The family of Nigerian artiste Innocent Idibia, popularly known as Tuface, on Friday petitioned the State Security Service (SSS), declaring him missing.

In the petition, submitted by their legal representatives, Anuge, Anuge & Co, to the SSS’ director general, the Idibia family said the artiste was last seen in the early hours of Monday.

“We are writing to urgently seek your assistance regarding a profoundly troubling situation involving a member of the Idibia Family, Mr Innocent Idibia (also known as Tuface or 2Baba), who our client reasonably believes may be missing since Monday, 10 February 2025.

“We believe that Mr Innocent left his residence in the early hours of 10 February 2025 in his loungewear, suggestive that he was going on his habitual walk, but never returned home since then,” the petition read.

According to the petition, all efforts by family, his record label, and friends to reach or locate him have been proven futile.

The family said that by the reason of Tuface’s celebrity status, he is supposed to be escorted by guards, but he wasn’t on the day he was last seen.

“By reason of his celebrity status. It’s established protocol for Mr Innocent to be accompanied by protective guards wherever he goes. However, on the day he was last seen, he left his residence unaccompanied by his protective guards, his personal assistant, or any of his staff.

“This disturbing discovery and the fact that those who ought to hear from him have not heard from him for over 72 hours left his entire family deeply concerned,” the family said.

The singer’s family urged the SSS to intervene, investigate the matter, and ensure the artiste’s safety. They raised concerns that it was unusual for him to go missing and abandon his work for prolonged hours.

They said many of the singer’s friends received “alarming” messages from “what appears to be his social media accounts” seeking financial aid, thereby raising concerns that the “African Queen” crooner may have been abducted.

“These messages are alarming, as Mr Innocent is financially independent and has never required assistance in such a manner. This has led his family to suspect that his identity may have been compromised and that someone may have abducted him and is actively manipulating him to exploit his contacts for monetary gain,” they said.

The petition comes hours after Rose Idibia, the mother of the star artiste, cried out to Natasha Osawaru to “free her son,” shortly after Tuface publicly proposed to the 31-year-old Edo lawmaker.

“He’s clearly not in his right senses now. I know my son. This is not him,” the mother said.

The 49-year-old singer has continued to make headlines after he announced separation from his wife and actress Annie Macaulay.

Ahead of Saturday’s Katsina State Local Government election, the state police command has announced the restriction of human and vehicular movement from 6 am to 4 pm of the same day within the state.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Sadiq, in a statement made available to newsmen late Thursday, said the measure was aimed at maintaining law and order before, during and after the poll.

He said, ”In light of the upcoming local government election, which is scheduled to take place on Saturday, February 15, 2025, there will be restrictions on the movement of individuals and vehicles from 0600 hrs – 1600hrs within the state.

“This measure has been put in place to maintain law and order, as well as the security of the electorate to enable them to cast their votes without interference.

“The Commissioner of Police, Katsina State Command, CP Allyu Abubakar Musa, psc+, urges residents and all stakeholders in the state to comply with these movement restrictions in the interest of promoting a peaceful and transparent electoral exercise.

“Adequate security arrangements have been made to enforce the restrictions and to ensure the safety of all voters and election officials.”

He further called on eligible voters to come out and participate in the election and exercise their civic responsibility in a peaceful and orderly manner.

Meanwhile, earlier, the Chairman, Katsina State Independent Electoral Commission, Lawal Alhassan, told reporters at a press briefing on Thursday that the commission has commenced the distribution of sensitive electrical materials to all the 34 local government areas of the state.

He said the commission will start the distribution of especially far-reaching local government areas for early access as well as to avoid late arrival of materials.

He said, “I wish to let this all-important gathering know that, adequate arrangements were made by the commission and other security agencies to transport these materials to their respective destinations intact and safely.

“I equally want to inform you that all necessary arrangements were made for a hitch-free conduct of the exercise. Already the commission had recruited and trained over 20,000 ad-hoc staff who will undertake the exercise in all the designated Polling Units across the state, as non-sensitive election materials were distributed last week.

“The commission had this time planned to make the distribution of the sensitive election materials early in order to enable the timely distributions to all the designated centres across the 34 Local Government Areas, 361 political wards and 6,652 polling units in the state.

“On behalf of the commission, I therefore, call on the electorate to be rest assured that this time around, there will be no issue of late arrival of sensitive election materials to all the polling centres. I also want to let this gathering know that dedicated mobile telephone lines will be made public for genuine complaints to the commission on election day.”

