Category: Happenings

Operatives from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) apprehended a passenger bound for Delhi, India, Freeman Charles Ogbonna, at the screening point of terminal 2 of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Ikeja, Lagos. Ogbonna had ingested 80 wraps of cocaine.

According to Femi Babafemi, the command’s spokesperson, Ogbonna was arrested on Sunday, March 31st, while attempting to board a flight to Delhi, India via Doha on Qatar Airways. He possessed a Liberian international passport under the name Carr Bismark. Following a body scan, which tested positive for ingestion of illicit drugs, Ogbonna’s real identity was revealed. Subsequently, he was placed under NDLEA observation, where he began to manifest signs of discomfort. He eventually vomited and excreted a total of 80 wraps of cocaine, weighing 889 grams, over four days.

Ogbonna confessed that he was recruited into drug trafficking by a relative and was promised N300,000 upon successful delivery of the consignment in India.

In another incident, NDLEA officers intercepted a drug mule, Imran Taofeek Olalekan, at Gate C departure of terminal 1, traveling to Oman with check-in luggage and a backpack. Upon a thorough search, a false bottom concealment of drugs was discovered in the check-in luggage and the walls of the backpack.

Accompanying Taofeek was Ishola Isiaka Olalekan, who was identified as the recruiter. Both individuals had charms in their possession, with Taofeek claiming he procured his from an ‘Alfa’ in Ibadan, Oyo state, to ensure he wasn’t caught during the trip. Ishola claimed he procured the charms for N70,000.

The Nigeria Labour Congress through its spokesperson has told the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party Mr. Peter Obi that he is free to leave the NLC.

This was disclosed by Benson Upah in an interview on Sunday.

He said, “Our position on this matter is clear and has not changed. Abure remains unknown to us. It is not a question of removal. As far as we know, he does not exist.”

“The right of choice is available to Mr Obi. If he chooses to leave the party, that is his preference. We can’t sit in judgment over him on that. But if he chooses to remain, of course, Peter Obi is an asset any day. I rest my case on that,” he said.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Saturday, April 6, gave out his daughter, Modupeoreoluwa, in marriage to her lover, Oladele.

The white wedding is happening a week after his daughter’s very private engagement ceremony took place. The holy solemnization, which took place at the Cathedral Church of Christ in Lagos, was officiated by the Diocesan Bishop of Lagos, Rt. Revd. Ifedola Gabriel Okupevi.

The Lagos State Government has announced plans to demolish a section of the popular Landmark Beach Resort to make way for the construction of the coastal highway as part of the Lagos-Calabar road project.

A letter addressed to the proprietor of Landmark Beach Resort, Paul Onwuanibe, dated March 19, 2024, and signed by the Deputy Director (Development Matters Department), Tpl Shomolu O., on behalf of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, informed Onwuanibe that he had seven days to vacate his multimillion-dollar beach resort to facilitate its demolition.

Onwuanibe, aged 58, clarified that the government cited his Landmark Beach Resort, a premier destination frequented by approximately one million local and international visitors last year, as falling within the right of way of a proposed 700-kilometer (435-mile) coastal highway connecting the former capital city to Calabar, a port city near the Cameroon border.

Speaking to CNN, Onwuanibe disclosed that he acquired the land in 2007 before plans for the coastal highway were formulated. Upon receiving the demolition order, which also advised him to submit compensation claims, he experienced a mix of emotions, ranging from amazement to concern and disbelief.

The beach resort, valued at over $200 million, is host to more than 80 businesses, offering employment to over 4,000 individuals directly. Additionally, it contributes over 2 billion naira ($1.5 million) in annual tax revenue.

It’s noteworthy that the Lagos state government had publicized the company’s impending demolition through advertisements in two national newspapers.

Below is a copy of the letter:

Nyesom Wike, the minister of FCT, has assured residents living in the nation’s capital that the Abuja Metro station will be commissioned on May 29 2024.

Wike stated this on Friday after inspecting ongoing works on the Abuja Metro rail project starting from the Metro station in the Central Business District to Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

He said “We have to, first of all, consider the financial implications.

“Linking areas like Nyanya are important; no doubt about it. We will talk to the contractor to see what we can do. But for now, there is no commitment.

“We are very happy. We are almost 97 percent completed. All works are ongoing to make sure that the May delivery date is a reality.

“I believe this is one of the projects Mr. President would like to inaugurate because it is very key to the development of the economy.

“For me, it is a dream come true, and we are happy that after all is said and done, the metro line will be put to use for Nigerians, come May 29.”

The Federal government of Nigeria has announced a plan to launch new national identity cards with payment and social service delivery capabilities.

