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How Odira Nwobu, Nollywood Actor, Died Of High Blood Pressure In South Africa

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Odira Nwobu

By Akinwale Kasali

The death of Odira Nwobu, a popular Actor and Content Creator still remains a rude shock to the Nigeria Make Believe Industry, popular as Nollywood, and to many of his colleagues and fans.

However, despite the news that he died of high blood pressure at a Night Club in South Africa, it was gathered from his friends and colleagues that he had been involved in a ghastly motor accident that almost claimed his life months ago.

Sources informed the magazine that he had a Thanksgiving Service in South Africa before his passing.

His death was announced in a Facebook post on Monday by Awuzie Frankline, a blogger and content creator, who also posted a video of Nwobu’s lying lifeless.

Although Frankline did not state the circumstances surrounding Nwobu’s death, it was learned from the post that the actor reportedly died some hours after clubbing in South Africa over the weekend.

In a series of posts on Facebook, he wrote: “God Why ! ODIRA why leave us… The Call I received now was not a good one. #Odiegwu.”

In another post, Frankline wrote: “You were full of life even some hours ago in South Africa, and you even had your thanksgiving service just a few months ago. Many people came to celebrate with you. How can you return from South Africa lifeless? Honestly, I am drowning in tears. De@th is Rude. I am heartbroken.”

Evan Okoro, a comedian, also posted a picture of Nwobu on her Facebook page saying, “How now, I can’t believe this nooooo”.

According to reports from Stanley ontop, a popular producer and blogger, he had high blood pressure. “Omo, it’s well. Someone who was in the club last night. OMG, my heart is broken. Rest well, Odira. Black Monday in Nollywood.”

The late Nwobu was admired for his unique comedic style, memorable roles, and lively presence on screen. Over the years, he built a strong fan base and made notable contributions to Nollywood and digital content creation.

Tribute has been pouring in over his sudden demise, but the Actors Guild of Nigeria,  AGN, is yet to issue an official statement on his passing.

Nigeria Delegation In US, Refutes Genocide Allegation, Insists Attacks Cut Across Religious, Ethnic Lines

By
Ayodele Oni
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Nigeria Delegation In US

By Ayodele Oni

Nigeria has finally reached out to the United States, (US) on the unabated security challenges and other issues bordering on cooperation.

Discussions and engagements were held last week between a high-level Nigerian delegation and US officials which are expected help strengthen security partnerships between the two countries and open new avenues for cooperation to protect Nigerian citizens.

A statement on Monday by the Special Adviser to the President, (Information and Strategy), Bayo Onanuga, revealed that the delegation, led by the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, met with senior officials across the US Congress, the White House Faith Office, the State Department, the National Security Council, and the Department of War.

“In all engagements in Washington, DC, the Nigerian delegation refuted allegations of genocide in Nigeria, emphasising that violent attacks affect families and communities across religious and ethnic lines.

“The delegation strongly rejected wrongful framing of the situation, saying such would only divide Nigerians and distort the realities on the ground.

“Following these engagements, the United States Government affirmed its readiness to deepen security cooperation with Nigeria.

“This includes enhanced intelligence support, expedited processing of defence equipment requests, and the potential provision of excess defence articles—subject to availability—to reinforce ongoing operations against terrorists and violent extremist groups.

“The United States also expressed its willingness to extend complementary support, including humanitarian assistance to affected populations in the Middle Belt and technical support to strengthen early-warning mechanisms.

“Both countries agreed to implement immediately a non-binding cooperation framework and to establish a Joint Working Group to ensure a unified and coordinated approach to the agreed areas of cooperation.

“In return, the Nigerian delegation reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening civilian protection measures.

“The discussions provided ample opportunity to correct misconceptions about Nigeria, forged a constructive, solution-driven partnership with the United States, reinforced mutual trust, and advanced a coordinated approach to protecting vulnerable communities, especially in the Middle Belt.

“The Federal Government restates its awareness of heightened sensitivities regarding religious freedom and security, and urges citizens to remain assured that firm, urgent, and coordinated steps are being taken to secure the nation.”

Members of the delegation included Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi, Attorney General of the Federation; Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, Inspector General of Police; General Christopher Musa, Chief of Defence Staff; Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Parker Undiandeye.

