Month: June 2025

Police Resuce Kidnapped Child, arrest Suspects in Multiple Raid

June 21, 2025 (updated June 21, 2025) Published by

The Nigeria Police Force has announced the rescue of a kidnapped four-year-old girl, the arrest of a fake kidnapping gang, and the recovery of counterfeit currency from suspected fraudsters.

According to a statement released on Saturday on X by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the developments were part of ongoing efforts to bolster internal security and dismantle criminal networks through intelligence-led policing.

In Katsina State, operatives of the Command acting on a complaint received on February 20, 2025, from one Alhaji Badamasi Bala of Madaci Yan Nono Quarters have cracked a disturbing case of kidnapping involving a 14-year-old girl and her 4-year-old sister.

Four months later, the older sister resurfaced and, upon further investigations, she confessed to staging the kidnapping and conspiring with three accomplices, aged 25, 19, and 16, respectively.

All suspects have been arrested, and the 4-year-old sister have been rescued unhurt,” the statement said.

In Nasarawa State, police operatives intercepted an unregistered motorcycle along the Giza–Kadarko Road in Keana Local Government Area, following a tip-off about a suspected arms trafficker.

The suspect fled into a nearby bush upon sighting officers.

A search of the abandoned vehicle yielded an AK-47 rifle, two magazines, and forty-five rounds of 7.62x39mm ammunition.

Efforts to apprehend the fleeing suspect are ongoing.

“Similarly, on June 13, 2025, a joint team comprising operatives of the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies acting on credible intelligence, conducted a coordinated raid at Kankare and Zurkuda villages in Birnin Kudu LGA, Jigawa State.

The operation led to the arrest of seven suspected fraudsters involved in a network of financial crimes. “Exhibits recovered from them include 46,100 counterfeit United States Dollars (USD), four (4) POS machines, thirteen (13) Android smartphones, twenty-nine (29) keypad phones, six (6) power banks, two (2) vehicle plate numbers, and various documents suspected to be linked to electronic fraud. All suspects are currently in custody and undergoing investigation,” the statement added.

According to the statement, these coordinated operations reflect the Nigeria Police Force’s resolve to combat all forms of criminality through proactive measures, intelligence gathering, and community partnership.

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, urged Nigerians to remain law-abiding and cooperative with the force, stressing the importance of public vigilance in ensuring community safety.

Iran Nabs 22 Suspected Israeli spies Admist Escalating Conflict

June 21, 2025 (updated June 21, 2025) Published by

Police in Iran’s Qom province said Saturday that 22 people “linked to Israeli spy services” had been arrested since June 13, Fars news agency reported

22 people were identified and arrested on charges of being linked to the Zionist regime’s spy services, disturbing public opinion and supporting the criminal regime,” the agency said, citing the head of police intelligence in Iran’s Qom province.

It came after Iranian police announced the arrest on Thursday of 24 people accused of spying for Israel and of seeking to tarnish the country’s image, according to a statement carried by Tasnim news agency.

A European national was also arrested for spying, Tasnim reported on Friday, without giving their nationality or the date of the arrest.

Iran regularly announces arrests of suspected spies. Several have been executed in recent weeks.

Norway-based NGO Iran Human Rights said at least 223 people have been arrested nationwide on charges related to collaboration with Israel, cautioning that the actual figure was likely higher.

AFP

Nigeria Entertainment NewsI Wish I Had Signed Simi, Teni – Don Jazzy

June 19, 2025 (updated June 19, 2025) Published by

Veteran music executive and Mavin Records boss, Don Jazzy, has expressed regret over his decision not to sign some artists.

Admitting to moments of admiration and missed opportunities in his career, Don Jazzy revealed he regrets not signing talented singers Simi and Teni, both of whom he greatly admires.

He also disclosed that he once had the chance to sign superstar Davido but chose not to, believing Davido was destined for greatness regardless.

Reflecting on his near miss with rapper Falz, Don Jazzy said a deal almost materialised but didn’t go through.

Speaking further, he explained that he would have also signed Wizkid, but the singer was already under the management of another executive at the time.

Don Jazzy concluded by acknowledging the reality of the industry: “You can’t sign everybody, no matter how talented they are.”

