NEWS

Justice Dehinde Dipeolu of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, has sentenced a Lagos-based socialite and drug kingpin, Funmilola Arike Ogbuaya, popularly known as Ariket, to 45 years’ imprisonment for the unlawful exportation of 1.595 kilograms of cocaine to Saudi Arabia. The judge specifically handed down a 15-year sentence on each of the three counts bordering on conspiracy, possession, and illegal exportation of cocaine. The court, however, ordered that the sentences should run concurrently, meaning the convict will serve 15 years effective from 19 May 2017, the date of her arrest. The court had earlier found Ogbuaya guilty on all counts but adjourned sentencing following a request by her counsel. The case, marked FHC/L/124C/2017, stemmed from the arrest of Ogbuaya’...

Dubai has introduced new residency visa guidelines for property investors, scrapping the long-standing minimum investment requirement for single-property buyers in a bid to make its real estate market more accessible. Under the updated policy announced by the Dubai Land Department, individuals who fully own a property can now qualify for a renewable two-year residency visa, regardless of the property’s value. The change marks a major departure from previous rules, which required a minimum investment of AED 750,000—effectively excluding many mid-level and first-time investors. The reform is expected to attract a wider range of foreign buyers, particularly those looking to enter Dubai’s property market at more affordable price points. Officials say the move is part of a broader s...

Social media discussions have intensified following the circulation of a private video involving Nigerian internet personality, Eniola Fagbemi, popularly known as Sisi Alagbo. In the wake of the controversy, some online users have raised questions about the timing of her recent promotional activities, particularly her marketing of certain herbal products. Critics on various platforms have speculated—without evidence—that the situation may have been used to boost visibility and attract attention to her brand. The claims, however, remain unverified, and there is no concrete proof to support allegations that the video was intentionally released for publicity purposes. Others have cautioned against jumping to conclusions, urging the public to respect privacy and avoid spreading unconfirm...

Nigeria’s Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has dismissed allegations that company records on its database were altered following a recent cyber attack. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Commission described reports suggesting that the records of DAAR Communications PLC were manipulated as false and misleading. The CAC clarified that no company’s data was compromised, tampered with, or changed as a result of the cyber incident. It further explained that shareholders of DAAR Communications have been embroiled in a dispute over the company’s ownership structure since 2024, noting that the matter had already been formally reported to the Commission. The agency urged media organizations to uphold professional standards by verifying information with relevant authoriti...

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has confirmed the dismissal of Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Nuhu Usman and other officers linked to the killing of 28-year-old Mene Ogidi in Effurun, Delta State. Disu disclosed that the affected officers will also face prosecution after being removed from the force. He made this known while addressing journalists at the Force Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday. Describing the April 26 incident as “criminal and unprofessional,” the IGP stressed that such behavior is unacceptable within the Nigeria Police Force. He explained that ASP Usman, identified as the principal suspect, alongside other involved officers, had been transferred from the Delta State Command to Abuja for disciplinary action. The Force Disciplinary Commit...

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu as Nigeria’s new Minister of Foreign Affairs following the resignation of Yusuf Tuggar, who stepped down to pursue his 2027 political ambitions. The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. Before her new role, Odumegwu-Ojukwu served as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs. In a related move, President Tinubu has nominated Sola Enikanolaiye as the new Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, pending confirmation by the Senate. Enikanolaiye, a seasoned diplomat from Kogi State, previously served as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and International Relations. With over 30 years in Nigeria’s foreign servic...

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced an extension of the 2026 Direct Entry (DE) registration, shifting the deadline to May 8, 2026. The decision, according to JAMB’s Public Communications Advisor, Fabian Benjamin, is aimed at giving more eligible candidates the opportunity to complete their registration and gain access to tertiary education. Benjamin explained that the move aligns with the board’s commitment to making the admission process more inclusive and accessible across the country. To ease congestion in high-demand areas, JAMB also approved five additional registration centres. These include facilities at the University of Ilorin, Kwara State; Bells University of Technology, Ota, Ogun State; Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State; th...

Popular socialite and businessman, Cubana Chief Priest, has announced his intention to contest for a seat in the House of Representatives under the All Progressives Congress (APC). He made the declaration in a video shared online after visiting the APC secretariat in Imo State, where he informed party officials of his ambition to represent the Orsu, Orlu, and Oru East Federal Constituency in the 2027 general elections. In his message, he said he had formally communicated his plans to party leaders, who in turn expressed support for his aspiration. He added that his goal is to serve his people, noting that he is leaving everything in God’s hands. During the visit, a party official commended his versatility, describing him as someone who has successfully combined roles as a business...

The Senior Pastor of Streams of Joy International and convener of NSPPD, Jerry Eze, has spoken out about the emotional toll of a money laundering investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Eze revealed that the probe left him deeply distressed, recounting how he often broke down in tears each morning while driving to lead his NSPPD prayers. The EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, had earlier disclosed that the cleric was investigated for six months over alleged money laundering. Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday, he confirmed that no wrongdoing was found, and Eze was subsequently cleared. Reacting to the development, Eze described the intense pressure he faced during the period, noting that he repeatedly questioned why he was under investigation despite maintaini...

The World Health Organization has reported that Nigeria and nine other countries accounted for the majority of global hepatitis deaths in 2024. In its 2026 global hepatitis report, the WHO said hepatitis B and C, responsible for about 95 percent of hepatitis-related deaths, killed approximately 1.34 million people in 2024, with around 1.8 million new infections recorded annually. According to the report, countries including Bangladesh, China, Ethiopia, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Nigeria, the Philippines, South Africa and Vietnam accounted for 69 percent of hepatitis B-related deaths worldwide. Nigeria also featured among the top contributors to hepatitis C-related deaths, alongside countries such as China, India, Pakistan, Russia and the United States. Globally, an estimated 287 mil...