Others are Chief of Defence Intelligence; Ms. Idayat Hassan, Special Adviser to the NSA; and Ambassador Ibrahim Babani, Director of Foreign Relations at the Office of the National Security Adviser.

Insecurity: SW Governors Meet In Ibadan

By
Ayodele Oni
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South West Governors

By Ayodele Oni

In an apparent swift response to escalating security threats across Nigeria, South West governors are currently meeting in Ibadan, Oyo state.

The governors from the six states  gathered for an urgent, closed-door meeting being hosted by Oyo Governor Seyi Makinde at the Governor’s Office in Agodi.

The unscheduled summit underscores the gravity of recent intelligence reports warning of a potential influx of bandits and terrorists into the area.

The governors include Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), and Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti).

Sources close to the meeting, revealed that discussions are centered on bolstering regional defenses against “rising security threats and emerging challenges,” with a particular focus on the operations of the Amotekun security outfit.

The agenda also encompasses fast-tracking infrastructure projects and advancing the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) to foster stronger regional integration.

No official communiqués has been released as of press time, but it was gathered that the convergence comes against a backdrop of heightened apprehensions over spillover violence from Nigeria’s volatile North West and North Central zones.

Just six days ago, Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams, issued a stark warning that “terrorists and bandits are plotting to attack the South West.”

Citing covert threats to economic stability and national security, Adams emphasized that such incursions could undermine the Yoruba nation’s progress, urging immediate vigilance.

Atiku Formally Joins ADC

By
Ayodele Oni
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Atiku Abubakar Joins ADC

By Ayodele Oni

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has officially joined the African Democratic Congress, (ADC) following his registration as a member in Adamawa State, marking a significant shift in Nigeria’s opposition political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The registration was completed on Monday, days after Atiku publicly announced his intention to join the party during a meeting with ADC supporters and stakeholders in the state.

One of his aide, Abdul Rasheeth, confirmed the development in an official statement.

The former vice president’s convoy arrived to an enthusiastic crowd of supporters who sang, drummed, and waved placards bearing his image. Atiku acknowledged the cheering crowd before receiving his ADC membership card.

The move solidifies Atiku’s affiliation with the coalition-driven party, which he endorsed in July as a unifying platform for opposition figures—among them Peter Obi and Babachir Lawal—to mount a strong challenge against President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 polls.

Until now, Atiku and several key opposition leaders like Peter Obi had held off on formally registering with the ADC.

His entry into the party is expected to boost its national appeal and further strengthen the opposition’s efforts to present a cohesive front in the coming election cycle.

Jimmy Cliff, Music Icon Dies

By
The Source
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Jimmy Cliff

By Gideon Njoku

Popular Jamaican born music icon, Jimmy Cliff is dead.

The Grammy award-winning Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, musician, actor, singer, songwriter, producer, and humanitarian died at the age of 83 years.

Cliff, according to reports, passed on from a combination of seizure and  pneumonia.

His wife announced the news of his death on Monday, November 24, 2025, in a Facebook post.

She wrote:

“It’s with profound sadness that I share that my husband, Jimmy Cliff, has crossed over due to a seizure followed by pneumonia. I am thankful for his family, friends, fellow artists, and coworkers who have shared his journey with him.

“To all his fans around the world, please know that your support was his strength throughout his whole career. He really appreciated each and every fan for their love.

:I also wanted to thank Dr. Couceyro and the whole medical staff, as they have been extremely supportive and helpful during this difficult process.

:Jimmy, my darling, may you rest in peace. I will follow your wishes. I hope you all can respect our privacy during these hard times.

“Further information will be provided at a later date. See you, and we see you, Legend.”

Named James Chambers at birth, Cliff introduced reggae to an international audience through his performance in the landmark film “The Harder They Come”

.

His recording started soon  after he moved from the countryside to Kingston. He made a number of singles and topped Jamaican charts with his song, Hurricane Hattie,

one of his very early effort for Leslie Kong’s Beverly Records, according to the Jamaica Information Service (JIS).

Several more hits where he  combined pop and ska influences followed.

Cliff relocated to London in 1965 at the behest of Chris Blackwell of Island Records, and  broadened his musical approach to incorporate soul and rhythm and blues as he moved in the direction of reggae.

