Alleged Sexual Harassment: Activist claims Natasha lied against Akpabio (Channels)
An activist, Sandra Duru, who is also known as Prof Mgbeke, has alleged that the senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, fabricated the sexual harassment allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Duru, a UK-based activist, claimed in a Facebook live session on Thursday that Senator Natasha offered her N200m to accuse Akpabio of organ harvesting.
She said the records of calls between her and the suspended Kogi Central lawmaker were enough evidence to prove her point. Read more
Akpabio: Senator Natasha denounces Duru’s claims in viral video as false, manipulated (Leadership)
Suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has distanced herself from the claims made by one Sandra Duru in a viral Facebook video on May 1, 2025, describing them as “entirely untrue” and “most manipulated.”
In a statement issued to journalists on Friday in Abuja, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan said the Facebook livestream, which included audio elements purporting to feature her voice, was doctored to serve what she termed the “ulterior motive” of Duru, allegedly acting in concert with Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
“The content of the livestream including the voice effect credited to me are entirely untrue, and most manipulated to serve Sandra Duru’s ulterior motive of playing the script of Senator Godswill Akpabio,” she said. Read more
Troops kills 5 bandit leaders in Zamfara (Guardian)
The Nigerian Army has killed five notorious bandit commanders and seized a large cache of weapons during an operation in Zamfara State.
The troops’ spokesperson, Suleiman Omale, disclosed this in a statement on Friday.
Omale said five notorious bandit kingpins had invaded Mai Kwanugga village in Talata Mafara LGA. Read more
Bamise: Family makes fresh demand after court orders BRT driver’s execution (Punch)
The family of Oluwabamise Ayanwola, who was murdered by a Bus Rapid Transit driver, Andrew Ominikoron, has called on the government to arrest all accomplices involved in their daughter’s death.
Justice Sherifat Sonaike of a Lagos State High Court sitting at Tafawa Balewa Square on Friday convicted and sentenced Ominikoron to death by hanging for Ayanwola’s death.
Ayanwola disappeared on February 26, 2022, after boarding Ominikoron’s BRT bus in the Ajah area of Lagos. Read more
28-year-old arrested for Police recruitment scam (Vanguard)
The Nigeria Police Force disclosed on Saturday that it’s National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) has arrested one Dauda Samuel, a 28 year old male, for his alleged involvement in the Nigeria Police Force recruitment scam, computer-related fraud, and identity theft.
A statement by Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi said the arrest followed credible intelligence and multiple complaints from members of the public.
“The arrest stems from reports that an individual had been impersonating the Deputy Inspector-General of Police, DIG Frank Mba, on Facebook. Read more
Fight against terrorism: Tinubu vows to secure northwest forests, boost surveillance (Sun)
President Bola Tinubu has pledged a robust federal response to insecurity in Nigeria’s Northwest, promising to reclaim ungoverned forests and enhance surveillance using advanced technology to combat kidnapping, banditry, and terrorism.
According to a statement issued by Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President speaking at a state dinner with Katsina elders and leaders on Friday night, said, “We will invest more in technology and take over the forests. Security is a national issue, not just at the local or regional levels. If we genuinely need investment in Nigeria, we must address security”.
Acknowledging the persistent security challenges, Tinubu assured that the federal government will collaborate closely with states and local councils to restore peace. Read more
Burna Boy releases ‘Sweet Love’ ahead eighth studio album (Nation)
Grammy-winning singer Burna Boy has released a new single “Sweet Love”, ahead of his highly anticipated eighth studio album, “No Sign of Weakness”.
The seductive, reggae-leaning track showcases Burna’s vocal charisma and signature blend of global influences with melodic pop sensibility.
Produced by Major Seven, “Sweet Love” follows the success of the album’s first single, “Update”, which blended Afrobeats with anthemic energy and sampled Soul II Soul’s iconic “Back to Life”. Read more
Anderson .Paak confirms he’s working on music with Mariah Carey after they were seen holding hands (People)
Anderson .Paak is in the studio with Mariah Carey.
The singer-songwriter and producer, 39, appeared on Track Star* on Friday, May 2. The program is a social media series in which strangers and celebrities are asked to name the mystery songs that host Jack Coyne plays for them. In his interview with Coyne, .Paak sported a Mariah Carey T-shirt – and even confirmed that the pair have a collaboration in the works.
When Coyne played Carey’s hit song “Always Be My Baby,” .Paak flashed a cheeky smile before showing off his Mariah merch beneath his black fleece jacket. “This would be Mariah Carey. The Mariah Carey,” he answered upon hearing the popular tune. Read more
Queen Latifah pays tribute to ‘The Equalizer’ after CBS cancellation (TVLine)
The Equalizer‘s mission may be over at CBS, but star and executive producer Queen Latifah has nothing but gratitude for the five-season run.
Following CBS’ decision to cancel the crime procedural on Friday, Queen Latifah took to Instagram to pay tribute to her time on the series: “Stepping into a kick-ass role like Robyn was everything I hoped it would be. Shakim and I at Flavor Unit are always excited to bring these kinds of roles and projects to life — and then we just hope you love them as much as we do.
