Author: Abimbola Ogunnaike

Some officers of the Ogun State Police Command have been arrested by the command for allegedly demanding money from the family of a missing girl before taking action on the case, thegazellenews.com reports. The Public Relations Officer for the Nigeria Police Force, Muyiwa Adejobi, who made this disclosure in a post via X handle on Saturday, 28 December, 2024, added that the arrested officers are in detention “Otta missing girl: The policemen who demanded money before they could attend to the case have been arrested and are now in detention for disciplinary action,” the post read. The Force Image-maker reaffirmed the police’s…

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers on Sunday, 22 December, 2024 abducted an Anglican cleric, his wife and his two children in Ondo State. Rev. Canon Olowolagba and his family were kidnapped along Ise Akoko-Iboropa road in the Akoko North-East Local Government Area of the state. With the development creating tension and panic in Ikaram-Akoko in Akoko North-West Local Council, the hometown of the cleric, residents of the community had engaged in prayers for the release of the victims. While disclosing the incident to newsmen in Akure, the state capital, the Bishop of Akoko Anglican Diocese, Rt. Rev. Babajide Bada, stated…

The World Health Organization (WHO) boss, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Saturday, 28 December, 2024 has narrated how he narrowly escaped death in fatal Israeli strikes on the airport in Yemen’s Huthi rebel-held capital. Speaking to BBC radio, Tedros said his ears were still ringing following Thursday’s attack as he prepared to board a flight in Sanaa, stressing that the protection for civilian installations under international law must be respected. Recall that Israeli air strikes hit Sanaa’s international airport and other targets in Yemen on Thursday, 26 December, 2024 The attacks against what Israel’s military described as rebel military targets marked the second time since…

Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, has described his late Chief of Staff, Abdulquadri Mahe, as a perfect gentleman, community leader, urbane public servant and a statesman. In a condolence message by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye in Ilorin on Saturday, 28 December, 2024, governor Abdulrazaq said: ‘In total submission to the will of Allah, we regret to announce the passing of the Chief of Staff to His Excellency, Prince AbdulKadir Mahe. “He died this morning, December 28, 2024, as has been destined by Allah. “The late CoS will be buried today, Saturday, at his residence on Moro Street, Adewole Estate,…

The Chief of Staff to Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State, Alhaji Mahe Abdulquadri, is dead. According to family sources, he passed away on Saturday, 28 December, 2024 at his Adewole residence in Ilorin metropolis. Aged 75, Mahe, believed to be a strong hopeful of the Emirship throne in Ilorin, had served in various capacities at both federal and state levels. He was a senior staff at the Nigeria Television Authority, NTA, Ilorin, before joining the state civil service, where he served as permanent secretary and clerk of the state House of Assembly before his retirement. Late Mahe attended the…

The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has stated that it is not aware of, nor investigating, the alleged disappearance of ₦180 million from the account of a Non-Governmental Organisation owned by social media commentator Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan. In an Instagram video shared on Friday, 27 December, 2024, Otse claimed that ₦180 million had been transferred from the NGO’s account to an unknown account, leaving only ₦20 million. “I’ve not been myself these past few days. Somebody hacked into the NGO website, and ₦180 million is missing. Thankfully, we’ve tracked the person, and one suspect has been arrested. “The…

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has promised to galvanise the Niger Delta Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture with N30 billion counterpart fund for the development of young entrepreneurs. The NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, said this during an interview with newsmen at the NDDC’s headquarters in Port Harcourt. This was contained in a statement issued on Saturday, 28 December, 2024 by the NDDC Director of Corporate Affairs, Seledi Thompson-Wakama and sent to newsmen. Ogbuku restated the commission’s commitment to empowering the region’s people through economic programmes. He highlighted the NDCCITMA’s role in training youths, supporting SMEs,…

The military high command on Friday, 27 December, 2024 announced that it has destroyed logistics base of the terrorists’ group known as Lakurawa, disturbing peace of Sokoto communities when it rained airstrikes on them on Christmas day. It specifically clarified that the deaths of 10 villagers in Sokoto State were caused by the secondary explosion that arose when the airstrikes bombarded the logistics base of the group. The Director, Defence Media Operations, Edward Buba, who made this disclosure while addressing journalists at Defence Headquarters, maintained that the airstrikes conducted by the Nigerian Air Force hit the primary target. According to…

Ogun State Police Command has arraigned two teenagers and five men before an Abeokuta Magistrates’ Court presided over by the Chief Magistrate, Dr B.O. Ilo, over alleged theft of electrical fittings and household items worth over N28 million. The defendants, Sunday Odeshola, 15, Monday Ubah, 16, and David Odeshola, 45, were arraigned on a three-count charge of conspiracy stealing and malicious damage. Four others, Kaman Rabiru, 27, Lawal Shaibu, 25, Nazid Abdullahi, 27, and Ibrahim Khalid, 25, were arraigned for unlawfully receiving stolen goods. The prosecutor, Inspector Lawrence Olu-Balogun, told the court that the defendants and others at large committed the offences between…

Famous Nigerian singer, Tiwatope Omolara Savage, known professionally as Tiwa Savage, has hinted at retiring from music. The 44-year-old, who disclosed that her upcoming album might be her last, said she now feels tired, stressing that she has done her best. On her Instastory, Savage wrote, “This might be my last studio album. I am tired, I don try.” The singer often referred to as the “Queen of Afrobeat,” has enjoyed an illustrious career spanning over a decade. Known for hits like “All Over”, “Somebody’s Son”, and “Eminado”, she has consistently broken barriers, becoming one of the most celebrated female artists in Africa. Although Tiwa…

