The Israel Defense Forces, IDF, early Monday said its air force attacked a command centre of the Palestinian militant organisation, Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

The IDF said the command centre was located in the Deir al Balah area in central Gaza embedded within the Shuhada al-Aqsa hospital.

In the same area, the army had earlier said that it attacked Hamas command centres that had been located in a former school and a former mosque.

The IDF said that numerous measures had been taken to reduce the risk to civilians before the “precise” attack.

According to the army, the command centres were used to plan and carry out terrorist attacks against Israeli soldiers and the state of Israel.

The IDF said this was another example of what it called the systematic misuse of the civilian infrastructure by Hamas, violating international law.

Recall that the conflict, which began exactly one year ago, started when fighters from the Palestinian Islamist Hamas militia and others invaded Israel, killing some 1,200 people and taking about 250 hostage.

Israel retaliated with massive attacks that have resulted in what the Hamas-run health ministry says are more than 41,800 people killed.

Hamas does not distinguish between militant and civilian deaths.

The Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, has again refused to clear up the controversy surrounding her National Youth Service Corp, NYSC, certificate scandal.

Speaking as a guest on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Sunday, Musawa insisted she won’t be distracted by such discussion.

The minister failed to provide the Senate with evidence that she participated in the mandatory NYSC scheme during her screening after President Bola Tinubu sent her name for confirmation.

Musawa was eventually confirmed in 2023, but some persons dragged her to court, claiming she got the appointment without completing the mandatory service as an aberration.

The case was thrown out in April 2024, with the presiding judge, Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja, ruling that the plaintiffs lacked locus standi (legal right) to institute the suit.

Reacting to the drama after one year in office, Musawa said, “I don’t know what you have heard.

“There have been so many different accounts of that particular situation.

“The fact that I am sitting here means that I didn’t do anything wrong.

“But I have not come out to set the record straight as to what happened. Social media has just run rife with different accounts.

“The matter has been adjudicated and one day, I will come out with my account. I have probably done more NYSC than you (presenter). I have done at least two NYSCs in my life.”

The Federal Government has announced that no Nigerian life has been lost in Lebanon amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.

As Israel intensifies its airstrikes in Lebanon, the Nigerian government has commenced preparations to evacuate its citizens from the conflict zone.

In a statement issued on Saturday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Ambassador Eche Abu-Obe, the government confirmed that the Nigerian Embassy in Lebanon has been actively working to ensure the safety of Nigerians.

The statement emphasized the government’s commitment to protecting its nationals during the crisis.

“The Federal Government has begun preparations to evacuate its citizens from Lebanon. It is pertinent to mention that no Nigerian life has been lost since the beginning of the conflict,” the statement read.

The Ministry added that the Nigerian Embassy had previously advised citizens in Lebanon to voluntarily evacuate, with commercial flights still operational.

Those in southern Lebanon, where the fighting has been most intense, were relocated to safer areas, such as Beirut, with the help of community leaders.

The government reassured Nigerians that it is in contact with relevant stakeholders and is committed to ensuring the safe return of all its citizens.

This comes as the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah escalates, with Israeli airstrikes targeting Hezbollah strongholds across Lebanon and ground troops conducting operations near the border.

The violence, which has continued for nearly a year, has now evolved into full-scale warfare.

Abdulmumuni Abiola, one of the sons of the late MKO, has vowed never to forgive his elder brother, Kola.

He accused Kola of refusing to give Abiola’s children their inheritance despite carrying out blood tests.

Abdulmumuni said Abiola willed £650,000 to his first four wives, but Kola refused to release the money to them.

Featuring on ‘Mic On Podcast’ hosted by Seun Okinbaloye, on Saturday, Abdulmumuni said: “Let me give you some background on that.

“We did blood tests so we had a list of qualifying children. If you look at the will and you see how systematic it is, he names the wives and he apportions the money to them.

“I would like to give you some information on that. My mum was number two (Kudirat Olayinka Abiola). I think she was apportioned £150,000.

