The Federal Government has announced the closure of the Independence Bridge (Marina bound) starting April 1 for essential maintenance and rehabilitation works.

The Federal Controller of Works, Lagos, Mrs Olukorede Kesha, made this known in a statement on Monday in Lagos.

She explained that the bridge would remain closed until the end of May 2025.

Accoding to her, the closure will affect traffic traveling from Ahmadu Bello Way and Adeola Odeku towards Marina, Eko Bridge, and Onikan by Zone 2.

Kesha advised motorists to plan their journeys accordingly and use alternative routes to avoid traffic congestion during the repair period.

She apologised for any inconvenience the closure might cause and thanked the public for their understanding and cooperation as the government worked to ensure the safety and stability of road infrastructure.

The National Assembly has commended Governor Alex Otti for signing the Abia State Electricity Bill into Law and creating a regulatory body for electricity generation and distribution in Abia State.

The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Renewable Energy, Hon. Afam Victor Ogene gave the commendation when he led a delegation of the House of Representatives Committee on Renewable Energy to pay the Governor a working visit.

“Your Excellency, let me begin by thanking you for agreeing to meet with us.

“I also want to thank you for signing into law, the Abia State electricity bill and in that bill, we saw how you prioritised the place of renewable energy.

“You have gone ahead to put in place the Abia state Electricity Regulatory Authority, signifying that you have moved on since the National Assembly moved the issue of electricity to the concurrent list. Going forward, it is going to be a partnership,” Ogene stated.

He appreciated other giant strides of Otti especially in the areas of road infrastructure, saying that the areas he visited across the state bears testaments of the Governor’s commitment to the bettering of Abia State.

Ogene said that the enormous power challenges confronting the nation can not be over emphasized, hence, the attention being paid to renewable energy.

According to him, the transition of Nigeria to renewable energy is a top priority to the House of Representatives, hence, it’s popularisation by the House.

Ogene invited Otti to participate and partner with the National Assembly in that regard.

“This strategic approach tends to popularize the new technology and encourage Nigerians to adopt renewable energy solutions, thereby, strengthening National energy options and security.

“They don’t need you to give them money. Our people don’t believe in hand outs, they believe in the raw energy that God has given them.

“It’s just a little support; create an enabling environment, create a State where security can be guaranteed and the social Infrastructures of healthcare and education, and then of course, the hard infrastructure like roads,” Otti stated.

French antitrust authorities handed Apple a 150-million-euro ($162 million) fine on Monday, accusing the US tech giant of abusing its dominant position in advertising through its enhanced privacy feature.

The watchdog said the way Apple implemented its App Tracking Transparency software was “neither necessary nor proportionate to the company’s stated goal to protect user data” and also penalised third-party publishers.

Details later…

United States President Donald Trump expressed strong displeasure over recent remarks made by Russian President Vladimir Putin, criticising his call for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to be removed in favour of a transitional government.

In an interview with NBC News on Sunday, Trump made it clear that he was frustrated by Putin’s comments, emphasising that such actions could derail the ongoing ceasefire negotiations between the two countries.
Trump argued that Putin’s statement questioning Zelensky’s credibility was a setback, stating, “If I feel we’re in the midst of a negotiation, you could say that I was very angry, pissed off, when Putin started getting into Zelenskyy’s credibility, because that’s not going in the right direction.

“New leadership means you’re not gonna have a deal for a long time,” he added.

He also issued a stern warning, threatening to impose secondary tariffs on Russian oil if a ceasefire deal was not reached.

The proposed tariffs could range from 25 percent to 50 percent on all Russian oil exports, and would be enforced in a month if no ceasefire agreement was made.

“If Russia and I are unable to make a deal on stopping the bloodshed in Ukraine, and if I think it was Russia’s fault — which it might not be — but if I think it was Russia’s fault, I am going to put secondary tariffs on oil, on all oil coming out of Russia.

“That would be that if you buy oil from Russia, you can’t do business in the United States.

“There will be a 25 percent tariff on all oil, a 25- to 50-point tariff on all oil,” Trump added.

