The House of Representatives has summoned controversial singer Azeez Fashola popularly known as Naira Marley to appear before it. The house, through its Committee on Justice, Youth and Legislative Compliance, also invited the manager of the late singer, Jiggy Adeoye to an interactive session slated to hold next week Tuesday. This is part of the legislators move to secure proper compensation and royalties for late singer, Ilerioluwa Aloba (Mohbad) for his musical works. Mohbad, a former signee of Naira Marley’s record label died at 27 under unclear circumstances on 12 September. The House had resolved to wade into the matter following the adoption of a motion moved by Hon. Babajimi Benson (APC, Lagos). Benson had called for a review of relevant laws guiding the entertainment industry as well as copyright laws, while expressing concerns about the contracts and agreements that entertainers are compelled to sign The lawmakers during the debate on the matter at the plenary session on ...

  Former President Goodluck Jonathan has visited President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, the nation’s capital. The visit comes 24 hours after the Supreme Court upheld Tinubu’s election in the keenly contested February 25, 2023 presidential poll. While the reason for Jonathan’s visit could not be ascertained, he, however, could be seen in a video congratulating Tinubu on the Supreme Court’s verdict. Briefing journalists after the closed-door meeting with the President, Jonathan said his visit was to inform Tinubu of some of his recent foreign engagements as well as some sundry issues affecting the country. He said the visit also afforded him the opportunity to congratulate the President over Thursday’s judgment, insisting that with the legal tussles over, the country must move forward. Acknowledging the numerous challenges facing Nigeria, Jonathan is optimistic that the country has all it takes to take the lead in Africa. “There are certain things we discussed that...

  Newcastle boss Eddie Howe says there is a "high chance" Sandro Tonali can play against Wolves on Saturday despite receiving a 10-month ban from football. Howe said the club are in "limbo" as they await confirmation of the ban. The 23-year-old was banned by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) on Thursday for breaching betting rules. "We've heard the news, the statement, but we haven't had anything from the Italian authorities at the moment," Howe said on Friday. "I think there's a high chance again that he could be available for us. I still think there are a few things that have to happen before the ban is imposed, so let's see." The ban is yet to be approved by governing bodies Uefa and Fifa. The FIGC said the Italy midfielder had breached a rule that prohibits players placing bets on football events organiszed by FIGC, UEFA and FIFA, and he has also been fined 20,000 euros (£17,380). It added that the federal prosecutor and ...

  The Supreme Court on Thursday upheld the victory of President Bola Tinubu in the February 25 presidential election. The apex court in its ruling held that the appeal filed by the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, lacked merit. “On the whole, having resolved all the issues against the appellant, it is my view that there is no merit in the appeal and it is hereby dismissed,” Justice Inyang Okoro said. “The judgment of the court below delivered on September 6th 2023 affirming the election of the second respondent as the duly elected President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is hereby affirmed.” Atiku had approached the court to overturn the judgment of the presidential election petition tribunal which affirmed Tinubu’s election as president. However, The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said that the Supreme Court verdict affirming President Bola Tinubu’s victory in February 2023 is disappointing and “thrashed” the expectations of Nigeria...

  President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday launched the 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Fund. Speaking at the brief ceremony which took place in the council chamber, President Tinubu said the country owes a debt of gratitude to her gallant troops who have risen to the challenge of securing the country. He emphasized the importance of providing a safe and secure environment, free from threats and criminal activities, where all residents can flourish and live in peace. Tinubu went on to underscore the government’s commitment of 18 billion naira that has been approved for the payments of the group Life Assurance benefits for the families of fallen heroes of the Nigerian armed forces.

  The Lagos State Government has sealed the Alaba International Market over poor waste disposal practices among others. This is according to the Lagos State Commissioner for Environment Tokunbo Wahab who tweeted this early Monday. “Alaba International Market, Ojo has been sealed up for poor waste disposal practices, failure to pay their waste bills, and gross environmental sanitation offences,” he wrote on X. The Lagos State government has been on a market-sealing and demolition spree as it recently sealed Mile 12 International Market and Owode Onirin Market along Ikorodu Road for indiscriminate dumping and burning of refuse. The state government had equally closed the popular Ladipo Auto Parts Market and others in Mushin and other establishments in the state for  acts of misconduct.

