Ebonyi State University bans post-examination celebration by final-year students

The management of Ebonyi State University (EBSU) has announced the ban on post-examination celebrations in and around the university’s campuses, especially by the final-year students.

The ban is contained in a statement signed by the institution’s registrar, Jeremiah Nwamgbo, in Abakaliki.

The institution’s management said it was concerned about the “unwarranted” celebrations, which he said constitute security threats and “disrupt” academic activities.

“Consequently, the vice-chancellor has banned totally all forms of post-examination celebrations within and around the university premises.

“This ban takes immediate effect. Punishment for any breach of this ban shall, among other measures, include cancellation of all the examinations taken by the celebrating students and arrest of offenders to serve as a deterrent to others,” it said.

The school’s management called on heads of departments and deans to ensure students comply with the ban.

“In a similar vein, the Students Union Government (SUG) president should adequately sensitise the students on the need to comply with this ban to avoid blaming anyone when a sanction is applied,” it stated.

The management urged the chief security officers (CSOs) in the various annexes of the university—the College of Agricultural Sciences, Presco and Ishieke campuses—to take note of the ban for full enforcement.

The final-year students of EBSU allegedly embarked on wild merriment after their final papers, leading to the blocking of the Abakaliki-Enugu express road that resulted in a gridlock on the busy highway.

At least 51 dead after catastrophic flash floods in Spain

The number of people k!lled in extreme flash floods in Spain has now reached “at least” 51 in Valencia alone, regional government officials said.

The dramatic de@th toll from one of the country’s worst-ever natural disasters was expected to rise as the search continued for dozens of people still unaccounted for.

Multiple corpses were recovered overnight while a search is still ongoing for survivors.

One part of Valencia, Chiva, recorded a year’s worth of rain in just eight hours yesterday, with 491mm of rain according to the Spanish Weather Service.

President of the region Carlos Mazon said: “There are lifeless bodies in some of the areas that have begun to be accessed and bodies that continue to appear.”

Mud-coloured waters caused havoc, running from the provinces of Malaga in the south to Valencia in the east.

Footage shows the moment rows of cars were swept away as the water increased by several feet in just minutes, bursting into the lower level of homes.

Videos from Valencia airport overnight showed the tarmac and runways entirely submerged.

Pictures from inside showed hundreds of passengers waiting for updates, with many seen sleeping on the floor.

A high-speed train with nearly 300 people on board derailed near Malaga, but rail authorities confirmed that no one was hurt.

The high-speed train service between Valencia city and Madrid was interrupted as were several commuter lines.

A truck driver in L’Alcudia, Valencia, is among the missing. Six people are missing in neighbouring Castilla La Mancha.

These eastern provinces are among the regions hardest hit by the effects of this freak rain that’s followed a period of severe drought.

It led Spain’s weather office to issue a rare red alert for bad weather, its maximum warning level for extreme danger, today.

Amber warnings for rain and storms were also issued for the Valencia region. Storms are expected to continue until Thursday.

Video showed how hail stones the size of golf balls left dents in vehicle bodywork and smashed windows.

There have been hundreds of calls to emergency services, with the military called in to deal with the unfolding disruption.

In one such rescue, a family trapped in a car with three children on a dirt road had to be helped to safety.

El Ejido in Almeria was one one of the hardest hit areas, with many basements and garages flooded as well as the ground floor or people’s homes.

People were also being rescued by helicopter in the same town after getting trapped in their homes as the water levels kept rising.

The floods are expected to cause millions of euros of damage, with the Valencian Farmers Association telling Spanish newspaper El Mundo that “up to 100% of the harvest” could be lost as trees and soil were churned up and agricultural infrastructure damage.

Court stops CBN from releasing allocation to Rivers State

The Federal High Court in Abuja has stopped the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, from further releasing monthly financial allocations to the Rivers State government.

The court held that the receipt and disbursement of monthly allocations since January this year by Governor Siminalayi Fubara is a constitutional somersault and aberration that must not be allowed to continue.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, who issued the order on Wednesday, held that the presentation of the 2024 budget by Fubara before a 4-member Rivers House of Assembly was an affront to the Constitutional provision.

