Category Archives: News

Army arrests 183 suspected fraudsters in Delta

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 Troops of 63 Brigade Nigerian Army /Sector 1 Joint Task Force, Operation Delta Safe (OPDS) have arrested 183 suspected internet fraudsters in a raid in Warri, Delta.

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‎Spokesman of the Brigade, Capt. ILiyasu Bawa, disclosed this in a press statement on Sunday in Asaba.

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‎ ILiyasu said the raid was carried out on July 19, following a tip-off on the activities of the suspects.

Read Also: President Tinubu charges Army to defeat terrorism, insurgency

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‎He said that the suspects, all males between the ages of 16 and 29, were arrested in some apartments that served as an internet fraud training center within the area.

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‎Iliyasu said Items recovered from the suspects include 274 laptops, 87 mobile phones, nine laptop chargers, a table phone, and two WiFi devices.

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‎He said the suspects were undergoing preliminary investigation for the next line of action.
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‎He assured Deltans that the Nigerian Army will continue to support the fight  to rid the society of the menace of cybercrime and other forms of criminality.

(NAN)

NNPP denies members’ defection to ADC in Katsina

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The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), says no any of its Chairmen across the 34 local government areas in Katsina State has defected to the coalition ADC or any party.

The NNPP State Chairman, Alhaji Armaya’u Abdulkadir, stated this in a statement issued in Katsina on Monday.

According to the NNPP chairman, their local government chairmen have not defected to any party in the state.

He said that their attention has been drawn to some publications made in some media organisations and circulated in the social media.

Read Also: Osun senator Francis Fadahunsi dumps PDP 

Abdulkadir said, “The attention of the NNPP Katsina chapter has been drawn to some publications made in some media organisations and circulated in the social media.

“The publication revealed that 34 NNPP local government chairmen have defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

“The defection, as it was reported, was through the former Secretary to the state government, Alhaji Mustapha Inuwa in Katsina State.

“It is on record, however, that some of our chairmen, after the 2023 presidential elections, defected to the All Progressive Congress (APC).

“Thus, these same people are the ones that defected to the ADC from the APC. Therefore, their defection was from APC, not from NNPP.”

(NAN)

Respect rule of law, stay away from NASS – Senate tells Natasha

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The Nigerian Senate has cautioned suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central to respect the rule of law and refrain from returning to the National Assembly until her suspension officially ends.

In a statement released on Sunday in Abuja, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, emphasized that no court ruling currently mandates the Senate to reinstate the embattled lawmaker.

“The Senate wishes to reaffirm, for the third time, that there is no subsisting court order mandating the Senate to recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan before the expiration of her suspension,” Adaramodu stated.

The clarification follows reports that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is planning to return to plenary on Tuesday, citing a recent judgment by Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court.

Read Also: Akpabio denies sexual harassment allegations by Natasha

However, Adaramodu clarified that the court’s verdict was merely advisory, not binding. According to him, the judge suggested that the Senate may consider amending its Standing Orders and reviewing the suspension, which the court found might be excessive — but stopped short of ordering her reinstatement.

“The Honourable Court did not mandate her recall. In fact, it found her guilty of contempt and imposed a ₦5 million fine, along with an order to publicly apologize in two national newspapers and on her Facebook page. These have not been complied with,” the Senate spokesman added.

He warned that any unauthorized attempt by Akpoti-Uduaghan to return to the chamber would be viewed as a breach of due process and a challenge to the Senate’s authority.

“The Senate emphasizes once more: there is no enforceable order directing her immediate return to the chamber,” he said.

Adaramodu assured that the Senate will deliberate on the court’s advisory at an appropriate time and will formally communicate its decision.

Until then, he urged Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to “stay away from the Senate chambers and allow due process to run its full course.”

Top 21 African rappers of all time

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Africa has long been a fertile ground for musical innovation, and in the realm of hip hop, the continent has produced some of the most iconic and influential rappers of all time.

From West Africa to the southern tip of the continent, these artists have blended African identity with global hip-hop culture, crafting distinct sounds, lyrical depth, and undeniable charisma.

Here’s a look at some of the biggest and most influential rappers Africa has ever seen:

1. Soolking (Algeria)

With a genre-blending style that fuses rap, raï, and reggaeton, Soolking has become one of North Africa’s most recognizable names in music. His breakout hits have not only dominated French and Arabic-speaking markets but have also resonated across Africa and Europe.

2. Die Antwoord (South Africa)

This controversial and eccentric rap-rave duo brought South African counterculture to global stages. Known for their provocative visuals and unfiltered lyrics, Die Antwoord carved out a niche that challenged global perceptions of African music.