The US President also criticised Ukrainian leadership, particularly Zelensky, last month, referring to him as a “dictator” and questioning his approval ratings in Ukraine.

As of now, Moscow has not responded to Trump’s comments, though he indicated he would speak with Putin later this week.

The Ondo State government has promised to investigate the public display and sale of caskets at the University of Medical Science Teaching Hospital (UNIMEDTH) in Akure.

Simidele Odimayo, the special adviser to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Health Matters, disclosed this to reporters on Sunday.

“We have been informed about what is happening (open sales of caskets) in the hospital and have responded appropriately,” said Mr Odimayo.

“We’ll continue with our investigation to be sure so that we don’t have any unexpected things happening within the hospital system.”

This came after members of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) in the state condemned the development, citing its psychological effect on sick patients.

In a communique issued on Friday by the union, the journalists described the open sales of the caskets in the facility as inappropriate and demanded its urgent relocation.

They also urged the state government to declare a state of emergency in the state government-owned hospitals.

Mr Odimayo, however, said the state government was committed to the healthcare system, hence the need to respond to their yearnings.

“So, we need to get the authenticity of the information they have given us. And then from there, you can be sure that we will respond appropriately, and what is needed will be done,” Mr Odimayo said.

The governor’s aide also noted that Mr Aiyedatiwa’s leadership was improving healthcare delivery in the hospital by providing adequate and affordable services.

He said the government is also giving the hospital a facelift as part of the promise by the present administration to improve the standard of health care delivery and facility.

According to him, the new buildings and structures at the University of Medical Science Teaching Hospital (UNIMEDTH) in Akure are nearly completed to address the shortage of space and congestion at the facility.

“The new building we have here is about 95 per cent complete. We have new developments coming up within the hospital on a daily basis.

“The government is committed. We are making more efforts to give quality healthcare services to the people of the state. And we have almost 2000 staff within the hospital,” he said.

Adesina Akintan, acting chief medical director (CMD) of the hospital, said the facility is witnessing development with the construction of more extensions of buildings for better health services.

Mr Akintan assured that the congestion at the hospital would soon be over, stressing that the medical personnel are always overwhelmed by the number of patients patronizing the hospital.

Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu has pledged 24-hour services for the newly built 260 Type Two Primary Health Centres (PHCs) across the state to improve healthcare delivery.

Mr Mbah made this announcement during his supervisory visit to the newly completed Emene PHC on Sunday in Enugu.

His administration is constructing 260 Type Two PHCs across the state with some already completed and others in progress.

Emene, located in the Enugu East Local Government Area, was one of the PHCs visited by the governor.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensuring these facilities offered round-the-clock services.

“Each Type Two PHC will have 24-hour electricity, powered sustainably by renewable energy.

“There will also be staff quarters to ensure healthcare officers are available to meet the people’s health needs without delay, along with access to water, sanitation, and hygiene,” he said.

Mr Mbah further assured the people of Emene that a Type Three healthcare facility would be built in the area to complement the Type Two PHC, catering to the community’s needs due to its population density.

The governor explained that the initiative was prompted by alarming statistics on maternity and under-five mortality rates, which he described as unacceptable.

“We needed to act quickly, and this is why we’re focused on building functional healthcare facilities across both urban and rural areas,” Mbah emphasised.

Additionally, the governor revealed that similar interventions were ongoing in secondary healthcare facilities, with the renovation of 22 cottage and general hospitals.

He also mentioned plans for a world-class 300-bed international hospital in the state.

“We will attract top-notch medical professionals to provide world-class healthcare services to Enugu people,” Mr Mbah assured.

Mr Mbah also commended the Enugu East chairman, Beloved-Dan Anike, for registering 5,000 residents for universal healthcare insurance and encouraged other local government chairmen and state civil servants to follow suit.

He urged the people of Emene to take ownership of the facility and ensure its continued functionality.

Dr Chukwumuanya Igboekwu, zonal coordinator of the World Health Organisation (WHO) for the South-East, lauded Mr Mbah for revitalising the state’s PHCs and investing in the economic prosperity of the people.

He encouraged the governor to prioritise universal healthcare coverage as an investment that would benefit the state.