Four people have died and four more were injured in a fire in South Korea’s southern port city of Busan on Friday, the National Fire Agency said.

The fire started just before 11am (0200 GMT) at a construction site at the Banyan Tree Hotel, authorities said.

Around 10 workers were on-site at the time, local media said.

Six of them experienced “cardiac arrest”, a National Fire Agency official told AFP, with four now confirmed dead.

Four others sustained injuries and the fire has yet to be fully extinguished, the official added.

The fire is believed to have started on the first floor of the construction site where workers had stored insulation materials, a fire department told reporters.

South Korea’s acting president Choi Sang-mok ordered relevant ministries to “fully mobilise all available personnel and equipment to extinguish the fire,” according to the finance ministry.

“Every effort must be made to prevent casualties during search and rescue operations, while also ensuring the safety of firefighters,” Choi said.

The incident comes just weeks after an Air Busan plane caught fire at the Gimhae International Airport, prompting 176 to evacuate and leaving seven injured.

UK law enforcement officers have arrested six people wanted in Belgium over their suspected involvement in a people-trafficking ring, the National Crime Agency said on Thursday.

NCA officers detained the men, all Afghan nationals, on Wednesday in Leicester, Birmingham and Coventry, all in central England, and Essex in south east England.

The detentions come as part of coordinated action in Belgium and Italy launched after Belgian courts issued a warrant for their arrests.

Belgian prosecutors allege that the group, active since 2022, helped organise the transport of migrants from Afghanistan through Iran, Turkey and the Balkans into western Europe, mainly France and Belgium.

The gang is also accused of helping migrants who had their asylum claims rejected in Belgium to travel to the UK on small boats.

Three of the men appeared at London’s Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, where extradition proceedings began, and the remaining three suspects are due to appear later on Thursday.

“These men were allegedly part of a dangerous and harmful criminal network which moved migrants across the world, through Europe and eventually into northern Europe and the UK,” said NCA Deputy Director Craig Turner.

“The threat posed by organised immigration crime is chronic and enduring, and we currently have 70 live investigations into the gangs involved in it,” he added.

In December, the NCA arrested three men in the UK for similar offences, as part of separate investigation.

The three are now awaiting extradition to Belgium, where a court has sentenced 20 members of their gang to a total of 170 years imprisonment.

Priscilla Ojo, daughter of actress Iyabo Ojo, has expressed confidence and optimism on her recent marriage to Tanzanian singer Juma Jux.

Speaking at a gathering with loved ones, Priscilla highlighted the strong foundation of friendship they have built, which she believes will help them navigate life’s challenges together.

Despite acknowledging the societal pressures and fears surrounding marriage, Priscilla said she remains steadfast in her commitment, asserting that her marriage will be a unique and peaceful journey guided by her faith.

She said: “I’m young, there’s a lot of distraction on this journey and it tells me to go with the flow. During the process, this was more than I expected. It is not about social media, me and my husband are about peace.

“There are a lot of scary things about marriage, but I see us as friends. My story will be different. This is a journey God has pointed out and no man can stop.”

The Nigeria Customs Service (NSC) has intercepted a highly disturbing number of arms and ammunition smuggled into the country.

The values of the large arms and ammunition are yet to be disclosed.

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, is already in Lagos to address journalists at the Federal Operation Unit (FOU) Zone “A”, Ikeja, Lagos.

Details Shortly…

Renowned gospel film producer and founder of Mount Zion Faith Drama Ministry, Mike Bamiloye, has paid tribute to late actress Toluwalope Adegboyega-Alagbe, popularly known as Flora in the Abattoir film series.

In a Facebook post, Bamiloye described the late actress as a soldier who has completed her mission on earth.

He emphasised that her death is not a loss but a transition to eternal rest.

The veteran producer also encouraged colleagues in the Christian film industry to remain steadfast and continue producing faith-based content despite the loss.

He wrote: “We are soldiers on the battlefield, Jesus is our commander. When He Calls Our Names, we shall Answer A Million Times! And when He calls us home to rest at any time, He has prepared a Mansion for us in Heaven! When you cross over to Heaven, you forget all Pains and Griefs. NO SHAKING!

“Tolu left a great impact and was called home to heaven! WE SHALL CONTINUE TILL THE END! No Shaking! THE DEVIL CAN NOT TOUCH US WITHOUT GOD KNOWING ABOUT IT! We will not keep quiet!

