Category: Happenings

The new suspected extremist group, identified as “Lakurawa,” is offering as much as one million naira to young men in exchange for their allegiance, per a report by security analyst Zagazola Makama

Impeccable sources told Zagazola Makama that this group, allegedly composed of individuals from Mali, Chad, Libya, Niger & Burkina Faso are actively recruiting local youths in Sokoto through substantial financial incentives

Zagazola in his report said, “This financial lure, according to witnesses, is part of an aggressive recruitment campaign aimed at attracting followers to their cause.

Unlike traditional criminal gangs, the Lakurawa are reported to adhere to extremist ideologies linked to the Khawarij sect, similar to the beliefs of Boko Haram.

Local sources suggest that they employ a combination of financial incentives & ideological influence to gain support among vulnerable communities.

40-year-old Franklin Ikechukwu Nwadialo, the newly elected chairman of Ogbaru Local Government Area in Anambra State, Nigeria, has been arrested on arrival at an airport in Texas, United States, on charges linked to a multi-million-dollar romance fraud scheme.

Nwadialo, indicted in December 2023 by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Washington, faces 14 counts of wire fraud. The defendant allegedly scammed victims out of up to $2 million by posing as a romantic partner deployed in the U.S. military.

Nwadialo was traveling from Nigeria when he was taken into custody. He is now set to be transported to the Western District of Washington for arraignment

In a statement, U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman disclosed the challenges of prosecuting defendants involved in overseas romance scams, stating, “All too often, the defendants in these romance scams are overseas and unreachable by U.S. law enforcement.”

She commended the investigators for their persistence in bringing the defendant to justice. According to the indictment and criminal complaint filed in the case, Nwadialo allegedly defrauded victims of more than $3.3 million.

Nwadialo used various versions of the name ‘Giovanni” when he met his victims online on websites such as Match, Zoosk, and Christian Café. Nwadialo used false images for his profile and typically told the victims that he was in the military and deployed overseas so he could not meet the victims in person.

As Donald Trump stages a dramatic return to the White House as the 47th President of the United States, the Israeli Government has expressed confidence in America to give the desired support to Israel in the raging war in the Middle East.

The Israelis have also accused Iran of working to destabilise the West African sub-region, especially Nigeria.

Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman was speaking in Abuja during the presentation of a documentary to commemorate the One year anniversary of the October 7th, 2023 massacre of Israelis by Hamas.

As President of the United States between 2017 and 2021, Donald Trump had shown strong support for Israel, and with Trump’s victory in the American election that held on Tuesday, it is already eliciting celebrations in Israel’s government circles, including its Ambassador to Nigeria, as they anticipate stronger support from the President-elect.

Micheal Freeman has however also expressed concern over the festering insecurity in West Africa especially in Nigeria, in which he alleged that Iran has a hand in the country’s insecurity.

The Israeli Ambassador accused Iran of plans to cause more trouble for Africa’s most populous country as according to him their activities are not limited to the Middle East.

Freeman noted that more than a year after the brutal murder of innocent Israeli citizens by Hamas, the terrorist group is still holding 101 innocent children, women, and the elderly hostage.

He appreciated those who have supported Israel in its trying times, led by the country ‘s strongest friend and ally, United States adding that Israel must see to the release of all the hostages and a new authority in control of the Gaza strip.

Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ile-Ife, says Nigerians should take proactive steps to improve the country rather than blame the government.

Ogunwusi spoke in Akure, the Ondo state capital, on Friday at the official showcase of Ojaja Smart City, noting that the need to address the housing deficit in the country led him to initiate the project.

“A lot of good things can happen in this country, and if we believe in ourselves and believe in Nigeria that Nigerians can do it, then our deficit of housing will continue to reduce gradually,” he said.

“We cannot continue to cry over it. We know that we have a housing deficit in the country, but we need to make do with what we have to get results.”

We do not need to leave government to do everything for us, and I believe Nigeria will be in a better place if we rise up to support the government at all levels. We are always blaming the government, including the media, but what are we all doing individually for our dear country?”

The government of Equatorial Guinea has dismissed its Director General of National Financial Investigation Agency (ANIF), Baltasar Ebang Engonga after over 400 sex tapes involving him and wives of prominent men in the country surfaced online.

It would be recalled that Baltasar was featured in a series of tapes making the rounds online having romantic affairs with his brother’s wife, the wife of the vice president, wife of the inspector general of police, amongst others.