Specifically, the Judge said that Fubara action in implementing unlawful budget smacked gross violations of the 1999 Constitution he swore to protect.

The judge therefore restrained the CBN, the Accountant General of the Federation, Zenith Bank and Access Bank from further allowing Fubara to access money from the Consolidated Revenue and Federation Account.

Russian drone attack on Kiev injures at least nine

At least nine people were injured in the Ukrainian capital Kiev during overnight Russian drone attacks.

Military officials reported on Wednesday that in a western district of Kiev, drone debris fell into a multi-storey residential building, igniting fires in several flats.

Damage was also reported to a kindergarten building. This marked the 19th drone attack on the city of three million people in October alone.

The Ukrainian Air Force stated that the Russian military deployed 62 unmanned aerial vehicles against targets in Ukraine.

Out of these, 33 were reportedly shot down over 10 regions in Ukraine while contact was lost with 25 others.

The Ukrainian military also utilised electronic means to disrupt the electronics of Russian drones.

Russia also reported Ukrainian drone attacks.

According to the Ministry of Defence, 23 Ukrainian combat drones were shot down over six Russian regions.

Ukraine has been fending off a Russian invasion for more than two and a half years with support from Western nations.

Both countries frequently conduct drone strikes on each other’s territory, targeting infrastructure and strategic locations.

EFCC arrests four ‘bank hackers’ in Abuja

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, says its operatives have arrested about four suspected bank hackers in Abuja.

A statement issued on Tuesday by the spokesperson of the anti-graft agency, Dele Oyewale said they were nabbed for alleged conspiracy, unauthorised access to banks’ computer systems and fraudulent withdrawal of depositors’ funds.

He identified the suspects as Chima Anthony Nwigwe, alleged leader of banks’ hacking syndicate; Mohammed Bello Mahmud; Effiong Victor Emmanuel; The managing director, Downstone Ultimate Limited, Daminan Ali.

The EFCC spokesperson said that the suspects were arrested in a sting operation in Abuja following actionable intelligence.

He said the suspects have been allegedly involved in hacking and compromising databases of commercial banks, causing fraudulent transfers and withdrawals via different digital platforms.

Dele also noted that the suspects would be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.

Hezbollah appoints Qassem as new leader to replace slain Nasrallah

On Tuesday, Hezbollah announced the appointment of Naim Qassem as its new head, replacing its former leader Hassan Nasrallah, who was assassinated a few months ago.

In a statement, Hezbollah announced Mr Qassem, 71, former deputy leader of the group, was promoted to take over Mr Nasrallah’s office as secretary-general of the Lebanon-based armed group.

Hezbollah said Mr Qassem was elected to replace Mr Nasrallah due to his “adherence to the principles and goals of Hezbollah.”

The group “prays to God Almighty to guide him in this noble mission in leading Hezbollah and its Islamic resistance.”

Mr Qassem took over Hezbollah’s leadership barely a month after Israeli forces assassinated Mr Nasrallah in Beirut in late September.

Hashem Safieddine, Mr Nasrallah’s cousin and potential successor, was also assassinated as Israeli forces go after the group’s top members.

Mr Qassem, an Islamic scholar and Shia activist, was a founding member of the Hezbollah in the 80s.

Biden thanks Tinubu over release of Binance executive; promises stronger partnership with Nigeria

United States President Joe Biden has appreciated President Bola Tinubu for the collaboration between the two countries with regard to law enforcement and the release of Binance executive Tigran Gambaryan, detained for money laundering charges in Nigeria.

Mr Biden also pledged to reinforce strategic partnerships with Nigeria, according to Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs.

While briefing State House correspondents, Mr Tuggar said Mr Biden made the pledge in a phone call to Mr Tinubu at about 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday.

Mr Tuggar said Mr Tinubu, in turn, thanked the U.S. for the partnership and collaboration in numerous areas and also discussed the issue of cooperation regarding security in Africa, particularly in West Africa.

He said the partnership was in sharing of intelligence, application of technology, kinetic and non-kinetic, and training.

“He equally assured President Biden that the partnership will continue, and he stated that the future of the world relied on Africa, which was why it was important for this partnership to continue.

