Category Archives: Featured

NDLEA arrests notorious drug kingpin in Delta

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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has arrested a drug kingpin Sunday Ibigide, three years after launching a manhunt for him over drug trafficking offences in Asaba, Delta.

The Director, Media and Advocacy NDLEA, Mr Femi Babafemi said this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

Babafemi said that the suspect was arrested while attempting to move 250 blocks of skunk weighing 138 kilograms with his distribution bus.

He said that Ibigide came under searchlight on March 19, 2022 in connection with the seizure of 24.137kg of the same psychoactive substance and 10grams of molly but thereafter went underground.

“However, following credible intelligence, NDLEA operatives in Delta state were able to arrest him along with one of his aides.

“They were arrested while they were trying to move the 250 parcels of skunk for distribution on Sunday, August 10, 2025.”

According to him, no fewer than six suspects were arrested on Thursday, Aug. 14 and Friday, Aug. 15 when NDLEA operatives supported by the military and vigilantes raided three cannabis farms in Enugu Ezike, Enugu state.

Read Also: NDLEA arrests Lagos General Overseer for masterminding cross-border drug trafficking

He said a total of 37,500kg skunk was destroyed on 15 hectares of farmland during the operation.

“74.5kg of the illicit substance was recovered for the prosecution of the suspects,” he said.

In another development, 20,700 pills of tramadol and cocodamol were seized from a suspect by NDLEA officers on patrol along Nsukka road, 9th mile Enugu on Saturday, Aug. 16.

Babafemi said that two other suspects were arrested with 27.6kg skunk the same day at the new market, Enugu.

Also, In Lagos, a 52-year-old woman was arrested with her son, 25, by NDLEA operatives at Ladega street, Mushin on Wednesday, Aug. 13.

Babafemi said that they were arrested for storing and distributing 298 blocks of Ghana Loud weighing 149kg.

He said that another suspect was nabbed on Friday, Aug.15 in Ajah area of Lekki where 8.5kg Canadian Loud, a strain of cannabis, was recovered from his apartment.

(NAN)

Putin presents Archbishop of Alaska with Icon of St. Herman

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Russian President Vladimir Putin has presented an icon of St. Herman of Alaska to His Eminence Alexei, Bishop of Sitka and Alaska, during a visit to Anchorage.

The meeting took place shortly after Putin’s talks with U.S. President Donald Trump at the Elmendorf-Richardson Army Base. According to Russian news outlet Vzglyad, the Russian leader conveyed warm greetings from His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia before presenting the gift.

“We met before our trip, and he told me about how the Orthodox Church was born here in Alaska. He spoke warmly of you and asked me to convey his very best wishes,” Putin told the bishop, as reported on the Kremlin’s Telegram channel.

Read Also: Trump announces U.S.-Russia meeting ahead of Ukraine ceasefire deadline

St. Herman of Alaska, one of the most venerated Orthodox saints in America, is regarded as the “Enlightener of America” for his missionary work among Alaska’s Indigenous people in the 18th century.

In response, Bishop Alexei presented Putin with a personal icon given to him by his brother monks on Mount Athos at the time of his consecration. The bishop explained that he had prayed before the icon for four years and wished to gift it to the Russian president as a gesture of gratitude for Russia’s historic role in bringing Orthodox Christianity to Alaska.

The exchange of gifts highlighted the enduring spiritual and cultural ties between Russia and Alaska, rooted in the Orthodox Church’s centuries-old presence in the region.

Putin presents Archbishop of Alaska with Icon of St. Herman

Umahi urges South-East to back Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027

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The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has called on the people of the South-East to throw their weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in 2027, stressing that the region has benefited greatly from his administration.

Umahi made the appeal on Saturday in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, while receiving the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, who was on an inspection tour of Federal Government projects in Enugu and Ebonyi States.

The former governor of Ebonyi described Tinubu as “God sent” to Nigeria and the South-East, citing massive investments in road and bridge construction across the region.

“The good works that President Tinubu is doing for the South-East are not hidden, especially in roads and bridges. He is fair and just, ensuring that no region is left behind in the dividends of democracy,” Umahi said.

He added that all governors of the region are already in support of Tinubu and should sustain that support ahead of the 2027 elections. Umahi also urged the South-East to “re-engage” politically rather than rely on sentiments in pursuit of the presidency.

Read Also: Tinubu overhauls NTA Leadership, appoints Rotimi Pedro as new DG

“We have to support other regions, and at God’s appointed time, the presidency will come to us. Who knows, maybe it could even be me,” he said jokingly.

