Nollywood actor Adeniyi Johnson has expressed his support for Naomi Silekunola, the ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife, following the tragic stampede in Ibadan that claimed the lives of over 30 children.

The incident occurred during a charity event organized by Naomi to feed the less privileged, which unfortunately ended in disaster.

In a heartfelt post on his Instagram page, Adeniyi extended condolences to the families of the victims and offered prayers for Naomi, acknowledging her pure intentions and charitable spirit.

He commended the people of Ondo State for their generosity, stating that Naomi’s actions mirrored the compassionate values of her community.

The actor also appealed to authorities to exercise leniency, emphasizing the tragic nature of the incident and the goodwill that had inspired the event.

He wrote: “First and foremost, condolences to the family of lost ones; no family deserves this kind of pain at this time or any other. I pray the good lord gives you the fortitude to bear the loss and comfort the family!! Amen

“Secondly, My heart and prayers go to @queen_silekunolanaomi_ogunwusi, whose intentions were not to hurt or kill but to give and feed!! This time, too, shall pass, and the God of your good deeds will speak for you, restore you, and bring you back stronger!!!

“We, the people of Ondo state, are known for our kind heartedness and generosity, which is clearly your motive for putting the program together. I pray God to see you through this in time and bring you back stronger!! @queen_silekunolanaomi_ogunwusi.

“Lastly, I know for a fact that the law must be upheld, but we beseech the authorities in charge to temper justice with mercies and look beyond the tragic incident! GOD BLESS NIGERIA”.

Snowboarder Sophie Hediger, who was part of the Switzerland’s national snowboard cross team that competed in the Beijing Winter Olympics in 2022, has died after being caught in an avalanche in the Swiss Alps on Monday.

According to the New York Times, Hediger was snowboarding with another person down a closed black diamond slope in Arosa, a mountain village in eastern Switzerland, when they left the slope, the initial police report stated.

Unfortunately, Hediger was lost in the avalanche, prompting her companion to notify rescue services, who immediately began looking for her.

However, it was not until after more than two hours that they could locate her buried in the snow.

The rescuers tried but were unable to resuscitate her, according to the police.

She was 26.

Hediger reached the podium for the first time in a World Cup race, finishing second in a competition in St. Moritz, Switzerland, in January before she finished third in a World Cup race in Gudauri, a ski area in the Caucasus Mountains in Georgia, the following month.

Less than two weeks ago, she competed in a World Cup race in Cervinia, Italy.

“For the Swiss Ski family, the tragic death of Sophie Hediger has cast a dark shadow over the Christmas holidays,” Walter Reusser, the chief executive of Swiss Ski, the country’s ski and snowboarding federation, said in a statement on Monday.

“We are immeasurably sad. We will honour Sophie’s memory,” he added.

Governor Francis Nwifuru has urged public officeholders to use the yuletide celebration to extend love and kindness to the less privileged, especially those around them.

In his Christmas message on Tuesday, the governor said the season should characterise love, kindness and generosity.

“This is a season of joy, reflection, and gratitude, a time to come together as families, friends, and communities to celebrate the hope and love that this special time of the year represents.

“By doing this, we can embody the true spirit of the season by lifting one another and spreading goodwill throughout our dear state.

“Commemorating the birth of Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ reminds us of the power of giving, compassion, and unity,” the governor explained.

Mr Nwifuru commended residents on the journey so far, especially their steadfastness in joining him in moving Ebonyi forward.

“As we look back on the year, I am filled with pride and gratitude for the resilience and strength of our people.

“Despite the challenges we may face, your dedication, hard work, and unwavering spirit make our state a better place for everyone,” he added.

The governor assured that his administration would continue to initiate policies and projects that would enhance the well-being of the people.

“It is my fervent wish and prayers that this Christmas will bring peace, happiness, and hope to you and your loved ones,” he said.

An abandoned two-year-old boy (identity unknown) has been found at a dumpsite in the Iganmu area of Lagos State.

The spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command, Benjamin Hundeyin, stated in a post shared on his X.com handle on Tuesday that the baby was found on Monday night.

According to Hundeyin, the boy was taken to a police station after being found at the Sari Iganmu dumpsite, and the police are now seeking public assistance in locating the boy’s family.

