Category: News

Popular entertainer Speed Darlington has faced intense criticism following a widely shared Instagram live video in which he appeared to confess to defiling a 15-year-old girl.

 

The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons have responded quickly to the occurrence.

 

In the unsettling video, Speed Darlington who spoke in Igbo language described an incident in which he claimed to have slept with a 15-year-old virgin girl at a motel some ten years prior, leaving the linens bloody.

 

He stated that he had to pay N2,000 to hotel staff to have the sheets changed, expressing disdain for working for anyone, especially in a hotel.

 

He said: “Before they could come change the sheets for me, I had to give N2,000. Because the thing is somehow, to tell an adult to come and clean blood that I brought out of the body of a 15-year-old girl. I can never work for anybody, lai lai. I only work for myself.”

 

Responding to the viral video, the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) issued a statement on its official X handle, describing the footage as “deeply disturbing” and confirming that the matter is under review.

 

The statement reads: “The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency is aware of the disturbing video currently circulating online, in which a popular entertainer allegedly admits to engaging in unlawful sexual activity with a minor.

 

“While the individual in question did not specify the location of the incident during the Instagram Live session, we must clarify that the DSVA’s jurisdiction is limited to Lagos State.

 

“In view of the above, and in line with our commitment to justice, we have escalated the situation to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons.

 

“The Lagos State Government reaffirms our zero-tolerance stance against all forms of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence and will continue to advocate for accountability and the protection of every Nigerian child.

 

“If you have any information that may assist with ongoing investigations, kindly reach out to us via our toll-free line 08000-333-333 or send a direct message on any of our official social media platforms.

 

“You may also contact NAPTIP directly via email: info@naptip.gov.ng or phone: 07030000203.

 

“Lastly, we appreciate the vigilance of citizens who brought this to our attention and urge the public to continue reporting such cases through the appropriate legal channels.”

 

 

The Ministry of Environment and Sanitation, charged with supervision of the telecommunications infrastructure under the Osun State Environmental Protection Law 2022, has commenced the shutdown of MTN operations in Osun State with two of the main offices in Oshogbo sealed.

The ministry said the decision follows the company’s failure to pay N945million taxes and “ongoing efforts to mislead government representatives”.

It said over the coming weeks, MTN users may be experiencing significant service disruptions within Osun State.

Speaking on the development over the weekend, Rotimi George-Taylor, on behalf of Global Transactions Nigeria Limited, the sole consultant on telecommunications infrastructure in Osun State, “expressed concerns over MTN’s lack of accountability”.

George-Taylor said: “I reached out for a peaceful resolution, and the Chief Technical Officer of MTN proposed a meeting within seven days.

However, this commitment was never honoured.

“When asked to produce receipts for the payment of right of way, MTN was unable to do so.

“Furthermore, several staff members of MTN are currently evading arrest following accusations against them at the Osun State Police Command”.

The Ministry urges MTN to ensure that it makes all necessary payments for the telecommunications infrastructure it operates within Osun State.

The Ministry of Environment and Sanitation reiterates that MTN must comply with all regulations and pay the necessary taxes to operate in Osun State in line with section 135 of the NCC Act.

“Until they are held accountable, they don’t want to fulfill their financial obligations,” George-Taylor added.

“The shutdown will serve as a reminder of the importance of regulatory compliance and accountability in the telecommunications sector.

“The Ministry remains committed to ensuring that all operators adhere to the laws governing their operations, thereby fostering a fair and equitable business environment in Osun State”, George -Taylor said.

The ministry attached a court order to carry out the shutdown of the MTN activities and that it has notified the State Command of the Nigeria Police and other sister security agencies in Osun State.

(ThisDay)

Three members of Deeper Christian Life Ministry in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State were reportedly kidnapped on Monday evening.

According to a message sent to the church’s WhatsApp platform, the victims were kidnapped while returning from a Bible study session at Kasemola Area inside Ogbese axis of the council.

“Good morning, beloved. Kindly pray along with us. Three of our members were kidnapped yesterday after Bible study at Kasemola inside the Ogbese axis.

We are seeking divine intervention to secure the release of our kidnapped members. The case has been reported to the police and Amotekun Corps in the state,” the message read

Confirming the incident to newsmen, the spokesperson of the Ondo state police command, DSP Olushola Ayanlade, said that the men of the command were already tracking the kidnappers in the bushes, and are also working with members of the community to rescue the victim.

He, however, was unable to ascertain the number of victims.