      Picture Credit - Tope Asokere Amnesty International has said that a total of fifteen protesters arrested in 2020 are still being grievously incarcerated three years after the #EndSARS protest that took place in Nigeria. According to a statement by the international non-governmental organization on the third anniversary of the protest, the majority of the protesters are in Kirikiri Medium Correctional Centre and Ikoyi Medium Security Correctional Centre in Lagos without trial. It noted that the Nigerian authorities have filed trumped-up charges including theft, arson, possession of unlawful firearms, and murder against many of the protesters, adding that some of those detained alleged that they had been subjected to torture. “Our investigation shows the Nigerian authorities’ utter disdain for human rights. Three years in detention without trial is a travesty of justice. This shows the authorities’ contempt for due process of law. The protesters must be immediately an...

        Picture Credit- Gaza 1400 Heavy goods vehicles  conveying humanitarian aid for war-torn and trapped Gaza started traveling toward the Rafah border crossing from Egypt Saturday, a security source and an Egyptian Red Crescent official told AFP. Egyptian state television showed several trucks entering the gate on the 15th day of the war between Israel and Hamas, the militant movement which rules the Palestinian enclave of 2.4 million people. Israel has been bombing Gaza since Hamas’ bloody surprise attack of October 7. The Islamist group stormed into Israel from the Gaza Strip and killed at least 1,400 people, mostly civilians who were shot, mutilated or burnt to death on the first day of the raid, according to Israeli officials, also taking more than 200 people hostage. Israel has declared a total siege on Gaza and cut off supplies of water, electricity, fuel and food, creating chronic shortages. Rafah is the only route into Gaza that is not controlled by...

  The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will use 46,084 regular and ad hoc staff for the off-cycle governorship election coming up in November in Imo, Bayelsa and Kog states. Chairman of the Commission, Mahmood Yakubu, made this known in his remarks at a meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners held at the INEC Conference Room, Abuja on Friday. According to him, the three elections will involve 5,409,438 registered voters that will vote in 10,510 polling units spread across 649 electoral Wards in 56 Local Government Areas. He added that so far, all non-sensitive materials for the election have been delivered to the three States. While noting that other preparatory activities, including training, are on course, Yakubu said that valuable lessons have been learnt from the 2023 General Election for improved performance in the forthcoming elections. He also said that INEC has so far accredited 126 national and international organisations collectively deploying 11,000...

                                 Image Credit- Muazz Most of the 200 or so people kidnapped in Israel by Hamas militants and taken to the Gaza Strip are still alive, the Israeli military said on Friday. “The majority of the hostages are alive. There were also dead bodies that were taken… to the Gaza Strip,” an army statement said. The military said more than 20 hostages were children, while between 10 and 20 were over the age of 60. There are also between 100 and 200 people considered missing since the Hamas attacks, the army added. On October 7, the Palestinian militant group carried out a deadly assault on Israel, the worst in the country’s 75-year history, killing more than 1,400 people, mostly civilians who were shot, mutilated or burnt to death on the first day of the raid, according to Israeli officials. Israel has responded with a relentless bombardment that has killed at least 3,785 people in t...

  The Federal Government of Nigeria on Thursday announced that the Third Mainland Bridge will be close to traffic from Saturday, October 21, 2023 to Sunday, October 22, 2023 for repairs. The Federal Controller of Works, Lagos, Engr O. I. Kesha, who made this known in a statement, encouraged motorists to use alternative routes during the period of the palliative works. Reacting, Kesha said the government is currently working on plans to carry out comprehensive repairs of Third Mainland Bridge. “However, in order to alleviate the pains currently being experienced on the bridge, the Ministry would be carrying out palliative works on the most critically failed sections along the Adeniji bound carriageway on Sunday, 22nd October, 2023 preparatory to the comprehensive repair works,” the statement partly read. “In view of the foregoing, the motoring public are advised to cooperate with the traffic management officials by obeying and observing all diversions as directed. “However, motorist...