3. Sarkodie (Ghana)

A titan in African hip hop, Sarkodie is revered for his intricate flows in both English and Twi. He has won numerous international awards and is often credited with pushing Ghanaian rap into the global spotlight.

4. Olamide (Nigeria)

Olamide is a street king and a trendsetter in Nigeria’s rap scene. His use of Yoruba in his lyrics, combined with consistent hitmaking and the development of new talent through his YBNL label, has cemented his legacy in African music history.

5. ElGrandeToto (Morocco)

One of the leading voices in North African trap and drill, ElGrandeToto blends Arabic and French effortlessly while delivering powerful verses that speak to urban life, youth culture, and personal ambition.

6. Ice Prince (Nigeria)

Known for the smash hit “Oleku,” Ice Prince became one of the early Nigerian rappers to successfully break into mainstream music. His cool delivery and stylish presence set him apart in the early 2010s.

7. MI Abaga (Nigeria)

Often referred to as “The Chairman,” MI revolutionized Nigerian hip hop with his thoughtful lyricism and genre-defining albums. He elevated the standard of rap music in Nigeria and mentored a generation of new artists.

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8. AKA (South Africa)

The late AKA was a lyrical genius and pop culture icon in South Africa. With his fusion of hip hop and Afrobeats, he left an indelible mark on the music industry before his untimely death in 2023.

9. Nasty C (South Africa)

One of Africa’s youngest rap exports, Nasty C gained global recognition for his technical skill, storytelling, and polished production. He has collaborated with international stars and continues to push boundaries.

10. HHP (South Africa)

A pioneer of Motswako rap, Hip Hop Pantsula (HHP) was a beloved figure who rapped in multiple South African languages, promoting cultural pride and lyrical diversity.

11. Cassper Nyovest (South Africa)

With multiple platinum albums and historic concerts, Cassper Nyovest became a household name through both music and entrepreneurship. His influence extends beyond rap into fashion and business.

12. Phyno (Nigeria)

Phyno rose to fame with Igbo-infused rap tracks, becoming a symbol of linguistic pride. His ability to seamlessly blend indigenous language with mainstream sounds has won him a loyal fanbase.

13. Naeto C (Nigeria)

A pioneer in Nigerian rap, Naeto C brought suave flows and Western-influenced rap to the early 2000s scene. His music helped shape the commercial direction of Nigerian hip hop.

14. Khuli Chana (South Africa)

Another flagbearer of the Motswako movement, Khuli Chana earned respect for his intelligent bars and authentic South African sound, using Setswana and English with finesse.

15. M.anifest (Ghana)

Known for his poetic delivery and sociopolitical commentary, M.anifest is celebrated for his intellectual lyricism and progressive voice in Ghanaian music.

16. Omar Sterling (Ghana)

A member of the R2Bees duo, Omar Sterling brings introspection and streetwise narratives to his solo projects. His lyrical versatility has made him a staple in Ghanaian rap culture.

17. Kwesta (South Africa)

With a deep voice and poetic storytelling, Kwesta embodies the essence of authentic South African hip hop. He is known for award-winning albums and classic hits like “Ngud’”.

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18. Reggie Rockstone (Ghana)

Often hailed as the “Godfather of Hiplife,” Reggie Rockstone pioneered the fusion of hip hop and highlife in Ghana, paving the way for modern rap acts in West Africa.

19. Modenine (Nigeria)

A lyrical purist, Modenine is often called Nigeria’s most technically gifted rapper, known for his deep bars and punchlines.

20. Vector (Nigeria)

Lyrically sharp and philosophically deep, Vector blends bars with bold commentary, making him a respected figure in Nigerian hip-hop.

21. Reminisce (Nigeria)

Bringing indigenous street rap in Yoruba to the charts, Reminisce is known for his gritty sound and longevity.

At least 30 injured as car rams into crowd in Los Angeles

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No fewer than 30 people sustained injuries when a car ploughed into a crowd in Los Angeles early Saturday, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.

Seven individuals are reported to be in critical condition, while six others are in serious condition. The incident occurred around 2 a.m. on Santa Monica Boulevard in East Hollywood.

Authorities say the vehicle, reportedly driven by someone who may have lost consciousness, veered off the road, hit a taco cart, and crashed into a group of people gathered outside a nightclub.

“A call came in around 2 a.m. about a traffic accident,” said LAFD spokesperson Adam VanGerpen. “Somebody had lost consciousness inside the vehicle, drove into a taco cart, and then ultimately ran into a large number of people who were outside a club in East Hollywood.”

There were also reports that one of the victims had sustained a gunshot wound, though officials could not confirm if the person was the driver.

