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  • My dad collapsed after DSS forced him to trek – late Iwuanyanwu’s son

    My dad collapsed after DSS forced him to trek – late Iwuanyanwu’s son

    Jide, son of the deceased Elder statesman and leader of OHANAEZE NDIGBO, Engr. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu has narrated how his father slumped upon his return from the DSS Headquarters, after he was forced to trek long distance while he went visiting IPOB Leader, Nnamdi Kanu

    Jide Iwuanyanwu, son of the late Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, has shared details about his father’s final trip before his passing.

    The former President-General of Ohaneze Ndi-Igbo died at 82 on July 24, 2024, and was buried on November 2, 2024.

    Speaking with journalists on Sunday, Jide expressed gratitude to the government for their support during the funeral.

    He revealed that his father’s last journey was to Abuja, where he visited Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), held in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).

    During the visit, security operatives at the DSS headquarters prevented Chief Iwuanyanwu from being driven into the premises, requiring him to walk instead.

    “While at the DSS headquarters in Abuja where Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is being held, the security operatives at the gate denied him from being driven into the premises. They said the only condition for him to achieve his mission there was for him to walk down and he obliged,” Jide said.

    After returning home, he collapsed and was rushed to the hospital, where he passed away.

    Jide urged the government to fulfill his father’s final wish by releasing Kanu, believing it would restore peace, boost business, end the Monday sit-at-home protests, and improve the situation in the South East.

    He also thanked Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu for engaging with his late father on issues such as Kanu’s release and the South East Development Commission.

    While appreciating President Tinubu for approving the commission, Jide called on him to grant Kanu’s release as a tribute to his father’s legacy.

  • UNRWA chief reaffirms commitment to Palestinian refugees

    UNRWA chief reaffirms commitment to Palestinian refugees

     The head of UN Palestine refugee agency (UNRWA), Philippe Lazzarini, has reaffirmed the body’s commitment to assisting a population whose rights “continue to be violated.”

    In a social media post on Friday, Commissioner-General Lazzarini stated that “people in Gaza have undergone systematic dehumanisation” since the war there began.

    He stressed that “Palestinians do matter, including those in Gaza. Their rights, lives, and futures matter,” emphasising that “human rights cannot be applied selectively.”

    His remarks follow U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal this week that America should seize control of Gaza and permanently displace Palestinians—an act the UN Secretary-General called “ethnic cleansing.”

    Lazzarini quoted UN chief António Guterres, who reiterated that peace depends on ending occupation and establishing an independent Palestinian state, with Gaza as an integral part.

    The UNRWA chief said his agency’s teams remain committed to providing critical aid to Palestine refugees until empowered Palestinian institutions become a sustainable and viable alternative.

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    UNRWA continues to face major obstacles in carrying out its work.

    In January, two Israeli laws took effect, banning UNRWA operations within its borders and prohibiting Israeli authorities from engaging with the agency.

    UNRWA was ordered to leave its premises in East Jerusalem, and visas for international staff were not renewed.

    Despite restrictions, teams are still delivering aid in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and in Gaza, where a ceasefire remains in place after 15 months of war.

    Meanwhile, UN Humanitarian Coordinator Tom Fletcher continued his week-long visit to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

    On Friday, he visited an UNRWA-run shelter in Deir Al-Balah, Gaza, before travelling to Jerusalem through the Kerem Shalom crossing.

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    Fletcher met displaced families who shared their struggles over the past 16 months. Staff managing the shelter also described challenges in sustaining critical humanitarian support.

    The UNRWA site is one of many schools in Gaza repurposed as shelters. Fletcher met children missing their education and stressed the urgency of reopening schools.

    In Jerusalem, Fletcher met with UN aid agency heads and other humanitarian officials to discuss sustaining aid to Gaza and supporting West Bank operations.

  • SDP pays tribute to Useni, hails his legacy

    SDP pays tribute to Useni, hails his legacy

    Lt.-Gen. Jeremiah Useni, a former FCT Minister, has been described as an “angel in army uniform” by the Social Democratic Party (SDP) for his contributions to many lives.

    The SDP presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Prince Adewole Adebayo, made this remark in Abuja on Friday during a condolence visit to Useni’s family with party leaders.

    Adebayo praised Useni’s lifelong service, saying he was devoted to justice and helping people, regardless of political, religious, or ethnic background. He said Useni always prioritised humanity.

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    He credited Useni for making Abuja a city for the people. He noted that Useni allocated land to small traders and relocated, rather than demolished, homes in disadvantaged areas.

    “During military rule, he transformed Abuja into the city of the people. Politicians today must ensure it remains a city for the people, not just the government,” Adebayo said.