“The two leaders also discussed the issue of permanent seats and the United Nations Security Council, and President Biden once again assured that the United States is committed to seeing Africa have two permanent seats.

“He also reiterated that he does not see any reason why one of those seats should not belong to Nigeria, given its position in Africa, its stature and its importance,” said Mr Tuggar.

Macron unveils plans for triangular partnership in Africa

French President Emmanuel Macron has unveiled plans for a triangular partnership between France, Morocco and Africa to foster cooperation in key sectors for growth, stability and development.

Mr Macron announced this on Tuesday in Rabat while addressing a joint session of the two Houses of the Moroccan parliament.

The address formed part of the activities of the French president’s three-day visit to the Northern African country.

He said the partnership between France, Morocco, and Africa would be premised on education, agriculture, ecological projects, digital technology, and energy.

Mr Macron stressed the importance of the Moroccan-French partnership in Africa, underlining the vision of the Moroccan King, Mohammed VI, for the continent.

“Morocco, by virtue of its geography, its history, its culture and the vision of its sovereigns, has long affirmed its vocation as a platform, a channel, a singular path,” Mr Macron said.

He said this underlined that the Kingdom’s stability, openness and development “are unrivalled assets which we recognise at their true value and which can inspire many joint initiatives.”

Speaking on the Moroccan-Western Sahara issue, Mr Macron reiterated the support of Paris for Morocco’s sovereignty over the contentious region.

“For France, the present and future of this territory lie within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty. The autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty is the framework within which this issue must be resolved.

“The 2007 autonomy plan constitutes the only basis for achieving a just, lasting and negotiated political solution in line with the resolutions of the United Nations Security Council,” he said.

He said Paris’ position was rooted in history, respectful of realities, and promising for the future, and it was the one that France would implement to support Morocco at international forums.

Turning to the situation in the Middle East, Mr Macron paid tribute to King Mohammed VI’s action of providing urgent humanitarian aid to the Palestinian and Lebanese populations.

“I salute his mobilisation and that of all Morocco in favour of de-escalation, resumption of dialogue and the relaunch of a credible political process.

“In the current cacophony, in which extremes on all sides are indulging, Morocco has a strong and singular voice,” he said

Mr Macron said Morocco and France were destined to lay the foundations for a reinforced exceptional partnership and offer the generations of the next 25 years a new vision.

He lauded the values of diversity, dialogue, and tolerance, adding that they remain at the heart of Morocco’s people, institutions, and constitution.

“The tolerant Islam promoted by His Majesty the King, commander of the faithful, challenges all forms of extremism,” he said.

Power will be restored to northern states by November 3: TCN

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) says it is intensifying efforts to restore power to the northern parts of the country.

Sule Abdulaziz, the TCN’s managing director, said in Abuja on Tuesday at a media briefing that the ongoing repairs of the damaged transmission line that led to the blackout in the northern region would be completed by November 3.

On October 22, TCN reported a power outage in the North-East, North-West, and parts of North-Central after the 330-kilovolt Ugwuaji–Apir double circuit transmission lines 1 and 2 tripped off.

The company also reported that the Shiroro-Kaduna line was vandalised, reducing bulk electricity supply to Kaduna, Kano, and other major cities in the north.

Mr Abdulaziz said the area affected by the trip-off had been secured with the help of the Nigerian Army, and a concerted effort was ongoing in one of the lines for restoration.

”Restoration of one of these lines will allow TCN to wheel about 400 Megawatts (MW) of power in that corridor.

”Also, TCN is intensifying efforts to repair and restore the second line on Ugwuaji–Apir on or by November 3. This will avail TCN to wheel substantial quantum of power through Apir to Jos to Kaduna to Kano,‘’ he said.

According to him, TCN is working with the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) for the security of personnel on the Shiroro–Mando 330 Kilo volt SC lines site for the commencement of rehabilitation of impacted towers in the axis.

Mr Abdulaziz attributed the blackout in the northern region to vandalism of Ugwuaji–Apir 330kV lines, which was reported on October 21, causing tripping of the lines.

He said trial reclosure failed, and patrol revealed damaged conductors due to vandalism.

