The Cherubim and Seraphim, C&S, Church Worldwide has urged its prophets to cease conducting rituals for youths involved in internet fraud, commonly referred to as “Yahoo Yahoo.”

This call was made during a pre-centenary revival in Osogbo on Monday.

Making the call, Senior Apostle Samuel Onigbinde, Chairman of C&S Unification in Osun State, emphasised that the church’s mission is to eliminate unorthodox practices within its fold.

Onigbinde noted that fraudulent rituals conducted by so-called prophets are against the true teachings of the church’s founder, Moses Orimolade, which focused on healing through prayer, fasting, and divine intervention, not spirit conjuring.

He said, “One of the key goals of the Unification is to combat strange practices among our members. C&S is not a refuge for ‘Yahoo boys,’ and prophets using our white garment to perform such rituals must stop.”

He added that a committee has been formed to ensure all members adhered to the doctrines of Prophet Orimolade.

Pastor Olusegun Elijah, the convener of the pre-centenary revival, spoke on the proliferation of churches, attributing it to widespread unemployment in Nigeria.

He warned that many individuals, driven by joblessness, were opening churches for personal gain rather than spiritual leadership, contributing to rising crime rates.

“The surge in crime despite the growing number of religious centres reflects the failure of religious leaders to focus on salvation.

“Additionally, many clergy members are now aligning with the political class, making it difficult to hold politicians accountable,” Elijah remarked.

He called on religious leaders to disengage from political fraternisation and maintain their role as moral watchdogs.

The Nigeria Labour Congress has condemned the arrest of its president Joe Ajaero, who was whisked away by officers from the Department of State Services on Monday on his way to the United Kingdom.

The union said Ajaero was detained without any legal warrant or formal instrument, describing it as a brazen act of lawlessness and intimidation.

This was contained in a statement t by the Head of Information and Public Affairs, NLC, Benson Upah on Monday.

Upah said Ajaero’s whereabouts was unknown as all efforts made to get in touch with him have proved abortive.

Condemning the detention, he said the act was a bid to silence every voice of dissent and opposition in the country.

The statement read, “This morning, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, was seized and whisked away by agents of the Nigerian State while on his way to the United Kingdom on the invitation of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) of Britain. Comrade Ajaero was set to attend and address the global gathering of workers on behalf of Nigerian workers at the Congress of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in the UK, a platform where critical discussions on workers’ rights, social justice, and economic fairness are discussed. We are yet to ascertain his whereabouts or his state of health as all efforts we have made to get in touch with him have proved abortive.

We wish to categorically state that Comrade Ajaero has been detained without any legal warrant or formal instrument. Joe Ajaero is not a fugitive. His detention is therefore a brazen act of lawlessness and intimidation as he has not been declared wanted by any law enforcement body. His detention is a brazen act of intimidation and completely unjustified under the laws of our nation. The mere contemplation of not just stopping a lawful citizen from travelling but also sequestering his freedom is an affront to our democratic and natural rights as a people and as workers.

“This is an unmistakable demonstration of the height of lawlessness being perpetuated by the Nigerian government and its agencies in their bid to silence every voice of dissent and opposition in the country as the economic policies of the government continue to afflict the people with monumental suffering and hardship. Such actions are not only undemocratic but immoral as well as a direct affront to the fundamental rights of citizens and organizations to lawfully express their views and carry out their activities.”

The union called for the immediate release of their president saying, “In light of this troubling development, the Congress puts all its affiliates, State Councils, Civil society allies and all patriotic Nigerians on the highest state of alert. The Congress will not stand idly by while the rights of its leaders and members are trampled upon. Accordingly, we demand for the immediate and unconditional release of comrade Joe Ajaero.

“Furthermore, we call on the international community, human rights organisations and all advocates of democracy to take note of this rising wave of authoritarianism in Nigeria. The world must bear witness to these assaults on human dignity, civil liberties, and the rule of law.