China’s central bank confirmed on Friday, 28 December, 2024 that it has renewed a bilateral currency swap agreement with its counterpart in Nigeria, the Central Bank of Nigeria,(CBN). The People’s Bank of China, which made the disclosure in a statement on its website on Friday, 28 December, 2024, added that the total value of the agreement was 15 billion yuan which is about 2.09 billion U.S. dollars, or 3.28 trillion Nigerian naira. President Bola Tinubu’s media aide, Bayo Onanuga who shared the report on his official X handle, said the agreement is valid for three years and can be renewed…

Former Governor of Ebonyi State and Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi has endorsed Governor Francis Nwifuru for second term in office come 2027 Umahi stated this on Friday, 27 December, 2024 when he received members of Izzi National Youth Forum who paid him a Christmas homage at his Umunagu Uburu country home in Ohaozara local government area of the state. The minister, who commended the Izzi youths led by their National President, Barrister Andrew Chibueze Elom for paying him such a surprise visit during the yuletide, maintained that Governor Nwifuru would serve Ebonyi people for the second term in…

Mali’s authorities have confirmed that no fewer than 69 people, including 25 Malians, have died after a makeshift boat attempting to reach Spain from West Africa capsized off the coast of Morocco, According to a statement from Mali’s Ministry of Malians Abroad, the boat was carrying approximately 80 people, but only 11 survivors were rescued, just as the statement added that of the survivors, at least nine are from Mali. The tragedy occurred last week, but the ministry formally confirmed the incident on Thursday, 26 December, 2024. A crisis unit has been dispatched to monitor the situation and assist those…

The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, has stated that claims by the military leader of Niger Republic, Abdourahamane Tchiani that Nigeria is colluding with France to destabilise his county are despicable propaganda. Bwala, who declared that the claims were aimed at inciting Northern Nigeria against President Bola Tinubu, said the military leader deliberately chose a local language in the North. Thegazellenews.com recalls that Abdourahamane Tchiani, military leader of Niger Republic, made the claims in an interview on Wednesday, 25 December, 2024 Tchiani, who spoke in Hausa, alleged that France is negotiating with terrorists in Nigeria to…

Prominent industrialists and businessmen from across Anambra State have gave their backing to the setting up of the South-East Development Commission, saying it will create more opportunities for the South-Eastgeopolitical zone once it becomes operational. They praised the management of the commission, led by Mark Okoye as the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer and Dr. Emeka Nworgu as Chairman, for having the capacity to bring the commission’s vision to fruition. Okoye is also the MD/CEO of the Anambra State Investment Promotion and Protection Agency, while Nworgu is a former Minister of Labour. Speaking to journalists in Awka on Friday, 27 December, 2024 about the SEDC’s…

Brazil football star, Vinicius Jr., on Friday, 27 December, 2027 responded to Cristiano Ronaldo’s endorsement of him as the rightful Ballon d’Or winner, expressing gratitude for the praise. “Cristiano Ronaldo’s words about the Ballon d’Or? If Cristiano said I’m the best, then I am,” the Real Madrid forward said during an interview while receiving his award at the 2024 Globe Soccer Awards. Ronaldo had previously criticised the decision to award the Ballon d’Or to Manchester City midfielder Rodri, stating, “Vinicius Jr should have won the Ballon d’Or, in my opinion it was clear. It was unfair.” Ronaldo’s remarks came at…

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa has immortalised his predecessor, Rotimi Akeredolu as he announced that the new High Court complex to be constructed in the state would be named after the departed ex-governor. Aiyedatiwa became the Ondo governor after Akeredolu’s death on December 27, 2023. Speaking during the flag-off ceremony for the construction of the new high court complex also called the Judiciary Village in Akure, the state capital, on Friday, 27 December, 2024, Aiyedatiwa described the project as a historic milestone for the state. He added that the project was conceived under the leadership and vision of the late…

Portugal football icon, Cristiano Ronaldo, has criticised Vinícius Jr.’s omission from the Ballon d’Or win, describing it as “unfair” and praising the integrity of the Globe Soccer Awards. Speaking at the 2024 Globe Soccer Awards, where Vinícius won the Best Men’s Player accolade, Ronaldo remarked, “Vinícius Jr. should have won the Ballon d’Or. In my opinion, it was clear. It was unfair. This is why I love the Globe Soccer Awards; they are honest.” The ceremony celebrated football’s finest, with Real Madrid’s Vinícius Jr. also claiming the Best Forward award after an extraordinary season. Jude Bellingham, another Real Madrid star,…

The 2024 Globe Soccer Awards celebrated football’s finest talents on a grand stage, with Real Madrid star Vinícius Jr. winning the prestigious Best Men’s Player award. The Brazilian forward also claimed the Best Forward accolade, marking the culmination of an impressive year. Jude Bellingham, another standout performer, secured dual honours by winning both the Best Midfielder award and the Maradona Award, further establishing himself among football’s elite. The event also recognised Neymar Jr. with the Player Career Award, celebrating his remarkable contributions to the sport. Meanwhile, young sensation Lamine Yamal was named Best Emerging Talent, signalling a bright future for…

The total foreign exchange market turnover increased to $14.39 billion (N23.95 trillion) at the end of November 2024. This is contained in the FMDQ Markets Monthly Report According to the report, total FX turnover for the spot and derivatives markets stood at N58.22 trillion and N0.81 trillion, respectively. This means that the Spot FX Market turnover increased by 42.69 percent, which is $4.30 billion from $10.08 billion recorded in October 2024. “Total turnover for the Spot and Derivatives Market was N58.22tn and N0.81tn, respectively, in November 2024. Spot FX Market Turnover was $14.39bn (N23.95tn) in November 2024, representing a MoM…