Month: June 2025

BREAKING: Tinubu Confers National Honour On Yar’Adua, Kudirat Abiola, Soyinka, Saro-Wiwa, Shehu Sani, Falana, Others [Full List]

June 12, 2025 (updated June 12, 2025) Published by

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conferred national honours on distinguished Nigerians who fought for Nigeria’s democracy.

ObasEmpire reports that Tinubu conferred that national honour while addressing Nigerians at the National Assembly.

Those honoured with posthumous national honours are: Shehu Musa Yar’Adua (GCFR), Prof. Humphrey Nwosu (CON), Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu (CON), Alhaji Balarabe Musa (CFR), Pa. Alfred Rewani (CFR), Bagauda Kaltho (OON), Chima Ubani (OON), Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti (CON), Alao Aka Bashorun (CON), Chief Frank Kokori (CON), Emma Ezeazu (OON), Bamidele Aturu (OON), Fredrick Fasehun (CON), Professor Festus Iyayi (CON), Dr John Yima Sen (OON), Alhaja Sawaba Gambo (CON), Dr. Edwin Madunagu (CON), Dr. Alex Ibru (CON), Chief Bola Ige (CFR), Pa. Reuben Fasoranti (CFR), Sen. Ayo Fasanmi (CON), Sen. Polycarp Nwite (CON) and Dr. Nurudeen Olowopopo (CON).

Also conferred with national honours are Prof. Wole Soyinka (GCON), Prof. Olatunji Dare (CON), the journalist and journalism teacher; Kunle Ajibade (OON); Nosa Igiebor (OON), Dapo Olorunyomi (OON), Bayo Onanuga (CON), Ayo Obe (OON), Dare Babarinsa (CON), Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah (CON), Senator Shehu Sani (CON), Governor Uba Sani (CON), Barrister Femi Falan2a, SAN (CON), Prof. Shafideen Amuwo (CON), Barrister Luke Aghanenu (OON), Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi (CON), Hon. Labaran Maku (OON), Dr. Tunji Alausa (CON), Mr Nick Dazang (OON), Hon Abdul Oroh (OON), Odia Ofeimun (CON), Seye Kehinde (OON), Barrister Felix Morka (CON) Barrister Ledum Mitee (CON), Hon. Olaw1ale Osun (CON), Dr. Amos Akingba (CON), Prof. Segun Gbadegesin (CON), Mobolaji Akinyemi (CFR), Dr. Kayode Shonoiki (CON), Prof. Julius Ihonvbere (CON), Prof. Bayo Williams (CON), Sen. Abu Ibrahim (CFR), and Sen. Ame Ebute (CFR).

Tinubu said: “Additionally, I confer the national honour of CON on Uncle Sam Amuka Pemu, a legendary journalist and publisher who remains true to his lifetime calling as he marks his 90th birthday tomorrow, June 13.

Furthermore, I also confer posthumous national honours on Ken Saro Wiwa (CON), the leader of the Ogoni Nine and his fellow travellers, Saturday Dobee (OON), Nordu Eawo (OON), Daniel Gbooko (OON), Paul Levera (OON), Felix Nuate (OON), Baribor Bera (OON), Barinem Kiobel (OON), and John Kpuine (OON). I shall also be exercising my powers under the prerogative of mercy to grant these national heroes a full pardon, together with others whose names shall be announced later in conjunction with the National Council of State.

Finally, it is my great privilege to now decorate the presiding officers of the National Assembly with the National Honours earlier conferred upon them last year:

Presiding National Assembly Officers

Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON – SENATE PRESIDENT

Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, GCON – Speaker

Senator Jibrin Ibrahim Barau, CFR – DEPUTY SENATE PRESIDENT

Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, CFR – Deputy Speaker.”

BREAKING: Democracy Day: Anti-Tinubu protest breaks out in Lagos.

June 12, 2025 (updated June 12, 2025) Published by

As part of the 2025 Democracy Day celebration, Nigerians irked by the economic hardship imposed by the President Bola Tinubu-led administration have stormed Lagos streets.