“The NLC remains resolute in its commitment to protecting workers’ rights and will not be cowed by the oppressive tactics of the state. Once again, we demand the immediate and unconditional release of Comrade Joe Ajaero and the cessation of all forms of harassment against labour leaders and the Nigerian working class including innocent citizens who hold dissenting opinions. We equally demand that the state frees all Nigerians languishing in various prisons around the country for exercising their democratic rights to protest in the #EndBadGovernance rallies around the country.

“Finally, the Organs of the Congress are in a closed door meeting whose outcome will be made available to the public.”

The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, on Monday convened a closed-door meeting following the arrest of its National President, Joe Ajaero.

Recall that operatives of the Department of State Services, DSS, had arrested Ajaero at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.

Ajaero was picked up while on his way to the United Kingdom to attend the Trade Union Congress, TUC, of Britain.

However, a statement by NLC spokesman, Benson Upah, reads partly: “The NLC remains resolute in its commitment to protecting workers’ rights and will not be cowed by the oppressive tactics of the state.

“Once again, we demand the immediate and unconditional release of Comrade Joe Ajaero and the cessation of all forms of harassment against labour leaders and the Nigerian working class including innocent citizens who hold dissenting opinions.

“We equally demand that the state frees all Nigerians languishing in various prisons around the country for exercising their democratic rights to protest in the #EndBadGovernance rallies around the country.

“Finally, the Organs of the Congress are in a closed-door meeting whose outcome will be made available to the public.”

The police have confirmed that a middle-aged man allegedly killed his grandfather and uncle in the Apete area of Ibadan.

The spokesman of the Oyo Police Command, SP Adewale Osifeso, confirmed the case in a message sent to journalists on Monday.

Mr Osifeso said the command had commenced investigations to determine the reason behind the act.

He added that updates would be made available to the public accordingly.

“Investigation has commenced into the matter, while updates will be provided accordingly,” he said.

The incident occurred around 6:00 p.m. on Sunday.

The accused, simply identified as Ahmed, resides in the same residence with his visually impaired grandfather and ailing uncle.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian will leave Tehran for the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, on Wednesday, marking his first foreign trip since taking office in late July, local media reported.

During the visit, Mr Pezeshkian is expected to hold meetings with high-ranking Iraqi officials and sign several cooperation agreements and security memoranda.

Iranian ambassador to Iraq, Mohammad-Kazem Al-e Sadeq, said the trip was at the invitation of Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani.

Mohammad-Mehdi Shahriari, a member of Iran’s parliamentary National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, said the visit aimed to strengthen relations with Iraq and address issues such as border demarcation, the report said.

Mr Pezeshkian was sworn in as Iran’s ninth president on July 30, replacing Ebrahim Raisi, who died in a helicopter crash in May.

Operatives of the Department of the State Service, DSS, have arrested the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Joe Ajaero.

Vanguard reports that he was arrested at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja this morning September 9.

Ajaero was about to board a flight to the United Kingdom, UK, for an official assignment when he was picked up by the DSS officials.

Although details of the arrest and the reasons are still sketchy, sources said he has been handed over to the National Intelligence Agency, NIA. According to the report, Ajaero was billed to attend the conference of the Trade Union Congress, TUC, in the UK today.

This comes barely a week after he was invited by the police to answer questions over his alleged involvement in terrorism financing.

Men from the Department of State Services, DSS, have taken over the Abuja office of the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP.

According to a post shared on its X handle, SERAP said the officers were asking to see the rights group’s directors.

“Officers from Nigeria’s State Security Service (SSS) are presently unlawfully occupying SERAP’s office in Abuja, asking to see our directors. President Tinubu must immediately direct the SSS to end the harassment, intimidation, and attack on the rights of Nigerians.”

A 27-year-old driver, Mustapha Suleiman was arrested while attempting to sell employer’s Toyota RAV4 in Benin City, Edo State.

The suspect was arrested alongside his accomplice, Isaac Joseph, 25, by operatives of the Edo State Police Command’s X-Squad.

