In Lagos, the most populous city in West Africa, nothing is a waste in the hands of those who can see value in it.

Despite inherent risks, particularly those that have to do with human safety and public health, when the opportunity to make cash or profit presents itself, the love of money is prioritised above all.

While the city generates an estimated 5.46 million tonnes of waste annually, some of these wastes often find their way back to the market.

Among these arrays of wastes that find their way back to market include used wigs which have been disposed of by residents across the state, investigations by PUNCH Healthwise revealed.

Our correspondent who visited three dumpsites in Lagos including Olusosun in Ojota, Dumping in Ikorodu and Solous in Igando, saw how the scavengers sorted the used wigs and repackaged them for onward transfer out of the dump.

It was gathered that while the market for secondhand wigs, particularly those picked from the dumps, is not thriving in Lagos, it is a booming venture in the far northern part of the country.

But despite the opportunities, senior health experts warned that the unseen health risks associated with the practice far outweigh whatever the economic value such endeavors would create.

Underhand trades

In the heart of Ikorodu’s dumpsite in Ewu-Elepe, popularly known as Dumping, where the air is thick with decay and the ground littered with waste, lies the booming market for different items picked from the facility.

The scavengers and businessmen nestled in the several makeshifts erected on the dumpsite have created an enterprise in what others have thrown away.

These include scraps of metal, tattered clothes, and broken appliances. But a rather unusual sight caught the attention of our correspondent – used wigs, tangled and matted, which were being sorted by a young man.

When approached by our correspondent, the man who refused to disclose his name, told our correspondent that the used wig market is booming in the north.

He explained that while the used wigs are underpriced in Lagos, they move well in the north and have commercial value.

“It is being packed for onward transportation to the north. We will send it to the north and it will be sold out in no distant time.

“Unlike in Lagos where it is underpriced and doesn’t move well, it is well loved in the north and that is why we prefer transporting to the north to sell,” he said.

When our correspondent asked what the wigs are used for in the north, he looked bewildered, wondering why I had to ask him such.

“Na woman dey use am nah. They buy and wear it,” he said in pidgin English.

Scavenged beauty

Josephine Piyo, the deputy governor of Plateau, has called on the residents to pray for the success of the current administration in the state.Ms Piyo made the call during the child dedication of Dan Kwada, the Senior Special Assistant on Middlebelt Nationalities to Governor Caleb Mutfwang, on Sunday in Jos, the state capital.

The dedication was held at the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), Bishara 1, Adebayo Street, Jos North Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.

Ms Piyo decried the current security challenges in the state and called on residents to pray and support the government to overcome them.

The deputy governor, who maintained that the governor means well for the state, said he had put modalities on ground for the safety of all citizens.

“We want to thank the Plateau people for the support they have so far accorded this administration.

“We need your prayers for Plateau to succeed; there are evil plans against the state, so your prayers will go a long way.

“The governor means well for the state; he respects the people; he is doing everything possible to promote peace and tranquillity in the state,” she said.

Earlier, Mr Kwada described Mr Mutfwang as a detribalised and great leader, insisting that his developmental strides were visible for all to see.

In his sermon, Reverend Ayuba Asheshe, the general secretary of ECWA, called on all government officials to be faithful to their oath of office.

Mr Asheshe, who commended Mr Mutfwang for his efforts in promoting peace and unity in the state, however, called on the government to intensify efforts towards securing rural communities.

The Kaduna State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Agency has begun medical screening for all its intending pilgrims expected to perform this year’s holy pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.The agency’s spokesperson, Yunusa Abdullahi, told journalists on Sunday in Kaduna that the screening exercise began on Sunday.

He said, “All the registered intending pilgrims for the 2025 Hajj must undergo compulsory medical screening this week.”

According to Mr Abdullahi, the exercise is designed to assess the health status of the intending pilgrims ahead of the spiritual journey.

“The screening includes mandatory pregnancy tests for the prospective female pilgrims,” he said.

Mr Abdullahi clarified that the process was not intended to disqualify anyone but to ensure appropriate medical support, particularly for pilgrims with diabetes or hypertension.

He added that the pilgrims would receive two meals daily throughout their stay in Saudi Arabia.

