The New York State Catholic Conference, an organisation that represents the bishops of the state in working with government to shape laws and policies that promote social justice and respect for life, has criticised United States President Donald Trump for sharing seemingly AI-generated images of himself dressed as the Pope.

In a post on X.com on Saturday, the NYS Catholic Conference wrote: “There is nothing clever or funny about this image, Mr President.

“We just buried our beloved Pope Francis and the cardinals are about to enter a solemn conclave to elect a new successor of St Peter. Do not mock us.”

Trump sparked a mix of laughter, disbelief, and debate after sharing the image on his Truth Social platform.

The digitally altered image, later reposted by the White House’s official X account, showed Trump in full papal regalia—flowing white robes, a golden crucifix, and a mitre—with one finger raised skywards.

The post comes just days after Trump jokingly told reporters, “I’d like to be pope, that would be my number one choice,” when asked who he backed as the next head of the Catholic Church.

His comment came shortly before the conclave to elect a successor to Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21.

While Trump didn’t endorse any contender, he alluded to “a very good” cardinal in New York, widely believed to be Archbishop Timothy Dolan, a staunch theological conservative with a clear stance against abortion.

Trump also attended Pope Francis’ funeral last week, marking his first international appearance since returning to office.

The immediate past Chairman of the Nigerian-American Public Affairs Committee (NAPAC) Texas, United States of America, Ike Chidolue, has urged Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to present her evidence backing her claim or quit the senate.

Mr Chidolue made the call in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

Recall that Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan, the suspended senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello of conspiring to kill her. The claim followed her accusation of sexual molestation against Mr Akpabio.

His reaction was in response to the suspended senator’s Facebook post, in which she dismissed a viral May 1 Facebook Live broadcast by one Dr Sandra Duru (also known as Prof. Mgbeke).

Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan described the live broadcast which featured audio recordings and screenshots that appeared to contradict her public denials on several matters as “manipulated” and “politically motivated.”

However, Mr Chidolue said that the senator did not present facts or evidence to defend herself.

According to him, her post offered no facts, no forensics, and certainly no credibility.

He said, “What it does offer, unfortunately, is a continuation of a now familiar pattern; sensational allegations, quickly recycled into conspiracy claims once confronted with inconvenient evidence.”

Mr Chidolue added that if the materials presented by Ms Duru were authentic, they paint a troubling picture of a public official weaponising unproven accusations for political mileage.

He listed claims by Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan which had not been backed by verifiable evidence to include accusations of sexual harassment by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, as well as claims that a former Kogi Governor, Yahaya Bello was contracted to assassinate her.

Others he said were allegations that the Akpabios were involved in the 2021 death of a minor, assertions that her reassignment on the senate floor was punishment for rejecting sexual advances among others.

“Not one of these claims has been substantiated by a police report, sworn affidavit, senate resolution, or authenticated document. When confronted with contradictory evidence, the senator’s response has been predictable; attack the source, dismiss the proof, and shift the goalposts,” Mr Chidolue said.

He therefore called for a four-step course of action to restore credibility.

According to him, Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan should authenticate or refute Ms Duru’s recordings through an independent forensic lab—publicly.

He stated, “She should also present evidence, police reports, court filings, senate records to back every claim, or seek legal redress if defamed.”

He added that failing all else, she should tender a public apology and vacate the Senate seat.

Mr Chidolue noted, “Let it be said plainly that Nigeria’s public institutions are not theatres for trial-by-sentiment. When elected leaders make explosive claims, they owe the public facts, not theatrics. Nigerians deserve better than conjecture and drama. The time for storytelling has expired. The burden is now her; evidence or exit.”

The Kebbi State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to establish four additional Sexual Assault Referral Centres across the state by the end of 2025.

This initiative aims to address Gender-Based Violence through the establishment of the new centres in each of the four emirates in Kebbi.

The state Secretary of the Technical Working Group on GBV in Kebbi State, Nasiru Idris, gave then update in a statement in Birnin Kebbi on Saturday.

Mr Idris explained that the initiative followed a high-level stakeholders’ meeting at the Government House in Birnin Kebbi, chaired by the governor’s wife, Zainab Nasir-Idris, who also serves as the chairperson of the TWG on GBV.

He said the meeting was attended by key government officials, consultants, and sectoral leaders, who discussed strategies for training SARC personnel and enhancing social work services across the state.