    Adebayo highlighted Useni’s role in uniting Nigeria from 1966 onward. He recalled a crucial moment in 1998 when Useni remained professional despite political pressures.

    He noted that when the Nigerian Head of State died in 1998, Useni was the most senior officer but did not politicise the situation or seek personal advantage.

    SDP National Chairman, Shehu Gabam, described Useni as a great leader with an outstanding legacy. He called his death a national loss and praised his simplicity and patriotism.

    “At 30, every Nigerian knew his name. We never heard negative things about him, only positive reports,” Gabam said, recognising Useni’s impact on national unity and development.

    Responding on behalf of the family, Useni’s first child, Mrs Julcit Bali, expressed gratitude to the SDP leadership for their visit and their kind words about her father.

    She described her father as deeply generous. “Baba was not just a father to us but to many. Even in hospital, he still gave to others,” she said.

    Members of the SDP National Working Committee also attended the condolence visit, joining in honouring Useni’s legacy and expressing their support for his grieving family.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Useni passed away on Jan. 23 at the age of 82 after a prolonged illness.

  • N3 Billion fraud: ICPC arrests NSCDC officer, ex-naval chief

    N3 Billion fraud: ICPC arrests NSCDC officer, ex-naval chief

    The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arrested Adam Imam Yusuf, a Deputy Commandant of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Kogi State, for allegedly diverting over N3 billion public fund.

    Yusuf, who had been on the run, was caught at his home in Gwagwalada, Abuja.

    Information available to Nigerian Anchor indicate that Yusuf and his co-travelers will soon be charged to court.

    Investigations by ICPC linked former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Usman Jibrin (rtd.), and former Brigadier General Ishaya Bauka Gangum (rtd.) to the case. 

    The funds were allegedly misused through 92 unregistered companies.

    Some of the diverted money was traced to Lahab Integrated, Gate Coast Properties, and other firms.

     These funds were reportedly used to acquire more than 18 properties, including filling stations.

    So far, four of these properties have been seized by the government, while legal action continues on the rest.

    ICPC spokesperson Demola Bakare confirmed the arrests in Abuja and said efforts are ongoing to track down other suspects still at large.

  • Police recover 115 stolen vehicles, rescue 387 kidnap victims in 1 month

    Police recover 115 stolen vehicles, rescue 387 kidnap victims in 1 month

    The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the Nigeria Police Force recovered 115 stolen vehicles and rescued 387 kidnap victims nationwide in one month.

    Adejobi said at a news conference on Monday in Abuja that the successes were recorded during several operations nationwide in January.

    The police spokesman said 960 suspects were arrested by operatives of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) in the month under review.

    He said 244 of the suspects were arrested over armed robbery, 170, kidnapping, 240 murder/homicide, 53, unlawful possession of prohibited firearms, 130, rape and 123, cultism.

    Adejobi said 172 firearms and 3,134 ammunition of various calibers, including 12 rounds of 7.88 mm ammunition, two AK-47 rifles, eight fabricated AK-47 rifles and four fabricated revolver guns were recovered from the suspects.

    The police spokesman said other items recovered were five fabricated semi-automatic pistols, 11 AK-47 magazines and 1,121 AK-47 live ammunition.

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    He said eight of the suspects were arrested by operatives of the IRT in Plateau over gun running and unlawful possession of Prohibited Firearms.

    Adejobi said the suspects were arrested following credible intelligence on activities of a gun running syndicate in Plateau.

    He said the only female suspect in the syndicate had confessed during police investigation that she sold 900 rounds of AK-47 live ammunition to one of the male suspects.

    According to him, one locally made pistol, two rounds of 7.88 mm live ammunition, eight fabricated AK-47 rifles, four fabricated revolver guns and three fabricated semi-automatic pistols were recovered from the syndicate.

    He said two AK-47 magazines and 1,105 AK-47 live ammunition were also recovered from the suspects.

    Adejobi said building on the momentum of the operation, operatives of the IRT on Jan. 28 arrested two additional members of the syndicate.

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    He said the operatives recovered eight fabricated AK-47 rifles, four fabricated revolver rifles, three fabricated semi-automatic pistols and two fabricated AK-47 magazines concealed in the doormat of a red Volkswagen station wagon.

    ]`The suspects confessed to having taken delivery of the recovered firearms from a notorious firearms fabricator, currently at large,” he said.

    Adejobi said efforts were being intensified to apprehend the fleeing firearms fabricator and others fabricating guns and supplying to wrong hands in the country. 

