The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has approved the recruitment of 34 resident doctors for a seven-year residency training to enhance health-care delivery in FCT.

Senior Special Assistant to the minister on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, made this known in a statement in Abuja on Wednesday.

Mr Olayinka said that the 34 doctors would be the first batch of 60 medical doctors approved for residency training in eight specialities in FCT Administration hospitals.

He said that five out of the 34 doctors would work in the psychiatric department, four in internal medicine and one in general surgery.

Others, he said would comprise one in anesthesiology, eight in family medicine, six in ophthalmology and nine in obstetrics and gynaecology.

He stated, “This is the first time this is being done outside employees of the Health Management Board, thereby, giving doctors more opportunity and bringing more competent hands into healthcare delivery in the FCT.’’

The spokesman added that the remaining 26 doctors would be recruited in due course by the FCTA Civil Service Commission.

He said that the 26 doctors would comprise one for psychiatry department, four for internal medicine, eight for general surgery, five in anesthesiology, and eight paediatrics.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will depart for Paris, France, today on a short working visit.

During the visit, the President will appraise his administration’s midterm performance and assess key milestones.

He will also use the retreat to review the progress of ongoing reforms and engage in strategic planning ahead of his administration’s second anniversary.

This period of reflection will inform plans to deepen ongoing reforms and accelerate national development priorities in the coming year.

Recent economic strides reinforce the President’s commitment to these efforts, as evidenced by the Central Bank of Nigeria reporting a significant increase in net foreign exchange reserves to $23.11 billion—a testament to the administration’s fiscal reforms since 2023 when net reserves were $3.99 billion.

While away, President Tinubu will remain fully engaged with his team and continue to oversee governance activities.

He will return to Nigeria in about a fortnight.

Bayo Onanuga

Special Adviser to the President

(Information & Strategy)

April 2, 2025

Music star 2baba Idibia has appeared at the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in Abuja with new partner, Natasha Osawaru.

Natasha represents Egor Constituency in the Edo House of Assembly and serves as the Deputy Majority Leader.

Their relationship has garnered significant attention since 2baba publicly announced a separation from wife, Annie Idibia, in January.

His subsequent proposal to Natasha in February has kept them in the spotlight.

Natasha’s recent update of her Instagram bio to include 2baba’s surname, Idibia, has further fueled public interest.

The Lagos State Police Command has uncovered and dismantled an illegal internet fraud training facility, known as a “Yahoo School,” in the Iju area of the state.

The command’s spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, in a statement on Tuesday, stated that four principal suspects were arrested alongside six trainees.

According to him, among the trainees was an underaged boy identified as Minachi Udochukwu.

Hundeyin noted that preliminary investigations revealed that the principal suspects recruited the trainees from Anambra State, engaged them in internet fraud, and confiscated their earnings.

The statement read in part, “During the successful operations, the police detectives arrested four Yahoo experts who were running the notorious school, namely Chibuike Ihejika, 23; Stanley Ihejika, 22; Obiora Oyediba, 26; and Emmanuel Oyedibe, 25.

“The other six suspects are their criminal trainees, all of whom were undergoing training in cybercrime and fraud: Okorie Henry, Otoh Chisom, 20; Okeke Kwufrochikwu, 26; Uchenna Obeji, 26; Minachi Udochukwu, 12; and Chinedu Ukachukwu, 23.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that the principal suspects of the facility recruited their trainees from Anambra State, engaged them to commit internet fraud and other related crimes.

“The proceeds from their fraudulent activities were being confiscated by the principal suspects.”

While the command warned the owner of the facility to turn himself in at the State Criminal Investigation Department, it assured all that all suspects would be charged to court for prosecution upon the conclusion of the investigation into the case.

The statement further revealed that Ugochukwu had been provided with medical care after healing marks of injury believed to have been sustained during the training was found on his body

“In line with due process of the law, the underage suspect among them, Minachi Ugochukwu, 12 years old, with healing marks of injuries on his body allegedly inflicted on him by the main principal suspect to compel him into the commission of the criminal acts, is being given medical attention and kept in protective custody till his relatives are identified and reunited with him,” Hundeyin stated.

The command also warned parents and guardians to monitor the activities of their children and wards to prevent them from being exploited, lured, or compelled into falling into criminal activities.