“WE MOVE!!!! More ABATTOIRS! More ABEJOYES!!! 10,000 of Demons are Not Enough to Shut us down! 100,000 of Una! They that dwell in the Secret Place of the Most High! Shall Abide under the Shadows of the Almighty!

“NO PANIC! No Shaking! Rest Well Tolu in the Gardens of Paradise! The Rest of Us, Get up on your Feet! E niso ni Film Locations! Proceed to Film Locations in towns and Villages! ISE SESE BERE NI! We MOVE!!!!”

Toluwalope passed away on February 4, 2025, from injuries sustained in a December 2024 car accident on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

Oyo Chief Judge, Justice Iyabo Yerima, has rejected application of the Oloko of Oko in Ogbomoso area, Oba Solomon Akinola, who is standing trial with 14 others in a case of attempted murder and land grabbing.

The monarch and 14 other defendants had filed an application seeking transfer of the case from the State High Court, Ibadan to the State High Court in Ogbomosho, where most of the trial took place.

According to Justice K.A Adedokun of the State High Court Ibadan, the CJ turned down the monarch’s application to transfer to High Court in Ogbomoso to start afresh after the prosecution has closed their case.

The judge further said that he would not be able to deliver the earlier scheduled ruling on the no case submission filed by the defendants because the new defense counsel had written the Oyo Chief Judge to stop him from further adjudicating on the case.

He said that the previous counsel handling the case, Mr M.O. Folorunsho had withdrawn because he had been appointed as a Judge in Kwara State.

Justice Adedokun said that the new defense counsel that took over the matter wanted the case to start afresh.

According to the judge, the new defense counsel also wanted the case to be transferred back to Ogbomoso State High Court where most of the trials took place.

“However, the Chief Judge refused to grant their prayers and insisted that I should continue handling the matter.

“The Chief Judge also said that it would be unfair and unjust to start the case afresh because all the rigorous time and resources expended by the prosecution on the trials would be a waste and that some of the witnesses have even died.

“I received the letter directing me to continue handling the case just yesterday,”the judge said.

Adedokun fixed March 19 as new date for ruling on the no case submission filed by defendants.

The other 14 defendants standing trial with Akinola include: Chief Sunday Aderinto, Chief Jimoh Asimiyu, Timothy Aderinto, Matthew Akintaro, Rafiu Ganiu and Adejare Adeleru.

Other defendants are. Samson Ogunmola Zacheaus Adeleru, Kamorudeen Ajibade, Raji Rasaq, Mutiu Arowosaye, Oyeyemi Oyelekan Olusegun Oyelekan and Sheriff Adio.

The defendants had pleaded not guilty to a 29-count charge bordering on alleged attempted murder, assault, robbery, stealing and land grabbing.

X owner Elon Musk has agreed to pay his ally Donald Trump $10 million to settle a Twitter-era lawsuit against the social media company over the suspension of the politician’s account in the wake of the January 6 Capitol insurrection in 2021.

Mr Trump was banned from X, then known as Twitter, two days after his supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol building on the day former President Joe Biden’s election victory against him was being certified by the U.S. Congress.

The social media platform, under previous ownership, accused Mr Trump of using his account to instigate violence on that day, prompting Mr Trump to sue the company in July 2021, claiming the suspension violated his First Amendment right to free speech.

A U.S. district judge dismissed the lawsuit the following year. However, Mr Trump’s lawyers immediately appealed the ruling, pending since Mr Musk purchased the company for 44 billion in late 2022 and as of last week.

Subsequently, Mr Musk renamed the platform to X and reinstated Mr Trump’s account a month after buying the company but automatically inherited Mr Trump’s lawsuit against the platform.

However, X has now agreed to pay Mr Trump $10 million to settle the lawsuit, even after Mr Musk and the platform played crucial roles in the president’s re-election victory during the presidential election.

Mr Musk is heavily involved in the Trump administration as head of the Department of Government Efficiency, tasked with cutting federal government spending.

The Acting Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Prof. Joseph I. Ikechebelu, has ordered investigation into a shocking altercation in which a student allegedly bit and physically confronted her lecturer.

A spokesman of the school, Njelita Louis, said the management of the institution would impose the appropriate sanction on any of the parties found culpable.

A statement by the Acting Head of Information, Public Relations, and Protocol, Njelita Louis, emphasised the university’s commitment to discipline and decorum.

He assured that appropriate actions and sanctions would be taken based on the outcome of the investigation.