“Found child: This boy of about two years old was found last night at the Sari Iganmu dump site by a Good Samaritan and brought to the station. Kindly share to enable him to reunite with his family,” the police spokesperson stated on Tuesday

A 10-year-old boy, Tasi’u Abdullahi, was brutally murdered by his kidnappers at the Rikkos community in the Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Abdullahi was said to have been killed after his parents paid N150,000 as part of the ransom demanded.

His lifeless body was however discovered in a sack on Friday near his family’s house.

The deceased’s uncle, Aliyu Muhammad, told newsmen on Tuesday that the boy was kidnapped in front of his family house on Monday, December 16, after he was lured by unknown individuals.

According to him, the abductors contacted the family five days later, demanding a sum of N50,000 for the boy’s feeding and a ransom of N1m.

They eventually agreed to collect N300,000 after rounds of negotiations out of which they were paid N150,000.

He said, “After paying N150,000 through a bank transfer, as instructed by the abductors, we were shocked to receive a call from a woman the following day, informing us that our child had been killed and abandoned near our house.

“Upon examining the body of the deceased, we observed that our son had been strangled, with blood coming out of his nose and mouth.”

Two suspects were reportedly arrested in connection with the incident.

Chief Magistrate, Mrs Olabisi Ogunkanmi has ordered that a former wife of the Ooni of Ife, Olori Naomi Silekunola, the owner of Agidigbo FM, Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat and Principal, Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan be remanded at the Agodi Correctional facility pending an advice for the Director of Public Prosecution of the State Ministry of Justice.

The Chief Magistrate gave the ruling when the trio were arraigned in court yesterday. Mrs Ogunkanmi is presiding over Chief Magistrate Court 1, Iyaganku, Ibadan.

Silekunola, Oriyomi and Fassasi are facing trial on a four-count charge which bothers on conspiracy, acceleration of death, negligent acts causing harm and omitting to provide adequate security and medical facilities.

The case with charge number C/2024 is: Commissioner of Police Versus Naomi Silekunola ‘f’ 31yrs, Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat ‘m’ 51years, and Fasasi Abdulahi Babatunde, ‘m’, 56 years.

Some supporters and fans of Hamzat also stormed the court premises but for heavy security presence at the court which saved the situation from going out of hand.

The supporters who were visibly enraged showed anger as the patrol vans conveying the suspects were leaving the court.

All the suspects were in court in person

Although seven persons were arrested by the police in relation to the incident, with Oriyomi missing on the list, The Nation gathered that the police on Monday released five of the arrested suspects.

Those released included Genesis Christopher, 24; Tanimowo Moruf, 52; Anisolaja Olabode, 42; Idowu Ibrahim, 35 and Abiola Oluwatimilehin, 25.

It was gathered that Oriyomi was arrested on his hospital bed where he was said to be receiving medical attention following his illness, aftermath of the tragedy that led to the death of at least 35 children.

During proceedings yesterday, counsel to the school principal, Waheed Adebowale Olajide, who led Abdulfattai Oyedeji and Rufai J. T raised the issue of jurisdiction, noting that the magistrate court cannot countenance the offence and as such they should not be arraigned in the court.

According to the senior lawyer, the essence of bringing the suspects to court is to be heard and that there is nothing before the court to prove that the suspects have committed the crime.

He urged the court that instead of sending the suspects to the Correctional Centre, they could be kept at a police facility where they could be taken care of and presented in court whenever they were needed.

Gunmen have kidnapped some travellers in Emure-Ile in Emure Local Government Area of Ekiti.

It was gathered that the bus conveying the travellers who were returning from Onitsha, Anambra state to Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti state capital was ambushed on Sunday night by the daredevil attackers.

A source at the Road Transport Employer Association of Nigeria,(RTEAN) Ado-Ekiti Motor Terminal branch, who confirmed the incident, said the driver, Mr. Sunday Emmanuel was kidnapped alongside the passengers.

The source said that the kidnappers had contacted the driver’s family demanding a whopping sum of N30 million ransom for each of the passengers.

He explained that the men of the under world abandoned some children in the bus, whose cries attracted attention of passersby in the early hours of Monday, before it was reported to the nearest police station.

He said: “They drove the bus into the bush and dragged people inside the bush.

“They called the family of the driver and I pleaded to speak with the driver and after our conversation, they demanded a ransom of N30 million. They said they would call back, but they have not done so yet.

