Deposed Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, who fled after Syrian capital, Damascus, fell to rebels yesterday, arrived in Moscow and wa granted an assylum along with his family members.

After leaving the country in a Russian aircraft, Assad’s destination was immediately unknown as the plane was reportedly out of radar.

But, Russian news agency reported last night that Assad was in Moscow, citing sources in the Kremlin, according to a report by the BBC.

The report added that Assad and his family have been granted asylum by Russia.

However, the BBC said it could not independently confirm the report.

Some ad-hoc staff who worked for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) during last month’s governorship election in Ondo state have threatened to protest over the non-payment of their allowances.

INEC had deployed 17,000 ad-hoc staff for the exercise, promising to pay each person an allowance of ₦20,000 immediately after the election.

Speaking anonymously in Akure, some of the affected staff expressed frustration, stating they are yet to receive their payments.

A Supervisory Presiding Officer (SPO) lamented: “INEC has not paid us our allowances, and they are not communicating with us. Many of us are affected. It is sad that INEC has failed to fulfil its promise.”

The staff are now calling on INEC to urgently address the issue to avoid further discontent.

“Those attending to us at the commission’s office are refusing to listen to our plight. We are demanding the payment of our allowance, or we storm the INEC office massively starting from this week,” she threatened.

Another ad hoc staff, who served in Akure North said they would stage the protest if they didn’t receive their before Tuesday.

“It’s over two weeks that the election was conducted. They use and dump us. I feel INEC had no reason not to pay us.”

Spokesman for INEC in Ondo State, Dr Temitope Akanmu, said the commission has commenced payment of allowance to the ad hoc staff that participated in the governorship election.

He said many of the Ad hoc staff have problem with their financial institution.

“We have paid the ad hoc staff who worked during the election. But we understand that there are some who have issues with their banks, and we are working with them to resolve whatever problem they might be experiencing.

“So, what we have is just pocket of challenges that is common with banking errors. The few ones who are yet to receive will get them soon i can assure them.

“Even the REC, Oluwatoyin Babalola, is mostly concerned about it, which has to deal with banking errors. She has instructed that it should be fixed,” He said.

An 18 year old man, Fatiyah Abdulhakeem has been arrested for stabbing a retired Permanent Secretary in the Niger state Ministry of Works, Architect Adamu Jagaba to death.

Abdulhakeem who claimed to be the car painter of the victim stabbed the victim several times on the neck and head, he also hit the victim multiple times with a stapler in the office and made away with his Toyota Camry vehicle with Reg. No. MNA 61 AE at a block industry located along Eastern by-pass in Minna.

The suspect who is currently in police net said that he met up with the victim at his block industry located at the eastern Bye-pass to discuss how he will change the bumper of the vehicle of the victim.

He said that he carried out the act after the discussion saying, “I deliberately stabbed the deceased severally on the head and neck. I also hit him multiple times with a stapler in the office and made away with his Toyota Camry vehicle”.

Abdulhakeem said that he got information from some of the workers of the deceased which helped him in carrying out the crime.

The Niger state Police Command confirmed the arrest of the suspect in a press statement made available to Journalists in Minna.

“On 7th December, 2024 at about 3pm, a report of an incident of culpable homicide was made at Tudun-Wada Div, that at about 11.30am, a yet-to-be-identified person(s) trespassed to a block industry located along Eastern Bye-pass, Minna attacked and stabbed one Adamu Jagaba on the head and made away with his vehicle.

“The victim was rushed to a nearby hospital where he gave up the ghost and was confirmed dead. The police operatives of the Div visited the scene and commenced investigation into the unfortunate incident.

“Fortunately, on the local circulation of the vehicle details to all police points and formation within the State, on the same date at about 7pm, the Police Crack Squad of the Command intercepted the vehicle along Bosso Estate road, Minna with the suspect, named; Fatiyah Abdulhakeem aged 18yrs of Tayi Village via Bosso Minna.

“During interrogation, the suspect confessed to the crime. He said he has other gang members he does such heinous acts with, as he mentioned their names for investigation.”