“I thank all participants, and I reaffirm my commitment to ensuring the new SARCs are fully operational before the end of 2025,” Ms Nasir-Idris said.

The governor’s wife also emphasised the importance of grassroots accessibility and collaboration across ministries.

She called for sustained media engagement to raise public awareness about GBV prevention and reporting.

Additionally, she highlighted the need to educate the public on survivors’ rights and the legal consequences for perpetrators.

In her opening remarks, Lead Consultant from Pearl Services Limited, Amina Ibrahim-Bamalli, commended the state government for its leadership in GBV programming in Northwestern Nigeria.

She highlighted the crucial role of social workers in helping survivors cope with trauma and suggested establishing skill acquisition centres to support survivors’ economic independence.

Permanent Secretary at the Ministry for Women Affairs, Dr Suwaiba Salihu, underscored the need for the SARCs to be well-equipped.

In response, stakeholders were reassured that consultations with non-governmental organisations were ongoing to ensure adequate resource mobilisation for the centres’ operational readiness.

Further solidifying the state’s coordinated approach, Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Justice, A’ishatu Abbas, announced the upcoming formation of a multi-stakeholder committee to oversee the implementation of GBV policies.

Director and Medical Consultant of the Maitalle Tara SARC in Kalgo, Dr Nura Mohammed-Kangiwa,also provided insights into the necessary requirements for the operation of each centre.

A former Permanent Secretary at the Ministry for Basic Education, Rafa’atu Hammani, reiterated the importance of robust social services.

She emphasised the need for strong support systems to enhance the well-being of communities.

Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, A’ishatu Maikurata, pledged to ensure that social work training reached the grassroots. She expressed her commitment to improve accessibility to such training for local communities.

She also committed to reviving services at the community level, especially in rural areas where most GBV cases arose due to lack of awareness.

The Managing Director of Wema Bank, Moruf Oseni, has said the bank’s goal is returning to Nigeria’s top tier of banking.

He stated this during the Gala Night in Lagos, celebrating the bank’s 80th anniversary under the theme, “Timeless Elegance.’’

Mr Oseni said, “We have a bold vision for Nigeria’s financial future. Our immediate aim is to reclaim our place at the industry’s forefront. We’ll keep innovating, using technology to offer financial services that empower Nigerians and Africans to succeed wherever they are.”

Mr Oseni expressed confidence in the bank’s future, anchored on creativity, innovation, and unwavering customer focus.

He also stressed the bank’s commitment to nurturing future talent, while honouring the role of women in banking’s past and present.

Encouraging unity, Mr Oseni shared the bank’s internal identity: “At Wema, we call ourselves knights — skilled, ready to face challenges, and fulfil our God-given potential.”

Earlier, Wema Bank Chairman, Dr Oluwayemisi Olorunshola, reflected on the institution’s long and storied history.

She said, “We celebrate God’s grace, foresight, resilience, hard work, and inclusivity — traditions we proudly uphold.’’

She recounted the bank’s founding in 1945 as Agbonmagbe Bank, Nigeria’s first indigenous bank during colonial rule.

“It was these values that gave our founder the courage to establish Agbonmagbe Bank under colonial rule. What a solid foundation,” she noted.

Ms Olorunshola praised Wema Bank’s resilience through key moments in history, including war, economic booms, and global crises.

She stated, “We welcomed information, explored new terrain, and embraced innovation fearlessly. We’re not just counting years — we’re celebrating seasons, generations, eras, and transformational milestones.’’

The event welcomed dignitaries such as Vice President Kashim Shettima, represented by his Special Adviser on Job Creation & MSME, Temitola Adekunle-Johnson, and philanthropist, Kessington Adebutu. They applauded Wema Bank’s lasting contributions to Nigeria’s economic progress.

Mr Shettima noted that Wema Bank had “stood the test of time” and shaped the nation’s financial journey.

Mr Adebutu echoed this, praising the bank’s resilience and foresight from humble roots to major industry presence.

A health and wellness expert, Adenike Adebagbo, has raised concerns about the growing issue of an overworked and stressed labour force in the country
Mrs Adebagbo, Chief Executive Officer of Beth Beauty Medical Spa in Lagos, was responding to a recently published workplace report.

In an interview on Saturday, she noted that workplace stress affects both organisations and the national economy.

“A 2025 study shows nearly half of workers in the country suffer chronic stress, causing reduced productivity, mental health problems, and physical illnesses,” she stated.