Highlighting Tinubu’s economic reforms, Umahi noted that inflation had dropped to 21.8 percent and foreign reserves had risen above $40 billion. He also referenced commendations from the World Bank and WTO chief, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, as proof that the President was steering the nation on the right path.

The minister further stated that, for the first time in decades, the South-East was witnessing a strong federal presence in terms of infrastructure projects.

“I was deputy governor, governor for eight years, and even chairman of a party, but I never saw this level of federal projects in the South-East. President Tinubu has changed the story,” Umahi said.

Okonjo-Iweala meets CBN Gov Cardoso over trade matters in Abuja

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The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, on Thursday, August 14, 2025, hosted the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, at the Bank’s headquarters in Abuja.

The meeting, confirmed in a statement posted on CBN’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, was themed “Discussing Trade Matters.”

Read Also: CBN sanctions 9 banks for failing to dispense cash via ATMs

According to the post, the session was also attended by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, and Nigeria’s Ambassador to the WTO, Amb. (Dr.) Adamu Abdulhamid.

Although the discussions were held behind closed doors, they centered on trade-related issues and Nigeria’s engagement with global markets.

Formal details of the talks are expected to be released in due course.

Okonjo-Iweala meets CBN Gov Cardoso over trade matters in Abuja
Okonjo-Iweala meets CBN Gov Cardoso over trade matters in Abuja

Police arrest Ogun PDP officials, INEC staff with cash, party denies wrongdoing

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Security operatives in Ogun State have arrested some officials of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) alongside two staff members of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) after they were allegedly found in possession of a large sum of money.

The arrest reportedly took place at a hotel in Iperu-Remo, Ikenne Local Government Area, and was captured in a viral video circulating on social media on Saturday.

In the footage, two INEC officials — a male and a female — were seen squatting beside PDP officers while being interrogated by security personnel. The unidentified officer in the video alleged that the INEC staff had received cash from the PDP officials at the hotel.

Read Also: Absence of INEC witnesses stall proceedings at Edo governorship tribunal

One of the arrested INEC officials admitted that his supervisor instructed him to collect the money from the politicians. However, the PDP chairman, who identified himself as an official of the party in Ogun State, denied any involvement in vote-buying.

“You are just showing money; I don’t know anything about it,” the PDP official insisted during questioning.

The incident has sparked controversy online, with many Nigerians demanding transparency from both the electoral body and political parties. The PDP has yet to release an official statement addressing the arrests.

FAAN warns against repeat of KWAM 1, ‘KWAM 2’ flight incidents

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The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has cautioned air travelers, aviation staff, and cabin crew to remain calm, courteous, and professional when handling disputes within airports or onboard flights.

This warning, issued on Saturday through FAAN’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, follows two recent high-profile incidents that sparked nationwide debate, the altercation involving Fuji legend Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1, and a similar clash aboard an Ibom Air flight involving passenger Comfort Emmanson, whom social media users have now dubbed “KWAM 2.”

FAAN stressed that violence or unruly behavior is never acceptable in any circumstance, urging passengers to always channel their complaints through the proper platforms.

“Stay calm, stay safe: No matter the situation, violence is never the answer. If you have a concern, visit the FAAN Customer Service Desk to lodge a formal complaint, your issue will be addressed promptly and professionally,” the agency said.

Read Also: FAAN launches inter-regional sports to boost staff fitness, teamwork

The Authority further reminded aviation professionals of their responsibility to maintain order and uphold public confidence in Nigeria’s air transport system. Cabin crew were specifically advised to stay composed even under pressure, while also delivering service with courtesy.

FAAN added that continuous training and retraining of aviation personnel would ensure excellent service delivery and conflict-free flights.

Reassuring the public, the Authority concluded:

“Your Safety, Our Priority: FAAN is committed to ensuring safety, security, and comfort at all our airports — so every journey begins and ends with peace of mind.”

By-election: Heavy security at Onitsha polling units

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There was heavy security presence on Saturday across major roads and strategic locations at the Onitsha North Constituency 1 and the Anambra House of Assembly to ensure peaceful by-election.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that security agencies manning the areas include the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Nigerian Army.

NAN recalls that there were two by-elections going on in the state, aimed at filling the vacant seats at both the Senate and Anambra House of Assembly, following the death of late Sen. Ifeanyi Ubah and late Mr Justice Azuka.

Ubah won his Senatorial election in 2023 under Young Progressives Party (YPP) and later defected to All Progressives Congress (APC), while Azuka represented Onitsha North Constituency 1 at the Anambra legislature under Labour Party (LP).

