Author: Agency Reporter

A Nigerian doctor convicted of rape and sexual assault has been acquitted by the appeal court. Femi Olaleye, a Lagos-based doctor, was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment by the high court on a two-count charge of defilement and sexual assault by penetration of his wife’s 16-year-old niece. However, the Court of Appeal on Friday discharged and acquitted him. The appellant was freed after challenging his conviction and life imprisonment sentence. Mr Olaleye, the medical director of Optimal Cancer Care, was arraigned in 2022 by the Lagos State Government at the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court, in Ikeja, Lagos.…

Chad has ended an agreement with France aimed at strengthening cooperation in security and defence between the two nations.“The Government of the Republic of Chad informs national and international opinion of its decision to terminate the defence cooperation agreement signed with the French Republic,” a statement issued by the Foreign Ministry on Thursday said.The statement, signed by Foreign Minister Abderaman Koulamallah, said that after decades of independence, it is time for the country to “assert its full sovereignty and to redefine its strategic partnerships according to national priorities.”It said the decision to terminate the agreement, which was revised in September…

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has said that fleet operators play a vital role in achieving zero road accidents in the country.The Corps Marshal of the FRSC, Malam Shehu Mohammed, said this during the annual Safety Manager Retreat on Thursday in Abuja, with theme entitled: “Driver Management: Enhancing Safety Through Technology.”The FRSC boss said that drivers were vital part of every transport business – as they also played the most crucial role in the transportation process.“Driving can be daunting, so drivers should be encouraged by implementing policies to make their work easier.“The recruitment of drivers – which is foundational…

The Federal Government (FG) has urged fleet operators to take advantage of technology to enhance safety and reduce road accidents in Nigeria.The Minister of Transportation, Sen. Saidu Alkali, gave the advice during the Annual Safety Manager Retreat, organised by Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Abuja, which had the theme: “Driver Management: Enhancing Safety Through Technology.”Alkali, represented by Mr Abubakar Usman, the Transport Director at the Ministry, said that technology had a crucial role to play in reducing road accidents and improving fleet efficiency.He also urged fleet operators to take advantage of innovations such as telematics and advanced driver assistance…

The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, has expressed optimism that the Gulf of Guinea (GoG) nations are ready to work together to tackle insecurity in the region.Ogalla disclosed this at the end of the 8th edition of the Symposium of Heads of Navies and Coastguards in the GoG, on maritime environment in Abuja.The symposium with the theme “Maritime Security and Sustainable Development in the Gulf of Guinea” is hosted by the Nigerian Navy in partnership with the European Union (EU) and the French Navy.He said the meeting had recorded tremendous success, adding that the 8th edition…

Chief Uche Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, has said the Federal Government will soon commence the regulation and licensing of players in the space ecosystem for more revenues generation.Nnaji said this at the inauguration of the Advanced Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Laboratory (AUAVL) of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) in Abuja on Thursday.The inauguration of the laboratory was part of the activities to celebrate 25th Anniversary of Nigeria in Space.Nnaji stated that there were lots of illegalities in the oil and gas sector and different sectors of the economy which satellite technology could detect and address.“Very…

Ukraine on Friday said Russia launched over a hundred drones overnight, wounding at least eight people in the latest in an intensifying string of attacks on the war-torn country.The wave of attacks comes a day after Russia launched around 90 missiles on Ukraine, cutting power to over a million people.Ukraine’s air force said in a statement that Russia fired 132 drones, out of which “88 drones were shot down” and “41 were lost, presumably due to defence countermeasures.” It did not specify what happened to the remainder.Drones were destroyed over a dozen regions, including above the southern region of Odesa.”Seven…

THE National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) issued a public health warning on Thursday evening regarding the circulation of a “counterfeit” malaria medication.The drug, Combiart Dispersible Tablets (20/120 mg), “is manufactured by Strides Arcolab Limited, based in India. The product was discovered in FCT and Rivers State during surveillance activities,” NAFDAC said in a series of posts on X.Strides Arcolab Limited has not reacted to the development.The drug contains zero active ingredients, rendering it ineffective in treating malaria, NAFDAC added.Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by parasites that are transmitted to people through the bites of…

A public analyst and media entrepreneur, Dr Joseph Effiong has lauded the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for its unwavering commitment to fighting corruption, citing the commission’s efforts in the ongoing case involving embattled former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello.Effiong said EFCC’s doggedness in pursuing justice and accountability in a high-profile case of such ignites hopes in present government and the rule of law.Bello is facing multiple corruption charges, including money laundering. He is presently being held on remand after reporting to the EFCC earlier in the week.Effiong particularly lauded the EFCC’s helmsman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede for demonstrating…

The Federal Government on Thursday asked wealthy Nigerians to support it to lift the nation’s education sector.The Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Alausa, made the appeal at the inauguration of a Senate building donated by Chief Wole Olanipekun, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), to the Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology (BOUESTI), Ikere-Ekiti.Alausa said that the responsibility of funding education should not be left in the hands of government alone and appealed to wealthy Nigerians to emulate Olanipekun by giving back to society.He commended Olanipekun, a former National President of the Nigeran Bar Association (NBA) for the donation.The…