Author: Samuel Akpenpuun

Brazil has recorded the world’s first Oropouche virus deaths, the country’s health ministry said Thursday, after two women died of the illness spread by infected flies and mosquitos. The women from the state of Bahia in northeast Brazil were “under 30 years old, with no comorbidities, but who had signs and symptoms similar to a severe case of dengue,” the ministry said in a statement. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website states there are currently known outbreaks of Oropouche in parts of Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Cuba and Peru. The Brazil health ministry said there have been 7,236…

President Bola Tinubu has allayed fears of manipulation by any interest group in the ongoing economic reforms, saying his campaign was self-sponsored, without strings, or indebtedness to any individual or institution. The President, who received a delegation of Islamic leaders led by Sheikh Bala Lau, at the State House on Thursday, said his victory at the polls was purely by divine intervention, careful planning, and diligence in getting support from Nigerians. “I have no cabal. I have no sponsors. The money I spent on the elections was my personal fortune. At some point, the odds were against me; banks were…

Following the ban on motorcycles and electric bikes in Borno State, the state police command has directed filling stations to stop selling petrol to motorcyclists. Disclosing this in a press statement obtained by our correspondent on Thursday, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Nahum Daso, said the decision was made at a security meeting in the state. According to him, defaulters would be sanctioned. The statement partly read, “The command has observed the flagrant use of motorcycles, especially electrical bikes, in the state, and wishes to remind the general public that the ban on motorcycles in the state still subsists.…

The Federal Government has threatened to jail any Local Government chairmen found embezzling Federation Accounts Allocation Committee funds. This was made known by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), on Thursday. Fagbemi, at the 17th-anniversary annual lecture event of the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria in Abuja, said none of the chairmen have immunity and would be jailed if they tamper with the funds meant for the development of their areas. He said, “Well, we have a situation on our hands; I know that it is still there; the conduct of elections…

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday said his administration will uphold democratic principles, including the right to protest, but will not condone demonstrations that lead to the destruction of lives and property. “In as much as we believe that demonstrations are part of democracy, we will never encourage any protests that lead to the destruction of lives and property,” Tinubu stated when he received a Letter of Credence from the newly appointed United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills Jr., at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, revealed the exchange at…

The Anambra State Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) has called off its indefinite industrial action following a meeting with Governor Chukwuma Soludo. The decision was made on Thursday, July 25, at the Judiciary headquarters in Awka during the Union’s Congress. The suspension was announced via a circular signed by JUSUN’s state chairman, Comrade Henry Ezeoke, and the Secretary, Comrade Nwezi Ugochukwu, and was distributed to reporters. The circular was also circulated to all Directors, Deputy Directors, Assistant Chief Registrars, Registrars, and staff of the Anambra State Judiciary. The statement read: “Sequel to the meeting held between the Governor of…

Actor Kelvin Ikeduba has revealed that he would have become a drug baron if he had not pursued a career in the movie industry. During an appearance on Hip TV‘s “Trending” program, Ikeduba gave this surprising response when host Pascal inquired about his alternative career path: “I would be a drug baron if I wasn’t an actor.” Active in Nollywood since 2000, Kevin Ikeduba is renowned for his versatility and talent, often recognized for his portrayal of notorious criminals in films.

A UK police officer was suspended on Thursday after a video circulating online appeared to show an officer kicking and stamping a man’s head while making an arrest. Greater Manchester Police in northwest England said an officer was “suspended from all duties” after a review of the incident at Manchester Airport on Tuesday. The video, which has circulated online, has caused public outrage. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) watchdog said it was independently investigating the “level of force” used by the police officer involved who was suspended. “We appreciate the footage which was shared on social media has…

President Bola Tinubu is currently meeting traditional rulers at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja. Leading the delegation of royal fathers are the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi. The meeting began at about 2:30 pm when the President arrived at the Council Chamber. Although the agenda of Thursday’s meeting is unknown, it may be related to growing calls for nationwide protests against economic hardship, scheduled for August 1 – 10, 2024. ‘EndBadGovernance,’ have gained significant traction on social media, even though the organisers remain largely anonymous, with no group officially…

A former Liverpool striker, Stan Collymore, has issued a warning to Kylian Mbappe as the French star joins Real Madrid. Drawing from his own experience as a high-profile signing at Liverpool, Collymore advised Mbappe to approach his new role with humility. Collymore, who was once a British record transfer to Liverpool, shared his insights with CaughtOffside on Thursday. He stressed the importance of Mbappe navigating the dressing room dynamics carefully, stating, “They (Real Madrid players) won’t really care that he (Mbappe) was a Real Madrid fan as a kid or that he had Cristiano Ronaldo posters on his wall.” The…