“This compounded the transmission of bulk power to the northern corridor as these lines serve as a link between the northern and southern areas. This outage severely affected the wheeling capacity of TCN,‘’ he said

Mr Abdulaziz also said the Shiroro–Mando 330kv line 1 tripped off on September 9; patrol of safe area was done, but a faulty section could not be reached due to insecurity.

He said that efforts were made by local vigilantes who confirmed snap conductors on a tower, but they could not identify the tower number.

“Arrangements were made to use the local group to escort TCN’s engineers in the night to effect repairs in order to evade the bandits in the location.

“Unfortunately, we did not succeed because the bandits got wind of our intentions and laid siege in the area.

“Minimum supply was maintained to the North-West corridor through the second circuit until October 13, when the second line tripped off and failed to stay on trial reclosure,‘’ he said.

He said local vigilantes were again engaged to comb the area but could only access part of the safe area.

He said that due to TCN’s inability to access the area, it solicited the support of the Nigeria Air Force for unmanned aerial surveillance on October 17 and the impacted towers were identified.

Abdullahi Yakasai, the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Community Engagement in the North-West, said the federal government was working hard to restore power to the region.

Mr Yakasai appealed to Nigerians to be patient with TCN, adding that the blackout in the northern region was not a deliberate effort aimed at hurting the people.

“President Bola Tinubu is so concerned about the blackout, and he has been on top of the situation with the Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu and the managing director of TCN,” said Mr Yakasai.

Touts beat up Abia Harmonized Task Force personnel, destroy vehicles

The Abia State Harmonized Task Force (ASHTF) has expressed worry on the recent assault on its members and the destruction of its vehicles by touts and other accosted law offenders in the State.

The Chairman of the Harmonized Task Force and Commissioner for local government and Chieftaincy affairs, Uzor Nwachukwu raised the alarm in a press release made available to journalists.

He added that personnel of the Harmonized Task Force have been facing unjustified threat from touts and other accosted law offenders.

Nwachukwu vowed that dire consequences await anyone caught assaulting the Harmonized Task Force members or destroying their properties, noting that such offenders will be prosecuted before the law, without any option of fine.

“In view of recent experiences of unjustified threats and assaults to our personnel in the course of duty and destruction of taskforce properties and vehicles, by accosted law offenders and touts, the Abia state Harmonized taskforce hereby declares that the full weight of the law shall henceforth be brought to bear upon such mindless perpetrators and law breakers without compromise.

“Perpetrators of assaults on our personnel and those who damage our properties or vehicles shall face dire consequences that serve as enduring deterrence, including full legal prosecution without the option of fine”, the press release said.

Olu of Warri’s wife receives leadership award in London

Olori Ivie Atuwatse III, wife of the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, has been conferred with the Freedom of the City of London award in an illustrious ceremony held at Guildhall, United Kingdom.

The award is one of the United Kingdom’s most esteemed civic recognitions — “a rare honour that celebrates her transformative leadership and her commitment to amplifying Africa’s authentic narratives on the global stage.”

Historically, the award has been conferred on notable figures including Winston Churchill, Queen Elizabeth II, Nelson Mandela, Stephen Hawking, and Princess Diana.

The Freedom of the City of London Award, dating back to 1237, is one of the oldest surviving traditional ceremonies still in existence today, symbolising a unique bond between the City of London and its most distinguished recipients. This award recognises individuals who have made exceptional contributions to society, embodying values of leadership, courage, and philanthropy.

The statement read, “As a distinguished advocate for Africa’s development, Olori Ivie Atuwatse III, the Queen Consort of Warri, is recognised as a visionary and a trailblazer. Through her initiatives with the Iwere Foundation and Elevate Africa, she has dedicated herself to creating sustainable pathways for growth, poverty alleviation, and social equity in her community and beyond.

“Her leadership extends to initiatives that inspire resilience and promote innovation across the continent, reflecting her commitment to shaping a prosperous future for Africa.”

In her remarks, Olori Atuwatse III said, “I am deeply honoured to receive the Freedom of the City of London, a recognition that speaks to the power of unity, resilience, and the shared desire for progress.

“As I stand alongside legendary figures who have each left their mark on history, I am inspired to continue my work to uplift communities, especially in Africa. This award is not just a personal milestone but a testament to the growing importance of Africa on the global stage.