“They left some children on the bus, and it seems that some people to the the farm saw the kids and alerted the police in Emure-Owo. The driver’s union in Ado-Ekiti is currently holding a meeting on how to reach out to the kidnappers”, he said.

He added that two of the kidnapped victims escaped while they were being herded into the bush.

Efforts to get the Ekiti police command’s comment was not successful as calls to the telephone line of the Police Public Relations Officer, Sunday Abutu rang out.

Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has extended a gesture of goodwill to the Christian community in Bauchi State by donating 1,000 bags of 25kg rice to support their Christmas and New Year celebrations.

The gesture was part of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, aimed at alleviating the economic hardships faced by Nigerians.

Speaking during the handover on Monday, the Bauchi State Coordinator of the Northern Nigeria Christian Political Forum, Ayuba Umar Yelwa, announced that the donation was facilitated through the organization, which operates across the 19 Northern states and the FCT.

“In her usual compassionate manner, Her Excellency, the Wife of the President, has donated 1,000 bags of 25kg rice to the Christian community in Bauchi State for the Yuletide celebrations,” Yelwa said.

He explained that the rice would be distributed across all 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state, prioritizing widows, widowers, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups.

“This is the first time we are receiving such a gesture from the Presidency, particularly through the Office of the First Lady, under the leadership of Hon. Amin Sani Jaji. We are deeply grateful,” Yelwa added.

Yelwa also revealed that the initiative followed a meeting between the organization and Sen. Oluremi Tinubu on December 19, 2024, in Kaduna.

He expressed optimism that the donation would help ease the economic challenges faced by many during the festive season.

The coordinator for Bauchi LGA, Iliya Bukar, expressed gratitude on behalf of the Coordinators, adding that the donation would bring joy to many families during the season.

“We assure the donor that the distribution will be fair and just, reaching the intended beneficiaries,” he said.

There was a mild drama at a Federal High Court in Abuja as a suspect begged to retake his plea after pleading guilty to the two-count charge read to him.

The suspect, Adun Adewale, also known as “Coachbanter,” was arraigned before Justice Emeka Nwite on alleged cybercrime offence against Inspector-General (I-G) of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the I-G had, in the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/634/2024, sued Adewale as sole defendant.

In the charge filed on Dec. 17 by A.A. Egwu, the defendant was alleged to have, sometime in 2024, intentionally sent video recording by means of computer system and network through his Tiktok username: “@brodabanter_backup_page” and handle “CoachBanter.”

Adewale was alleged to have said in the said video, “Police IG Egbetokun busted for colluding with notorious cartel moving cash from CBN (Central Bank of Nigeria) vault via Abuja, Lagos airport.”

The statement he knew to be false, “for the purpose of causing a breakdown of law and order.”

The offence is said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 24 (1) (b) of Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024.

In count two, he was also alleged to have sent a video through his Tiktok username accusing Egbetokun of victimising police officers to shield members of a cartel notorious for hauling suspicious new bank notes from the CBN.

The statement, which was said to be false, was contrary to and punishable under Section 24 (1) (b) of Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024.

Upon resumed hearing, the I-G’s counsel, Victor Okoye, told the court that the matter was slated for the arraignment of the defendant and that he was ready to proceed.

After count one was read to Adewale, he pleaded guilty.

When the registrar read count two, the defendant said: “I pleaded guilty with reason.”

“What is the reason?” Justice Nwite asked.

Adewale explained from the dock that he saw the post somewhere and he forwarded it to his page.

His lawyer, O.A Olaleye, therefore, prayed the court for a stand down in order to confer with his client.

Although Okoye opposed the application, the judge stood down the matter in the interest of justice.

After the court reconvened, Adewale’s lawyer told the court that he had discussion with his client and Adewale told him that he (defendant) did not understand the charge read to him.

Based on this premise, the lawyer prayed the court for the charge to be read again for his client to take his plea.

But Okoye vehemently opposed the application.

He argued that before Adewale took his plea, he was asked if he understood English Language and he responded in affirmative.

The prosecutor said besides, the defendant was represented by a lawyer.

He said the law is clear that when a defendant understands the charge read to him, it does not behove on the lawyer to persuade the defendant to change his plea.

Justice Nwite consequently adjourned the matter until Dec. 30 for the parties to address the court on the position of law in such instance.

Imo state governor, Hope Uzodimma, presented the 2025 budget to the Imo State House of Assembly on Monday, December 23, 2024.

