Author: Alade Adisa

Ojochenemi Onje, a BusinessDay newspaper’s defence correspondent was on Friday abducted. She was abducted by kidnappers commonly called “one chance operators” on her way from office in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Meanwhile, she has regained her freedom from the kidnappers. The female journalist’s freedom was confirmed on Saturday morning by some of her colleagues. Though, it is not clear whether any ransom was paid to secure her release. No statement on the development from authorities as at the time of filing this report.

… Dismantles drug syndicate run by Chinese man The head of a cocaine distribution cartel, Ndive Maxwell Obinna, has been arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA. The 42-year-old was arrested with five of his associates at Ago Palace Way in Okota, Isolo, Lagos. A total of 2.412 kilograms of cocaine were recovered from them. Other members of the drug trafficking organization arrested along Obinna include: Okeke Gloria Ifeoma who is the syndicate’s stash keeper; Ikechebelu Emmanuel Chibuzor; Okorie Onyedikachi; Okonkwo Nnabugo Prince; and Okafor Blessing Anita. Chinese man’s cartel dismantled In a related development, another…

IA good news has come the way of Nigerians as the Dangote Petroleum Refinery announced on Sunday that it has reduced the price of its Premium Motor Spirit from N990 per litre to N970/litre. According to a Punch report, this is the amount marketers would buy the product from the refinery. The Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer of the Dangote Group, Anthony Chiejina, in a statement released on Sunday, said the reduction was to appreciate Nigerians as the year ends. The statement read, “As the year comes to an end, this is our way of appreciating the good people…

The founder of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele has alerted Nigerian security operatives about an impending attack on traditional rulers in the country. In a statement signed by his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, Primate Ayodele revealed that the terrorists are planning to kidnap Emirs and attack palaces across the country between December and February 2025. He added that there would also be a high influx of attacks on farmers. “There will be attacks against Emirs, farmers, and palaces across the country. They are planning to kidnap Emirs and farmers between December and February next year,” the cleric stated.…

The oldest cleric in Nigeria, Thomas Oleghe, is dead. Oleghe, a Catholic priest, died at the age of 104. According to a statement by Gabriel Dunia, the Bishop of Auchi, Oleghe passed away at approximately 2:30 am on Sunday and will be buried on Wednesday, November 27, 2024. The statement read: “With gratitude to God for a life well lived on earth, I hereby inform you of the passing of the Rt. Rev. MSGR Thomas Oleghe, the oldest Catholic priest in Nigeria as of today, to the great beyond at approximately 2:30 am this morning, November 24, 2024. “He was…

Despite ongoing internal disputes within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Bauchi State governor, Bala Mohammed has reaffirmed the party’s unity, describing it as an indivisible entity dedicated to delivering good governance in Nigeria. Speaking during a strategic meeting of PDP governors held in Jos, Plateau State, on Friday, Mohammed, who also serves as the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, praised party stakeholders for their steadfast support. He emphasized that despite challenges, the PDP remains united and positioned to offer Nigerians hope and effective leadership. Similarly, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang reassured party supporters that PDP governors and key stakeholders…

The Ebonyi State government has arrested six employees of the Ministry of Health for allegedly stealing government property. The suspects were reportedly apprehended on Saturday night at the ministry’s premises while attempting to move the items to points of sale. The governor of the state, Francis Nwifuru disclosed the arrests in a statement issued on Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary, Monday Uzor. Part of the statement read, “Ebonyi State Governor, Chief Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, has ordered the arrest and prosecution of one Mr Ndukwe Ayansi and five others for allegedly diverting materials meant for the State’s Ministry of Health.”…

The Auditor-General of the Federation’s ‘Annual Report on Non-Compliance and Internal Control Weaknesses’ has exposed irregular payments for contracts totalling over N197.72 billion across various ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), raising serious concerns about systemic lapses in financial compliance and procurement processes. The report covers activities between 2020 and 2021. They reveal violations of established financial regulations and procurement laws, with irregularities affecting multiple MDAs. The report was released to assist stakeholders, including the Public Accounts Committees of the National Assembly, in addressing these lapses and recovering the lost funds. One of the key findings in the report revealed irregularities…

Neymar has hit back at “talker” Rodri after the Manchester City star told Vinicius Junior to “pay attention” to become a better footballer. Rodri was named the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner last month, pipping Madrid’s Vinicius Jr to the coveted accolade. After the 28-year-old sent a warning of sorts to the winger, the Brazilian’s compatriot Neymar has come to his aid with a dig at the Spaniard. Rodri said this week: “I think he’s (Vinicius Jr) an intelligent guy and he’ll realize over time that the more he pays attention to the pitch, the better he’ll be. Like everyone, he…

James Maddison scored twice as Tottenham romped to victory over a Manchester City side that has now lost five games in a row for the first time since 2006. Pedro Porro drove home a third before Brennan Johnson added a last minute fourth on an incredible night that saw the end of City’s 52-match unbeaten record at Etihad Stadium, stretching back to just before the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. It is City’s worst home defeat since a 5-1 loss to Tottenham’s north London rivals Arsenal in 2003. It was also the first time they have lost three successive Premier…