This was revealed in a statement issued by the Head of Corporate Communications of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Kayode Adegoke on Saturday.
Kayode Adegoke said that the “Federal Government of Nigeria, through the NIMC in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigeria Inter-bank Settlement System (NIBSS)”, has launched what he described as an innovative identity solution with payment functionality for all types of social and financial services to be powered by a national domestic card scheme, AfriGO.


He said that “This card will address the demand for physical identification enabling cardholders to prove their identity, access government and private social services, facilitate financial inclusion for disenfranchised Nigerians, empower citizens, as well as encourage increased participation in nation-building.

“Only registered citizens and legal residents with the National Identification Number (NIN) will be eligible to request the card. The card, which will be produced according to ICAO standards, is positioned as the country’s default national identity card.

“In addition to this functionality, cardholders will also be able to use the cards as debit or prepaid cards by linking the same to bank accounts of their choice.”


“In line with data protection regulation and public interest, NIMC remains committed to protecting cardholders’ personal data and will ensure compliance with international standards on data security protocols as security features that protect the confidentiality and safety of users’ information.”

He outlined key features of the new national identity card to include: “Machine-readable Zone (MRZ) in conformation with ICAO for e-passport information.

“Identity card Issue Date and document number in line with ICAO standard.

“Travel, health insurance information, microloans, agriculture, food stamps, transport, and energy subsidies, etc.

“Nigeria’s quick response code (NQR) containing the national identification number.”

“Biometric authentication, such as fingerprint and pictures, as the primary medium for identity verification through the data on the card chip.

“Offline capability that allows transactions in areas with limited network coverage or zero infrastructure connectivity.

“Functionality as a debit and prepaid card catering to both banked and unbanked individuals.”

According to Kayode, “Requests for cards by registered citizens and legal residents will be made available online, at any commercial bank, various agencies or agents participating in multiple programs and/or any NIMC offices nationwide.”

The police said that Tunde was arrested while he and his boys were beating a hotel staff, a job contracted to him by one of the hotel customers who was asked to stop smoking in a “no smoking” area of the hotel.



The police spokesperson said, “Dismissed Nigerian Navy personnel, Muhammed Tunde (dismissed since 2000), making people believe he’s a serving military personnel, charges N20,000 to bring his boys and beat up anybody for you.



“He was apprehended while he and his boys were beating a hotel staff, a job contracted to him by one of the hotel customers who was asked to stop smoking in a ‘no smoking’ area of the hotel.



“Prosecution follows!”

The Nigerian Police Force, Edo State Command has released a statement banning its operatives on patrol, and stop and search duties from searching phones.


This was issued in a statement released by the State’s Police spokesman, SP Chidi Nwabuzor.


The statement reads: “This press release is to inform the general public, especially the law abiding citizens of Edo State, of the State Police Command’s position regarding searching of citizens’ phones by the operatives while on routine patrol. stop and search duties in the state.


“The Commissioner of Police Edo State, CP Funsho Adegboye, mni during a meeting with the Command’s strategic security managers re- echoed the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM on the ban on searching of citizens’ phones when executing court order from the court of competent jurisdiction as it empowers them to carry out such duties therein in the course of investigation.”

A massive protest is currently going on in Nigeria’s capital city, Abuja by the Members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) otherwise known as Shi’ites to mark the International Qudus in solidarity with the country Palestine.

Members of the sect trooped out in their numbers shortly after the Juma’at prayer at the National Mosque and defied the presence of the heavily armed security agents who had surrounded the mosque to prevent the sect from embarking on the rally.

Some of the placards carried by the protesters were boldly written “Freedom For Palestine” and “Death to Israel.”

One of the protesters by the name Yahaya Suleiman, said the rally was to show support and love to the people of Palestine who have been under the siege of Israel.


“We condemn the continued incursion into Al-aqsa Mosque and occupation of Palestine by the apartheid Zionist Israel regime and we support the people of Palestine in their just struggle.” 

Naira Marley has joined the DNA debate, addressing paternity fraud in a new video. The singer, who has been relatively quiet since accusations of bullying Mohbad emerged, is seen rapping about the necessity of DNA testing in the clip. “DNA is needed. Tani baba baby (Who is the baby’s daddy?)” he rapped.

His involvement comes amidst increasing calls for Mohbad’s widow, Wunmi, to conduct a DNA test on her son Liam.

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Nigerian transgender personality, Idris Okuneye, widely known as Bobrisky, has been brought to the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, for his scheduled arraignment by the EFCC on April 5. He arrived at the court premises around 9 am, transported in a white Hiace Toyota bus by EFCC operatives accompanied by armed police escorts.

Bobrisky is facing charges related to money laundering and the abuse of Naira notes, as alleged by the anti-graft agency.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has initiated a search for a Bulawayo teenager who allegedly maliciously added Viagra to a church water tank during a service.

The suspect, identified as 18-year-old Tracy Sibanda, reportedly committed this act at the Church of International Disciples in Thorngrove, Bulawayo, during an Easter celebration.

