Blog

Suspended Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara has denied the serious allegations made against him by former Head of Service, George Nwaeke, urging Nigerians to disregard the claims.

Nwaeke had accused Fubara of collaborating with militants to sabotage oil pipelines in the state amidst the ongoing political crisis.

In a statement on Saturday, March 29, Fubara dismissed the accusations as “laughable,” calling them baseless and a product of Nwaeke’s alleged compromise.

“The truth is that Dr. Nwaeke has been compromised, and whatever he is saying is only aimed at fulfilling his promise to those who may have paid or coerced him to lie against me,” the Governor stated.

Fubara urged the public to ignore Nwaeke’s comments, calling them a “desperate attempt” to discredit his leadership and destabilise the peace efforts initiated by President Muhammadu Buhari.

“I call on all well-meaning Nigerians and the good people of Rivers State to disregard everything said by Dr. Nwaeke, as they are mere attempts to undermine the peace process,” the Governor added.

Fubara’s statement reads: “My attention has been drawn to a press briefing by the former Head of Service, Dr. George Nwaeke aired on Channels Television on Friday the 28th of March 2025.

“Ordinarily, I would not have responded to his claims, but to correct the erroneous impression such allegations may create in the minds of the people, and the disaffection it is bound to cause in the state and the country.

“First, on the claim that he was aware of my discussions and plans to support Bala Mohammed’s alleged 2027 presidential bid, it is laughable that Dr. Nwaeke would be part of any high level political meeting as Head of Service, much more sitting in my alleged night meetings with Bala Mohammed and militants like he claimed. Howbeit, none of such meetings ever held.

“The truth is that the whole world knew when the Bauchi State Governor, as Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party Governors Forum visited the State, and there was nothing secret about the visits.

“It is also ludicrous for Dr. Nwaeke to claim that he was aware of my meetings to encourage attacks on oil pipelines and other National assets in the State, as there was no time I held any meeting with militants or any criminal group to destabilise the State.

“It is on record that I have been at the forefront preaching peace in the State even in the face of obvious provocations.

“The truth is that Dr. Nwaeke has been compromised, and whatever he is saying is only aimed at fulfilling his promise to those who may have paid or coerced him to lie against me.

“I call on all well meaning Nigerians and the good people of Rivers State to disregard everything said by Dr. Nwaeke as they are mere desperate attempts to discredit me and my administration, and undermine the peace process by Mr. President.”

A 25-year-old man, Joseph Abodunrin, has committed suicide at the Dagbolu community in Osogbo Local Government Area of Osun State due to the cost of living in the country, which he allegedly claimed was taking a toll on his mental health.

A family member, Abodunrin Grace, confirmed his death on Thursday via her X handle.

According to the lady who described him as his best brother, Joseph had hidden all his pain in smiles, pretending that everything was okay, while encouraging them.

She wrote, “I still feel shattered, many words but unprocessed. You were the best brother. You encouraged us all, but you went to voice out in a space we couldn’t think of. You hid it all from us. You went about with fake laughter and smiles. Now we can’t get over it.

“He is my cousin (man is just a big brother). None of our laments can bring him back; the tagging is too much! I personally have been too strong. It’s no one’s fault. Please, if there’s one or two, please, please try to heal. It is needed. We’re all striving! It’s not easy for anyone.

“A little brief: With the expansion of lifestyle, economy, culture, arts, and all other life-based sectors!! Being sane and mentally stable is the only thing that can keep making all said work!!!Prioritize your Mental wellbeing.”

Before his demise, Joseph had repeatedly made tweets revealing that he would have taken his life, but for his siblings, whom he encouraged to live.

He took to his account on January 31, 2025, saying, “If not for my siblings, I would not commit suicide. Those younglings are still full of optimism, hope, and dreams that I don’t want to squash with the news of my death.

Quoting the same tweet on March 24, the day the 25-year-old ended it all, he in a series of tweets wrote, “I’m sorry I failed you guys, I couldn’t just do it anymore… No matter how I explain it. You won’t understand!!!

“I hope y’all find it in you to keep fighting, hopeful, never negotiating your dreams, and to finally and eventually thrive. That is my last wish. In everything, I give glory to God. I ran my race, and I gave it everything I had. Finally passing on the baton.

“Nothing much to say again…My passwords are in the first page of my diary. Goodbye!”

On March 9, he also queried his decision on not fast-tracking his suicide mission, stressing, “I have asked myself several times why I should fight and keep fighting to stay alive, and I have not gotten any meaningful answer ever since. I really don’t see any reason to continue here.”