The statement reads: “The Management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, has been made aware of a disturbing incident involving Dr. Chukwudi Okoye, a lecturer in the Department of Theatre Arts and Film Studies and Goddy Mbakwe Precious a 3rd year student in the department of History and International Studies.

“The incident, which has gained significant attention on social media, is being taken very seriously by the university authorities.

“In line with our core values of discipline, self-reliance, and excellence, and in adherence to the principles of fair hearing, equity, and justice, the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Joseph I. Ikechebelu, has ordered a full-scale, transparent, and unbiased investigation into the matter.

According to Njelita: “We urge all concerned parties and members of the public to remain calm as we diligently pursue the truth.

“The university is committed to upholding discipline and decorum, and we will ensure that appropriate actions and sanctions are taken based on the outcome of the investigation.”

He said that the Nnamdi Azikiwe University remains an institution of learning that upholds high moral and ethical standards.

“There is no place for indiscipline, misconduct, or any form of unacceptable behaviour within our community.

“Further updates will be provided as necessary,” Njelita added.

In viral video on Tuesday, a third-year student in the Department of History and International Studies, Goddy Precious, was seen around the corridors dancing in front of her phone, capturing a TikTok moment when the lecturer, Dr. Chukwudi Michael Okoye, walked from behind.

The lecturer gently tapped the female student on the shoulder, asking her to give way but the student was pissed by the lecturer’s action and interruption of her video moment.

However, the situation escalated into a physical confrontation when Okoye overheard the student insulting him and returned to confront her.

Upon returning, he noticed she was recording a video. Not wanting to be captured, he reached for the student’s phone but she aggressively grabbed his clothes. During the struggle, she bit him multiple times and tore his clothes.

In a statement circulating on social media, Okoye narrating what happened, claimed that after walking past the student, he overheard her insulting him and decided to return to verify if she was one of his students.

He then reportedly demanded that she delete the video in which he appeared, which led to the altercation.

In the process, the lecturer alleged that the student bit him on both arms, tore his clothes, slapped and scratched his face.

The lecturer’s account reads: “My theatre arts people, I had just left hall 19, where Dr Ebekue (another lecturer) was teaching. Walking along the passage, I saw a girl doing a video with her phone (she had placed the phone on the window hood and was striking poses in the middle of the walkway),” he said.

“Tapping her slightly, I asked her to excuse me as I walked past. After about two or three steps, I heard her say, ‘Who does this man think he is?’ I walked back to ascertain first if she was my student and second to make sure she deleted the video showing where I passed.

However, in her account, Ms Mbakwe said she was recording a video when she felt someone push her and said “excuse me”.

“Initially, I thought it was a student, but when I turned around, I was shocked to see a man –a lecturer unbeknownst to me. I whispered to my friend, ‘Omo, see how this lecturer pushed me,’ and my friend tried to reassure me,” she wrote.

The student said someone immediately tried to grab her phone from behind her but she held on tightly before turning to see it was the same person who interrupted her video.

“Mind you, I didn’t even know he was a lecturer. I pleaded with him, ‘sorry sir, why are you dragging my phone? But he remained silent, tugging at my phone until it fell and broke,” she said.

She also claimed the lecturer grabbed her “breast region and said unspeakable things” to her.

“I was left stunned, trying to comprehend the horror unfolding before me. As I realised my cleavage was exposed, I begged him to let me go, but he ignored my pleas, holding me firmly. His nails and clutches left certain prints and scratches on my chest rather,” she wrote.

“I was mortified. I tried to cover myself, pulling my dress together, and exclaimed in desperation, ‘Sir, I’ll hold you oh!’. I didn’t mean to threaten him; I just wanted him to release me. But he wouldn’t budge.

“In a split second, I bit his hands, hoping he’d let go. That was when I held his clothes and accidentally tore his shirt.

“The situation escalated, with some students intervening and in no time, I saw theatre arts students (from his department) approaching me with weapons. I was so terrified and hurt. The securities eventually arrive, taking me away in their van.”

Celebrity designer Toyin Lawani has shared her personal experience with epidural anesthesia, warning expectant and new mothers about the potential risks associated with the pain-relieving injection.

In a video posted on Instagram, Lawani revealed that she has been dealing with severe back pain, spine degeneration and even paralysis since receiving the epidural injection during childbirth.

The mother of three expressed frustration that doctors often do not fully educate women about the potential long-term side effects of epidurals, leaving them uninformed and vulnerable.