It was reported that the idea came to her mind impulsively, and she chose to act on it. Social media

The Federal High Court Abuja, today, Thursday, delayed the planned arraignment of Binance two top officials, Tigran Gambaryan and Nadeem Anjarwalla, on a four-count tax evasion charge, till April 8.

The case was adjourned due to the inability of the EFCC to effect service of the charge on the company.


Recall that one of the Binance officials, Anjarwalla, who is the Africa Regional Manager of Binance, had escaped from custody, with the Federal Government initiating the process to arrest and extradite him back to the country for trial.

A woman with a Nigerian last name stated that she would be unfaithful to her husband if he cheated on her. She also mentioned on a Facebook post that she would retaliate by harming her husband if he attempted to evict her.

A screenshot of her remark has spread widely on Facebook, with users flooding the comment section to label her as a murderer.

The recipient of the world’s first pig kidney transplant, Richard Slayman, a 62-year-old man from Weymouth, has been discharged from the hospital after this groundbreaking medical procedure. Slayman received the transplant, which involved a genetically edited pig kidney, marking a significant milestone in medical science. Now, he is recovering at home with his family, marking a hopeful step forward in the field of organ transplantation.

Richard Slayman was discharged from Massachusetts General Hospital approximately two weeks after undergoing the successful transplant. Reflecting on this milestone, Slayman expressed his gratitude and joy, stating, “This moment — leaving the hospital today with one of the cleanest bills of health I’ve had in a long time — is one I wished would come for many years.” He further described it as “one of the happiest moments of my life,” highlighting the significance of this medical achievement in his journey towards improved health.

Dr. Leonardo Riella, the medical director for kidney transplantation at Massachusetts General Hospital, expressed profound joy and optimism about the successful transplant. He emphasized the significance of this achievement, stating, “This gives hope to thousands of patients in need.” Dr. Riella highlighted the critical shortage of available kidneys for transplantation and underscored the importance of innovative approaches like the pig kidney transplant in providing timely treatment for patients with kidney disease. He emphasized that receiving a kidney transplant is the optimal treatment for such patients and that advancements like this offer hope for improved outcomes and quality of life.

The pig kidney transplant represents a significant opportunity for patients like Slayman, who faced the prospect of returning to dialysis due to kidney failure. Dr. Riella expressed optimism about the potential of this groundbreaking procedure, describing it as a potential bridge to improved health outcomes for patients in need of kidney transplants. He suggested that the pig kidney transplant could serve as a temporary solution, keeping patients healthy until they receive a human kidney transplant. Additionally, Dr. Riella speculated that this innovative approach might even offer a permanent solution for some patients in the future.

Furthermore, one of the transplant surgeons involved in the procedure expressed confidence in the longevity of the pig kidney transplant, stating that it is expected to function effectively for at least two years. This anticipated durability underscores the potential of this pioneering technique to provide meaningful benefits for patients awaiting kidney transplants.

Riella says doctors will follow up with Slayman twice a week with blood tests to monitor his new kidney. 

“This just gives us so much joy, because ultimately, this is what we wanted to do, is give him back the life that he used to have and provide him with a quality of life that he deserves,” Riella said.

A disturbing video footage recently emerged, depicting a bull elephant in Zambia charging at a safari vehicle, violently flipping it over multiple times. Tragically, an 80-year-old American woman lost her life during the expedition.

The incident occurred during a photography tour organized by Wilderness Zambia, with six tourists on board the vehicle at the time of the attack. The terrifying encounter unfolded on Saturday, March 30, leaving the group shaken and grieving for the loss of the unidentified woman.

“At around 9:30 a.m. on Saturday morning, the six guests were on the game drive when the vehicle was unexpectedly charged by the bull elephant,” stated Wilderness Zambia CEO Keith Vincent.

A distressing video footage captured by a passenger depicts the elephant charging toward the vehicle along a bush-lined road, abruptly halting when its path was obstructed. The passenger continues filming as the animal lunges at the vehicle, ultimately flipping it over.

Tragically, the elderly woman succumbed to her injuries, while another woman remains hospitalized. The other four guests sustained minor injuries during the violent attack.

“Our guides are all extremely well-trained and experienced, but sadly in this instance, the terrain and vegetation were such that the guide’s route became blocked, and he could not move the vehicle out of harm’s way quickly enough,” Vincent explained.

Watch the video below to witness the harrowing incident.

One international client killed by elephant in Kafue National Park from lufupa Lodge during Safari. Two injured and being evacuated to Lusaka. Full details being awaited from the operator through the Senior Warden Kafue Region. Very unfortunate indeed. pic.twitter.com/4ntbyhec1G

— Gina (@ginnydmm) April 2, 2024

In a remarkable display of innovation and technological prowess, TECNO has once again set a new standard for high-quality smartphones with the introduction of the CAMON 30 Series and POVA 6 devices. Alongside these impressive smartphones, TECNO has also unveiled an array of cutting-edge AIoT products, including the TECNO megabook T16 PRO, True 1 Earbuds, Watch Pro 2, and Dynamic 1.

