Two women identified as Felicia Nwosu and Chinenye Nwosu, from Ndiowu, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State have been brought before the State Criminal Investigation Department, Awka for forcefully taking into custody, two underage children of a widow, Sharon Nwosu.

The culprits said to be mother-in-law and sister-in-law of the widow, reportedly took the widow’s children after her husband’s death while accusing her of killing her deceased husband.

A relative of the deceased who confirmed the development to journalists on Saturday said they were arrested after the widow complained to the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare on Friday.

Narrating her ordeal, Sharon, who hails from Enubom Ndiowu, Orumba Local Government Area, said trouble started between her and her in-laws after she refused to hand over her late husband’s laptop and telephone to the junior brother, who demanded to take possession of the said properties.

She said,

“After forcefully taking custody of my two children and accusing me of killing my husband, my mother-in-law and sister-in-law asked me to hand over my late husband’s laptop and telephone to his junior brother who demanded to take possession of the said properties.

“I was shocked that such a request was made a few days after my late husband’s demise. They asked me to hand over the laptop so that the junior brother could take over the contract my late husband who was an architect, had just secured warning me not to tell anyone.

“I was still dealing with her husband’s demise only to find out that my mother had also died the same day I lost my husband.

“The worst of the situation was days before they took my children, they consistently told my kids that, I was responsible for their father’s death and they broke into my room after my husband’s funeral to cart away all the money sympathisers gave to me.”

Responding, the Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Ify Obinabo, expressed her displeasure over the development and assured the widow of recovering her children from her in-laws.

Obinabo, therefore called on everyone to always give widows breathing space to mourn their loved ones instead of creating more problems for them.

As part of its efforts to sanitise the use of drugs, the Nigeria Customs Service, Kebbi State Command has again seized 371 parcels of Cannabis sativa, also known as Indian hemp and 98 packs of diazepam.

The seizure which was made within the last 10 days by the command also includes 10 sacks of snuff, 1080 pieces of donkey skin, 37 bags of foreign rice, 16 bales of second-hand clothing, 300 litres of Petroleum Motor Spirits and Toyota Corolla car means as means of conveyance.

The commander, Kebbi State command of the Nigerian Customs Service, Dr. Ben Oramalugo while handing over the seized drugs to the state commandant of National drug law enforcement agency, Usman Suleiman, said he put the value of the drugs seized at ninety four million, eight hundred and fifty four thousand, four hundred and nine naira only.

According to him, “Recall that ten days ago, precisely on 14th August 2023, during our last press briefing, we made a vow that henceforth, there would be no breathing space for smugglers in Kebbi command, especially those who smuggle drugs and other items injurious to our health and the nation’s economy.

“To this end, we directed our officers to intensify surveillance in all the nooks and crannies of the state, having had a credible intelligence on their impending activities.

“The duty paid value of the seized items is one hundred and sixty four million, eight hundred and fifteen thousand, six hundred and twenty nine naira”

Earlier in his remarks, the CAC commiserate with the families of his two of his personnel who lost their lives along Bunza – Koko – Dakingari road on Thursday.

“This sad incident, although regrettable will not deter us or dampen the morale of officers and men of the command.

“We shall continue to double our effort and synergy with all the relevant agencies in order to stem the menace of drugs smuggling in the state.

Two years after the attack on the Owerri Custodial Centre in Imo State, 864 fleeing inmates have yet to be recaptured.

However, findings by our correspondent showed that the pictures of 864 fleeing inmates from the Owerri Custodial Centres are still on the ministry’s website.

The profile of the inmates could not be viewed properly to ascertain if any had been recaptured.

The NCoS spokesperson, Umar Abubakar, had yet to respond to inquiries from our correspondent on the latest updates on the fleeing inmates at the time of filing this report.

However, a security expert, Chidi Omeje, said as long as the inmates were still at large, more attacks would continue, especially in the North.Omeje stated

“It is a big issue and the implications are dire. It pretty much explains why we keep having recurring bandit and terrorist attacks in North Central, and North West because it is believed that those who escaped are high-profile terrorists.