She referred to the Gallup State of the Global Workplace Report, which assesses how employees feel about their jobs and general life.

“It found worker stress remains historically high, placing Nigeria sixth among Sub-Saharan African nations with the most stressed employees,” she said.

She also cited the International Labour Organisation, saying, “Workplace stress costs businesses billions in lost productivity and rising healthcare costs.”

Mrs Adebagbo noted that this growing burden cannot be overlooked, especially as Nigeria’s economy already faces significant pressures.

She proposed relaxation therapy as a viable way to address the crisis and improve worker well-being.

According to her, the therapy uses various methods to ease stress, sharpen mental focus, and boost general health.

“Relaxation therapy provides an effective solution to the growing stress threatening individual success and national economic progress. Adopting such practices makes worker welfare a national priority and strengthens Nigeria’s workforce resilience.

“Moreover, it helps build a healthier, happier, and more adaptable workforce ready for 2025 and future demands,” she said.

She urged employers and policymakers to take action by introducing relaxation therapy into workplace wellness initiatives.

The CEO recommended massage therapy under staff health insurance as a required benefit.

She added, “Also, set up dedicated spaces for short breaks where staff can relax and recharge. Employers should consider flexible schedules, remote work to reduce commuting stress and improve employee well-being. Policymakers must also promote a culture that values health as much as productivity by including relaxation therapy in national healthcare plans.

Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu was also present at the funeral service of late elder statesman and former factional leader of Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group, Samuel Ayodele Adebanjo at St. Phillips Anglican Church, Isanya Ogbo, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.

Adebanjo passed away on February 14 at 96.

A solemn evening of tributes initially held at Eko Hotels and Suites in Lagos earlier this week.

However, in a post via the X handle of the Lagos Governor, on Saturday, he disclosed his attendance at the funeral service.

He described his presence at the funeral as ‘respect to a man who lived a life of purpose, integrity, and service’.

Sharing photos on X, he wrote: “Today, I attended the funeral service of late Chief Samuel Ayodele Adebanjo at St. Phillips Anglican Church, Isanya Ogbo, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.

“We honoured and paid our respects to a man who lived a life of purpose, integrity, and service and one whose legacy will continue to inspire many of us.”

Also present at the event was the former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, Oyo state governor, Seyi Makinde, his Ogun state counterpart, Dapo Abiodun, amongst many others.

Newly-elected Canadian Prime Minister, Mark Carney, has vowed to cap the number of temporary workers and international students at five per cent by 2027 in a drastic measure to mitigate the housing crisis bedevilling the nation.

In a public address on Friday, Mr Carney said the five per cent cap had become imperative to control the immigrant population and the support the government could offer.

“We would turn out immigration to sustainable levels by capping the total number of temporary workers and international students at less than five per cent of Canada’s population by 2027,” Mr Carney said.

“It’s a sharp drop from the recent high of 7.3 per cent. It will help ease strains on public housing on public infrastructure and social services.”

Mr Carney implicitly rebuked his predecessor for allowing the nation to welcome an influx of immigrants post-pandemic at unsustainable levels. In March during his campaign, he said the surge in immigration triggered the housing crisis.

The prime minister said this immigration cap will not apply to the world’s best brains—people he needs to build a strong economy.

“At the same time, we would work to attract the best talents in the world to build our economy,” Mr Carney said.

The Canadian leader is scheduled to meet U.S. President Donald Trump on May 6 where he plans to negotiate trade tariffs and have other discussions that can benefit both nations.

“We can have a bigger boost to our economy, to incomes, to jobs, by focusing on building one Canadian economy, building these nation-building projects, by focusing on getting productivity up, by reducing revenue waste, by driving investment in this country,” the prime minister said. “We’re going to focus on that while we have these negotiations with the Americans, and if negotiations with the Americans take longer, so be it.”

The livelihoods of some mechanics in Lagos State were crushed on Friday after task force officials of the state government demolished the automobile market at First Gate, Agidingbi, Ikeja.

A viral video shared on Saturday by X user @chude_ showed aggrieved workers at the market accusing the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration of tribalism, while others alleged they were given inadequate time to evacuate and received no compensation.

Confirming the demolition to Peoples Gazette, the governor’s special adviser on media and publicity, Gboyega Akosile, said the state government — the original owner of the land — can reclaim it at any time without explanation.

Responding to a claim by one of the affected workers that Ojodu Local Government had sold the land to them over 30 years ago, Mr Akosile said the allegation was untrue. “Can anybody send you away from something you bought? They would have gone to court to stop it,” he said.