“At the time, Kola had sighted the fact that my mum died before my dad died, and because of that, British law would not allow him to release the £150,000 to us.

“He also said that his mum too is dead and he didn’t get the £300,000 for his mother. But you are the one sharing the money, so it’s odd…If he wanted to, he could have given us the money.

“Not to mention my mum’s apartment in the UK, before we knew anything, Kola had sold it without telling my brothers or my sister anything about it.

“So you can see that they were systematic to try to impoverish my mum’s side of the family. And for that reason, I don’t think I will be able to forgive him (Kola).”

Commander of the 17 Brigade Nigerian Army in Katsina State, Brig.-Gen. Babatunde Omopariola, has provided financial and food assistance to 16 widows of fallen soldiers at Natsinta Cantonment.

The gesture, which occurred on Saturday during a durbar at the 17 Brigade Joint Officers’ Mess Natsinta Cantonment, in Katsina, was designed to offer essential relief to the families of the fallen heroes as they navigated life’s challenges.

Mr Omopariola emphasised the significance of honouring the memory of those who served, stating, “There is nothing that can compensate for the loss of your loved ones, who sacrificed their lives for this great nation and humanity.”

He underscored the importance of supporting the families, acknowledging the immense burden they bear.

The commander encouraged the widows to remain resilient, emphasising their capacity to overcome adversity and build meaningful lives.

“This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance the living standards of troops and their families within the cantonment.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Awa Mohammed-Ibrahim, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Mr Omopariola for his kindness and for honouring their departed heroes.

She noted that the provisions would alleviate their struggles and inspire them to face life’s challenges with renewed strength.

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated a former Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Alani Akinrinade, on his 85th birthday and praised him for his exceptional contributions to Nigeria.

The congratulatory message is contained in a statement on Saturday by his Special Adviser, Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

Mr Tibubu acknowledged Mr Akinrinade’s illustrious military service, his significant role in the civil war and his esteemed position as chief of army staff.

Mr Tinubu also highlighted the general’s pivotal leadership in restoring democracy in Nigeria following the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.

He acknowledged Mr Akinrinade’s illustrious military service, his significant role in the civil war and his esteemed position as chief of army staff.

He emphasised Mr Akinrinade’s leadership within the National Democratic Coalition, both domestically and in exile.

The statement noted, “President Tinubu commends Akinrinade for his dedication to democratic governance and unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s development. The general was one of those who provided inspiring leadership and direction for us in those difficult moments within the National Democratic Coalition.’’

He assured Mr Akinrinade and other NADECO leaders of his steadfast determination to revitalise the economy and improve the living standards of the Nigerian people, to make all those who fought for the nation’s democracy.

Expressing his gratitude for Mr Akinrinade’s wise counsel, Mr Tinubu encouraged the elder statesman to continue sharing his invaluable insights with the government and society.

Popular Nollywood actor, Saheed Balogun, has lost his daughter, Zeenat Balogun, to the cold hands of death.

The actor announced the passing of his daughter on Saturday via his verified Instagram account, posting a solemn image of a candlelight surrounded by flowers, accompanied by heartbroken emojis.

His colleague, Ronke Oshodi Oke later confirmed the devastating news via her Instagram account.

Posting an image of a candle, she wrote, “No words can ease the pain of losing someone so precious. My heart goes out to you @saidibalogun during this incredibly difficult time. May you find strength in the love and support surrounding you.”

As of the time of this report, the cause of Zeenat Balogun’s death remains unknown.

The Ogun State Government has donated N200 million to the Borno State Government following the devastating flood that recently ravaged the state, destroying property and displacing thousands of residents.

It will be recalled that Governor Dapo Abiodun had earlier sent messages of condolence to the people and government of Borno State, commending the state government for its prompt response alongside interventions from the federal government.

Announcing the donation on Saturday, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Strategy, Hon. Kayode Akinmade stated that the gesture was aimed at assisting the victims of the flood and providing immediate relief.

