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Anambra: Three Killed As Security Operatives, Hoodlums Engage In Gun Battle

May 16, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

How Lawyer, Client, were murdered as they left Court room

The Anambra State Police Command, on Friday, May 16, 2025, said that calm and normalcy have been restored in Isuofia Community, Aguata Local Council after Thursday’s deadly gun duel between Security Operatives and some hoodlums.

The incident which occurred at a security checkpoint Thursday evening resulted in the death of two of the gunmen and a Security Operative.

A statement from the State Police Command Spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, SP, informed that the attack also led to the razing of one security operational vehicle.

According to Ikenga, the gunmen launched a surprise attack on the security team manning the checkpoint ,shooting sporadically.

However, a swift response from the security operatives led to the neutralization of two of the armed hoodlums, with one security personnel paying the supreme sacrifice.

“Two of the armed hoodlums were neutralized in the process. Regrettably, one of the security operatives, was fatally wounded, while one of the security operational vehicles was burnt by the bandits”, the police spokesman stated.

Instructively, the attack on the security outpost, occurred same day some yet-to-be identified assailants shot and killed a lawyer and his client in Nanka community in Orumba Local Council of the State.

Eye witness accounts informed that the legal practitioner and his client were double-crossed and shot by the gun men operating on a motorcycle ,while on their way home from the court

According to the Police preliminary investigation the lawyer had earlier secured the bail of an accused person in an ongoing murder case at the state High Court II in Ekwulobia.

He was said to be driving home in celebration mood in company with his client, when the assailants struck.

The police further explained that one of the victims of the attack, however, survived ,and is recuperating at a medical facility.

The survivor is also said to be assisting the police in its investigation of the matter.

The bodies of the dead ,as well as the lawyer’s vehicle ,a Toyota Camry ,have been recovered,according to the police.

Further speaking on Friday ,Ikenga noted that the State Commissioner of Police CP Ikioye Orutugu, while condemning the attack on the security checkpoint ,has directed the immediate deployment of special operatives to track down the other fleeing members of the terrorist group.

According to the Police statement, other members of the gang abandoned their Toyota Sienna operation vehicle and fled into the nearby bush after the death of two of them.

CP Orutugu ,while describing the attacks as a test of Anambra residents’ resolve to collectively work with security agencies to rid the State of criminals ,also vowed to deploy every available means in hunting down the perpetrators .

Lagos Wins Right To Host AFRIMA 2025

Akinwale Kasali

May 16, 2025

By Akinwale Kasali

Lagos, Nigeria commercial hub and one of Africa’s largest and vibrant cities, has been chosen by the African Union Commission, AUC, and the International Committee of AFRIMA to host the 2025 edition of the prestigious All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA, where it will welcome leading and budding African music superstars, creative industry professionals, international media, members of the diplomatic corps and fans of African music from around the world.

Lagos got the nod to host one of Africa’s biggest events at a landmark event held at its headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where the African Union also revealed the much-awaited AFRIMA 2025 Calendar, detailing the events, key dates, and milestones that will lead up to the grand finale, which will take place on November 25-30, 2025, in Lagos, Nigeria.

The AFRIMA 2025 is anchored on a bold theme titled, ‘Unstoppable Africa,’ which was also one of the key elements revealed at the Addis Ababa event.

Jointly announcing Lagos as the host city for AFRIMA 2025 with Jannet Hadadi from Morocco, a key figure in music distribution and publishing in Northern Africa and the middle East, Angela Martins, Director for Social Development, Culture and Sport at the African Union Commission, said the state has consistently been an excellent host She noted that Lagos’ strong track record is a key reason the AU and the International Committee are confident it will once again deliver a world-class event.

“I warmly congratulate the city of Lagos for being chosen to host AFRIMA 2025. The city truly reflects the spirit of African music full of rhythm, creativity, and vibrant energy. Lagos has the right mix of modern facilities, good hospitality, strong media presence, and security and transport systems that make it ideal for hosting a major global event,” she said.

AFRIMA 2025 is expected to feature over 1,600 nominees, including their teams, over 60,000 visitors and delegates, more than 2,300 production crew members, and an audience of over 400 million viewers globally during the live broadcast.