It, however, called on members of the public who have fallen victim to the fraudulent activities of the criminal syndicate to come forward to the SCID, Yaba, with their complaints.

“The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare Jimoh, also commends the police personnel involved in this operation for their dedication and professionalism that resulted in this success.

“The CP Jimoh assures all Lagosians that the Command remains resolute and committed to combating all forms of crimes and criminalities, including cybercrime tagged ‘yahoo,’ etc.

“He urges residents to report every suspicious activity or incident to the police in their localities for prompt action,” the statement added.

Operatives of the Zone 2 Command of the Nigeria Police Force have arrested a woman whose identity was not disclosed alongside an accomplice for allegedly trafficking young girls to Mauritania as commercial sex workers for N50,000.

The Zonal Public Relations Officer, Umma Ayuba, disclosed in a statement on Tuesday that the suspects were arrested at their hideout in the Meiran area of Lagos State on March 22.

She disclosed that the syndicate worked with other accomplices in Mauritania to traffic young ladies as commercial sex workers.

According to Ayuba, the suspects confessed to the crime upon their arrest and interrogation.

Ayuba stated, “Operatives of the Zonal Intelligence Response Squad led by SP Francis Kpoughul stormed their base where two suspects were apprehended.

“The first suspect said she was introduced to a woman based in Mauritania by another woman, who has been prosecuted for the same offence and is currently serving a jail term.”

The ZPRO added that the first suspect confessed that she received a sum of N50,000 for each person, and among her victims was her 19-year-old daughter.

“She said the woman in Mauritania contracted her to recruit young girls below the age of 22 to be used as sex workers there.

“She added that she received N50,000 as a commission for each girl sent to Mauritania.

“She confessed that, among the girls she recruited, was her 19-year-old daughter. She also admitted to receiving over N500,000 from the woman in Mauritania.”

The second suspect was said to have admitted that she was contracted by the first suspect to recruit girls as domestic staff in Mauritania, but when she sent one victim to the first suspect, she rejected it.

The second suspect told the police further that she became suspicious after the victim she sent to the first suspect was rejected, and upon further questioning, she realised that the victims were to be used as sex workers.

The ZPRO continued. “She said that, upon further questioning, she discovered the girls were to be used as sex workers and decided to withdraw from the business.

“She added that the only girl she sent to the first suspect was rejected due to her age and body size. That was when she realised something was wrong.”

Ayuba concluded that the suspects would be charged in court upon the conclusion of an ongoing investigation.

In a sweeping reconstitution of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited board, President Bola Tinubu has removed the chairman, Pius Akinyelure and the Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari.

Consequently, the President appointed Bashir Ojulari as the new CEO, effective from April 2, 2025.

Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, revealed the development in a statement he signed in the early hours of Wednesday titled, ‘President Tinubu reconstitutes NNPC limited board, appoints new Chairman, Group CEO.’

“President Tinubu removed all other board members appointed with Akinyelure and Kyari in November 2023.

“The new 11-man board has Engineer Bashir Bayo Ojulari as the Group CEO and Ahmadu Musa Kida as non-executive chairman,” the statement reads.

Adedapo Segun, who replaced Umaru Ajiya as the chief financial officer last November, has been appointed to the new board.

Six board members, non-executive directors, represent the country’s geopolitical zones.

They are Bello Rabiu representing the North West, Yusuf Usman representing the North East, and Babs Omotowa, a former managing director of the Nigerian Liquified Natural Gas, who represents North Central.

“President Tinubu also appointed Austin Avuru as a non-executive director from the South-South, David Ige as a Non-executive director from the South West, and Henry Obih as a non-executive director from the South East.

“Mrs Lydia Shehu Jafiya, permanent secretary of the Federal Ministry of Finance, will represent the ministry on the new board, while Aminu Ahmed will represent the Ministry of Petroleum Resources,” Onanuga stated.

All the appointments are effective today, April 2.

President Tinubu, invoking the powers granted under Section 59, subsection 2 of the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021, emphasised that the board’s restructuring is crucial for enhancing operational efficiency, restoring investor confidence, boosting local content, driving economic growth, and advancing gas commercialisation and diversification.

He also handed out an immediate action plan to the new board “to conduct a strategic portfolio review of NNPC-operated and Joint Venture Assets to ensure alignment with value maximisation objectives.”

