Gunmen launched an assault on a police checkpoint along the Abakaliki-Enugu Highway on Thursday, resulting in the destruction of a police patrol van. The attack occurred at Ishieke junction on the outskirts of Abakaliki town. According to sources in the area, the gunmen reportedly killed one police officer and abducted another. However, this information could not be independently verified at the time of reporting. Joshua Ukandu, the police spokesperson in Ebonyi, confirmed the attack but stated that details were still unclear. He denied knowledge of any fatalities or abductions, emphasising that the reports from the scene were incomplete. The incident…
Author: Editor Francis
Former Abia State Governor and ex-Minister of Science and Technology, Ogbonnaya Onu, has passed away at the age of 72. Sources close to the deceased confirmed that he died after a brief illness in an Abuja hospital on Thursday, April 11. Onu, hailing from Uburu in the Ohaozara local government area of Ebonyi State, had a prominent political career, serving as the first civilian governor of Abia State and later as a minister under President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration. Notably, he contested for the presidential flag of the All Progressive Congress (APC) during the 2023 general election but was unsuccessful, losing…
Aliko Dangote, the President of Dangote Group, has expressed optimism that the recent reduction in diesel prices by Dangote Refinery will help alleviate inflationary pressures in Nigeria. Speaking after a visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Dangote highlighted the significant drop in diesel costs from N1,650 to N1,200 per litre, a move expected to positively impact the economy. Dangote’s remarks come in the wake of concerning inflation figures, with the National Bureau of Statistics reporting a rise to 31.70% in February, up from 29.90% in January 2024. However, Dangote believes that the reduction in diesel prices could counteract this trend,…
Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has once again revised its foreign exchange (FX) rate for duties, now set at N1,238.17 per dollar. This adjustment reflects a 6.8% decrease from the previous rate of N1,246.66/$ recorded on April 8. The new rate, implemented by customs, falls below the official foreign exchange rate which closed at N1,248.5/$ on Tuesday at the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange Market (NAFEM). This decline in the FX rate for customs tariffs and duties coincides with efforts by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to stabilize the naira. On Monday, the CBN announced the sale of forex to bureau…
In the wake of a devastating boat accident that led to the loss of Nollywood actor Junior Pope and three crew members, the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) has taken decisive action. AGN President Ejezie Rollas has issued a circular, dated April 11, 2024, announcing the suspension of all film productions involving riverine areas and boat rides. This decision, posted on social media, aims to ensure the safety of actors and crew members in light of the recent tragedy. Moreover, actors are temporarily prohibited from participating in any projects produced by Adanma Luke, producer of the film “The Other Side…
In a recent development surrounding the case of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), his legal team has issued a warning of a potential boycott of court proceedings. The threat comes in response to perceived injustices against Kanu by the Department of State Services (DSS), where he has been held in custody since 2021. Kanu, facing charges of treason and terrorism, had sought bail on health grounds and to adequately prepare for trial. However, his plea for bail was rejected by Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja, who instead assured an…
In a bid to compete with Air Peace’s recent entry into the Lagos-London route, foreign airlines have significantly reduced their airfares, providing travellers with more affordable options. Air Peace, a Nigerian carrier, launched direct flights from Lagos to London on March 30, offering round-trip economy tickets at a competitive price of N1.2 million, significantly undercutting the previous fares of up to N3 million charged by other airlines on the route. In response, foreign airlines have slashed their prices, with round-trip economy ticket prices dropping to an average of N1.4 million last week. However, a further investigation conducted on Wednesday revealed…
Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has expressed grave concern over the alarming state of primary education within the state. Highlighting the dire situation, Governor Fubara revealed that a staggering 75 percent of primary schools in Rivers are devoid of teachers, while a shocking 90 percent suffer from dilapidation. The governor’s remarks came to light during an assessment conducted by the firm New Global, which had intended to partner with the state government to bolster the capacity of teachers and improve educational standards. However, the findings of the assessment painted a stark picture of neglect and inadequacy in the primary education…
The Osolo of Isolo in Lagos State, Oba Kabiru Agbabiaka, has passed away, as confirmed by the Chairman of the Isolo Local Council Development Area, Olasoju Adebayo. The statement reads: “I have the instruction of the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to formally announce the passing of the paramount ruler of Isolo Kingdom, Oba Kabiru Agbabiaka, Adeola Olushi III, today April 10, 2024. He was 64. “He will be buried today by 4pm at his palace, 3/5 Akinbaye Street, Isolo, according to Islamic rites. May his soul rest in peace.” The monarch, aged 64, will be laid to…
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has issued an order for the release of 28 suspects who were detained by the Ondo State Security Network, known as Amotekun Corps. These individuals were part of a larger group of 45 suspects apprehended across all 18 local government areas for various offenses, including kidnapping, dangerous driving, burglary, anti-grazing activities, public disturbance, theft, and involvement in the purchase of stolen goods. Commander Akogun Adetunji Adeleye of the Ondo Amotekun Corps disclosed that the 28 released suspects were identified as first-time offenders, with offenses not warranting capital punishment. Governor Aiyedatiwa directed their release to their…
Following the official confirmation of marital turmoil by his estranged wife, Mabel Makun, comedian AY Makun has taken to social media to share a cryptic post. Mabel stated that her lifelong dream of marriage has taken a different turn but she remains committed to moving forward with grace and resilience. She pleaded for privacy as they navigate this new phase. AY Makun posted on Instagram, saying, “This too shall pass.”
A cloud of uncertainty envelops the succession proceedings for the revered position of Olubadan of Ibadan land, as suspicions mount over a potential boycott by members of the Olubadan-in-Council during an upcoming meeting. The meeting, scheduled for tomorrow, was anticipated to declare Oba Owolabi Olakulehin as the Olubadan-designate, yet doubts persist surrounding his candidature, particularly regarding his health. Speculation surrounding Oba Olakulehin’s absence has intensified among stakeholders following the passing of Oba Lekan Balogun on March 14th. The Otun Balogun of Ibadan, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, voiced concerns on Tuesday, alleging that Olakulehin is not medically fit to ascend to the…