The police states that effort is ongoing to apprehend the members adding that the suspect will be charged to court for prosecution immediately after investigation.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, alongside notable Nigerian politicians, Islamic clerics, and industry leaders, joined the Fidau prayers held on Sunday, December 8, in honour of the late Sheikh Muydeen Ajani Bello, a renowned Islamic preacher.

Tinubu was represented at the occasion held at the main bowl of Lekan Salami stadium, Adamasingba by the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Obafemi Hazmat, and former Inspector General of Police, Musilu Smith.

Other dignitaries in attendance include Deputy Governor of Oyo state, Barr. Bayo Lawal who stood in for Gov. Seyi Makinde, representative of Osun state governor, Alhaji Kanaldeen Adekilekun, Representative of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, (NAHCON) Prince Anafi Elegushi, and Alhaji Kamil Oloso.

Prominent Islamic leaders, including the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh AbdulGaniy Ajigbotomokekere, and Ansar-U-Deen National Missioner, Sheikh Abdulrahman Olanrewaju, also attended.

In his address, Sheikh Olanrewaju highlighted Islamic teachings against elaborate funeral ceremonies, emphasizing the simplicity mandated in Islam. He reiterated that neither the Quran nor Hadith supports practices like third, eighth, or 40th-day prayers for the dead. Sheikh Bello, during his lifetime, advocated against extravagant burial practices, urging adherence to Islamic principles.

The event underscored Sheikh Bello’s impactful legacy and the principles he championed in his lifetime.

“It will be counted against us as sin if we (followers) do contrary especially now that he is gone

“Also, there is no section of either Koran or Hadith that supports 3rd, 8th or 40th Fidau prayers. We are only mixing culture with religion.

“We are not doing any sermon here today so that we will not be misquoted that what Sheikh Bello preached again his lifetime is what we are doing.”

Rapper Emeka Akumefule, popularly known as Blaqbonez, has made a bold claim about his status in the African rap scene.

In a recent interview with Chude, Blaqbonez confidently declared himself the best rapper in Africa, stating that his discography surpasses that of any other rapper on the continent.

“I still think I am the best rapper ever in Africa. No one has a better discography than me,” he said.

Blaqbonez has consistently touted himself as the most prolific artist in Nigeria, boasting of having thousands of songs and releasing new music weekly at one point in his career.

His confidence and self-assurance have sparked debate among fans and critics, with some agreeing with his assessment and others disagreeing.

It’s worth noting that the African rap scene is rich in talent and diversity.

Other notable rappers, such as M.I Abaga, Olamide, Vector, Phyno, Falz, and Reminisce, have made significant contributions to the genre and have their own unique styles and discographies.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has nominated Haruna Ginsau as the pioneer Chairman of the North West Development Commission (NWDC), following his recent appointment of Emeka Atuma as the Chairman of the South East Development Commission (SEDC).

The appointments, seen as a strategic move to enhance regional development, underscore President Tinubu’s commitment to equitable growth across Nigeria.

This was disclosed via a statement by the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the President, Bayo Ononuga on Friday, December 6.

The statement partly reads: “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has forwarded to the Senate for confirmation a modified list of members of the inaugural Governing Board of the North West Development Commission (NWDC) as he nominated Hon. Emeka Atuma as chairman of the South East Development Commission (SEDC).

“In a list of nominees sent to the Senate late in September 2024, President Tinubu nominated Ambassador Haruna Ginsau as chairman of the NWDC board while also naming Senator Tijani Yahaya Kaura and Hon. Abdulkadir S. Usman as members.

“The new list replaced them with Ja’afar Abubakar Sadeeq and Yahaya Aminu Abdulhadi, while the new chairman is Alh Lawal Samai’la Abdullahi.

“Professor Abdullahi Shehu Ma’aji retains his position as managing director and chief executive officer.