“The fact that they have escaped and have yet to be recaptured means that they might have moved into the forests which might be responsible for killings in Kaduna, Sokoto, etc. It calls for concern.”

The Federal Road Safety Corps in Oyo State said 146 persons died in various road traffic crashes in the state between January and June.

The state Sector Commander of the corps, Mr Joshua Adekanye, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria on Friday in Ibadan.

Adekanye also said 618 persons sustained varying degrees of injury in 246 road crashes recorded within the period.

Giving a breakdown of the figure, he said 15 persons lost their lives in January; 15 in February; 23 in March; 24 in April; 45 in May and 24 in June.

He explained that investigation revealed that some of the crashes were due to speeding, driving under the influence of drugs, alcohol, and mechanical fault, among others.

The sector commander cautioned drivers against reckless driving, noting that the command had stepped up enforcement and public enlightenment across motor parks, churches and mosques.

“We also seize every available opportunity to talk to the general public about the factors that can lead to road crashes and how to avoid same.

“We also make use of radio, print and social media to pass the message across to the general public. We also partner traditional leaders to talk to people in their domain on how to avoid factors that can lead to road traffic crashes,” he added.

The Nasarawa State House of Assembly has confirmed Ibrahim Angbolo as commissioner and member of the state executive council.

Ibrahim Abdullahi, the Speaker of the House, announced this after Mr Angbolo appeared for screening at plenary on Friday in Lafia.

The speaker, while congratulating the nominee, urged him to key into the vision of Gov. Abdullahi Sule for development to thrive in the state.

“We hereby confirm the nomination of Ibrahim Uthman Angbolo as commissioner and member of the state executive council,” he said.

MR Abdullahi also urged the commissioner-nominee to add value to the present administration in the state and live above board while discharging his duties.

The speaker directed the clerk to communicate the House’s resolution to the governor for further action.

Mohammed Omadefu (APC- Keana) and the majority leader of the House, moved a motion for the confirmation of the commissioner-nominee and was seconded by the House minority leader, Luka Zhekaba (PDP-Obi 11).

The House unanimously screened and confirmed the commissioner-nominee.

The House also confirmed the nomination of Aliyu Gayam from Lafia Local Government Area and Samuel Tsebe from Akwanga LGA as permanent members of the State Independent Electoral Commission (NASIEC).

Besides, the House confirmed the reappointment of Abdullahi Waziri from Doma LGA and Mustapha Aliyu from Awe LGA as permanent members of the local government service commission.

The speaker also announced their confirmations during the plenary.Mr Abdullahi congratulated the appointees and wished them well in their respective offices.

He then directed the clerk of the House to communicate the House resolution to the governor for further action.

Earlier, the majority leader of the House moved a motion for the confirmation of the permanent members of NASIEC and local government service commission, respectively, and was seconded by the minority leader.

The House unanimously screened and confirmed them accordingly.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) arrested no fewer than 40 suspected illegal coal miners in Enugu, the commandant, Muhammed Dada, said.

Addressing reporters on Friday in Enugu, Mr Dada said that during the operation, items recovered included pumping machines, diggers, head-pans, shovels, and four Hanvan G7 trucks without registration numbers.

Others are a Toyota Hilux van with registration number MUS 513 HU, two heavy-duty batteries, a substantial amount of coal, and a motorcycle.

Mr Dada said the operation occurred Thursday, August 24, at the base of Ugwuonyeama hill in Enugu.

The commandant described the act as a serious economic sabotage, adding that the arrest underlined NSCDC’s role as the lead agency entrusted with safeguarding critical national assets and infrastructure.

“The NSCDC’s intelligence team, acting on a tip-off, conducted a successful raid leading to the arrest of the 40 suspects involved in illegal coal mining at Ugwuonyeama,” he said.

Mr Dada said NSCDC would thoroughly investigate the matter and “ensure that those responsible for these activities face the consequences of their actions”.