Dr Ifeyinwa Ani-Osheku, executive secretary of the Enugu State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, described Mr Mbah’s interventions in primary healthcare as life-saving and radical.

She noted that the Emene PHC had already registered 140 residents and facilitated the delivery of two babies, named after the governor, within three weeks of operation.

The Tinubu Family Youth Initiative, formerly known as the Olodode Youth Initiative, has empowered 19 youths in Lagos on Saturday.

Each received a N100,000 cash gift to support their businesses and education.

Chairman of the Caretaker Committee, Akintunde Tinubu, said the initiative was part of a broader effort to equip young people with essential resources for success.

By providing financial assistance, the organisation aims to foster entrepreneurship, educational growth, and economic development among young family members.

He announced Feyisara Atobatele-Tinubu as the face of the empowerment project and confirmed that the second phase would be launched soon.

Additionally, four other family members received N300,000 each for welfare support.

He said, “Today, we take a bold step toward a future where every Tinubu youth is empowered, supported, and positioned for success. This initiative is more than financial aid. It represents our shared responsibility and commitment to uplifting one another. Economic uncertainty and limited opportunities threaten many dreams. We must empower artisans, traders, and professionals within our family. As a family known for generosity and strength, we must ensure that no member is left behind.’’

According to him, the programme prioritises education, entrepreneurship, and career growth.

He said, “We extend financial aid to students, helping them complete their education without undue hardship. But our vision goes beyond scholarships.’’

Secretary of the group, Rotimi Tinubu, urged the family to remain committed to leveraging its network to create sustainable empowerment.

He expressed appreciation for donations from privileged family members and encouraged them to make empowerment a tradition.

He noted, “This is not just an event. It is a movement toward self-reliance and progress, defining the Tinubu family’s future for generations to come.’’

A beneficiary and entrepreneur in the luxury wear industry, Yekini Tinubu, plans to use the funds to acquire digital skills and enhance his marketing strategies.

He expressed gratitude for the financial support extended to him.

Ms Atobatele-Tinubu praised the organisers for their efforts and said she would invest her fund in expanding her fruit juice business.

As the face of the project, she pledged dedication to uniting the family.

The Saudi Arabia, on Saturday, said the crescent of Shawwal has been sighted.

It also added that Eid al-Fitr will now be held on Sunday, March 30, 2025 to mark the beginning of the new Islamic month.

This disclosure was made on Haramin’s official Facebook page, an official platform for the Muslim community across the world.

“The crescent moon for the month of Shawwal 1446 was sighted in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, Eid Al Fitr will be celebrated on Sunday, March 30, 2025.”

The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) has criticised Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf over the arrest of two journalists, Buhari Abba, an online editor with Kano Times, and Ismail Auwal, a freelance journalist.

A statement on Friday by NUJ’s national secretary, Achike Chude, disclosed that the police detained the journalists over a report critical to the state’s Commissioner of Information, Ibrahim Waiya.

“We were distressed to learn of the arrests of two journalists by the police in Kano State ostensibly on the order of the commissioner of Information Ibrahim Waiya.

“The police arrested Buhari Abba, an online publisher, and Ismail Auwal, a freelance journalist, over a report deemed critical to the Commissioner,” it said.

The union noted that the journalists arrested did not commit any offence that could have led to their arrest. It said their arrest was an attack on press freedom, as they only expressed their opinion.

“We can assure your Excellency that the two journalists in question did not contravene any law that they could be charged with except that they expressed an opinion that someone did not agree with,” the NUJ said.

The union said that before Mr Yusuf assumed office as the governor, the media and the state government had been quite cordial and mutually respectful.

The NUJ demanded the immediate release of the two journalists and called on the governor to end the intimidation of pressmen in the state.

It reaffirmed its commitment to upholding professional ethics, holding the government and its officials accountable, and urged the governor to do the same at all levels.

“We will continue to do that with respect and maturity and, most importantly, give all sides a fair hearing and, if possible, constructively engage with the state government in its mission of making the state better for all.

“May your Excellency continue to give us his hand in fellowship even as we ask your Excellency to prevail on your officials to show expected respect for journalists,” the union stated.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos has congratulated President Bola Tinubu on his 73rd birthday, describing him as a rare gift to humanity.