Since 2023, the Tinubu administration has implemented oil sector reforms.

Onanuga said that in 2024, NNPC reported $17bn in new investments within the sector.

“The administration now envisions increasing the investment to $30bn by 2027 and $60bn by 2030.

“The Tinubu administration targets raising oil production to two million barrels daily by 2027 and three million daily by 2030.

“Concurrently, the government wants gas production jacked to 8 billion cubic feet daily by 2027 and 10 billion cubic feet by 2030,” he explained.

Furthermore, he said the President expects the new board to “elevate NNPC’s share of crude oil refining output to 200,000 barrels by 2027 and reach 500,000 by 2030.”

The new board chairman, Ahmadu Kida, is from Borno State. He is an alumnus of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he received a degree in civil engineering in 1984.

Kida also obtained a postgraduate diploma in petroleum engineering from the Institut Francaise du Petrol in Paris.

He began his career in the oil industry at Elf Petroleum Nigeria and later joined Total Exploration and Production as a trainee engineer in 1985.

Musa became Total Nigeria’s Deputy Managing Director of Deep Water Services in 2015.

In 2024, he became an Independent Non-Executive Director at Pan Ocean-Newcross Group.

The Presidency stated that apart from his oil industry career, Ahmadu Kida is a former basketballer and the President of the Nigerian Basketball Federation board.

Meanwhile, the new NNPC Limited Group CEO, Ojulari, hails from Kwara State.

Until his new appointment, He was Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Renaissance Africa Energy Company.

His Renaissance recently led a consortium of indigenous energy firms in the landmark acquisition of the entire equity holding in the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria, worth $2.4bn.

Like Kida, Ojulari is also an alumnus of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, having graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.

He worked for Elf Aquitaine as the first Nigerian process engineer to begin a stellar career in the oil sector.

From Elf, Ojulari joined Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Ltd in 1991 as an associate production technologist.

Apart from working in Nigeria, he worked in Europe and the Middle East in different capacities as a petroleum process and production engineer, strategic planner, field developer, and asset manager.

In 2015, Ojulari became the managing director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company.

During his career, he was chairman and member of the board of trustees of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE Nigerian Council) and a fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers.

“President Tinubu thanked the old board members for their dedicated service to NNPC Limited, particularly their efforts in rehabilitating the old Port Harcourt and Warri refineries, which enabled them to resume petroleum product production after prolonged shutdowns.

“He wished them well in their future endeavours,” the statement concluded.

A massive protest is ongoing in Otukpo, Benue South Senatorial District, over alleged insecurity.

Otukpo is the headquarters of the ancient Idoma people, with seven Local Government Areas of Benue South .

The Nation learnt that youths trooped to the streets and barricaded all routes going in and out of Otukpo.

Otukpo town also served as gate way to Enugu in the east and Lafia in the north.

The protest created heavy traffic grid lock as result of the barricades.

Security agents were seen pleading with the youth to open up the barricades for free flow of traffic.

Agatu Ado ,Okpokwu ,Otukpo and Ogbadigbo Local Government Areas all in Benue South have been under sustained herdsmen attacks .

Many people have been killed and property worth millions destroyed.

Queen Ashley Afolashade Ogunwusi, one of the wives of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has expressed deep love and appreciation for her husband.

In an Instagram post, she described the Ooni as her greatest blessing, source of joy and love of her life.

Queen Ashley praised the Ooni’s exceptional qualities, including his kindness, patience, and unwavering support.

She thanked him for being her rock, best friend, and greatest gift, and expressed gratitude for their love and life together.

Queen Ashley wrote: “My husband #ooniadimulaife is my greatest blessing, my source of joy, and the love of my life. Every single day, he fills my world with kindness, laughter, and unwavering love. His gentle heart, his patience, and his ability to lift me up when I need it most make me realize just how lucky I am to have him by my side.

“Oko mi, you are my safe place, the one who understands me without words and supports me without hesitation. Your love is not just spoken but shown in the smallest, most meaningful ways, whether it’s the way you hold my hand, the way you listen, or the way you make even ordinary moments feel special.