Mr Akosile explained: “Let me tell you what usually happens. There’s an expanse of land. Mechanics, through their association, lease it because the government doesn’t want miscreants to take over the space. It’s better to let the mechanics use it as a workshop.

“But when the government decides to use it for something more productive and purposeful, they inform them to vacate. They don’t even need to give a reason. That’s generally what happens.”

Responding to some workers’ allegations that they were given only two days’ notice, Mr Akosile denied the claim, stating that his own mechanic — who operates in the same market — informed him that the market leaders were notified well in advance but failed to communicate it to members.

“I can bet my life they weren’t given just two days — it’s not possible,” Mr Akosile said. “Which government types a letter and gives only two days’ notice? I passed there yesterday. That’s where my personal mechanic works. He told me they were sent away. I asked what happened. He said, ‘Don’t mind our chairmen. They held meetings with government officials and got the notice, but didn’t tell us.’ This is what my mechanic told me. People lie so much against the government.”

Mr Akosile, however, promised to get more information from the leadership of the task force that carried out the demolition and revert.

The UN Refugee Agency has warned that a worsening funding crisis is placing refugees – who cannot return home due to war or persecution – in increasing danger.

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With humanitarian resources running dry, critical support for millions of forcibly displaced people is under threat.

UNHCR, in a statement, said that two-thirds of countries hosting refugees were already severely overstretched and urgently needed support to continue providing education, healthcare and shelter.

Global solidarity with those fleeing conflict and violence is weakening, the agency added.

‘No one wants to be a refugee for life’ The safety that refugees seek in neighbouring countries is at risk,” said Elizabeth Tan, Director of International Protection at UNHCR.

Ms Tan added, “Without international solidarity and burden-sharing, the institution of asylum is under threat.”

Ms Tan noted that some 12,000 Central African refugees in Chad and Cameroon have expressed a desire to return home but cannot do so safely without transport and reintegration assistance.

“No one wants to be a refugee for life,” she said.

Marking the agency’s 75th anniversary, Ms Tan reminded journalists that refugees – unlike migrants – have lost the protection of their home countries.

“They arrive across borders traumatised, often after experiencing torture or persecution, and they need specialised support – including mental health care,” she said.

Children separated from their families face especially grave risks, including recruitment by armed groups, exploitation and trafficking. Protecting them, Ms Tan stressed, “is not a luxury – it is lifesaving.

Police nab 95 suspected cultists, recover firearms in Edo raids
Mr Yamu noted that the commissioner urged parents to monitor their children’s activities.

News Agency of Nigeria • May 3, 2025
Edo State
Edo State[Credit: Facebook]
The Police Command in Edo State has arrested 95 suspected cultists and recovered multiple firearms and ammunition during a week-long operation targeting cult-related violence in the Benin City metropolis.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Moses Yamu disclosed this in a statement on Saturday.

Mr Yamu said operatives of the command also seized two locally made pistols, a single-barrel shotgun, and 24 live cartridges during intelligence-led raids.

According to him, the suspects are alleged members of the Maphites, Eiye, and Aye confraternities, which authorities say are responsible for recent cult supremacy killings in the state.

He said the state Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, warned youths against joining unlawful societies.

He noted that the commissioner urged parents to monitor their children’s activities.

“These groups destroy futures and end lives, both members and innocent citizens,” he said.

Of the 95 suspects, he said that 64 had been charged to court and remanded in the custodian centre and investigations on the remaining cases continued.

The command’s spokesperson assured Edo residents continued efforts to dismantle cult networks and restore public safety.

Vice-President Kashim Shettima will on Saturday, May 3, depart Abuja for Libreville, Gabon, to represent Nigeria at the inauguration of the country’s President-elect, Brice Nguema.

Mr Shettima will attend the event at the instance of President Bola Tinubu.

The spokesperson for the Vice-President, Stanley Nkwocha, who made this known in a statement, said Nigeria remains supportive of the peaceful democratic transition in Gabon.

Mr Nkwocha also reaffirmed the Nigerian government’s broader strategic interest in promoting democratic governance and regional stability in Central Africa.

He said that the vice-president was expected to return to Nigeria after the inauguration.

Mr Nguema, who had served as Gabon’s interim leader since August 2023, secured a decisive victory in the country’s April 12 presidential election.