She said: “When you hear ‘epidural,’ run. Doctors tell you about the side effects but do not tell you about the long term effects on your body. I have about three friends having the same issues that I am having.

“Like, I am just 42, how did I end up with spine issues? I have a degenerating spine. I have implants in my spine. I go paralyzed. I can’t stand for a long time. I can’t even breath properly some times because it affected so many things in my body when I had the surgery.

“They will not tell you because you just want the pain to go away. I have had two epidurals. I had my first as natural birth. The last two were epidural. The last one I had epidural because I had to undergo a surgery and I had no choice.

“See, the pain does not stop. My back is killing me and my spine is degenerating.”

The Federal Government yesterday said going forward, the possession of National Identity Number (NIN) shall be a prerequisite for citizens to access social services.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, who gave the indication said the poor and vulnerable population would need NIN to benefit from palliatives.

Akume spoke while declaring open an Inter-Ministerial retreat on the Nigeria Digital Identification for Development (ID4D) Project at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.

Represented by Prof Babatunde Bolaji, the SGF said providing digital identity for all Nigerians is a cardinal focus of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

He urged all government agencies to support the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) in establishing a robust and inclusive national identity system.

Head, Corporate Communications Unit at NIMC, Kayode Adegoke, in a statement, explained that the SGF also commended the NIMC Director-General, Engr. (Dr.) Abisoye Coker-Odusote, for her dedication and commitment to fulfilling the Commission’s mandate.

The SGF who is also the Chairman of the Project Ecosystem Steering Committee (PESC) of the Nigeria Digital Identification for Development (ID4D) Project assured the DG of his willingness to support the commission in pursuing reforms that will reposition it through the Nigeria Digital Identification for Development Project.

Similarly, the Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Tanko Sununu, lauded the NIMC leadership and the ID4D team for their achievements so far.

He also reiterated his Ministry’s collaboration with NIMC to ensure that the NIN is used to access social services and palliatives meant for vulnerable populations across the country.

The NIMC DG/CEO, represented by the Technical Assistant on Policy and Partnerships, Ayobami Abiola, expressed gratitude to the SGF and the Minister. She assured the PESC members of the Commission’s readiness to deliver on its mandate.

“The enthusiasm and collaborative spirit displayed at this retreat are truly encouraging,” said the NIMC Director-General, who is also the Secretary of the PESC.

“Our discussions today have not only highlighted our achievements but also paved the way for innovative solutions to the challenges ahead.

“We are confident that with sustained inter-agency collaboration and support from all critical stakeholders, we will fast-track our mission to reposition the national identity system, making it more robust and inclusive, ensuring that every Nigerian and legal resident has a verifiable digital identity and that no one is left behind,” she added.

The retreat was attended by key members of the Project Ecosystem Steering Committee and other strategic partners, who reviewed the progress of the Nigeria Digital Identification for Development (ID4D) Project, celebrated milestone achievements and engaged in robust discussions to address implementation challenges.

The European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, Maros Sefcovic, has said that the European Union will respond firmly and proportionately to the tariffs imposed by the U.S.

“We deeply regret this. In our opinion, the tariffs are unjustified because they will lead to an increase in prices and inflation,’’ Mr Sefcovic said.

Mr Sefcovic said this in a speech to members of the European Parliament (MEPs) in Strasbourg on Tuesday.

Describing the move as lose-lose scenario, he warned that the tariffs were economically counterproductive but emphasised the EU’s willingness to engage in a “constructive dialogue.’’

He said, “We will keep all communication channels open. The EU is ready for any challenges that may arise in the field of trade. When necessary, we will defend our openness, industry, and single market.’’

Earlier, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminium imports from the EU would “trigger firm and proportionate countermeasures.

“I deeply regret the U.S. decision to impose tariffs on European steel and aluminium exports. Tariffs are taxes bad for business, worse for consumers,’’ she said in a statement.

“Unjustified tariffs on the EU will not go unanswered; the EU will act to safeguard its economic interests.

“We will protect our workers, businesses, and consumers,” Ms Von der Leyen said.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced Monday that steel and aluminium imports would be subject to a 25-per cent tariff upon entering the U.S., regardless of their country of origin.

Some residents of New Nyanya in the Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State have attributed the high rate of teenage pregnancy to poor parental upbringing and neglect.

The residents, who spoke in separate interviews with journalists in New Nyanya on Tuesday, also attributed the problem to moral decadence among teenagers.

They also said that because of poverty, some parents also encourage their female children to engage in immoral acts to meet family needs.

