Category Archives: Featured

Akpabio not hospitalised, hale and hearty in London – Gbenga Daniel

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Chairman of the Senate Committee on Navy, Senator Gbenga Daniel (APC, Ogun East), has dismissed media reports claiming that Senate President Godswill Akpabio has been hospitalised in an undisclosed London hospital.

Daniel, who made a stopover in London, said he met with Akpabio to formally inform him of his planned return to Nigeria to participate in the August 16 bye-election for the Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency seat. The seat became vacant following the death of the former Deputy Whip of the House of Representatives, Hon. Adewumi Onanuga.

Addressing Akpabio, the former Ogun State governor said: “Your Excellency, the news out there is that you have been indisposed, but seeing you here now paints a very different picture. Congratulations, Your Excellency.”

Read Also: Akpabio denies sexual harassment allegations by Natasha

In a statement issued by Akpabio’s Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom, the Senate President thanked Daniel for the visit and expressed confidence that the All Progressives Congress (APC) would retain the constituency seat.

“With the commitments and support of Governor Dapo Abiodun, your good self, and other stakeholders of our party in the state, we will retain the House of Representatives seat at the end of the election,” Akpabio said.

He further congratulated Daniel in advance, stating that his deep political roots in the area, coupled with the governor’s backing, made victory certain.

On rumours about his health, Akpabio dismissed them as baseless, saying:

“If you listen to the social media, you will go to war.”

Five suspects remanded over deadly Owo Catholic Church attack

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The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered that five men accused of carrying out the June 5, 2022, terrorist attack on St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State, be remanded in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).

Justice Emeka Nwite gave the order on Monday following the arraignment of the suspects — Idris Omeiza (25), Al Qasim Idris (20), Jamiu Abdulmalik (26), Abdulhaleem Idris (25), and Momoh Otuho Abubakar (47) — who all pleaded not guilty to the charges filed by the Federal Government.

The gruesome attack left about 22 worshippers dead and over 100 injured, sparking nationwide outrage and condemnation.

At the hearing, prosecution counsel Mr. Calistus Eze informed the court that the case had been scheduled for arraignment and moved a summons ex-parte filed on July 28 to allow the charge to be taken during the court’s vacation. The judge granted the request.

Read Also: Fed Govt to arraign Owo Church attack suspects today

After the charges were read, the prosecution sought a trial date and urged the court to keep the suspects in DSS custody — a request not opposed by defence counsel Mr. Abdullahi Muhammad. However, Muhammad appealed for the court to allow the accused access to their families and lawyers, citing their prolonged detention since 2022.

Eze responded that access would be granted upon a written request specifying the date and time, assuring that the defendants would have adequate time and facilities to prepare their defence.

Justice Nwite adjourned the trial to August 19, 2025, ordering that the suspects remain in DSS custody.

According to the charges, the defendants and others at large allegedly became members of the Al Shabab terrorist group in 2021 and operated a cell in Kogi State. They are accused of planning and executing the Owo church massacre after a series of meetings in Kogi and Ondo states between May 30 and June 4, 2022.

Prosecutors allege the attackers detonated Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and opened fire on worshippers during the Sunday service, killing more than 40 people — including Ajanaku John, Onuoha Deborah, Onileke Esther, and John Bosede — and inflicting grievous injuries on over 100 others.

The offences are punishable under several provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

Ibom Air passenger Comfort Emmanson remanded in Kirikiri after assaulting crew

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A female passenger, Comfort Emmanson, has been remanded at Kirikiri Maximum Security Prison in Lagos after assaulting Ibom Air crew members and clashing with airport security at the Murtala Muhammed Airport.

The incident, which occurred on Sunday aboard an Uyo–Lagos Ibom Air flight, has drawn widespread attention after videos of the confrontation went viral.

Tunde Moshood, spokesperson to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, confirmed the development on X (formerly Twitter), stating:

“The more reason the flying public should be more careful — the unruly passenger on the Uyo-Lagos bound Ibom Air, Miss Comfort Emmanson, has been charged to court and she’s now cooling off in Kirikiri.”

According to Ibom Air, trouble began shortly before take-off from Uyo when Emmanson refused repeated instructions to switch off her mobile phone. She only complied after the pilot made a public announcement and a fellow passenger switched off the device.

Read Also: FG flags off CNG project in A’Ibom 

This sparked an angry outburst from Emmanson. Upon arrival in Lagos, she allegedly waited for other passengers to disembark before confronting the flight purser. The airline said she stepped on the purser, tore off her wig, removed her glasses, slapped her repeatedly, and used her footwear to assault her.

When another cabin crew member intervened, she allegedly slapped her as well and attempted to remove a fire extinguisher to use as a weapon, a move the airline warned could have damaged the aircraft.