According to results released by Gabon’s Constitutional Court, Mr Nguema garnered 58,074 votes—equivalent to 94.85 per cent of the total votes cast.

Mr Nguema faced seven challengers in the race, including former Prime Minister Alain Claude Bilie-By-Nze, who finished second with three per cent of the vote. Other candidates failed to surpass the one per cent threshold.

United States President, Donald Trump has ignited a mix of laughter, disbelief, and debate after sharing what appears to be an AI-generated image of himself dressed as the pope on his Truth Social platform.

The digitally altered image, later reposted by the White House’s official X account on Saturday, shows Trump in full papal regalia; flowing white robes, a golden crucifix, and a mitre, with one finger raised skyward.

The post comes just days after Trump jokingly told reporters, “I’d like to be pope, that would be my number one choice,” when asked who he backed as the next head of the Catholic Church.

His comment came just ahead of the conclave set to elect a successor to Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21.

While Trump didn’t endorse any contender, he alluded to “a very good” cardinal in New York, widely believed to be Archbishop Timothy Dolan, a staunch theological conservative with a clear stance against abortion.

Trump also attended Pope Francis’ funeral last week, marking his first international appearance since returning to office.

The Federal Government said it disbursed N1.48 billion in loans to 29,000 small business owners in Imo State.

The Managing Director of the Bank of Industry, Dr Olasupo Olusi said this at a town hall meeting on the Federal Government’s loan scheme for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Owerri, on Friday.

Mr Olusi, represented by the bank’s Divisional Head, MSME South, said that the loan scheme was intended to address challenges facing businesses in the state, such as access to finance and cost of doing business.

He said that business owners could access up to N5 million each at an interest rate of nine per cent per annum with a three-month moratorium and a tenure of up to three years.

He added that the disbursed funds were part of the Federal Government’s N200 billion Special Intervention Fund in line with President Bola Tinubu’s prosperity agenda.

He, therefore, urged business owners to take advantage of the opportunity to grow their businesses.

He also urged stakeholders such as the National Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME) and the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) to mobilise their members to be able to access the loan.

He stated, “Application is open to the public and the Bank of Industry facilitates the verification of applicants’ data to facilitate disbursement. We, therefore, call on all stakeholders – MSME owners, community leaders, youth groups, women associations, and Local Government authorities to be active advocates of the scheme. It is our shared prosperity, and we need to empower our young people to be architects of their own future.’’

Speaking, the Secretary of NASME in Imo State, Ugochukwu Ohaegbu, called on owners of registered businesses to identify with the association for optimal benefits.

One of the beneficiaries and pig farmer, Nduka Norbert, thanked the bank for a grant of N50,000 which he had earlier received, adding that it provided a major boost to his business at a time when some of his animals were dying.

Highlight of the meeting was the visual display of a documentary about the success stories of beneficiaries of the FG’s grants and loans.

Kano Government has asked the sacked Secretary to the State Government, Dr Abdullahi Baffa Bichi to quicken his exposures of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf as he promised, otherwise the Government will in turn open a can of worms on him.Responding to series of threats by the sacked SSG, Baffa Bichi that, “I will soon expose mishandling of governance and other misappropriation of public Treasury by the Government of Abba Kabir Yusuf”, the State Commissioner for Information, Ibrahim Waiya, said they were patiently waiting for Baffa to do so.

“We want you to expose the Government of Abba Kabir Yusuf quickly but let me promise you that if you fail to do so, we will open your Pandora Box of financial misappropriation and siphoning of government funds you perpetrated serially,” he warned.The Commissioner further alleged, “we are aware that you were not sacked for reported ill health but because of stealing of government monies and other anti-government activities you were conducting using your office”.

Ibrahim alleged that the sacked SSG was using his office to enrich himself not until he was cut unawares and shown the doors, “but now he thinks he has guts to talk about the Government”.

He warned the former SSG to either expose Governor Yusuf or face the consequences.

The suspended Commissioner for Health in Rivers State, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, has refuted claims linking her to the disruption of the Renewed Hops Initiative empowerment programme hosted in honour of Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in Rivers State.During the event on Friday, some women staged a walkout on the wife of the Sole Administrator of the state, Theresa Ibas, who was representing the First Lady.

The women demanded to be addressed either by Senator Tinubu herself or by Mrs. Valerie Fubara, wife of the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara.Responding to allegations made by a group she identified as the Concerned Rivers Youth Organization, Dr. Oreh described the claims as entirely baseless and a fabrication intended to malign her reputation.