“I dedicate this to the people of Warri, Nigeria, and to everyone who believes in the transformative power of compassion and leadership.”

US President, Joe Biden phones Tinubu over issues

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday received a telephone call from his United States counterpart, Joe Biden over some issues including the recent release of the Head of Finance Crime compliance at Binance, Tigran Gambaryan.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar disclosed this while briefing state House Correspondents in Abuja.

The call, according to him, took place at about 4pm, Nigerian time and lasted for about 30 minutes.

The Minister disclosed that the two leaders also discussed the issue of permanent seats in the United Nations Security Council.

He revealed that Biden assured Tinubu that the United States “is committed to seeing Africa having a permanent seat”

Tuggar said, “The call was about the collaboration between the two countries with regards to law enforcement and law enforcement agencies as well as the release of one of the suspects of the cryptocurrency exchange company that you are all aware of.

“Mr President also thanked the US for the partnership and collaboration in numerous areas with regard to security in Africa and West Africa as a whole.

“President Biden assured President Tinubu that this is a partnership because the future of the world resides in Africa and as such, the partnership is important”.

Amotekun arrests 27 suspects, resolves 5 farmers/headers clashes

The Western Nigeria Security Network, codenamed Amotekun in Ondo State has arrested 27 suspects for various offences within two weeks across the 18 Local Government Area of the state.

The State Commander of the Amotekun corps, Mr Adetunji Adeleye, disclosed this while parading the suspects before newsmen on Tuesday in Akure.

Adeleye said the arrested suspects committed offences ranging from cultism, housebreaking, and motorcycle theft among others, while the command equally resolved five anti-grazing/farmers’ clashes

Adeleye, who attributed the corps’ success to the unrelenting efforts of its personnel, said he would continue to engage criminals, both within the town and in the forest.

According to him, Amotekun rangers were already on farms across the state, and encouraged the farmers of security on their farms, especially in the government forest reserves.

“What I mean by resolved farmers and headers clashes is that the headers volunteered to pay for the cost of what they destroyed and equally paid the fine of the government for the infringement.

“The uniqueness of today’s parade is that apart from very few cases, about two or three kidnapping cases were recorded at the borders.

“That is the Akunu-Kogi-Ondo border, where we had two cases of kidnapping, and the Ose border-Edo-Ondo border, where we had one case in the last two weeks,” he said.

Benard Odoh emerges 7th Vice Chancellor of UNIZIK

The Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, led by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Amb. Greg Mbadiwe has appointed Professor Benard Ifeanyi Odoh as the 7th substantive Vice Chancellor of the University.

Odoh, a Professor of Geophysics, is of the Department of Applied Geophysics, Faculty of Physical Sciences of the University.

Announcing the appointment on Tuesday after a selection process and interview of the 18 applicants for the position, Mbadiwe disclosed that Odoh clinched the 1st position from the pool of the applicants for the job based on his evidence-based significant experience in University Teaching, Research and Administration.

Mbadiwe while handing over the appointment letter to Odoh said: “This appointment is in accordance with the provisions of Section 4 of First Schedule, Nnamdi Azikiwe Act CAP 139,LFN 2004 as amended by the Universities (Miscellaneous) (Provisions) (Amended ) Act 2007.

“Your Appointment is for a period of five years, effective Tuesday, 29th October 2024. The terms and conditions of your appointment are as approved by the Federal Government for all Federal Universities.”

In a brief acceptance speech, Prof Odoh thanked members of the Governing Council and the Vice Chancellor’s Selection Team for finding him worthy for the important assignment.

He promised not to let them down and to also work day and night to improve the university in all facets.

“I’m the first alumni of this university to be appointed to this position. I have my first, second and third degrees here so I understand our challenges.

“Let me assure every one of us, I know there are prejudices and concerns but you are going to judge me by performances not on hearsay. I will serve you well and our university will make progress,” he said.

Odoh, 49 years old, hails from Ezza North LGA of Ebonyi State, and was Secretary to Ebonyi State Government during the administration of Engr. David Umahi.