“Through every season of life, you have been my rock, my best friend, and my greatest gift. I am endlessly grateful for you Akande Mi Ajiwe Fun’Osha, I’m grateful for the love we share, and for the beautiful life we are building together my love. My heart overflows with love and gratitude every minute and everyday, knowing I get to spend forever with you. I love you today and forever Ninolowo Baba ADEMAKINWA, Aniyikaye Oko AFolasade, Olewalowo Mi, ikoyi Esho Mi”.

The queen’s message was accompanied by a prayer for a blessed new month, seeking happiness, peace, and prosperity for all.

“Happy New Month to us all, may it be a blessed month for us all. Awise Afogbohun,” she added.

Operatives of the Zone 2 Police Command Headquarters, Onikan, Lagos, have detained a 45-year-old man for alleged cultism and illegal possession of firearms.

The Zonal Public Relations Officer, CSP Umma Ayuba confirmed this in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos.

Mr Ayuba said that the Assistant Inspector–General of Police (AIG), Adegoke Fayoade, in-charge of the zone comprising Lagos and Ogun states, received an intelligence report on the activities of some suspected cultists.

He said, “With the intelligence at the disposal of the AIG about the criminal activities, hideout and plans of some suspected members of Eiye fraternity terrorising Ijebu-Ife axis of Ogun led to the deployment of the Officer-in-charge of Zonal Dragon Squad II, led by DSP Akeem Adeyemi for a discrete operation. On March 19, the hideout of the said cult group was raided while they were planning an attack, the suspect was apprehended as others escaped through a nearby bush.’’

Mr Ayuba said that the suspect led the team to his residence where some exhibits were recovered.

He said, “One locally made single barrel pistol, six live cartridges, 21 voter cards with different names (suspected to be fake) and one emerald pump action gun with breach No. 1335 were recovered.”

According to her, investigation is ongoing and the suspect will be charged to court after the investigation.

On Tuesday, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency said a minibus collided with a Lagos Waste Management Authority truck.

The LASEMA permanent secretary, Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, confirmed the incident in a statement, saying the accident occurred at about 11:59 p.m. on Monday night.

He confirmed that the incident resulted in the death of a LAWMA official at Ketu.

The statement said, “Following distress calls at 23:59 hours, LASEMA activated the State’s Emergency Response Plans from the Command and Control Centre, Alausa.

“Upon arrival at the scene at 00:07 hours, it was discovered that a registered commercial minibus, popularly known as ‘korope’, with registration number AGL 97 YK, had collided with a parked LAWMA truck. The registration number remains unknown.

“Preliminary investigations at the scene indicated that the accident resulted from reckless driving on the part of the minibus driver and carelessness on the part of the parked LAWMA truck.”

It added, “The truck driver failed to indicate its parked status with a C-caution sign at the required position and appropriate distance, leading to the collision with the LAWMA compactor truck.”

Further investigations revealed that, during the accident, the minibus struck a LAWMA official who was performing his lawful duties.

“Unfortunately, the LAWMA official succumbed to his injuries before the arrival of the agency’s response team. The minibus driver sustained significant injuries and was given immediate medical attention by paramedics from the agency’s Pre-Hospital Care Unit at the scene,” it added.

The agency stated that the LAWMA compactor truck suffered minor damage at the rear, while the minibus’s front section and cabin were severely damaged. It said safety measures were implemented at the scene during the recovery operation to prevent secondary incidents.

“The deceased LAWMA official was recovered and bagged by the agency’s response team. The remains of the deceased were handed over to officials of the State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit (SEHMU) for further processing,” the statement disclosed.

It said the truck had been moved to the Ketu police station.

The Emir of Kano, Mohammad Sunusi II, on Tuesday praised the state Governor Abba Yusuf for prioritising education, healthcare, agriculture, and security in the state.

Mr Sanusi expressed appreciation while paying traditional Sallah homage to the governor in Kano.

He said, “We have come to pay Sallah homage and thank you for your outstanding work, especially in education and agriculture, where you’ve provided subsidised modern farming implements. We are grateful to God for giving us the opportunity to witness this special moment, where we gather to greet the governor once again on the occasion of Sallah.’’

Mr Sanusi commended members of the Kano State House of Assembly for their lawful actions, which he said, had restored sanity in the Emirate Council.

He stated, “We are hopeful that the governor will continue to do well, and we urge local government chairmen to follow his example and complement his efforts.’’

He charged the local government chairmen to do the right things at all times.