In a congratulatory message issued on Friday by his special adviser on media and publicity, Gboyega Akosile, Mr Sanwo-Olu, praised Mr Tinubu as an enigmatic, tested, and trusted democrat.

“On behalf of my wife, Ibijoke, my family, the government and people of Lagos State, and the entire leadership and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos, I congratulate our leader and benefactor, President Bola Tinubu, on his 73rd birthday,” Mr Sanwo-Olu said.

Mr Sanwo-Olu lauded Mr Tinubu’s lifelong dedication to public service, emphasising his contributions to Lagos State, Nigeria, and democracy as a whole.

“President Tinubu has dedicated the greater part of his adult life to serving humanity, particularly Lagos State and Nigeria. He is passionate about the growth and development of our country. As a democrat and advocate of good governance, he has consistently worked with other pro-democracy groups and individuals to drive positive change and strengthen Nigeria’s democracy.”

He acknowledged Mr Tinubu’s pivotal role in shaping modern Lagos, crediting him for laying the foundation that had transformed the state into an economic powerhouse.

“He is undoubtedly the father of modern Lagos. His tenure as the first governor in the Fourth Republic transformed Lagos significantly.

“His financial expertise and economic intellect, which he applied as governor from 1999 to 2007, propelled Lagos to great heights. Today, Lagos stands as Africa’s second-largest economy with a GDP of $259 billion,” he said.

Mr Sanwo-Olu commended Mr Tinubu’s leadership at the national level, highlighting his bold economic decisions and commitment to good governance.

“In less than two years as President, he has delivered dividends of democracy and good governance across Nigeria through his Renewed Hope Agenda. His visionary leadership has ensured progress in all regions of the country.”

He further praised Mr Tinubu’s charisma, courage, and patriotism, noting his dedication to nation-building.

He said, “Since assuming office, he has demonstrated unparalleled patriotism, integrity, honesty, and courage in steering the country in the right direction.

“He has made bold and audacious decisions, implementing policies aimed at addressing Nigeria’s economic challenges.”

As Mr Tinubu marks his 73rd birthday, Mr Sanwo-Olu prayed for his continued strength, wisdom, and good health.

“As our leader turns 73, we pray that God grants him the strength, wisdom, and good health to continue serving and leading Nigeria toward political and economic prosperity,” Mr Sanwo-Olu prayed.

At least 144 people have been killed, and more than 730 were injured in the powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on Friday, according to the head of the country’s military government.

A strong aftershock of 6.4 magnitude also hit Myanmar, with tremors felt across Thailand and in China.

According to military government officials, the quake triggered the collapse of buildings hundreds of miles away in Thailand.

At least three people have died in the nation’s capital, and authorities are racing to free 81 people believed to be trapped under the rubble of an under-construction high-rise in the city, officials said.

Myanmar, one of Asia’s poorest nations, is reeling from a civil war sparked by a 2021 military coup. Weak infrastructure makes it ill-equipped to deal with major natural disasters.

Swathes of the country are run by a patchwork of militias, making it extremely difficult to gather reliable information. The military also regularly cuts communications in conflict zones.

Members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) and soldiers clashed on Thursday afternoon resulting to gun battle at the popular Banex Plaza, Abuja.

The clash occurred just hours after the United States Embassy in Nigeria issued a security alert, warning its citizens about planned IMN protests in Abuja and other major cities on Friday.

In the advisory, the US Embassy cautioned that demonstrations could lead to disruptions such as roadblocks, traffic congestion, and possible confrontations.

“The Islamic Movement of Nigeria has called for demonstrations in Abuja and other major cities on Friday, March 28, 2025. Heavy traffic and other disruptions are possible. Based on past occurrences, protests may involve roadblocks, checkpoints, traffic congestion, and physical confrontations,” the embassy stated.

The security warning listed potential protest locations, including Banex Plaza, Berger Junction, Unity Fountain, the National Human Rights Commission Head Office, Eagle Square, Area 10 Shopping Plaza, the National Mosque, Al-Noor Mosque, and Fouad Lababidi Mosque.

