The Abia State Commissioner of Police, Danladi Isa, has dismissed three officers for alleged conspiracy, abduction and extortion of unsuspecting victims.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chinaka, announced this in a statement on Friday.

The police spokesperson identified the dismissed officers as Jonas Nnamdi, James Daniel, and Ifeanyi Emeka.

Chinaka said Nnamdi was a sergeant attached to Police Area Command in Aba, while Daniel, a corporal, was attached to the Department of Operations of the police in Umuahia and Emeka, also a corporal, was attached to Eziama Divisional Police Headquarters in the state.

She said the three officers were arrested on January 29 after they were found to be armed with an electric baton, an assault rifle, and a Beretta pistol.

Chinaka added that the officers were apprehended alongside two other unnamed civilians by a divisional police officer in the Abayi Area of the state.

She said, “The officers allegedly conspired and hired a minibus, abducted some civilians along Port Harcourt Expressway, threatened and extorted them and thereafter demanded extra money from their families for their release.

“An investigation/orderly room trial was initiated by the (state police) command, and the investigation confirmed their involvement in the unprofessional conduct which is prejudicial to discipline and unbecoming of officers of the Nigeria Police Force, leading to their dismissal.

“Their official accoutrements have been retrieved by the command’s Provost, and they cease to be members of the force.”

The police spokesperson said the dismissed officers and their civilian accomplices have been handed over to the State Criminal Investigation Department for prosecution.

Chinaka said the commissioner has reaffirmed the command’s zero tolerance for corruption and misconduct, assuring Nigerians that the command will not condone the activities of bad eggs in the force.

She added that the command remains committed to the vision of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, ensuring a professional, service-driven, and rule-of-law-compliant police force.

The European Union on Saturday said it is complementing the efforts of the Nigerian government to improve and strengthen democracy across the country by supporting programmes that build the capacity of young people in politics and governance.

Through the Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria Programme, the EU said it funds Yiaga Africa’s Constituency Office Internship Programme.

The 3-month programme according to a statement by the EU which started in December 2024, and is expected to end in February this year, provides an excellent opportunity for young individuals committed to democratic development and eager to deepen their understanding of legislative processes and effective constituency engagement, to gain hands-on experience in the operations of constituency offices and legislature-constituent relations.

According to the Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Zissimos Vergos, the EU believes that a thriving democracy is built on responsible leadership and active citizen engagement.

“Young people, therefore, play very significant roles in developing Nigeria’s democracy by actively participating in the electoral and governance processes, and contributing to guidelines, policies, and frameworks that ensure free, fair, credible, and transparent elections.

“Furthermore, by placing these interns in the constituency offices of lawmakers, the programme not only offers them the chance to understand the legislative process, but provides an opportunity for them to engage with lawmakers, contribute meaningfully to policy discussions, and be part of constituency engagement.”

“Hence, it is important to provide platforms for these young and vibrant minds to actively engage and be a part of the country’s governance process. The time for making excuses is over. The moment people start making excuses not to act ethically, democratic institutions are undermined. Rather than criticising democracy, we must focus on ethical decisions that shape its practice,” he said.

Highlighting the impact of the programme in strengthening the relationship between lawmakers and their constituencies, Yiaga Africa’s Programme Manager, Yetunde Bakarei, said, “The Constituency Office Internship Programme encourages youth participation in the democratic process, ensuring that young people are involved in shaping policies that affect them.

“We would like to say thank you to the EU for the support that we receive that enables us to do the work that we do, which allows us to deploy young people to constituency offices. This wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the EU and the young people who continue to apply and take advantage of opportunities like this.”

One of the interns, Olaiya Oluwadamilola, while expressing passionately about how the programme has shaped both her professional and personal life, said, “This internship has not only enhanced my communication skills and boosted my confidence, but it has also inspired me to give back to my community and pursue a career in politics.”

Salihu Gode, another intern, praised the EU’s vision for inclusive governance and harped on the importance of mentorship, which she believes is essential for her career development and political ambition.

“With the skills and knowledge I’ve acquired, I’m confident that I can drive meaningful change in my community and contribute to Nigeria’s democratic growth,” she said.

Gode also expressed her commitment to empowering women and promoting female participation in politics—an area the EU actively supports.