                        Image Credit- Diva President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday launched the Renewed Hope Conditional Cash Transfer for 15 million households. The event happened concisely  on the World Poverty Eradication Day at the Press Gallery of the State House in Abuja. The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume represented the President at the event. In attendance are the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Eradication, Betta Edu; Minister Of Finance, Wale Edun; World Bank Country Director, Shubham Chaudhuri; and the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator For Nigeria, Matthias Schmale; among other dignitaries. The President had in his maiden Independence Day broadcast to Nigerians on October 1, 2023 announced the cash transfer programme which he said would target vulnerable citizens. The 15 million households, according to the humanitarian affairs minister, represents 62 millio...

                                        Picture Credit - Karolina Grabowska Nigeria’s inflation rate rose to 26.72% in September 2023 in the middle of rising food prices and harsh economic realities caused by the removal of fuel subsidy in May. This was according to the September 2023 Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Inflation Report released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) on Monday. The CPI, which measures the changes in the prices of goods and services, rose from 25.80% in August 2023 with an increase of 0.92% points. “In September 2023, the headline inflation rate increased to 26.72% relative to the August 2023 headline inflation rate which was 25.80%,” the report partly read. “Looking at the movement, the September 2023 headline inflation rate showed an increase of 0.92% points when compared to the August 2023 headline inflation rate. “On a year-on-year basis, the headline ...

  Nigeria’s Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and Speaker, House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, have been pushed to “reject the recently reintroduced social media regulation bill.” In a statement on Sunday, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) said that the passage of the bill “would unduly restrict the rights to freedom of expression and privacy,” and suggested President Bola Tinubu’s administration to stop its efforts to drive technological firms like Google and YouTube to restrict such “fundamental human rights. ” The group’s deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, believes the bill would “criminalise the legitimate and lawful exercise of human rights.” Warning that the passage of the bill “would unduly restrict the rights to freedom of expression and privacy,” the group asked President Bola Tinubu’s administration to stop its efforts to compel technological firms like Google and YouTube to restrict such “fundamental human rights.” The statement read...

  The Lagos State Government, on Friday, announced the immediate closure of Mile 12 International and Owode Onirin markets. According to a statement signed by the Director of Public Affairs, Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, Kunle Adeshina, the markets were sealed for filth and various environmental infractions. He stated that the markets were closed in a joint operation carried out by enforcement officers from the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and Lagos Environmental Sanitation Corps (KAI) on the directives of the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab. Speaking on the operation, Wahab insisted on zero tolerance for filth in all markets in the state. He underscored the importance of stringent sanitation measures in Lagos markets, noting that cleanliness and adherence to environmental regulations were essential for a healthy city. He said, “Recent events at Mile 12 and Owode Onirin markets have brought to light the pressing need fo...

  President Bola Tinubu on Thursday approved the appointment of Mr. Ola Olukoyede to serve as the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission .   Presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, announced this in a statement on Thursday. Ngelale explained that Olukoyede’s appointment is for a renewable term of four years in the first instance, pending Senate confirmation. The leadership of the country’s focal anti-graft agency has experienced shakeup in the last few months since the assumption of President on May 29, 2023. On June 14, 2023, the President suspended Abdulrasheed Bawa indefinitely as the anti-graft agency boss. Bawa was suspended “to allow for proper investigation into his conduct while in office”. The action followed “weighty” allegations of abuse of office levelled against him. The President subsequently directed the Director of Operations at the Commission, Abdulkarim Chukkol, to step in as acting EFCC chair while the Department of State Serv...

