Author: Adejuyigbe Francis

American Woman Released By Taliban After Detention In Afghanistan. An American woman, Faye Hall, who was detained in Afghanistan, has been released by the Taliban, according to a social media post by a former U.S. ambassador. Her release comes just days after the United States lifted multimillion-dollar bounties on three senior Taliban officials. Zalmay Khalilzad, the former U.S. ambassador to Afghanistan and Iraq, confirmed Ms. Hall’s release on Saturday, sharing an image of her seated between two men and smiling. He stated that she was now in the care of Qatari officials in Kabul and would soon return home.…

CHRICED Urges INEC To Resist Political Interference In Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Recall. The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to resist any form of political interference in the recall petition against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. In a statement on Friday, CHRICED’s Executive Director, Comrade Ibrahim Zikirullahi, described the recall attempt as a politically motivated move by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi State. He expressed concerns that INEC appears to be yielding to political pressure from those orchestrating the recall. Zikirullahi urged the electoral body to uphold…

Saudi Arabia Confirms Shawwal Crescent Sighting, Eid al-Fitr To Be Celebrated On Sunday. Saudi Arabia has announced the sighting of the Shawwal crescent, confirming that Eid al-Fitr will be celebrated on Sunday, 30th March 2025. The announcement was made via Haramain’s official Facebook page, a recognised platform for the global Muslim community. The statement read: “The crescent moon for the month of Shawwal 1446 was sighted in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, Eid Al Fitr will be celebrated on Sunday, March 30, 2025.” Meanwhile, the Federal Government of Nigeria has declared Monday, 31st March, and Tuesday, 1st April, as public…

Wike Did Not Collapse In Abuja, Aide Debunks Rumours. Lere Olayinka, the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed reports claiming that his principal collapsed in Abuja. Rumours circulating on X (formerly Twitter) alleged that Wike collapsed at an event on Friday and was rushed to an undisclosed hospital in France for treatment. However, Olayinka described the report as false. The denial comes amid ongoing political tension in Rivers State, where Wike, the former governor, is embroiled in a dispute with suspended Governor Siminalayi…

Police Arraign Biola Adams-Odutayo Over Death Of Software Engineer, Adetunji Opayele. The Lagos State Police Command has arraigned Biola Adams-Odutayo, the driver accused of causing the death of Adetunji Opayele, popularly known as Teejay, in court. In a statement issued today, the police confirmed that a thorough investigation had been conducted, leading to the defendant being charged on two counts related to the fatal accident. Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, extended his condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased, acknowledging the tragic nature of the incident. “The Lagos State Police Command wishes…

Tinubu Signs Investments And Securities Act 2024 Into Law. President Bola Tinubu has signed the Investments and Securities Act (ISA) 2024 into law, repealing the previous Investments and Securities Act No. 29 of 2007. This new legislation strengthens Nigeria’s capital market, enhances investor protection, and introduces key reforms to promote transparency, integrity, and sustainable growth. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced the development in a statement on Saturday, reaffirming its role as the apex regulator of Nigeria’s capital market. The Act aligns the country’s market operations with international best practices, positioning it as a more competitive destination for…

Fubara Denies Allegations Of Bombing And Pipeline Attacks. Suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has dismissed allegations linking him to attacks on oil pipelines, the bombing of the State Assembly complex, and an alleged plot to unseat President Bola Tinubu. The claims were made by the former Head of Service, Dr George Nwaeke, in a statement aired on Channels Television. Nwaeke alleged that Fubara was behind several security breaches in the state, including orchestrating explosions and working towards a political agenda for 2027. However, in a swift response, Fubara issued a statement titled Ignore Nwaeke’s False Claims, describing the…

Peter Obi Dismisses Claims Of Joining APC. Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has denied rumours suggesting he is planning to join the All Progressives Congress (APC). Obi addressed the speculation in a post on X, refuting claims that his name was mentioned at an APC gathering. He emphasised his commitment to ethical politics, stating: “Let me make it unequivocally clear: I do not engage in toxic politics, blackmail, or any form of political manipulation. My name should not be associated with such narratives. “For the avoidance of doubt, both now and in the future, I am not a…

Devastating Earthquake In Myanmar Claims Over 1,600 Lives. A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake has struck Myanmar, claiming the lives of more than 1,600 people and leaving thousands injured. The tremors were felt in neighbouring countries, including Thailand, where several buildings collapsed. Rescue efforts are underway as hundreds remain trapped under the rubble. In Mandalay, the city closest to the earthquake’s epicentre, at least 90 people are believed to be buried beneath a collapsed apartment block. A Red Cross official confirmed the ongoing rescue operations, with teams working tirelessly to pull survivors from the debris. In Bangkok, Thailand, at least 50…

Amaechi Comments On Rivers State Political Dispute. Former Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, has claimed that the ongoing disagreement between the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, is primarily about financial matters. Amaechi made this statement during an interview with DW on Saturday, expressing his views on the political crisis affecting the state. He also criticised the emergency ruling on Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu, describing it as unconstitutional. “The fight between the current governor of Rivers State and the FCT minister is about sharing money. If not, what…

MultiChoice Faces Subscriber Drop But Remains Resilient Amid Economic Challenges. MultiChoice, Africa’s premier pay TV provider, has experienced a significant decline in its subscriber base, falling from over 23 million to 19.3 million in under two years. The staggering loss of 3.7 million subscribers has sent shockwaves through the industry, highlighting the mounting pressures facing the entertainment giant. The downturn is largely attributed to a tough economic climate across the continent, where soaring living costs have compelled many households to tighten their belts and axe non-essential expenses like pay TV subscriptions. In Nigeria, for instance, inflation has surged past…

Kenya Goalkeeper Patrick Matasi Suspended Amid Match-Fixing Investigation. Kenya goalkeeper Patrick Matasi has been provisionally suspended from all football activities for 90 days as authorities investigate allegations of match manipulation. The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) announced the decision on Thursday evening, just hours after confirming the launch of an inquiry into the 37-year-old’s alleged involvement in match-fixing. Allegations and Investigation The case emerged after a video surfaced online, appearing to show Matasi agreeing to influence the outcome of a game. However, the authenticity of the footage remains unverified. Matasi, who plays for Kenyan Premier League side Kakamega Homeboyz, has…