A housewife, Victoria Simeon, said parents, especially some mothers, have failed in their responsibilities in training their female children.

According to her, it is obvious that mothers are closer to their children than their fathers, and they are supposed to guide and teach the child moral values.

Ms Simeon added that it had been proven that neglected children were more likely to get pregnant.

She said, “It is, however, crucial that parental guidance is very important for children to prevent any form of abuse.”

She said that neglecting children could also result in emotional, sexual, and physical abuse of the child.

“Neglected children are likely to have the highest rate of teenage pregnancy, as well as being at the risk of dropping out of school,” she stated.

A civil servant, Ben Okorocha, said that one of the major reasons for pregnancy among teenagers was poverty, adding that it made most people do things without knowing the implications.

Mr Okorocha explained that poverty contributed massively, as some of the girl children were exposed to hawking on the streets daily.

He stated, “Parents should be dedicated to their children, particularly their girl child, and show concern in their day-to-day activities. Moral decadence has become the order of the day; we are in a generation where morality is no longer given priority and parents are no longer concerned about how they bring up their children.”

He stressed that the kind of food that being consumed by children of this generation was a thing of concern because it makes them grow abnormally.

Also, a businessman, Elvis Onyibe, advised parents to be close to their children, adding that education without sound moral upbringing could be counterproductive.

“We need to know who they communicate with, what they eat, what they wear, even how they think.
All these are positive traces in child development; this can go a long way in shaping the development of a child and reducing crimes in society,’’ Mr Onyibe said.

According to him, it is necessary for parents to know what their children eat wear and how they go about it.

He said, “We also need to engage them regularly and build confidence, ask them questions, and know who their friends are.”

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty said Arab states have rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s widely condemned plan to displace Palestinians from Gaza and take control of the enclave.

During a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington, Mr Abdelatty emphasised the need to expedite Gaza’s reconstruction while Palestinians remained there.

A statement from the U.S. State Department, following the meeting, did not directly address Mr Trump’s plan but stressed the importance of close cooperation for Gaza’s governance and security, stating that Hamas should never again govern Gaza or threaten Israel.

According to Egypt’s foreign ministry, Mr Abdelatty expressed hope of working with the new U.S. administration to achieve “comprehensive and just peace and stability” in the region.

He also met with U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, where he reiterated similar points.

The Palestinian leadership, supported by neighbouring Arab states, rejected any proposal to displace Palestinians from Gaza; a region they see as part of an independent state.

This has been a long-standing concern since the Israel-Gaza conflict intensified in October 2023.

Mr Trump’s initial suggestion on January 25 that Egypt and Jordan should accept Palestinians from Gaza sparked significant backlash.

His later proposals for a U.S. takeover of Gaza and the potential permanent displacement of Palestinians had been widely criticised, with rights advocates and the United Nations calling it ethnic cleansing.

The ongoing Israeli military assault, which has killed more than 47,000 Palestinians in the past 16 months, has caused immense suffering, displacement, and a hunger crisis in Gaza.

Operatives from the Rivers State Police Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit (AKU) have arrested a notorious cultist and armed robbery suspect and recovered some weapons.

The suspect and leader of a cultist gang, was said to have been terrorizing farm lands at Uzo Afor road in Okahia Community, Elele, Etche LGA.

A statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) SP Grace Iringe-Koko, said the gang’s activities caused widespread panic and tension in the community.

She said earlier last year, the same gang engaged police operatives of the command on a gun duel, but away when they could not withstand the superior firepower of the police.

She said on 30th, January, 2025, at about 0630hrs, operatives arrested 35-year-old Innocent Chigozie in his hideout through coordinated intelligence.

Iringe-Koko said during interrogations, the suspect confessed to owning the recovered exhibits, one automatic pump action gun and two live cartridges.

“The suspect and exhibits are currently in police custody. An investigation is ongoing, with efforts intensified to apprehend other fleeing gang members and recover their operational weapons”, she said.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has revealed new transaction fees for Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), set to take effect on March 1, 2025.

A circular, signed by John Onojah, the acting director of the financial policy and regulation department, explained that the revised charges aim to address increasing operational costs and enhance the efficiency of banking services.

This review marks the first change in ATM transaction fees since 2019 when the CBN reduced the withdrawal fee from N65 to N35.

According to the CBN, the updated fees are in line with Section 10.7 of the ‘CBN Guide to Charges by Banks, Other Financial and Non-Bank Financial Institutions (2020).’