     Image Courtesy- Hasan Huseyin -yucel NATO countries on Thursday told Israel’s defence minister they stood by his country after the attack by Hamas, but urged his forces to respond with “proportionality”, the alliance said. Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant briefed his counterparts from the US-led military alliance via videolink as his country’s military carries out a bombing campaign after Islamist militants killed over 1,200 people, mostly civilians. “Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said that NATO condemned the terrorist attacks in the strongest possible terms, adding: ‘Israel does not stand alone’,” NATO said in a statement. “Allies expressed solidarity with Israel, making clear that it has the right to defend itself with proportionality against these unjustifiable acts of terror.” NATO countries “called for Hamas to immediately release all hostages, and for the fullest possible protection of civilians. Allies also made clear that no nation or organisation s...

      Image Credit- David Iloba The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has downgraded Nigeria’s economic growth forecast for the year 2023 to 2.9%. This is against its forecast for 2022 which stood at 3.3 %. The latest forecasts were contained in the IMF’s World Economic Outlook report, October 2023 released on the sidelines of the ongoing World Bank/IMF Annual Meetings in Marrakesh, Morocco. “For Nigeria, in particular, we have a growth forecast that goes from 3.3 per cent this year [2022] to 2.9 per cent next year [2023], before going up to 3.1 per cent in 2024. There is a downward revision for this year.” According to the IMF, “Partly, this is because of the demonetization, the high inflation, and the shocks to agriculture and hydrocarbon output. That is coming on top of those external headwinds,” IMF bemoaned the negative effects of high inflation on consumption of goods and services across the continent of Africa “Inflation is peaking but is still in double digits for...

    Image Credit- Martin Diambolat The Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, Mele Kyari, outlines that Nigeria will become a net exporter of petroleum products by next year. Speaking at the PENGASSAN Energy and Labour Summit 2023 in Abuja on Monday, Kyari said as a resource-dependent country, Nigeria should not be exporting 100 percent of its crude as it does at present. “Today, we export 100 per cent of our productions, no resource-dependent country does this and that is why we must deliver on our mandate. I don’t want to speak about it; when it is done, you will see it,” Kyari said. “So, I don’t want to tell you we are going to revamp our refineries. That is too much of PowerPoint talks. So, it will be done and you will see it. I don’t want to speak about it, we are tired of speaking about it. “But what we must achieve is that this country must be a net exporter of petroleum products and this is within sight.” “I strongly believe ...

  Pastor Ojo Oluwasesan A pastor, said to be of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Ojo David Oluwasesan is alleged to have committed a financial scam, totaling 46,000 million Naira. Alhaja Oladipupo Ganiyat  met Pastor Ojo Oluwasesan in GTB, Oyo town Nigeria about 5 years ago and Ojo introduced himself as  AIICO insurance  financial adviser and also  a pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God at sanctuary cathedral, opposite Adekitan filling station in Ojongbodu area, Oyo Nigeria. He was able to sell 'Deffered annuity insurance' of 5million Naira to his new client and promised that  the premium  certificate will be ready in  6 months to a year.  In January 2023 Ojo presented himself as a travel Agent that could process Visas to  US, Canada, Ireland and Australia. She introduced more clients and they made some payments.  In May 2023, he organized fake biometrics in Saudi, Lagos and Abuja. The case was report...

  The Nigerian government has expressed concern over warfare between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strips and has called for a de-escalation and ceasefire. Channels Television reports the worst fighting in decades has killed more than 200 Israelis and wounded over 1,000, leaving bodies of civilians strewn on roads, while on the Gaza side at least 313 have died and over 1,700 were reported wounded. In a statement on Saturday, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, said the escalation between both countries would result in an unending cycle of pain and suffering for the civilian population, advising that both parties should exercise restraint and prioritise the safety of civilians. He urged both parties to create room for humanitarian considerations, calling for dialogue. “The Federal Government of Nigeria, therefore, calls on both sides to exercise restraint, prioritise the safety of civilians and give room for humanitarian considerations. We are therefore calling for a peace...