Details of the incident is sketchy as at when filing this report.

Efforts to get the reaction of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Police Public Relations Officer, SO Josephine Adeh were futile as call and messages put across were not responded to.

Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has expressed his condolences to the family of the late former Governor of Oyo State, Sen. Abiola Ajimobi, over the death of their first child, Mrs Bisola Kola-Daisi.

Sanwo-Olu, in a statement issued on Friday by Mr Gboyega Akosile, his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, particularly commiserated with Mrs Florence Ajimobi, describing the incident it as tragic and shocking.

Sanwo-Olu also sympathised with the husband of the deceased, Mr Idris Kola-Daisi, and his family, urging the entire family, friends and associates of the deceased to take her death as an act of God.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the late Kola-Daisi, was, until her death, a Special Adviser to the Minister of Budget and Planning, Sen. Atiku Bagudu.

“The death of a loved one is very painful, as it is irreparable, but we must always take solace in God, especially if the deceased has lived a good life, just like the late Mrs Bisola Kola-Daisi.

”I sympathise with former Oyo State First Lady, Mrs Florence Ajimobi, the widower of the deceased, Mr Idris Kola-Daisi and the entire Ajimobi and Kola-Daisi families over Mrs Bisola Kola-Daisi’s departure.

”I pray that God will grant the late Mrs Bisola Kola-Daisi eternal rest and grant the family and friends the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss and avert such tragedy in the family,” he said.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has deployed 2,250 personnel to ensure the safety of lives and property during the Eid-el-Fitr celebration.

The NSCDC commandant in Lagos, Adedotun Keshinro, gave the figure in an interview on Friday.

Mr Keshinro said the deployment of personnel followed the federal government’s declaration of Monday and Tuesday public holidays to celebrate Eid-el-Fitr.

He said the deployed officers and men were drawn from various departments, units, divisions and area commands of the NSCDC across Lagos.

“This is to ensure that lives and property are safe and secure as well as to protect critical national assets and infrastructure before, during and after the celebration,” he said.

He listed the assets and infrastructure, including manholes, telecommunication cables, fibres and masts, CCTV cameras, electricity transformers, oil and gas pipelines and water pipes.

Mr Keshinro felicitated Muslims and urged peace, love, and unity among Lagos residents, which was in line with the teachings of the Quran.

The commandant warned vandals and other criminals to repent or face the wrath of the law.

Novak Djokovic turned on the style to take his place in the last four of the Miami Open with an impressive 6-3, 7-6 (7/4) win over American Sebastian Korda, becoming the oldest man to reach a Masters 1000 semi-final.

The 37-year-old Serb made a strong start against Korda, breaking early to get a first set advantage that he never let slip but Korda showed great resilience in the second set, taking the contest to a tie-break.

But the fourth seed, looking for his seventh Miami Open title but first since 2016, again came up strong, sealing the win with a powerful ace.

Djokovic, who will face Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov on Friday, had no doubt what had been the key to his success after winning 84% of his first-serve points.

“One word, serve. I was serving very well, probably the best serving performance, not just here, but in a long time,” he told reporters.

“Eleven aces, when I needed to find the first serve. It makes life easier on the court when you are feeling your serve. I needed it in the second set when I think Korda was feeling his ground strokes much better.”

A victory at Miami would be a landmark 100th singles title for the 24-time Grand Slam champion and he said he’s glad to be refinding a top level.

“I am obviously playing the best tennis I have played in quite some time. It’s great when I experience tournaments like this and performances like this. It motivates me and encourages me to keep going for more,” he said.

Czech teenager Jakub Mensik marched into his first Masters semi when he defeated France’s Arthur Fils 7-6 (7/5), 6-1.

Fils had enjoyed one of the biggest wins of his career on Wednesday when he defeated top seed Alexander Zverev but he struggled to repeat the feat against the impressive 19-year-old Mensik.

The towering Czech’s big serve was too much for Fils, who had come through three-set battles with Frances Tiafoe and Zverev and showed signs of tiredness.

“It feels incredible. I think the biggest result so far in my career, so I’m glad I just kept going since the first round,” said Mensik.