Mr Abdullahi emphasised that only tests conducted in government-approved hospitals would be accepted.

“The medical and pregnancy tests are compulsory. Any pilgrim who refuses to undergo them risks forfeiting his Hajj seat,” he warned.

“Intending pilgrims have been advised to collect their medical cards from their registration officers before visiting the designated hospitals for the screening,” Mr Abdullahi said.

The clergyman made the call in his homily during church service on Sunday. He emphasised the importance of emulating Jesus’ teachings on forgiveness.

He painted a scenario where unforgiveness leads to a lack of peace and unity amongst family members, colleagues, and the congregation, pronouncing curses at each other.

“How can you still claim to be a Christian when you vow not to forgive your spouse, children, siblings, parents, or colleagues for the wrong they had done against you?

“Things are not working well for most people because of the curses placed on them by someone they had offended. Hence, there is the need for Christians to forgive unconditionally as our Lord Jesus Christ admonished us.

“Unfortunately, unforgiveness is also common in the house of God, between clergymen and members. This must change for good to attract divine blessings,” he added.

He also advised those who have committed sin or offence to seek forgiveness from God and to practice reparation by asking for forgiveness from the persons they had offended.

The priest urged unconditional forgiveness, aligned with the Catholic Church’s teachings on mercy and reconciliation.

“By forgiving others, Christians can experience God’s love and forgiveness, ultimately leading to a deeper relationship with God,” he said.George Shenge, parish priest of St. Augustine Catholic Church Ombi 1 Lafia, Nasarawa State, has urged Nigerians to practice unconditional forgiveness to receive God’s blessings.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has intercepted a shipment of 46 wraps of cocaine weighing 547 grams hidden in body cream packaged for Saudi Arabia.This is contained in a statement by the NDLEA Director, Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi on Sunday in Abuja.

Mr Babafemi said that the intervention came barely a week after NDLEA officers of the Directorate of Operations and General Investigation (DOGI) uncovered 20 parcels of cocaine.

He said the drugs were concealed inside religious books to Saudi Arabia at a logistics company in Lagos.

He stated, “The recent seizure was made on Wednesday, April 23 at a courier firm in Lagos. Another consignment intercepted on the same day includes: 1.8kg pentazocine injection and 60 grams bromazepam tablets heading to Canada.’’

Meanwhile, at the Seme border area of Badagry Lagos, three Ghanaian ladies were on Sunday, April 20 arrested at the Gbaji checkpoint by NDLEA operatives.

Mr Babafemi said that they were arrested while attempting to smuggle a combined 4.8kilograms of Ghana Loud, a strong strain of cannabis into Nigeria.

He said, “The suspects arrested include: Haziza Zubairu, 42; Samirat Mustapha, 43; and Jamila Salifu, 26.’’

In another development, in Kano, a 60-year-old grandma, Safiya Shamsu was on Friday, April 25 nabbed at Samegu area of Kumbotso LGA with 5.6kg skunk, a strain of cannabis.

Mr Babafemi said that another suspect Muntari Labaran, 35, was taken into custody following the seizure of 100 litres of codeine syrup from him at Yelwa area of Dala LGA.

“A total of 3,814.9kg skunk was destroyed on two farms in Ugbodu community, Ovia North East LGA, Edo State on Thursday, April 24. This happened when NDLEA operatives raided the plantations where three suspects: Samuel Samson, 26; Daniel Peter, 20; and Abel Edah, 31, were arrested. The War Against Drug Abuse, (WADA), social advocacy activities by NDLEA Commands equally continued across the country in the past week. Some of them include the sensitisation lecture delivered to students and staff of Dan-Doro Community Arabic Secondary School, Doro, Katsina state and St. James Anglican School, Badariya, Kebbi state as well as Federal Government Girls College, Tambuwal, Sokoto.

“Others are members of Oganiru age grade, Onitsha, Anambra, while the Lagos State Strategic Command of NDLEA paid WADA advocacy visit to the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, HRM Oba Kabir Adewale Shotobi, among others,” Mr Babafemi said.

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Minister of State for Science, Technology and Innovation, Chief Henry Ikoh has debunked declaring interest to run for the 2027 governorship seat in Abia State.