At the unveiling, which took place at the AFRIMA 2025 Music Conference, the AUC and the International Committee, announced that the entry submission for AFRIMA 2025 will officially open on May 27 and close on August 8, 2025. Artists, producers, songwriters, and other music professionals from across the continent and diaspora are encouraged to submit their works via the AFRIMA digital portal.www.afrima.org.

The well attended 2025 AFRIMA music Conference featured two explosive panel sessions with conversations centered around the future of African music in the world, monetization, Skill acquisition and knowledge sharing, intellectual property regimes, royalty and collecting society, leveraging intersection between technology, AI, IOT and media,music beyond borders and sustaining global collaborations.

The calendar also outlines a series of major events leading up to the main awards ceremony, including country and city tours. The #RoadToAFRIMA2025 Tour will energize cities across Africa and the diaspora. It will kick off in Morocco, then continue to Tanzania, Paris Cote d’Ivoire, and London. The tour will return to Nigeria in Delta State before culminating in Namibia from October 31 to November 1.

The adjudication process will be held from August 12–19. The World Media Conference announcing the 2025 nominees is scheduled for August 27, while public voting will open on September 5 and close on November 28, 2025.

The celebration will hit its peak during the AFRIMA 2025 Awards Week from November 25 to 30, with exciting events like the Diamond Showcase (Nov 25–27), Opening Soirée (Nov 26), Africa Music Business Summit (Nov 27–28), Music Icons’ Night (Nov 27), school visits and the AFRIMA Music Village/Festival, Host City Tour and Luncheon Reception (Nov 28) followed by the Nominees & Industry Party and ending with the Main Awards Ceremony on Sunday, November 30. Live Broadcast on 109 stations in 84 countries across the world.

Veteran Actress, Jumoke George, Homeless, Bedridden, Cries For Help

Akinwale Kasali

May 16, 2025

By Akinwale Kasali

Jumoke George, Veteran Nollywood Actress of Yoruba Genre has cried for help.

The Actress who has been homeless for over six years and bedridden has eventually reached out to her fans, colleagues and Nigerians to come to her aid as she is said to be living in a Church at Agbado, Lagos State.

George, known to have hugged the limelight and entertained many over the decades, recently made a public plea for help, disclosing that she has been ill and homeless for six years now.

In an interview on ‘Talk to B’ hosted by actress Biola Adebayo, the thespian amid tears, narrated her current travail.

George who had featured in hundred of movies in Yoruba and also acted in the award-winning movie such as ‘Wedding Party’ as a caterer, revealed that as a sad mother, said she has been looking for her missing child for some time now.

The host, Biola shared the sad tale of the veteran actress, on her Instagram handle on Tuesday, May 13, 2025.

“Please pray for me, mothers in the world. Help me with your prayers. I have never ruined anyone life. I am tired, I can no longer bear it.

“I don’t have a home, I don’t have anything and a child of mine is missing. I don’t have good health; I am tired and exhausted. I’m living in the church, most times it’s the church mummy that feeds me,” she disclosed in the interview.

Fans who commiserated with her have lamented on the challenges veterans endure, demanding for quick help, succour and berating her colleagues for not coming out to support her.

Taking to the Social Media, her fans reacted to present state;

#ade_dayo wrote, “Yoruba actors and actresses, you all need to do better. You don’t help each other, but if it’s a party or movie premier, you fit use one million to do outfit. That’s bad for that industry. You all need to help each other not just oju aye every time.”

Fash Daddy tweeting as #thefashygram commented on X.com, “Is this for real? I feel so bad for this woman coz she’s a really good actress.”

CFC Omotayo tweeting as #sheyi_omotayo wrote, “I swear she isn’t telling lies. The church is in my street in Agbado. The way she walks sometimes makes me think it’s her size not knowing she has been sick, people stare at her in the street like she is rich, we didn’t actually know she’s going through a lot.”

#iamtrinityguy who wrote on Instagram said, “Honestly, in this industry, we need to be checking up on each other. This mummy was homeless for some years and nobody knew. It’s so sad to see our legends facing these kinds of conditions.”

However, her daughter has been located in Mali. What is not known is why she left without her mother’s knowledge, and why she is not in touch with her.

Kogi Monarch Abducted Inside Palace

Ayodele Oni

May 16, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Akumarun Okoloke town, an agrarian community in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State, has been hit by the gale of abduction ravaging the State.

In a bizarre manner, the Monarch of the Community, Oba J.D. Ogunyanda, was abducted.