The spokesperson of the command, SP Moses Yamu, said that the suspects met with someone who wanted to buy the car for N4m but that they insisted on selling it at N6m.

“On 03/09/2024 at about 1545hrs, operatives of the Command’s X-Squad acting on credible information arrested the duo of Mustapha Suleiman ‘m’ 27yrs and Isaac Joseph ‘m’ 25yrs in possession of a Toyota RAV4 with registration number EKY 855 JJ, suspected to be stolen. During investigation, the suspects confessed to have stolen the vehicle from Lagos State and were looking for a buyer to sell it,” the PPRO said.

Speaking with journalists, Suleiman said, “I am a driver. The car belongs to my madam. When she asked me to wash the car, I drove it down to Edo to sell it,” adding that they wanted to sell the car for N6m with a view to start a laundry business.

The Lagos State Police command has begun an investigation after a 20-year-old man was accosted and k!lled by assailants on the streets of Okokomaiko in the Ojo area of Lagos State.

In a statement released, the spokesperson of the command, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, said the police received a distress call from concerned members of the public, reporting that a group of four unidentified gunmen were seen chasing the deceased along Abeokuta Street, Okokomaiko. and firing gunshots targeted at his head, stomach, and legs, before fleeing the scene.

“Upon receiving the information about 9:30pm., our anti-crime team was immediately dispatched to the scene. There, they met one Ms. Vivian, the mother of the deceased, who identified the victim as her 20-year-old son. The young man, whose name is being withheld for security reasons, had been fatally shot multiple times.

Investigation is currently in progress, and efforts are ongoing to trace and arrest the suspects. This act of violence will not go unpunished,” Hundeyin stated

Hundeyin said the remains of the deceased has been deposited at the Infectious Disease Hospital, IDH, Mortuary in Yaba, Lagos, for further examination.

He addded that the police has since intensified efforts to track down the fleeing suspects, with Hundeyin assuring the public that every resource would be utilized to bring the culprits to justice.

China said on Monday it would hold joint military drills with Russia this month, as the allies deepen ties that have seen NATO dub Beijing an “enabler” of Moscow’s war in Ukraine.

Naval and air forces will take part in the “North-Joint 2024” exercises in the skies and around the Sea of Japan and Sea of Okhotsk, off Russia’s coast, China’s defence ministry said.

“This exercise aims to deepen the strategic cooperation level between the Chinese and Russian militaries and enhance their ability to jointly deal with security threats,” the ministry said.

The two sides will send naval fleets to “relevant sea areas of the Pacific Ocean” for a joint maritime patrol, and China will also participate in Russia’s “Ocean-2024” strategic exercise, it added.

The ministry did not give a specific date when the drills will take place.

In July, the two countries held joint drills in the waters and airspace around Zhanjiang, a city in southern China’s Guangdong province.

Those drills came the same week that NATO leaders warned China had “become a decisive enabler” of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, prompting Beijing to warn the US-led military bloc against “provoking confrontation”.

Russia and China have ramped up military and economic cooperation in recent years, with both railing against “Western hegemony”, particularly what they see as US domination of global affairs.

They declared a “no limits” partnership shortly before Moscow launched its offensive in Ukraine in 2022.

Last month, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russia’s economic and trade links with China were “yielding results” as he met Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Moscow.

The operatives of the Imo State Police Command have apprehended five suspected cultists during an intelligence-led operation at Irete, Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State.

In a release signed by the command’s spokesman, Henry Okoye, and made available to newsmen on Sunday, he said, “The suspects, identified as Uche Ibejiako, 26, from Owerri Municipal; Mariano Daniel, 24, from Delta State; Michael Chukwuemeka, 23, from Umuokwu Izombe in Oguta Local Government Area (LGA); and Annointing Ezeh, 23, from Umugada Irete in Owerri West LGA, were arrested following a strategic operation designed to combat cult-related activities within the state.