The Pilot-in-Command had alerted airport security, but before they arrived, the purser prevented Emmanson from leaving the aircraft. Ibom Air security personnel were also attacked upon arrival, with Emmanson reportedly lashing out violently at both airline and Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) staff.

Even after being removed from the aircraft, she allegedly continued her assault, slapping the airline’s ground supervisor before being taken into custody by FAAN security and handed over to the Nigeria Police Force.

Ibom Air says it has filed a report with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and placed a permanent travel ban on Emmanson.

News Access NG will continue to monitor this case as it progresses in court.

Fed Govt to arraign Owo Church attack suspects today

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The Federal Government will on Monday arraign five men accused of carrying out the deadly June 5, 2022 attack on Saint Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State.

The suspects, Idris Omeiza, Al-Qasim Idris, Jamiu Abdulmalik, Abdulhaleem Idris, and Momoh Abubakar, are scheduled to appear before Justice Obiorah Egwatu of the Federal High Court, Abuja. They face a nine-count charge bordering on terrorism.

The arraignment comes three years after the then Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, announced that those responsible for the massacre had been apprehended.

Read Also: Police arrest seven suspects linked to killing of lawyer

The National Security Council had previously linked the brutal attack to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

On that tragic Sunday, heavily armed assailants stormed the church during mass, detonated explosives, and opened fire on worshippers, killing more than 40 people and injuring dozens.

The massacre shocked the nation and drew widespread condemnation both locally and internationally.

I know Tinubu’s weaknesses, can defeat him in 2027 – Amaechi

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Former Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, says he is confident of defeating President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election if he secures the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ticket.

Speaking during an X Spaces conversation on Saturday, Amaechi declared that he knows Tinubu’s strengths and weaknesses and is certain of victory if given the chance to contest under ADC.

“I’ve not had an election against Tinubu. I know Tinubu very well. I know his strengths. I know his weaknesses. And I know that if allowed to fly the flag of ADC, I will defeat Tinubu for sure,” he said.

The former Rivers State governor stressed that he has never participated in election rigging, challenging any politician to present evidence against him.

Read Also: Amaechi denies election rigging, vows to end malpractice if elected president

“I challenge any politician, living or dead, to come forward and say I was part of rigging. All the appointments given to me by APC to join election planning committees, I refused to participate because I know what they discuss,” Amaechi stated.

He alleged that electoral malpractice often involves state governors and the diversion of public funds through government agencies, promising to end such practices if elected.

Amaechi also admitted that Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, won the 2023 election in Rivers State but claimed the final result announced did not reflect the true outcome.

“I would agree to an extent that Peter Obi won in Rivers State, but unfortunately, the result that came out was different. How it happened, I have no idea,” he said.

29 European countries to scrap passport stamps

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Starting October 12, 29 European countries will begin phasing out traditional passport stamps in favour of a new digital Entry/Exit System (EES), with full implementation expected by April 10, 2026.

The system will record the entry and exit of non-European travellers using fingerprint and facial recognition technology, aiming to speed up border checks and improve security across the Schengen Area.

Read Also: Seven Asian countries Nigerians can visit without visa

The EES will also help authorities track overstays, detect false identities, and curb visa-free travel abuse, while offering travellers self-service options to submit information in advance, reducing wait times at border crossings.

Here are 29 participating countries are:

1.            Austria

2.            Belgium

3.            Bulgaria

4.            Croatia

5.            Czechia

6.            Denmark

7.            Estonia

8.            Finland

9.            France

10.          Germany

11.          Greece

12.          Hungary

13.          Iceland

14.          Italy

15.          Latvia

16.          Liechtenstein

17.          Lithuania

18.          Luxembourg

19.          Malta

20.          Netherlands

21.          Norway

22.          Poland

23.          Portugal

24.          Romania

25.          Slovakia

26.          Slovenia

27.          Spain

28.          Sweden

29.          Switzerland

Mr. Eazi, Temi Otedola wed in private Iceland ceremony

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Afrobeats star Mr. Eazi and fashion influencer Temi Otedola, daughter of billionaire businessman Femi Otedola, have officially tied the knot in a private wedding held in Iceland.

The intimate ceremony took place at the iconic Hallgrímskirkja Church in Reykjavík, beautifully adorned with fresh flowers and closed to the public.

Only close family members and friends were in attendance, including comedian Broda Shaggi, Africa’s richest man Aliko Dangote, Temi’s sister DJ Cuppy, and their mother.

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The couple’s love story has been in the spotlight since they announced their engagement in April 2022, when Temi shared a heartfelt video of Mr. Eazi’s romantic proposal on Instagram.