Read Also: By-election: Heavy security at voting areas in Ibadan

Law enforcement officers were seen in areas such as Agba Street, Orakuwe, Uguta Road and in all the polling units visited at Ward 3, polling unit 016 and 017, Ward 4, polling units 6 and 9 in Okosi respectively.

The Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) Party Agent, Mr Sylvester Mozie, said that the election was going on smoothly.

Mozie noted that there was no case of any violence or card failure on the part of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

On her part, the Presiding Officer in ward 3, Ms Ngozi Ugwuegbu, said she arrived at the polling centre by 8 a.m. and the process was going on smoothly.

(NAN)

By-election: Heavy security at voting areas in Ibadan

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The presence of heavy security was observed on Saturday across major roads and strategic locations within the Ibadan North Federal Constituency to ensure a peaceful by-election.

The security agencies observed comprise the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Nigerian Army.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the by-election is due to the death of Hon. Olajide Akinremi, a member of the House of Assembly, which occurred on July 10, 2024.

Akinremi was a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Read Also: By-election: Heavy security at Onitsha polling units

NAN reports that law enforcement officers had been in areas such as Adamasingba, Agodi-Gate axis, University of Ibadan junction, and Mokola, among others, as early as 7.00 a.m.

Other areas duly manned by security agents include Mokola, Sango–UI Road, Housing Corporation, Bodija, as well as the Secretariat, and Bodija Market–UI Road.

The security agents allowed movement for only those with businesses related to the election, while others were turned back.

Voters were also seen moving in an orderly manner to their respective polling units under the watchful eyes of security agents.

(NAN)

JUST IN: Veteran Nollywood actor Chief Kanran dies at 70

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Veteran Yoruba actor Olusegun Akinremi, popularly known as Chief Kanran, has died at the age of 70.

The news was confirmed by film producer and movie executive Seun Oloketuyi, who announced on Instagram that the actor passed away on Friday morning.

“Popular actor Segun Remi, popularly known as Chief Kanran, died Friday morning. Details soon,” Oloketuyi wrote.

Chief Kanran was a household name in the Yoruba film industry, celebrated for his refined elegance, love for luxury, sharp wit, and powerful on-screen presence.

Read Also: Daredevil Felix Baumgartner dies in paragliding crash

He began his career in stage theatre before making a successful transition to television and film, gaining national recognition through numerous Yoruba stage productions and a popular NTA drama series.

Over the decades, he featured in several classic Yoruba films, including Ewe Orun, Aiye, Efunsetan Aniwura, Agbarin, and Bata Wahala. He was best known for portraying regal and authoritative characters such as kings, chiefs, and respected village elders.

As of the time of this report, the cause of his death has not been disclosed, and his family is yet to announce burial arrangements.

Fans and colleagues across the entertainment industry are mourning his passing, describing him as a legend whose work shaped the Yoruba movie landscape for generations.

Tinubu overhauls NTA Leadership, appoints Rotimi Pedro as new DG

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced a major shake-up at the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), replacing the current management team with new leadership.

Veteran media executive Rotimi Richard Pedro has been appointed as the new Director-General of the state broadcaster. Other key appointments include Katsina State’s Karimah Bello as Executive Director of Marketing, Stella Din from Plateau State as Executive Director of News, and Sophia Issa Mohammed from Adamawa State as Managing Director of NTA Enterprises Limited.

Pedro a Lagos native is an accomplished media entrepreneur and consultant with nearly three decades of leadership experience in broadcasting, sports rights, and marketing communications across Africa, the UK, and the Middle East.

Read Also: Tinubu has been fair to all regions – Umahi

A trained entertainment and intellectual property lawyer, he also holds an MSc in Investment Management & Finance from City University Business School, London. In 1995, he founded Optima Sports Management International (OSMI), which became one of Africa’s leading sports content providers, distributing premium events such as the English Premier League, UEFA Champions League, FIFA World Cup, and CAF competitions to audiences in more than 40 countries.

His career includes leading roles at Bloomberg Television Africa, Rapid Blue Format, and consultancy work for FIFA, UEFA, Fremantle Media, and the African Union of Broadcasters. Notably, he helped the AUB secure exclusive pan-African free-to-air media rights for all CAF competitions.

Industry analysts credit Pedro with building commercially viable broadcast platforms, boosting sponsorship revenues, and delivering world-class content to African audiences.

His appointment marks one of the most significant leadership changes at NTA in recent years and signals the Federal Government’s intention to modernise the broadcaster and reposition it in an increasingly competitive media market.