The Lagos State Police Command has identified Ms Feyisayo Ogedengbe, an auxiliary nurse, as the prime suspect in Mohbad’s death, while Naira Marley, Sam Larry, Primeboy, and one other have been named suspects. Mohbad, whose real name is Ilerioluwa Aloba, died on September 12 at the age of 27. His death has since become a subject of controversy as old videos of the Afrobeats singer alleging bullying and physical assault resurfaced. “Five suspects have so far been identified, arrested, detained, and interrogated on their alleged roles in the sequence of events that led to the death of the singer,” the Commissioner of Police, Idowu Owohunwa, said in a press briefing on Friday. He added that Ogedengbe administered “multiple and highly potent” injections to Mohbad, whose real name is Ilerioluwa Aloba. Owohunwa revealed that the injections, consisting of Tetanus Toxoid, paracetamol, and Cetrazone — an antibiotic — were administered at Mobad’s residence on September 12. The medications were s...

  The Supreme Court has fixed December 15 to deliver its judgement on the appeal that is seeking to compel the Federal Government to release the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, from detention. A five-member panel led by Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun fixed the date after counsel for both the Federal Government and the detained IPOB leader adopted their final briefs of argument. While Kanu Agabi led Kanu’s team of lawyers, Mike Ozehkome, presented his appeal to the apex court panel. Ozehkome prayed the court to not only order the immediate release of his client from detention but to equally award very heavy and punitive costs against the Federal Government. In his submission, however, counsel to the Federal Government, Tijani Gazzali, urged the apex court to uphold the amended brief of argument he filed on May 3, 2023. He prayed the court to allow FG’s appeal, set aside the judgement of the Court of Appeal which ordered Kanu’s release and order the resump...

  The 2030 World Cup will be held across six countries in three continents, Fifa has confirmed. Spain, Portugal and Morocco have been named as the co-hosts, with the opening three matches taking place in Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay. The opening matches in South America are to mark the World Cup's centenary as it will be 100 years since the inaugural tournament in Montevideo. The decision is set to be ratified at a Fifa congress next year. Fifa also confirmed only bids from countries from the Asian Football Confederation and the Oceania Football Confederation will be considered for the 2034 finals. Following that decision, Saudi Arabia announced it would be bidding to host the tournament in 2034 for the first time. The deadline for prospective hosts to submit confirmations of interest is 31 October. Fifa's decision to host the 2030 tournament across multiple continents has drawn criticism, with one supporter's body accusing football's world governing body of engaging...

  The Lagos State Police Command, on Wednesday, declared Owodunni Ibrahim, also known as Primeboy, wanted in regard to the death of singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, aka Mohbad. This was disclosed in a statement posted on the Instagram page of the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, on Wednesday. The statement reads, "Following his failure to honour police invitation successfully sent to him since the commencement of investigation into the circumstances leading to the death of Mr Ilerioluwa Aloba aka Mohbad, the Lagos State Police Command hereby declares wanted Owodunni Ibrahim aka Primeboy." It further reads, "The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Idowu Owohunwa, hereby offers a handsome reward of N1,000,000 to anyone with useful information leading to his arrest. "Ibrahim is approximately 1.64-m tall, male, dark-complexioned with tribal marks and Yoruba by tribe. His last known address is 3rd Power, Oke Eletu, Ikorodu. "If see...

  Chicago Fire have offered a financial incentive for fans attending Wednesday's MLS match against Inter Miami, whose star player Lionel Messi could miss out through injury. Chicago Fire have sold more than 61,000 tickets for the game at Soldier Field. Seven-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi has missed Miami's past three matches. Fire will give $250 (£207) credit towards "new memberships for the 2024 season" or $50 (£41) credit to "single-game ticket buyers". They said fans would receive the credit "regardless of which players are able to make an appearance on the pitch". A Fire statement read: "While we don't yet know the official status of Lionel Messi's availability for our match tomorrow, as there's never a guarantee that an athlete will play on any given night due to several factors, we understand that many of our fans may be disappointed if they don't get the chance to see him play. "We realise that there will be man...