The budget, tagged “Budget of Expanded Economic Opportunities,” totals N755,588,041,220.

This represents a significant increase of over N163.3 billion compared to the 2024 budget, which stood at N592.2 billion.

The governor explained that the increase is necessary to accommodate the growing needs of the state and to drive sustainable economic development.

The 2025 budget is divided into recurrent and capital expenditures. The recurrent expenditure stands at N112,302,000,000, while the capital expenditure is N643,286,041,220.

The budget is expected to be financed through a combination of internal and external sources, including the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) allocation of N293,154,121,949, internally generated revenue (IGR) of N42,577,065,257, and capital receipts of N419,856,584,014.

During his presentation, Governor Uzodimma highlighted his administration’s achievements over the past five years and reaffirmed his commitment to transforming Imo State under the Shared Prosperity mandate.

The governor emphasized the importance of infrastructure development, allocating N296,461,152,778, representing 46% of the capital budget, to the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure Development. This is a significant increase from the N180 billion allocated to the ministry in the 2024 budget.

Other key sectors also received significant allocations, including the Ministry of Transport, which got N101,010,000,000, representing 16% of the capital budget, and the Ministry of Power and Electrification, which received N74,755,479,042, representing 12% of the capital budget.

The Education Ministry was billed to receive N7.420 billion while the Ministry of Livestock development receives N20.000 billion.

The governor also prioritized education reforms, agriculture, industrial and market development, housing and urban renewal, water and gas supply, and digital economy.

“We must do as much as we can at a time and do it well enough for our people to endure,” Governor Uzodimma said. “I have set out our priorities, and my goal is to concentrate on their faithful implementation to achieve maximum results.”

The governor also appreciated the support of the Imo State House of Assembly and reassured the people of Imo State of his commitment to accountable and transparent governance.

According to the governor, the N72,600,766,110.80 loan burden he inherited upon assuming office in 2020 has been cleared, making the state an investor’s pride. “My administration has paid back the loans completely. Today, the perception of Imo State in the global financial market has changed for the better.”

Earlier The Speaker of the House, Mr Chike Olemgbe commended the governor for his achievements and assured him of the House’s support for his policies geared towards the state’s progress.

In a vote of thanks, the Deputy Speaker, Mr Amarachi Iwuanyanwu (Nwangele) commended the governor for the budget presentation and for the achievement of all the projections of the 2024 budget.

He also commended him for attracting investors to the state and improving the economy while remaining committed to the welfare of the people of the state.

The bill was adjourned to December 30, for the second reading.

In a bid to foster direct communication with the Nigerian people, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will hold his first presidential media chat tonight.

The highly anticipated broadcast is scheduled for 9 p.m. and will air on the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN).

The Presidency, in a statement issued by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, urged all television and radio stations across the country to hook up to the broadcast.

“The first Presidential Media Chat with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will be broadcast at 9 p.m. on Monday, December 23, on the Nigerian Television Authority and Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria.

“All television and radio stations are requested to hook up to the broadcast”, the statement said.

A man who drove a car into a crowd in Changde City, central China’s Hunan Province, was sentenced to death with a two-year reprieve on Monday for endangering public safety by dangerous means.

On November 19, Huang Wen crashed a car into a crowd in Dingcheng District of Changde after the vehicle stopped, he exited the car and continued attacking people, leaving 30 injured, including 18 students.

Changde Intermediate People’s Court found that Mr Huang committed the crime due to investment losses and family conflicts, acting out to vent his frustration.

Ten passengers have died, while 17 others on the ground sustained serious injuries in Brazil after a small private plane fell from the sky and crashed into a building in Gramado, Rio Grande do Sul, on Sunday.

According to authorities, the plane which crashed in Gramado at 9:15 a.m., minutes after take off from a nearby airport, was said to be owned and piloted by businessman Luiz Claudio Salgueiro Galeazzi, with those on board believed to be his relatives.

Civil defence officials, in a statement, said the plane conveying the passengers hit the building’s chimney and its second floor before it crashed into a furniture store.

Confirming the casualty figures in a news conference, Governor Eduardo Leite said flight conditions on the day were poor, with the area experiencing rain and fog.

It has not been ascertained if the bad weather was the cause of the crash.

Noting that most of those injured are suffering from smoke inhalation, with two women undergoing treatment for burns, Mr Leite also expressed his condolences.

