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On Monday, President Bola Tinubu presided over the swearing-in of newly appointed members of the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), the Federal Character Commission (FCC), and the National Population Commission (NPC). Additionally, Tinubu swore in eight former directors in the Federal Civil Service as Permanent Secretaries. This information was disclosed in a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. According to the statement, 21 members of the RMAFC, along with one new member each for the FCC and the NPC, took their oaths of office at the Council Chamber before the commencement of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting. The newly appointed permanent secretaries from eight states passed a rigorous selection process, including written and oral examinations and an ICT competency test. Among the permanent secretaries was Dr. Onwusoro Ihemelandu, an optometrist from Abia State and a World Bank-cer...

Troops of the 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army, and Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have dismantled a notorious bandit camp, killing a suspected bandit in Angwan Bala, Kambari village, Karim Lamido Local Government Area, Taraba State. The incident, which occurred on Sunday, 2025, followed military intelligence gathering. Acting on credible intelligence about the movement of suspected bandits, troops conducted a fighting patrol to the identified hideout. Upon sighting the patrol team, the bandits opened fire, prompting an immediate and overwhelming response from the troops. In the ensuing firefight, one bandit was killed, while 23 others, including 19 males and four females, surrendered without further resistance. This information was contained in a statement by the Acting Assistant Director of 6 Brigade Army Public Relations, Captain Olubodunde Oni. Captain Oni stated that a comprehensive search of the camp led to the recovery of a significant cache of arms and ammunition, including fou...

Legendary Nollywood actor Pete Edochie has sparked curiosity and concern among fans after a viral video showed him being pushed in a wheelchair at an airport. The video, shared on Sunday, February 2, by TikTok user @fearless.commando1, quickly ignited discussions—not just about the veteran actor’s presence but also an amusing mix-up. In the footage, the user, seemingly a fan, appeared to mistake Pete for his son, actor Yul Edochie, as he was wheeled through the airport. Initially, the fan assumed that the iconic Pete Edochie relied on a wheelchair due to his old age, thinking he had mobility issues. However, the real surprise came moments later when Pete effortlessly stood up and walked a short distance to his parked car, leaving both the fan and netizens stunned. This unexpected moment quickly sparked a wave of reactions online, with fans expressing both relief and confusion. Many attributed his use of the wheelchair to the effects of aging, especially considering the exhaustion and c...

Renowned Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo has responded to the screenshots of her private chats with popular singer Naira Marley, which have been circulating online. Recall that Naira Marley and Iyabo Ojo had a public clash following the controversial death of the late singer Mohbad (Ilerioluwa Aloba) on September 12, 2023. Many accused Naira Marley, the head of Marlian Music, of being involved in the singer's struggles and possible demise. Iyabo Ojo actively sought justice for Mohbad, vocally accusing Naira Marley and Sam Larry of playing a role in the singer's ordeal. She participated in protests, granted interviews, and consistently called out Naira Marley on social media. However, Naira Marley took to his Instagram stories today to leak old chats between himself and Iyabo Ojo from 2021 and 2022. In the chats, Iyabo Ojo invited Naira Marley to some of her events, including her late mother's remembrance party. Another chat showed the actress requesting Naira Marley's assis...

Professor Idris Mohammed Bugaje, the Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), has urged the federal government to consider Eastern development strategies for Nigeria's growth and rediscovery. Professor Bugaje made this statement in Kaduna on Monday while inaugurating a workshop aimed at developing National Occupational Standards and National Skills Qualification for 25 occupational areas. The six-day workshop, organized by the NBTE in collaboration with the Innovation Development and Effectiveness in the Acquisition of Skills (IDEAS) Project, brought together experts from the technology industry to develop these standards. During the workshop, Professor Bugaje emphasized the importance of repositioning Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Nigeria for national improvement. While commending the Minister of Education’s initiative to rebrand all Federal Science and Technical Colleges, the NBTE Executive Secretary suggested that Nige...

A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Kuje has ordered the remand of Usman Yusuf, former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), in Kuje prison pending the determination of his bail application. Justice Chinyere Nwecheonwu issued the order on Monday after Yusuf was arraigned and pleaded not guilty to a five-count charge of fraud brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Following his plea, Yusuf's lawyer, O.I Habeeb, requested that his client remain in the custody of the EFCC (from where he was brought to court) pending the hearing and determination of his bail application. However, Justice Nwecheonwu rejected this request, stating that the defendant could not be kept in EFCC custody after his arraignment. She subsequently ordered that Yusuf be remanded in Kuje prison and adjourned the case until February 12 for the hearing of the bail application. The EFCC has accused Yusuf of allegedly using his positi...

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has extended his congratulations to Nigerian singer Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, for her remarkable triumph in the Best African Music Performance category at the 67th Grammy Awards on Sunday. In a heartfelt post on X.com on Monday, Sanwo-Olu attributed Tems' victory to her exceptional talent and unwavering dedication. He wrote, “I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Temilade Openiyi #temsbaby, for winning the Best African Music Performance at the 2025 Grammy Awards with her song ‘Love Me JeJe.’ “This historic achievement marks her as the first Nigerian artist to win in this category, showcasing her exceptional talent and dedication.” The governor also took the opportunity to praise other Nigerian nominees for their efforts in elevating Nigeria’s presence on the global stage. “I also commend our other Nigerian nominees, Burna Boy, Yemi Alade, Asake, Wizkid, and Davido- for their outstanding contributions to music. Your arti...