A federal judge has temporarily blocked President Donald Trump’s administration plan to dismiss roughly 2,700 employees of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

On Friday, Judge Carl Nichols of the U.S. District Court in Washington granted some requests sought by the largest U.S. government workers’ union and an association of foreign service workers who are suing to stop the Trump administration from closing the agency.

The one-week injunction granted by Mr Nichols, nominated by Mr Trump during his first term, will prevent the government from going ahead with their plan to put 2,200 USAID workers on paid leave starting from Saturday.

He also ordered the reinstatement of 500 others who had already been furloughed.

According to Reuters, it also barred the administration from relocating USAID humanitarian workers stationed outside the United States.

Mr Nichols said in his ruling noted that the unions made a “strong showing of irreparable harm” if the court did not intervene, noting he would consider a longer-term pause on the plan after a hearing scheduled for Wednesday.

However, he rejected the unions’ request to order the reopening of USAID buildings and restore funding for agency grants and contracts.

“The major reduction in force, as well as the closure of offices, the forced relocation of these individuals were all done in excess of the executive’s authority in violation of the separation of powers,” Karla Gilbride, a lawyer for the unions, said at a court hearing earlier on Friday.

The University College Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo State, has upgraded its universal laboratory to improve service delivery and efficiency to benefit both patients and the public.

UCH’s Public Relations Officer, Funmi Adetuyibi, stated this in a statement on Friday. She stated that the laboratory now operates with a 24-hour uninterrupted power supply.

Mrs Adetuyibi explained that the stable power supply reflected the hospital’s commitment to its core principle – “patients’ comfort and staff welfare.” This ensures a more efficient healthcare experience.

According to her, this upgrade is part of UCH’s broader efforts to enhance medical services, improve diagnostic accuracy, and provide world-class healthcare to its patients.

Established in 2012, the universal laboratory integrates haematology, chemical pathology, and molecular biology units under one roof. This ensures a faster turnaround time of one hour or less.

The laboratory offers services such as complete blood counts, coagulation profiles, general chemistry, hormonal assays, immunoassays, and infectious disease testing.

It operates round the clock, serving emergency departments and external clients.

“This recent upgrade supports UCH’s goal of providing prompt and effective diagnostic services. The hospital remains dedicated to delivering precise and reliable results in a conducive environment,” Mrs Adetuyibi said.

Singer Portable has made an emotional appeal to fans for prayers and support amidst a difficult situation with the authorities.

The government recently sealed his uncompleted building and hotel due to unauthorised development, detaining some of his customers and workers.

Portable expressed frustration, pointing out the irony of the situation, as he has been contributing to the community by helping to repair roads and provide streetlights.

To address the issue, he has canceled his upcoming show in London to focus on protecting his family and properties.

In a heartfelt Instagram post, Portable wrote: “Zazuu Zeh. I need to protect my family and property first. London see you later, no he today man dey travel dey make money.

“Music is my way, if life dey, man go still go many places.
Eyin fans me all I need now is prayer and support. If you spoil me for who love me, you go dey die young. Make una sha support me. Make I dey free my people wey dey back, na help I dey help them.

“On God my glory go kill my enemy. I believe in God. Any disappointment is a blessing, Man no be God”.

The workforce of the U.S. Agency for International Development will be slashed to just a few hundred employees from the weekend onwards, U.S. media reported on Thursday.

According to the New York Times, the Trump administration plans to reduce the agency’s staff from over 10,000 employees worldwide to around 290, citing three sources familiar with the plans.

National Public Radio reported that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio had been presented with a list of some 600 employees considered essential worldwide but ultimately exempted fewer than 300 from the staff cuts.

U.S. President Donald Trump had already frozen the agency’s funds in January pending an internal review, impacting a vast array of initiatives around the globe.

USAID is one of the largest aid agencies in the world and is responsible for doling out much of the U.S. government’s humanitarian assistance to developing countries and countries in crisis.

Mr Trump has repeatedly claimed it is run by “radical lunatics” seeking to hinder his America First foreign policy agenda.

This week, the U.S. government announced it would place many USAID employees on leave starting Friday night.

According to a statement on USAID’s website, all “direct-hire personnel” working anywhere in the world for the agency will be put on “administrative leave,” except employees in critical positions.

Those affected by the exemptions will be informed one day in advance, said the agency, which is under the acting leadership of Mr Rubio.

Around 10,000 people work for the agency, and two-thirds of them are outside the U.S.