Mr. Eazi, Temi Otedola wed in private Iceland ceremony

Staying true to their preference for privacy, the newlyweds have kept many details of their big day under wraps. However, glimpses from the event show the couple radiating love and happiness as they begin their journey together.

Mr. Eazi, Temi Otedola wed in private Iceland ceremony

Sowore to face criminal charges in court – Police

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The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has confirmed that human rights activist and 2023 African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, will soon be arraigned on criminal charges.

According to a statement issued on Saturday by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Sowore’s arrest followed “credible and corroborated allegations” involving offences such as forgery, cyberstalking, and other criminal infractions currently under investigation.

The police stressed that the arrest was conducted in line with legal procedures and constitutional safeguards, adding that Sowore was granted bail within the 48-hour limit stipulated under Section 35(4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

Read Also: Obi urges police to release Sowore or charge him to court

Addressing viral images showing Sowore with a bandage on his arm, the NPF dismissed claims of torture as “false and grossly misleading,” stating that the bandage was part of his belongings before his arrest.

“Equally false is the narrative suggesting that Mr. Sowore was tortured or subjected to any form of inhuman or degrading treatment while in custody,” Adejobi said.

The Force also revealed that Sowore was twice offered medical examinations — on August 7 and 8 — by teams led by the Medical Director of Muhammadu Buhari Police Hospital and the Force Medical Officer, but he allegedly declined both offers.

Adejobi further clarified that Sowore’s detention was backed by a valid remand order from a competent court and warned against what he described as “sensationalism” by some media outlets and civil society groups.

“No individual, regardless of status, influence, or social media reach, is above the law,” he added.

The police said more updates on the case will be provided as investigations progress.

BREAKING: Former Agric Minister Audu Ogbeh dies at 78

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Former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Audu Ogbeh, has passed away at the age of 78.

Ogbeh, who also served as the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from 2001 to 2005, died peacefully, his family announced in a statement on Saturday.

“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather; Chief Audu Ogbeh. He passed away on the 9th of August 2025 at the fulfilled age of 78.

“He departed peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of integrity, service, and dedication to our nation and community. We are comforted by the many lives he touched and the example he set.

Read Also: Emir of Gusau Ibrahim Bello dies at 71

“Details of the funeral arrangements will be communicated in due course. We thank friends, colleagues, and well-wishers for their prayers and support during this time. We will appreciate some privacy at this time while we mourn the loss of our patriarch, the statement read.

The respected politician and public servant, Ogbeh was appointed Minister of Agriculture in 2015 by former President Muhammadu Buhari, a position he held until 2019.

His tenure was marked by various initiatives aimed at boosting food production and supporting rural farmers.

Tributes have begun pouring in from political leaders, associates, and citizens, celebrating his decades-long contribution to Nigeria’s political and agricultural sectors.

Three Ghanaians extradited to U.S. over $100 Million romance scam, fraud scheme

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The United States has extradited three Ghanaian nationals accused of participating in an international fraud ring that allegedly stole more than $100 million through romance scams and business email compromise schemes.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, Isaac Oduro Boateng (a.k.a. Kofi Boat), Inusah Ahmed (a.k.a. Pascal), and Derrick Van Yeboah (a.k.a. Van) arrived in the U.S. on August 7, 2025, and are set to appear before Magistrate Judge Robert W. Lehrburger.

A fourth suspect, Patrick Kwame Asare (a.k.a. Borgar), has also been charged but remains at large.

U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton alleged that the four were senior members of a Ghana-based criminal network that targeted vulnerable individuals — many of them elderly — by creating fake online romantic identities to gain their trust before defrauding them. The group also carried out sophisticated business email compromise attacks, deceiving companies into transferring large sums of money.

“Offshore scammers should know that we, the FBI, and our law enforcement partners will work around the world to combat online fraud and bring perpetrators to justice,” Clayton said.

Read Also: Don’t apply for visa just to give birth – US warns pregnant Nigerians

FBI Assistant Director in Charge Christopher G. Raia condemned the scheme, describing it as an “appalling” exploitation of trust for financial gain.

Investigators allege the network laundered the stolen funds through West Africa, with leaders known as “chairmen” — including Boateng and Ahmed — overseeing operations.

All four defendants face multiple charges, including wire fraud conspiracy, wire fraud, money laundering conspiracy, conspiracy to receive stolen money, and receipt of stolen money. Each charge carries penalties ranging from five to 20 years in prison if convicted.

The extradition was secured through collaboration between U.S. authorities and Ghana’s Office of the Attorney-General, with support from Ghana’s Economic and Organized Crime Office, Police Service – INTERPOL, Cyber Security Authority, and National Intelligence Bureau.

The case is being prosecuted by the Southern District of New York’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit, with Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin Mead and Mitzi Steiner leading the proceedings.