Man suspected to be thief electrocuted in Edo

 

By Gbenga Jimoh
A man was on Monday electrocuted while allegedly attempting to steal transformer cables in Jattu community in Etsako West LGA of Edo State.
A source said residents woke up in the morning to see the corpse of the suspect dangling on two electric poles where a transformer was sited.
The victim, it was learnt, had cut the cable beneath the transformer, packed it aside and climbed up the electric pole to cut the four long cables that connect light to the transformer to the low tension wire.
He added that officials of BEDC came and evacuated the corpse.
The spokesperson of the Edo State Police Command, SP Chidi Nwabuzor, said he was yet to be briefed about the incident.

Anambra 2025: You’re scared of me, Ubah tells Soludo

 

Senator Ifeanyi Ubah

Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, representing Anambra South Senatorial District, has alleged that Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s recent actions against him stemmed from fear.
Ubah, who is a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) told reporters Monday, January 29, in Nnewi, said that since declaring his intention to vie for the 2025 governorship election, Soludo has persistently targeted him.

14 cultism, suspected robbery paraded by police in Edo

 

By Gbenga Jimoh

The Edo State Police Command has paraded 14 suspects arrested allegedly for various crimes.
Parading the suspects, the command’s spokesperson, SP Chidi Nwabuzor, said the suspects were arrested for cultism, armed robbery, kidnapping, murder and being in possession of firearms.
Chidi said six of the suspects were arrested for cultism, seven for kidnapping and for murder.
He listed the items recovered from them to include a locally made gun, 12 cartridges and one gas cylinder.

Did you know that beans are not only delicious but also great for your health?

 

Here are some reasons why you should include beans in your diet:

Excellent source of plant-based protein: Beans are packed with protein, making them a fantastic choice for vegetarians and vegans. They provide a healthy alternative to animal-based proteins while offering essential amino acids.
Rich in fiber: Beans are loaded with dietary fiber, which promotes healthy digestion, aids in weight management, and helps regulate blood sugar levels. It also keeps you feeling fuller for longer, reducing the temptation to snack on unhealthy foods.

Popular Nigeria Gospel Singer Frank Edward Cries Out After Being Tagged On Numerous Videos Following Moses Bliss’ Engagement

 

Frank Edward

Frank Edward, a popular Nigeria gospel  singer has come out to talk after tagged on Numerous Videos

This comes a few days after his colleague, Moses Bliss, revealed how he met his British lawyer fiancee.

Don't be misled by the so call 'Lagos Boys', Ndume tell President Tinubu

Senator Ali Ndume, yesterday warned President Bola Tinubu that there will be political consequences if he insists on moving some departments of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) headquarters to Lagos.

Supreme Court releases judgment CTC on Kanu

 

The Supreme Court has let go the Certified True Copy of the judgment on the suit between the Federal Government and the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu.

The apex court had, on December 15, 2024, put aside a judgment by the lower court that dismissed the terrorism charges against Kanu.

The appeal court had vindicated Kanu following an infringement on his fundamental human rights by the Federal Government.

The Supreme Court, although berated the actions of the government, ruled that Kanu must continue his trial.

The lead counsel for IPOB, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, in an interview with our correspondent, had complained that 37 days after judgment was delivered on the matter, the legal team had yet to receive the certified true copy of the judgment.

Similarly, Kanu’s family on Sunday decried the delay by the apex court in releasing the CTC of the judgment to his lawyers.

However,  in a post on X formerly known as Twitter on Monday night, a member of the IPOB leader’s legal team, Aloy Ejimakor, disclosed that the CTC of the judgment had been released to them.

“Today, the Supreme Court released the CTC of its judgment in ‘The Federal Republic of Nigeria versus Nnamdi Kanu’. The Court also promised to transmit the case file to the Federal High Court by tomorrow. Sooner than later, we shall lock horns at the Federal High Court to #FreeMNK,” he said.

Northern Senators frown at Tinubu, say 2024 Budget Lopsided

 

The senators in the statement released in Abuja and titled “Allocation and distribution of funds in 2024 National Budget and Relocation of some Federal Agencies to Lagos,” also alleged that some federal agencies were being relocated to Lagos.

They vowed that they were committed to addressing the concerns and feelings of their constituents in the North regarding the decisions and policies put forth by the Nigerian government, including seeking legal redress if possible.