Reports had it that Chief Ikoh, had in a key stakeholder’s meeting with members of the APC in his country home, Ahuwa Oboro, Ikwuano Local Government Area of the state indicated that he might join the race for the governorship seat of state if the opportunity arises.

Sources in the party in Ikwuano disclosed that the former minister who had previously contested for the governorship seat of the state, suggested that he would consider running again should the political terrain favor such a move.Our correspondent reports that the rumours that the former Minister had declared interest to run for governorship generated argument over his chances of emerging the APC governorship candidate as the reports have it that the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu will be in the 2027 governorship race.

The Nation reports that politicians in the state who aspire for various political positions in 2027, have started various political engagements, including consultations with critical stakeholders in the party from ward level to the state, ahead of the parties primaries and among others.However, when contacted, Chief Ikoh in an exclusive telephone interview with our correspondent disassociated himself from reports making the rounds that he had declared his interest to run for the governorship seat in the state.

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a 16-year-old boy, Solomon Ibiwoye, after he was found in possession of a firearm in the Ebute-Ero area of the state.

Police spokesperson, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, disclosed this in an X post on Sunday, commending vigilant residents whose alert led to the arrest.

“Kudos to observant Lagosians who noticed 16-year-old Solomon Ibiwoye with a firearm and discreetly alerted Ebute-Ero Police Division,” Hundeyin wrote.

He added that a subsequent search of the teenager’s residence led to the recovery of a locally fabricated firearm and an unexpended cartridge.One more firearm off the streets,” he said, assuring all that investigations into the matter are ongoing.

The police spokesperson also reiterated the importance of public vigilance in crime prevention.

“See something, say something!” he stated.Hundeyin did not disclose the circumstances under which the teenager came into possession of the weapon or whether he was linked to any criminal gang, but assured that the matter was being thoroughly investigated.

The Nottingham Forest right-back, Ola Aina, who picked up a calf injury during a Premier League clash against Manchester United in March, is expected to return for tomorrow’s FA Cup semifinal against Manchester City.

He was expected to return for the Forest’s recent game against Everton, but that was not the case.

According to Paul Taylor of The Athletic, the fullback could finally feature in tomorrow’s match.

“I have been told elsewhere that Aina has a chance to be involved,” he said.

Also, the Forest boss, Nuno Espirito Santo, has not written about the player from the City clash.

The Kano State government said it has uncovered an anomaly in the March salary payroll system and leading to the recovery of over N28m paid to 247 dead or retired workers.According to the statement, “In a decisive move towards cleansing the State Payroll, the Kano State Government, under the leadership of Governor Abba Yusuf, has recorded a major milestone in its ongoing efforts to reform the salary administration system within the State civil service.

“As part of the reform process, a Pay Parade Committee has been established and will commence its operations shortly. In preparation for the full implementation of its mandate, the Committee deemed it necessary to involve all stakeholders. Consequently, the Committee printed the March 2025 payroll vouchers and requested all Ministries, Departments, Agencies (MDAs) and Local Government Councils to study the Payrolls and make necessary observations as a prelude to a comprehensive Pay Parade scheduled to be flagged off on Monday the 28th of April. Arising from the validation exercise, a disturbing irregularity was uncovered within the payroll system of Local Government Councils. The findings revealed that 247 individuals have either retired from service or dead yet, yet have been appearing in the payroll and their salaries are running. These fraudulent salary payments amount to the sum of ₦27,824,395.40 for March 2025 alone.

“In a prompt and effective response, and while further due diligence is being conducted to determine the extent of this apparent fraud and the perpetrators, the amount has been recovered and returned to the Local Government Treasury.

“This significant recovery underscores the administration’s unwavering dedication to entrenching governance, transparency, and responsible management of public resources,” the statement however, reads.The government, through a committee, a pay parade committee established in the state, uncovered the anomaly following a validation exercise on the March salary payroll system.In a statement by the Press Secretary to the Secretary to the Kano State Government (SSG), Musa Tanko Muhammad, said the disturbing irregularity was uncovered within the payroll system of Local Government Councils which the findings revealed that 247 individuals have either retired from service or dead, yet have been appearing in the payroll and their salaries running.

The Government, however, assured of its commitment to purging the payroll system of irregularities, while the individuals found to be involved in the fraudulent activity will be identified and held fully accountable in accordance with the law.