She said those allegations were a product of the “sick imagination of rumour peddlers and conflict entrepreneurs whose sole aim is to tarnish my image and sow discord.”

Dr. Oreh challenged the group to present credible evidence to support their accusations.She further clarified that she has neither sponsored nor supported any efforts to embarrass or disrupt the activities of the federally appointed administration overseeing the state’s affairs, following President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.

Doctor Oreh added that during her suspension, she has focused on personal endeavours, including her ongoing doctoral studies.

She said, “It is essential to base criticisms on facts rather than speculation or puerile political agendas.

Suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has returned to the state after a two-week vacation overseas.

He touched down at the international wing of the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, at about 7PM on Friday.

A viral video seen by our correspondent shows the Governor being received by some aides at the Airport.

He was escorted to a waiting Sports Utility Vehicle, which immediately zoomed off.

Though he had travelled to Germany, it was gathered that he met with President Bola Tinubu behind closed doors in London, United Kingdom, recently.

President Tinubu suspended Fubara, his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, and members of the State House of Assembly after he declared a state of emergency.

The President had hinged his decision on the attacks on oil pipelines by some militant groups in the state in the heat of the feud between the Governor and the 27 lawmakers, citing the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

At least 20 persons held hostage by a Ponzi scheme syndicate in Oba Ile, Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State, have been rescued, the police say.

Wilfred Afolabi, the state police commissioner, disclosed this to journalists at a briefing in Akure on Friday after a sting operation by detectives from the command.

Mr Afolabi said one Sakariya Sadiq, 26, was arrested following the complaints by some parents over the sudden disappearance of their children who are from Osun and Oyo States.

The police boss said the victims were declared missing from their various homes since November 2024, after they were supposedly called up for a job in Akure introduced to them by their friends.

He said the command’s surveillance team swung into action on April 24, leading to the rescue of the victims, who were allegedly lured into joining a Ponzi scheme called “Quest International Company” under false promises of profit.

“During the operation, one Sakariya Sadiq ‘m’ was discovered to be the prime suspect involved in the alleged criminal activities,” Mr Afolabi said.

Mr Afolabi said the victims were Rafiu Kehinde (male), Adebayo Nafisat (female), Mohammed Aishat (female), jesujuwon Osuntoki (male), Mustapha Gbolahan (male), ibukun Samuel (male), and gbolahan Wasiu (male)

Others are Aminu Ifasina (male), Mohammed Sheifff (m), Adebayo Rohemat (female), Saheed Ibrahim (male), Ibrahim Adebayo (male), Adebayo Sukurat (female), and Olawoyi Wasilat (female).

Also included are: Sholagberu Shakirat (female), Adeyemi Skukurat (female), Basari Saadiqq (male), and Raji Taofeek (male).

“Each victim is demanded to pay ₦1,500,000.00 each and also instructed to refer two others to the scheme as criteria to become a member of the group, after which they are denied access to their relatives.

“The suspect claimed that the money was for the victims’ Chi-pendants, Bio-Discs and accommodation. The suspect will be charged to court upon the completion of the investigation while efforts are also in progress to reunite the victims with their families,” he added.

This comes after the cryptocurrency trading platform Crypto Bridge Exchange (CBEX) scheme crashed, with the Nigerian authorities currently investigating a N1.2 trillion fraud, which has affected over 600,000 Nigerians.

Meanwhile, the police, on April 28, apprehended a suspect, Oyebode Oluwakemi, for job racketeering after she allegedly defrauded her victim of N5.3 million.

The police said she had pretended to be securing government jobs for her victims with the intent of defrauding them.

“In the course of investigation, it was discovered that the suspect had defrauded many people running to the tune of two hundred and fifty million naira (#250,000,000.00). The suspect will be charged to court upon completion of the investigation.”

A US-based activist, Dr. Sandra Duru, also known as Professor Mgbeke, has submitted evidence of phone conversations between her and suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to relevant authorities in the US and other parts of the world for forensic analysis.

The activist, who made this known during a Facebook live session on Thursday night, while showing some of the evidences, said the conversations revealed the unknown ideas behind the sexual harassment allegation levelled against Senate President Godswill Akpabio by the embattled Senator.

She exposed call logs and conversations to debunk Natasha’s claim that she had never spoken to her before.