“We wish to express our solidarity with the families of the passengers on this plane, who unfortunately did not survive a serious accident,” he stated.

Also expressing his condolences, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, on X, said, “I hope that the injured have speedy recovery.

“The air force is investigating the causes of the accident, and the federal government is at the disposal of the state government and local authorities to provide clarification as soon as possible.”

A mentally deranged man has been arrested by the New York Police Department (NYPD) for setting ablaze a homeless woman.

The incident occurred on Sunday when the suspect approached the victim on a train car and set her on fire before fleeing the scene.

According to the NYPD, the suspect and victim were riding on a train to the end of the line at Stillwell Avenue in Brooklyn.

Confirming the incident, Jessica Tisch, the NYPD commissioner, explained that the suspect used a lighter to ignite the victim’s clothing, “which became fully engulfed in a matter of seconds.”

Ms Tisch revealed that the police were conducting a routine patrol at the station when they encountered the victim on fire inside a subway car.

“The officers smelled and saw smoke” that prompted them to investigate, leading them to the subway car where they discovered the victim was on fire.

“Unbeknownst to the officers who responded, the suspect had stayed on the scene and was seated on a bench on the platform just outside the train car, and the body-worn cameras on the responding officers produced a very clear detailed look at the killer,” she said.

Ms Tisch added that the suspect appeared calm when initially approached the victim.

She further noted that there was no interaction between the victim and the suspect during the attack, stressing that the police did not believe that the suspect and the victim knew one another.

The person who set the victim on fire appeared to retreat from the train car, sit on a bench at the station, and watch as the victim stood and burned, according to the police.

The police, however, added that body cameras and surveillance images were key to apprehending the suspect

The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Alabama has sentenced Babatunde Ayeni to 10 years’ imprisonment and ordered him to pay approximately $20 million to victims of his scam, court filings obtained by Peoples Gazette showed.

Mr Ayeni, an internet fraudster, pleaded guilty to the fraud charge, leading the judge to hand him a 120-month sentence.

Although Mr Ayeni had stopped scamming people since April 2019, U.S. judge Terry Moorer on October 31 ordered him to pay $19,599,969 million as restitution to all the individuals and entities he defrauded.

The court waived the interest required on the restitution for Mr Ayeni, having determined that he “lacked the ability to pay.”

Mr Ayeni was asked to pay the restitution alongside co-conspirators Feyisayo Oyindola Oginsanwo and Yusuf Olasunkanmi Lasisi.

The U.S. immigration authority will determine whether Mr Ayeni will be deported immediately after serving his sentence or if he will be allowed to stay in America under three years of supervised release with stringent rules.

Mr Ayeni’s prosecution for fraud on foreign soil adds to a long list of Nigerians who have been jailed by various U.S. courts including Bola Bobo Chicago, Ray Hushpuppi, Mr Woodberry and so on.

Among the list of Nigerian fraudsters convicted in the U.S. was also Abidemi Rufai, an ally of Ogun governor Dapo Abiodun but was released last month.

Former Governor Peter Obi has faulted some of the restrictions placed on palliative distribution by Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, following recent tragic stampedes in some parts of the country.

Mr Egbetokun warned against unorganised palliatives distribution and funfair after the stampedes resulted in the deaths of over 70 Nigerians, including children.

The IGP called on government officials, community leaders, and non-governmental organizations to work collaboratively towards establishing a comprehensive and organized framework for distributing palliatives.

Reacting in a post on X on Monday, Mr Obi described some of the restrictions by the IGP as troubling, saying “they would stifle spirit of compassion and generosity among Nigerians.”

“Even though the directive is a timely response to the series of tragedies recorded across the country recently, and the IG’s honest reaction to the challenges of the prevailing economic hardship, it’s open to abuse,” Mr Obi explained. “It is capable of discouraging citizens from helping the hungry and distressed among us.”

He added, “While I understand the need for better organisation and more attention to public safety, it is important to clarify that acts of goodwill should not be hindered by excessive bureaucracy.”

The former governor, however, lauded the prompt reaction of the police on the development, stressing the need for proper coordination in distribution of palliatives.

“Rather than requiring people to seek permission to assist those in need, we should encourage them to find better, more organised ways to offer such help,” Mr Obi stressed. “The focus should be on promoting coordination, not imposing barriers that could deter much-needed acts of kindness in a time of widespread hunger, pain, and anger.”