The protesters, who converged at the Ikeja Underbridge, are demanding the reversal of some policies of the present administration

Despite the presence of security operatives, the protesters were seen displaying placards with various inscriptions such as “Reverse Electricity Tariff Hike”, “No one deserves a death sentence for protesting against hunger”, among others.

The Police Public Relations Officer of Lagos State, Benjamin Hundeyin, who confirmed the ongoing protest, said there was no cause for alarm.

He said, “Adequate security on ground for celebrants and protesters alike. No cause for alarm. Your safety and security remain our priority.”

Elon Musk expresses regret over Trump posts after online feud

June 11, 2025 (updated June 11, 2025) Published by

Tech billionaire Elon Musk has admitted that some of his recent social media posts about U.S. President Donald Trump “went too far”, following a highly publicized online feud between the two former allies

The Tesla and SpaceX CEO made the remark on Wednesday morning in a post on X, the platform he owns, after days of heated exchanges with Trump.

I regret some of my posts about President @realDonaldTrump last week. They went too far,” Musk tweeted.

The feud erupted shortly after Musk resigned from his role as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a position he had controversially held under the Trump administration.

Musk criticized Trump’s proposed “Big Beautiful Bill,” claiming it would reverse much of DOGE’s streamlining efforts.

As tensions escalated, Musk posted a series of inflammatory comments on X, supporting impeachment calls and accusing the president of ingratitude.

He also referenced unverified allegations linking Trump to Jeffrey Epstein, and warned that Trump’s tariff policies could lead the U.S. into recession.

Most of the contentious posts have since been deleted.

President Trump dismissed the idea of reconciling with Musk, telling reporters, “He was disrespectful to the office of the president.

I haven’t really thought about it actually. I would imagine he wants to speak to me. I would think so, if I were him, I’d want to speak to me.”

And maybe he already called… ask him whether or not he’s already called,” Trump added, noting that he would not oppose taking a call from the billionaire.

Musk’s shift in tone comes in the wake of violent protests in Los Angeles sparked by a federal immigration raid. The events appear to have influenced Musk’s stance, aligning him once again with the Trump administration.

Earlier this week, Musk reposted a statement from Vice President JD Vance praising the president’s hardline response to the riots, adding American flag emojis to show support.

He also shared a Truth Social screenshot of Trump demanding an apology from California officials for the unrest.

Vice President Vance offered a diplomatic take on the Musk-Trump spat in a recent interview:

The President is a little frustrated but he’s actually been restrained because he doesn’t want to be in some blood feud with Elon Musk.

“I think if Elon chills out a little bit everything will be fine,” Vance said.

Musk responded to the comment with a brief “cool”.

As of now, no direct conversation between Trump and Musk has been confirmed. Whether the two will reconcile publicly remains to be seen, but insiders suggest the door remains open on Trump’s terms.

Two people confirmed dead as hotel fence collapses in Kwara

June 11, 2025 (updated June 11, 2025) Published by

Two people have been confirmed dead following the collapse of the fence of the Kwara Hotel, in Ilorin.

It was gathered that the fence at the hotel premises was under construction before it collapsed and killed two workers.

One other person who was among those buried under the rubble of the collapsed fence was said to have been injured from the incident.

While those injured have been taken to the Sadiku Hospital at Unity Road for medical care, the others were pronounced dead on arrival.

Sources privy to the incident said several workers at the hotel premises had raised fears and concerns over the state of the structure and the quality of work being done by the contractor, Craneburg Construction Company.

However, despite these concerns, the management completely ignored the warnings.

The source said, “The deaths of these workers are truly heartbreaking. This tragedy could have been avoided if proper safety measures had been in place — especially on a project of this scale.

We’re currently at the Janaza burial ground with the foreign contractors. It’s a deeply unfortunate situation,” the source stated.

Rafiu Ajakaye, the chief press secretary to the Governor of Kwara State, while confirming the incident said the affected fence is an old one separating the hotel from another facility nearby.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Ajakaye said three workers were injured during the fence collapse.