The highly anticipated event took place at the prestigious Landmark Center on April 2nd, 2024, captivating attendees with its spectacular showcase of tech marvels and captivating performances that left everyone in awe.

At the core of the CAMON 30 Series is a commitment to ignite creativity like never before. With its revolutionary 50 MP Sony IMX890 camera, developed in collaboration with Sony, TECNO’s CAMON 30 device transforms everyday moments into breathtaking masterpieces. Whether capturing a scenic landscape or a captivating portrait, each photograph becomes a canvas for artistic expression. Additionally, the device features a 4K 60FPS eye-tracking autofocus front camera, ensuring that every selfie is flawless, effortlessly capturing the user’s best angles. With an intuitive AI camera toolkit, capturing the perfect shot is now accessible to users of all skill levels.

Beyond just photography, the CAMON 30 Series offers a seamless and immersive multimedia experience. Powered by MediaTek Dimensity 8200 Ultimate 5G SoC, this device allows you to juggle multiple tasks effortlessly. With a generous PC-level memory of 24GB and a spacious 512GB storage capacity, you’ll have all the space you need for your favourite apps, photos, and videos. Plus, the stunning 6.78″ 144Hz AMOLED display, 70W Ultra Charge technology, and Dolby Atmos Stereo Dual speakers deliver an unparalleled audiovisual experience that will exceed your expectations.

“We are thrilled to introduce the CAMON 30 Series and POVA 6 to the Nigerian market,” said Milen Oyinlola, PR/Media Manager at TECNO. “These devices demonstrate our commitment to innovation and excellence, offering users unrivaled performance, style, and value. Our partnerships with Google and MTN further enhance the customer experience, providing exclusive benefits to our loyal users.”

As part of the launch event, attendees were treated to a mesmerizing performance by music sensations Magicxx, Reekado Banks, and Tiwa Savage, adding an extra layer of excitement to the already electrifying atmosphere. The event served as a testament to TECNO’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of smartphone technology and providing users with the tools they need to express themselves creatively.

The CAMON 30 Series, POVA 6 device, and AIoT products are now available at authorized TECNO retailers nationwide. Be among the first to get your hands on the new CAMON 30 Series and enjoy a generous N20,000 discount. Additionally, you can purchase using EasyBuy with 0% interest, making it easier than ever to own these cutting-edge devices.

President Bola Tinubu has officially signed the Student Loans (Access to Higher Education) Act (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Bill, 2024, into law. This action follows the separate considerations by both the Senate and the House of Representatives of the report of the Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund.

Tinubu emphasized that the primary aim of the new law is to ensure that Nigerian children are not deprived of their right to education, which he described as a crucial tool in effectively combating poverty.

In his statement, Tinubu said, “I have just signed a bill proclaiming the student loan effectively. First of all, I must thank members of the National Assembly for their expeditious handling of this bill considering the children of Nigeria, that education is the tool to fight against poverty effectively.”

He continued, “We are determined to ensure that education is given the proper attention necessary for the country, including skills development programs. This is to ensure that no one, no matter how poor their background is, is excluded from quality education and the opportunity to build their future.”

Tinubu also highlighted the importance of accessible education, stating, “We are here because we are all educated and were helped. In the past, we have seen a lot of our children drop out of colleges and given up the opportunity. That is no more, the standard and the control is there for you to apply no matter who you are as long as you are a Nigerian citizen.”

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has reportedly appointed his Daughter, Natasha Museveni as the Governor of the Central Bank of Uganda.

It’s worth noting that the 79-year-old had earlier appointed his son, Lieutenant-General Muhoozi Kainerugaba as Chief of Defense and Military, while his wife who is also the first lady, Janet Kataaha Museveni as the Minister of Education.

The federal government has purportedly sanctioned power companies to increase electricity prices to N200 ($0.15) per kilowatt-hour from N68 for urban consumers starting this month.

According to Bloomberg news agency, these consumers account for 15% of the population but consume 40% of the nation’s electricity.

The report further states: “Nigerians will now have to pay $2.42 per one million British thermal units, up from the previous rate of $2.18 MMBtu. Power firms are unable to charge enough to cover the cost of distributing electricity, with the government bridging the gap by providing subsidies to companies in the sector.

“The government has previously stated that electricity companies face a deficit of an estimated two trillion naira in capital and require new investors to revitalize the industry.”

This development follows an announcement by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) regarding an increase in the price of natural gas. Natural gas is utilized to generate over 70% of electricity in Nigeria.