“All four suspects have confessed to being members of the Black Axe Confraternity, a known criminal group. An ongoing investigation to gather further evidence on their activities has started. The suspects will be charged in court upon completion of this thorough investigation.”

The state Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, urged the public to “continue supporting our efforts to combat crime by reporting suspicious activities to the nearest police station,” adding that such combined efforts are “crucial in maintaining peace and security across the state.”

On July 27, 2024, the state command also arrested a suspected cultist, Chibueze Kalu, and recovered one locally made pistol from the 25-year-old.

Kalu confessed to being a member of the Black Axe Confraternity.

A plane with 48 people aboard skidded off the runway in Indonesia’s remote eastern region of Papua on Monday, police said, injuring several passengers.

The Southeast Asian archipelago has a poor aviation safety record, and Papua is covered in mountainous terrain where flying is hampered by frequent poor weather.

The ATR-42 aircraft belonging to Trigana Air was taking off from an airport in the remote Yapen Islands regency to Papuan capital Jayapura on Monday morning when it skidded off the runway.

The flight was carrying 42 passengers, including a baby, and six crew.

“Praise God everybody survived and has been taken to a hospital for a health checkup,” local police chief Ardyan Ukie Hercahyo said in a statement.

“We are investigating the incident and coordinating with related parties to ensure this will never happen again.”

The local search and rescue agency said in a statement that some passengers were injured and traumatised by the incident.

Indonesia relies heavily on air transport to connect its thousands of islands, but Papua is a particularly difficult area to reach.

In 2015, a Trigana Air plane crashed there, killing all 54 people on board.

The Authority of the Nigerian Army has debunked reports of mass resignation of its soldiers from the service due to corruption, low morale, among others

The Authority in a statement by Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director, Army Public Relations, described the reports as baseless.

A news platform had alleged mass resignation of Nigerian soldiers over corruption, low morale, among others

But the statement further described the report as not only misleading, but also a deliberate attempt to sow the seeds of disaffection and acrimony, as well as denigrate the patriotic service of personnel and reputation of the Nigerian Army.

“Consequently, it is crucial to clarify that service in the Nigerian Army, like most militaries the world over, is voluntary and not conscriptive. This, therefore, provides that individuals are free and at liberty to disengage at will.

“The situation is the same as the Nigerian Army. Personnel are at liberty to disengage from time to time in accordance with laid down procedures as contained in the Harmonized Terms and Conditions of Service (Officers/Soldiers) alike.

“This process allows for personnel who are about to either mandatorily or voluntarily disengage to adequately prepare and process entitlements, emoluments, pensions, and gratuity for the period of service to the nation,” he said.

It said contrary to the insinuations in the report, Nigerian Army personnel are highly motivated, and their welfare is top priority under the visionary leadership of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja.

In response to the economic downturn in the country, the Methodist Bishop of Nsukka, Rev. John Eze, has donated free fuel to all motorbike riders in the Eha Amufu community, Isi-Uzo Local Government Area of Enugu State, in a remarkable display of kindness and generosity.

The Bishop’s gesture, which took many by surprise, was aimed at alleviating the financial burden on commercial motorcyclists and providing some relief to commuters.

In a statement issued to the press on Sunday, Bishop Eze said, “I am thrilled to see the smiles on the faces of these hardworking bike riders.” He added, “As a church, we are committed to serving the community and making a positive impact on people’s lives.”

The free fuel distribution, which took place at the Eha Amufu Motor Park, attracted hundreds of motorbike riders who were delighted to receive the unexpected gift.

“Thank you, Bishop Eze, for this wonderful gesture,” said one of the beneficiaries, Mr Chukwuma Okoro. “This will go a long way in helping us sustain our families.”

The Bishop’s act of kindness has been widely praised by members of the community, many of whom have taken to social media to offer prayers and express gratitude for his generosity.

“Please join us in praying for Bishop Eze and his ministry as they continue to touch lives in Eha Amufu and beyond,” the beneficiaries said.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has advised Nigerians in the diaspora to remain strong and optimistic about a better future for Nigeria.

