by the same court. Justice Nwite made the ruling…

The Information Security Society of Africa – Nigeria, ISSAN), has called for stronger and closer collaboration with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC in safeguarding the cyber space for more effective fight against internet fraud and other financial crimes in Nigeria. This call was made in Abuja on Friday, May 10, 2024 by ISSAN’s Vice President, Dr. Martin Ikpehai when he led a three-man delegation on a courtesy visit to the EFCC’s headquarters. According to him, the EFCC is doing a great work in putting a stop to cybercrimes. He called for a more sustainable approach towards taking over…

As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) and First Exploration & Production Limited (First E&P) joint venture (JV) has donated the sum of N53million to non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Nigeria. Under the JV’s Impact First Initiative, the donation, targeted towards enhancing societal welfare, would address areas such as good healthcare and well-being, quality education as well as economic growth within the nation. Speaking during the cheque presentation ceremony, NNPC Ltd’s Chief Upstream Investment Officer (CUIO), NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS), Mr. Bala Wunti, expressed gratitude to First E &…

Tragedy struck in Zamfara State as bandits unleashed a wave of violence on farming communities, claiming the lives of at least 30 innocent farmers, including a respected Islamic cleric. The attacks occurred in Gidangoga village, Maradun Local Government Area (LGA), and Bilbis village, Tsafe LGA. Sources told PRNigeria that the bandits first struck in Maradun LGA, attacking Gidangoga village, where farmers were preparing their lands for the upcoming wet season. Mallam Makwashi Maradun Mai Jan Baki, a renowned Islamic cleric, was brutally killed while working on his farm. He was known for reciting the Quran during Ramadan Tafsir at Maradun…

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) on Friday disclosed that the National Identity Number (NIN) has reached 107,338,044, showing a growth of 3.2 million from the 104 million reported as at the end of last year. The Commission also announced ongoing plans to introduce a general multipurpose NIN card for which Nigerians will be required to pay. Speaking at a media briefing in Abuja, the Director General of the Commission, Abisoye Coker-Odusote, equally disclosed that in addition to the surge in enrollment, the Commission is not resting on its oars as it would stop at nothing to ensure every Nigerian…

The Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador Michael Freeman has paid a courtesy visit to the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu at the State House Abuja. During the visit, the Ambassador commended the various programmes of the First Lady in the areas of Women Empowerment, Agriculture, Youth and Education. He highlighted four aspects where the Israeli government looks forward to collaborating with the Office of the First Lady. One of these is science and technology which will see them open 30 more innovation centers across the nation in addition to the one already operational in Abuja. Ambassador Freeman disclosed…

Senior Advocate of Nigeria and Convener of social advocacy group, United Action for Change, UAC, Dr. Muiz Banire has threatened to drag Foundation for Investigative Journalism, FIJ, to court for N1 billion compensation if the organisation fails to meet his demands over damages done his 35 years legal and academic record. This was disclosed in a letter titled “DEFAMATORY STATEMENTS AGAINST DR MUIZ BANIRE, SAN, OON PRE-ACTION PROTOCOL WRITTEN MEMORANDUM”, dated 7th May 2024 and addressed to FIJ by his lawyer, Kunle Adegoke SAN. The letter whose copy was made available to journalists, read: “Our client Informed us, and we…

Chief of Staff to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila has commended the bold initiative of Governor Dapo Abiodun on the Gateway International Agro Cargo and Passenger Airport, saying that the airport would soon be the transportation hub for other states in the South-West. Gbajabiamila also applauded the Governor for forging ahead with the airport project even when many of his colleagues failed in their quest to build world class airports in their states. The Chief of Staff, who stated this during a chat with newsmen at the airport shortly after attending the commissioning of the Oba Sikiru…

By Abimbola Ogunnaike The Senior Special Assistant to Yobe State Governor Buni on Digital and Strategic Communications, Yusuf Ali, has stated that the decision of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP), in the state to boycott the 25 May, 2024 local government election is nothing but for the fear of defeat. Ali, who mocked the opposition party in a statement issued to newsmen, claimed that “It is a known fact that the opposition PDP in Yobe has nothing to offer to the people and has foreseen its impending defeat in the upcoming local government poll, and in its usual characteristics, resorted to blackmail. “The…

By Abimbola Ogunnaike Manchester City closed in on a fourth consecutive Premier League title by thrashing Fulham 4-0 on Saturday,11 May, 2024 while Burnley were relegated from the top flight after a 2-1 defeat at Tottenham. Luton are also virtually down as a 3-1 defeat at West Ham left them three points adrift of safety and with a goal difference 13 worse than that of Nottingham Forest with just one game remaining. There was no twist in the title race at Craven Cottage as defender Josko Gvardiol continued his hot streak in front of goal. The Croatian settled any City…

By Abimbola Ogunnaike This is indeed not the best of times for former Nigerian international, Tijjani Babangida, as his son who is about a year old has died from injuries he sustained in the fatal road accident that claimed the life of his father’s brother, Ibrahim Babangida. Recall that on Thursday, 9 May, 2024, the 1996 Atlanta Olympics gold medallist, his wife, brother, son, and maid were involved in a ghastly accident along the Zaria-Kaduna road. While his younger brother Ibrahim died on the spot, Tijanni, who is also the president of the Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria (PFAN) and…