Last year, the agency oversaw roughly $50 billion in development aid projects.

Governor Dapo Abiodun has described the passing of the Alaperu of Iperu-Remo, Oba Adeleke Idowu-Basibo, as a shocking and irreplaceable personal loss.

In a statement by his spokesman, Kayode Akinmade, Mr Abiodun called the late ruler, friend and confidant.

The governor said he was devastated by the sudden passing of the highly distinguished, revered, and beloved traditional ruler.

He added that Mr Idowu-Basibo’s reign brought peace and prosperity to Iperu-Remo, Ogun, and Nigeria.

“To say the least, Oba Adeleke Adelekan Idowu-Basibo was a paragon of excellence,” Mr Abiodun stated.

The governor noted that the late traditional ruler demonstrated excellence throughout his distinguished two-decade career at the customs service in Europe.

“His reign brought remarkable progress to Iperu-Remo in many areas, including infrastructure, economic advancement, and the expansion of peace and progress,” he added.

Mr described him as a man of great grace who carried himself with dignity and prioritised his people’s wellbeing.

“He will be sorely missed,” the governor said.

The Alaperu passed away on Thursday.

Military forces have begun a search-and-rescue operation following the abduction of former Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, Brig. Gen. Maharazu Tsiga (retd.), by bandits in Tsiga village, Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The attack, which occurred around 12:30 a.m. on Thursday, reportedly lasted for three hours.

The bandits also killed one person and kidnapped at least nine others while ransacking homes and looting valuables.

Eyewitnesses said the assailants stormed the community, shooting sporadically to instill fear.

A resident, speaking on condition of anonymity, suggested that Gen. Tsiga was the primary target.

“From the look of things, General Tsiga was their target because none of his family members were kidnapped. He is living with his family there, but after they picked him, they also picked others alongside the general,” the source said.

The Katsina State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Sadiq, said he had yet to be briefed on the incident but promised to provide updates once available.

“I am yet to be briefed on the facts of the reports. I’ll get back to you as soon as I get the details, please,” he said.

The Nigerian Army has since mobilised troops to locate and rescue the abducted general and other victims.

A senior military official familiar with the situation revealed that the Commander of the 17 Brigade, Brig. Gen. Babatunde Omopariola, personally led the search operation in the forested areas of the state

The source confirmed, “Brigade Commander, Brigadier-General Babatunde Omopariola, has been in the bush since the night of the incident.”

As of press time, no official statements had been released by the Army, Police, or NYSC headquarters regarding the incident.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government has activated the toll-free 112 emergency number for Nigerians to report kidnapping and security threats.

The National Coordinator of the National Counter-Terrorism Centre, Maj. Gen. Adamu Laka, announced the initiative as part of broader efforts to combat ransom-driven abductions.

“The Nigerian Communications Commission has facilitated an emergency response number—112. The NCTC calls on all Nigerians to report suspicious activities, crimes, kidnappings, among others, by calling the toll-free number 112, including the Multi-Agency Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell designated numbers that will be provided to members of the public,” Laka said.

He noted that while Nigeria recorded a 16.3% decrease in kidnapping incidents in 2024 compared to the previous year, the number of victims rose slightly by 0.27%. Kaduna, Katsina, and Zamfara states in the North-West were identified as the most affected regions, accounting for 13.8% of total incidents and 61.1% of recorded victims.

Laka explained that bandits, terrorists, cultists, and separatist groups continue to use kidnapping as a primary source of funding for illicit activities.

“In 2024, Nigeria recorded a 16.3 per cent decrease in incidents compared to 2023. However, the number of victims increased slightly by 0.27 per cent. Kaduna, Katsina, and Zamfara states in the North-West accounted for the highest prevalence, with 13.8 per cent of total incidents and 61.1 per cent of victims of the total recorded cases,” he said.

He stressed that despite government efforts, mass abductions persist, forcing agrarian communities to flee, disrupting food production, and driving up food prices. “The sustained payment of ransom fuelled the crime, as perpetrators exploited families’ fears to demand exorbitant sums,” Laka added.

