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Category: News

  • Putin grants fleeing Syrian leader asylum

    Putin grants fleeing Syrian leader asylum

    Russian media reports that fleeing Syrian leader, Bashir al-Assad is in Moscow and has been granted asylum by Russia.

    Opposition fighters in Syria advanced rapidly and took control of Damascus, the country’s capital on Sunday after a thirteen-year that caused the loss of hundreds of thousands of lives while millions were injured and the country in total ruin.

    Opposition fighters declared in Damascus that “al-Assad’s 24-year rule has come to an end” as citizens seen in triumphant jubilation took over streets of Damascus and other cities.

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    Media reports monitored by Nigerian Anchor in Abuja indicated that the anticlimax dawned for the al-Assad regime when rebel forces seized several strategic cities in a lightning offensive.

    Bashir al-Assad is the latest leader of a middle eastern country to fall following the Arab Spring revolution or violent street protests leading to regime changes which started after the Tunisian spark in 2011.

    was a series of antigovernmental protests, uprisings and armed rebellions that spread across much of the Arab world in the early 2010s.

    al-Assad inherited power in 2000 after the death of his father, Hafez Assad.

    He was an eye doctor studying in London when his father died. His ascendancy was greeted with cautious optimism, hoping that it would usher a new era of political change in Syria.

  • Detection of New Covid-19 Variant: FG Urges Precaution

    Detection of New Covid-19 Variant: FG Urges Precaution

    The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has raised an alert concerning a newly detected COVID-19 variant known as XEC. 

    In a letter dated December 5, 2024, addressed to the Committee of Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors, the Ministry disclosed that the variant, first reported in Australia, has spread to 29 countries globally.

    The XEC variant reportedly exhibits a growth advantage over previously circulating strains, sparking concerns about its potential public health impact.

     Dr. O. N. Anuma, the Head of the Teaching Hospital Division, emphasized the importance of heightened vigilance in healthcare facilities, urging hospitals to activate alert systems for early detection of COVID-like symptoms.

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    The Ministry called for robust collaboration among stakeholders to enhance monitoring protocols and facilitate timely data sharing. Effective coordination is considered vital for managing the risks posed by the new strain.

    In light of the situation, the Ministry advised the public to resume the use of nose masks in crowded places while awaiting further confirmation of the variant’s full implications. 

    This proactive measure aims to curb potential transmission and protect public health.

  • Tinubu Makes key Appointments in Education, Devp’t Agencies

    Tinubu Makes key Appointments in Education, Devp’t Agencies

    President Bola Tinubu has announced leadership changes in three key educational and development agencies likely to placate sectional interests.

    He has named new heads for the National Universities Commission (NUC), Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), and New Partnership for Africa Development (NEPAD).

     Additionally, Fatima Umaru Shinkafi’s role as Executive Secretary of the Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF) has been renewed.

    Prof. Abdullahi Yusuf Ribadu, an expert in veterinary reproduction, will now lead the NUC.

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    Ribadu previously held leadership positions as vice-chancellor at two Nigerian universities. 

    Meanwhile, Prof. Salisu Shehu, known for his work in educational psychology, has been appointed to oversee the NERDC.

     His background includes founding the School of Continuing Education at Bayero University, Kano, and serving as vice-chancellor at Al-Istiqamah University.

    NEPAD’s new National Coordinator is Jabiru Salisu Abdullahi Tsauri, a specialist in international diplomacy and public administration.

     His extensive experience in governance and legislative matters is expected to enhance the agency’s performance.

    In the mining sector, Shinkafi’s reappointment to the SMDF solidifies her role in advancing initiatives like the Presidential Artisanal Gold Mining Initiative.

    A previous announcement of Yazid Shehu Umar Danfulani’s appointment to SMDF was withdrawn, citing no vacancy in the role.

    These appointments are seen as part of Tinubu’s efforts to position experienced professionals in key roles to drive the nation’s development.

  • EFCC Denies finding $800m and ₦700b in Bello El-Rufai’s Home  

    EFCC Denies finding $800m and ₦700b in Bello El-Rufai’s Home  

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has urged the public to disregard the claim that it uncovered a stock of cash in the kaduna home of Honorable Bello El Rufai.

    Describing it as “baseless and misleading”, the commision said it is totally untrue that its operatives found a stock of cash totalling $800million and N700billion.