Then, he further wrote, “But March is a decision month. None of what I am experiencing and feeling is not my fault…(sic) I didn’t create myself, no power over the gene I inherited or the parents I was born through…I have tried to seek help, but absolutely made it worse…I’m practicing self-compassion through this whole process, regardless of whatever decision I make.”

Joseph’s body is yet to be recovered as of the time of filing this report despite sharing the location where he committed suicide; however, checks revealed that the location he shared, ‘Dagbolu,’ is no longer active.

See the post below

https://x.com/Josephabodun/status/1904305978948104343?t=jlRtFfg3dKZz8D3iJejtPw&s=19

https://x.com/Josephabodun/status/1904166288710111323?t=6fQSu7OOg473fxrFR84GYA&s=19

The Nigeria Police Force, Sokoto State Command said its has arrested a woman who abducted a two-day-old baby.

According to a statement by the Command’s spokesman, DSP Ahmad Rufai, the arrest followed an extensive investigation that lasted a year.

The statement added that the police successfully ensured the safe return of the child to his biological parents.

The suspect, Hamida Mustapha, is a resident of the Hwakon Edi in Tambuwal Local Government Area.

The woman allegedly visited the home of Sani M, the baby’s father, under the pretense of being a friend of his sister.

“She met the mother of the newborn, presented baby clothes as gifts, and later requested to take the infant outside to show him to her boyfriend. However, instead of returning, she disappeared with the child.

“For nearly a year, the whereabouts of the stolen baby remained unknown. However, a significant breakthrough in the case emerged on March 12, 2025, when Hamida had a domestic dispute with her husband.

“Rumors began circulating within the community that the baby in her custody was not her husband’s child. Suspicions grew, prompting the alleged father to report the matter to the police.

“Upon interrogation, Hamida confessed to the crime, admitting that she had abducted the baby and deceived her grandmother into believing she had given birth. Her grandmother, who was aware of Hamida’s pregnancy, confirmed that she had never seen her give birth but only saw her return home with a baby,” the statement said.

According to the statement, further investigations revealed that Hamida had also misled her husband and extended family, maintaining the deception for a year.

“Following the investigation, the Sokoto State Police Command safely reunited the child with his biological parents. The suspect, Hamida Mustapha, has been charged in court and will face legal proceedings.”

Speaking on the case, Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmed Musa, reassured the public of the Command’s dedication to tackling crime in Sokoto State.

He urged parents to be cautious about individuals who interact with their children and encouraged the public to report suspicious activities to law enforcement.

The Sokoto State Police Command also expressed appreciation for the continued support and cooperation of residents in maintaining peace and security across the state.

No fewer than ten people lost their lives to jungle justice in Edo State while plying one of the roads in Uromi Local Government Area.

It was gathered that the hunters, who were thought to be kidnappers, were coming from River state to Kano state when they were attacked by a mob.

Eye witness account stated that the hunters were stopped by vigilantes on a normal stop and search. In the cause of their search they found guns, machete, dog and other personal belongings.

Issues escalated when residents of Uromi accused the hunters of being kidnappers. The mob bounced on the suspects and set them ablaze.

The situation got out of hand and was left uncontrolled until all the suspects were burnt beyond recognition.

Security operatives later got the scene of the incident but it was too late to save any suspects from the angry mob.

The deceased bodies have been evacuated from the scene of the incident and investigation have been launched

The Kano State Police Command has banned all Sallah Durbar celebrations across the state ahead of the 2025 Eid-el-Fitr festivities.

Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Adamu Bakori announced the ban while addressing journalists at the Bompai Police Headquarters, citing security concerns and the need to prevent potential unrest.

According to CP Bakori, intelligence reports indicated plans by certain groups to disrupt the Durbar festivities and create instability. After consulting with the Kano State Government and other key stakeholders, the police command deemed it necessary to prohibit the event.

“In pursuit of a safe and secure celebration, and to maintain peace and public order, the command, in collaboration with other security agencies, has assessed the rising tensions and uncertainties surrounding the Durbar activities,” Bakori said.

“Following credible intelligence reports about plans to use the Durbar as a proxy for unrest, a ban has been placed on all Durbar activities throughout the state during the 2025 Eid-El-Fitr Sallah celebrations.”

The police commissioner urged worshippers to conduct their Eid prayers only at designated praying grounds and adhere to security guidelines, including: Avoid carrying unnecessary objects that may cause suspicion. No horse riding (Kilisa), car racing, or reckless driving. Parents and guardians should caution their children against involvement in any disruptive activities.

The public is advised to avoid actions that could lead to a breach of peace or breakdown of law and order.

CP Bakori assured residents that adequate security personnel would be deployed to ensure a peaceful Sallah celebration.

“As we celebrate this joyous occasion, let us prioritize peace above all else, set aside our differences, and unite as law-abiding citizens for the progress of our state and nation,” Bakori urged.