He added, “As you are closer to the people, it is essential that you do the right thing.’’

Earlier, Mr Yusuf commended Mr Sanusi for promoting peaceful coexistence of the people in the state.

He said, “We are thankful to God for sparing us to see this day. It’s a tradition that on a day like this, the emir, accompanied by his entourage, visits us to pay Sallah homage.

We thank God for sparing us to complete our Ramadan fast in peace.’’

The governor also expressed gratitude to the emir and his entourage for their support and efforts to unite the people of Kano State.

He stated, “We appreciate the emir’s persistent calls against antisocial vices in the state. Our emir is a leader who genuinely cares for his people. His dedication to bringing together different Islamic sects is a remarkable achievement.’’

The governor described Kano State as one of the most peaceful in Nigeria, adding that his administration would ensure that the peace was sustained.

Mr Yusuf said, “Everyone can see our tireless efforts to transform Kano into a megacity with well-maintained streets. I have challenged them (public office holders) to a competition in order to motivate them to perform better for their constituents.”

The United States on Monday imposed sanctions on Hong Kong’s police chief, justice secretary and other officials over human rights concerns after China clamped down in the financial hub.

The sanctions on Police Commissioner Raymond Siu Chak-yee and the others will block any interests they hold in the United States and generally criminalize financial transactions with them under US law.

The sanctions mark a rare action invoking human rights by the administration of President Donald Trump, who has described China as an adversary but has shown no reluctance to ally with autocrats.

The sanctions “demonstrate the Trump administration’s commitment to hold to account those responsible for depriving people in Hong Kong of protected rights and freedoms or who commit acts of transnational repression on US soil or against US persons,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement.

Other officials targeted in the latest sanctions include Paul Lam, the city’s secretary for justice.

In response, Hong Kong strongly condemned the sanctions as “an attempt to intimidate” officials safeguarding national security and defended its moves to target pro-democracy figures abroad.

The sanction list “clearly exposed the US’s barbarity under its hegemony, which is exactly the same as its recent tactics in bullying and coercing various countries and regions,” the Hong Kong government said in a statement.

The commissioner’s office of China’s foreign ministry in Hong Kong also blasted the sanctions as “unreasonable” and said Beijing will take “effective measures for resolute retaliation.”

Hong Kong’s top official, Chief Executive John Lee, is already under US sanctions.

The officials were targeted in line with a US law that champions Hong Kong democracy.

The State Department also pointed to some of the officials’ roles in efforts to “intimidate, silence and harass 19 pro-democracy activists” who fled overseas, including one US citizen and four US residents.

Washington’s top diplomat has been outspoken on China’s human rights record dating back to his time as a senator.

In a separate action on Monday, Rubio said he was imposing visa restrictions on unspecified Chinese officials in response to denial of access to US diplomats, journalists and others to Tibet.

Rubio earlier also imposed sanctions on officials in Thailand over their deportations back to China of members of the Uyghur minority.

Beijing promised a separate system to Hong Kong when Britain handed over the city in 1997.

China then cracked down hard against dissent, imposing a draconian national security law, after massive and at times destructive protests in favor of democracy swept Hong Kong in 2019.

A business woman, Oluwabukunola Gadzama, has been arrainged before an Ikeja High Court over alleged N34 million theft.

Oluwabukunola was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) before Justice Ismail Ijelu on a two-count charge bordering on stealing and retention of proceeds of crime.

She pleaded not guilt to the charges.

EFCC prosecuting counsel Franklin Ofoma prayed the court for a trial date and an order for the remand of the defendant at the correctional facilities pending trial.

The defence counsel I.O Lala told the court that he has a pending application dated March 26, 2025 for bail for the defendant.

Lala stated that the defendant was ready to stand trial and that the offences for which she was charged were bailable.

The EFCC prosecuting counsel objected to defence’ application for bail.

She informed the court that the defendant is a flight risk and had jumped administrative bail given to her by the EFCC on November 20, 2024.

Justice Ijelu, in his ruling granted the defendant bail in the sum of N5million.

“In line with justice, I grant the defendant N5million bail, with two responsible sureties in like sum.

“One of the sureties must be relation and gainfully employed.

“The residence of the sureties shall be verified and must show evidence of tax payment to Lagos state Government for the last three years.

“The addresses of the defendant and sureties shall be verified and the Chief Registrar of the High court of Lagos State shall verify this.