The Federal Road Safety Corps has redeployed two assistant corps marshals, and 24 corps commanders to key departments and corps offices to boost its operations.The FRSC Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, said this in a statement by the Corps Public Education Officer, Olusegun Ogungbemide, on Saturday in Abuja.

Mr Mohammed said that the redeployment became necessary towards creating a safer motoring environment.

He said that it was also part of an initiative targeted at ensuring full realisation of the corporate strategic goals of the corps for the year.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation had earlier approved the appointment of senior officers, Deputy Corps Marshal (DCM) Aliyu Datsama, DCM Pauline Olaye and DCM Ahmed Hassan.

Mr Mohammed, “In addition to the above, we approved the redeployment of ACM Dr Godwin Omiko, the erstwhile ACM Motor Vehicle Administration Department. Omiko is to head the Project Implementation Office, as ACM in charge of Corps Safety Engineering Office while ACM Emmanuel Dung is to resume duty as ACM Motor Vehicle Administration at the national headquarters. In the same vein, Ekiti, Plateau, Katsina, Kano, Kaduna, Kano, Minna, Kogi, Bayelsa, Taraba, Jigawa, Osun, Imo and Zamfara states all got new sector commanders.’’

The FRSC corps marshal also appointed for the first time in the history of the corps, a female Corps Commander, Ann Oladayo-Odeleye, as Zonal Commanding Officer RS Zone 2 Lagos in acting capacity.

Mr Mohammed said that the new zonal commanding officer would be covering the general operation area of Lagos and Ogun states respectively.

He expressed confidence in the capacity and experiences of the newly redeployed senior officers to deliver on their mandate, urging them to bring in their professional expertise for impactful leadership.

“The redeployment is with immediate effect,” he said.

President Donald Trump appeared to have deported a 2-year-old U.S. citizen with ‘no meaningful process,’ a federal judge in Louisiana has said. The child known in court papers only as V.M.L was being sent out to Honduras with her mother, against the wishes of her father, according to the New York Times.

On Tuesday, the girl accompanied her mother, Jenny Villela, and her older sister, Valeria, to an immigration appointment in New Orleans when they were taken into custody by officials of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement, according to a court paper.

Ms Villela was scheduled for an expedited removal from the country on Friday.

In a filling to Judge Terry A Doughty, lawyers for the Justice Department claimed that she “made known to ICE officials that she wanted to retain custody of V.M.L. and for V.M.L. to go” with her to Honduras.

But in a petition filed by the child’s custodian, Trish Mack, on Thursday, her father claimed that when he spoke briefly with Ms Villela, he could hear her and the children crying.

The father reminded her, the petition indicated, that “their daughter was a U.S. citizen and could not be deported.”

The U.S. Judge Terry A. Doughty described the move by Mr Trump’s administration as illegal and unconstitutional.

“It is illegal and unconstitutional to deport, detain for deportation, or recommend deportation of a U.S. citizen,” Mr Doughty, a conservative Trump appointee, said.

He added, “The government contends that this is all ok because the mother wishes that the child be deported with her, but the court doesn’t know that.”

Mr Doughty has set a hearing for May 16 to explore his “strong suspicion that the government just deported a U.S. citizen with no meaningful process.”

The case of V.M.L is the latest challenge to the legality of several aspects of Mr Trump’s aggressive deportation efforts.

The Trump administration has been blocked by seven federal judges across the country from removing Venezuela migrants accused of being gang members to El Salvador under a rarely invoked wartime statute.

The American Civil Liberties Union also described the V.M. L’s case was shocking and an abuse of power by Mr Trump’s administration.

It stated, “These actions stand in direct violation of ICE’s own written and informal directives, which mandate coordination for the care of minor children with willing caretakers – regardless of immigration status – when deportations are being carried out.’’

Last month, Mr Trump, whose campaign focused on immigration, said he wanted to deport some violent criminals who are U.S. citizens to El Salvador prisons.

The Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), has concluded plans to assess abattoirs, veterinary clinics and farm infrastructure across the territory.The Mandate Secretary, Abdullahi Ango, disclosed this in Abuja on Friday, after a week-long meeting with directors, heads of projects and specialised units.

