The Ekiti State Police Command has launched investigation into the death of the Odofin of Igede- Ekiti, High Chief Emmanuel Adetona who was found dead in a bush along Aramoko Road.

The deceased family had previously reported him missing, suspecting possible abduction before his body was discovered lifeless in a bush near Baptist Cemetery in the community.

According to family source, the corpse had visible injuries, including a bloodied head, and a stick suspected to have been used in the incident was found beside his lifeless body.

He said, “The family is saddened by the discovery of our beloved Odofin’s lifeless body. We suspect foul play and demand a thorough investigation into his death.”

“The circumstances surrounding his death are still unclear, and we urge the Police authorities to leave no stone unturned.Our community is in mourning, and we pray for justice for our fallen leader.”

The State Police Public Relations Officer, Sunday Abutu, confirmed the incident, saying the corpse has been deposited in the morgue detectives were working to unravel truth behind the tragic incident.

Abutu noted that further updates would be provided on the incident as the probe progressed.

Veteran Philippine actress Nora Aunor has passed away at the age of 71.

Her daughter, Lotlot de Leon, announced her death on Instagram, expressing deep sorrow and gratitude for her mother’s legacy.

She wrote: “Nora Aunor, It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, celebrated television and movie actress, and a true National Artist of the Philippines, Nora Aunor.

Nora Aunor was a celebrated television and movie actress and a true National Artist of the Philippines.

She rose to fame in the 1960s as a singer before transitioning into acting, earning numerous accolades for her performances.

In 2022, she was given the country’s highest honour for actors, National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts, in recognition of her contributions to Philippine arts.

Details of her funeral service will be announced later.

“Her funeral service details to follow. We thank everyone for their support and ask for continued prayers during this time of mourning”, she added.

Google has announced the opening of applications for the 2025 edition of its Google for Startups Accelerator Africa program, aimed at empowering early-stage startups leveraging artificial intelligence to solve critical challenges across the continent.

The three-month accelerator is designed to support Seed to Series A-stage startups building AI-first solutions in Africa. Eligible startups must have a live product, at least one founder of African descent, and a clear vision for responsible AI development.

Selected participants will receive up to $350,000 in Google Cloud credits, access to expert mentorship from Google and industry leaders, and inclusion in a global network of investors, partners, and collaborators. They will also benefit from targeted workshops on product strategy, technology development, leadership, and AI integration.

Highlighting the potential of AI to drive inclusive growth in Africa, Folarin Aiyegbusi, Head of Startup Ecosystem, Africa at Google, said: “Startups are Africa’s problem solvers. With the right resources, they can scale their impact far beyond local communities. This program reflects our belief that AI can be transformative when shaped by those who understand the context deeply.”

The initiative has already supported 140 startups across 17 African countries since its launch in 2018. These startups have collectively raised over $300 million in funding and created more than 3,000 jobs. One standout alumni, Nigeria-based agritech platform Crop2Cash, uses AI to help smallholder farmers access credit and build financial identities, showcasing the transformative power of AI in agriculture.

Google’s commitment is rooted in research that suggests AI could add $1.3 trillion to Africa’s economy by 2030, provided that grassroots innovation is nurtured.

Applications for the 2025 cohort are currently open. Interested startups can apply via the program’s official page at: https://startup.google.com/programs/accelerator/africa

For updates and more information, visit the Google Africa Blog or follow @GoogleAfrica on social media.

Negligence in extinguishing firewood used in cooking on Thursday resulted in an inferno at a welder’s workshop located at Better Life Area, Sabo in Oyo town.

The General Manager of the Oyo State Fire Services Agency, Yemi Akinyinka, made this known in a statement to journalists on Thursday.

Mr Akinyinka attributed the cause of the fire to carelessness on the part of an apprentice who forgot to completely put out firewood used to cook inside the workshop before the close of work on Wednesday.

He said the agency’s officers received a distress call about the incident at about 12:11a.m., on Thursday from one Mujidat Olalere and immediately deployed its officers to the scene.

He stated, “On arrival, we saw a welder’s workshop well lit, and the agency’s officers quickly arrested the fire and extinguished it without allowing it to affect other nearby buildings and property. The fire incident was because of an apprentice who cooked with firewood inside the shop and forgot to adequately put out the fire before close of the day and this set the workshop on fire at the midnight.’’

A 17-year-old boy, Quadri Alabi, who became an internet sensation after standing in front of former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi’s convoy, in February 2023, has regained freedom from prison.

