Author: Vincent Osuwo

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has launched the VGS—VIGISCOPE application, which would provide a swift emergency reporting and response mechanism for schools across the country. According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Ogiun State Police Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, Egbetokun launched the app at the conclusion of a two-day seminar held from November 26 to 27, 2024, to launch the Safe School Protection Squad. Odutola added that the app acts as a responsive alarm system linked to a central headquarters in Abuja, capable of spotting emergencies and coordinating swift actions. She stated, “It enhances technical…

The House of Representatives resolved on Wednesday to invite the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso, and the CEOs of commercial banks to appear before it to propose solutions to the challenges posed by a lack of documentation among Point of Sale users across the country.  The House passed the resolution after considering and adopting a motion moved by John Okafor, member of the Ehime/Mbano/Uboma/Obowo Federal Constituency, Imo State, at Wednesday’s session. The legislator lobbied his colleagues for support for the proposal, citing the growing issues associated with unauthorised POS users in Nigeria. He mentioned that…

The self-acclaimed Prime Minister of Biafra, Simon Ekpa, who was arrested in Finland for alleged terrorism-related actions, is expected to stand trial in May 2025, according to Finnish officials.  Mikko Laaksonen, a senior detective superintendent at Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation, revealed on Tuesday that the district court has set a May 2025 deadline for prosecutors to bring criminal charges against Ekpa. Last Monday, the Finnish government announced the arrest of Ekpa and four others on suspicion of terrorist-related crimes such as incitement to violence and terrorism financing. Finnish police stated that Ekpa, the self-proclaimed Prime Minister of the Biafra…

Justice Maryanne Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja ruled that former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello be remanded in the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s custody.  The judge also deferred the hearing on his bail application until December 10, 2024. Bello and two others, Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalam Hudu, are facing 16 charges brought by the EFCC. The defendants were charged with conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and possession of unlawfully obtained goods. Justice Anenih set the date to rule on the defendant’s bail application after hearing arguments for and against it from Bello’s lawyer, Joseph…

Gunmen kidnapped three people at the Innoson Motorcycle Showroom on the Onitsha-Owerri Road in Nnewi, Anambra State’s Nnewi North Local Government Area.  According to eyewitnesses, the incident occurred late Tuesday while the victims were driving along the road. One of the sources said, “The three persons were in a vehicle when armed men suddenly blocked them with their vehicle. They ordered the victims to alight, and as they alighted, they forced them into their vehicle and immediately zoomed off. “One of the gunmen entered into their victims’ vehicle and also drove off and drove behind the other vehicle the victims…

China and Mexico reacted on Tuesday after President-elect Donald Trump vowed to launch a trade war against the United States’ top three economic allies.  Trump issued his warning on social media, proposing massive import duties against neighbours Canada and Mexico, as well as rival China, if they do not stop illegal immigration and drug smuggling into the United States. China reacted that “no one will win a trade war,” while Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum warned that “for every tariff, there will be a response in kind.” A Canadian government source claimed Prime Minister Justin Trudeau contacted Trump and had a…

The Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has approved free bus services for the state’s residents through the Edo City Transport Service. According to a press statement published on Tuesday by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, the initiative is part of the Okpebholo administration’s effort to solidify its strategic direction. The free bus service, according to the statement, will cover Benin City and the state’s three senatorial districts (intra and intercity lines) and is part of the governor’s commitment to improving the welfare of all Edo residents. The statement added, “The bus services will ease the transportation stress. Our…

Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has pleaded not guilty to the 16-count charge levelled against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over his involvement in an alleged N110 billion fraud. Bello was arraigned on Wednesday before Justice Maryanne Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja. Bello, who was declared wanted by the anti-graft agency in April over an alleged N110bn fraud, was finally grilled after all efforts to have him arrested and stand trial proved abortive. The former governor on Tuesday submitted himself to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, in company…

Dr. Faustine Ndugulile, the World Health Organisation’s Africa Regional Director-elect, reportedly died on Wednesday, November 27, 2024. Ndugulile, born in 1969, was a Tanzanian politician and well-known public health expert. Ndugulile was nominated as the next Regional Director of the WHO African Region in August 2024, succeeding Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, who had previously served two five-year terms. African member states decided to nominate Ndugulile at the 74th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa, which was held in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo. His candidacy was intended to be submitted for appointment during the 156th session of the WHO Executive Board,…

Nigerian singer Darlington Okoye, also known as Speed Darlington, was arrested by the Nigeria Police Force in Owerri, the capital of Imo State.  Adeyanju, the singer’s lawyer, confirmed the arrest in a post on his official X page on Wednesday. Adeyanju stated that his client was arrested while performing at a show in Owerri, just days after returning to the country. He wrote, “Our client, Speed Darlington, a.k.a. AKPI, has been arrested by the Nigeria Police in Owerri at his show upon return to Nigeria.” However, the reason for his arrest remains unknown at the time of filing this report.…