Mr Ango also said that the facility tours across the area councils would provide the needed platform to engage with farmers, stakeholders and development partners.

This, according to him, will fast-track implementation of agricultural programmes in the FCT.

Mr Ango, who was deployed to the secretariat from the Youths Development Secretariat, also said that efforts were ongoing to ensure that farmers received seeds, fertilisers, and other equipment before the rainy season.

He emphasised the need to equip agricultural extension agents with tools and training, as well as boosting public-private partnerships to attract agribusiness investments in the FCT.

He called on the members of staff to rededicate themselves to service to humanity and particularly FCT residents.

He stressed the need for teamwork and efficiency to achieve the secretariat’s mandate.

“We cannot afford delays. Our farmers are waiting, and the nation is counting on us to boost food security. I expect every staff member to bring their best to the table because the work ahead demands urgency, dedication, and innovation. We must all shape up and align with the vision of the Nyesom Wike-led FCT Administration as well as the FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud. The “Renewed Hope Agenda” of President Bola Tinubu must reflect in our agricultural programmes,” Mr Ango said.

The Abia State Government said it has revoked the land title and taken steps to reclaim the assets of the Enyimba Automated Shoe Company (ENASCO) in Aba, Abia’s commercial hub.
Abia revokes land title, takes over state-funded shoe factory
Mr Ukoha further stated that ENASCO’s financial performance showed a consistent decline in revenue

News Agency of Nigeria • April 26, 2025
Abia state governor, Alex Otti
Abia state governor, Alex Otti
The Abia State Government said it has revoked the land title and taken steps to reclaim the assets of the Enyimba Automated Shoe Company (ENASCO) in Aba, Abia’s commercial hub.

Ukoha Njoku, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Alex Otti, made the disclosure in a statement to journalists in Umuahia on Friday.

Mr Ukoha stated that the decision to revoke the land title “followed a comprehensive regulatory, financial and operational review undertaken by reputable Big Four professional service firms.”

He further stated that the firms “unravelled significant discrepancies and corporate governance-related issues within ENASCO. ENASCO was established in 2020, under the administration of ex-Governor Okezie Ikpeazu with equipment imported from Turkey and had a projected annual production capacity of two million pairs of shoes. The goal was to elevate the state’s leather industry by producing high-quality footwear for the local and international market. The Abia State Government (ABSG) contributed significantly to the company’s assets, including land, buildings, and equipment.’’

According to him, the state government contributed money estimated at over N158 million in assets and cash contributions of about N41.9 million to the shoe factory.

“These contributions from public resources represented over 70 per cent of the cash and assets contributed to the business to date,” he added.

Mr Ukoha, however, noted that although ABSG had the highest shares in ENASCO, “its shareholding structure at the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), as of November 2024, did not reflect Abia as a shareholder or beneficial owner.”

He argued that changes were made to the shareholding structure in July 2023, shortly after Mr Otti took office, yet ABSG was still not mentioned as a shareholder in any CAC document.

Mr Ukoha stated: “The shareholders on the CAC record as of April 3 are Nwakile John Chidi, Udeagbala John Chinyelu, Nwaogu Chinenye, Sam Hart and Macauley Atasie. Five of them had 445,900 shares, 219,600 shares, 111,500 shares, 111,500 shares, and 111,500 shares, respectively. This demonstrated a clear intention to covet and misappropriate government investment and assets.’’

Mr Ukoha further stated that ENASCO’s financial performance showed a consistent decline in revenue and significant retained losses, amounting to N115.7 million as of October 2024.

He explained that the company also relied heavily on deposits for shares to fund its operations, which grew to N88.9 million within the period under review.

“There is sufficient evidence of lack of a Corporate Governance Framework, Board Charter, statutory audits, and compliance with tax obligations in ENASCO’s management,” he stated.

He further noted clear evidence of the utilisation of funds, amounting to N97,7 million from shareholders’ deposits, without proper documentation or validation of expenses.