He also warned individuals engaging in illegal mining activities in the state to stop immediately.

The commandant reiterated NSCDC’s resolve to collaborate with law-abiding citizens, urging residents to support government efforts in curbing illegal activities by providing information that could aid in ending them.

“Those with valid clearance and legitimate mining operation licenses will be treated in accordance with the law.

Fire has gutted a residential building at Obiofia Nnewi Ichi in the Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra.

This is contained in a statement by the fire chief of the Anambra Fire Service, Martin Agbili, on Friday in Onitsha.

Mr Agbili said the service received a distress call of a fire outbreak in the residential building at about 7:02 p.m. on Thursday.

He said firefighters were immediately deployed to the scene to control the fire.

“The cause of the fire outbreak was as a result of an electric spark from a power surge.

“The building was seriously burnt by the fire but no life was lost during the firefighting.

“A lot were saved as all surrounding buildings were saved from the effect of the fire spread,” he said.

Nigeria’s superstar act Damini Ogulu popularly known as Burna Boy has released his seventh studio album titled ‘I Told Them.’

The 15-track album features top acts like rapper J Cole, 21 Savage and Nigeria’s Seyi Vibez. “#ITOLDTHEM. Out Now!,” Burna tweeted Friday morning.

Burna and J. Cole’s ‘Thanks,’ has since begun to trend as the singer addressed his involvement in the 2022 ‘Cubana’ shooting.

The Grammy winner, speaking with Apple Music’s Zane Lowe Wednesday, disclosed the reason he chose to work with J.Cole on the new project.

“The truth is often hidden, but when you come across it and you are a person of truth yourself, you can’t help but recognize it.

“You know what I mean? That’s really the story of me and J Cole. It’s like, I recognize it.”

Denmark’s justice minister, Peter Hummelgaard, on Friday said that the government plans to ban Koran burnings after a string of desecrations of Islam’s holy book in the Scandinavian nation sparked anger in Muslim countries.

Hummelgaard, while speaking with reporters said that the government will present a bill that will “prohibit the inappropriate treatment of objects of significant religious importance to a religious community.

“The legislation was aimed especially at burnings and desecrations in public places, he added.

A salesman, Okusaga Isiaka, 37, was on Friday arraigned before an Ota Magistrates’ court for allegedly defrauding his employee of N27.8 million in Ogun State.

The Spanish Football Federation President, Luis Rubiales who is been forced out of his job following his offensive behaviour at the Women’s World Cup final has refused to resign, Daily Mail reports Friday.

Rubiales blames ‘false feminism’ for a ‘social murder’ against him.

Rubiales sparked outrage after kissing Spanish player Jenni Hermoso on her lips as she collected her medal following the 1-0 win over England in Sydney.

The footage of the scene showed Rubiales grabbing his crotch while standing near Queen Letizia of Spain and her 16-year-old daughter Princess Infanta Sofia.

Rubiales who is defiant amid mounting pressure to resign from his position said, “I am not going to resign,” as he shouted four times in a charged speech following an emergency meeting of federation officials.

Nigeria’s unemployment rate dropped to 4.1 per cent in the first quarter of 2023 from 5.3 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2022.

The minster of information and national orientation, Mohammed Idris, says the federal government will no longer use propaganda in messaging its policies and programmes.

The minister called for the collaboration of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) in restoring the Nigerians’ trust in the government.

Mr Idris made the call at the 2023 annual general meeting of NIPR on Thursday in Abuja.

The information minister urged NIPR members to use the conference to recommit themselves not only to their clients and organisations, but also to the nation.

“You are aware that the focus of government now is how to restore the confidence of the governed in governments and its institutions,” Mr Idris told NIPR.

“This time around the process of restoring popular confidence and trust in government and its policy shall not lie in the domains of propaganda. Through tangible and credible policies of government, government aim to directly impact on the lives of our people,” the minister explained.

“In other words, the era of relying on propaganda to propagate government programmes is now over,’’ he said.