He said, “I like Simi. I didn’t sign her. I wish I did. I like Teni. I wish I did. I had the opportunity for Davido, obviously, but I didn’t because I kind of figured that he would be fine. To Wizkid, obviously, I couldn’t because Banky got to him first. That would have been amazing. Falz, I love his work, and we almost actually had a deal. Well, it didn’t work out. But then at the end of the day, you cannot sign everybody.”

it’s Increasingly dangerous to speak Under Tinubu- Dele farotomi

June 19, 2025 (updated June 19, 2025) Published by

Nigerian lawyer and activist Dele Farotimi has raised the alarm that it is becoming increasingly dangerous to speak under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.Farotimi stated this on Thursday in an interview during Channels Television’s Morning Brief.

The former spokesperson for the 2023 presidential campaign of the Labour Party said it is difficult to pinpoint if Tinubu’s administration leans towards military dictatorship or democracy.

According to him, Nigerians are not feeling the breeze of democracy as projected by Tinubu.

In the administration of Tinubu, there is the ambiguity of whether we are in a military dictatorship or a democracy. It is very easy to forget exactly what kind of government we have in place. The level of depression of free speech and the readiness to criminalise every civic disagreement.

It is becoming increasingly dangerous to speak; I don’t know how much of this is traceable to the President or his temperament. Unfortunately, when the fish rots, it begins from the head. There is always somebody on whose desktop the buck must stop. The reality is that Nigeria is more repressed than it is in this moment. Nigerians are feeling the kind of breeze the president is projecting,” he stated.

This comes as President Tinubu, in his Democracy Day speech on June 12, said he was assured that the country’s democracy is not invisible but alive.

Our democracy is not invincible, but it is alive,” he stated.

They show killers the way’ – Gov Alia blames villagers for attacks on Benue communities

June 16, 2025 (updated June 18, 2025) Published by

Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has raised fresh concerns over the ongoing wave of violence and killings in parts of the state, alleging that some members of affected communities may be aiding the attacker

In an interview with Channels Television, Alia, who described the situation as “carnage,” said there is now a disturbing pattern pointing to internal collaboration.

He said, “What we are observing is a pattern, a simple but disturbing equation. A thief does not break into a community unless someone from within shows him the way,” he said.

He lamented the persistent bloodshed, noting that the crisis, which started years ago in Makurdi and Guma local governments, has since spread and intensified.

When we came into governance in 2023, 17 local governments were in the frontlines. We fought hard and brought it down to nine, then six. But the attacks have resurged,” he revealed.

According to him, the local governments currently worst affected include Gwer West, Logo, Ukum, Katsina-Ala, Apa, Agatu and Guma, many of which had previously seen relative peace.

Guma had peace for over a year. People returned home, farmed and had a good harvest. But this farming season, the attacks have resumed, with a new face,” Alia said.

He explained that while the violence was previously framed as a farmer-herder crisis, the nature of the attacks has since evolved

They no longer bring cattle. These are not regular herders. What we now see are armed men carrying AK-47s and AK-49s. They come to attack, to kill and soon after, others move in to occupy the land.

Benue shares borders with Cameroon, Taraba and Nasarawa. Some of these attacks are said to originate from the Cameroon axis. The attackers do not speak the Hausa or Fulani we know. Their language is unfamiliar.”

Peter Obi’s Allies Fire Back At Kenneth Okonkwo Over ‘Betrayal’ Claim

June 15, 2025 (updated June 15, 2025) Published by

Close allies of Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, have fired back at veteran actor and former campaign spokesperson, Kenneth Okonkwo, over allegations of betrayal.

Naija News reports that Okonkwo, in a viral podcast interview released on Saturday, accused Obi of abandoning him after the 2023 elections and siding with a faction of the Labour Party (LP) led by Julius Abure, despite repeated warnings

Super Falcon Goalkeeper, Nnadozie Departs Paris FC

June 14, 2025 (updated June 14, 2025) Published by

The French women’s football club, Paris FC, has officially announced the exit of Chiamaka Nnadozie from the team.

At the age of 24, she transitioned to Paris FC from the Rivers Angels, a club in the Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL), in 2025.