He became a favourite in South America in the late 60s. His song, Waterfall and his album, Wonderful World, won a prize at a festival in Brazil. Beautiful People

was an international hit as well as the record that prompted Paul Simon to investigate reggae.

Cliff, as the star of The Harder They Come, contributed to its soundtrack the classics

Many Rivers to Cross,

Sitting in Limbo. His  title song—Cliff, became reggae’s biggest star.

TSA: The FG Must Come Clean With Nigerians

By
The Source
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By Atiku Abubakar

The quiet appointment of Xpress Payments Solutions Limited as a new TSA collecting agent is not an administrative decision, it is a dangerous resurrection of the Alpha Beta revenue cartel that dominated Lagos State during and after the Tinubu years. That model created a private toll gate around public revenue and funnelled state funds into the hands of a politically connected monopoly.

What we are witnessing now is the attempt to nationalise that same template, moving Nigeria from a republic to a private holding company controlled by a small circle of vested interests.

To introduce such a policy in the middle of a national tragedy, while Nigerians are mourning loved ones lost to the deepening insecurity crisis, is not only insensitive, it is a deliberate act of governance by stealth. When a nation is grieving, leadership should show empathy and focus on securing lives, not on expanding private revenue pipelines.

This latest move raises fundamental questions:

Why was this appointment rushed and smuggled into the public space without consultation, stakeholder engagement, or National Assembly oversight?

What value does Xpress Payments add that existing TSA channels do not already provide?

Who truly benefits from this? Nigeria or an entrenched political network?

This is not reform. This is state capture masquerading as digital innovation.

Let me be clear:

Nigeria does not need more middlemen between citizens and their government revenue. What we need is greater transparency, stronger institutions, and a tax system free from political capture.

I, therefore, call for the following:

  1. Immediate suspension of the Xpress Payments appointment pending a public inquiry;
  1. Full disclosure of the contractual terms, beneficiaries, fee structures, and selection criteria;
  1. A comprehensive audit of TSA operations to prevent the creeping privatisation of revenue collection;
  1. A legal framework, not executive shortcuts, that prohibits the insertion of private proxies into core government revenue systems;
  1. A national security priority shift, recognising that a country under assault cannot afford economic governance conducted in the shadows.

Nigeria’s revenues are not political spoils. They are the lifeblood of our national survival, especially at a time when insecurity is tearing communities apart.

The government must abandon this Lagos-style revenue cartelisation and return to the path of transparency, constitutionalism, and public accountability. -AA

■Atiku Abubakar is a former Vice President of Nigeria, and 2019 & 2023 Presidential Candidate of the PDP.

Tiinubu Should Appoint Military Administrators, Suspends Govs’ Immunity

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Prof Bolaji Akinyemi

By Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi

I respectfully call on His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to suspend the enforcement of the Armed Forces Act 2004 provision—an inherited British-era policy—that mandates the retirement of military personnel after 35 years of service or upon attaining 60 years of age.

History provides clear precedents for such a step. During the Second World War, when the British required additional boots on the ground, the same law was temporarily set aside. Similarly, during Nigeria’s Civil War, these retirement provisions were relaxed to meet urgent national security needs. Today, our nation again finds itself in a situation that requires exceptional measures. Nigeria urgently needs a strengthened military presence to confront escalating insecurity and safeguard our sovereignty.

Accordingly, I urge President Tinubu to suspend the current retirement requirements and to recall, without delay, all officers and soldiers who have retired within the past six months. This recall should form part of a broader, strategic effort to reinforce our armed forces and have adequate “boots” on the ground.

In addition, I call on the President to authorize a nationwide, large-scale recruitment drive into the Nigerian Armed Forces, ensuring that every state and region is properly garrisoned and adequately secured. This is essential to restoring confidence, stability, and territorial control across the federation.

I further recommend that the President declare a nationwide state of emergency. During this period, constitutional immunity for Governors should be suspended so that any Governor under whose jurisdiction terrorist groups operate freely and with impunity can be held accountable. Where necessary, such a state may be temporarily placed under military administration to restore order and protect citizens.

Finally, I call on President Tinubu to establish a military tribunal to try terrorists and their confirmed collaborators. Where guilt is established beyond reasonable doubt, the tribunal should be empowered to impose the maximum penalty under the law – the death penalty.

