Author: Adejuyigbe Francis

NAF Airstrike Eliminates Bandits, Repels Attack In Katsina. The Air Component of Operation FASAN YANMA has successfully eliminated several bandits in an airstrike at Yauni Hill, Zakka Ward of Safana Local Government Area, Katsina State. The operation, conducted on Saturday, also thwarted an attack on personnel of the Police Mobile Force (PMF) and the Katsina State Community Watch Corps, according to a statement released on Monday by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force (NAF), AVM Olusola Akinboyewa. Akinboyewa explained that the airstrike was launched following intelligence reports of a planned terrorist attack on an…

Italian Prime Minister Visits Pope Francis In Hospital Amid Pneumonia Diagnosis. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has visited Pope Francis in hospital following his diagnosis with pneumonia in both lungs. The 88-year-old pontiff was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital on Friday after experiencing a respiratory infection. After her visit, Meloni expressed relief at finding the Pope in good spirits. “I was very happy to have found him alert and responsive. We joked as always. He hasn’t lost his proverbial sense of humour,” she said in a statement. She also conveyed her best wishes for his recovery on behalf of…

CBN Issues New Guidelines On Dormant Accounts And Unclaimed Balances. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has issued a directive to all banks and financial institutions regarding the management of dormant accounts, unclaimed balances, and other financial assets. This directive, outlined in the Guidelines on Management of Dormant Accounts, Unclaimed Balances, and Other Financial Assets in Banks and Other Financial Institutions in Nigeria 2024, mandates financial institutions to publish details of such accounts. According to the circular issued by the CBN’s Financial Policy and Regulation Department on 17 February 2025, banks and other financial institutions are required to disclose…

Afenifere National Youth Council President Kidnapped In Abuja. The Afenifere National Youth Council has confirmed the kidnapping of its National President, Prince Eniola Joseph Ojajuni, in Abuja. The incident, which occurred yesterday, has raised serious concerns about his safety and the growing insecurity in the country. According to a statement from the council, the kidnappers have demanded a ransom of ₦100 million for his release. Prince Ojajuni also sustained a gunshot wound to his buttock during the attack, further heightening fears for his well-being. Prince Ojajuni is widely recognised as a passionate advocate for youth empowerment and development…

Ijaw Leader Chief Edwin Clark Passes Away At 96. Renowned Ijaw leader and elder statesman, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, has passed away at the age of 96. His family confirmed his demise in an official statement released on Monday, 17th February 2025. The statement, signed by Prof. C. C. Clark and Penawei Clark on behalf of the family, read: “The Clark-Fuludu Bekederemo family of Kiagbodo Town, Delta State, wishes to announce the passing of Chief (Dr.) Sen. Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, OFR, CON, on Monday, 17th February 2025.” “The family appreciates your prayers at this time. Other details will…

Peter Obi Condemns Blanket Closure Of Onitsha Head Bridge Market. Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in 2023 and former governor of Anambra State, has strongly criticised the complete shutdown of Onitsha’s Head Bridge Market over allegations of illicit drug trading. The closure, which was prompted by suspected drug sales in a section of the market known as Ogbo Ogwu, has raised serious concerns about its impact on neighbouring markets and the livelihoods of traders. Speaking on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, Mr Obi reiterated his firm stance against the sale of illegal drugs. “One unequivocally condemns such…

Tragic Death Of Commercial Motorcyclist In Zuba, FCT. A 23‐year‐old commercial motorcycle rider, Mubarak Abdullahi, has been brutally murdered by a gang of hoodlums in the Zuba area of the Federal Capital Territory. The fatal attack occurred around 5am on Nitel-Pole Road, which links Zuba to Madalla town. Abdullahi, a native of Madalla in the Suleja Local Government Area of Niger State, was discovered by a neighbour who promptly alerted his younger brother, Bello Abdullahi. “I was informed by a neighbour that my brother was seen lying around Nitel-Pole Road, so I rushed to the scene at about 7am,”…

Missing Osun Monarch Found In FBI Custody Over Alleged $4.2M Fraud. In a surprising turn of events, Oba Joseph Oloyede, the Apetu of Ipetumodu, has been located after being reported missing since March 2024. The traditional ruler was found in the custody of the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), embroiled in allegations of defrauding the U.S. government to the tune of $4.2 million in funds intended for COVID-19 relief. The revelation came to light through sources close to the investigation and has since stirred considerable interest both in Nigeria and among the Nigerian diaspora in the U.S.…

Arsenal Fined £65,000 Over Player Reaction To Lewis-Skelly Red Card. Arsenal have been handed a £65,000 fine by the FA following their players’ conduct during the Premier League clash against Wolverhampton Wanderers on 25 January 2025 at Molineux Stadium. In the 43rd minute of the match, referee Michael Oliver issued a straight red card to 18‐year‐old defender Myles Lewis-Skelly for a foul on Wolves’ Matt Doherty. The decision prompted an immediate protest from several Arsenal players, who surrounded Oliver in an attempt to challenge the call. Despite the red card being overturned on appeal – with Lewis-Skelly’s three-match suspension…

Deadly Clashes Erupt In Osun Over Local Government Control. At least five people were feared dead, and several others sustained injuries in Osun State on Monday following violent clashes over control of local government secretariats. The crisis stemmed from a recent Court of Appeal ruling in Akure, which purportedly reinstated All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmen and councillors who were removed from office in 2022. Tensions escalated as APC members attempted to reclaim local government offices, leading to violent confrontations with the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other opposing groups. The state government maintained that the court’s judgment did…

 Senator Ndume Reacts To Canadian Visa Denial Of Nigeria’s Defence Chief. Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, has reacted to the visa denial of Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, by the Canadian High Commission. Last week, General Musa disclosed that he and other senior military officers were denied visas, preventing them from attending an event in Canada honouring war veterans. Speaking at an event in Abuja, he described the incident as a reminder that Nigeria must strive for self-reliance and should not be taken for granted on the global stage. At the same event, National…

NFF Mourns The Passing Of Former Midfield Star Ayo Ogunlana. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of former Super Eagles midfielder Ayo Ogunlana, who died in Kaduna on Friday after his early-morning walk. NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, paid tribute to the late midfield maestro, recalling his contributions to Nigerian football during the 1980s and his performances at the 1990 Africa Cup of Nations in Algeria. “We are very sad to learn of the sudden passing of Ayo Ogunlana, only a couple of weeks after the demise of another former Eagle, Moses…