Dangote Rrefinery start production

 By Ayegba James

The Managing Director of Dangote Ports Operations, Mr Akin Omole, had told newsmen at the Dangote Quay in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, that an ample supply of crude will enable the refinery to start operating smoothly.

Mother loses child to kidnapper in Nasarawa hospital shortly after birth

The mother of the baby, Mrs Wasira Suleiman,

By Zainab Usman

A day-old baby boy was allegedly abducted by a woman posing as a caregiver at the Dalhatu Arafat Specialist Hospital (DASH), Lafia, the capital of Nasarawa State. According to eye witness, the mother of the baby, Mrs Wasira Suleiman, 20, had undergone a caesarean section at about 3:am on Tuesday, January 9, 2024 and was transferred to the postnatal ward with her baby.

She told journalists in Hausa that a relative (name withheld) who was supposed to look after her and her baby left her with a stranger, claiming that she needed to get her charger from home. She said the stranger offered to bathe the baby and help her with some clothes, but never returned with the baby. She cried out for the intervention of the Nasarawa State government, the management of DASH and the security agencies to recover her baby safely.

She said, “The woman was brought to me to take care of me and my baby. I wonder how the same woman will steal my baby.” She added, “The pains I went through in the nine months is very severe and there is nothing absolutely that one will tell me to let this go. I was operated upon at about 2: am.” The acting Head of Obstetrics and Gyneacology department at DASH, Dr Muhammed Salihu Oziga, said the incident was very unfortunate and unprecedented in the hospital’s history.

He said the baby was delivered via emergency caesarean section around 3:am on Tuesday morning and handed over to the caregiver who later abandoned the mother and the baby with the kidnapper. He said, “Unfortunately, the so-called stranger took the baby away on the pretence that she wanted to go and bath the baby and never came back.” He said the police have arrested the caregiver, some staff of the hospital and some relatives of the mother for interrogation at the Criminal Investigation Department, Nasarawa State Police Command in Lafia. He said the hospital management and the Chief Medical Director, Dr Ikrama Hassan, have also been informed and are cooperating with the investigation. He said any staff found to be involved in the abduction of the baby would be dismissed and prosecuted by the police.

 The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Umar Shehu Nadada, confirmed the arrest of three suspects and said the police are working hard to find the missing baby and the woman who took him away. He said, ““I don’t think the matter is connected to ritualists but investigation is ongoing at the State Criminal Investigation Department.

The outcome of the investigation will be communicated to Journalists in due time.”

The saga over the Dethronement of the King by Yahaya Bello in Koto Karfi: A Disrespect for the Rules of Enthronement

 

Governor Yahaya Bello and The Ohimege Igu Koton-Karfe, Alhaji Abdulrazaq Isah Koto

In a shocking turn of events, the small town of Koton Karfe has become the center of a political and cultural controversy. The dethronement of their beloved king by Governor Yahaya Bello has sparked outrage among the people, who believe that the governor has disrespected the rules of enthronement. This incident has not only exposed the undemocratic practices in politics but has also shed light on the importance of upholding cultural traditions and respecting the will of the people.

Koton Karfe, a town known for its rich cultural heritage and traditional values, has always held its kings in high regard. The enthronement of a king is a sacred and revered process, guided by age-old customs and traditions. The king is seen as the custodian of the town's history, culture, and traditions, and his role is crucial in maintaining the social fabric of the community.

The controversy began when Governor Yahaya Bello, without any consultation or regard for the town's customs, decided to dethrone the king. This move was met with shock and disbelief by the people of Koton Karfe, who saw it as a direct attack on their cultural identity and a violation of their rights.

The governor's actions were seen as undemocratic, as he failed to consider the will of the people and the established rules of enthronement. The town's residents were not given a chance to voice their opinions or participate in the decision-making process. This disregard for democratic principles has raised concerns about the governor's commitment to upholding the rights and wishes of the people he represents.

Cultural traditions play a vital role in shaping the identity and cohesion of a community. They provide a sense of belonging and continuity, connecting the present generation with their ancestors. The enthronement of a king is a significant event that symbolizes the continuation of these traditions and the preservation of the town's cultural heritage.

By disrespecting the rules of enthronement, Governor Yahaya Bello has not only undermined the cultural significance of the king's role but has also disregarded the wishes of the people. This act of cultural insensitivity has caused deep resentment among the residents of Koton Karfe, who feel that their traditions and values have been trampled upon.