Read Also: FBI cracks down on fraudster over ₦460m Trump inauguration crypto scam

The incident occurred near The Vermont Hollywood, a known entertainment venue where an event had just ended. Eyewitness footage circulating online showed a silver car mounted on the sidewalk and several injured individuals lying on the ground.

Emergency response was swift, with 124 fire personnel deployed to the scene. Several victims were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Authorities say the situation is currently stable, and investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause and whether foul play is involved.

Presidency fires back at ADC over Buhari’s state funeral remarks

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The Nigerian Presidency has fired back at the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for condemning the state burial accorded to former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing the opposition party’s remarks as “dishonest, opportunistic, and politically desperate.”

In a strongly worded statement issued in Abuja, Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Public Communications, dismissed ADC’s comments as baseless and designed to gain political relevance.

“The latest outburst from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) regarding former President Buhari’s state burial is nothing but an opportunistic exercise in manufactured outrage. It’s a laughable tantrum by a poorly amalgamated political contraption desperately clutching at straws for relevance it will never attain,” Dare said.

The ADC had earlier accused the Tinubu-led administration of politicising Buhari’s burial, a claim the Presidency firmly rejected. According to Dare, it is the ADC, not the government, that is trying to exploit Buhari’s death for political mileage.

“They have chosen to dance on his grave for relevance,” he stated, referencing what he described as the ADC’s “shameless” attempt to score points from a solemn national event.

Read Also: ADC, a desperate coalition of failed politicians, says Wike

He also criticised the presence of political figures like Atiku Abubakar and Nasir El-Rufai at Buhari’s funeral in Daura, claiming their arrival was “choreographed” to stir political sentiments.

Buhari’s Burial Was Dignified – Presidency

The statement emphasized that Buhari was accorded a dignified and honourable state burial, which drew attention from world leaders and millions of Nigerians. It dismissed the ADC’s critique as “sanctimonious whining.”

“World leaders showed up, millions tuned in, and even ADC promoters pranced around Daura like eager real estate agents,” Dare added.

Highlighting achievements under President Tinubu, Dare noted: A stabilised naira, increased oil output, revitalised state finances via improved FAAC allocations, the launch of the student loan scheme.

“These are not press statements. These are results, tangible, measurable, and ongoing,” he said, stressing that the government is focused on the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Dare concluded by questioning the ADC’s political relevance, calling it a party plagued by internal divisions and legal troubles, and urged Nigerians to ignore what he described as the “noise from a party gasping for attention.”

Osun senator Francis Fadahunsi dumps PDP 

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Senator Francis Fadahunsi, who represents Osun East Senatorial District, has officially resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing persistent internal crisis and unresolved legal disputes within the party.

In a resignation letter dated June 12, and addressed to the PDP Chairman in Ward 4, Obokun Local Government Area, the lawmaker said he could no longer continue in the party due to “irreparable and irreconcilable differences” that worsened after the 2023 general elections.

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“I wish to formally notify you that I am resigning my membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with immediate effect, due to the irreparable, irreconcilable differences and protracted legal battles that have bedevilled the party at the national level after the 2023 general elections,” Fadahunsi stated in the letter made public in Osogbo on Saturday.

He added that the decision came after consultations with his political associates, family, and friends, urging the party leadership to accept his resignation in good faith.

When contacted, the senator’s legislative aide, Mr. Femi Fadipe, confirmed the resignation and said Senator Fadahunsi had made efforts to keep the party together but without success.

“He did his best to keep the party going, but there was no headway,” Fadipe said, noting that the senator and his supporters will announce their next political move soon.

Fadahunsi’s exit adds to the growing list of high-profile defections plaguing the PDP amid internal divisions and leadership wrangling following its loss in the last general elections.

Prime suspect in murder of two AAUA students is dead – Police

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The Ondo State Police Command has confirmed the death of Oladele Femi, the prime suspect in the gruesome murder of two students of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA).

Femi, popularly known as “Tallex”, was the landlord of one of the victims, John Abba, who went missing alongside his female friend, Eloho Okah, on June 20, 2025.

Police spokesperson DSP Olushola Ayanlade, speaking to journalists on Saturday, said the suspect died in hospital after battling a strange illness.

“Yes, he is dead. He had been under medical supervision since his arrest and had been in and out of hospital. He passed away yesterday,” Ayanlade confirmed.

Read Also: Police arrest four in Akwa Ibom, recover stolen items

Before his death, Femi had reportedly confessed to the crime, admitting his role in the disappearance and murder of the two students. The decomposing remains of Okah have since been recovered, while efforts are ongoing to locate Abba’s body.

Further investigations led to the arrest of two additional suspects, identified as Kola and Michael, who allegedly withdrew ₦800,000 from the late Abba’s bank account during his captivity.