Mr Obi further tasked the Tinubu-led administration to address endemic poverty and starvation in the land, urging the IGP Egbetokun to review the restrictions.

“The government must also do more to address the root causes of this hardship, providing lasting solutions rather than creating obstacles for those stepping in to fill the gaps created by government’s insensitive policies,” Mr Obi suggested. “I urge the IGP to immediately review this directive and ensure that the police fosters collaboration and support, not division and discouragement, in our shared quest to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians.”

The New York Police Department, NYPD’s, highest-ranking uniformed police officer, Jeffrey Maddrey, has resigned.

Maddrey, who is the Chief of Department, resigned abruptly on Friday amid bombshell allegations he demanded s*xual favours from his subordinates on the force.

Fox News reports that the sudden resignation of Maddrey came just hours before Lt. Quathisha Epps filed a s*xual harassment complaint against him with the state Division of Human Rights.

Epps holds an administrative post in Maddrey’s office.

Epps claims Maddrey “engaged in a quid pro quo s*xual harassment” by coercing her into performing unwanted sexual favors in exchange for overtime opportunities in the workplace.

According to the complaint, Maddrey forced Epps to “take care” of another female officer, “to subject that officer to unwanted sxual advances and conduct, including sxual intercourse, within the workplace.”

In addition, Epps also accuses Maddrey of maintaining an inappropriate s*xual relationship with another female detective.

The NYPD said in a press release on Saturday that the NYPD Chief of Patrol John Chell had taken the position of interim chief of department.

“Police Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch accepted the resignation of Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey Friday night, effective immediately,” an NYPD spokesperson said via email. “The NYPD takes all allegations of sexual misconduct seriously and will thoroughly investigate this matter.”

Earlier this week, Epps made headlines, when the New York Post, citing payroll records, disclosed that she earned a whopping $400,000, including roughly $204,000 in overtime alone last year, for her administrative job in Maddrey’s office.

She claimed in the filing that Maddrey cooked her overtime figures in October after she started rejecting his advances.

She said that led to a criminal and internal investigation against her in retaliation.

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, yesterday visited the family of the late Jimoh Abdulquadri, who died in police custody in Kwara State on Friday, December 20, 2024.

In response to the incident, the IGP directed the Force Criminal Investigations Department (FCID) to immediately take over the investigation into the circumstances surrounding Abdulquadri’s death.

Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, stated, “In a show of commitment to justice and accountability, the IGP visited Kwara State today, Sunday, December 22, 2024, where he met with the bereaved family of the deceased.”

The IGP was received by the Balogun Fulani of Ilorin, Alhaji Sadiq Atiku Fulani, who spoke on behalf of the family during the visit.

The visit underscores the police leadership’s resolve to ensure transparency and accountability in the matter.

“During the meeting, the IGP expressed his profound condolences and assured the family that no stone would be left unturned in uncovering the circumstances that led to the tragic incident.

“The IGP has ordered the FCID to handle the case with utmost diligence and ensure a conclusive and impartial investigation. He further reassured the family and the general public that the Nigeria Police Force remains committed to upholding the highest standards of accountability, professionalism, and respect for human rights.

“While reiterating the Force’s zero-tolerance stance on unprofessional conduct among its personnel, the IGP called on all stakeholders to remain calm and allow the due process of law to prevail.”

The Federal Government has declared Wednesday 25th, Thursday 26th December 2024, and Wednesday 1st January, 2025 as Public Holidays to celebrate Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year respectively.

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

The Minister in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Magdalene Ajani extended warm greetings to all Nigerians.

He called on Nigerians to use the festive period to reflect on the values of love, peace, and unity that the season signifies.

Dr. Tunji-Ojo emphasised the importance of the season as a time to foster harmony and strengthen bonds across families and communities.

The Minister also called on Nigerians to remain committed to the peace, unity and progress of the nation for national development.

“The Christmas season is a good moment for both spiritual reflection and national renewal. As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, let us demonstrate kindness and extend goodwill to one another, irrespective of our differences,” Dr. Tunji-Ojo said.

He assured citizens of the government continued commitment to ensuring peace, security, and prosperity across the nation.

While wishing Nigerians a merry Christmas and a prosperous 2025, the Minister expressed his confidence in the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu’s administration ushering in the new year, a better and prosperous economy that will be the envy of the world.