Author: Doris Israel Ijeoma

  • Comedian AY Bags International Appointment

    Comedian AY Bags International Appointment

    Renowned stand-up comedian and filmmaker, Ayo Makun, is set to take on a significant role as the Creative Goodwill Ambassador for the African Union Sixth Region Global and Economic Community Africa Sixth Region. 

    Makun shared the exciting news through his Instagram page, emphasizing the importance of the African diaspora, which constitutes the union’s sixth region, encompassing individuals of African heritage residing outside the continent, including African Americans, Afro-Caribbeans, Afro-Latin Americans, and Black Canadians. 

    In his post, AY Makun expressed his enthusiasm for championing creative expressions and engaging African youth in discovering their own creative voices on a global scale.

    He said: “I am happy to announce my appointment as a Creative Goodwill Ambassador for the African Union Sixth Region Global (AU6RG) and Economic Community Africa Sixth Region (ECASR).

    “The African Union has six regions: North Africa, West Africa, Central Africa, East Africa, Southern Africa, and the African diaspora. The African diaspora is the sixth region and is made up of people of African descent living outside of the continent. The diaspora includes African Americans, Afro-Caribbeans, Afro-Latin Americans, and Black Canadians.

    “My appointment as a Creative Goodwill Ambassador is to champion the power of creative expressions and engage the African youth in finding their own creative voice globally.”

  • Senegal Coach Hospitalized After AFCON Cameroon Game

    Senegal Coach Hospitalized After AFCON Cameroon Game

    Senegal coach Aliou Cissé was hospitalised after falling ill following his team’s 3-1 win over Cameroon in the Africa Cup of Nations.

    The 47-year-old Cissé was admitted to a local hospital after the game in Yamoussoukro late Friday and he remained there overnight. He was expected to be released later Saturday after his condition improved.
    “He’s doing well,” Senegal team spokesperson Kara Thioune said.

    Cissé showed no obvious sign of illness when he spoke to reporters during the post-game news conference Friday.
    Senegal, the defending champions, had just booked its place among the last 16 with its second successive win in Group C.

    Senegal plays Guinea in its final group game in Yamoussoukro on Tuesday.

    Cisse, who stayed overnight at the hospital, according to French television channel Canal Plus, has been the coach of his country since 2015 and led them to victory at the last Cup of Nations two years ago.

    The 47-year-old also coached them at the last two World Cup finals.

  • “Your protests won’t change anything” — Nasarawa Gov reacts to Supreme Court Judgment

    “Your protests won’t change anything” — Nasarawa Gov reacts to Supreme Court Judgment

    The Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, has said that protests against his victory at the Supreme Court will not change anything.

    The governor said that the Supreme Court is the ultimate and final court in the country, adding that those who appreciate democracy should accept its verdict in good faith.

    Governor Sule said this during a visit to President Bola Tinubu at the State House on Friday.

    The governor was accompanied by  the immediate past national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Senator Abdullahi Adamu and the immediate past governor of the state, Senator Tanko Almakura.

    His words: “Nasarawa is a state where we had over 600,000 votes, and we won with over 340,000 votes, so you will know that over 200,000 people did not vote for us. So if out of these 200,000 people who did not vote for us and other sets of 1,000 people are protesting somewhere, then you will know because it’s a day that not everybody will be happy.

    “In every state where the Supreme Court passed judgment in every one of these states, you will find some people happy and some other people not happy.

    “But I think people who understand what democracy is all about will understand that the Supreme Court is the ultimate and is the final, and those who appreciate or respect democracy should leave it right there because protests or no protest will not change anything; the Supreme Court has already passed its judgement.

    “So in our case, when we lost at the tribunal, we told everybody that nobody should protest, and that’s why nobody protested, but that is the level of maturity that you will see from one political party or the other.

    “We are a very mature political party; we’re the ruling party in the country; we’re the ruling party in the state; and we’re showing a good example, so that’s why we will not protest.”

  • Abuja Kidnappers: We Have Arrested Informants– Wike

    Abuja Kidnappers: We Have Arrested Informants– Wike

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has revealed that informants working for the kidnappers in the nation’s capital have been apprehended.