The police also recovered a Lexus RX 350 SUV, which belonged to Abba, from one of the suspects. The vehicle and bank transactions became critical leads that tied the suspects to the case.

Femi and his accomplices reportedly lured and murdered the victims before burying their bodies in a shallow grave on the property.

While the death of the primary suspect may complicate further prosecution, police authorities say the investigation is still active, and efforts to recover Abba’s remains and bring all accomplices to justice are ongoing.

The tragic incident has sparked widespread outrage among students and residents in Akungba, who are calling for tighter security and justice for the slain undergraduates.

Embassy Alert: Why your U.S. Visa expiry date doesn’t mean it’s time to leave

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The United States Embassy in Nigeria has issued an important clarification for Nigerian travellers: the expiry date on a U.S. visa does not determine how long a visitor can stay in the country.

The advisory, shared on the embassy’s official X (formerly Twitter) account on July 17, aims to address a common misunderstanding that has led many international visitors to unintentionally overstay their approved time in the U.S.

According to the embassy, a U.S. visa only allows a traveller to approach a port of entry and request admission—it does not guarantee entry or specify how long a person can remain in the country. That decision is made solely by a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at the point of entry.

“Reminder! The length of time an international visitor is allowed to stay in United States is determined by the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer upon your arrival, NOT your visa expiration date,” the embassy stated. “To see how long you can stay, check your I-94 (admit until date) at i94.cbp.dhs.gov.”

What This Means for Nigerian Travellers

Many travellers mistakenly believe that they can stay in the U.S. until the expiration date printed on their visa—but this is incorrect and can lead to serious immigration consequences, including future visa denials or travel bans.

Instead, visitors should refer to their I-94 record, which is generated when they arrive in the U.S. This form shows the “Admit Until Date”—the actual date by which the visitor must leave the country.

Travellers can check their I-94 status and departure deadline online at i94.cbp.dhs.gov.

The embassy emphasized that staying beyond the “Admit Until Date” could count as a visa overstay, which is a violation of U.S. immigration laws and may affect future travel or visa renewal prospects.

This advisory is part of the U.S. mission’s ongoing public awareness campaign aimed at educating Nigerian citizens on proper travel procedures and preventing avoidable immigration violations.

Tulsi Gabbard accuses Obama administration of trying to undermine Trump in 2016 Election

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Former presidential candidate and current Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, has ignited political controversy after alleging that top officials in the Obama administration orchestrated a deliberate effort in 2016 to sabotage then-candidate Donald Trump’s presidential campaign.

In a newly released intelligence report on Friday, Gabbard claimed there was a “treasonous conspiracy” within the Obama-era intelligence leadership aimed at shaping public perception around Russian election interference to discredit Trump and tilt the outcome in favor of Hillary Clinton.

The report, released by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), is the latest in a series of attempts under the Trump-aligned faction of government to question the now eight-year-old intelligence consensus that Russia interfered in the 2016 U.S. election to aid Donald Trump.

Gabbard’s report argues that the Obama administration may have pressured intelligence agencies to skew assessments by conflating Russia’s cyber intrusions into election systems with its broader influence operations on social media and document leaks. The implication: that officials distorted the narrative to strengthen claims of Trump’s alleged collusion with Moscow.

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However, top Democrats have strongly dismissed Gabbard’s findings. Rep. Jim Himes of Connecticut, the ranking Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, branded the treason accusations as “baseless.” Similarly, Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia, chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, said the report confused distinct categories of Russian activity—cyber hacking vs. psychological influence—and misrepresented previously verified conclusions.

“This is one more example of the Director of National Intelligence trying to cook the books,” Warner said. “We’re talking about apples and oranges.”

Multiple intelligence assessments, including a bipartisan Senate Intelligence Committee report, have supported the original 2016 finding that Russia sought to interfere in the election by damaging Hillary Clinton’s candidacy and boosting Trump’s.

The new report includes emails suggesting that then-President Barack Obama asked for a detailed intelligence review before leaving office. While some Republicans argue that this move was politically motivated, Obama-era officials say the intention was to preserve transparency before the Trump administration could potentially bury the findings.

Notably, the report acknowledges that Russia did not attempt to change actual vote tallies, but it questions why an article clarifying that point was withheld from the President’s Daily Brief at the time.

As the debate continues, the intelligence community has reiterated in its most recent reviews—under Gabbard’s leadership—that Russia continues to engage in disinformation campaigns aimed at weakening democratic systems and public trust in elections.

Whether Gabbard’s claims will lead to further investigation remains to be seen. But the political fallout from reopening the 2016 election controversy is already fueling renewed tensions between Democrats and Republicans as the 2024 race looms.