*‘Tinubu’s govt can’t silence me’, Prof Yusuf speaks from detention (DailyTrust)*Nigeria Customs hands over 3,897 seized arms, ammunition to Weapons Control Centre (ThisDay)

by Editor2
11 minutes read

‘Tinubu’s govt can’t silence me’, Prof Yusuf speaks from detention (DailyTrust)

Former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Prof Usman Yusuf, who is facing corruption allegations has detailed his experience in the hands of security operatives and officials of the federal correctional service.

Yusuf, a Professor of Haematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, had been a vocal critic of President Bola Tinubu, his government and policies.

His travail reportedly began after a viral interview criticising Nigeria’s new found romance with France among other public commentaries that allegedly unsettled the government. Read more 

Nigeria Customs hands over 3,897 seized arms, ammunition to Weapons Control Centre (ThisDay)

The Nigeria Customs Service has handed over a total of 3,897 arms and ammunition to the National Center for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons.

Speaking during the handing over ceremony at the Federal Operations Unit Zone, A Ikeja on Thursday, The Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, said that a total of 1,599 arms and 2,298 ammunition will be handed over.

Adeniyi explained that the arms were intercepted between 2018 and 2024. Read more 

National Assembly passes 54.9trn 2025 budget (Vanguard)

The National Assembly has passed the N54.9 trillion budget for the 2025 financial year, increasing the initial proposal by N700 billion from N54.2 trillion.

The budget breakdown includes: N3.6 trillion for statutory transfers, N14.3 trillion for debt service, N13.6 trillion for recurrent (non-debt) expenditure, and N23.9 trillion for capital expenditure.

President Bola Tinubu had earlier written to the National Assembly, requesting an increase in the initial budget proposal from N49.7 trillion to N54.2 trillion. Read more 

Afe Babalola: Ekiti Court strikes out defamation suit against Dele Farotimi  (Tribune)

Rivers community protests oil spillage, blames Shell (Channels)

People from Ogale community in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State are protesting oil spillage allegedly caused by Shell Nigeria.

The Protest which is presently ongoing at a Shell Oil Serv Facility, the same area the pill spill occurred about two weeks ago in Ogale.

The protesters are bearing placards where their grievances are written.

“Shell Clean Up Your Mess” is part of messages inscribed on their placards as they walk around the area. Read more 

Afe Babalola: Ekiti Court strikes out defamation suit against Dele Farotimi  (Tribune)

The Ekiti State Chief Magistrates Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti has struck out the defamation suit filed against human rights lawyer and activist, Dele Farotimi.

The court decision followed the application and motion by the police prosecutor, Martins Akala, an officer in charge of Legal at the State Police Command’s Criminal Investigation Department, for withdrawal of the suit from court.

Nigerian Tribune had reported that the Federal High Court, Ado Ekiti Division, had on January 29, 2025, struck out charges brought by the Police against Farotimi bordering on cyberbullying and defamation following the police application to withdraw the charge. Read more 

Nigeria, UNCHR meet to review repatriation processes (VON)

The Nigerian Government in collaboration with the United Nations High Commission for Refugees and other stakeholders is reviewing the process of repatriating Nigerian refugees from the Republics Niger, Cameroun and Chad.

The Federal Commissioner, National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, Tijjani Ahmed said the reviewed process will ensure that Nigerians living in these countries are returned home voluntarily and in dignity.

According to him, no fewer than 400,000 NIgerians are stranded across Cameroon, Niger and Chad. Read more 

‘Forgive and Forget,’ MTN apologises to customers over 200% data price hike (Punch)

Nigeria’s largest telecom operator, MTN, has issued a public apology to its customers following widespread complaints about a sudden 200% increase in the price of its popular 15GB data bundle.

The price hike where internet subscribers will have to pay N6,000 for a 15GB weekly data plan which is a 200% increase from the previous N2,000, took many customers by surprise, and led to an outrage from customers on social media on Wednesday.