He was abducted by gunmen numbering 30 early Thursday morning.

Okoloke, a peaceful town situated along the Egbe-Patigi road in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State, is an active food production community renowned for its rich cultural heritage.

Early report on the incident explained that the Monarch, who is a second class traditional ruler, was kidnapped in his Palace, in the early hours of Thursday by the gunmen suspected to be Fulani herders.

Sources who confirmed the development disclosed that the ruler was taken away by the gunmen to an unknown destination.

His abductors have yet to make contact with the community or demand for ransom.

A resident of the Community, Moses Ayodele, stated: “The state of things in our land is dire, with fear hindering entry and progress despite its potential. We cry out to God for deliverance, believing that heaven helps those who help themselves.

“The sons and daughters of Okoloke and Yagba West are demanding security, justice and the safe return of our beloved monarch.”

There has been an escalation in the activities of terrorists and bandits in the Western Area of Kogi State in recent times, which has forced travelers to avoid the area as much as possible.

Many people in the area are said to have been forced to abandon their farms and houses, and are relocating out of the locality.

Calls Mount for Probe into JAMB Exam Glitch Amid Allegations of Cover-Up

The Source

May 16, 2025

A prominent Nigerian journalist and public commentator, Steve Osuji, has issued a blistering public statement calling for an urgent and transparent investigation into the recent Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination mishap that has sparked nationwide outrage, concern, and now—accusations of a cover-up.

In a strongly-worded message shared on a professional media platform, Osuji lambasted both the Ministry of Education and JAMB, alleging that the events surrounding the flawed computer-based (CBT) exams in a specific zone may have been more than an error—they could be part of a wider orchestrated concealment.

“I have been in journalism long enough to know when there’s an orchestrated and predetermined cover-up,” Osuji stated. “What I initially thought was an error may not be so upon further reflection.”

Osuji criticized the Education Minister for prematurely blaming students without proof, and questioned why JAMB delayed admitting fault until the tragic death of a reportedly traumatized student and mounting public pressure.

He emphasized that computerized exams should produce immediate results, suggesting that anomalies in the data would have been instantly noticeable if the system were functioning honestly.

Key Concerns Raised:

Delayed Accountability: JAMB only admitted fault days after the incident, raising suspicion.

Opaqueness in Procurement: Osuji questioned why the identities of contractors responsible for the technical failures remain undisclosed.

Trauma and Death: The death of a young candidate linked to the glitch, and the potential psychological impact on many others, has largely gone unacknowledged by officials.

Systemic Issues: The commentator called attention to broader issues of corruption and inefficiency across educational agencies under the current minister’s watch.

In what could be interpreted as a call for legislative intervention, Osuji urged the House of Representatives to open a formal enquiry into the matter—not just to hold individuals accountable, but to strengthen the integrity of national examinations going forward.

“JAMB and all national examination bodies are too important to national development. Their integrity cannot be left to negative conjectures,” he wrote. “The contractor that has been blamed must be named and the enquiries must extend to JAMB’s procurement methods.”

Osuji’s remarks have since ignited debate among journalists and education stakeholders, many of whom now echo his call for transparency and reform.

The JAMB incident comes at a time when public trust in national institutions is already strained, following controversial elections and growing discontent with governance standards.

President Tinubu Joins World Leaders For Pope Leo XIV’s Inauguration

Ayodele Oni

May 16, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

President Bola Tinubu is among dignitaries invited from across the wrld for the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV.

A statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser Media to the President on Media and Communications stated that Tinubu will depart Abuja for Rome, the capital of Italy, on Saturday, for the ceremony which holds on Sunday.

Accompanied by top Catholic leaders, President Tinubu will attend a solemn mass marking the beginning of the pontificate of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, the 267th Bishop of Rome and the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church.

In the Papal invitation sent by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Pope Leo XIV underscored the need for President Tinubu’s physical presence “at this moment of particular importance for the Catholic Church and the world afflicted by many tensions and conflicts.”

Pope Leo further stressed: “Your great Nation is particularly dear to me as I worked in the Apostolic Nunciature in Lagos during the 1980s.”

President Tinubu’s entourage includes the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Archbishop of Owerri and President of Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, Archbishop Lucius Ugorji, Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Abuja, and Alfred Martins of Lagos.