A 75-year-old woman from Edo State, Adizatu Dazumi, died during the 2025 Hajj in Saudi Arabia.

Dazumi was from Jattu Uzairue in Etsako West Local Government Area.

It was gathered that the pilgrim died on Monday at King Fahad General Hospital in Makkah after a short illness.

The Chairman of the Edo State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Musah Uduimoh, confirmed her death on Tuesday.

Uduimoh said Dazumi became ill shortly after performing Tawaaf (walking around the Kaaba) and was taken to the hospital on Sunday. She passed away the next day.

“She was buried in Makkah on the same day, according to Islamic tradition, and her family in Jattu Uzairue has been informed,” Uduimoh said.

He sent his condolences to her family and assured other pilgrims that the board is committed to their health and safety.

 

The Nigeria Police Force has identified and summoned a group of officers seen in a viral video allegedly involved in extorting motorists.

The footage, which surfaced on Monday, shows an officer demanding either N5,000 or five litres of fuel from drivers who failed to present their Electronic Central Motor Registry (e-CMR) documents.

Reacting to the incident, Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, condemned the officers’ conduct, assuring the public that disciplinary actions are underway.

He wrote: “This action is totally condemned. The officers have been identified and summoned to the force headquarters for necessary action. We will not condone any act of indiscipline and unprofessionalism. We will update the public on our decisions as soon as possible. Thanks. #PoliceNG #PoliceNG_CRU #EdoPoliceNG.”

 

A social influencer, Minister Yahdan Yada, has advised women to never loan money to men or let them drive their cars.

Yada who gave the advice in a Facebook post on Sunday, May 25, said a man who’s comfortable asking a woman for help while bringing nothing to the table, isn’t a real man.

According to him, a man can easily misconstrue a woman’s generosity and compassion, making him feel entitled.

“Never loan a man money. Never let him drive your car. Never let him move into your home. Because the second you do, he’ll start treating your generosity like it’s owed to him,” he wrote.

He’ll confuse your compassion for convenience. He’ll start calling your strength his safety net—while offering you nothing but excuses.

You are sacred. You are not a rehab center for men who refuse to grow up. You are not a sponsor. You are not his ride, his shelter, or his backup plan.

A man who’s comfortable asking you for help while bringing nothing to the table, isn’t a man. He’s a liability.

Real men build. Real men protect. Real men provide.

They don’t drain you. They don’t live off you. They don’t watch you struggle while they sit back and “figure it out.”

Make it harder. Make him rise to your standard, not drain you until you lower it.

Protect your peace. Know your worth. Stop playing wife to men who haven’t earned your presence.

If your fathers didn’t teach you, i am! NDBA No Dusty Bums Allowed!

 

A suspected kidnapper has confessed that he planned to travel abroad with his share of the ransom his gang demanded for the release of a victim.

Musa Shaibu, 25, was arrested in the Ajegunle area of Lagos State after he and four others allegedly abducted the 14-year-old son of a Bureau De Change operator, identified as Hassan, from their home in the Olodi-Apapa area of Lagos.

After abducting the victim, the suspects demanded the sum of N20 million as ransom.

“Our intention was not to harm the boy, but to collect the sum of N20 million from his rich father. I would have travelled overseas with my own share of the money,” he reportedly told investigators.

Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, who confirmed the incident, said the suspect’s arrest was sequel to a complaint lodged by the victim’s father.

Hundeyin stated that on May 1, 2025 at about 4.50pm, detectives of the command received a report from a complainant, who reported that his son, one Hassan, aged 14, was kidnapped by a group of suspected kidnappers at Olodi-Apapa area and that the sum of N20 million ransom was demanded for his release.

“Based on the report, operatives were immediately deployed to the point of ransom collection at a filling station, at Wema Bridge in Apapa. The team arrested one of the kidnappers, Musa Shaibu aged 25.

“The team also went to the kidnappers’ hideout at a hotel in Ajegunle area, where the victim was kept. He was rescued unhurt, debriefed and reunited with his family while the manager of the hotel was also arrested and taken into custody for investigation. Investigation is in progress,” he added.

 

The federal government has commenced the payment of the long-awaited N35,000 wage award arrears to its employees, fulfilling a key part of its commitment to support workers amid prevailing economic challenges.

This was disclosed in a statement issued in Abuja on Monday by the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) and signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Mr. Bawa Mokwa.

According to the statement, many federal government employees have already received the first tranche of the payment, while others who are yet to be credited will receive theirs shortly.