In message shared on social media on Thursday, MTN in an informal, conversational tone acknowledged the frustration of its customers, and sought to address the growing discontent among users who had grown accustomed to the affordable rates previously offered. Read more 

Families seek justice for 21 Enugu coal miners killed by British bosses in 1949 (Guardian) 

Seventy-six years after they were brutally massacred by their British employers for lawfully demanding fair wages in Enugu, families of the 21 deceased coal miners have gone to court to demand justice and adequate compensation for the unfair treatment meted to them.

Those sued at the Enugu State High Court are the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), United Kingdom; the British Government; the Federal Government of Nigeria; the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice; and the Head of the Commonwealth.

The 21 unarmed coal miners were massacred in 1949 at the IVA Valley Enugu Coal Mine, when a British Superintendent of Police, F.S. Philip, commanding a number of British and Nigerian police officers, allegedly ordered their shooting for protesting against the conditions of their services. Read more 

Mum shoots 4 young daughters, killing 3, before turning gun on herself in horrifying murder-suicide (NYPost) 

Three young girls are dead and another is in serious condition after their mother shot them in the head before turning the gun on herself in Wyoming, authorities said.

The mum called 911 on Monday afternoon to report that her four daughters had been shot in her home in Big Horn County, the local sheriff’s office said.

The woman — whom local media later identified as 32-year-old Tranyelle Harshman — told the dispatcher where the girls were located in the house before abruptly cutting off the call. Read more 

Beyoncé adds record-breaking new dates to US ‘Cowboy Carter’ tour (NME)

Beyoncé has added some record-breaking new dates to her 2025 US ‘Cowboy Carter’ tour – find all the details below.

The singer is due to head out on the road this spring in support of her Grammy award-winning latest album. She’ll play in stadiums across the US, UK and Europe. Earlier this week, she confirmed five extra shows for the tour – including a sixth night at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Now, the star has announced fifth dates at both the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, and the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Read more 

Emily Willis’ family reveal what $100,000 donations will be used for after former adult star left ‘permanently disabled’ (Unilad)

Donations towards Emily Willis’ GoFundMe page have topped $100,000, as her family previously explained what the money would go towards.

The former adult industry actress is now ‘permanently disabled’ after suffering a cardiac arrest at a Californian rehab center in February 2024.

Willis — real name Litzy Lara Banuelos — was in a ‘vegetative coma’ for two months. Read more 

Hilary Duff’s husband Matthew Koma selling ‘F–k Ye’ shirts benefiting Holocaust survivors (PageSix)

Hilary Duff’s husband, Matthew Koma, is selling “F–k Ye” T-shirts after self-proclaimed Nazi Kanye West sold swastika shirts on his Yeezy website.

“Hey I can make a shirt too – link in bio,” the “Clarity” artist wrote on Instagram Monday along with a photo of the cheeky white shirt referencing West’s nickname.

Koma, 37, shared that “all proceeds” from shirt sales will be donated to The Blue Card, a non-profit charity organisation dedicated to providing financial assistance to destitute Holocaust survivors in the United States. Read more 

Destiny’s Child reunite for Kelly Rowland’s 44th birthday (Vibe)

Beyoncé Instagram screenshot

Beyoncé and Michelle Williams helped bring in their “Birthday Bestie’s” 44th trip around the sun with an intimate dinner that appeared to be full of laughter, drinks, food and most importantly, love.

In photos posted to Bey’s Instagram, she showed the trio snapping it up and reassuring fans that their longstanding bond hasn’t fizzled a bit.

Rowland wore a sleek velvet black dress, as Williams sported a short sequin red cocktail dress. As for Bey, she left the Cowboy Carter getup at home, opting for a body-hugging black mini-dress with gold embellishments forming a corset on the front. Read more 

Religious leaders meet rebel groups in Goma amid rising tensions (AfricaNews)

A delegation of religious leaders met with rebel group leaders in Goma on Wednesday, as tensions continue to escalate in the wake of the M23’s takeover of the eastern Congolese city. The meeting came amid growing concerns over the ongoing violence and the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region.