    The Minister shared the news during a town hall meeting with stakeholders and residents in Gwagwalada Area Council of the FCT on Friday.

    According to him, the end has come for kidnappers, bandits and their informants in the FCT.

    Wike said, “The President has asked me to assure you that he will not abandon you. So, all these criminals, be ready. Your time is up. If I say I will do something, I will do it. And now that I am here today, if you know you are an informant or even one of the criminals, the end has come for you. Security agencies and I will follow up so you won’t enter Gwagwalada again.

    “Some of the people giving them information, we have arrested them. If they haven’t arrested you, it doesn’t mean we won’t arrest you tomorrow or even before we leave this place.”

    The development is coming amidst the upsurge of kidnapping and insecurity, which has been plaguing communities in the FCT.

    Tension has gripped most communities after kidnappers killed three of 10 abducted victims over the delay in the payment of over N700 million ransom.

  • Police Burst Identity of Abuja Notorious Kidnapper

    Police Burst Identity of Abuja Notorious Kidnapper

    The identity of the notorious Abuja kidnapper arrested by police operatives of the Kaduna State Police Command has been revealed.

    In a statement on Friday, the FCT Command Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Josephine Adeh, said the name of the suspected kidnapper is Chinaza Phillip.

    She said Philip was arrested on Thursday, January 18, 2024, for his involvement in the recent kidnappings and killings in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    Adeh added that the suspect was handed over to the FCT Police Command on Friday and is currently in police custody.

    The statement reads: “The FCT Police Command wishes to confirm the arrest of one Chinaza Phillip, a notorious Abuja kidnapper by police operatives of the Kaduna State Police Command on Thursday 18th January 2024.

    “The suspect has been handed over to FCT police Command today being Friday 19th January, 2024, and currently in police custody.

    “More details will be communicated soon….”

  • LP National Chairman, Julius Abure Speaks On Arrest Rumours

    LP National Chairman, Julius Abure Speaks On Arrest Rumours

    The National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP), Julius Abure, has denied rumours of his arrest.

    A report emerged on Wednesday that operatives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command, on Monday, reportedly arrested and detained Abure over alleged fraud linked to the party’s governorship primary in Plateau State.

    The report claimed that Abure’s purported arrest followed a criminal complaint against him by Yohanna Margif, who accused him of forgery

    Magif, a governorship aspirant of the LP in the 2023 governorship election in Plateau State, alleged in a criminal complaint to the Police that Abure forged his signature on a letter where he (Yohanna Margif) is supposed to have withdrawn from the governorship primaries.

    The report claimed the embattled LP chairman was released on bail after the police obtained his statement.

    It also stated the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), which investigated the matter, reportedly recommended that Abure be prosecuted after it was confirmed by the Chief Registrar of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    But in a chat with Channels Television on Thursday, Abure said he was never arrested by the police or any other security agency.

    Abure also said that security agencies would invite him personally if they needed him.

  • AFCON 2023: Gallant Eagles Humble Mighty Ivorian Elephants In Hard-Fought Win In Abidjan

    AFCON 2023: Gallant Eagles Humble Mighty Ivorian Elephants In Hard-Fought Win In Abidjan

    The Super Eagles ran out comfortable winners in their highly anticipated clash with the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire in their second game of the ongoing African Cup of Nations tournament in Abidjan on Thursday.

    Boxed to the corner after Equitorial Guinea shot to the leadership of the group courtesy of their comprehensive 4-2 victory over Guinea-Bissau in an earlier fixture in the day, the Eagles knew they needed to add more fire to their game if they were to come out with a decent result against the Ivorians who had won their first game last Saturday.

    But against the prediction of the bookmakers, the Eagles who drew their first game against Equitorial Guinea on Sunday would steal a much needed win courtesy of a 56th minute penalty scored by captain William Troost Ekong following a foul on Victor Osimhen in the Elephants’ vital area.

    Ekong had been brutal as he gave Ivorian keeper Yahia Fofana no chance, blasting a thunderous effort into the top right corner for the much needed curtain-raiser.