The dethronement saga in Koton Karfe raises important questions about the state of democracy in the region. Democracy is built on the principles of participation, representation, and respect for the rule of law. When these principles are violated, as in the case of Governor Yahaya Bello's actions, it erodes the trust and confidence of the people in the democratic process.

The governor's decision to unilaterally dethrone the king without any consultation or consideration for the town's customs sets a dangerous precedent. It sends a message that those in power can disregard established rules and traditions for their own personal or political gain. This undermines the very foundation of democracy and threatens the rights and freedoms of the people.

To restore faith in the democratic process and uphold the town's cultural traditions, it is essential for Governor Yahaya Bello to rectify his actions. He should engage in a dialogue with the people of Koton Karfe, listen to their concerns, and respect their wishes. This would not only demonstrate a commitment to democratic principles but also show a willingness to preserve and protect the town's cultural heritage.

Furthermore, it is crucial for the people of Koton Karfe to come together and assert their rights. They should organize peaceful protests, engage in advocacy, and seek legal recourse if necessary. By standing united and demanding justice, they can send a powerful message that their cultural traditions and democratic rights cannot be trampled upon.

The saga over the dethronement of the king by Governor Yahaya Bello in Koton Karfe has exposed the undemocratic practices and cultural insensitivity prevalent in politics. The governor's actions have disrespected the rules of enthronement and violated the rights of the people. It is imperative for both the governor and the people of Koton Karfe to work towards a resolution that upholds democratic principles and preserves the town's cultural heritage. Only through dialogue, respect, and unity can justice be achieved and the wounds of this saga be healed.

Kogi govt appoint Ohinoyi of Ebira land, Alhaji Ahmed Tijani Anaje replaces three monarchs

HRH. Alhaji Ahmed Tijani Anaje

By Ayegba James

The new Ohinoyi of Ebiraland is Alhaji Ahmed Tijani Anaje, who was formerly the Ohi of Okenwe. He was appointed by Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State on Monday.

He succeeded Dr Ado Ibrahim, who passed away on October 29, 2023, after a long illness. Dr Ibrahim’s death sparked a lot of interest from at least 70 candidates who wanted to take his place, according to Alhaji Yunusa Sule, the Secretary of Ebiraland Traditional Council. Some of the notable contenders were former Deputy Governor Dr. Philip Salawu, former National Assembly Clerk Barrister Ataba Sani Omolori, Brigadier General Yusuf Abubakar Amuda, Barr Momoh Shaibu, Prof. Ibrahim Onuwe Abdulmalik, HRH Dr. Ahmad Tijani Anaje, and Mr. Ahmed Momoh Jimoh.

However, Governor Bello also made some changes in the traditional leadership of the state. He deposed three traditional rulers, including the Ohimeghe Igu of Koton-Karfe, Alhaji Abdulrazak Isa Koto, who was the paramount ruler and the head of Lokoja/Kogi Traditional Council.

The governor announced their removal at the State Executive Council (SEC) meeting that took place at the Government House in Lokoja on Monday. He said that he followed the Traditional and Chieftaincy Laws, Rules and Regulations and all the due processes before making his decisions.

The governor said that Alhaji Abdulrazak Isa Koto, the Ohimege-Igu Koton-Karfe, was deposed to Rijau Local Government Area of Niger State. He also said that Sam Bola Ojoa, the Olu Magongo of Magongo, was deposed to Salka, Magama Local Government Area of Niger State. He added that Samuel Adayi Onimisi, the Obobanyi of Emani, was deposed to Doko, Lavun Local Government Area of Niger State.

Governor Bello also said that he received several petitions to revert the title of “OBOBANYI OF IHIMA” to “OBOBANYI OF EMANI” because the former title was a subject of litigation and the court had not given its final verdict. He said that he respected the court’s authority and decided to maintain the status quo until the court decides. He said that the current occupant of the stool, Boniface Musa, the ONU-IFE in Omala Local Government, was suspended indefinitely. The governor also said that he intervened to resolve the controversies that surrounded the selection process for traditional rulers in the state.

He announced the appointments of Alhaji Ibrahim Gambo Kabir as the Maigari of Lokoja and Alhaji Dauda Isah as the Maiyaki of Kupa. He also said that based on the selection decision of the ODAKI RULING HOUSE, dated, April 27th, 2012 and endorsed by the Lokoja/Kogi Local Government Area Traditional Council, dated May 14, 2012, Mallam Saidu Akawo Salihu was appointed as the OHIMEGE-IGU KOTON-KARFE and would be turbaned soon.