The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Mathew Hassan Kukah, is also on the President’s entourage.

Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, will be formally installed to the exalted office on Sunday, May 18, at St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican.

The Conclave of Cardinals elected him 27 days after his predecessor, Pope Francis, died on April 21. President Tinubu will return to Abuja on Tuesday, May 20.

Ooni Of Ife Charges SW Dev Commission On Infrastructural Deficit

Ayodele Oni

May 16, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has charged members of the South West Development Commission, (SWDC) to address infrastructural deficits, ecological challenges, and security lacuna in the region.

The Ooni, who spoke through his Director of Media and public Affairs, Moses Olafare, appreciated President Bola Tinubu for his visionary leadership in establishing the Commission.

He also thanked the president for appointing people of impeccable character to run the Commission’s affair for the stipulated time.

Oba Ogunwusi also applauded the President on the nomination of Charles ‘Diji Akinola as the MD/CEO of the Southwest Development Commission, describing it a visionary choice and a historic turning point for the region’ s developmental trajectory.

The monarch described Dr Akinola as an outstanding technocrat with an impressive pedigree and passionate commitment to regional and national development.

Ooni Ogunwusi equally commended the President on the choice of Olu Adetunmbi, a development expert, as the chairman and other members of the Board, including a distinguished Ife daughter, Princess Nike Omoworare, Bolaji Ariyo, Joseph Olugbenga, Olumuyiwa Olabimtan, Adewinle Martins, Ibrahim Olaifa, Kabiru Lakwaya, Abdul Adamu a retired general, Arinola Fagbemi, Ukoha Onyekwere, Howell Ihenacho, Olugbenga Olufehinti, Tele Ogunjobi, Funmilayo Tejuosho, Fatai Ibikunle , and Lateef Ajijola saying all the appointees are round pegs for the round holes.

The Ooni emphasized that these appointments reflect President Tinubu’s commitment to inclusive governance and the upliftment of the South West region.

He expressed confidence that the leadership of the SWDC would work diligently to fulfill its mandate of addressing infrastructural deficits, ecological challenges, security lacuna and promoting sustainable development in the region.

FCCPC Clamps Down On Impersonators Of Its Operations In Aba

Suleiman Anyalewechi

May 16, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Federal competition and Consumer Protection Commission, FCCPC, has urged members of the public to be wary of the activities of fraudulent bodies impersonating its operations across the country.

The warning is coming on the heels of the Agency’s sealing of the operational office of an Aba based outfit, Community Crime Prevention Initiative of Nigeria CCPIN, for allegedly impersonating the Commission ,and deceiving the public.

In a statement issued on Thursday May 15, 2025 by its spokesperson Ondaje Ijagwu, the Commission said in addition to shutting down the office of the illegal consumer regulatory body, also effected the arrest of the operators.

According to the FCCPC, the illegal body, CCPIN, which was operating from 214 Aba-Owerri Road Aba, has been claiming to be an authorized Consumer Protection advocacy group affiliated with the FCCPC.

The Commission further noted that the illegal body had been issuing notices of joint surveillance and operational activities with the FCCPC, as well as requesting consumers’ complaints through unauthorized and unofficial contact phone lines.

The regulatory agency informed that its intervention was sequel to the receipt of actionable intelligence regarding the activities of the illegal outfit.

“The FCCPC’s action followed credible intelligence that CCPIN was falsely claiming. affiliation with the Commission ,and misleading the public by representing itself as an Authorized Consumer Protection NGO of the FCCPC.

“The entity had issued public notices claiming joint surveillance operations with FCCPC ,and was soliciting consumer. complaints through unauthorized telephone lines.

“During the operation, the operator of the facility, Amb. Dr Onwuka K. Okorie was arrested on-site and is currently in police custody at World Bank Police Station, Abayi Aba, Abia State pending further investigation and prosecution.

“A number of exhibits bearing FCCPC’s name, logo and false enforcement materials were recovered from the premises.

“Enforcement officers also recovered several items from the premises ,including documents and materials bearing the FCCPC’s identity, as well as counterfeit enforcement notices”, the Commission stated.

Accordingly, the FCCPC categorically dissociated itself from the activities of the CCPIN, while also noting that it never authorized or partnered with it in the discharge of its duties.

The Commission emphasized it does not, in any way, delegate its activities to NGO’s, private entities, or individuals without formal legal processes.

