Author: bibncollar

By Chinedu AguThere are speeches that sound like statesmanship until events begin to cross-examine them. Then, suddenly, the words that once attracted applause begin to look like exhibits tendered against their maker.Governor Hope Uzodimma’s speech at the swearing-in of Hon. Justice Ijeoma Agugua as Acting Chief Judge of Imo State and Barrister Paul Obinatu as Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice on 26 September 2025 was one such speech. It was solemn, polished, and full of institutional perfume. It spoke of due process, judicial independence, accountability, competence, good governance, and the “last hope of the common man.” For the reader to…

The Commissioner of Police in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Ahmed Mohammed Sanusi, has issued a two-week ultimatum to Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) to eradicate robbery and related crimes within Abuja’s city centre.Sanusi gave the directive during a meeting with 17 DPOs under the Metro Area Command at the weekend. He said the order was part of a broader review of the prevailing security situation and efforts to strengthen operational strategies against emerging threats.The Commissioner expressed concern over the rising incidents of traffic robbery, vehicle snatching, “one-chance” robbery, and motorists driving against traffic (one-way). He also highlighted challenges posed…

Lionel Messi continues to defy age as the 39-year-old superstar edges closer to shattering Miroslav Klose’s all-time World Cup goals record, with defending champions Argentina set to take on Austria in their second Group L match on Monday.The Argentine captain reached 16 World Cup goals after netting a hat-trick in a commanding 3-0 victory over Algeria, drawing level with the German legend. An emotional Messi broke down in tears following his first strike, later linked to news that his father is recovering from a health issue.Despite initial uncertainty over his participation in the 2026 tournament on North American soil, Messi…

The North East Development Commission (NEDC) has raised the alarm over a rising wave of fraudulent activities involving the unauthorized use of its name, logo, and official identity by individuals and organizations seeking to deceive the public.In a strongly worded public disclaimer issued at the weekend, the commission said it had detected several fake websites, social media accounts, and publications falsely presenting themselves as affiliates of the agency, which was established to coordinate reconstruction and development efforts in Nigeria’s insurgency-affected North-east region.“The use of the Commission’s branding, insignia or identity without prior written approval is strictly prohibited,” the NEDC stated.…

Residents of Igboho in Oorelope Local Government Area of Oyo State erupted in celebration following the reported release of a family allegedly abducted by kidnappers in the community.The victims, said to include a pregnant woman, her children, and a sibling, were freed just hours after Yoruba Nation activist Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, issued a two-hour ultimatum demanding their immediate release.Videos circulating on social media captured jubilant scenes as large crowds gathered in the town, singing and dancing in relief at the family’s safe return.As of the time of reporting, the exact circumstances leading to the release…

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially declared Prof. Dayo Faduyile of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the Ondo South Senatorial District bye-election held on Saturday.Faduyile, a former National President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and current Special Adviser on Health Matters to Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, polled a commanding 68,474 votes to defeat his closest rival, Adeolu Akinwunmi of the Allied People’s Movement (APM), who garnered just 1,411 votes. Other candidates trailed far behind: Adesanya Olaoluwa of the Action People’s Party (APP) scored 213 votes, while Clement Funso-Nejo of the Boot Party…

Direct negotiations between the United States and Iran began in Switzerland on Sunday, despite Tehran’s renewed claim that it has closed the Strait of Hormuz in response to alleged violations of a recently signed ceasefire agreement.The talks, aimed at solidifying an initial US-Iran deal to halt regional hostilities, come just days after both sides committed to ending the conflict, including fighting in Lebanon and to pursue a comprehensive settlement over the next 60 days.US Vice President JD Vance arrived early Sunday for the latest round of discussions, joining an Iranian delegation led by parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign…

Mrs. Helen Prest Ajayi and her daughter, Tomisin Ajayi, have filed an appeal against the June 17 judgment of the Lagos State High Court that declared Mrs. Adenike Oluyemisi Ajayi the sole lawful widow of the late Dr. Tosin Ajayi, founder of First Foundation Hospital.The appeal, lodged at the Court of Appeal, Lagos Division, seeks to overturn the decision delivered by Justice Oluwatoyin Odusanya in the protracted legal battle over the administration and distribution of the deceased medical practitioner’s estate.In the ruling under challenge, Justice Odusanya held that Adenike Ajayi’s statutory marriage to the late Dr. Ajayi was never dissolved,…

Brian Brobbey and Cody Gakpo both scored braces as the Netherlands produced a commanding performance to dismantle Sweden in their Group F clash.The Oranje took control from the opening minutes and never looked back, dictating the tempo and leaving Sweden chasing shadows for large portions of the contest. The breakthrough came as early as the fifth minute when Brian Brobbey opened the scoring, setting the tone for what would become a one-sided affair.Brobbey doubled the Netherlands’ advantage in the 17th minute, finishing clinically from a Denzel Dumfries delivery to make it 2-0. The young striker’s brace not only put his…

West Africa’s largest carrier, Air Peace, has received formal approval from Brazil’s National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) to operate scheduled international passenger, cargo, and mail services between the two countries.The authorisation, outlined in ANAC Ordinance No. 19.449/2026, marks a significant milestone in Air Peace’s ambitious push to establish itself as a major global airline. It paves the way for direct air links between Nigeria and Brazil, a route long sought to strengthen historical, cultural, and commercial ties between the two nations.The development comes as the Nigerian carrier rapidly broadens its international footprint. Air Peace has already applied to authorities in…