Author: Helen Okechukwu

The Lagos State Police Command confirmed that a gospel musician has been taken into custody following the discovery of the bodies inside a studio located within the HFP Shopping Complex along the Abraham Adesanya corridor. Those who lost their lives were identified as Mathew Ogundele, Itunu Ogundele, Joseph Sanya and Mathew Awosanya. Police said three of the deceased were members of the musician’s band, while the fourth was a blogger contracted to handle publicity for an upcoming three-day birthday music concert. Investigations revealed that the group had gathered at the studio for preparations and decided to remain there overnight. By…

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has cautioned Nigerians against the use and distribution of an unauthorised and unregistered brand of Risperdal 2 mg tablets currently circulating in the country, with confirmed reports from Kaduna State. In a public alert shared on Saturday, the agency disclosed that the affected Risperdal 2 mg tablet batch was not approved for sale or distribution in Nigeria. Johnson & Johnson, the Marketing Authorisation Holder for Risperdal, confirmed that the product was illegally diverted into the Nigerian market after being manufactured for distribution in Turkey. NAFDAC explained that investigations by…

Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH) has reinforced its partnership with the Rivers State Ministry of Health in advancing cancer prevention, awareness, and early detection, as the hospital marked the 2025 World Cancer Day within its premises. According to the post shared on Thursday, the commemoration, held under the global theme “United by Unique,” featured an awareness walk and an interactive health education session aimed at promoting informed choices and early health-seeking behaviour among staff and members of the hospital community. Speaking through the Deputy Chief Medical Director, Dr Simon Uriah, the Chief Medical Director of RSUTH, Prof. Chizindu Alikor,…

The naira strengthened sharply at the official foreign exchange market on Tuesday, appreciating by 1.3% to close at N1,372.91 per dollar, reflecting improving liquidity and stronger supply conditions in the FX market, says Aboki Forex platform. Data from the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NAFEM) showed the local currency gained N17.45 from the previous day’s close of N1,390.36/$1. During intraday trading, the naira rallied further, with the dollar briefly falling to as low as N1,360 before settling around N1,367. In contrast, activity in the parallel market remained largely unchanged, as the naira traded flat at about N1,450 to the dollar. This…

For the first time in over three years, global health agencies have restarted preventive cholera vaccination campaigns, after a significant boost in vaccine supply. The World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, announced the move on Wednesday through a shared document, signalling a major step in the fight against the deadly waterborne disease. Mozambique is leading the comeback, launching the first preventive campaign since 2022, when global shortages forced authorities to halt vaccinations. The country’s efforts come amid ongoing cholera outbreaks and the aftermath of floods that affected more than 700,000 people, damaging…

The Bayelsa State Government has taken a major step towards improving safety and emergency healthcare delivery on its waterways with the deployment of newly acquired water ambulances by the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy. The Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. (Mrs.) Faith Zibs-Godwin, made this known while addressing journalists in Yenagoa, shortly after the arrival of the specialised marine vessels. She explained that the introduction of water ambulances is aimed at strengthening rapid medical response across riverine and coastal communities where access to health facilities is often limited by difficult terrain. The initiative according to commissioner reflects…

The Rivers State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its ongoing fight against kidnapping and violent crime with the arrest of two suspected members of a kidnap syndicate operating within the state, leading to the recovery of N2.38 million believed to be part of ransom proceeds. The arrest followed credible intelligence received by operatives of the Anti-Cultism Unit (ACU), Emohua Annex, who intercepted the suspects along the Ozuzu/Apara Link Road in Etche Local Government Area (LGA) on 22 January, 2026, at about 8:49pm. The suspects, identified as Abdullahi Ibrahim, 23, from Avara LGA of Nasarawa State, and Mohammed…

The Bayelsa State Police Command has intensified its investigation into the death of Patrick Peresoudei by interrogating four personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and declaring a manhunt for the prime suspect, Bodmas Kemepadei, who is currently at large. The move follows growing public concern over the circumstances surrounding Peresoudei’s death on January 30, which his family and human rights advocates have linked to alleged torture during detention. Peresoudei, identified as a traditional worshipper, was reportedly involved in a social media dispute with Kemepadei, during which he allegedly made comments interpreted by authorities as a threat…

The Rivers State Government has reiterated its resolve to drastically reduce maternal and newborn deaths, declaring full commitment to the Maternal and Newborn Mortality Reduction Initiative (MAMII) as a strategic pathway to safer childbirth and healthier beginnings for babies. This assurance was given during the MAMII engagement in Bonny, where government officials, traditional institutions, health professionals and community representatives converged to strengthen collaboration around maternal and child health. The Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr Adaeze Chidinma Oreh, said the initiative reflects the state’s determination to place women and children at the centre of healthcare planning. According to her, pregnancy and…

Tobacco use and cancer-causing infections remain the biggest drivers of preventable cancer worldwide, according to a new global report released by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) ahead of World Cancer Day on 4 February. The analysis estimates that 37% of all new cancer cases are recorded in 2022, about 7.1 million cases, were linked to preventable risk factors, with smoking alone accounting for 15% and infections for 10% of the global cancer burden. Alcohol consumption was identified as the third leading preventable cause, responsible for 3% of new cases. Drawing on…