The government has employed both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies, including military raids, arrests of kidnappers, and destruction of hideouts. Looking ahead to 2025, Laka stated, “The government projects that kidnapping for ransom will persist in 2025 due to its financial incentives. To counter this, authorities aim to strengthen counter-kidnapping initiatives, expand efforts to the six geo-political regions, improve collaborations with the 36 state governments, reinforce public confidence in government protection to discourage ransom payments, and engage state governments to address unemployment and economic vulnerabilities that drive individuals to crime.”

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order seeking to ban transgender athletes from participating in women’s sports, in his latest move targeting transgender people since returning to office.

“From now on women’s sports will be only for women,” Trump said before he signed the order at the White House, surrounded by dozens of children and female athletes.

“With this executive order the war on women’s sports is over.”

Top Republicans including US House Speaker Mike Johnson and firebrand Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene were among those in the audience to watch the signing ceremony.

“We will defend the proud tradition of female athletes, and we will not allow men to beat up, injure and cheat our women and our girls,” Trump added to applause and cheers.

Trump’s order allows US government agencies to deny funds to schools that allow transgender athletes to compete on women’s teams.

“If you let men take over women’s sports teams or invade your locker rooms, you will be investigated… and risk your federal funding,” Trump said.

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), which regulates student athletics in colleges across the country, welcomed the order and said they would align to it “in the coming days.”

“We strongly believe that clear, consistent, and uniform eligibility standards would best serve today’s student-athletes instead of a patchwork of conflicting state laws and court decisions,” said NCAA president Charlie Baker in a statement.

“To that end, President Trump’s order provides a clear, national standard,” he said.

Trump also said he would now push the International Olympic Committee to change its rules on transgender athletes before the 2028 Los Angeles Games, and had ordered Secretary of State Marco Rubio to tell the IOC “we want them to change everything… having to do with this absolutely ridiculous subject.”

The IOC allows each international sports federation to set their own rules on the issue.

“Working with the respective International Sports Federations, the IOC will continue to explain and discuss the various topics with the relevant authorities,” an IOC spokesperson told AFP.

During the 2024 election campaign he repeatedly hammered Democrats on the divisive issue of transgender rights, capitalizing on a broader culture war over the topic.

One of Trump’s most successful attack lines against his election rival Kamala Harris – “Kamala Harris is for they/them. President Trump is for you” – targeted her support for trans rights.

His executive order Wednesday comes after the Republican-led House of Representatives in January passed a bill severely restricting transgender athletes from participating in girls’ and women’s sports.

As transgender people have become a more visible presence in the United States, sparking questions around gender norms and fairness, many conservatives have rallied around women’s sports.

The police command in Anambra State said it recovered the decomposing body of an Anambra House of Assembly Labour Party lawmaker (Onitsha North constituency), Justice Azuka.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed this in a statement on Thursday in Onitsha.

He said the lawmaker’s body was found on the Second Niger Bridge.

The lawmaker was allegedly kidnapped by yet-to-be-identified gunmen while returning home at Ugwunapampa Road, Inland Town in Onitsha, on December 24, 2024.

According to Mr Ikenga, the joint security team, comprising the police and the Anambra Vigilance Group operatives on a mission to rescue the lawmaker, regrettably found his lifeless body in the early hours of today, at the Second Niger Bridge.

“As soon as I get more details, I will keep you updated, as the joint security team has taken over the scene and operation is ongoing for possible arrests of the perpetrators,” he said.

President Bola Tinubu has announced leadership changes at several federal universities, including the University of Abuja, now known as Yakubu Gowon University.

The changes take effect immediately, the president’s spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, said in a statement on Thursday.

“At Yakubu Gowon University, President Tinubu dissolved the entire governing council and relieved Prof. Aisha Maikudi of her duties as vice chancellor. Senator Lanre Tejuoso, currently pro-chancellor of the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, has been appointed pro-chancellor of the Yakubu Gowon University. He will be succeeded in Makurdi by Senator Joy Emordi, now pro-chancellor of Alvan Ikoku University of Education,” noted the statement.

To succeed Ms Maikudi, Mr Tinubu appointed Lar Patricia Manko as acting vice chancellor at the Yakubu Gowon University for a six-month term.

She will not be eligible to apply for the substantive vice chancellor position when it becomes available.

The president has also removed Polycarp Chigbu from his position as acting vice chancellor at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka before his tenure ends on February 14.

Oguejiofu Ujam has been appointed as his successor for six months and will not be eligible to apply for the permanent position.