The statement reads, “In response to rising costs and the need to improve the efficiency of Automated Teller Machine (ATM) services in the banking industry, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has reviewed the ATM transaction fees prescribed in Section 10.7 of the extant CBN Guide to Charges by Banks, Other Financial and Non-Bank Financial Institutions, 2020 (the Guide).”

“This review is expected to accelerate the deployment of ATMs and ensure that appropriate charges are applied by financial institutions to consumers of the service,” the CBN added.

Under the new rules, customers withdrawing from their own bank’s ATMs (on-us transactions) will still enjoy free withdrawals.

However, withdrawals from on-site ATMs (ATMs located at bank branches) will incur an N100 fee per N20,000 withdrawn.

For withdrawals at ATMs belonging to other banks (Not-on-Us transactions), an N100 fee plus a surcharge of up to N450 per N20,000 withdrawal will apply.

The CBN emphasized that the surcharge is the income of the “ATM deployer/acquirer and must be disclosed to consumers at the point of withdrawal.”

For international withdrawals using debit or credit cards, banks, and financial institutions are now allowed to charge a “cost-recovery charge equivalent to the exact amount charged by the international acquirer.”

Additionally, the CBN stated that the three free monthly withdrawals for Remote-On-Us (other bank’s customers/Not-On-Us consumers) will no longer apply under Section 10.6.2 of the Guide.

The apex bank has urged all financial institutions to ensure compliance with the new guidelines before the March 1, 2025, implementation date.

Eric Council, 25, of Athens, Georgia, entered a guilty plea today to one count of conspiracy to commit aggravated identity theft in United States District Court for the District of Columbia. Council was arrested on October 17, 2024, in connection with his role in a conspiracy to hack into the X account of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and publish fraudulent posts in the name of the then-SEC Chairman.

The plea was announced by U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr., Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, SEC Inspector General Deborah Jeffrey and FBI Special Agent in Charge Sean Ryan of the Washington Field Office, Criminal and Cyber Division.

Council’s plea was entered before U.S. District Court Judge Amy Berman Jackson in the District of Columbia. He faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release. His sentencing is scheduled for May 16, 2025.

According to court documents, from at least January 2024, Council conspired with others to carry out Subscriber Identity Model (SIM) attacks, commonly referred to as “SIM swaps,” in exchange for money.

A SIM card is a chip that stores information identifying and authenticating a cell phone subscriber and connects a physical cell phone to a mobile carrier’s cellular and data network. A SIM swap attack is a form of sophisticated fraud where criminal actors fraudulently induce a mobile carrier to reassign a mobile phone number from a victim’s SIM card to a SIM card and telephone controlled by a criminal actor attempting to access valuable information associated with the victim’s telephone. Members of SIM swapping groups conduct SIM swaps for the purpose of defeating multifactor authentication and/or two-step verification security features for internet connected accounts, such as social media and virtual currency accounts.

After convincing a mobile carrier to reassign a phone number to a new SIM card in the criminal actor’s control, members of the conspiracy generate password reset security authentication codes for online accounts and those codes are in turn sent to the telephone in the control of the criminal actor. Members of SIM swap groups share the security reset codes with one another to unlawfully access a victim’s internet connected accounts and complete the fraud.

On or about January 9, 2024, Council, and others, executed a SIM swap of the mobile phone account associated with the @SECgov X account, the official account of the SEC. The purpose of this SIM swap was to gain unauthorized access to this government account in order to make fraudulent posts.

Before January 9, a member of the conspiracy had identified the authorized user for the phone number linked to the official @SECgov X account. Council received instruction from a co-conspirator to perform the SIM swap on this phone line, along with information to make the needed fake ID, that is, an image of an ID card template with the authorized user’s name on it but Council’s face, and information purporting to be the user’s date of birth and social security number.

Council used his portable ID card printer to create a physical ID which he used to impersonate the victim at an AT&T store in Huntsville, Alabama. Council provided false information to the AT&T store employee to explain why he needed a replacement SIM card. Council obtained the SIM card linked to the victim’s phone line and walked to a nearby Apple store where he purchased a new iPhone to use in the crime. He inserted the SIM card to activate the phone, received the @SECGov X password reset codes on this new phone linked to the victim’s SIM card and used his personal cell phone to take a photo of the @SECgov X account reset code to share with his co-conspirators. After passing along the password reset codes, Council drove to Birmingham, Alabama and immediately returned the iPhone for cash.