    It also denies the claim of discovering drugs valued N1trillion at the Kaduna residence of Bello, the son of Malam Nasir El Rugai, the former governor of Kaduna state.

    In a statement shared on its official Facebook page, the commission labeled the reports as baseless and misleading.

    Bello El Rufai who is currently serving as a member of the House of Representatives has also dismissed the story as completely untrue.

    He clarified that he does not own any private residence in Kaduna aside from his family home in Unguwar Sarki, where he has lived since childhood.  

    He described the accusations as an intentional act to tarnish his image and spread confusion among the public. 

    It was claimed in the rumour that these discoveries were made during an operation in Kaduna State, sparking widespread public reactions.  

    The EFCC has urged citizens to disregard the false information.

  • Dele Farotimi Imprisoned till Dec 10

    Dele Farotimi Imprisoned till Dec 10

    In an apparent determination to, as they say, teach him a lesson, the @NgPolice and his accusers have facilitated the incarceration’s of human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi.

    The Lagos based lawyer was accused of slandering legal icon and university proprietor, Afe Babalola, SAN, and banker, Tony Elumelu.

    The alleged libelous articles were said to be contained in his book titled Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System that was recently published by Mr. Farotimi.

    Even though the book was published in Lagos, where Mr. Farotimi also domiciles, he was forcefully taken out of his home in Lagos and driven for about seven hours to Ado Ekiti, the capital of Ekiti State where one of his petitioners, Chief Afe Babalola resides.

    Upon arrival, Mr. Farotimi was arraigned at the court of Magistrate Mr. Samson Adeosun where he was slammed a sixteen-count charge of defaming and maligning Chief Bbabalola.

    Mr. Farotimi pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

    He was denied bail and ordered to be detained in prison custody till the next adjourned date of December 10, 2024.

    READ ALSO: EFCC TO ARRAIGN YAHAYA BELLO TODAY

  • UK Orders Deportation of Nigerian Pastor Linked to Financial Misconduct

    UK Orders Deportation of Nigerian Pastor Linked to Financial Misconduct

    Nigerian pastor, Tobi Adegboyega is set to be deported from the United Kingdom following allegations of fraud involving his church funds.

     The decision came after an immigration tribunal dismissed his appeal against deportation, citing his lack of legal residency since 2005.  

    His church, SPAC Nation, known for targeting young people in London, was shut down after authorities uncovered financial mismanagement exceeding £1.87 million.

     Despite Adegboyega’s claims that he played a pivotal role in uplifting vulnerable communities, the tribunal found his evidence exaggerated and inconsistent.  

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    Allegations against SPAC Nation included reports of coercion, where members were encouraged to take drastic measures like selling blood or committing fraud to fund the church.

     Adegboyega’s defence argued that his absence would harm community projects, but the court ruled otherwise, stating the initiatives could continue without him.  

    Adegboyega, a cousin of actor John Boyega, had also invoked his marriage to a British citizen and the European Convention on Human Rights to oppose deportation. 

    However, the tribunal concluded that his relationships and activities in the UK were established unlawfully, making the deportation both legal and justified.  

    This decision marks the end of a prolonged legal battle, reaffirming the UK Home Office’s stance on addressing immigration violations and financial misconduct.

  • Police Denies IGP Involvement in Alleged Money Smuggling Scheme

    Police Denies IGP Involvement in Alleged Money Smuggling Scheme

    Even though it failed to commence investigation on an incident that occurred over a year ago, the Nigeria Police Force denies protecting a cartel that is allegedly involved in smuggling money from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

    Pressured by the weight of public opinion, the police has rejected claims linking Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun to the alleged cartel.

     According to the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, reports suggesting that the IGP was protecting those responsible are false.

    The controversy stems from an incident at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on August 26, 2023.

     Four officers, including DSP Peter Ejike and Inspector Esther Okafor, allegedly extorted ₦43,160,000 from an individual, Andrew Ejah, who was transporting ₦74,950,000 on behalf of clients.

     After unlawfully detaining Ejah, the officers claimed to have seized only ₦31,790,000 and sought a cut from the money in exchange for suppressing the case.

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    Following an investigation prompted by a complaint from the money’s owners, the officers were found guilty of corruption, misconduct, and tampering with evidence. 

    Adejobi emphasized that these officers, who had attempted to cover up their actions by spreading false claims, have been suspended and will face prosecution.