He noted that the flood had caused an unimaginable humanitarian crisis in the state, necessitating immediate support from all Nigerians to provide succour for the affected people.

The National Emergency Management Agency reported that the flood began after the Alau Dam overflowed due to heavy rainfall, leading to the worst flooding the town had experienced in 30 years.

According to reports, at least 414,000 people have been displaced, and 30 lives lost in the devastating flood in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital

About 44 suspected internet fraudsters have been arrested at different locations of Enugu and Anambra States.

The arrest was carried out by Operatives of the Enugu Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

The Commission said the suspects were arrested in the early hours of Saturday and Sunday, September 28 and 29, 2024.

They were arrested following actionable intelligence linking them to suspected online criminal activities.

“Upon arrest, preliminary investigations showed that the suspects took advantage of social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook to defraud unsuspecting victims.

“Specifically, while some of the suspects specialized in using fake identities to engage foreign nationals in romantic affairs with intention to defraud them, others were found with fraudulent documents in their devices

“Laptops and different brands of sophisticated mobile phones were recovered from them.

“They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded,” the anti-graft agency added.

Biafra agitator, Simon Ekpa has again wooed Nigerians to embrace Biafra amid economic hardship in the country.

Ekpa, known as the Prime Minister of Biafra Republic Government In-Exile, disclosed this in a viral video where Igbos were seen undertaking registration to obtain Biafran National Identity Cards.

Reacting, Ekpa mocked the Nigerian Government, noting that obtaining a Biafra ID card was easier and more reliable than that of Nigeria.

“Biafrans all over the world are happy and identifying with the Biafra government because that is the only hope for a better future.

“Compare this with Nigeria and see the difference. No ‘mago mago’, we are setting the standard”, he posted.

This comes as Nigerians grapple with challenges while trying to obtain their National Identity Number.

Recall that the NIMC disclosed that only 109 million from an estimated population of 250 million had obtained the number.

BRGIE recently declared a commitment to the Biafra Declaration on 2nd December 2024.

In 2021, Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra was re-arrested by the Nigerian Government and has been under detention.

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has cautioned Christians against engaging in a quarrel with God.

Pastor Adeboye urged Christians to end the argument about tithe.

He spoke while addressing his congregants during the October edition of the RCCG Holy Ghost Service.

According to Adeboye: “I want to beg everyone all over the world. Let this argument about tithe come to an end, please.

“If your pastor says he doesn’t want tithe, don’t leave his church. If he says all he wants is offering, give him offering.

“But if your heart tells you that you should give God at least 10 per cent, find a church nearby where the pastor says, ‘We can collect tithe, we will use it for the glory of God,’ then give that pastor your tithe so you don’t quarrel with your pastor, and you don’t quarrel with God.”

The clergyman advised Christians to respect their pastor’s wishes and give offerings if tithes are rejected.

He, however, noted that those who feel personally convicted to pay tithe should seek another church where it will be accepted.

Flood has caused significant damage at the University of Ibadan, destroying books, foodstuffs, and other essential materials.

The flood, on Friday, wreaked havoc in the university community and destroyed property worth millions of naira.

Among property destroyed were documents and other valuables.

The PUNCH investigations on Saturday morning revealed that the property were destroyed by floods that submerged some hostels of the institution.

A student of the institution, who preferred anonymity, said, “The most affected hall of residence is Awo Hostel where about 16 rooms in the underground floor were completely submerged with students’ property floating on the water.”

Another source said, “The students’ foodstuffs, documents and property, especially those that went for examinations were destroyed.

“The flood took over students’ rooms, toilets, kitchens and all the entrances to their hostel.

“The flood took over my friend’s room, and destroyed everything she has, including the ones in her cupboard.”

Buildings and other property were shattered in the early hours of Saturday as explosives suspected to be dynamite shattered the secretariat of the All Progressives Congress along Aba Road in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital.

The explosion brought down the gate of the secretariat while doors, windows and other property were destroyed.

This is the second time the Chief Tony Okocha-led APC would be experiencing such an attack at its secretariat this year.