Mr Ukoha argued that “in the light of the aforementioned issues, the ABSG convened an all-stakeholders’ meeting on April 23 to address the concerns highlighted in the report. The primary focus was the lack of ABSG representation in ENASCO’s shareholding and on the Board of Directors, despite the huge contribution of public funds and assets to ENASCO. Unfortunately, the meeting ended with the acclaimed existing shareholders resisting to restructure the company’s shareholding to reflect ABSG’s contributions. They also refused to accept the appointment of directors to represent ABSG’s interest on the board.’’

He contended that the posture of the alleged shareholders was not only untenable but ridiculous.

He stated that it was “unacceptable that despite the overwhelming financial and asset contributions made by ABSG to the company, the state does not hold a single share in ENASCO.’’

He added that the government’s action toward reclaiming the company was to ensure accountability and protect public interest.

Mr Ukoha explained that, in addition to what has been done, the government had decided to take legal actions to recover any additional funds or assets misappropriated by ENASCO’S management.

“The ABSG is committed to ensuring transparency, accountability, good and corporate governance in the management of public assets held under its custody in trust. The irregularities observed and shareholders unwillingness to remediate ABSG’s concerns had resulted in the government taking the necessary steps to revoke the land title to reclaim the state’s assets and resources,” Mr Ukoha added.

He further stated that the state acted to protect the interest of its citizens, and that the government would continue to create a conducive environment for businesses and genuine investors to thrive.

He stated that his emergence as the traditional ruler of the community wasn’t a surprise to him, as he has always been a man of the people and a community leader; adding that his reign will bring back peace and usher in disruptive development to the community.

Igwe Nevobasi also thanked Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah for his vision and commitment to rural development, as well as dedication to the welfare of the people.

In his remarks, the new monarch, Igwe Aloysius Chidozie Ogbonna, thanked God for His mercy, kindness, and love. He stated that his leadership will be a service to the community and humanity.He added that with the support provided by the community so far since he emerged as the Igwe-elect, his leadership will bring development to the community.

Deacon Ogbodo also enjoined the new traditional ruler to always be law-abiding and act on the principles of law that brought him to office, as he is not just a leader but also the eye of the State Government.

In his remarks, the Chairman of Awgu Council of Traditional Rulers and also the traditional ruler of Ezinesi Mmaku, His Royal Highness, Igwe Mmadụabuchi Nevobasi, congratulated Igwe Aloysius Chidozie Ogbonna, whom he described as a brother and childhood friend.Following the presentation, Chief Okolie further charged the new Igwe to see himself as a bridge between the ancestors and the present generation, emphasizing that leadership in Ntu-egbenese goes beyond titles and influence but rests heavily on sacrificial service, fairness, and a deep commitment to the collective interest of the people.

According to Chief Okolie, “This Ọfọ that I am giving to you on behalf of Ogugu and entire ntuegbenese clan is not just a staff; it is the voice of our fathers.It demands that you must never lie, never oppress, and never forget that your power is for the service of the people, not for

Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, will preside over the solemn requiem mass of Pope Francis.

This was disclosed by the Vatican in the early hours of Saturday.From the steps of St. Peter’s Basilica, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, is set to preside at the Solemn Requiem Mass for Pope Francis,” it said.

It also disclosed that there would be a live broadcast of the liturgy on Facebook, YouTube channel, and other feeds.

Pope Francis died on Easter Monday at the age of 88 after suffering from stroke, coma, and a heart failure.The late Pope will be buried on Saturday at the Basilica of St. Mary Major in the Pauline Chapel.

Pauline Chapel houses the ancient icon of Maria Salus Populi Romani.

The decision to bury Pope Francis there followed his request in his Spiritual Testament.The late Catholic pontiff has been in and out of hospital since February 14.

The Nigerian Army has disowned a recruitment advertisement circulating online, warning that it is fake.

In a statement on Saturday, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lt.-Col. Appolonia Anele, clarified that the advertisement, which claims the army is recruiting for the Direct Short Service Commission and Short Service Commission, did not originate from the military.

Anele emphasised that no recruitment or commissioning exercise for DSSC or SSC has commenced for the year.

She urged the public to disregard the false notice and rely only on official army communication channels for credible information.Anele said the public would be duly informed through official channels whenever such recruitment exercises were scheduled to begin.

“The Nigerian Army warns all to be cautious and avoid falling prey to fraudsters who exploit such fake information to deceive and defraud unsuspecting individuals.