He also said that based on the high court judgment of 1998, which recognized ODODO as a legitimate descendant of ITA’AZI, the father of Ebira land, and UHUODO as a separate district in Ebira land with equal rights as others, he created the stool of OHI OF UHUODO and started the process for filling the stool.
Ahmed Tijani Anaje was born on the 29th June 1974 into the Family of Mrs Safiyat Muhammed Anaje and Late Alh

He Attended Seifudeen Primary School Okengwe where he

Obtained his First School Leaving Certificate in 1983 and he obtained he's Western African School Certificate from Ebira

Muslim Community College Okengwe, Okene in 1993.

CAREER

In 1995 Alh Ahmed Tijani Anaje was enlisted into the Nigerian Army as 39 Regular Intake, During his Military Service he enhanced his Academic Status and obtained Diploma in Applied Psychology from The University of Jos.

Following the Demise of The First Oh of Okengwe, Okene HRH

Alh Yakubu Abdulraheem Yusuf, Who Died on 27th February 2021, a Vacuum was created hence a regent Alh Ibrahim Ige Obaro was appointed by the Kogi State Government on the Recommendation of The King Markers.

On May 10th 2021 to fill the vacant position in the accordance with the enabling law pending the election or appointment of a Successor Alh Ahmed Tijani Anaje having been considered worthy to serve in His Community was beckon and was appointed as the New Ohi of Okengwe, Okene on the 18th of October 2021 by His Excellency Alh Yahaya Adoza Bello.

He was on terminal leave before he's retirement as a military officer when his appointment came and finally retired early

2022.

Alh Ahmed Tijani Anaje was presented staff (First Class Status) of office as the paramount Ruler hi of Okengwe-Ehi on 5th

March 2022 by His Excellency Alh Yahaya Bello after the state Government Considered it necessary to Separate the Stool into

Ohi of Okenqwe- Ehi and Ohi of Okene

Alh Ahmed Tijani Anaje is happily married with Children.

Bitcoin Surpasses Ethereum in Latest NFT Sales

As Azuki take Ethereum’s NFT Market to New Heights

By James Oloruntoba

The recent developments have sparked optimism about the emergence of a robust and credible market for anime brands within the NFT space. This positive outlook has manifested in a noteworthy 30% surge in Azuki’s floor price, as observed by AZC News using data from NFT Floor Price. Trading activity within the collection has also witnessed a substantial increase, contributing to the overall upswing in NFT sales on the Ethereum blockchain.

Meanwhile, After a hiatus of almost four weeks, Ethereum has regained its dominance in the NFT market, with Azuki emerging as the key catalyst behind the surge in NFT sales on the platform.Can Azuki Spark a Renaissance in Ethereum’s NFT Ecosystem?

Amidst a somewhat lackluster period for Ethereum [ETH] non-fungible token (NFT) enthusiasts, there came a reason to celebrate.

For a fleeting moment, Ethereum outshone Bitcoin, according to NFT market tracker CryptoSlam’s recent post on X (formerly Twitter) dated January 6^th. The announcement marked the resurgence of Ethereum as the leading blockchain in terms of NFT sales volume, a position it had temporarily lost to Bitcoin [BTC] for nearly four weeks.

Delving into the details, AZC News uncovered a significant upswing in sales volume over the last two days. On January 6^th, the sales figures surged to an impressive $12 million, marking the highest point in a two-week span. Although Ethereum had slipped back to the second spot by the time of publication, the brief surge had not gone unnoticed by keen market observers.

Azuki, a renowned collection, has emerged as a pivotal force driving the surge in NFT sales within the Ethereum ecosystem.

The catalyst for this momentum can be traced back to Azuki’s engagement with Weeb3 Foundation’s posts on the social platform X (formerly Twitter). Speculations about a potential partnership between the two entities began circulating, gaining traction within the community.

Of particular note was a post related to anime that captured widespread attention, leading many to interpret it as a subtle hint about Azuki’s forthcoming token, ANIME. It’s worth mentioning that Azuki had introduced an anime-themed collection of 20,000 NFTs named Elementals last year, though the project faced controversy due to allegations of duplication.

The outcome remains uncertain, leaving open the question of whether Ethereum, propelled by Azuki’s anime-themed initiative, can reclaim its coveted top position.