This came as the local government elections is set to hold in the state today as the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission said on Friday that all sensitive materials have been distributed to the various local government areas.

A viral video of the incident scene seen by our correspondent showed some workers at the facilities going round to ascertain the extent of damage.

When contacted, the spokespetson for the state police command, Grace Iringe-Koko, said she had yet to get a report on it but promised to revert.

The party has yet to make a statement on the incident.

The Ogun State Police Command has arrested a 29-year-old man, Ogunnaike Philip, on suspicion of killing at least three young girls, including an 18-year-old, in separate incidents across the state.

The command stated that the suspect’s method was to lure his victims into the forest, where he would tie them up, strangle them, and then abandon their bodies after stealing their phones.

Ogunnaike Philip
Ogunnaike Philip
According to the command, investigations revealed that the suspect is a suspected serial killer who escaped from the Ibara Correctional Centre about two years ago while being taken to the Magistrate Court in Isabo for an ongoing armed robbery case.

While announcing the arrest on Friday, the command revealed that the victims of Philip’s crimes included 18-year-old Akinsanya Habibat, 22-year-old Abigail Dina, and 23-year-old Mary Ogunyemi.

In a statement released late Friday by the command’s spokesperson, Omolola Odutola, it was revealed that Philip had confessed to killing the three victims and leaving their bodies in the forest.

Following his confession, the suspect led the police’s anti-kidnapping team to multiple locations where the three victims were murdered.

According to the police, 22-year-old nurse Dina left her home at 8:10 am on May 6, 2024, in Iyana Egbado, Ewekoro Local Government, to head to her workplace at Sodipo Medical Centre in Itori, when she was abducted by the suspect and taken to an unknown forest in Itori.

The statement read, “The kidnapper stole an iPhone XR from the victim and then strangled her to death. Subsequently, he contacted her family by phone and demanded a ransom of N50,000.

“Afterward, the suspect abandoned her body in the forest. Ogunnaike Philip, a male suspect, was arrested in connection with the case and confessed to committing the crime.

“The suspect confessed that he fled to Saki town in Oyo State, where he exchanged the stolen iPhone XR for an Infinix Hot 10 and received a cash sum of N65,000.”

Philip, along with an accomplice who is currently at large, was accused of luring his neighbour’s 23-year-old daughter, Ogunyemi, to a forest. They allegedly tied her up, strangled her, and abandoned her body after stealing her phone.

The statement added, “On July 3, 2024, at approximately 10 a.m., the late Mary Ogunyemi, a 23-year-old lady, was sent by her mother, Mrs. Ogunyemi Esther, to buy fruits at Adatan from Asero Estate. She was accompanied by the suspect, Philip.

“Philip, a male suspect, was staying with someone in the same compound as the victim. He lured her to a nearby bush in Asero Estate and called in another accomplice to assist him in the kidnapping.

“The victim was bound with rope and robbed of an iPhone S. Ogunnaike Philip and his accomplice jointly strangled her to death. The two criminals later contacted the victim’s mother by phone and demanded a ransom of seventeen thousand naira.

“The duo abandoned the corpse of the victim inside the bush and fled to Badagry, Lagos State, to sell off the stolen iPhone S at the rate of N8,000.”

The command stated that the suspect was responsible for the death of his employer’s 18-year-old daughter Akinsanya in an incident that took place at Mile 6, Abeokuta, on August 30, 2024, around 5 pm.

Philip allegedly kidnapped the victim, raped her, and then strangled her to death with a rope on her father’s farm in the community.

He later called the parents to demand a ransom before fleeing the scene.

The command noted, “The father received a phone call on his daughter Habibat Akinsanya’s phone, informing him that she, aged 18, had been kidnapped and that he needed to pay a ransom of one million naira for her release.

“The victim’s father subsequently paid N30,000 to the Moniepoint account number given by the kidnapper. Later, her body was discovered on her father’s farmland in Obasa village, Mile 6, Abeokuta, Ogun State, along with her PoS machine found beside her.