Duru, popularly called Prof. Mgbeke, added that Natasha offered her N200 million to accuse the Senate President of organ harvesting, linking him with the death of a young girl who died a few years ago when she wasn’t getting anywhere with her sexual harassment allegation.

She called on international security agencies, which she had petitioned, the IPU and the Nigeria Police Force to probe Natasha’s allegations and what she claimed to know about the murder of Umoren, having kept mute for years before coming out to accuse Akpabio.

The activist and journalist, in her one hour, eight minutes live broadcast, claimed that Natasha was out to destroy men, insisting that the suspended Senator had revealed she had no evidence of harassment against Akpabio.

She said this while displaying call logs and messages sent to her Whatsapp by Natasha.

“One, there is no sexual harassment of any kind, two, there is no evidence of organ harvesting. I told Natasha, you are a pathological liar, you have disgraced us Nigerians. She said Nigerians were G and H – ‘Gullible and Hungry’ and you want to add to their problems?

“I told her to make peace with the Senate members but she insisted that they want to destroy Yoruba government, I don’t know she meant by that.

“A lawyer that is very lousy and careless in her utterances. Natasha is not teachable, Natasha lacks humility, Natasha lacks moral values, she does not care. If it doesn’t go Natasha’s way, you are her enemy. Natasha is on a mission to destroy men… I cannot watch her destroy our men, I cannot watch her destroy our sons, I cannot watch her destroy our girls who are following her blindly. She called Dr Oby Ezekwesili a useful idiot,” Duru revealed.

She added: “The Nigerian Police should handle the case of Natasha and her false allegations. She said she wants to force the Senate President to step down so that they will have their way to remove what they call Yoruba government.

“Umoren died in 2021. Autopsy was done and there was no organ harvesting.

“I already wrote the international agencies about a senator that claimed to have known something about the murder of a young lady and she kept it to herself. She must explain what she knows about the death.

“She said the reason for the fight was not really about the Senate President but it is about the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, that they don’t want Yoruba government to go beyond four years. She said no sexual harassment evidence of any kind,” Duru insisted.

According to her, during one of their conversations, Natasha revealed that she had been promised governorship of Kogi State or Minister of Petroleum Resources if she could accomplish the mission of getting the Senate President out.

Scientists from the University of Liverpool detected earth tremors at Anfield as Liverpool trashed Tottenham Hotspur 5–1 to clinch their 20th English league title
They confirmed that the celebrations of over 60,000 fans created mini earthquakes powerful enough to be picked up by sensitive monitoring equipment.

The strongest tremor was detected at a magnitude of 1.74 on the Richter scale and was registered when Alexis Mac Allister scored Liverpool’s second goal in the 24th minute.

There were other seismic spikes to goals from Mohamed Salah (1.60), Cody Gakpo (1.03), and a Destiny Udogie own goal (1.35). Even a disallowed goal by Luis Díaz showed a seismic spike of 0.64.

The study was conducted by Antoine Septier, Farnaz Kamranzad, and Professor Ben Edwards from the university’s Department of Earth, Ocean and Environmental Sciences in collaboration with the football club.

According to Mr Edwards, the seismic activity mirrored that of natural events, with each goal triggering bursts of vibration driven purely by fan excitement.

“The enthusiasm of Liverpool fans was powerful enough to move the earth,” he said.

The researchers noted that while the tremors were too subtle to be felt by fans in the stadium, they were strong enough to be permanently captured by underground sensors.

Mr Kamranzad described the findings as a “seismic fingerprint of collective joy,” a record of fans’ emotions in the earth’s memory long after the final whistle.

Mr Septier hoped the data gathered from the study could inspire fresh ideas in seismology and even lead to creative ways of enhancing live matchday experiences.

The match marked a statement performance by Liverpool under new manager Arne Slot, who became the first Dutch coach to win the Premier League in his debut season. He joined an elite group of only five managers in Premier League history to win the league title in their first season, alongside Tom Watson, José Mourinho, Carlo Ancelotti, and Manuel Pellegrini.

Despite an early opener from Spurs’ Dominic Solanke, Liverpool’s response was ruthless, with goals flowing freely and the Anfield crowd erupting.

For many Liverpool fans, this triumph was especially sweet. Their last league win in 2020 came during the COVID-19 lockdowns, with empty stadiums and muted celebrations.

The club has confirmed a victory parade through the city on 26 May, giving fans the chance to celebrate alongside the players. Slot’s side is now level with Manchester United’s record of 20 top-flight titles.