Nigeria must not tolerate a situation in which members of terrorist organizations freely appear at social gatherings armed and unchallenged. Our nation’s security demands decisive, coordinated, and courageous action.

— Professor Akinyemi was Nigeria’s former Foreign Minister

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Trial Adjourned Till February 2026

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Natasha Akpoti
Natasha Akpoti

By Akinwale Kasali

The alleged Cybercrime Trial of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, has been adjourned till February 2026 by Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

The trial could not proceed due to the absence of the trial Judge.

It would be recalled that the matter could not also hold at the earlier scheduled date of October 21, due to the protest organised by  Omoyele Sowore, demanding the release of the Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, who was recently convicted on terrorism offences.

Justice Umar had, on Sept. 22, fixed Oct. 21 for the hearing after the trial was stalled owing to an objection raised by the defendant.

Akpoti-Uduaghan was arraigned on June 30 on a six-count charge filed by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, DPPF, Mohammed Abubakar.

She was granted bail, following which Justice Umar adjourned till Sept. 22 for the commencement of trial.

Boko Haram Beheads Two Women In Gwoza

By
The Source
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0
iswap BokoHaram
Islamic Insurgents

By Gideon Njoku

Two women have been beheaded by members of the blood-thirsty Boko Haram.

The women were, reportedly,  beheaded by the fighters for being in possession of “charms”. The charms, in the opinion of Gboko Haram fighters meant the women were idolaters.

The fighters, loyal to the Ali Ngulde faction of Boko Haram, carried out the horrifying act  in the mountain area of Mandara,  Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State. They accused the women of engaging in shirk (idolatry).

The worrisome story was made public by Security Expert, Zagazola Makama.

While confirming the heartbreaking incident, Makama said the two women were apprehended  by the terrorists who, then,

alleged that charms (layu), were found with them  during a search.

The insurgents claimed In a video recording released by them that the charms found on the women were proof that they were committing thesin of idolatry. Therefore, the victims were  subjected to the faction’s trial system.

Thereafter, they were taken to a lonely  part of the mountains and executed.

The gory deed was carried out publicly.

Nnamdi Kanu’s Message From Sokoto Prisons, According To Counsel, Opara

By
The Source
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Maxwell Opara and Nnamdi Kanu

Lovers of Freedom, I am currently departing from Sokoto with Prince Emmanuel Kanu, following our visit to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu at the Medium Correctional Centre in Sokoto. We have been with him since yesterday.

Despite the challenges posed by his present circumstances, he remains confident that GOD ALMIGHTY is with him and will continue to support him. He is also acutely aware that the struggle for freedom often involves intimidation, arbitrary court orders, attacks from adversaries of freedom, hatred, and envy.

He has instructed all supporters, enthusiasts, Lovers of Freedom, dedicated lawyers and consultants, as well as the Igbo community at large, to stay focused and not be distracted by social media posts and analyses—often sponsored by his opponents—who interpret a case they have neither participated in nor reviewed thoroughly, thus neglecting the judicial misconduct committed by the judge.

May I advise everyone to relax, as since Thursday, when the embarrassing judgment was delivered together with his subsequent transfer to Sokoto, we have not settled down to give full details of what happened. We are still busy with some other pressing tasks and in no distant period, we shall package the full analysis of all that transpired in the trial with the full certified record of proceedings of the trial, the names of all exhibits tendered which the Judge refused to evaluate and ignored in his funny judgment, the motions filed together with the exhibits which the judge refuses to take but turned around to make reference to them during his judgment.

After the analysis with facts and documents, you will now be the judge, yourself. Before you read or share anything written by anyone in this matter ask the person if he has seen the record of proceedings of the matter! The full record of proceedings will certainly show you how a judge left the case presented before him and the testimony of the prosecution witness, and be talking about another issue of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu represented himself, I may not go into that in public I can say that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu never sacked Chief Kanu Agambi led legal team rather they left an understanding reached with Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and he has instructed that no one should comment on that issue.

Finally, I want to assure you that the Court of Appeal will definitely set aside the judgment that was predicated on anger and hatred, and Mazi Nnamdi Kanu will be set free.

Chief Maxwell Opara, Ph.D, is one of Kanu’s Lawyers.

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