    What observers query in Mr. Adejobi’s explanation is why the NPF is yet to commence investigation on the incident that occurred over a year ago on August 26, 2023.

    The Police force has urged the public and media not to propagate misinformation aimed at damaging the reputation of the IGP and to instead focus on the ongoing efforts to address corruption within the force.

  • Blaze Engulfs INEC Office in Delta’s Ika North East LGA

    Blaze Engulfs INEC Office in Delta’s Ika North East LGA

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reported a fire incident at its Ika North East Local Government Area (LGA) office in Owa-Oyibu town, Delta State.

    The incident occurred on Monday, December 2, 2024, and attributed to a sudden power surge following the restoration of public electricity.

    It was disclosed in a press statement on Tuesday that the fire outbreak caused significant damage to several electoral materials stored at the office.

    INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information & Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun confirmed that the fire primarily affected the stores section of the office where key electoral items were stored.

    Among the destroyed items were 706 ballot boxes, 50 election bags, 322 apron vests, three electric power generators, 140 stamps, 50 ballot box seals, as well as assorted materials such as envelopes, posters, forms, and booklets.

    Despite the scale of the destruction, the Commission assured that no lives were lost and there were no reported injuries.

    According to the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Delta State, Mr. Etekamba Udo Umoren, the fire broke out in the afternoon but did not lead to any fatalities.

    The incident has already been reported to security agencies and emergency services for a detailed investigation.

    INEC also extended its appreciation to the Nigeria Police Force and the Delta State Fire Service for their prompt response to the emergency.

    Ika North East LGA, one of the 25 LGA offices in Delta State, plays a critical role in the state’s electoral activities.

    The area comprises 14 Registration Areas (Wards), 238 Polling Units, and 131,747 registered voters. This fire incident raises concerns about the preparedness and security of electoral materials in the region.

    Despite the incident, the Commission has expressed committed to taking necessary steps to ensure minimal disruption to future elections.

    The Commission has vowed to continue working with the relevant authorities to investigate the cause of the fire and prevent similar occurrences in the future.

  • Tinubu Heads to South Africa for Bi-National Commission Talks

    Tinubu Heads to South Africa for Bi-National Commission Talks

    This may sound like an April-fool joke but it is true that President Tinubu departed France for South Africa this Monday.

    This makes it his 31st trip outside Nigeria since assuming office about 17 months ago. However, this is happening at a time the country grinds through a very painful economic regime when Nigerians grapple with cost of living crisis occasioned by a rash of harsh economic reforms.

    While in South Africa, President Bola Tinubu will co-chair the 11th session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) alongside President Cyril Ramaphosa.

    The discussions, set to take place on December 3, will focus on a range of issues, including political, trade, and security concerns, building on previous meetings between the two leaders. 

    The session will also involve a ministerial meeting on December 2. 

    The two presidents are expected to review progress since the last BNC in 2021, and the discussions will cover areas such as banking, defense, manufacturing, and energy.

    READ ALSO: Tinubu, Shettima Foreign Trips Raise Eyebrows

    This year’s session marks the 25th anniversary of the commission, founded to strengthen ties between Nigeria and South Africa. 

    The meeting will include the signing of several agreements and Memoranda of Understanding aimed at enhancing bilateral relations.

    Tinubu’s delegation will include key government figures, and this visit to South Africa will be his second trip there in 2024. Since taking office, President Tinubu has made 33 international trips, totaling over 135 days abroad.

  • Fire Destroys Market in Trademore Estate, Abuja

    Fire Destroys Market in Trademore Estate, Abuja

    A fire broke out early Monday morning, consuming the only market in Trademore Estate, Lugbe, Abuja. 

    The blaze, which started around 3:30 a.m. after power was restored by the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, spread quickly before help could arrive.

     While the exact cause is not yet confirmed, locals speculate that an electrical malfunction could be to blame.

    Residents were among the first to spot the fire, with one eyewitness noting the chaotic scene. 

    Despite attempts to reach the Federal Fire Service and local responders, it was a fire truck from Dunamis Church that arrived first. 

    Other teams from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and Sauka Station followed shortly after.

    By 5:30 a.m., the flames were under control, but the damage was done. As of now, the total loss and the number of affected traders are still unknown, though cleanup efforts have begun. 

    This is the latest in a series of unfortunate events for the estate, as it had previously been flooded in June 2023.