“Other board members featured on the first list are Dr. Yahaya Umar Namahe, Yahaya Aminu Abdulhadi, and Engr. Muhammad Ali Wudil, Shamsu Sule, Nasidi Ali and Aminu Suleiman.

“After receiving the President’s first list of nominations, the Senate adjusted the NWDC’s establishment act to accommodate members from other geo-political zones.

“President Tinubu complied with the adjustment in the new list, with the following named to represent the six zones:

“They are Chukwu Chijioke, Ahmed Mohammed, Engr. Ahmed Rufai Timasaniyu and Macdonalds Michael Uyi. Others are Yemi Ola and Hon. Babatunde Dada.

“President Tinubu has equally appointed Hon. Emeka Atuma as Chairman and Hon. Mark C. Okoye as the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the South East Development Commission (SEDC), subject to their confirmation by the Senate.”

A collision between a commercial bus and a mini truck on the Third Mainland Bridge near Ilaje, inward Iyana Oworo, has left 18 people injured.

The severe crash caused significant damage to the bus and prompted a swift response from officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and Good Samaritans.

The victims received immediate first aid from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) Response Unit at the scene before being transported to a nearby hospital for further medical attention.

Eyewitness footage revealed the bus mangled beyond recognition, highlighting the severity of the impact.

As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official confirmation of any fatalities.

Efforts to obtain further details from the Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment for LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to calls.

The cause of the accident has not been determined, but authorities have emphasized the need for caution and adherence to road safety guidelines to prevent similar incidents.

Meanwhile, motorists are advised to expect traffic delays on the affected stretch of the Third Mainland Bridge as officials work to clear the wreckage and restore normal traffic flow.

Aareonakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, has described the death of the foremost Islamic cleric, the late Sheik Muyideen Ajani Bello, as a rude shock, saying the Yoruba race and the Muslim community has lost a true son, an advocate of truth and justice.

Iba Gani Adams’ reaction was contained in a statement signed by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Aderemi, as the news of the late Bello filtered in across the media on Friday.

Iba Adams, while commiserating with the Muslim community said it is unfortunate that Yoruba has lost an illustrious son, an Islamic scholar par-excellence, whose life was a true testimony of Allah’s divine blessing for humanity.

He said: “I received the news of the death of the foremost Islamic scholar and cleric, the late Sheik Muyideen Ajani Bello with rude shock.

“Baba’s death was so unexpected, especially, at this time when a few people are ready to speak truth to power. We will always miss his resilience, courage and above all his fear of God.

“The late Alhaji Bello was very blunt with his teachings and lectures. That was what made him the model and father figure to many who saw and looked up to him as one of the Khalifa of God.

“His voice was like a razor to those who detest the truth and for more than seven decades, he remained his true self pious and dedicated to the teachings of Allah as it is in the holy Quran.

“He was widely respected for his profound teachings and unwavering dedication to Islamic scholarship. The late Sheik remained one of the few clerics who would see the truth, say the truth, and be ready to dare the consequences of his actions, without minding whose ox is gored.

“Though we lost Baba Muyideen Ajani Bello at this critical time, I believe strongly that his memories will surely live on in our minds. As the Aareonakakanfo of Yoruba land, I join the entire Muslim community as we mourn the passage of one of the most revered Islamic scholars.

“I condole with the Oyo state government, the immediate family of the revered scholar, and the good people of Ibadan, Oyo state, on the death of the late scholar.

“I pray Allah to grant his soul eternal rest in Aljana Firdaus. The late Sheik Muyideen Bello, 84, was born in 1940. He will be remembered for his bluntness, religious tenacity, and consistency.”

Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, has described the death of popular Ibadan cleric, Sheikh Muhydeen Ajani Bello, as shocking and unexpected.

Governor Makinde, in a statement released in Ibadan, on Friday, condoled with the immediate family of the Sheikh, the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo, and Delta states, Alhaji Dawud Makanjuola Akinola, the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh Abdulganiyu Abubakry Agbotomokekere, the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria and especially Oyo State, where the Ibadan-born Islamic preacher and leader was a major figure until his death.