The government said in a statement that, “According to Real Equatorial Guinea, the dismissal of Mr. Engonga, the son of Baltasar Engonga Edjo (current president of the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa, CEMAC), was formalised in Decree No. 118\/2024, dated November 4.

“The decree cited Mr. Engonga’s alleged misconduct in office and his family-related and social behavior as incompatible with public office.”

Reacting to the scandal, the First Lady of Equatorial Guinea, Mrs. Obiang, took to Facebook on Wednesday to call for immediate government action to protect the dignity of Equatoguinean women in the digital age.

She stated that while progress has been made in gender equality, proactive measures were necessary, not only to address such incidents but to prevent them.

“It is essential to create a safe and respectful environment for all women,” she said. Similarly, Prime Minister Osa Nsue also acknowledged the damaging impact of the situation, particularly on the country’s public image and gender equality initiatives.

The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), led by its National President, Bishop Francis Wale Oke, has declared a 40-day period of prayer and fasting to address the hardships facing the nation, calling on Nigerians to seek divine intervention for relief and prosperity.

Bishop Oke, alongside PFN Deputy President Archbishop John Praise Daniel, briefed journalists in Abuja on Thursday, announcing that the prayer and fasting campaign will begin on January 6, 2025, and culminate with a national prayer gathering in Abuja on February 14, 2025.

The prayer campaign will precede PFN’s 18th Biennial Conference, scheduled for February 10 to 14 in Abuja, under the theme “The Rebirth of a Great Nation: Nigeria is Great.”

Bishop Oke emphasized that the PFN is mobilizing Pentecostal churches, Christians, and all willing Nigerians to join in praying for the nation’s revival.

The e-hailing driver, Stephen Abuwatseya has said he is tendering an apology to the House of Representatives member representing Aba North & South of Abia State in the House of Representatives, Alex Ikwechegh who a§§aulted him in Abuja during an altercation over a package delivery

In a video statement released to the press on Thursday, Abuwatseya expressed “regret” for provoking Ikwechegh & asked Nigerians for forgiveness

He also urged everyone to move on from the incident. He stated, “Good day Nigerians. My name is Stephen Abuwatseya. I had a misunderstanding with Rt. Hon Alex Mascot Ikwechegh a few days ago. I actually want to apologise to him for whatever I must have said or done to provoke him to that level of anger

I want to tell Nigerians that it’s not time for us to start dividing ourselves based on religion, tribes or regions. We should actually come together, see how we can unite this nation & move it forward

A 43-year-old Nigerian man, identified as Abimbola David, has been taken into custody by London police after allegations of inappropriate communication with a minor.

According to a report from Saving our Children’s Futures, Abimbola, who is married with two children and on a student visa, was accused of interacting with a 14-year-old girl online and making inappropriate requests.

The girl reported him with evidence, leading to his arrest. In response, Abimbola claimed he was unaware of her age and expressed surprise at her presence on the platform.

The case is now with authorities for further investigation and possible charges

Nigeria’s foreign exchange reserves have surged to over $40 billion, marking their highest level in almost three years, Central Bank Governor Olayemi Cardoso announced Thursday.

The milestone was revealed during a symposium in Abuja that celebrated his team’s first year in office.

During the event, which featured the launch of a report titled “Promoting Stability in an Era of Economic Reforms: The Journey So Far,” Cardoso highlighted significant economic improvements under his leadership.

According to the official statement released Thursday: “According to Governor Cardoso, the reforms had started to yield positive results, including marked improvements in the FX market and a stabilisation of foreign reserves, which have now surpassed the $ 40 billion mark, the highest in 33 months.

“While noting that inflation remained elevated, he said it was on a downward trend, signalling that the reforms were taking hold in restoring market equilibrium and fostering growth.”

Elon Musk’s transgender son who identifies as a female, Vivian Jenna Wilson has announced the plan to leave the USA after the victory of Donald Trump.

Wilson had spoken out against Trump & her father, who threw weight behind the President-elect & played a vital role in getting him back into the White House. “I’ve thought this for a while, but yesterday confirmed it for me. I don’t see my future being in the United States,” Wilson said on Threads on Wednesday.

“Even if he’s only in office for 4 years, even if the anti-trans regulations magically don’t happen, the people who willingly voted this in are not going anywhere anytime soon.”

In response, Musk reiterated his previous sentiments on X (formerly Twitter), stating “The woke mind virus killed my son.”