A member of the conspiracy used the reset code to gain access to the @SECGov X account and issue a fraudulent post in the name of the then-SEC Chairman, falsely announcing SEC approval of Bitcoin (BTC) Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs). The price of BTC increased by more than $1,000 following the post. Shortly after this unauthorized post, the SEC regained control over their X account and confirmed that the announcement was unauthorized and the result of a security breach, which caused the value of BTC decreased by more than $2,000.

Council also admitted to attempting to perform additional SIM swaps in June 2024 in Alabama. In June 2024, the FBI executed a search warrant at an Athens, Alabama, apartment where he resided. Agents recovered a fake identification card and a portable ID card printer. They also recovered a laptop computer.

Pursuant to the search warrant, agents searched the laptop and discovered templates for additional fake identification cards stored on the laptop along with internet searches for “SECGOV hack,” “telegram sim swap,” “how can I know for sure if I am being investigated by the FBI,” “What are the signs that you are under investigation by law enforcement or the FBI even if you have not been contacted by them,” “what are some signs that the FBI is after you,” “Verizon store list,” “federal identity theft statute,” and “how long does it take to delete telegram account.”

Council admitted to receiving approximately $50,000 from members of the conspiracy to perform SIM swap during the previous six months.

This case is being investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office Criminal and Cyber Division, the SEC-Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, and the Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS) and Fraud Section’s Market Integrity and Major Frauds Unit of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. Significant assistance was provided by the FBI’s Birmingham Field Office.

The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin Rosenberg, CCIPS Trial Attorney Ashley Pungello, and Fraud Section Trial Attorney Lauren Archer. Valuable assistance was provided by Assistant United States Attorney John Hundscheid from the Northern District of Alabama.

The Nigeria Police Force and the British Embassy have launched a collaboration to enhance security and combat crime in Kogi.

The partnership began on Monday with a meeting between police commissioner Miller Dantawaye in Kogi and a British Embassy delegation.

The delegation, led by Andrew Marshall, discussed intelligence-led operations and counter-kidnapping strategies with Mr Dantawaye.

Mr Marshall highlighted the need for effective intelligence gathering to track criminal activities. He described crime as a major obstacle to peace and societal progress.

In response, Mr Dantawaye assured the delegation of the police’s commitment to strengthening security measures and acknowledged the importance of international cooperation.

The police chief pledged to intensify efforts, including robust stop-and-search operations and strategic intelligence sharing.

He also encouraged the British embassy to provide intelligence on criminal activities to enable swift responses from law enforcement agencies.

According to him, the visit marks a significant step toward reinforcing security partnerships and improving crime-fighting strategies in Kogi.

Dantawaye added, “Collaboration with foreign partners is crucial, given their advanced security capabilities and resources.”

Corruption threatens to “derail” global cooperation to tackle climate change, graft watchdog Transparency International warned in a report on Tuesday.

Its “Corruption Perceptions Index” for 2024 showed that many countries involved in climate action — either as hosts of the United Nations climate summits or because they are most at risk from rising temperatures — scored poorly or worse than before.

“Corrupt forces not only shape but often dictate policies and dismantle checks and balances,” Transparency International CEO Maira Martini said in a statement.

“We must urgently root out corruption before it derails meaningful climate action.”

Graft could see funds intended to tackle global warming diverted to other ends and weaken the implementation of environmental regulations, the group said.

The annual report assigns countries with a greater perceived risk of public sector corruption a lower score on a scale from zero to 100.

Brazil, for example, the host of this year’s UN COP 30 climate talks, received a score of 34, its lowest-ever rating.

The convener of the previous summit for international climate action, oil-producing Azerbaijan, scored just 22.

Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates, which appointed the head of the state oil firm to chair the COP it hosted in 2023, had a relatively better score of 68.

The report also highlighted declining scores in wealthier countries, which have often taken a leading role in talks, including Canada (75), New Zealand (83) and the United States (65).

Corruption in these countries “undermines global progress the most,” the report said.

“These nations hold the greatest responsibility to lead on ambitious climate goals, reduce emissions at scale, and build resilience worldwide,” it said.

Among the countries most exposed to climate change were also some of those with the worst scores on the index, such as South Sudan (eight), Somalia (nine), and Venezuela (10).

“Marginalised people usually have fewer options for adapting to extreme weather and pollution, leaving them most in need of government support,” the report said.

The report said one solution would be to have better “metrics and frameworks for climate transparency and accountability” to track progress and ensure proper fund use.