    The goal had energised the Ivorians who fought vainly to come back without success.
    The Super Eagles, however, had goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali to thank for a series of saves he made to thwart the forays of the Elephants who apparently sought an early lead.

    The keeper who is the only home based player in the squad made of top Euro-based players was a bright spark in an otherwise tentative Eagles team in the early stages.

    The Eagles who are now second in the group with 4 points, next play group whipping boys, Guinea-Bissau in their last game of Group A as they seek a consecutive knockout stage appearance.

    FULL TIME SCORE

    Cote d’Ivoire 0, Nigeria 1
    √ Troost Ekong 56′

  • Rising Incidents of Kidnappings in Abuja: UN Issues Stern Warning

    Rising Incidents of Kidnappings in Abuja: UN Issues Stern Warning

    The United Nations (UN) has sounded the alarm on the escalating wave of kidnappings for ransom in various regions of Nigeria, with a particular focus on the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. 

    Expressing deep concern, the UN’s Chief Security Advisor, Phillip Ackatia-Armah, emphasized the need for urgent attention and heightened security measures.

    In an advisory, Ackatia-Armah urged UN staff and their dependents to exercise caution, especially during nighttime movements, as criminals increasingly target individuals perceived as capable of paying ransoms. 

    While UN personnel may not be directly singled out, their vulnerability lies in residing within communities where they may be recognized as potential sources of ransom funds.

    The advisory includes recommendations such as changing daily routes and timings to avoid predictability, keeping emergency contact numbers readily available, and informing others of whereabouts.

    It also provides guidance on interacting with kidnappers, emphasizing the importance of staying calm, subtly signaling for help, and continuously assessing surroundings for potential escape routes.

    The UN’s proactive measures come in response to a notable increase in kidnapping incidents in Abuja in recent weeks. 

    The organization aims to ensure the safety of its personnel by disseminating these guidelines to navigate the current security challenges in the Nigerian capital.

  • BREAKING: Court Grants Emefiele Permission To Travel Out Of FCT

    BREAKING: Court Grants Emefiele Permission To Travel Out Of FCT

    Justice Hamza Muazu of the Federal Capital Territory High Court has granted the immediate past Governor of the Central Bank, Godwin Emefiele’s request to travel out of the FCT.

    The court said Emefiele must, however, remain in the country.

    On his bail terms, he was restricted to the FCT.

    Emefiele, through his lawyer, Mathew Bukka, SAN, had requested a variation of the terms.

    The Counsel of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, did not object.

    He told the court to ensure that Emefiele wrote an undertaking that he would remain in the country if his plea was granted.

    The charge against the former governor of the CBN was also amended to 20 from 6.

    The amended charges against Emefiele now includes criminal breach of trust, forgery, conspiracy to commit forgery, procurement fraud and conspiracy to commit felony.

  • Kelechi Iheanacho Gears Up for Crucial Clash In AFCON Group Stage

    Kelechi Iheanacho Gears Up for Crucial Clash In AFCON Group Stage

    Leicester City’s forward, Kelechi Iheanacho, has declared his readiness for the Super Eagles’ upcoming 2023 AFCON group stage match against hosts Ivory Coast. 

    Despite arriving late to the camp due to fitness concerns, Iheanacho was spotted training with the team ahead of the clash scheduled for Thursday, January 18, at 6 p.m.

    Having sustained an injury while playing for Leicester in December, Iheanacho faced doubts about his participation in Ivory Coast. 

    Coach Jose Peseiro opted to bench him in the Eagles’ recent 1-1 draw with Equatorial Guinea on January 14.

    In an interview with reporters on Tuesday, Iheanacho emphasized his readiness to contribute to Nigeria’s success, stating, “I am feeling really good… I am 100% ready to serve the country.”

    Acknowledging the challenges, he added, “We want to go all the way in this AFCON, but we have to take it one game at a time. We just need to keep working hard and keep believing.”

    Looking ahead to the crucial clash against Ivory Coast, Iheanacho highlighted the need for thorough preparation, recognizing the strength of the host team. 

    “Going into the next game, we need to be ready to face the Ivorians. They are the hosts, and they are going to go out strong. So, we need to be well-prepared to face them.”