President Cyril Ramaphosa refuted claims made by Donald Trump on Monday, asserting that South Africa is not "confiscating" land. He expressed his willingness to explain his government's land reform policy to his US counterpart. Trump's remarks seemed to reference a land expropriation act signed by Ramaphosa last month, which allows the government, under certain conditions, to offer "nil compensation" for property seized in the public interest. Land ownership remains a contentious issue in South Africa, with the majority of farmland still owned by white individuals three decades after the end of apartheid. Efforts to address this inequality have faced criticism from conservatives, including South Africa-born Elon Musk, the world's wealthiest person and a key Trump adviser. "The South African government has not confiscated any land," Ramaphosa stated in response to Trump's accusations, which included claims of the government "treating ce...

The Pakistani Taliban has claimed responsibility for killing a police officer on Monday. The officer was en route to protect polio vaccinators on the first day of a nationwide immunization campaign, following a year of increased polio cases. The officer, who was traveling in the Jamrud town area of northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, was shot dead by two motorcycle riders, according to local police official Zarmat Khan. The officer died instantly at the scene. Pakistan and neighboring Afghanistan are the only countries where polio remains endemic, and militants have long targeted vaccination teams and their security escorts. The Pakistani Taliban stated they carried out the "targeted attack" and claimed to have seized the officer's weapon. In 2024, Pakistan reported at least 73 polio infections, up from just six cases in 2023. The vaccination campaign, which began on Monday, is the first of the year and will last for a week. Despite the incident, the polio vaccinati...

The offensive is the latest devastating blow to a region where an estimated six million people have died over three decades due to conflict. Burundi's president has warned that the escalating conflict in eastern DR Congo could spark a regional war. The Rwanda-backed M23 group has taken control of Goma, the main city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, and is advancing southward. The offensive is the latest devastating blow to a region where an estimated six million people have died over three decades due to conflict. "If eastern Congo does not have peace, the region has no peace," President Evariste Ndayishimiye warned in remarks posted on social media Saturday. "If it continues like this, war risks becoming widespread in the region," he said, adding: "If Rwanda continues to make conquests… I know that war will even arrive in Burundi." His remarks came as the M23 pushed south, towards the city of Kavumu in South Kivu. The city has a strategic mili...

BRIGHTON FACES RECORD LOSS AS CHRIS WOOD SCORES HAT TRICK FOR NOTTINGHAM FOREST. Nottingham Forest showcased their offensive prowess on February 1, 2025, at the City Ground, decimating Brighton with a 7-0 victory in their Premier League match. The result solidified Forest's status as serious contenders for European competitions, thanks to Chris Wood's exceptional hat trick. Brighton, reeling from a previous defeat against Everton, aimed to recover against the high-flying Forest, who were positioned third in the league. Despite the presence of Japanese star Kaoru Mitoma on the left flank, Brighton, currently ninth, faced significant challenges due to key player absences. Nottingham Forest seized control early, capitalizing on Brighton's defensive confusion. Within the first 12 minutes, an own goal by Lewis Dunk, set up by Morgan Gibbs-White, put Forest ahead. By the 25th minute, Forest had doubled their lead through a precision header by Gibbs-White, following a corner from ...

Senator Dick Durbin, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, has strongly condemned the dismissals at the FBI and Justice Department. According to US media reports on Friday, FBI agents who participated in the investigations that led to now-abandoned criminal charges against President Donald Trump are expected to be fired in a sweeping purge of the top US law enforcement organization.  Dozens of FBI agents involved in the probe of Trump supporters who stormed the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, and some supervisors are also "being evaluated for possible removal," according to CNN, quoting people briefed on the matter. The Washington Post, citing people familiar with the plan, reported that "officials are working to identify potentially hundreds (of FBI agents) for possible termination." In addition to the purge at the FBI, about 30 federal prosecutors who worked on Capitol riot cases and were on probationary status have been dismissed. The Justice Dep...

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting former Acting Accountant-General of the Federation, Mr. Chukwunyere Anamekwe Nwabuoku, on a nine-count amended charge of money laundering amounting to N868,465,000. The trial commenced on Friday, January 31, 2025, before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja, with the prosecution counsel, Ekele Iheanacho, presenting two witnesses. Witnesses testified that funds were allegedly siphoned from the Ministry of Defence into multiple accounts set up by the defendant. One of the witnesses, Eucharia Ezeobi, a Zenith Bank staff, disclosed that she opened four company accounts—Temeeo Synergy Concept Limited, Turge Global Investment Limited, Laptev Bridge Limited, and Arafura Transnational Afro Limited—for contractors working with the defence ministry. Significant sums were reportedly withdrawn in cash from these accounts, allegedly benefiting the defendant. The court admitted the account opening documents as Ex...

Aisha Suleiman, a 16-year-old popularly known as "Pepper Soup Girl," was accused of killing her ex-boyfriend, Emmanuel Elogie, and his four friends. She has now broken her silence, revealing that she has been cleared of all charges. In October last year, social media was abuzz with shocking allegations that Aisha poisoned the pepper soup intended for her 19-year-old ex-boyfriend, who unknowingly shared it with his friends. The incident sparked widespread debate, with many Nigerians expressing shock and questioning what could have driven Aisha to take such drastic action. The story quickly gained traction, with numerous social media users condemning the brutal act and calling for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Emmanuel and his friends. Aisha's photo surfaced online, leading to demands for her arrest and further fueling the controversy. In a recent video circulating online, Aisha announced that she had been cleared of all charges and is now free...