The arrears are being paid in five instalments of N35,000 each, amounting to a total of N175,000 per beneficiary.

The OAGF also addressed reports circulating in some sections of the media suggesting that the N35,000 wage award had been excluded from the 2025 Budget. The Office clarified that at no point did the Accountant General of the Federation, Mr. Babatunde Ogunjimi, make such a claim.

“There was no press briefing by the Accountant General on the matter of wage award,” the statement read. “Any report quoting him as excluding the N35,000 from the 2025 budget is entirely false.”

The Office further stated that all outstanding arrears of the wage award would be settled in line with the government’s assurance to organised labour and public service employees.

The wage award was introduced by the Federal Government as part of palliative measures to cushion the impact of recent subsidy removal and associated economic reforms. It is intended to bridge the gap pending the conclusion of negotiations on a new minimum wage.

The commencement of payment comes after months of anticipation and advocacy from labour unions, who had pressed for the full implementation of the government’s promise.

The payment is expected to provide some relief to federal workers, many of whom have been grappling with inflationary pressures and rising cost of living.

The OAGF urged patience from workers who have not yet received their arrears, assuring that the payroll system is actively processing all outstanding entitlements.

 

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has recovered some funds and made arrests linked to the massive N1.3 trillion fraud involving the Crypto Bridge Exchange (CBEX) platform, the agency’s chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, revealed.

In a recent interview with TVC, Olukoyede said the EFCC has made significant progress investigating the CBEX scam, which defrauded many Nigerians through its digital investment scheme.

“We have gone far with CBEX. We have been able to recover a reasonable amount of money,” Olukoyede stated.

Although the stolen funds were in cryptocurrency, the EFCC has traced and recovered part of the money.

However, he noted that converting crypto back to cash is complex due to the nature of digital currency.

“Even though it’s in the crypto wallet, the same way the money was taken from them, there is no way you will get it in dollars. There is no way you get the dollars in cash without necessarily going through the same process,” he explained.

The EFCC boss also confirmed that some suspects have been arrested, while others remain at large.

“We have made reasonable arrests. We are not going to give out much because we don’t want the process to be disrupted. We are still after quite a number of people we have declared wanted,” he added.

One major challenge in the investigation, Olukoyede explained, is that the fraudsters used “non-custodial wallets,” which do not require identity verification (KYC), making it difficult to trace the criminals.

“We are still investigating many wallets, and the wallets they created are called noncustodial wallets; in other words, no KYC. So, you can’t trace them to anybody.

“So, from the noncustodial wallets, they moved the money to wallets in Europe, Eastern Europe, particularly Cambodia, and from there, they dispersed the funds. We have been able to block some of these wallets where money has not been dispersed.

“That is as far as we have gone. I even learnt that there are still some of these perpetrators and Nigerians are still falling victim. I believe people should learn from this,” he said.

CBEX collapsed in April after users experienced repeated withdrawal problems, eventually losing access to their accounts and millions in funds.

The platform’s collapse led to losses estimated at over N1.3 trillion and sparked outrage among investors and social media users.

Despite the collapse, It was reported that CBEX has quietly resumed operations, reopening registration and allowing trading and withdrawals in an attempt to regain investor trust.

Olukoyede warned Nigerians to be cautious, as some perpetrators are still active and victims continue to fall for similar schemes.

Saudi Arabia has stopped Kaduna-based Islamic Scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi from performing the 2025 Hajj and deported him back to Nigeria.

Sheikh Gumi confirmed this in a post made on Monday, May 26, 2025, via his Facebook page.

He said the Saudi government had granted him a visa to enter the country for Hajj, but he was not allowed to enter Medina to begin his religious duties.

“Due to some reasons related to my views on world politics, the authorities in Saudi Arabia do not want me to be present at Hajj even though they have granted me a visa,” Sheikh Gumi said in a post on his Facebook page.

He added, “I am grateful to the authorities in Nigeria who have pledged to engage with the Saudi authorities on this matter.”

According to findings, Sheikh Gumi is part of a delegation of scholars sponsored by the Nigerian Hajj Commission (NAHCON) to travel to Saudi Arabia for religious services.

Gumi arrived in Medina with other clerics last Saturday at around 10:30pm on an Umza Air flight, but upon arrival at the city’s airport, Saudi immigration officials prevented the cleric from entering the country.

Reports revealed that Sheikh Gumi has now returned to Nigeria to continue his daily activities, especially teaching.