“The suspect admitted that the victim’s father employed him and was working on the farm when he saw the victim passing by. He lured her to the farm and then tied her legs with rope.”

A former goalkeeper with the Super Eagles, Joseph Dosu, said he escaped death in the Ojodu Berger area of Lagos State where his car was crushed by a trailer laden with iron.

Dosu, who won the Nigerian FA Cup in 1996 with the Julius Berger outfit of Lagos State, shared the incident via his handle on X.com Thursday, tweeting as #dosu_john.

He noted that he was in the car with a friend at a fuel station, saying, “To God be the glory, another death escape by grace and mercy of God… I and my friend SM were at Enyo filling station after Ojodu Berger bus stop to get fuel… when this Mack truck with registration number LND 470 XX, fully loaded with iron, left the road and crushed my car.”

After winning the 1996 Atlanta Olympics football gold as Nigeria’s top-choice goalie, Dosu had a blossoming career ahead of him.

He had just signed for Italian Serie A club Reggiana after the Olympics but never got to play for them after an accident along the Ikorodu Road in Lagos in 1997, damaged his spinal cord and ended his career prematurely.

“My career was short-lived because of the accident. It happened after we beat Guinea 3-0 to qualify for the 1998 World Cup in France. After the game, we went back to Sheraton, our hotel, and I prepared to visit my wife and children. I was with a friend, on Saturday, a policeman on my way home when I had the accident.

“Suddenly, everywhere went blank; all I could see were cows everywhere. As I tried to control the car, I veered off the road. I asked the guy beside me, ‘Saturday are you okay?’ And he said, ‘Yes I’m okay.’ And I told him, ‘I’m not okay.’ So we were waiting for help and suddenly Taribo West’s car was passing by though he wasn’t inside. They saw us and rescued us and took us to Eko Hospital.

“The first thing the matron did was to smell my mouth to find out if I was on alcohol. And I replied immediately, ‘I don’t drink and smoke. It’s just an accident that can happen to anybody. Before I knew it, I passed out and when I woke up, I found myself in Plaster of Paris,” Dosu narrated.

Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser (NSA) to President Bola Tinubu, formally addressed Aminu Ado Bayero as the Emir of Kano during an event in Abuja, further highlighting the ongoing dispute over the Kano emirate throne.

Ribadu, who represented the president at the inaugural annual international lecture organized by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday, October 4, acknowledged Bayero in his speech, stating, “Of course, the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero,” a remark that was met with applause from the audience.

The Kano Emir throne has been the center of a longstanding dispute between Aminu Ado Bayero and Muhammad Sanusi II, the former Emir of Kano. The controversy began in May 2019 when the Kano State House of Assembly approved an amendment to the Kano State Emirate Council Law, splitting the emirate into five smaller entities—Kano, Rano, Gaya, Karaye, and Bichi—seemingly in a bid to reduce Sanusi’s influence as Emir of Kano.

Subsequently, Abdullahi Ganduje, then the governor of Kano, signed the bill into law. In March 2020, Ganduje deposed Sanusi, accusing him of defiance and disrespect for the governor’s lawful orders. Following Sanusi’s removal, Aminu Ado Bayero was installed as the new Emir of Kano.

However, the dispute reignited four years later when Abba Yusuf, the current governor of Kano, reinstated Sanusi as Emir of Kano after the state legislators passed the amended Kano State Emirate Council (Repeal) Bill 2024. The newly passed law abolished the division of Kano into five emirates, restoring the previous single emirate system under a single Emir’s leadership, as appointed by the governor.

Despite Sanusi’s reinstatement, Bayero continued to occupy a palace in Nassarawa LGA, leading to tensions in the state. Governor Yusuf ordered Bayero’s arrest, sparking speculation about federal backing for Bayero.

Aminu Gwarzo, Kano’s deputy governor, had accused NSA Ribadu of facilitating Bayero’s return to Kano by providing him with two private jets. Ribadu, however, denied the allegations and threatened legal action, demanding an apology from Gwarzo, who later retracted his statement.