“I remand the defendant at the correctional center pending the perfection of the bail application. “

Justice Ijelu adjourned the matter to April 15, 2025 for trial.

According to the EFCC:”Oluwabukunola Gadzama and Buildcon Global Services Limited sometimes within October 2021 and April 2022, in Lagos, with a dishonest intent, stole and converted for your own use the sum of N34.5million property of Adeyemi Joshua being the purchase price of a 300sqm land of Mak Court Estate, Lekki Lagos.

In a move aimed at consolidating recent advancements in immigration management, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved an extension of the tenure of Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Mrs. Kemi Nanna Nandap.

According to a statement on Monday by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Mrs Nandap will now serve in the role until December 31, 2026.

Mrs. Nandap, who began her career in the NIS on October 9, 1989, was initially appointed by President Tinubu as Comptroller-General on March 1, 2024, with a term set to end on August 31, 2025.

However, her tenure has been extended by over a year, reflecting the administration’s confidence in her leadership and the progress made under her stewardship.

Since taking charge, Mrs. Nandap has overseen significant improvements in border management, the modernization of immigration processes, and the strengthening of national security measures.

Her leadership has been instrumental in driving reforms that align with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Commending her performance, Tinubu urged Mrs. Nandap to remain committed to the strategic priorities of the Service, ensuring Nigeria’s territorial integrity while facilitating safe and legal migration.

The President also reiterated his administration’s dedication to supporting the NIS in achieving its mandate of bolstering national security and streamlining immigration services.

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has paid a condolence visit to the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, over the killings of travellers in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area of Edo State.

The governor was at the Maitama residence of the Deputy President of the Senate in Abuja on Monday.

A mob had intercepted the travellers who were on their way to Kano State for Sallah celebrations, ransacked their vehicle and gruesomely murdered them on Thursday. The victims are hunters from Kano State.

This is contained in a statement by the Special Adviser to the Deputy President of the Senate on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, a copy of which was made available to The Punch on Monday.

“The governor extended his condolences to the Deputy President of the Senate, who is from Kano State, pledging that the state government will assist the families of the victims.

According to the statement, the Edo State governor disclosed that the 14 suspects arrested in connection with the killings of the travellers are going to be taken to Abuja for further interrogation.

While assuring that the perpetrators will face the full wrath of the law, he described the killings of the innocent travellers as unfortunate and condemnable.

“It’s unfortunate that it happened in our state. We are here to say, to let you and other people know that we are not happy.
The president is doing something drastic about this. He’s not happy also. The IG has swung into action. The DIG CID is in charge. So far, they have arrested 14 suspects.

“So they are bringing them to Abuja for interrogation. We have also set up a committee to see that we take care of the families of the deceased,” the governor was quoted as saying.

Responding, the Deputy President of the Senate said the perpetrators of the act must be brought to book to serve as a deterrent to others.

“We cannot undo what has been done. But we all want – all Nigerians, what they are looking forward to is to make sure that these people are arrested and brought to justice. And you are doing well in that direction. And I’m also glad you’ve spoken about the fact that your government is ready to assist the families of those affected.

” I want you to continue to pursue the case so that all those who were involved in these barbaric actions are brought to justice. It’s a barbaric action, to say the facts.

“If they are brought to justice, it would serve as a deterrent to those who might want to do this in future. I know that people from other parts of the country have been staying with your people in Edo for centuries in a very conducive atmosphere. And this barbaric act has never happened. I’m sure, under your watch, this will not happen again.

“I thank you very much. You’ve told me now that you’ll meet the Kano State governor today. This is very good. Please continue what you are doing. Mr President also told us that you are doing very well in this direction, and we have seen it because, as I said, we have spoken several times on this matter in the last 72 hours,” he said.

French leading opposition leader Marine Le Pen has been sentenced to four years’ imprisonment and banned from holding any public office after she was convicted of embezzlement by a criminal court in Paris on Monday, putting her 2027 presidential bid in jeopardy.

The judgment bars her from running for public office for five years, jeopardising the far-right leader’s plans to run for president in 2027.

According to the New York Times, Ms Le Pen was found guilty of embezzling several million euros in European Parliament funds for unrelated partisan expenses between 2004 and 2016 after she was charged alongside 20 other people in the case, which the opposition said was politically motivated.

