Author: Samuel Akpenpuun

President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Prince Doyin Okupe, a seasoned medical doctor, politician, and strategist who made significant contributions to Nigeria’s political and healthcare sectors. In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu extended his heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and associates of the late Okupe, acknowledging his impactful role in the nation’s political landscape. “A prominent son of Iperu-Remo in Ogun State, Prince Okupe served as President Goodluck Jonathan’s senior Special Assistant on public affairs and President Olusegun Obasanjo’s special assistant on media. “During…

The Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, has described the passing of the former presidential spokesman, Dr. Doyin Okupe, as a profound personal loss. Okupe’s passing came shortly after the demise of another revered figure, the Alaperu of Iperu Remo, Oba Adeleke Idowu-Basibo. In a Friday statement by his spokesman, Lekan Adeniran, Abiodun paid tribute to Okupe’s lifelong service to Nigeria, noting that he remained a patriotic statesman. Reflecting on Okupe’s passing, Abiodun stated that Okupe was a committed member of the progressive political family until his final moment. He said, “Receiving the news of the passing of my elder…

An armed standoff occurred on Thursday at the NAHCO Shed of the Hajj/Cargo Terminal at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, following a dispute between the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). The incident took place around 2:30pm when FAAN’s Director of Aviation Security Services, Afegbai Albert Igbafe, was overseeing the installation of Explosive Trace Detection (ETD) machines. Customs officials, claiming they had not been informed about the equipment, locked the FAAN security director inside a shed. “In response, the director called for backup, prompting an armed FAAN unit to arrive. The situation worsened when…

Members of the Lagos Assembly have arrived at the State High Court sitting in Ikeja for the hearing of a case instituted by Speaker Mudashiru Obasa. Obasa is challenging his removal from office by 36 lawmakers on January 13, 2025 over allegations of gross misconduct and abuse of office. The respondents in the suit are the lawmakers and Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, who was earlier elected to replace Obasa after his removal from office. Meranda last week stepped down for the reinstatement of Obasa. She said her action was in respect of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its leadership.…

The Economic Community of West African States, through its specialised health institution, the West African Health Organisation has urged researchers, policymakers, healthcare professionals, and stakeholders to contribute to strengthening regional health security against Lassa fever and other emerging infectious diseases. WAHO made the call on Friday in a statement while announcing the second Lassa Fever International Conference which will hold in September 2025, in Côte d’Ivoire. The conference with the theme, “Beyond borders: Strengthening regional cooperation to combat Lassa Fever and emerging infectious diseases,” is aimed at advancing sustainable preparedness and regional coordination for Lassa fever through enhanced research and…

Former Senate Chief Whip, Senator Rowland Owie, has criticised the six-month suspension of Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. The Senate suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan over an alleged breach of its Standing Orders following her claim of sexual harassment, an allegation denied by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Speaking with reporters in Abuja on Thursday, Owie warned that the suspension could damage the Senate’s credibility. He cautioned against legislative impunity, stating that no senator should be arbitrarily denied their mandate. “We are not in a Banana Republic. A senator remains a senator anytime, any day, even when suspended or as a non-serving senator. The…

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central has vowed to challenge in court the six-month suspension imposed on her following her altercation with Senate President Godswill Akpabio over seating arrangements in the red chamber. Her legal counsel, Victor Giwa, dismissed the Senate’s resolution as a violation of a court order. Speaking on Thursday after the Kogi lawmaker was suspended and escorted out of the National Assembly complex, Giwa insisted that the decision was unlawful. The Nigerian Bar Association and opposition parties also criticised the Senate for not allowing Akpoti-Uduaghan sufficient time to present her sexual harassment complaint against Akpabio. Giwa stated…

US President Donald Trump signed an executive order Thursday establishing a “Strategic Bitcoin Reserve,” forcefully endorsing a currency once shunned as a tool for money launderers. The government stockpile, which backers liken to a “digital Fort Knox,” will be composed of digital currency seized in US criminal proceedings, said David Sacks, the White House’s crypto “czar,” emphasising in a social media post that Thursday’s move made good on a Trump campaign promise. The use of these assets “means it will not cost taxpayers a dime,” Sacks said in a post on X. “The purpose of the Stockpile is responsible stewardship…

A Lagos State High Court sitting in the Tafawa Balewa Square on the island has reserved judgment in the case of the Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) driver, Andrew Ominikoron who is standing trial for the alleged rape and murder of his passenger, Bamise Ayanwola. Justice Sherifat Sonaike fixed May 2, 2025, to deliver judgment after the adoption of the final written addresses of both the defence and prosecuting counsel. The defendant, Andrew Nice Ominikoron, aged 47 was arraigned in March 2022, on a five-count charge of alleged rape, conspiracy, felony, sexual assault, and murder preferred against him by the Lagos…

An official of the American International School, Abuja, on Wednesday told the Federal High Court in Abuja that the former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, paid a total of $1,606,763.68 in tuition fees for his children, including an advance payment of $845,852 for his young children to be enrolled in the school in the future. Nicholas Ojehomon, an auditor at the school, disclosed this while testifying as a prosecution witness for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. He confirmed that the payments covered Bello’s children’s tuition until graduation. According to him, the amount was paid in two tranches, with…