Alabi’s release came four months after his detention at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kirikiri, over an accusation of armed robbery.

A human rights Lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, made the disclosure via his social media handle on Thursday.

Mr Inibehe noted that Alabi was abducted by two hoodlums at Amukoko, Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Area of Lagos State and consequently dumped at the Amukoko Divisional Police Headquarters, Lagos State in January.

Mr Inibehe stated Alabi’s travail was linked to a donation he received for supporting the candidacy of Mr Obi during the 2023 presidential campaign.

He said, “Alabi was returning from work when he was grabbed by the duo, who along with other jealous and entitled area boys in the community, have been harassing him and threatening to deal with him since 2023 for not giving them ‘their share’ of money he got during the last elections period. Quadri’s family informed us that the baale of the community equally pressured them to buy a cow and rice and cook for the community to appease the area boys.’’

The Magistrate who handled the case, A. O Olorunfemi, said that the legal advice by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Ministry of Justice, Lagos State, Dr. Babajide Martins, indicated that there was no evidence to corroborate allegation of armed robbery levelled against Alabi.

Mr Inibehe said, “The DPP recommended the non-prosecution of Alabi. Thus, the presiding magistrate discharged him, and he was accordingly freed. We commend the DPP for standing by the truth in this matter.’’

The lawyer also called for the removal of the Divisional Police Officer of Amukoko Divisional Headquarters and disciplinary action against the Investigation Police Officer, Odigbe Samuel, and other officers who participated in what he termed “sinister, oppressive and corrupt scheme of framing-up of Alabi, at the bidding of the street gang who prompted the initial arrest.’’

Mr Inibehe further demanded a compensation of N100,000,000 to the client and a public apology from the Nigeria Police Force.

He added, “If the above three remedial demands are not fully complied with immediately, we shall initiate legal actions to seek redress. Alabi’s case is a painful example of the putrefying corruption, monstrous impunity, and pervasive injustice in the Nigeria Police Force.’’

The Nigerian Air Force said the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), have executed two successful air missions, targeting terrorist strongholds in Sambisa general area and the Southern Tumbuns, Borno State.

The Director of Public Relations and Information of NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, in a statement on Thursday, said the air strikes were executed on Tuesday.

Mr Ejodame said the first strike occurred at approximately 5:30 am. in Kollaram, a known stronghold of insurgents in Borno.

He said that intelligence reports, supported by surveillance footage, confirmed the presence of high-value terrorist commanders in the area.

According to him, several structures, some equipped with solar panels, were identified as active terrorist hubs.

Mr Ejodame said that NAF’s assets carried out a precision strike on the location, eliminating several fighters and disabling key infrastructure.

He added that a second precision strike followed at about 3:55 pm in Arra, in the Sambisa area, adding that intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance missions had earlier detected clusters of terrorists, and real-time visuals confirmed the significant presence.

According to him, precision-guided munitions were employed, resulting in the effective destruction of targets and disruption of the group’s operational capabilities.

He said, “These back-to-back missions are part of a sustained air campaign designed to erode terrorist capabilities, dismantle leadership structures, and eliminate sanctuaries across Nigeria. The Nigerian Air Force remains committed to ensuring that no location within the country offers haven to terrorists.’’

The Kaduna State Government, through its Ministry of Human Services and Social Development, has rescued 7-year-old Abubakar Sani, whose father, Sani Tanimi Maishago, allegedly poured hot water on his legs as punishment for stealing biscuits in Lere Local Government Area.

The father reportedly tied Abubakar’s legs before the act and, with the boy’s stepmother, locked him in a room for over 20 days without proper food or care.

Hajiya Rabi Salisu, the Commissioner, visited Abubakar at Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital, where doctors amputated both legs below the knee to save his life.

“The boy’s report came to the ministry about nine days ago, and by then, his legs had already rotted and had maggots coming out,” she said.

The police have arrested Maishago and the stepmother, and Salisu stated they will face court charges upon investigation completion, emphasising the state’s zero-tolerance policy on child abuse. “We will make sure that justice is served to serve as a deterrent to others,” she added.

Dr Abdulkadir Musa, Chief Medical Director of the hospital, noted Abubakar’s legs were unsalvageable, leaving him permanently disabled.

“Perhaps the only thing that can be done to ease his survival is by equipping him with artificial limbs,” he said, urging parents to avoid extreme punishment to prevent irreversible harm.