He made the call during a virtual interactive session with some Nigerians in the diaspora on Saturday.

Atiku urged Nigerian citizens not to give up on the nation despite the current socio-economic challenges.

According to him, the state of the economy has led to untold hardship for millions of Nigerians, and the poverty index continues to rise.

He said Nigerians in the diaspora play a significant role in shaping the country’s future.

“I urge you not to give up just yet. Your strength and resilience are crucial to Nigeria’s future.

“As Nigerians living abroad, you have a unique perspective on what good governance and economic management look like.

“I encourage you to continue to pray for Nigeria’s deliverance.

“Your prayers and support can help bring about the transformation we need.

“I believe in the potential of our great nation, and I know that with collective effort, we can overcome the current challenges and build a prosperous Nigeria for all,” he said.

The former vice president also encouraged Nigerians to continue supporting their families and friends back home.

The 2023 PDP Presidential Candidate also urged the Federal Government to release detained protesters being charged with treason.

According to him, the right of any citizen to protest government policies is enshrined in the constitution and cannot be denied.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has spoken on plans to ‘light up’ the nation’s capital.

Wike spoke during the signing of Memoranda of Understanding with the Memoranda of Understanding, MOU, with the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation, CCECC, and the China Geo-Engineering Corporation Overseas Construction, CGCOC, Group, for a project to light up the FCT, using solar power.

Wike described the project as very dear to his administration, noting that the capital city will be 50 years by next year.

He said it was his desire that Abuja becomes like other capital cities of the world.

The former Rivers State governor also appreciated the company’s efforts in making sure the commercial operation of the Abuja Metro line became possible during the first anniversary celebration of President Tinubu.

The minister urged the CGCOC to ensure quick delivery of the project.

In their separate responses, the President of CCECC, Mr Chen Sichang and the Chairman of CGCOC, Mr Lan Meizhong, both expressed appreciation for the confidence reposed in them to execute the projects.

They also assured the minister of quality and timely delivery of the projects.

Edo State Government has announced an indefinite postponement of the resumption of all schools in the state over the hike in fuel prices.

The government announced this in a memo by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Ojo Akin-Longe, in Benin, the state capital, on Saturday.

The permanent secretary said the resumption, earlier scheduled for September 9, was postponed until further notice.

“The Edo State Government hereby announces the postponement of the resumption of all public and private schools in Edo State, originally scheduled for Monday, September 9, 2024, until further notice.

“An official statement from the government has directed that schools remain closed due to the tension arising from the recent increase in fuel prices and the challenges faced by parents and guardians.

“The government urges parents, guardians, and caregivers to monitor the activities of their children and wards closely, given the current situation and the rising tension caused by the fuel price hike,” Akin-Longe said.

Kenyan police stepped up their investigations Saturday into a prime school dormitory blaze that has now cost the lives of 18 boys, as families faced an agonising wait for news of their missing loved ones.

“It is a catastrophe beyond our imagination,” government spokesman Isaac Mwaura said at a press briefing at the Hillside Endarasha Academy where the fire struck around midnight Thursday.

The flames engulfed a dormitory at the primary school where more than 150 boys aged between nine and 13 were sleeping.

Mwaura said 18 children had died in the blaze at the school in the central county of Nyeri, up from a previous toll of 17 given by President William Ruto on Friday.

“It is truly devastating for the nation to lose such a number of young and promising Kenyans. Our hearts are heavy,” Mwaura said.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua had said on Friday that 70 youngsters were still unaccounted for after the fire.

Mwaura said about 20 had now been accounted for as of Saturday, but declined to give any further details.

The cause of the inferno is not yet known but homicide investigators and forensic experts are at the school, where media access has been blocked.

The charred bodies of victims, which police had said were burnt beyond recognition, were still in the dormitory, now a blackened shell with its corrugated iron roof completely collapsed.