The Equalizer blew past every dream we had for it, and having the opportunity to do this for five seasons honestly feels surreal.” Read more
Exhibition of Bob Dylan paintings to open in London (FarOut)
Bob Dylan fans are in luck once again. ‘Point Blank’, a collection of 97 paintings created by the singer-songwriter, will open at London’s Halcyon Gallery this May.
The exhibition is based on original sketches created by Dylan between 2021 and 2022. They picture people playing instruments, couples, sportspeople, rooms, and places where Dylan spent time.
Dylan said of the pieces: “The idea was not only to observe the human condition, but to throw myself into it with great urgency.” Read more
Deadly Russian drone strike hits Zaporizhzhia (AfricaNews)
At least one person was killed and dozens injured in Ukraine following a Russian drone attack in the city of Zaporizhzhia late Thursday night.
As of Friday, at least 31 people had been reported injured, according to local authorities. One residential building partially collapsed and caught fire.
Rescue teams pulled three people from the rubble and localized the blaze. Read more
Trump posts AI-generated image of himself dressed as the Pope (Variety)
President Trump shared an AI-generated image depicting himself as the leader of the Catholic Church, coming as the Vatican’s conclave to select the next pope is set to commence next week.
On Friday evening, the U.S. president posted the image on his official account on Truth Social, the social-media platform run by Trump Media & Technology Group, without any comment or context. The source of the image is unclear.
Trump had previously joked that he would like be the next pope, following the death of Pope Francis on April 21 at the age of 88. Read more
David Oyelowo recalls ‘‘Rocketeer”’ project halting after erformative” DEI sparked By BLM Movement (Deadline)
As David Oyelowo and wife Jessica‘s production company expands its repertoire, they’ve faced an uphill battle in terms of representation.
The 3x Golden Globe nominee recently teased their Yoruba Saxon banner’s upcoming adaptation of Tọlá Okogwu’s Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun and their long-gestating Rocketeer sequel, as they navigate “performative” inclusion that came from the Black Lives Matter movement following George Floyd’s death in 2020. Read more
Oduduru seeks Nigerian athletes’ support in Ofili’s war against injustice, maladministration (Guardian)
Nigeria’s 200m record holder, Divine Oduduru, has urged Nigerian athletes to come together to fight the common enemy instead of fighting for those oppressing them.
Oduduru took to his Facebook page on Thursday to make this plea in the wake of sprinter, Favour Ofili’s alleged threat to boycott the World Athletics Relays next weekend in Guangzhou, China.
Ofili’s name was erroneously omitted from women’s 100m list at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games despite meeting all the conditions set by both World Athletics and the Athletics Federation of Nigeria for the event. Read more
I want to be head coach of Super Eagles –Fashanu (CompleteSports)
Former England and Wimbledon striker John Fashanu has expressed his interest in the Super Eagles coaching job.
Speaking to journalists in Ogun State, in a video posted on X, the 1988 FA Cup winner with Wimbledon, stated that he has what it takes to lead the Super Eagles provided he has the right people to work with.
“I want to be the manager of the Eagles, that’s one of the hardest job in this country. But I’m saying I can do it and I can do it with the right people, the people who understand the game of football. Read more
Olympic 100m medallist Kerley arrested in Miami (BBC)
Two-time Olympic 100m medallist Fred Kerley was arrested in Miami for allegedly punching his former girlfriend and fellow athlete Alaysha Johnson in the face.
The alleged altercation occurred at a hotel in Dania Beach on Thursday, before Kerley was due to compete in the second Grand Slam Track meeting, which started on Friday.
Reuters and the BBC’s US partner CBS reported that Kerley, 29, had been charged with one count of “battery-touch or strike” as per the arrest report from the Broward County Sheriff’s Office. Read more
Vanderbilt basketball’s newest star is Chandler Bing — and no, not the ‘Friends’ character (People)
Vanderbilt’s basketball team has a new star, and you probably already know his name.
Chandler Bing, an Atlanta native who announced his commitment to Vanderbilt on April 29, shares his name with the beloved character from Friends played by the late Matthew Perry.
Bing, however, has never seen the iconic series that aired throughout the late 1990’s.
“I actually haven’t watched the show,” he told The Tennessean in an interview published on Friday, May 2. Read more
Bukayo Saka names the best team Arsenal have played against this season (Metro)
Bukayo Saka has snubbed Premier League champions Liverpool and named the best team Arsenal have faced this season.
Arne Slot’s relentless winning machine celebrated their coronation last Sunday after thrashing Tottenham at Anfield, leaving the Gunners scrapping to finish as runners-up for a third year in succession.Despite trailing in the Reds’ wake, Arsenal’s record against the Big Six remains impressive and equipped themselves well against Liverpool earlier this season in a 2-2 draw in which Liverpool secured a point thanks to Mohamed Salah’s late equaliser. Read more