The 20-year-old Wilson was born to Musk & his first wife, Justine Wilson in 2004. Originally named Xavier, she came out as transgender in April 2022 & requested to legally change her gender & name to Vivian Jenna Wilson, adopting her mother’s maiden name.

Nigeria was on Thursday plunged into darkness as the country’s national grid collapsed again.

This was confirmed on X formerly known as Twitter by Nigeria National Grid via @NationalGridNg


It tweeted: “BREAKING: Another Grid Setback Experienced.”

This is the second time the grid has collapsed this week and the twelfth time in the last eleven months.

US Vice President Kamala Harris called Donald Trump on Wednesday to congratulate him for winning the 2024 presidential election, one of her senior aides said.

Democrat Harris discussed with Trump the importance of a peaceful transfer of power and being president for all Americans, said the aide speaking on background, confirming that Harris will deliver remarks in Washington later Wednesday.

Jen O’Malley Dillon, who chaired Harris’ campaign, said in an email to campaign staff obtained by NBC News that Harris told Trump during the call that “she would work with President Biden to ensure a peaceful transfer of power, unlike what we saw in 2020.”

“She also made clear that she hopes he will be a President for all Americans,” she said. Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung said in a statement that, in their call, the president-elect “acknowledged Vice President Harris on her strength, professionalism, and tenacity throughout the campaign, and both leaders agreed on the importance of unifying the country.”

An Enugu State magistrate court has remanded a woman, Mrs. Ada Ogbogu, in the Enugu Correctional Centre for allegedly breaking her three-year-old stepson’s bone with a pestle.

Arraigning the accused person on Tuesday, the police told the court that the offence attracts life imprisonment as punishment if convicted.

The charge marked CME/646C/2024, reads, “That you, Ada Ogbogu, female, on the 23rd of October 2024, at about 1430hours at Ike Ani Estate, Emene Enugu, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court did with intent to m+im or disfiguree one Kaitobechukwu Ogbogu, male, aged 3 years, pour hot water on his nose, mouth and hit him with a pestle, which dislocated his left legend caused him serious injury and thereby committed an office punishable under Section 288 (a) of the Enugu Criminal Code, Cap 30, Vol. II.Revised Laws of Enugu State of Nigeria 2004.”

Her bail application was rejected by Chief Magistrate Alphonsus Edeh, who ordered that she should be remanded at Enugu Correctional Centre.

The court adjourned the matter to November 26, 2024, when the report from the Director of Public Prosecutions in the Ministry of Justice, is being expected.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Ngozi Enih, told journalists that Mrs. Ogbogu’s arraignment was in line with the administration’s vow to follow the matter to a logical conclusion, insisting that no child should be dehumanized in the state.

“Recall that the State Government had taken swift action on this matter by arresting the accused and today she is already in court.

This decisive move demonstrates Governor Peter Mbah’s commitment to protecting children. So, if you mistreat or abuse any child in Enugu, then you are in for trouble. Period,” she stated.

The Malaysian government has announced plans to phase out the use of compressed natural gas (CNG) for vehicles and end the sale of natural gas vehicles (NGV) in the country.

Loke Siew Fook, minister of transport, spoke at a press conference recently, according to Free Malaysia Today (FMT), a local media organisation.

In Malaysia, CNG is referred to as NGV. Fook said CNG-powered vehicles can no longer be registered or be used in Malaysia from July 1, 2025. He also said Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas), a government-owned oil and gas company, will halt the sale of CNG at its stations in stages, starting on July 1, 2025.

The minister said with only about 44,383 NGVs currently in the country — accounting for 0.2 percent of vehicles in Malaysia, excluding motorcycles — the safety of road users and the public will be restored.

“The NGV tanks of these vehicles are now reaching the end of their service life and need to be replaced and NGV tanks typically have a safe usage period of 15 years,” Fook said.

There was a tense situation along the expressway near Ilasa, heading towards Mile 2 in Lagos, as some individuals reportedly attacked a LASTMA officer.

According to a statement by the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, the incident occurred on Tuesday, November 5, 2024.

The statement read: “On Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at approximately 9:55 a.m., a Volkswagen T4 commercial driver, known for frequently violating traffic rules, was stopped by a LASTMA Patrol Team. The driver was observed picking up and dropping off passengers at an unauthorized location along the expressway near Ilasa, heading towards Mile 2.

During the incident, the driver and conductor, with assistance from nearby individuals, reportedly became aggressive, p3uring petrol on a LASTMA officer. The injured officer was promptly rushed to the hospital for urgent medical care.”