The M23 rebels, who are part of the broader struggle among more than 100 armed groups vying for control of Congo’s mineral-rich east, have intensified their grip on Goma, marking a significant escalation in their years-long conflict with government forces. The violence has left at least 2,000 people dead in and around the city, according to Congolese authorities. Read more 

Hamas says 3 captives to be released amid ceasefire deal collapse fears (AlJazeera)

Hamas says it is committed to the release of captives held in Gaza according to a timeline set out in a ceasefire, days after fears arose that the truce would not hold following Israel’s violation of the agreement.

In a statement released on Thursday, Hamas said it “confirms continuation in implementing the agreement in accordance with what was signed, including the exchange of prisoners according to the specified timetable”.

Hamas spokesperson Abdul Latif al-Qanoua also confirmed to the Anadolu news agency that the group will release captives on Saturday if Israel adheres to the terms of the ceasefire. Read more 

NWFL Premiership: Edo Queens, Remo Stars ladies keep momentum (VON)

Match day 5 of the 2024/2025 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership delivered yet another round of thrilling encounters, with Edo Queens, Remo Stars Ladies and Naija Ratels maintaining their unbeaten runs.

Elsewhere, FC Robo Queens and Ekiti Queens secured vital home wins, while Rivers Angels and Bayelsa Queens settled for a share of the spoils in their highly anticipated South-South derby in Port Harcourt.

At the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, Edo Queens asserted their dominance with a 2-0 win over Nasarawa Amazons. Read more 

Atalanta missing Lookman’s absence, beaten at Club Brugge (ThisDay)

Ademola Lookman’s continued absence due to knee injury may cost Atalanta a place in the Last 16 stage of the UEFA Champions League following the Italian Serie A side’s 2-1 loss to Club Brugge in the first leg of their knockout play-off tie last night.

The African Player of the Year has been absent from Atalanta since after aggravating the injury he picked up against Napoli in January again during training ahead their Barcelona clash in the Champions League tie.

Lookman’s Super Eagles teammate, Raphael Onyedika, was in action for Brugge all through the 90 minutes duration and was well rated for his contributions from the midfield for the first leg win. Read more 

Boxing coach Gallagher diagnosed with cancer (BBC)

Boxing coach Joe Gallagher has revealed he has been diagnosed with stage four bowel and liver cancer.

Gallagher, 56, has trained a host of world champions including Natasha Jonas and Anthony Crolla.

The Englishman, who received his diagnosis in November, has begun chemotherapy. Read more 

Paula Moltzan wins bronze in giant slalom, giving US women 4 medals at worlds (USAToday)

Paula Moltzan kept the U.S. women’s hot streak at the world championships going.

Moltzan won bronze in the giant slalom on Thursday, edging Thea Louise Stjernesund by just 0.01 seconds for the first individual worlds medal of her career. It’s also the fourth medal won in as many races for the U.S. women, matching their best showing ever at a world championships.

Breezy Johnson won gold in the downhill, then paired with Mikaela Shiffrin to win the team combined. Lauren Macuga won bronze in the super-G. This also is the first time since 1985 that three different U.S. women have won individual medals at the world championships. Read more 

Sacramento Kings agree to sign former No 1 pick Markelle Fultz (UPI)

The Sacramento Kings agreed to sign free agent guard Markelle Fultz, the former No. 1 overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, they announced Thursday.

“God’s plan,” Fultz wrote on his social media platforms.

Fultz, 26, spent his last five seasons with the Orlando Magic, but went unsigned last off-season. He averaged 7.8 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game over 43 appearances in 2023-24, when he was limited because of a knee injury. Read more 

Ohtani excites fans with pitching video as MLB Dodgers begin work (JapanToday)

Shohei Ohtani, who led the Los Angeles Dodgers to last year’s World Series title, appears set to make his return as a pitcher as well as a slugger.

The 30-year-old Japanese right-hander, who served as a two-way hitting and pitching threat during most of his first six Major League Baseball seasons, did not pitch last year after 2023 right elbow surgery.

But the Dodgers excited fans with the prospect of seeing Ohtani pitch for them for the first time with a brief social media video clip of him throwing off a mound on Monday, the day pitchers and catchers reported to pre-season training camp ahead of Tuesday’s first official workouts. Read more 

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