The legal struggle over the Kano emirate throne continues, with rival factions battling it out in court. Both Bayero and Sanusi have filed lawsuits, further prolonging the leadership crisis in the historic emirate.

The Federal High Court in Lagos State has convicted and sentenced a Spain-bound Nigerian, Francis Akajiobi, to four years imprisonment for trafficking 1.20 kilograms of cocaine.

Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa sentenced Akajiobi on Thursday, October 3, 2024, after he pleaded guilty to the one-count charge filed against him by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency after his arraignment earlier.

The NDLEA prosecutor, Mr. Abu Ibrahim, told the court that the convict was arrested at the Departure Hall of the new terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos.

He said the arrest took place on July 25, 2024, while Akajiobi was attempting to board a Royal Air Maroc flight to Valencia, Spain, during the outward clearance of passengers

“He concealed the cocaine inside some footwear,” Ibrahim told the court.

According to Ibrahim, the offence committed contravened Section 11(b) of the NDLEA Act, Cap. N30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, which carries penalties for drug trafficking.

Following his plea, the judge ordered the prosecutor to review the facts of the case.

After presenting the facts and tendering exhibits, Ibrahim urged the court to convict and sentence Akajiobi.

“The evidence clearly supports the guilty plea, and we request that the court convict him accordingly,” Ibrahim said.

However, the defence counsel, Benson Ndakara, in his allocutus, pleaded with the court to show leniency.

“My Lord, this is a first-time offender who has saved the court’s time by not opting for a full trial. We plead for mercy in sentencing,” Ndakara said.

After confirming from the prosecutor that Akajiobi had no prior criminal record, Justice Lewis-Allagoa ruled that he could pay a fine of N2m in lieu of serving the four-year prison term.

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has apologised for saying that Christians who don’t pay tithe might not make heaven.

The cleric who had previously claimed that paying tithe was one of the prerequisites for going to heaven, apologised for the comment while addressing his congregation recently in a video making the rounds on the internet.

Describing his earlier claim as a “mistake”, Adeboye said the bible never said such.

He emphasised that the bible says peaceful and holy living are the prerequisites for making heaven.

“I apologize for saying ‘If you don’t pay tithe, you might not make it to heaven.’ I’m sorry, that’s wrong, and it’s not in the Bible. What the Bible says is ‘Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see God’,” he said.

The Central Bank of Nigeria has announced a fresh Foreign Exchange Code as guidelines to legible players in the country’s FX market to stabilize the Naira.

The FX code was contained in a document released on CBN’s official website on Thursday, October 3, 2024.

According to the apex bank, the FX code will regulate Nigeria’s financial system and supervise the foreign exchange market in line with global best practices.

CBN noted that the fresh FX Code is organized around six principles, including ethics, governance, execution, risk management and compliance, information sharing and confirmation and settlement processes.

The apex bank stated that the guideline will take effect on October 14, 2024.

The guideline said all market participants are required to submit a self-assessment report on the level of compliance with the FX code by December 31, 2024.

“The FX Code is intended to promote a robust, fair, liquid, open, and appropriately transparent Market in which a diverse set of Market Participants, supported by resilient infrastructure, can confidently and effectively transact at competitive prices that reflect available market information in a manner that conforms to accepted global standards of behavior and best practices,” he said.

The FX Code should be fully implemented, and each Market Participant be in full compliance by December 31, 2024.

“Market Participants will be required to submit a quarterly report to the Financial Markets Department (FMD), on the level of compliance to the FX Code within 14 days after the end of every calendar quarter, with the first report due by December 31, 2024”, the guideline reads.

This comes as the Naira appreciated against the Dollar at both official and parallel foreign exchange markets.

Recall that on June 14 last year, CBN floated the Naira at the FX market.

The development led to the drop in the value of the Naira in the FX market from N463 per dollar last year on June 13 to N1659.26 on Thursday.