A man, yet to be identified, tragically lost his life after being attacked by dogs at Pinnock Estate, Lekki, Lagos.

According to reports, the victim was a security guard in the estate, and the incident occurred on the night of Monday, November 4, 2024.

It is believed the dogs were accidentally let loose when their owner forgot to secure the gate. Sadly, the guard was found lifeless, with injuries suggesting he had been attacked by the dogs.

In a video circulating online, the dogs are seen near the security guard’s body.

Republican Donald Trump claimed victory in the 2024 presidential contest after Fox News projected that he had defeated Democrat Kamala Harris, which would cap a stunning political comeback four years after he left the White House.

“America has given us an unprecedented and powerful mandate,” he said early on Wednesday to a roaring crowd of supporters at the Palm Beach County Convention Center, flanked by his vice presidential running mate, Senator JD Vance, Republican leaders and members of Trump’s family.

The national grid has collapsed once more, throwing the country into yet another blackout.

This latest collapse follows several similar incidents in October, despite the Federal Government’s assurances of a permanent solution to the recurring issue.

As of 2:35 PM, hourly generation data indicated that none of the Power Generation Companies were supplying a single megawatt.

This marks the eighth grid collapse this year and the first in November. October alone saw three separate failures, prompting the federal government to order a public inquiry into the root causes of the frequent collapses.

The Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Mohammad Abubakar II, has called on Nigerians to stop castigating their leaders, urging them to allow God to deal with them as He wishes.

He emphasized that nothing—good or bad—lasts forever and encouraged Nigerians to continue praying for both their leaders and the nation.

The Sultan reminded leaders that on the Day of Resurrection, the Almighty would hold them accountable for their stewardship, with no one there to defend them in the presence of their Creator.

Furthermore, he cautioned religious leaders against misleading their followers for personal gain, explaining that 90 percent of people who listen to religious leaders in mosques and churches believe in them because they view them as saviors.

He stated that only God can save any human being. The Sultan made these remarks during the Regional Conference on Climate Change-Induced Conflicts in Northern Nigeria, hosted by the Kaduna State Bureau of Interfaith in collaboration with International Alert, on Monday.

Operatives of the EFCC have arrested a former Governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa, for alleged diversion of N1.3 trillion 13% derivation fund from the federation account between 2015 and 2023.

An EFCC source confirmed the former governor’s arrest to Channels Television on Monday. Okowa was arrested on Monday, November 4, 2024, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, when he reported at the Port Harcourt Directorate of the EFCC on the invitation of investigators handling his matter.

The former governor was alleged to have failed to render accounts of the funds as well as another N40 billion he allegedly claimed he used to acquire shares in UTM Floating Liquefied Natural Gas.

Specifically, Okowa allegedly bought shares worth N40 billion in one of the major banks in the country representing 8% equity to float the offshore LNG. The funds were alleged to be used for other purposes.

Investigators are also investigating the diversion of funds by the former governor to acquire estates in Abuja and Asaba in Delta state.

He is being held at the EFCC holding facility in Port Harcourt. Okowa was the running mate to Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election.

The Labour Party’s presidential candidate for the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, has stated that his opinion on church vigils has been widely misunderstood following his recent interview stating that Nigeria needs to convert night vigils to night shifts so that individuals can be more productive.

A trending part of the interview on The Honest Bunch podcast where Obi said, “We live largely in a very unproductive society, that’s why the only thing that is attractive here is politics and church. We need to dismantle it and we’re gonna turn night vigil into night shifts so people can be productive.

I go to church, I believe in God but we cannot have people Monday to Friday be in church morning and night, no. If I go from here now to my house, the only signboard you will see is sign board of churches, you to the East it’s burials.

That’s not a country, if you go to any other country you will see products. While some praised his plan as a way to boost productivity among religious individuals who are unskilled and, others criticized it as an infringement on religious values.

However, in reaction to the wide misconception the Peter Obi Media Reach (POMR) rejected accusations that he campaigned for the church’s dismantling adding that the interpretation of the recent media interview was misleading.

Obi’s position on the alleged ‘dismantling of churches’ clarified through his media aide, Ibrahim Umar, highlighted that there was “a huge twist” in his remarks during the interview.

“The Labour Party leader is well known as a man of strong faith who has enormous respect and love for every religion and tried in the referenced interview to bring to Nigerians how religion can be more effective in their lives. Obi, in the interview, was merely underscoring what Apostle James said in ‘Faith without Works is unhelpful.