Author: Samuel Akpenpuun

Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, and the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, on Sunday, visited the Lekki residence of the late Afenifere leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, to extend their condolences to his family. The visit came two days after the death of the 96-year-old Yoruba socio-cultural leader, who passed away on Friday at his Lagos home.Other notable visitors included former Ogun State Governor Gbenga Daniel, Labour Party’s Lagos governorship candidate Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, and human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi.

The Nigerian movie industry, Nollywood has once again been thrown into mourning after movie director Rotimi Raji, also known as Genius, was declared dead.  In a post on social media, it was reported that Genius slumped and died in his bathroom a day after the Valentine’s Day celebration. The creative director, who lives alone in Baruwa, Ipaja area of Lagos, was discovered by a concerned neighbour, who went to check up on him. It was stated that the neighbour had repeatedly called his name but didn’t get a response. However, after discovering that one of his windows was opened, he…

Officials of the Dangote refinery have said the controversial fuel allegedly bought from a filling station belonging to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited did not emanate from the refinery. The officials, who spoke to Newsmen on condition of anonymity, said Nigerians testified to the quality of the Premium Motor Spirit from the Dangote refinery because they knew its difference from fuel from other sources. On Saturday, the NNPCL denied claims that it sold substandard petrol with a high burn rate. In a statement by its spokesperson, Olufemi Soneye, the NNPCL said it was reacting to a viral video claiming…

Angry youths have allegedly set fire to a police division in Ifon, the headquarters of Ose Local Government Area in Ondo State, following the reported death of a boy in police custody due to alleged torture.  According to sources, the protesters carried out the act after learning of the victim’s death, while his friend remained in a coma at a hospital. It was gathered that another building in the area was also reportedly set ablaze during the unrest. In response to the escalating tension, Ondo State Police Commissioner Wilfred Afolabi has departed Akure for Ifon to restore order and prevent further…

At least 48 people have been killed in the collapse of an illegally operated gold mine in western Mali Saturday, authorities and local sources told AFP. A Police Source in a statement noted that the toll at 18:00 today is 48 dead following the collapse. “Some of the victims fell into the water. Among them was a woman with her baby on her back.” He added A local official confirmed the cave-in, while the Kenieba gold miners’ association also put the death toll at 48. The search for victims was ongoing, the head of an environmental organisation told AFP. Saturday’s…

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency says its operatives have intercepted parcels of illicit drugs concealed in a specially constructed compartment of a bus. NDLEA spokesman disclosed this in a post on X on Sunday. He said the hidden compartment, designed to evade detection, was used to smuggle illegal substances across international borders. Babafemi also shared videos of the seized contraband, stressing the sophistication of concealment methods deployed by the drug traffickers. He said, “But for Intel & professionalism of #ndlea_nigeria officers, how could anyone have imagined that one needs to remove a vehicle’s bumper to discover this specially constructed…

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has given the Central Bank of Nigeria a 48-hour ultimatum to reverse the newly announced hike in Automated Teller Machine transaction fees, calling it “unlawful, unfair, unreasonable, and unjust.” In an open letter dated February 15, 2025, signed by SERAP Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation urged CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso to immediately reverse the policy. The organisation argued that it would worsen the financial hardship faced by Nigerians, particularly low-income earners. Details of this letter were issued in a press release titled, “SERAP gives CBN 48 hours to withdraw ‘unlawful, unfair hike…

Amanda Anisimova clinched the first WTA 1000 title of her career with a 6-4, 6-3 victory over Jelena Ostapenko in a rain-interrupted Qatar Open final on Saturday. At 41 in the world, Anisimova is the lowest-ranked champion in tournament history and the first American to triumph in Doha since Monica Seles lifted the trophy in 2002. Ostapenko was coming off a resounding victory over three-time champion and world number two Iga Swiatek in the previous round but Anisimova gave the Latvian a taste of her own medicine, showcasing incredible ball-striking and precision. In the first WTA 1000 final to feature…

A shocking demolition incident in Enugu State has sparked nationwide outrage after reports emerged that a government-led operation razed a building while occupants were still inside. On February 14, 2025, residents of Enugu witnessed a harrowing event as demolition teams, allegedly under government directives, brought down a structure still housing individuals. Videos circulating on social media depict the chaotic scenes as residents scrambled to escape, with some reportedly trapped inside. The incident has drawn sharp criticism from human rights organisations and legal experts, who argue that such demolitions must adhere to strict legal and ethical standards. The Enugu State government,…

The 2025 edition of the annual 42km 2024 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon has been once again dominated by East African runners from Kenya and Ethiopia. Kenya’s Edwin Kibet on Saturday emerged winner in the men category, clocking a time of 2:14:06 to win the $50,000 price money. Kibet came third last year behind his compatriot Bernard Sang who won it with a time of 02:16:49 and another Kenyan Cheprot who came second. It is Kibet’s second win in the competition following his first victory in the 2023 edition. In the women’s category, Ethiopia’s Guta Meseret Hirpa emerged victorious clocking…