He also encouraged residents to report suspicious activities to the police via emergency contact numbers: 08032419754, 08123821575, and 09029292926 or through the NPF Rescue Me application.

Famous gospel singer, Panam Percy Paul, has shared a remarkable story from 1995, revealing how he turned down a highly lucrative record deal that could have changed his career.

In a candid conversation with Pastor Emmanuel Iren, the iconic singer recalled being offered a three-year contract worth £24 million, roughly equivalent to N7 billion at the time.

However, the deal came with an ultimatum that directly conflicted with his Christian values.

Paul revealed that the record label requested he limit the number of times he mentioned the name “Jesus” in his songs.

They also suggested he use alternative terms like “Righteous One” or “Greatest Lover” in place of the sacred name.

Recounting the incident, the singer said: “1995, I was at the peak of ministry, and success in the industry, I was offered 24 million pounds for a three year contract. 1995, 24 million pounds was equivalent to 7 billion naira. The catch was ‘can you reduce the number of times you call the name Jesus in your songs?’. And there is more where this came from. and one of them said to me, ‘you actually don’t need to mention the name Jesus. You can call him other names like Righteous one, Greatest Lover.’ I was shocked, so I told them, you can keep the money, while I keep the name”.

“Today, the extreme is that music ministry has now become music industry. Where the industry now dictates to the ministers what to do, how to sing and when to sing. For example, it was the marketers in Alaba that encouraged the musicians to add tongues to their songs.”

A poignant story has emerged from a recent Facebook live story shared by Ibadan-based Cleric Agbala Gabriel.

The professor, whose identity remains undisclosed in the video, reportedly left Nigeria in the 1970s to pursue academic and professional opportunities in Canada.

Over the course of 48 years, he built a career as an educator, contributing to the academic community in his adopted country.

However, the video reveals that his return to Nigeria comes under starkly different circumstances than one might expect from such a long tenure abroad. With no children, no wife, and no financial reserves, his homecoming paints a sobering picture of isolation and resilience.

In the footage, the professor reflects on his life abroad, hinting at personal and financial challenges that eroded the stability he once had after losing his wife.

Watch the video below;

Niger’s military ruler has been sworn in as the country’s president for a transitional period of five years.

Gen Abdourahamane Tchiani has led the country since 2023 after he deposed Niger’s elected President, Mohamed Bazoum.

Niger has been plagued by jihadist attacks for many years – one of the issues junta leaders cited when staging their coup. The military takeover followed a string of others in the region – neighbouring Mali, Guinea and Burkina Faso are also run by juntas.

All four countries have severed ties with former colonial power France and forged new alliances with Russia and all except Guinea, have pulled out of ECOWAS, the West African regional bloc.

On Wednesday, March 26, Gen Tchiani took the presidential office under a new charter that replaces the country’s constitution.

He was also promoted to the country’s highest military rank of army general and signed a decree ordering that all political parties be dissolved.

During a ceremony in the capital, Niamey, Gen Tchiani said of his new military rank: “I receive this distinction with great humility… I will strive to live up to the trust placed in me.”

The transition to democratic rule is in line with recommendations that a commission made following national discussions.

This five-year time period is “flexible” depending on the country’s security status, the new charter says.

Niger’s relations with Ecowas broke down when the junta proposed a three-year transition period to democratic rule straight after the coup. Ecowas called this plan a “provocation” and threatened to intervene with the use of force, before later backing down.

Gen Tchiani’s administration is prosecuting former President Bazoum on allegations of committing high treason and undermining national security. Bazoum is still being held in the presidential palace with his wife, while his son was granted a provisional release last January.

The Federal Government has declared Monday, March 31 and Tuesday April 1 public holidays for the Eid-el-Fitr celebration.

The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government.

He congratulated Muslim Ummah on the successful completion of the Ramadan fast.

Tunji-Ojo urged all Muslims to embrace the virtues of self-discipline, compassion, generosity and peace, emphasising the importance of love, forgiveness, and solidarity in building a harmonious society.

In a statement by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Magdalene Ajani, the Minister called on Nigerians to use this festive period to pray for peace, stability, and prosperity of the nation.

He expressed hope the joyous occasion of Eid-el-Fitr would inspire unity and cooperation across religious and ethnic lines.

Tunji-Ojo also encouraged citizens to celebrate safely and responsibly, while remembering the less privileged through acts of kindness and charity, in keeping with the true spirit of Ramadan and Eid.

On behalf of the government, he extended heartfelt Eid Mubarak wishes to all Muslim faithful and prayed that the blessings of the season bring happiness, success, and fulfillment to everyone.