Author: Naija Daily News

By Deborah Nnamdi The Adamawa State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a 22-year-old commercial tricycle operator, Habubakar Umar, over allegations of sexually assaulting four boys aged between eight and nine. According to a statement issued on Thursday by Police Public Relations Officer, SP Suleiman Nguroje, the suspect, a resident of Rumde Baru in Yola North Local Government Area, was apprehended on May 14, 2025, by officers from the State Intelligence Department. The arrest followed a report filed by the father of two of the victims, who had engaged Umar to transport his children to school. The father alleged…

Nigeria experienced a modest ease in inflation last month, with the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) confirming a drop in the headline inflation rate to 23.71% in April 2025, down from 24.23% in March. The figures, published in the agency’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) update on Thursday, reflect a 0.52 percentage point decrease year-on-year. Month-on-month inflation also saw a notable slowdown. The average price increase for April was recorded at 1.86%, significantly lower than the 3.90% rate observed in March. According to the NBS, this indicates a reduced pace in the rise of consumer prices when compared to the previous…

Over eight suspected kidnappers have been arrested by the Delta State Police Command, which also recovered a total of N4 million in ransom money. The arrests were part of a series of operations aimed at curbing rising criminal activity in the state, Commissioner of Police Abaniwonda Olufemi announced during a press briefing in Asaba. On May 12, officers from the Dragon Patrol Team stopped a gold Toyota Sienna along the Kwale/Ozoro expressway. A search of the vehicle uncovered N3.1 million in cash, leading to the arrest of four suspects. They were later linked to the abduction of a woman in…

Photo: Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu Lagos is set to take centre stage once again as it prepares to host the 2025 edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), following an official announcement by the African Union Commission (AUC) and the International Committee of AFRIMA. The announcement was made during a high-profile event at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where the AFRIMA 2025 calendar was also unveiled. The schedule highlights key activities leading up to the grand finale, which will be held in Lagos from November 25 to 30, 2025. This year’s theme, “Unstoppable Africa,” celebrates…

Popular social media influencer Martins Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has been re-arraigned at the Federal High Court Abuja over allegations of cyberbullying involving top Nigerian celebrities Iyabo Ojo, Tonto Dikeh, and music producer Samklef. VDM faced a five-count charge under the Cybercrime Act 2015, Section 24, relating to the publication of defamatory and offensive content on his Instagram handle @verydarkblackman. He pleaded not guilty to all charges before Justice Musa Liman. Background and Court Proceedings The case was initially brought before Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon in May 2024 but was reassigned following her transfer. The charges were first filed…

The Senate has promised to expose violators of the federal character system of recruiting into Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs). Sen. Allwell Onyesoh (PDP- Rivers) said this at an investigative hearing on Violation of the Federal Character System on recruitment across the various MDAs. Onyesoh urged the MDAs not to hide any documents needed for the investigation. “As enshrined in Section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Federal Character Principle is fundamental to our national cohesion. “It mandates that governance must reflect the diversity of our federation to prevent domination by any one group or region. “Sadly, systemic…

The Court of Appeal has reserved judgment in multiple legal challenges over the outcome of the Edo State governorship election held on September 21, 2024, in which the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner. The three-member panel of the appellate court, led by Justice M.A. Danjuma, announced on Thursday that rulings in the appeals and cross appeals have been reserved, with judgment dates to be communicated to the involved parties. Four Appeals Heard in High-Stakes Edo Election Case The court considered four major legal submissions: All appeals challenge the…

Photo: Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State The Anambra State Government has officially banned the distribution of food, cash, and gifts to street beggars and children in public spaces, especially under the Aroma Bridge in Awka, the state capital. The government also outlawed all forms of public begging, loitering, and street trading beneath bridges in Awka, citing concerns over public safety, urban sanitation, and the image of the capital city. In a statement issued on Thursday, the Managing Director of the Anambra State Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA), Ossy Onuko, said the move aims to maintain order and restore dignity…

By Douglas Maha, Abuja Seplat Energy Plc, Nigeria’s largest indigenous oil and gas exploration company, is on track to exceed its 2023 full-year revenue of $1.1 billion in the first half of 2025, following increased oil production and strategic asset expansion. At its annual general meeting in Lagos on Wednesday, Seplat’s Chief Executive Officer, Roger Brown, announced that the company generated $809 million in revenue during Q1 2025, putting it on course to outperform the previous year’s earnings within just six months. “Our Q1 revenue was $809 million. With a strong second quarter ahead, we expect to surpass last year’s…

The Nasarawa State Police Command has arrested a 21-year-old woman, Fatima Salisu, on suspicion of arms trafficking, acting on credible intelligence reports. According to a statement released on Thursday by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Ramhan Nansel, Salisu was apprehended for allegedly smuggling ammunition through the Keana and Doma areas of Nasarawa State to criminal elements in Katsina, where she resides. Following the tip-off, Commissioner of Police CP Shetima J. Mohammed directed the swift deployment of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit. The operation led to Salisu’s arrest and the seizure of 400 rounds of 7.62x39mm ammunition and 81 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition.…