The Nigeria Customs Service has revealed that rice was the most frequently seized commodity in the first quarter of 2025, with 159 cases involving 135,474 bags valued at ₦939 million. Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed this during a media briefing in Abuja on the service’s first-quarter activities. His remarks were contained in a speech shared with our correspondent. “Rice remained the most prevalent seized commodity, with 159 cases involving…

More than 72 hours after the death of Pope Francis, the Catholic Church has entered the Novemdiales—a traditional nine-day period of mourning. The Pope’s body will lie in state at St. Peter’s Basilica, giving the faithful an opportunity to pay their final respects and start the process of electing a new pope. The pope Francis funeral, expected between the fourth and sixth day after his passing, will draw dignitaries, religious…

President Bola Tinubu has ordered an immediate overhaul of Nigeria’s national security strategy, following a wave of violent attacks in Borno, Benue, Plateau, and Kwara states. He gave the directive during a high-level security meeting with service chiefs at the State House in Abuja on Tuesday. Speaking during the over two-hour closed-door session, Tinubu condemned the continued killing of innocent Nigerians, describing the situation as intolerable. “Enough is enough,”…

Delta State witnessed a major political shake-up on Wednesday as Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and his predecessor, Ifeanyi Okowa, parted ways with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to align with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The development, which followed a high-level meeting at the Government House in Asaba, was confirmed by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Festus Ahon. In a related move, Senator James Manager announced Okowa’s defection, revealing that…

In a bid to revive dwindling enrolment and safeguard the future of teacher training institutions, the Federal Government has announced that all 18 Federal Colleges of Education (COEs) will begin the concurrent running of Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) and bachelor’s degree programmes starting from the 2025/2026 academic session. Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, made this known on Tuesday during a follow-up meeting in Abuja, reviewing outcomes from the…

President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana has announced the immediate suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo and initiated an investigation following three separate petitions filed against her.  The decision was disclosed in a statement issued by the Office of the President on Tuesday, April 22. According to the statement, after consulting with the Council of State, President Mahama concluded that a prima facie case had been established against Torkornoo.  As…

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, has reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to addressing the growing insecurity in Benue State and other parts of the country.  Ribadu acknowledged the efforts of Governor Hyacinth Alia in confronting the crisis but cautioned against individuals exploiting the situation for personal gain. Ribadu made the remarks on Tuesday during a briefing with journalists at the Government House in Makurdi. He was in the…

The Niger State Government has introduced a curfew for commercial motorcycle operators, known as Okada riders, and Keke NAPEP drivers in the state capital, Minna. The curfew will be in effect daily from 6pm to 6am. Governor Mohammed Umar Bago announced the decision during a stakeholders’ meeting, citing escalating insecurity in Minna, which has led to the loss of lives in recent weeks.  The governor emphasised that the safety and…

The Kano State Hisbah Board has dismantled a makeshift pilgrimage site that emerged in the Dakata Industrial Area. This follows widespread but unverified claims that the location bore the sacred footprint of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). The site, located in Hotoron Arewa, a suburb on the outskirts of Kano, quickly transformed into a spiritual hub after word spread that muddy water had begun seeping from markings believed by…

Four suspects linked to the death of Chief Executive Officer of HMG Attitude Ltd, Hope Georgewill, have been neutralized by the Rivers State Police Command. The spokesperson of the command, Grace Iringe-Koko, in a statement shared with journalists on Tuesday, disclosed that despite the sum of N2 million being paid as ransom, Georgewill was killed and his remains have been recovered and deposited at the mortuary. The deceased, Georgewill, was abducted…

The Vatican has confirmed the death of Pope Francis, spiritual leader of over 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide. The beloved pontiff passed away peacefully at Casa Santa Marta in Vatican City on the morning of Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, following several days of deteriorating health. In a statement delivered from the chapel of Domus Sanctae Marthae, where Pope Francis lived, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican Camerlengo,…

A coalition of civil society organisations under the banner Civic Room for Rule of Law has thrown its support behind growing demands for the immediate removal of Rivers State’s Sole Administrator, Ibok-ete Ibas. The group criticised Ibas for alleged overreach, particularly the dismissal of appointees of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, actions that have sparked nationwide backlash. Prominent human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, also called for Ibas’…