Nine states from the South-South and South-East will participate in the fifth edition of the Offiong Edem Table Tennis Competition scheduled to commence in Calabar on April 17.

Sponsor of the championship, Offiong Edem, told journalists in Calabar that the tournament would take place at the table tennis hall of the UJ Esuene Stadium from April 17 to April 19.

Ms Edem said N2.5 million and table tennis equipment worth about N10 million would be up for grabs.

The five-time Olympian, currently a table tennis coach in the U.S. after retiring from the sport in 2024, said she chose to organise the tournament annually to discover more talents for the country.

“I am interested in producing other Offiong Edems by encouraging the young talents and sharing what I have with them,” she said.

She said although the competition had always featured players from the South-South and South-East zones in the last four years, it would become a national event in 2026.

Ms Edem said inadequate support for players, especially in getting their kits and participating in competitions, discouraged many players from the sport.

“The government cannot sponsor table tennis alone. The private sector needs to come in. It is sad to see our players qualify for international competitions but cannot participate in them because they do not have sponsors.

”They, however, rely only on participating in local events, which cannot make them better players,” she said.

According to Ms Edem, she decided to retire from the sport to allow younger players to take over the stage.

“I have won gold medals at the African Games,” she stated. “I have participated in all major competitions from the Olympics to the Commonwealth Games and other international competitions, so I felt it was time to quit.”

Usen Umoh, the vice-chairman of the Cross River Table Tennis Federation, said the only way to take many young people off the street was by providing sports facilities.

Mr Umoh maintained that Offiong Edem, who came from a humble background, had provided 75 pairs of rubber for upcoming talents.

“Each pair costs about N200,000,” he said. “If Cross River has three Offiong Edem, we will not go to the government to solicit funds to support the sport in the state.”

The Northern Nigeria Youths Union has promised to garner over two million votes for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.

The chairman of the union, Abubakar Aliyu, discussed this on Wednesday shortly after the conclusion of a major meeting held in Jos, Plateau.

“We are speaking after the conclusion of a large gathering of young men and women who have committed themselves to contributing to the journey of Tinubu.

“This is after seeing how he is implementing a myriad of developmental projects across the country, especially in the Northern parts of Nigeria,” Mr Aliyu said in a statement.

Mr Aliyu cited Mr Tinubu’s recent inauguration of the Abuja to Kaduna to Kano highway construction.

“The prices of various goods had also nosedived and even the price of fuel had reduced significantly,” the group’s leader stated. “We in our organisation, the Northern Nigeria Youth Union, assure the president that when the election comes, we will give him more than two million votes.”

Mr Aliyu stated that the union had registered members, Muslims and Christians, all volunteers in the 19 northern states.

He added, “It is not that we were given money from somewhere. We are just volunteers with patriotism. Considering our large membership, when the elections are held, we will also attract the attention of many people to cast their votes for Tinubu.

“Therefore, with a large membership of over 65,000 people, and the efforts we will make to get people with voter’s cards, will ensure that we generate the votes for Tinubu. This is a guarantee that this will indeed be done.”

Governor Caleb Mutfwang has banned night grazing in all parts of the state following the spate of attacks and killings in some communities.

Mr Mutfwang issued the ban in a statewide broadcast on Wednesday in Jos over the prevailing security challenge in Plateau.

On April 2, gunmen attacked Hurti, Josho, Daffo, and other communities in the Manguna district.

Similarly, gunmen on Sunday attacked the Zike and Kimakpa communities of Kwall District, Iregwe Chiefdom of Bassa.

In both incidents, the attackers killed scores and destroyed many houses and other properties.

The governor also restricted the movement of cattle on vehicles in all parts of the state after 7:00 p.m.

He explained that the move aimed to curb the worsening security challenges.

“To restore calm and strengthen vigilance, I hereby announce that effective Wednesday, April 16, night grazing of cattle is strictly prohibited.

“Also, transportation of cattle by vehicle is banned after 7:00 p.m. The use of motorcycles is restricted from 7:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. across the state until further notice,” he said.

The governor, who assured residents of the state of his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property, promised to support the security agencies in the state.

Mr Mutfwang, who also insisted that the killings were not an isolated conflict between farmers and herders, thanked President Bola Tinubu for his commitment towards achieving lasting peace in Plateau.

He promised to constitute a fact-finding committee comprising respected independent voices to investigate the root causes of the violence and offer actionable recommendations.

The Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ibadan on Wednesday ordered that a 27-year-old housewife, Rukayat Sodiq, be remanded in the Agodi corrections facility over the alleged murder of her husband.

The magistrate, T.G. Daodu, who did not take Ms Sodiq’s plea for want in the jurisdiction, ordered her remand, pending legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecution.

The magistrate adjourned the matter until May 22 for mention.

The prosecution counsel, Iyabo Oladoyin, alleged that Ms Sodiq, on March 27, at about 6:30 p.m. at Akinrinmisi area, Amuloko, Ibadan, caused the death of her husband, Abiodun Ibironke, 64.

Ms Oladoyin said the woman hit the victim on his head with a stick during an altercation.

This, the police said, led to Mr Ibironke’s death.

Street-hop sensation Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has issued a stern warning to social media users, declaring his intent to take legal action against anyone who defames or disrespects him online.

In a video shared via his Instagram story, the controversial singer lashed out at his critics, expressing frustration over negative comments and calling for a shift in the way his name is mentioned on social platforms.

Portable made it clear that he would no longer tolerate slander or online bullying. He urged those who don’t support or celebrate him to simply stop talking about him altogether.

“If you’re not praising me, don’t mention my name,” he warned.

He said: “Anybody don’t talk good about me now, talk good about me. Say good about me; they have been wicked to me, hence I can decide to also be wicked to anybody; federal government liability on my job enemy; henceforth, I am ready to go to any length to arrest anyone defaming me on this internet. No matter where you are, if you talk badly about me, I will make sure you get arrested. I’m no longer playing nice with anyone,” he said in a series of emotional outbursts.”

He expressed deep frustration over what he described as longstanding wickedness and negativity from people around him.

According to him, his recent stance is a response to persistent attacks and misrepresentations on the internet.

The Lagos State High Court in Ikeja has declared the removal of Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly illegal and unconstitutional.

In a judgment delivered on Wednesday, Justice Yetunde Pinheiro nullified the House’s proceedings and resolutions of January that led to Obasa’s ouster.

Obasa had filed a suit against the Lagos State House of Assembly and Mojisola Meranda, who was named the new Speaker, challenging the legality of the process that resulted in his removal.

Represented by his counsel, Chief Afolabi Fashanu, Obasa argued that the decision to remove him was taken by 36 lawmakers while the Assembly was on recess and he was out of the country.

He maintained that the session was invalid, as it was convened without his authority or a formal delegation of power, in violation of the House’s procedures.

The suit was based on nine grounds, referencing relevant provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Standing Orders of the Lagos State House of Assembly.

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has sealed multiple shops in Abuja’s Utako Market for allegedly rebagging locally produced rice as foreign brands.

Boladale Adeyinka, Director of the FCCPC’s Surveillance and Investigations Department, said the enforcement action carried out on Monday followed credible intelligence received by the commission.

According to a statement on the Commission’s X handle, the affected shops were found to be rebagging and marketing rice under popular brand names that have been out of circulation for nearly a decade.

The statement reads: “The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has sealed several shops in Utako Market, Abuja, after uncovering deceptive practices involving the rebagging of locally produced rice as foreign brands.

“The enforcement operation, which took place on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, was prompted by complaints from brand owners and concerned consumers.

“The affected shops were found to be rebagging and marketing rice under popular brand names that have been out of circulation for nearly a decade, including Royal Stallion and Mama Gold. The Commission confiscated the counterfeit products and sealed the stores involved in the illicit trade.

“Speaking to journalists during the operation, Mrs. Boladale Adeyinka, Director of Surveillance and Investigation at the FCCPC, revealed that the action followed verified reports from brand owners. “We received credible information indicating that certain rice brands, including Royal Stallion, are no longer available in the Nigerian market, she stated.

“Mrs. Adeyinka further explained that the persistent demand for foreign rice has created an avenue for unscrupulous traders to deceive consumers by rebagging local rice as imported varieties. “Because of the demand for foreign rice, some market cartels have resorted to rebagging local rice and passing it off as imported. This is a clear case of deception,” she said.

“The Commission’s intervention is part of its broader mandate to protect consumers from misleading and unfair trade practices and to ensure transparency in Nigeria’s markets. The FCCPC reiterated its commitment to sustaining surveillance and enforcement activities to safeguard consumer rights and uphold market integrity.”

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reiterated it warned Nigerians against falling for Ponzi schemes, as outrage grows over the alleged N1.3 trillion fraud linked to the digital investment platform CryptoBank Exchange (CBEX).

EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, in an appearance on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Wednesday said the Commission had actively educated the public on the risks of fraudulent investment schemes before the CBEX collapse.

“In March 2024, the EFCC Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, directed us to publish a list of 58 Ponzi scheme operators to warn the public. That shows we’ve been proactive,” Oyewale said.

“We had already been monitoring CBEX, and we’ve continuously advised Nigerians to stay away from such deceptive platforms.”

Oyewale clarified that CBEX is a Chinese-owned digital trading company operating solely online, with no verifiable physical presence in Nigeria, contrary to claims of offices in places like Ibadan. He stressed that the EFCC cannot be blamed for the situation, as the agency had done its part in raising awareness.

“We’ve empowered, enlightened, and informed the public. Nigerians must take responsibility for safeguarding their investments by verifying compliance with relevant laws,” he added.

He emphasised the importance of the newly enacted Investment and Securities Act 2025, which criminalises unlicensed digital trading. “Any business promising 100% returns in 30 days is unrealistic. With Nigeria’s interest rate at 27.5%, such offers are clear red flags,” he said.

Oyewale urged Nigerians to scrutinise investment schemes and ensure they comply with laws such as the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022, the Proceeds of Crime Act, and the Terrorism Financing Act.

“If these platforms are operating outside the bounds of these laws, it’s only a matter of time before things fall apart,” he concluded.–

The Federal Government has declared Friday, April 18 and Monday April 21 as public holidays for Good Friday and Easter Monday, respectively.

The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the holidays on behalf of the Federal Government.

Tunji-Ojo extended heartfelt congratulations to Christians across the country on this joyous occasion.

The Minister in a statement by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Magdalene Ajani, emphasised the importance of embodying the virtues of the sacrifice and love displayed by Jesus Christ, having to die for the redemption of man.

He also called on Nigerians to use the holiday period to pray for the peace, unity, and stability of the nation.

He reassured citizens of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to foster national growth and development.

He encouraged Nigerians to extend love and goodwill to their neighbours through acts of kindness and generosity.

The Minister wished all Christians a blissful Easter celebration and extended warm holiday greetings to all Nigerians.

A few weeks after a protest rally, workers of the National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos State, still carry out their official duties under trees.

The workers, under the aegis of the Joint Union Congress, had, on March 20, held a rally to protest alleged poor working conditions, including reporting for work under trees at the National Theatre Complex, Iganmu.

The congress comprises the Amalgamated Union of Public, Civil, Technical, Recreational Employees, and Radio, Television and Theatre Arts Workers Union.

The workers had called on the federal government to return them to their offices following the completion of the renovation of the edifice.

The Lagos State secretary of AUPCTRE -federal organ, Omotola Babatunde, told journalists on Tuesday in Lagos that all attempts by the workers to reach an agreement with the National Theatre management proved abortive.

Mr Babatunde said, “We are waiting for the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to give the management a 14-day ultimatum.

“NLC meeting is still ongoing. We are waiting, expecting feedback.”

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has arrested pro-Palestinian activist Mohsen Mahdawi after showing up at his naturalisation interview appointment in Vermont on Monday.

According to the New York Times, Mr Mahdawi, who organised several pro-Palestinian demonstrations at Columbia University last year, had gone for what he thought was a routine appointment as part of the process of becoming a U.S. citizen when immigration officials detained him.

The whereabouts of Mr Mahdawi were unknown for several hours, prompting his mother, older sister and lawyers to start scrambling before he was later found at an immigration detention centre in Colchester, Vermont.

Mr Mahdawi’s lawyer, Luna Droub, immediately filed a temporary restraining order to prevent federal officials from transferring him to a more conservative jurisdiction to face removal proceedings.

Subsequently, a Vermont federal judge, William Sessions III, swiftly granted that request, ordering that Mr Mahdawi, an outspoken critic of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, not be removed from the U.S. or transferred out of Vermont until he orders otherwise.

Mr Mahdawi, a green card holder for more than 10 years, is the latest permanent resident to be caught by the Trump administration’s deportation web following the high profile case of another pro-Palestinian protests organiser at Columbia University, Mahmoud Khalil, whom an immigration judge in Louisiana ruled can be deported.

“This is their M.O.,” Ms Droub said. “They just continue to hide the individual to the point where their attorneys can’t quite understand or identify where to file. And so, you know, we’re operating blind, and they have all the information, and yet we’re tasked with attempting to file in the right jurisdiction.”