  • Protest Hits Lokoja Teaching Hospital as 272 Doctors Resign

    Protest Hits Lokoja Teaching Hospital as 272 Doctors Resign

    Turbulence in the nation’s Ivory Towers has hit the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Lokoja as doctors took to the streets on Friday to protest poor working conditions, leading to the resignation of 272 doctors. 

    The hospital’s doctor count has fallen from 315 to just 43, according to Dr. Olushola Baoku, the former Chairman of the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD).

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     The protestors are calling on President Bola Tinubu and Health Minister Prof. Ali Pate to address the situation before the hospital faces a complete breakdown.

    Baoku described the hospital as being poorly managed under the leadership of Dr. Olatunde Alabi, the Chief Medical Director (CMD). 

    He pointed out issues such as short-term contracts, no pensions, no hazard allowances, and faulty medical equipment.

     The hospital is unable to handle emergencies, which led to the death of a staff member due to power failures.

    The protestors also demanded the return of their suspended president, Dr. Jimoh Umar. Despite an order from the Ministry of Health in December 2024 for his reinstatement, Dr. Alabi has not complied. 

    The doctors have pledged to continue their protests until the government addresses their demands.

  • Labour Party Rejects Bribery Claim, Challenges Atiku for Proof

    Labour Party Rejects Bribery Claim, Challenges Atiku for Proof

    The Labour Party (LP) has denied receiving a N50 million bribe from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as alleged by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. 

    The party said it has no knowledge of such payments and has never accepted money from any external source.

    LP’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh stated in Abuja that the party was surprised by Atiku’s claim.

     He criticized the former vice president for making the allegation without providing evidence, calling it reckless and unfair to opposition parties.

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    Atiku made the claim during a national conference on democracy in Abuja, accusing the APC of offering financial inducements to weaken the opposition.

     In response, LP insisted it operates on internally generated funds and remains committed to its principles despite challenges.

    The party urged Atiku to back his statement with proof, warning that unverified claims could mislead the public and harm democratic opposition.

     LP also emphasized that a strong opposition is essential for democracy and should not be undermined by baseless accusations.

  • Chaos at PDP headquarters as thugs disrupt BoT meeting

    Chaos at PDP headquarters as thugs disrupt BoT meeting

    A violent scene erupted at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday when suspected thugs stormed in and disrupted a Board of Trustees (BoT) meeting.

    The disruption led to panic among party members present.

    The meeting, led by Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, had key figures in attendance, including National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu, BoT Chairman Senator Adolphus Wabara, and former Youth Leader Sunday Ude-Okoye.

    Tensions escalated between Anyanwu and Ude-Okoye, both contesting for the PDP National Secretary position. Ude-Okoye arrived early but was later forced out after Anyanwu entered with Damagum.

    The conflict stems from a leadership dispute within the party.

    In 2023, PDP’s South East zone nominated Ude-Okoye to replace Anyanwu, who had contested in the Imo State governorship election.

    A High Court ruling in December 2024 removed Anyanwu from the position, declaring Ude-Okoye as the rightful National Secretary.

    However, a recent Court of Appeal order allowed Anyanwu to stay in office until the Supreme Court decides on the matter.

  • 2025 UTME Registration, Exam Dates Released

    2025 UTME Registration, Exam Dates Released

    The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has shared the schedule for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). 

    A statement from the examination board yesterday in Abuja, indicates that Registration will start on January 31, 2025, and close on March 5, 2025. Direct Entry candidates can purchase application forms and e-PINs from March 10 to April 7, 2025.

     it was also stated that the Mock-UTME is set for April 5, while the main UTME will take place between April 25 and May 5, 2025.

    JAMB explained that candidates opting for the mock exam will pay ₦8,200, while those skipping it will pay ₦7,200. 

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    The fees include charges for application forms, reading materials, CBT center services, and bank fees.

    Additionally, a mock UTME for candidates under 16 has been introduced to help them prepare, though it will not count for admission. However, candidates must be at least 16 years old by September 30, 2025, to qualify for admission into tertiary institutions. 

    Exceptions may be made for candidates under 15 who score 280 or higher in the UTME and excel in other required exams.

  • Muslims Asked to Watch for Sha’aban Moon on Wednesday

    Muslims Asked to Watch for Sha’aban Moon on Wednesday

    As the global Muslim Umma prepare for the commencement of Ramadhan fasting, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, has called for the observance of the crescent moon of Sha’aban 1446 AH on Wednesday, January 29. 

    In a statement from Sokoto, the Sultanate Council’s Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs encouraged Muslims to report moon sightings to their local district or village heads. 

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    This observation marks the start of Sha’aban, the Islamic calendar’s eighth month, which precedes Ramadan.

    The Sultan offered prayers for divine blessings and guidance as Muslims prepare for their spiritual duties.