The leader of the far-right National Rally, the largest single opposition party in the French parliament, was also sentenced to four years imprisonment and a fine of $108,000.

Ms Le Pen has long denied any wrongdoing, with Monday’s verdict coming as a huge blow for the 56-year-old politician who is widely expected to contest in the 2027 presidential election after unsuccessful attempts in 2012, 2017 and 2022.

She is expected to appeal the decision, which would put most of her sentence on hold, but not the ban on running for public office after the court ruled that her ineligibility to contest in any election for the next five years will begin immediately.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has impounded a truck loaded with 70,000 litres of stolen crude oil in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

This is contained in a statement by the NSCDC national public relations officer (NPRO), Afolabi Babawale, on Monday in Abuja.

Mr Babawale explained that the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad (CGS SIS) had acted on orders to prevent incidents of pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft, and illegal dealings in petroleum products in the Niger Delta.

According to him, the CGS SIS responded swiftly to an intelligence tip-off and impounded a long caravan truck with an in-built tank fully loaded with stolen crude oil.

“The truck was spotted while in transit around Eleme flyover in Elelewon, Port Harcourt, and was subsequently impounded by the CGS SIS,” he said.

Mr Babawale quoted the squad commander, AS Dandaura, who revealed that his team was quickly deployed to the crime scene.

“Upon arrival, they seized a red-head, navy-blue container truck with registration number AGL574XY.

“The truck was fully loaded with siphoned crude oil illegally drawn from vandalised wellheads and destroyed pipelines.

“However, the truck’s occupants fled as the operatives approached the scene of the crime,” Mr Babawale added.

He confirmed that the exhibits, including the red-head, navy-blue container truck and the estimated 70,000 litres of stolen crude oil, had already been confiscated.

“An investigation has been launched to track down the syndicate responsible for the act of economic sabotage.

“For the record, the exhibits recovered at the point of arrest include A red-head and navy-blue container truck with 10 tyres (Reg. No. AGL574XY), containing approximately 70,000 litres of stolen crude oil,” he stated.

Mr Babawale emphasised that once the investigation concluded, the NSCDC would seek the forfeiture of the truck and its contents in a court of competent jurisdiction.

He said proceeds from the sale of the assets would be remitted to the Proceeds of Crime Account (POCA).

The CGS SIS commander further reiterated the squad’s commitment to waging an unrelenting battle against oil thieves and their sponsors, affirming that any suspects arrested would face the law after thorough investigations.

One person was confirmed dead when operatives of the Abia State combined security agencies nicknamed Operation Crush, were involved in an accident.

The accident, it was gathered, occurred at Ihie Ibeku along the Bende Road in Umuahia, the state capital, leaving one of the operatives dead and several team members injured.

The incident, which happened on Sunday evening, left three security personnel reportedly missing while rescue efforts continue at the crash scene.

According to eyewitness reports, the vehicle carrying the operatives veered off the road and plunged into a deep ditch, apparently as the driver lost control while on motion.

The road, known for its narrow and challenging topography, is part of the federal highway linking the state capital to Bende to Ohafia, Arochukwu and other parts of the State.

Six operatives have been rescued and taken to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Umuahia for urgent medical attention while one NSCDC officer has been confirmed dead.

One of the members of “Operation Crush” who was declared missing after the accident was found alive.

Movie star Monalisa Chinda has announced the passing of her mother, Dame Comfort Chinda, on March 30, 2025.

In an emotional Instagram post, Monalisa expressed grief and gratitude for the time they shared, celebrating her mother’s selfless devotion, unwavering love, and guiding principles.

“Rest in peace, Mom – Dame Comfort Franca Chinda. You will forever be in our hearts. I’m thankful for the time we shared, for your selfless devotion to our family, for your unwavering love, and for the principles you instilled in us,” she wrote.

Fellow actress Uche Ogbodo and numerous fans have offered their heartfelt condolences.

Sending her condolences, Uche wrote: “Whaaaaatttt???? Oh my! So very sorry to hear this dearest Mona, how are you holding up? May mummy’s soul RIP. Will call you soon.”

Supporters have flooded Monalisa’s post with messages of comfort and strength, including one that read, “My Condolences Darling, May God Rest Her Soul And Comfort You And Your Family.”