Mr Idris also challenged NIPR to make the profession more relevant and more focused to achieve national expectations and concentrating on the key issues.

“As we come together, we are not only celebrating our sheer dedication to the field of public relations, but also embarking on a journey of reflections of inspiration and of collaboration.”

Mr Idris highlighted, pointing out that “in this age of information saturation where every click adds to the noise, the role of public relations has never been more vital.”

Mr Idris added, “We are the storytellers, the bridge builders and the custodians of reputation. Our work shapes perceptions, guides decisions, fosters relationship and extends far beyond the boardroom.”

Mr Idris stated that “beyond the corporate boardrooms and campaign strategies, let us also remember our broader societal role, our craft can be a force for positive change, amplifying voices that otherwise go unheard, driving awareness on social issues and catalysing meaningful dialogues.”

NIPR president Mukhtar Sirajo called on the federal government to put in place necessary measures to palliate adverse effects of the petrol subsidy removal.

Mr Sirajo said the removal of the subsidy might be done with good intention but citizens and corporate organisations are struggling to cope with its negative impacts.

“It is therefore our hope that all necessary measures to ameliorate the negative repercussions of the policy be put in place so that people can heave a sigh of relief,’’ said Mr Sirajo.

The House of Representatives has begun investigation into the alleged gruesome murder of vigilante members by soldiers in Eke, Udi LGA in Enugu.

Libyan Prime Minister Abdul-Hamed Dbeibah has announced the arrest of a senior Islamic State member responsible for deadly attacks in capital Tripoli in 2018.

The country’s security forces on Tuesday afternoon arrested an IS leader, who was involved in planning and leading suicide operations targeting the headquarters of major government institutions and government employees in 2018, said Mr Dbeibah in a speech.

The Libyan prime minister vowed to fight all forms of terrorism in and outside the country, pledging to work to stabilise the country, reform the security and military institutions and normalise life in all parts of Libya.

In 2018, the IS carried out three attacks in Tripoli on the headquarters of the Higher Commission of Elections, the National Oil Corporation, and the Foreign Ministry.

No fewer than 19 people were killed in the attacks while dozens of others were injured.

The Anambra government on Thursday said it started implementing zero charges on Right of Way (RoW) per linear meter in the state.

Fred Agbata, the managing director of Anambra State Information Communication Technology Agency, disclosed this at a media parley in Lagos.

Mr Agbata said, by implication, Anambra prided itself as the first state in the South-East to implement the waiver of the per linear meter RoW charges.

He said the National Economic Council had, in 2020, recommended N145 per linear meter RoW charge, a fee Anambra has now removed.

Right of Way (RoW) is the legal right, established by grant from a landowner or long usage, to pass along a specific route through property belonging to another.

A similar right of access also exists on land held by a government, lands that are typically called public land, state land, or Crown land.

According to Mr Agbata, the move to forgo the RoW charge is in line with the ‘Everything Technology and Technology Everywhere’ vision of Governor Charles Soludo.

“The Anambra ICT agency is working in partnership with GICL to deploy about 200km of fibre optic cables. This is under the first phase of the Anambra digital adoption plan. This broadband initiative targets ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) of the state government as well as schools and other clusters,” stated Mr Agbata.

He added,

‘’The state governor, Prof. Charles Soludo, has demonstrated huge interest in deploying modern strategies to eliminate bottlenecks to digital access, by reversing infrastructure decline in the state.

Our partnership with GICL will boost WiFi hotspot rollout to government offices, schools and communities to diversify the economy, leveraging digital services for eGovernment, commerce, education and innovation.”

The implementation of the Right of Way charges removal by the Anambra government “is the first step to a digital economy that will encourage key investors, innovators, and businesses to the state,’’ Mr Agbata stressed.

He stressed that without connectivity, e-government programmes would become a mirage.

“Africa’s digital landscape is changing at a rapid rate and Anambra is no different. This connectivity achieved in this first phase will be used to power the governor’s lodge, and by extension, a local government and a university, as a pilot,” Mr Agbata explained.