“The leadership changes at UNN extend to the role of pro-chancellor, with Gen. Ike Nwachukwu was reassigned to be pro-chancellor at the University of Uyo. President Tinubu appointed Engr. Olubunmi Ojo as the new pro-chancellor of UNN. Previously, Ojo held the same position at the Federal University of Lokoja and the Federal University of Oye-Ekiti.
Prof. Zubairu Abdullahi, currently the pro-chancellor of the University of Uyo, has been appointed to succeed Ojo at the Federal University of Lokoja,” indicated the statement.

Senator Sani Stores is the new pro-chancellor of Alvan Ikoku University of Education, succeeding Senator Joy Emordi, while Mr Stores is now a council member at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

“Additionally, Olugbenga Kukoyi, a current council member at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, has been appointed the new pro-chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Anambra. All appointments and reassignment decisions are effective immediately. President Tinubu emphasised that these changes reflect his administration’s commitment to revitalising Nigeria’s higher education system through dynamic leadership and accountability. The restructuring aims to strengthen governance and academic excellence within Nigeria’s tertiary education sector,” the statement stated.

A lawmaker on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party representing Jema’a/Sanga Federal Constituency in Kaduna State, Dan Amos, on Thursday donated 26 motorcycles to pastors and imams in his constituency.

Presenting the motorcycles to the clerics in Kafanchan, Mr Amos said the gesture aimed to assist the beneficiaries in carrying out their religious duties to the people.

Represented by James Inji, PDP Chairman in the Sanga Local Government Area, Mr Amos explained that the work of religious leaders was demanding, hence the need to support them to ease their movement.

He stated, “The job of our religious leaders in the harsh economic situation we find ourselves in is not an easy one. They are doing a lot to promote ethical behaviour and values that align with religious teachings; as such, we must support them in whatever way we can. And that is why I present these motorcycles to them to ease their movement, even as they carry on with this noble work.’’

The lawmaker enjoined the clerics to put the motorcycles to good use, cautioning them against trading the items for money.

In his remarks, chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Jema’a Local Government Area, Venerable Emmanuel Markus, lauded the lawmaker for the gesture.

Mr Markus noted that the donation was a demonstration of the legislator’s commitment to supporting religious leaders in their efforts at providing spiritual guidance.

Also speaking, Chairman of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), Jema’a Local Government Area, Garba Alhassan, described the gesture as one of its kind in the constituency.

Mr Alhassan expressed hope that other well-meaning individuals would follow Amos’ example in supporting religious leaders in the area.

Rev. Yakubu Ido, who spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries, also lauded the lawmaker for the gesture.

Mr Ido prayed to God to protect the lawmaker and grant him the ability to do more for his constituents.

Workers of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company on Monday commenced an indefinite strike over the non-implementation of the new minimum wage, non-remittance of pension and cooperative deductions, and the alleged dismissal of 17 staff members, among other welfare concerns.

When our correspondent visited the Ogun Region office of IBEDC in Abeokuta on Thursday, employees were seen milling around while the main gate remained locked.

Speaking on the development, the Vice President of the National Union of Electricity Employees, Lagos/Ogun Zone, Abiodun Shobayo said the workers had no option but to embark on the strike after months of failed negotiations with the IBEDC management.

Shobayo said, “We are here this morning to say enough is enough. The IBEDC management cannot continue to take us for granted on issues we have raised for about nine months,” Shobayo said.

“For instance, our pension and cooperative deductions, running into billions of naira, have not been remitted. We are not given imprest, and workers have been using their personal funds to fix electricity faults and distribute bills.

“The management is not ready to implement the new minimum wage or even negotiate, claiming there is no money. They have also been sacking workers indiscriminately without following due process.

“Seventeen of our members have already been affected, and we have said this cannot stand. We have exercised patience, but it seems the management has a hidden agenda. Just recently, 900 staff of Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company were sacked; we do not want the same situation here.

“Seventy per cent of the workers here are casual staff, which is unacceptable. This strike is indefinite until the management sees reason. The action affects all IBEDC franchise areas, covering the six states of the South-West, as well as Kwara and Kogi.”

Shobayo added that the union’s demands include the immediate payment of all outstanding entitlements and the reinstatement of sacked workers before any negotiations to end the strike can begin.

Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to apply his power of prerogative of mercy and tamper justice with mercy for the release of the leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, from detention.