“Anyone with information about such fraudulent activities or individuals should promptly report to the appropriate authorities for necessary action,” Anele said.

Eight suspects have been arrested by the police in connection with the abduction and killing of a six-year-old boy, Muhammad Bulama, in Bura-Bunga village, Bajude District of Kwami Local Government Area of Gombe State.

The suspects include two native doctors, Idris Dayyabu and Abdulrauf Hussaini, who allegedly asked for human parts to perform money rituals for others.

Gombe State Police Public Relations Officer, Buhari Abdullahi, named the other suspects as Magaji Adamu (Wazam), Babayo Musa, Jibrin Muhammad (Ya’Haji), Usman Khalla, Sadam Umaru, and Isiyaku Muhammad.

According to Abdullahi, the suspects were arrested following a thorough investigation and have confessed to killing Bulama for money rituals.

“Magaji Adamu confessed to having received the victim from Babayo Musa and slaughtered him with a knife in the bush area of Wuro-Doya, then further divided the body into two equal parts and dumped the upper half (from the waist upwards) into a well,” Abdullahi said.

He also stated that Musa confessed to abducting the victim at his grandfather’s house at about 5:30 p.m. and aiding the killing at Bura-Bunga village together with Adamu.

“Jibrin Muhammad (Ya’Haji) and Usman Abubakar were arrested in Gombe town at London Mai Doruwa. They confessed to having collected the lower part of the victim’s body from Magaji

Adamu and an accomplice identified as Gimba, who is currently at large,” the police added.

The PPRO added that Umaru played a conspiratorial role by providing information on how to locate a native doctor and facilitated the procurement of human parts.

The police in Ebonyi State have evacuated the corpses of a man and his son at Ebebe Junction area of Abakaliki metropolis.

The state police spokesperson, SP Joshua Ukandu, said that the evacuation was carried out on Friday.

Mr Ukandu, however, said that the command had yet to get the full details of what led to the death of Light Nwodor, and his son, Miracle.

He said, “When I was called by an individual about the incident, I quickly called the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in the area. They swung into action and the dead bodies have been evacuated. The police have launched an investigation into the matter. The command will definitely inform the general public on completion of investigation. Right now, nobody knows what caused their deaths.’’

Mr Ukandu also said he had not been briefed by the DPO on any arrest made.

There were claims that the victims died following consumption of food prepared by an unknown female said to be on the run.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is among the world leaders converging at the Vatican’s St Peter’s Square in Rome for the funeral of Pope Francis.

According to the UN spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, Mr Guterres left New York on Thursday for the burial.

Mr Dujarric said the secretary-general signed the Book of Condolences for the Pope at the Observer Mission of the Holy See before departing for Rome.

“On Tuesday, the UN flag will fly at half-mast to honour the passing of the late Pontiff,’’ he said.

Also, U.S. President Donald Trump and Argentine President Javier Milei are in Rome on Friday, the last day the Pope will lie in state in St. Peter’s Basilica.

This is prior to when his coffin is sealed in the evening in preparation for his funeral on Saturday.

The Vatican said 130 delegations are confirmed to attend the funeral, including 50 heads of state and 10 reigning sovereigns.

Tens of thousands of mourners have waited hours in line to bid farewell to Francis, who died on Monday after suffering a stroke at the age of 88.

By Friday morning, more than 128,000 people had filed past Pope Francis’ open coffin placed in front of the Basilica’s main altar to pay their respects.

Mourners filed past at times praying, at times holding smart phones aloft amidst instructions not to take photo of the late pontiff laid out in red robes, a bishop’s pointed miter and a rosary entwined in his hands.

St. Peter’s Basilica remained open most of the second night, closing for just a few hours. Mourners began arriving before dawn, and sprinted into the piazza when security reopened the flows.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell will preside over the closing and sealing of the coffin in his role of camerlengo, or interim Vatican administrator.

A white cloth will be placed over the Pope’s face, and a bag containing coins minted during his papacy will be put in the coffin along with a one-page written account of his papacy.

The work of the conclave to choose a new Pope won’t start until at least May 5, after nine days of public mourning.

Cardinals have started arriving in Rome, while 113 met Thursday morning to discuss church business.

They will meet again on Friday before taking a break for the weekend.