The governor extolled the virtue of the renowned cleric, describing him as a courageous, forthright, and patriotic religious leader, who set good examples for others.

He prayed to Allah to grant him Aljana Firdaus, while also praying to God to uphold the immediate family, friends, and well-wishers of the cleric.

The Jigawa Government has approved N117 million to establish a pilot Compressed Natural Gas conversion centre in Dutse, the state capital.

The Commissioner for Information, Youth, Sports, and Culture, Sagir Musa, disclosed this in a statement released on Friday.

Musa said the approval was given during the Executive Council meeting held on Thursday.

“This is in line with the administration’s commitment to reducing the hardship caused by the removal of the fuel subsidy,” he stated.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Governor Umar Namadi had pledged in September to establish 27 CNG conversion centres across the state.

Namadi explained that the initiative would reduce fuel costs by 60 per cent and provide relief to residents.

The council also endorsed the 2025 Proposed Budget Estimate for the state and the appropriation bills for the 27 Local Government Councils, enabling Namadi to present them to the Jigawa House of Assembly.

Nigerian Afrobeats superstar Davido has emphasised the critical role of effective leadership in driving Nigeria and Africa to greater heights.

In an interview with Elevate Africa published on Thursday via YouTube, the globally celebrated artist shared his thoughts on the resilience of Nigerians and the potential for the nation to achieve unprecedented progress if led by the right people.

“We can’t go forward without…we need the best leaders now first, that’s the most important thing,” Davido said.

He noted that while Nigerians possess remarkable adaptability and determination, the absence of visionary leadership has hindered the country’s advancement.

Respond to the question, “Where do you think Africa should be by now, and how do we get there through music?” Davido reflected on the tenacity of Nigerians, highlighting their ability to thrive in challenging environments.

“I tell people, I say if you can survive in Lagos or you can survive in Nigeria rather, you can survive anywhere. I feel like we’re survivors; we’re strong-willed people,” he remarked.

Despite the struggles faced by many, Davido pointed to the global presence of Nigerians as evidence of their resilience and influence.

“Nigeria, if you go anywhere in the world, everybody has Nigerian friends. Whether you’re Chinese or…you have Nigerian friends everywhere in the world. I fly to do shows, Nigerian restaurants are there, and Nigerian communities are there. It just shows that we’re a force,” he said.

According to Davido, this widespread influence underscores Nigeria’s potential to lead on a global scale. However, he believes the missing piece remains effective governance.

“I just feel the only thing is just missing is just the right leaders to lead us. Once we get that right, I don’t think there’s anything that will stop us,” he stated.

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump said the right-wing venture capitalist David Sacks would become “the White House A.I. & Crypto Czar,” a post on his social media platform Truth Social showed.

Trump called artificial intelligence (AI) and cryptocurrency “two areas critical to the future of American competitiveness.”

Sacks, a confidant of tech billionaire Elon Musk, will be charged with making the U.S. the clear world market leader in the AI and digital currency business.

Trump, who has long complained about what he has called a “liberal bias” from large tech companies such as Meta, also said that Sacks “will safeguard Free Speech online, and steer us away from Big Tech bias and censorship.”

Sacks will also be charged with creating a legal framework for the crypto industry so “it has the clarity it has been asking for and can thrive in the U.S.”

The multi-billionaire Sacks will also head the future president’s advisory board on science and technology.

Heavily armed policemen and operatives of the State Security Service (SSS) have surrounded the Kano State Emir’s Palace at Kofar Kudu, restricting both entry and exit from the premises.

According to unconfirmed reports, Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II is to install his newly appointed Wamban Kano, District Head of Bichi and will accompany him to his official district posting in Bichi.

However, as at the time of this report Police vehicles have blocked entrance into the palace.

Details shortly…

The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, Brigadier General YD Ahmed, has warned corps members not to go against the cultures and traditions of places they are posted to serve their fatherland.

He also warned them against endangering themselves by embarking on dangerous adventures like night journeys and other improper lifestyles that can expose them to danger.