Appeal Court Reserves Judgment In Edo Governorship Tussle

Suleiman Anyalewechi

May 15, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja, on Thursday, May 15, 2025, reserved rulings on the appeals filed by different parties against the declaration of Senator Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressive Congress APC as the winner of the September 21,2024 off-circle gubernatorial polls in Edo state.

The Source reports that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, had declared Okpebholo the winner of the election with a total of 291,667 votes,against the 247,655 votes garnered by his closest rival Chief Asue Ighodalo of the rival Peoples Democratic Party PDP.

The Edo State Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja had, on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, affirmed Okpebholo’s electoral victory.

The Justice Wilfred Kpochi-led three member panel dismissed the petition filed by the PDP candidate on the grounds that sufficient evidences were not adduced to substantiate allegations of manipulation of election results and over-voting in favour of the winner, Governor Okpebholo.

Dissatisfied with the Tribunal’s ruling, the PDP flag bearer approached the Appeal Court seeking a reversal.

The three-member Appeal panel, headed by Justice Mohammed Danjuma reserved the date for its verdict after all the parties adopted their written addresses.

The Court will be delivering judgments on three appeals, and one cross-appeal filed challenging the ruling of the lower panel.

The three appeals heard include the one filed by the PDP, and its candidate, as well as a cross-appeal by the APC and Governor Okpebholo.

Specifically, the PDP and and its candidate in their appeal urged the Appeal Court to reverse the ruling of the lower court as delivered on April 2 ,2025.

The lead counsel to Chief Ighodalo and the PDP Robert Emukpoeruo, SAN, prayed the Court to uphold their appeal and set aside the earlier verdict of the Election Petition Tribunal.

Conversely, the legal team of the APC and Governor Okpebholo urged the Court to dismiss the appeals against its clients.

Governor Okpebholo’s lead counsel, Onyechi Ikpeazu, summed up the appeals, as a mere academic exercise.

Both Counsels to the INEC ,and APC, Kalu Agabi, SAN, and Emmanuel Ukala, SAN, respectively, aligned with the position of the PDP’candidate’s counsel.

Other appeals filed and heard by the Appeal court against the rulings of the lower panel were those by the Action Alliance, AA, and Accord Party.

Ibadan Explosion: Oyo Govt Approves N4.5 Billion Compensation For Victims

Ayodele Oni

May 15, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Succour has come for victims of Bodija explosion in Oyo State as the State Government approved the sum of ₦4.5 billion as financial support to survivors and victims.

The Bodija explosion occurred on January 16, 2024 and initial report blamed it on illegal storage of Mining explosives within the estate.

This decision was revealed after the State Executive Council (SEC) meeting held at the Executive Chambers of the Governor’s Office in Ibadan.

The state Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, who gave the report, explained that this was apart from the over ₦200 million that the state government had expended on accommodation, feeding, hospital, and security bills following the tragic incident.

Also, the Council approved the recommendation of the 10-man committee set up to revoke the titles of two properties off Adeyi Avenue, the scene of the explosion, “in the overall interest of the public.”

According to the commissioner, the committee also advised the state government to build a monument on the location of the revoked land in memory of the victims of the tragedy.

“The Council frowned at the spate of disinformation, half-truths, and mischievous lies being peddled by persons purportedly representing the residents on the role which the state government has played in the Bodija explosion saga.

“Council said such insinuations are unfair and mischievous and the government will not be discouraged in taking its time to do what is just for her citizens.”

The commissioner stated that some beneficiaries were engaged in family disputes, which required the painstaking intervention of the 10-man committee.

He said the government would also return to the owners and other properties adjoining ground zero to rebuild their homes at the advice of government-paid structural engineers.

According to the commissioner, “government will, through the Ministry of Justice, ensure effective prosecution of the suspects so far arraigned in court, while efforts are being intensified to apprehend other suspects linked to the case but are at large.

“During the Executive Session, the governor advised the citizens to discountenance any rumor concerning the current cabinet reshuffle.

“The governor said he decided to discourage ministerial complacency and to assure the people that he plans to end the tenure of his administration in 2027 with the same zeal with which he started in 2019.

“The governor said he does not plan to drop any member of his cabinet, except anyone who is found to be distracted.

“He said the decision to reshuffle was done to inject fresh efficiency into the system going forward.”

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