“Today we want to begin the process of DNA testing,” Kenya’s chief homicide detective Martin Nyuguto told AFP.

Ruto has declared three days of national mourning from Monday after what he described as an “unfathomable tragedy”.

“I pledge that the difficult questions that have been asked such as how this tragedy occurred and why the response was not timely will be answered; fully, frankly, and without fear or favour,” Ruto said in a statement.

“All relevant persons and bodies will be held to account.”

Kenya’s National Gender and Equality Commission said initial reports indicated the dorm was “overcrowded, in violation of safety standards”.

The blaze has highlighted the issue of safety at schools in Kenya, after numerous similar disasters over the years.

In a statement from the Vatican on Saturday, Pope Francis said he was “deeply saddened” at the loss of young life and expressed his “spiritual closeness to all who are suffering the effects of this calamity, especially the injured and the families who grieve”.

On Friday, tensions were running high among families gathered at the school, anxious for news of their missing children.

Many broke down after officials took them to see the bodies in the destroyed dorm.

“Please look for my kid. He can’t be dead. I want my child,” one woman cried in distress.

The Kenya Red Cross said it was on the ground assisting a multi-agency response team and providing psychosocial support to traumatised pupils and families.

Muchai Kihara, 56, said he was lucky to find his 12-year-old son Stephen Gachingi alive after rushing to the school around 1 am on Friday.

“I cannot begin to imagine what he went through. I am happy he is alive but he had some injuries at the back of his head and the smoke had affected his eyes,” he told AFP.

Seven suspected hoodlums were on Thursday arrested in Ilorin by operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, NSCDC, for unlawful and violent conduct during last Thursday’s protest by okada and tricycle riders over fuel price increase.

They allegedly attacked one lady, Olusegun Taiwo, who was on a motorcycle on her way to the office.

During the incident, the suspects allegedly forcefully took her bag, phones and other valuables.

According to the spokesman of the Command, Ayoola Michael Shola in a statement on Saturday, the incident occurred at Sango-Kulende area of Ilorin metropolis.

“On Thursday, September 5th 2024, one Olusegun Taiwo (F) of sango area, Ilorin reported a case of criminal conspiracy and theft at the station office of the NSCDC, Kwara State Command.

“She stated that while on her way to her office on a motorcycle, she was attacked by a group of youths, suspected to be hoodlums, who forcefully took her bag, phones, and other valuables.

“Upon receiving the report, operatives of the NSCDC, Kwara state command, arrested seven suspected miscreants involved in unlawful and violent conduct, as well as mischief, during a protest by commercial tricycle and motorcycle riders in Ilorin on the same day.

“After a thorough investigation, it was discovered that the suspects are part of the group of hoodlums responsible for terrorizing and causing public unrest in Ilorin, particularly Sango area.

“The protest was overtaken by hoodlums who exploited the situation, engaging in theft of personal belongings such as bags, phones, and other valuable items, which led to increased unrest in ilorin metropolis,” the statement added.

The NSCDC Commandant, Dr. Umar Mohammed, assured the people of the state that the Command remains firmly committed to upholding public order and will continue to take decisive measures against any individual or groups involved in criminal activities that threaten the safety and security of the state.

He noted that the suspects will be charged to court for prosecution in accordance with the law.

Police operatives from Ebrumede Division, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State have arrested six suspected kidnappers.

They also recovered from them a ransom of N2,344,000 (Two million, three hundred and forty-four thousand naira), with some stolen mobile phones.

Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda disclosed this while briefing journalists in Asaba.

CP Abaniwonda said, “Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of Ebrumede division while on patrol duty intercepted a tricycle conveying six-passengers.

“The suspects on sighting the Police attempted to escape but the operatives chased and arrested them.

“Upon search of the suspects, two million, three hundred and forty-four thousand naira was recovered.

“Some suspected stolen phones were also recovered. Further investigation revealed that the phone belonged to their kidnapped victims and the money was part of the ransom the victims paid for their freedom.”