Sanwo-Olu sues EFCC over alleged planned arrest, prosecution

The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has sued the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the alleged threat to arrest, detain and prosecute him after his tenure as governor.

Sanwo Olu’s lawyer, Darlington Ozurumba, filed the fundamental right enforcement suit before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of a Federal High Court in Abuja.

When the matter was called for mention on Tuesday, Ozurumba informed the court that he had withdrawn the earlier originating summons filed and replaced it with a new one.

The lawyer said the anti-graft agency had been duly served with the latest court documents.

However, the EFCC counsel, Hadiza Afegbua, said she had not seen the documents.

Besides, the proof of service of the processes was not in the court file. Justice Abdulmalik subsequently adjourned the matter until November 11 for further mention.

Sanwo-Olu sought a declaration that under and by virtue of the provisions of Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution, “the plaintiff, as a citizen of Nigeria, is entitled to right to private and family life as a minimum guarantee encapsulated under the Constitution of the Republic of Nigeria 1999, before, during and after occupation of public office created by the Constitution.”

He wants the court to declare that under and by virtue of the provisions of Sections 43 and 44(1) of the 1999 Constitution, he is entitled to acquire, own, operate and manage both moveable and immovable property.

This, he said, includes bank accounts as a minimum guarantee encapsulated under the constitution either before, during and after leaving public office of governor of a state.

He also wants the court to declare that upon community reading of the provisions of Sections 35(1) & (4) and 41(1) of the constitution, the threat of his investigation, arrest and detention by the EFCC during his tenure of office as governor is illegal.

He also said that the plan to arrest him was unconstitutional and a flagrant violation of his fundamental right to personal liberty and freedom of movement as guaranteed under Sections 35(1) & (4) and 41(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 ( as amended).

The governor prayed the court to declare that the incessant harassment, threat of arrest and detention, against him upon the EFCC’s instigation by his political adversaries based on false and politically motivated allegation of corruption is a misuse of executive powers and abuse of public office.

He further wants the court to declare it as an unwarranted interference with his fundamental right to personal liberty, freedom of movement, fair hearing and equal protection of the law as guaranteed by the constitution and the Africa Charter on Human & Peoples’ Rights, CAP A9 LFN 2004.

Sanwo-Olu, therefore, sought an order restraining the EFCC from harassing, intimidating, arresting, detaining, interrogating or prosecuting him in connection with his tenure as the governor of Lagos State.

He also prayed the court to make an order prohibiting and restraining the commission “from seizing the properties, the international passport and travel documents of the plaintiff or freezing the bank accounts of the plaintiff, his family members or in any other way to further breach the plaintiff’s fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution.”

He urged the court to make an order restraining the EFCC from inviting, arresting or detaining him in connection with his tenure as governor of the state or breaching his fundamental rights to personal liberty, fair hearing, private and family life, freedom of movement, and acquisition of moveable and immoveable property as enshrined in the laws.

Governor Otti sacks ABSU VC, other principal officers

The Abia government has announced the removal of the Vice Chancellor of the Abia State University, Uturu, Onyemachi Ogbulu.

The Commissioner for Information and Culture, Okey Kanu, announced the removal on Tuesday while briefing journalists at the Government House, Umuahia, on the outcome of Monday’s State Executive Council meeting.

Mr Kanu also announced the approval of the appointment of a new vice chancellor for the university, Ndukwe Okeudo.

He further announced the appointment of a one-time speaker of the state House of Assembly, Agwu U. Agwu, as pro-chancellor, Catherine Ifejika as chancellor, Onwubiko Dike as a member of the university’s governing council, and two deputy vice-chancellors.

Others include DVCs, four members of the Senate, two members of the congregation, one member of convocation, a representative from the State Ministry of Education and the appointment of a new bursar.

The commissioner also said the appointment was made following the approval of the recommendations of the visitation panel to the university.

He said the panel was constituted to evolve effective strategies for addressing the university’s challenges.

Mr Kanu described the appointment of some persons who would oversee the institution’s affairs as the first in the series of reforms that would take place in the university.

According to him, the appointments are to take effect from November 1.

NSCDC arrests fleeing bandit in Kano

The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Kano State Command has arrested a suspected bandit, Umar Ibrahim, also known as Danlami Tela.

