Category: Fact Check
Yahaya Bello Arraigned, Pleads Not Guilty to ₦80bn Fraud Charges
The immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, has pleaded not guilty to charges of alleged ₦80 billion fraud brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Bello was arraigned before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja on a 19-count charge bordering on money laundering. During the…
68 Journalists Killed in 2024, Majority in Conflict Zones — UNESCO
Kehinde Fajobi The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has reported that 68 journalists and media workers were killed in 2024. This marks the second consecutive year of heightened dangers for those reporting in conflict zones. Over 60 per cent of the fatalities occurred in countries experiencing violent conflicts – the highest percentage…
Edo NCS Command Elevates 109 Officers in Landmark Promotion
A wave of advancement has swept through the Edo State Command of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCS) as 109 officers ascended to new ranks, a move that underscores the commitment of the Service to reward excellence and hard work. The grand decoration ceremony took place in Benin City on the 12th of December, 2024, presided…
Trump Slams Ukraine’s Use of US Missiles, Vows Continued Support
President-elect Donald Trump expressed strong opposition to Ukraine’s use of US-supplied long-range missiles to strike deep into Russian territory, saying in an interview published Thursday that he disagrees “very vehemently” with the tactic. The interview with Time Magazine, in which Trump was named “Person of the Year,” marked a significant moment in his stance on…
First Lady Oluremi Tinubu Reaffirms Commitment to Eradicating Tuberculosis
Senator Oluremi Tinubu, First Lady of Nigeria, on Thursday reiterated her commitment to leading the advocacy against tuberculosis (TB) during the 38th Board Meeting of the Stop TB Partnership Global in Abuja. Addressing representatives from over 62 countries, she emphasized the urgent need for action to eliminate the world’s deadliest infectious disease. The meeting, which…
Troops Neutralize Two Terrorists, Recover Weapons in Zamfara Operation
Troops engaged in Operation Fasan Yamma, targeting cross-border terrorists and bandits in Zamfara State, have successfully neutralized two terrorists during a fierce shootout. Lt. Col. Abubakar Abdullahi, the Coordinator of the Joint Media Coordination Centre, confirmed the development on Thursday, revealing that the operation occurred in the Bambaran Village, Anka Local Government Area. The operation…
Senate Moves to Arrest Julius Berger MD Over Road Project Delays
The Senate Committee on Works has resolved to issue a warrant of arrest for Peer Lubasch, the Managing Director of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, following his failure to respond to a summons regarding the use of funds allocated for the reconstruction of the Calabar-Odukpani-Itu highway. The motion for arrest was sponsored by Senators Osita Ngwu…
Benue Assembly Orders Lobi Stars to Sack Technical Crew Over Poor Form
The Benue State House of Assembly has directed Lobi Stars Football Club to sack its technical crew if the team fails to win their next three matches in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL). The directive was issued during a plenary session on Thursday, with Terkimbi Ikyange, the state’s commissioner for sports, and the management…
AGF Fagbemi Warns LGA Chairpersons Against Tampering with Funds
Lateef Fagbemi, the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, has warned Local Government Area (LGA) chairpersons against tampering with public funds, stating that those found guilty would be prosecuted. Speaking on Thursday at the 2024 Annual Conference of the National Association of Judiciary Correspondents (NAJUC) in Abuja, Fagbemi addressed the aftermath of…
Ekiti Airport Gains NCAA Approval for Non-Scheduled Flights December 15
Ekiti State’s Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport (EAICA) has officially been granted approval by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to commence non-scheduled flight operations, beginning December 15, 2024. The approval, conveyed through a letter dated December 11, 2024, was addressed to Ekiti Governor Biodun Oyebanji. According to a statement from Yinka Oyebode, the governor’s media…
Funke Akindele Threatens Pirates With Arrest Ahead of Movie Release
Nollywood star Funke Akindele has issued a strong warning to potential pirates as her latest movie, Everybody Loves Jenifa, prepares to hit cinemas on Friday, December 13. In a video posted on her Instagram account, the award-winning actress cautioned viewers against recording or sharing unauthorized clips of the movie, emphasizing the damaging effects of piracy…
EFCC Urges Court to Dismiss Emefiele’s Application Challenging Jurisdiction
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has called on Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Lagos State Special Offences Court in Ikeja to dismiss an application filed by former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele, which challenges the court’s jurisdiction. During Thursday’s proceedings, EFCC counsel Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) argued that the application lacked…
Chelsea Cruise Past Astana for Fifth Straight Conference League Win
Chelsea continued their perfect run in the Europa Conference League on Thursday, defeating FC Astana 3-1 in Almaty to secure their fifth consecutive victory in the competition. The win leaves the Blues top of the league phase standings with 15 points, virtually guaranteeing a top-eight finish and automatic qualification for the round of 16. The…
NEC Postpones Deliberations on State Police Establishment to January
The National Economic Council (NEC) has postponed deliberations on the establishment of state police until January 2025, following extensive discussions during its recent meeting chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima. The meeting, held at the State House, was attended by governors, deputy governors, ministers, and other presidential aides. Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, while…
Lookman, Nnadozie Lead Nigeria’s Quest for Glory at 2024 CAF Awards
Nigerian football stars Ademola Lookman, and Chiamaka Nnadozie headline the country’s aspirations at the 2024 CAF Awards, set to take place on Monday, December 16, in Marrakesh, Morocco. Both players are on the final shortlist in their respective categories, with Nnadozie also contesting for two awards. Chiamaka Nnadozie, the Super Falcons’ goalkeeper and Paris FC…
36 Govs Back State Police Proposal, Says Gov Uba Sani
Kehinde Fajobi Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has announced that a majority of the 36 state governors support the establishment of state police in Nigeria. Speaking after the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting, chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Governor Sani revealed that only the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) had yet to submit its…
FG to Prosecute Officials Diverting LG Allocations
Kehinde Fajobi The Federal Government has vowed to prosecute elected officials colluding with governors to divert funds meant for Nigeria’s 774 local government areas (LGAs). Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, made this announcement on Thursday during the Abuja Chapter’s Annual General Conference of the National Association of Judiciary Correspondents…
Military Retires 656 Officers
Kehinde Fajobi After 35 years of dedicated service, the Nigerian military retired 656 senior non-commissioned officers (SNCOs) on Thursday, following a six-month demilitarisation training at the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC), Oshodi. The retirees included 535 soldiers from the Nigerian Army, 86 from the Navy, 35 from the Air Force, and two from the…
Gov Yusuf Reshuffles Cabinet, Abolishes Chief of Staff Position
Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf has undertaken a major cabinet reshuffle, scraping the Chief of Staff (CoS) position and relieving Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Abdullahi Bichi of his duties. Announcing the decision during a press briefing on Thursday, the Governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa, revealed that the changes aim to realign the administration…
We’re Working to Improve Quality of Life in Rivers — Fubara
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving the quality of life for residents by providing essential services that foster unity and promote sustainable development. Governor Fubara made the pledge during the inauguration of the 6.55km Okania-Ogbogoro-Mgbaraja (and Mgbuoba) Roads Project in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area on Thursday. The road,…