He added that the agency had continued to standardise the state government’s digital assets by moving all government websites to www.anambrastate.gov.ng.

According to him, the agency has initiated a statewide migration of all government assets to the internet domain name anambrastate.gov.ng.

American professional wrestler and WWE superstar Bray Wyatt has died from heart attack after several months battling an undisclosed life-threatening illness.

“WWE is saddened to learn that Windham Rotunda, also known as Bray Wyatt, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 24, at age 36,” the professional wrestling professional announced Thursday.

“WWE extends its condolences to Rotunda’s family, friends and fans.”

He was 36.

Wyatt, whose real name was Windham Rotunda, was known for his gimmick as ‘The Fiend’, a demonic masked sinister figure with ability to control darkness, tormented the promotion for a period of time.

Wyatt had been sidelined from the wrestling ring since February as the former WWE Championship and WWE Universal Championship winner battled a life-threatening illness.

Tributes have been pouring in from the wrestling community since the announcement of Wyatt’s death.

Former WWE superstar Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson said, “I’m heartbroken over the news of Bray Wyatt’s passing. Always had tremendous respect and love for him and the Rotunda family. Loved his presence, promos, in ring work and connection with @wwe universe.”

“This is awful news, just terribly sad for his family, friends and fans. I thought so highly of Bray Wyatt, and was so flattered when he started using the mandible claw for his finisher. He was a true visionary; one of the most compelling presences that wrestling has ever seen,” said former wrestler Mick Foley.

In his tribute, WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair, tweeted, “When Your Great Friend And Someone Your Son’s Age Dies Within 2 Days, It Really Makes Me Reflect & Think About Life! Don’t Take Any Second For Granted! Rest In Peace Terry Funk & Bray Wyatt!.”

The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) says the country generated $2.5 billion from January to June from non-oil exports.

NEPC executive director Ezra Yakusak said this at a one-day workshop for emerging exporters, on Wednesday in Owerri.

Mr Yakusak, represented by NEPC’s coordinator in Imo, Anthony Ajuruchi, said with the revenue milestone reached, the council could hope to surpass its 2022 revenue of $4.8 billion in 2023.

Mr Yakusak advised newly registered exporters to learn from their experienced counterparts.

He urged successful exporters to share their experiences with new exporters to increase the number of players in non-oil exports business in Imo and grow the economy of Imo and Nigeria.

“This workshop is aimed at building the morale of new exporters when they learn from existing, successful exporters so that we can increase the number of exporters in the state and Nigeria by extension,” Mr Yakusak stated.

Mr Yakusak added, “The more people venture into the exports business, the more revenue for the state and the more growth of Nigeria’s gross domestic product (GDP) and hopefully we will surpass the gains of the previous year.”

A multi-storey building collapsed at Lagos Street in Garki, Abuja reportedly killing two people while many others are being trapped on Wednesday.

An eyewitness who was at the scene confirmed to an online platform that the building housed many apartments, while the ground floor was full of shops.

According to him, “There was wailing all over the place after the building collapsed. Dozens of people are either dead or trapped as the building is fully occupied.

“It was a scene of helplessness with people screaming and going helter-skelter, while the heavy rain continues,” he added.

Confirming the incident, the Federal Emergency Management Authority said that 37 people had been rescued, while two were fatally injured.

The Director General of FEMA, Dr Abbass Idriss, in a quick release on Thursday morning, said the 37 rescued persons had all been taken to various medical facilities in Abuja, and that rescue efforts were ongoing, in collaboration with other rescue agencies.

“37 persons were rescued alive, while 2 others were fatally injured. Meanwhile, FEMA Search and Rescue team are awaiting excavators to intensify the search to ensure that no victim is left in the rubble of the collapsed building”.

“A combined team of the FCT Emergency Management Agency, Federal Road Safety Corps, FCT Police Command, and the VIO are on the ground to carry out the rescue efforts.”