During her tenure at the club, Nnadozie quickly became Nigeria’s primary goalkeeper.

She is presently acknowledged as the top goalkeeper in Africa.

Paris FC shared a touching message on social media to convey Nnadozie’s departure from the club.

Merci, Chiamaka! From your first save to your last stand in Parisian colours, you’ve inspired a generation. You leave as a champion, a leader, and forever a part of the Paris FC family. Bonne chance for your next chapter,” The club announced.

Nnadozie assisted Paris FC in securing the Coupe de France Féminine last month, marking her sole significant trophy with the team.

ObasEmpire reports that the Nigerian international was recognised as the top goalkeeper in the French Women’s League for the 2023/24 season.

Nnadozie has been associated with a potential transfer to the English club, Everton.

The goalkeeper is anticipated to take her position in goal for Nigeria during the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco next month

Meanwhile, Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman has been nominated for Atalanta’s Goal of the Season award following a stellar campaign with the Italian club.

Ademola Lookman, 27, who was instrumental in Atalanta’s successful season, had two of his goals shortlisted for the prestigious accolade.

His spectacular strike in a narrow 3-2 defeat to Spanish giants Real Madrid earned a nod, as well as his clinical finish during Atalanta’s dominant 5-0 victory over Empoli at the Gewiss Stadium

Lookman hopes to add the Goal of the Season title to his growing list of personal honours, having already claimed Atalanta’s Player of the Season award for the past two consecutive campaigns.

The Super Eagles star ended the 2024-2025 season with 22 goals and five assists in 46 appearances across all competitions for Gian Piero Gasperini’s side.

How Peter Obi Betrayed Me – Kenneth Okonkwo

June 14, 2025 (updated June 14, 2025) Published by

Former Labour Party (LP) chieftain, Kenneth Okonkwo, has narrated how the 2023 presidential candidate of the party, Peter Obi betrayed him.

Okonkwo who officially confirmed his resignation from the Labour Party in February 2025 made this allegation against Obi in a viral video on social media.

If there is anybody that betrayed the other, I can say it emphatically that Peter Obi betrayed me,” the former Nollywood actor and spokesperson for the LP Presidential Campaign Council said.

The Julius Abure-led LP members lied to Obi that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had accepted them and Obi surreptitiously went back to them but I told him: ‘Sir, you have made a public statement on integrity and even if INEC has accepted them, that is not a criterion for you to go back and start dealing with them because they have shown that they are not democratic. If you go back to them, they will destroy your political career and everything you have said about integrity will die’.

“I told Obi that these people had become agents in the hands of the government to destabilise him. What they did was absolutely illegal and unconstitutional, I told him that if he went back to them, I wouldn’t join him in doing so.

Thereafter, I called all the people that were in the inner circle and told them the same thing about what Obi was trying to do. I told them he wanted to go back with the Abure people and if he did, I wouldn’t go back with him because I do not swallow back my words.

And after saying all those things, within like 72 hours, Obi went back to Abure’s office to publicly endorse them and while he was there talking to them, one of the leaders in that executive sent me the video to mock me that the person I was fighting for against them has come to their office to endorse them.

“It was when INEC dissociated itself from Abure that Obi came out to start acting neutral but I told him he could not be neutral and something had to be done.”

Okonkwo earlier said he decided to leave the party after Obi failed to solve the party’s internal crisis, explaining thathe no longer had the confidence that PO had what it takes to build a party that can win these kakistocrats and kleptocrats, and above all, he had proven that even if the people voted for him, he lacks what it takes to secure the mandate.Okonkwo earlier said he decided to leave the party after Obi failed to solve the party’s internal crisis, explaining thathe no longer had the confidence that PO had what it takes to build a party that can win these kakistocrats and kleptocrats, and above all, he had proven that even if the people voted for him, he lacks what it takes to secure the mandate.

“I believed that Peter Obi will seize the momentum and build a solid party of integrity that will have the solid base that we need to overthrow these kakistocrats and kleptocrats. He just needed to give the right directives and everyone will fall in line.