 

 

5 suspected drug dealers, vandals arrested in Jigawa

Some of the suspects arrested

 By Usman Abubakar

Five suspected criminals have been arrested by the Jigawa State Police Command for various offences in the state. The command’s spokesperson DSP Lawan Shiisu Adam said the police seized a dane gun, a knife, gun powder, charms, cut cable wire, illegal drugs, food items, and more from them.

He said that on 01/01/2024 around 1400hrs, a patrol team from Roni Police Station caught one Abbas Musa ‘m’ 25yrs, and Ibrahim Hassan ‘m’ 22yrs both from Roni LGA, with cable wires that they likely stole.

He said that the suspects admitted to cutting the cable wires from the home of Chairman, Roni Local Government Area. He said that on 02/01/2024 around 0600hrs, one Abubakar Abdussalam ‘m’ from Dansure village Roni LGA told Roni Police Station that on the same day around 0200hrs, some crooks smashed his provision store in Dansure village and ran away with some food items and other valuables.

He said that after getting the report, police detectives went to work and arrested one Kamaluddeen Lawan ‘m’ 22yrs from Dansure village Roni LGA with these items; fifty-one (51) pairs of shoes, twenty-one (21) boxes of chewing gum, thirty-five (35) bars of washing soap, thirteen (13) jars of pomade, nine (9) packs of spaghetti, twenty (20) packs of macaroni, nineteen (19) packs of indomie, fourteen (14) packs of peak milk. He said that the suspect confessed to breaking into the complainant’s shop and taking the items that the complainant recognised.

Police arrest suspect who set church ablaze for preaching against tradition

By Edwin Daniel

Policemen from zone six of Nigeria Police Force have arrested a 44-year-old Ogban Emmanuel who led some youths in Adim town in Biase LGA of Cross River State to set ablaze a church.
Christ Divine Liberation International Ministry is said to have been founded by one Rev. Victor Okon who had petitioned the Assistant Inspector General of Police of zone six command.

The youths were reported to have expressed anger against the church.
They alleged that they were preaching against their traditional practices as well as holding crusade activities in their community when their festival was ongoing.

The prime suspect Ogban Emmanuel told journalists that the incident happened in October 2023.
On interrogation, the prime suspect confessed that, “The petitioner’s church was preaching against their tradition and holding crusades during community festivals and should be set ablaze and demolished.”
In a statement signed by SP Nelson Okpabi, Zone six PRO of Nigeria Police, the suspect also confessed that he personally led the youths to the church.

“They stole offering money and money kept in the pastor’s house before setting the church and bungalow ablaze.
“Effort is in top gear to apprehend the fleeing suspects.”

70 Contestants to emerge for New Ohinoyi of Ebiraland – Official

Palace of the Late Ohinoyi of Ebiraland

A new Ohinoyi of Ebiraland will be announced soon by the Kogi Government, after a committee screened 70 contestants for the position, an official said.

There were reports that the former Ohinoyi, Dr Ado Ibrahim, died on Oct. 29, 2023, following a long illness.

The Secretary of Ebiraland Traditional Council, Alhaji Yunusa Sule, confirmed this in Lokoja on Sunday.

He said that the committee, led by His Royal Highness, Alhaji Isa Musa-Achuja, the Ohi of Eganyi, had completed its task by choosing seven finalists from the 70 applicants.

The seven finalists are: Dr Philip Salawu, ex-Deputy Governor of the state; Barrister Ataba Sani Omolori, ex-Clerk of the National Assembly; and Gen. Yusuf Abubakar Amuda.

The others are: Mr Momoh Shaibu, Prof. Ibrahim Onuwe Abdulmalik, HRH Dr Ahmad Tijani Anaje, and Mr Ahmed Momoh Jimoh.

Sule said that the governor praised the kingmakers’ committee for their work and thanked them for their service.

He said that the state Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, would reveal the chosen one to fill the empty seat of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland this week.

He added that the governor had met with the seven finalists and asked them to show good sportsmanship and back whoever the government picks.

He said that the governor told them that they were all fit for the seat, but only one could have it.

He also said that the governor warned them not to say or do anything that could disturb the peace of the land.

According to reports, there could have been 71 contestants, but the 71st one, a female Professor, Angela Oregwu-Okatahi, was disqualified by the Ebira tradition.

The 70 eligible contestants came from four of the five eligible districts in Ebira land, namely Okewe, Ohema, Erika, Aganiye and Adavi.

But Adavi was excluded because the late Ohinoyi came from there.

The seat of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland was left vacant after Dr Ado Ibrahim died at 95 years old after a long illness.