Kalu made the appeal while addressing reporters after the inaugural meeting of the House of Representatives committee on South East Development Commission (SEDC) at the National Assembly complex in Abuja on Wednesday.

The Deputy Speaker applauded the President for his continuous and tremendous support and commitment towards peace, development and stability of the South-East region.

According to him, since assuming office, President Tinubu has proven his love for the South-Easterners through his speedy assent to the South East Development Commission Bill which failed in previous assemblies.

The Deputy Speaker suggested the adoption of political approach in resolving the crisis in the region rather than the current legal option, adding that the people of the region will be eternally grateful to the President if that becomes a reality.

While expressing optimism that the President will heed to their appeal, he said when Kanu is released insecurity in the region will be reduced and as well spring up development that the SEDC is going to bring.

He said: “Only President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was able to put his feet down to say that the South East remains parts and parcel of Nigeria. It failed in previous assemblies but when it got to him, he assented to it.

“We are very happy because we know that certain areas of our problems in the region will be prioritised such as agriculture, energy, power, infrastructure, technology we are very innovative people.

“All we need is the support of government to project the innovative mindedness of the young folks in that region to benefit the entire federation. The next one is the creative industry, how do we look at that, sports, entertainment, to take it from where it is to where it ought to be.

“In agriculture the whole nine yards, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda on Food Security, that’s what we are looking at. What’s happening with these talents, can’t we have something like silicon valley in the east? We can call it eastern valley, a hub where you creative minds will come together.

“These are areas we are looking at, with a lot of technology in place, development will spring up. We are thankful to Mr President for doing this for the South-East, you know insecurity is a major concern in the area. You can’t have development in midst of insecurity.

“That’s why we started what we call peace in South-East project supported by the parliament. But in doing so we noticed that the insecurity there will be reduced if Nnamdi Kanu is released. We want Nnamdi Kanu to be released because we know it will give our people more security.

“Those who are using him as excuses to perpetrate all these criminal actions around our area will have no other reason to be on the street. Then the police and security agencies will catch anyone who claims Nnamdi Kanu is the reason for causing harm to the people of South-East.

“So, we are begging, you can’t coarse the President, he’s the Commander in Chief. All we are saying is use political approach not the legal approach. We are appealing to him to temper justice with mercy and release Nnamdi Kanu to southeast people. It will ensure more security for our people and spring up development that this SEDC is going to bring.”

Suspended Edo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Samson Osagie, has denied any financial infractions following his suspension on Wednesday.

Osagie, along with Damian Lawani, Chairman of the Edo State Local Government Service Commission, was suspended over alleged official and financial misconduct.

The suspension was announced in a letter dated February 5, 2025, and signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Musa Ikhilor.

Governor Monday Okpebholo also set up a committee to investigate the claims.

In a statement on Thursday, Osagie strongly refuted the allegations and expressed his readiness to defend his innocence.

“My attention has just been drawn to a Government special announcement dated February 5, 2025, in which I was alleged to have been engaged in financial infractions with the Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission and therefore suspended,” Osagie stated.

He continued, “Let me state unequivocally that I am not and was never involved in any financial dealing with anyone nor committed any financial infraction of any kind. I was also not confronted with the said allegations by anyone after my suspension was announced.”

Osagie expressed confidence in his ability to clear his name, adding, “I will be prepared to defend myself and prove my innocence in order to clear my name and hard-earned reputation, which I have laboured to build over the years.”

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Chioma Awuzie as the substantive rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State.

Chijioke Ibezimako, the polytechnic’s spokesman, confirmed the appointment in Awka on Thursday.

Ms Awuzie is a globally recognised scholar with a rich portfolio of research and publications.

Mr Ibezimako said the appointment of Ms Awuzie as the rector took effect from February 5 for a five-year term.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of Dr Chioma Awuzie as the polytechnic rector. This follows the recommendation of the institution’s governing council under the chairmanship of Sen. Dr Barnabas Gemade,” he said.

Ms Awuzie holds a doctorate in physical and materials chemistry and is a chief lecturer in the Department of Science Laboratory Technology.

Until her appointment, Ms Awuzie was the director in charge of Tertiary Education Trust Fund projects in the Polytechnic.

She has held several leadership positions in the institution, including head of the Department of Renewable Energy Research and Development, director of the Petroleum, Coal, and Renewable Energy Research Unit, and director of the International Higher Education Academic Organisation.