“I received my first shock when he publicly declared that he didn’t promise Nigerians to build a strong Labour Party, but to solve Nigeria problems. I was like, does it mean HE Peter Obi is not aware that without a solid party base, we are heading to no where politically? However, I continued in his defence believing he will still privately bring the needed solution to LP problems. to no avail.

PO also publicly demanded that the Abure led National Working Committee must organise an all inclusive convention that will guarantee the participation of all members of Labour Party in the choice of their leaders.

This didn’t happen, and surprisingly, PO refused to disassociate himself from the shenanigans and criminal activities of the former NWC as their time has expired. Every member of Labour Party is confused today as to the future of Labour Party because of lack of leadership from PO over the party, and unfortunately, when they look up to me to tell them about PO’s standpoint, I sincerely have nothing to tell them because I don’t know myself. I cannot continue to speak on behalf of a leader that I do not know his stand on issues of great importance. I simply don’t know how to manipulate facts.“

Okonkwo said he was shocked that Obi could not openly support the efforts of the Labour Unions who founded the Labour Party as a base to fight for the welfare of workers to the extent that some of them are openly saying that Obi is now the problem of the party.

He said the Labour Unions now have the unfortunate situation where they are fighting criminals who want to hijack their party when an ordinary statement from Obi would have brought the solution.

EFCC Declares Seun Ogunbambo Wanted Over Fuel Subsidy Scam

June 14, 2025 (updated June 14, 2025) Published by

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared the Managing Director of Fargo Petroleum and Gas Limited, Seun Ogunbambo, wanted over fake fuel subsidy claims.

According to a statement issued on Friday by the EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, Ogunbambo defrauded the federal government to the tune of over nine hundred million naira.

The statement added that the businessman was standing trial before a Lagos State High Court, but disappeared after he was released on bail

ObasEmpire understands, according to the EFCC statement, that his co-defendants, Mamman Nasir Ali and Christian Taylor, were convicted and sentenced to 14 years imprisonment each on Tuesday, May 27, 2025.

Meanwhile, former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abdulrasheed Bawa, has revealed that Nigeria lost $450 million to fraud under the Petroleum Support Fund (PSF) between 2006 and 2012.

ObasEmpire reports that Bawa made the disclosure in his newly released book titled “The Shadow of Loot & Losses: Uncovering Nigeria’s Petroleum Subsidy Fraud”, which chronicles the deep-rooted corruption that plagued Nigeria’s petrol subsidy regime.

The former EFCC boss, who led a special investigation team during his tenure at the commission, stated that several oil marketers were found culpable and subsequently faced prosecution.

Bawa also provided insight into Nigeria’s broader subsidy burden, estimating that the country has spent more than ₦16.5 trillion on petrol subsidies since the return to democratic rule in 1999.

‘I Told My Father To Help Me Apologize To Him, I Am Wise Now’ – Bello El-Rufai Regrets Criticizing Jonathan

June 13, 2025 (updated June 13, 2025) Published by

The lawmaker representing Kaduna North Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, Bello El-Ruafi, has expressed regret for criticising the administration of former President, Goodluck Jonathan.

Obasemprire reports that Bello, son of former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, in an interview on Channels Television on Thursday, admitted that he was naive in his criticism of Jonathan.

He said that his naivety prevented him from realising that there was governance in the country during Jonathan’s administration.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmaker noted that he realised his naivety in criticising Jonathan after his father told him about going to visit Jonathan for political talks.

He said, “I visited my father after I became a member and I saw him wearing a polo shirt and I said ‘where are you going?’ And he said he was going to see President Jonathan, and I paused because when I was naive or when I thought ego or gratification mattered, I used to be very active in criticising President Jonathan.

I even forgot in my naivety as many young people do, that we had governance then and I found my father saying that he is going to consult President Jonathan. I said, ‘please when you see him, tell him I am very sorry, I am wiser now’.

The system is a problem. Now, why did I mention President Jonathan? It takes a lot particularly in Africa to lose an election and leave, he did that.”

While expressing his support for the elevation of electoral reforms, including the electronic transmission of election results, Bello El-Rufai added that if there is any truth to the rumour of an electoral amendment that would allow people to vote without a voter’s card, he would vote against such a proposal.

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