Author: Naija Daily News

By Deborah Nnamdi Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have dismantled a child trafficking syndicate in Jos, the plateau state capital. The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a statement on Monday, said the Force Intelligence Response Team successfully dismantled a child-trafficking syndicate allegedly led by one Pastor Dayo Bernard of End Time Army Ministry, Bukuru, Plateau State. During the operation, five children aged between 2 and 4, who had been abducted from various homes in Jos, Plateau State, were rescued. He said, “Similarly, police operatives apprehended a child-trafficking syndicate led by one Pastor Dayo Bernard, male, of…

By Deborah Nnamdi A former Director of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Dr Titus Okunrounmu, has advised the Federal Government to strategically reduce the cost of governance in 2025. Okunrounmu advised in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Monday in Ota, Ogun, noting that the high cost of governance had led to increased recurrent expenditure. The former director of research at the CBN said that debt servicing by the Federal Government had consequently increased from N9.8 trillion in 2023 to N12.1 trillion in 2024. He said that the Federal Government should only borrow for capital expenditure to…

By Deborah Nnamdi The factional Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Rivers State, Tony Okocha, has denied reports circulating on social media claiming that he has defected from the camp of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, to align with Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The rumors began after a photo appeared online at the weekend showing Okocha seated alongside the Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Chijioke Ihunwo. The ongoing political crisis in Rivers State has caused a division among political figures, cutting across party lines. While some have aligned with Fubara, others remain loyal…

By Deborah Nnamdi Aloy Ejimakor, lead counsel to Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, on Monday, said the travails of the agitator are adversely impacting his family. Ejimakor in his post on X.com said: “Let this be clear, The travails of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu impact most on members of his immediate family who are the frontline stakeholders and thus better placed to act in his best interest. “Those working against every move made by his family members are working against #MNK.” This is coming after Kanu’s brother, Kanunta, accused President Bola Tinubu of reneging on his…

Germany has launched a new online platform to simplify the visa application process for Nigerians seeking to work, study, or join family members in the country. Germany’s Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock described the online visa application portal as a positive development that will help the country meet its demand for skilled workers. “Every year, Germany is short of at least 400,000 skilled workers. 400,000 clever minds and even more agile hands to keep our country running in the skilled crafts sector, the care sector, and tech companies. Our national economy is also in a global competition to attract trainees, apprentices,…

By Deborah Nnamdi Gunmen in Zamfara State have reportedly imposed a N172.7 million levy on 25 villages in the Tsafe West area, driving hundreds of residents from their homes in fear of violent reprisals. According to reports from Zagazola Makama, a counterinsurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, the gunmen, allegedly led by notorious bandit leader Danisuhu, have also demanded in-kind contributions such as bags of soybeans from the affected communities. The targeted villages and their respective levies include Gijinzama (N8.5 million), Dakolo (N5 million and 20 bags of soybeans), Gunja (N7 million), Kauyen Kane (N5 million), and Kurar…

Photo: unrelated gas explosion incident By Deborah Nnamdi The Rivers State Police Command has said that 18 persons were severely injured in a gas explosion that occurred in the Oroazi community, Port Harcourt. The incident occurred on Sunday evening at a gas refilling shop, causing significant damage to nearby buildings. SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the command’s spokesperson, confirmed the incident during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday. According to her, “Yes, I can confirm that the explosion was caused by a welder repairing a refrigerator.” “The technician was using a gas cylinder to weld while simultaneously…

By Deborah Nnamdi Gunmen in Zamfara State have reportedly imposed a N172.7 million levy on 25 villages in the Tsafe West area, driving hundreds of residents from their homes in fear of violent reprisals. According to reports from Zagazola Makama, a counterinsurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, the gunmen, allegedly led by notorious bandit leader Danisuhu, have also demanded in-kind contributions such as bags of soybeans from the affected communities. The targeted villages and their respective levies include Gijinzama (N8.5 million), Dakolo (N5 million and 20 bags of soybeans), Gunja (N7 million), Kauyen Kane (N5 million), and Kurar…

By Deborah Nnamdi The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA has announced the arrest of a US-trained Hollywood and Nollywood filmmaker, Emeka Emmanuel Mbadiwe, who is also a motivational speaker. Mbadiwe was arrested in his hotel room in Lekki after the arrest of his partner, Uzoekwe Ugochukwu James, earlier that same day at a warehouse in Ajao Estate, Ikeja. According to a statement by NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, on Sunday, January 5, James was sent by Mbadiwe to retrieve a shipment of 33 parcels of “Loud,” a potent strain of cannabis weighing 17.30 kilograms. The shipment…

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, have arrested a wanted drug Kingpin and Lagos socialite, Alhaja Aishatu Feyisara Ajoke Elediye, on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, at her mansion in the Okota area of Lagos, following the interception of a truckload of illicit drug consignment from her staff same day. A statement by the agency’s spokesperson, Femi Babafemi on Sunday, January 5, said the 61-year-old Alhaja Ajoke who is known as “Iya Ruka” in the underworld had her true identity shrouded in mystery for years while she remained on the wanted list of the NDLEA for leading one…