Ahmed stated this while addressing Corps members at the NYSC Edo and Delta State Orientation Camps.

He said the management placed high priority on the welfare and security of all Corps members, advising them not to expose themselves to danger.

The Director General also advised the Corps members to integrate themselves into their respective host communities on leaving the Orientation Camp and settle down to contribute their quota to national development.

He further urged them to endeavor to embark on community development projects that would benefit their host communities.

“Respect the culture and tradition of wherever you are posted to. Try and settle down in your places of primary assignment immediately you leave camp and serve diligently.

“Beware of bad friends and avoid every behavior that can jeopardize your future. Your parents have laboured for you and this is the time you have to reap the fruits of your labour”, he said.

In her camp situation report to the Director General, the NYSC Edo State Coordinator, Mrs Frances Ben-Ushie said the 1,287 Corps members, comprising 551 males and 736 females have been incorporated into the various camp committees, and are making very meaningful contributions towards the success of the Orientation Course.

Similarly, her Delta State counterpart, Mr John Kwaghe said the camp activities have enjoyed the full participation of all Corps members and camp officials.

“All the registered 1,577 Corps members, comprising 738 males and 839 females have been highly committed and disciplined”, he added.

President Bola Tinubu has returned to Nigeria after departing South Africa to co-chair the 11th session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission, BNC, alongside President Cyril Ramaphosa.

President Tinubu touched down at 9:10 pm at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

He was received by the Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, as well as the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu

Others included the All Progressives Congress, APC, national chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje and the Commissioner of Police FCT, Peter Opara.

The 11th session of the BNC featured deliberations across eight working groups, each focusing on a specific area of mutual interest.

These included political consultations, consular and migration, banking and finance, defence and security, manufacturing, social sector, mines and energy, and trade and investments.

At the high-level meeting, officials of both countries signed several Memoranda of Understanding and agreements.

The Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission was established in 1999 to further strengthen the ties of friendship and cooperation between the two nations.

The Nigeria Police Force has announced the suspension of four officers implicated in the theft of N43.16m from a total of N74.95m recovered during an unauthorised arrest at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

The police also dismissed allegations suggesting that the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, was shielding a cartel accused of smuggling suspicious new banknotes from the Central Bank of Nigeria.

The suspended officers are DSP Peter Ejike, Inspector Ekende Edwin, Inspector Esther Okafor and Sergeant Talabi Kayode, who were attached to Zone 7 Headquarters.

The officers, led by Inspector Okafor, under DSP Ejike’s directive, arrested Andrew Ejah, an employee of FATFAD Cargo Nigeria Limited, who was transporting cash on behalf of clients in August 2023.

The officers were alleged to have reported only N31.79 million as the recovered amount, concealing the remaining N43.16 million.

Following a petition by the owners of the money, the case was escalated to the IGP Monitoring Unit.

A statement on Wednesday by the Force spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, said investigations revealed that the officers conspired to steal part of the cash and attempted to hide their tracks by claiming technical issues with evidence and spreading false narratives.

He said, “Upon being contacted by the alleged owners of the money, the officers claimed that the sum they had recovered from the arrested suspect was N31,790,000, and requested a percentage of the money to jeopardise the investigation and suppress the case. Outraged by their actions, the money owners petitioned the Force Headquarters, Abuja and the matter was directed to the IGP Monitoring Unit for investigation. During the process, the cash sum of N31,790,000 was recovered from the officers, who claimed that it was the total money recovered from Andrew Ejah during his arrest.

“After intense investigations and a series of trial, before duly constituted disciplinary panels, it was discovered that the officers took photographs of the suspect and the sacks of money at the point of arrest but claimed the phone they used was damaged and subsequently lost, in an attempt to conceal their misconduct.

“However, forensic intelligence showed that this group of officers conspired and stole part of the money, amounting to N43,160,000, and tasked one of them to move the cash out of the FCT for hiding pending when the heat would blow over. They, thereafter, resorted to several tricks and gimmicks to cover their tracks. One was the spread of this false narrative and misinformation to several online blogs and newspaper platforms.