The 45-year-old suspect from Dikke, Funtua Local Government Area of Katsina State, was apprehended at Hotoro Yandodo in Nassarawa LG of Kano State.

NSCDC Public Relations Officer, Ibrahim Abdullahi, who confirmed the arrest in a statement at the weekend said the suspect is linked to a notorious bandit leader involved in kidnapping and banditry in Funtua.

Ibrahim, who was found with an Android phone, three SIM cards, and an ATM card, has been transferred to the Nigerian Air Force Forward Operating Base 215 in Funtua for further action.

Egypt proposes two-day ceasefire in Gaza for prisoner exchange

Egypt has proposed a temporary ceasefire to exchange four Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners even as the Gaza war continues to grind on.

Egypt proposed an initial two-day ceasefire in Gaza aimed at facilitating the exchange of four Israeli hostages held by Hamas for a number of Palestinian prisoners.

President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi made this announcement on Sunday, October 27 as Israeli military strikes resulted in the deaths of 45 Palestinians across the enclave.

During a joint press conference with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune in Cairo, Sisi emphasised the importance of resuming negotiations within ten days of implementing the temporary ceasefire.

While there has been no immediate response from Israel or Hamas, a Palestinian official involved in the mediation process told Reuters agency that Hamas is open to the new proposals but has maintained that any agreement must lead to an end to the conflict and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.

Israel has alwyays stated that the war cannot conclude until Hamas is dismantled as a military force and a governing authority in Gaza.

The war erupted following a Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7 last year, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people and the abduction of over 250 hostages, according to Israeli figures.

The ongoing conflict has devastated Gaza, with health officials reporting that the death toll from Israeli air and ground assaults has reached nearly 43,000. The densely populated enclave remains largely in ruins.

An official briefed on the talks mentioned that discussions in Doha are focused on establishing a short-term ceasefire and facilitating the release of some hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. The goal is to achieve a temporary halt in hostilities that could pave the way for a more enduring ceasefire.

WWE star Ric Flair’s stepson dies by suicide

Sebastian Kidder, stepson of wrestling legend Ric Flair and a promising young musician, has d!ed at age 24 from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

His mother, Wendy Barlow, confirmed the heartbreaking news to TMZ Sports, expressing the family’s profound grief.

The incident occurred Saturday afternoon, October 26 at the family’s home in Georgia, and police have launched an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding Kidder’s de@th. “I am devastated and shocked. This is an epidemic with our young men. And mental health…” Barlow shared, highlighting the emotional toll and calling attention to the mental health challenges facing young people today.

Kidder’s music career had recently begun to gain traction. Earlier this summer, he appeared on FOX’s Good Day Atlanta, where he performed and discussed plans for his debut album. Friends, fans, and family members were hopeful for his future in the music industry.

Ric Flair, who married Barlow in 2018 after a long relationship, has not yet made a public statement about the tragic loss. Flair had been a significant figure in Sebastian’s life for over a decade, dating back to when he and Wendy first began their relationship.

The loss of Kidder has left the family devastated, and his passing is a stark reminder of the importance of addressing mental health issues among young people.

Former NFL star Nigel Bradham arrested in Florida

Former Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Nigel Bradham was arrested earlier this month in Florida after being pulled over for speeding while driving with a suspended license, TMZ Sports reports.

The 35-year-old was stopped on October 10 in Tallahassee, where officers say he was driving 78 mph in a 55 mph zone in a 2023 KIA SUV with his two children.

According to the incident report from the Florida Highway Patrol, Bradham admitted to driving despite being aware of his suspended license. Officers discovered he also had an active warrant in Leon County for possession of a controlled substance. Following the traffic stop, Bradham was handcuffed and taken to a local jail. He has since been released, but court records show he now faces a felony charge for driving with a suspended or revoked license in Wakulla County.

This arrest marks another run-in with the law for Bradham. In 2021, he was charged after police reportedly found over three pounds of marijuana and firearms in his vehicle. Bradham, drafted by the Buffalo Bills in 2012, joined the Eagles in 2016 and contributed to their historic Super Bowl victory. He retired with an impressive 619 tackles over 116 games in his NFL career.