“That’s the key, to keep the focus during the two weeks, because it’s always tough. The job is not done.”

Mensik broke out to an early 4-1 lead but then let Fils back into the contest with the 20-year-old Frenchman forcing a tie-break.

But having survived that comeback from Fils, Mensik was rock solid in the second set as he powered his way to victory in 75 minutes.

Mensik, ranked 54th in the world, will next face American third seed Taylor Fritz, who came through an enthralling battle with Italian Matteo Berrettini with a 7-5, 6-7 (7/9), 7-5.

Berrettini looked buried in the second set tie-break when he trailed 6-3 but his booming serve and some incredible returns gave him the opportunity of a deciding set. In total, Berrettini saved six match points in the second set.

It was nip and tuck with the pair on serve until Fritz, working hard on the baseline, broke to go 6-5 up and then held on for the win.

“Obviously gave myself a lot of chances throughout the match. I wish I could have made it happen in the second set,” said Fritz.

“I think I made it extremely tough for myself. He raised his level and played really well in the third, so I had to work, you know, extra hard to win the third set and raise my level, as well.

“After not closing it out, not winning those match points, I think I showed one of my biggest strengths in resetting and being able to win the third.”

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), in conjunction with the Abia State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), has donated food items to fire victims in six communities.

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The communities are in Arochukwu, Bende, Ohafia, Umuahia North, and Umuahia South local government areas (LGAs).

The communities suffered severe fire outbreaks that destroyed private and public property worth millions of naira and injured many people between the last quarter of 2024 and January.

In a speech at the formal handover of the items to representatives of the communities in Umuahia on Thursday, the executive secretary of SEMA, Sunday Jackson, said the gesture was intended “to cushion the effect of the fire on the victims.”

He described the magnitude of the fire outbreaks as “overwhelming and far above the capacity of the communities to cope with.”

The SEMA boss said that after assessing the extent of the damage in the affected communities, he wrote to NEMA, and it responded.

The head of operations, NEMA, Owerri Office, Nnamdi Igwe, conveyed the condolences of the agency to the communities and individuals affected by the fire outbreaks.

Mr Igwe admonished the representatives of the affected communities to ensure that the items got down to the actual victims of the incidents.

“No matter how small the items may be, the intention is for the people to have a feeling that the federal government cared and responded to their needs at the trying moments of their lives,” Mr Igwe said.

In a vote of thanks, one of the representatives of the benefiting communities, Ken Nwachukwu, thanked SEMA and NEMA “for doing the needful to cushion the effect of the incidents on the victims.”

The Ekiti State High Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti on Thursday sentenced two men to death by hanging for armed robbery.

The defendants, Olusegun Folorunso, 53, and Ajayi Dele, 51, were arraigned before Justice Olusegun Ogunyemi on a three-count charge of conspiracy and armed robbery.

During the trial, the prosecution counsel, Kunle-Shina Adeyemi, told the court that the defendants committed the crime on August 24, 2022, along Erio-Ekiti.

He said the defendants, armed with guns and cutlasses, robbed one Ajogbeje Ayodeji of his ash-coloured Hyundai Sonata, phone, and laptop.

He told the court, “On the same day, they also robbed Oluwasegun Oke of his phone.”

He said the charge contravened Section 6(b) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, Cap. R11, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

Testifying before the court, Mr Ayodeji said, “Around 4:00 a.m., my two brothers and I were travelling from Erio-Ekiti to Ido-Ekiti when we saw a barricade on the road.

“As we tried to figure out what was happening, the defendants, armed with guns and cutlasses, appeared and pointed their guns at us, ordering us to lie face down.

“They took my car key, laptop, and our phones before driving away in my car. I reported the case at the Aramoko Police Station and later at the Rapid Response Squad in Ado-Ekiti. A few days later, I received a call that the armed robbers had been arrested in Ibadan.”

To prove the case, the prosecution called five witnesses and presented several exhibits, including the defendants’ statements,

The other exhibits were one locally made single-barrel gun, one locally made double-barrel gun, and six live cartridges.

The defence counsels, Adeyinka Opaleke and Ezekiel Agunbiade, did not call any witnesses but pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy.