“These officers have been suspended, being found culpable of serious misconduct, tampering with exhibits, abuse of office, corrupt practice, illegal duty, and acts unbecoming of a police officer. “

Adejobi also condemned what it described as a “sponsored misinformation campaign” aimed at implicating the IGP in the scandal.

He said, “It is pertinent to note that the circulating false narrative is a sponsored misinformation cultivated by mischief makers who seek to divert attention from the criminal acts of the police officers by attempting to join issues with the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun. The affected officers will be prosecuted upon conclusion of due legal and administrative procedures.

“We urge the public and the media to refrain from spreading this false narrative aimed at tainting the reputation of the Inspector-General of Police. Such misinformation undermines public trust and detracts from the ongoing efforts of the current administration to reform the Police Force by eradicating unprofessional elements.”

The Ogun State Police Command has arrested a trainee-teacher Adeola Adeyemo for injuring an 11-year-old pupil’s eye.

The trainee-teacher was on Tuesday allegedly holding a cane while addressing pupils in her class when the victim mistakenly ran into it.

This, it was learnt, damaged her eye and was deemed so serious that a healthcare expert had to remove the damaged eyeball.

The spokesperson of the state Police Command, Omolola Odutola, said: “On December 2, 2024, around 3:00 pm, Ilesami Christiana, residing at Sabo, Abeokuta, reported that she received a phone call informing her that a teacher had injured her 11-year-old daughter, Alao Idera, in the right eye while she was attending school at Owiwi Nursery and Primary School in Obada Oko.

“The child was immediately taken to the Federal Medical Centre in Abeokuta for treatment. Following this complaint, the teacher, Adeola Adeyemo, a 400-level student from Tai Solarin University in Ijebu Ode, who was on teaching practice, was swiftly arrested and is being interrogated. Further updates will be provided

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), in compliance with the Federal Government’s directive, yesterday announced a special end-of-year train service throughout the Christmas and New Year period.

A statement by the corporation’s Deputy Director Public Relations, Yakub Mahmood, said the end-of-year train service is part of government’s gesture at ensuring that Nigerians have an enjoyable Yuletide celebration.

But he did not say if the special service would be free, as it did last year when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration directed the NRC to run a free train service during the Yuletide to cushion the effect of the fuel subsidy removal.

Though details of the take-off of the service have also not been released, it was learnt that the special train service would be offered on all the national train networks, especially the modern train service on which it has online payment services.

Mahmood said the dates and modalities for the special train service would be communicated to Nigerians ahead of the Yuletide.

The NRC has three standard gauge services: Abuja-Kaduna Train Service (AKTS), the Itakpe-Warri Train Service (IWTS), and Lagos-Ibadan Train Service (LITS), besides two narrow gauge trunk lines – Lagos-Kano Train Service, called the Western Line, and the Port Harcourt-Maiduguri Train Service, called the Eastern Line.

The corporation also offers mass transit train services on the two old narrow gauge corridors.

Last year, the NRC offered the free train ride from December 17, to January 14, this year. The service was later extended by one week, ending on January 21, 2024, to allow those who might have travelled out of their areas of domicile to return.

No fewer than 12 persons lost their lives in a fatal auto crash on Baimari – Geidam Road in Yobe.

Livinus Yilzoom, the sector commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in the state, confirmed the deaths in a statement in Damaturu on Wednesday.

According to him, the accident occurred at about 10:00 p.m. on Tuesday, when a Howo truck ran into a bus with registration number BAU 124 YF near Chelluri village.

He said 12 passengers in the bus were burnt to death after the vehicle burst into flames.

“Preliminary investigation revealed road obstruction by the HOWO truck as the immediate cause, while excessive speed and overload by the driver of the bus (Sharan), as the remote causes of the road crash,” Mr Yilzoom said.

He advised motorists to avoid night journeys, especially during the harmattan, noting that poor visibility was a major cause of accident in the season.