Ms Awuzie served as coordinator of technical and vocational education and training.

She is a fellow of the Chemical Society of Nigeria, the Institute of Chartered Chemists of Nigeria, and the Institute of Corporate Administration.

She was part of the National Board for Technical Education, which drafted the Renewable Energy Technology curriculum for Nigerian Polytechnics, currently in use.

Ms Awuzie is a philanthropist and has empowered youths, women, and underserved communities through education, skills training, and economic empowerment through her foundation, the Dr. Chioma Awuzie Foundation.

The Katsina command of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has called for a collective effort to address drug abuse in the state.

The NDLEA commander in the state, Muhammad Aminu-Abubakar, made the call on Thursday in Katsina during a sensitisation and advocacy for women and youth on drug abuse awareness and prevention.

Mr Aminu-Abubakar expressed the need for the people to contribute their quota in the fight against drug trafficking and abuse.

The NDLEA commander explained that the fight against drug trafficking and abuse was a collective effort of stakeholders, noting that “all hands must be on deck to fight the menace.”

He also called on the state government to continue to give the command the necessary support in tackling drug trafficking and abuse.

Mr Dogo made this known on Thursday in Jos, saying the ministry has been collaborating with the police to stop the illegal activities.

He said illegal mining has continued to pose serious threats to both human settlements and the environment in Plateau.

Mr Dogo said one major immediate danger of illegal mining was land degradation as illegal miners dig indiscriminately, creating deep pits and tunnels that weaken the soil structure.

“You know that over time, this would lead to increased incidents of land subsidence and sinkholes, making the ground unstable for buildings, roads, and other infrastructure.

“We had building collapses in Jos last year; illegal mining compromises the integrity of buildings, making them susceptible to collapse, especially during heavy rains or seismic activity,” he said.

Mr Dogo said most times, the illegal miners were buried in the holes, and many had lost their lives in the process.

The permanent secretary said government revenues were lost due to unregulated mineral extraction, depriving the state of funds that could be used for development.

He, however, said that to mitigate these effects, the Plateau government had strengthened enforcement measures to promote sustainable mining practices.

Mr Dogo said plans had been put in place to create awareness about the dangers of illegal mining and also provide alternative livelihoods for illegal miners.

French President Emmanuel Macron spoke on the phone with new Syrian Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa on Wednesday and invited him to visit France in the coming weeks.

This appeared to be Mr Al-Sharaa’s first direct contact with a European head of state.

According to a statement from the Syrian presidential office, Mr Macron congratulated Mr Al-Sharaa on taking over the presidency and on “liberating the country.’’

There was initially no official confirmation of the invitation from Paris.

According to the Élysée Palace, Mr Macron took the initiative for the phone call in view of an international conference on Syria set to take place in Paris on February 13.

Mr Macron had expressed the hope that the process initiated by the interim government would fully meet the aspirations of the Syrian people.

The statement said Mr Macron also stressed France’s loyalty to the democratic forces in Syria and called for their full integration into the Syrian transition process, according to Paris.

According to the statement, Mr Macron said France was working to lift sanctions against Syria to promote economic recovery and growth.

Mr Al-Sharaa thanked Mr Macron for France’s support for the Syrian people in recent years.

After the civil war broke out in Syria in 2011, France provided logistical and military support to rebels in the country.

Mr Al-Sharaa was appointed Syrian interim president a week ago after his Islamist militia HTS led a lightning rebel offensive that overthrew the previous government of long-time dictator Bashar al-Assad in December.

Since taking office, Mr Al-Sharaa has travelled to Saudi Arabia and Turkey and received high-ranking delegations from the EU.

France is rapidly pursuing its rapprochement with the new rulers in Syria.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot and his German counterpart Annalena Baerbock visited Damascus on behalf of the EU in early January.

Shortly before the call with Mr Macron, the Syrian Authority for Land and Sea Ports announced that French shipping giant CMA CGM will continue operating the important Latakia container terminal.

Under a new contract, the CMA CGM will continue operating the important Latakia container terminal on the Mediterranean Sea.

The agreement includes “new conditions and mechanisms” and the settlement of debts from both sides from the past decade, it said. Latakia is Syria’s most important port.

Iran had also sought to control the terminal, which CMA CGM has operated for years.