Delivering judgement, Justice Olusegun Ogunyemi found them guilty of the charge.

Mr Ogunyemi ruled, “In this case, I uphold the prosecution’s argument that there is sufficient evidence to infer a common intention between the defendants, warranting their conviction for conspiracy to commit armed robbery. On count one (conspiracy), the defendants are each sentenced to 10 years imprisonment. On count two (armed robbery), the defendants are to be hanged by the neck until they are dead. May God have mercy on your souls.’’

The Federal government has expressed anger over the shooting of an Immigration officer by a Chinese businessman in Minna, Niger state, describing the incident as unacceptable.

The government said it was a slap on the face of Nigeria for such an incident to happen when the Immigration officer was going about his routine duty to demand work permit for staff members of the Chinese company.

“We are going to take this matter up with the Chinese government. An Immigration officer on routine duty visited a Chinese Company, and asked routine questions on work permit only for the Chinese businessman involved to ask his security detail to shoot the Immigration officer, and the security detail did so.

“This is unacceptable. We are going to go tough on that businessman and the Chinese authorities,” the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo stated this in Abuja on Thursday.

The Minister spoke at a stakeholders sensitisation workshop on the implementation of the Nigeria Visa policy (NVP) 2025, at the Continental Hotel, Abuja.

According to Tunji-Ojo, the development alone is an attack on Nigeria, asserting “it will never happen in China for a Nigerian businessman to order the shooting of a Chinese Immigration officer. This will not be tolerated here in Nigeria.”

The Minister said the Immigration officer, who was on official duty, had visited the Chinese company in Minna, Niger state, to check the list of the company’s expatriates, but the owner of the company ordered a security officer in the premises to shoot the government official.

Tunji-Ojo said: “I won’t go to China as a Nigerian, open a company and tell my security to shoot a government official in uniform. It’s never done anywhere in the world.

“These officers put their lives on the line. These officers serve this country with their all. And you will not come from anywhere and ask them to shoot them in their fatherland.

“It will no longer happen. We will take it up with you. Because that company, we (Nigerian government) have the power to withdraw their business in Nigeria and declare them illegal,” Tunji-Ojo said.

General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has disassociated himself from a series of AI-generated videos making waves on social media.

The videos, which promote drugs and scholarships, have caused confusion and misled many by falsely claiming to be endorsed by the renowned pastor.

In a statement the cleric on his X page, Adeboye emphasised that the videos are not linked to him in any way.

The statement reads: “I have been made aware of disturbing AI-generated videos circulating online, falsely advertising certain drugs and scholarships that are intended to deceive and mislead people.

“These videos are NOT from me, and I want to make it clear that I have no involvement in such promotions.I urge all of you, my dear brothers and sisters in Christ, to be vigilant and not fall for these fraudulent schemes.

“They are designed to exploit your trust for selfish gain. Please do not share or engage with these posts.I encourage you to report these fake accounts and videos immediately on all social media platforms. Together, we can ensure that such deception does not spread further.

“These Malicious acts by ‘Africa Health Centre’ and ‘Church-Funded Scholarships’ is being dealt with already by the relevant authorities as we will not allow God’s name to be used in vain for such wickedness.

“Let us continue to stay in the truth, walk in love, and remain focused on the genuine work of the Kingdom.”

The 15th Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Bayero, has announced the cancellation of the Eid-el-Fitr Durbar celebration due to security concerns in the state.

Emir Bayero made this announcement while briefing newsmen at his Nasarawa Mini palace in Kano on Wednesday night.

He said that the peaceful coexistence of the people takes precedence over the Durbar celebration.

Emir Bayero had initially planned to hold the Durbar celebration, which would have coincided with his fifth year anniversary on the throne.

He noted that respected Islamic Clerics, elders, stakeholders, and his council members advised him to cancel the celebration to maintain peace.

Emir Bayero urged the people of Kano to use the Sallah celebration period to visit families and friends, and to observe the festivities in a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere.

He prayed for Allah’s blessings and mercy during the month of Ramadan, hoping that the people of Kano would receive forgiveness and mercy.