“It is quite saddening. Yesterday, an old fence between the hotel and a nearby facility gave in. Three workers on duty were badly injured. One of them made it, but the remaining two didn’t survive it despite the first aid and the emergency response at the nearest hospital,” Ajakaye said.

He added that the family members of the victims have since been notified.

Appeal Court Strikes Out Akpabio’s Motions Against Senator Natasha, Orders N100,000 Costs

June 11, 2025 (updated June 11, 2025) Published by

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents the Kogi Central Senatorial District, had been summoned by the Senate Committee following an altercation with Akpabio on February 20, 2025.

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has struck out two motions filed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio against a Federal High Court judgment that barred the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions from conducting disciplinary proceedings against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

The motions, dated March 20 and March 25, 2025, respectively, sought permission to appeal the March 10, 2025, decision of the Federal High Court, Abuja Judicial Division, delivered by Justice Obiora Egwuatu.

Justice Egwuatu’s ruling, in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025 between Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and the Clerk of the National Assembly & 3 Others, granted an injunction restraining the Senate Committee from proceeding with the disciplinary action against Akpoti-Uduaghan. The decision followed an ex parte application by her counsel.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents the Kogi Central Senatorial District, had been summoned by the Senate Committee following an altercation with Akpabio on February 20, 2025.

The two motions were subsequently struck out after Akpabio’s legal team filed applications to withdraw them.

According to the document, the Kogi senator prayed that the court grant an order restraining the Senate and its ethics committee from “proceeding with the purported investigation” against her.

Akpoti-Uduaghan asked the court to grant an order “declaring that any action taken during the pendency of this suit is null, void, and of no effect whatsoever”.

The presiding judge ruled that the defendants should come and show cause within 72 hours, upon the service of the order, why an interlocutory injunction should not be issued against them.

Not satisfied with the decisions of the court, Senator Akpabio appealed against the order through his Counsel, Deborah D. Anyanwu.

The Appellant sought among others, “AN ORDER of this Honourable Court enlarging the time within which the Appellant/Applicant may seek leave to appeal against the decision of the Federal High Court, Abuja Judicial Division in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025 between Senator Natasha Akpoti- Uduaghan v. Clerk of the National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria & 3 Ors. (Coram: Honourable Justice Obiora Atuegwu Egwuatu) delivered on 10th March 2025 on grounds of mixed law and fact as contained in the proposed Notice of Appeal attached as Exhibit B.

“AN ORDER of this Honourable Court granting leave to the Appellant/Applicant to appeal against the decision of the Federal High Court, Abuja Judicial Division in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025 between Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan v. Clerk of the National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria & 3 Ors. (Coram: Honourable Justice Obiora Atuegwu Egwuatu) delivered on 10th March 2025 on grounds of mixed law and fact as contained in the proposed Notice of Appeal attached as Exhibit B.

“AN ORDER of this Honourable Court granting leave to the Appellant/Applicant to appeal against the decision of the Federal High Court, Abuja Judicial Division in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025 between Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan v. Clerk of the National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria & 3 Ors. (Coram: Honourable Justice Obiora Atuegwu Egwuatu) delivered on 10th March 2025 on grounds of mixed law and fact as contained in the proposed Notice of Appeal attached as Exhibit B.

“AN ORDER of this Honourable Court enlarging the time within which the Appellant/Applicant may file their Notice of appeal against the decision of the Federal High Court, Abuja Judicial Division in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025 between Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan v. Clerk of the National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria & 3 Ors. (Coram: Honourable Justice Obiora Atuegwu Egwuatu) delivered on 10th March 2025.

AN ORDER of this Honourable Court staying further proceeding in Suit No: FCH/ABJ/CS/384/2025 between Senator Natasha Akpoti- Uduaghan v. Clerk of the National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria & 3 Ors. (Coram: Honourable Justice Obiora Atuegwu Egwuatu), pending the hearing and determination of the Appellant/Applicant’s appeal before this Honourable Court.”

Ruling on the motions, which were identical in content but filed on different dates, the Court of Appeal struck them out following an application by Akpabio’s legal team to withdraw them.

In the decision delivered on May 21, 2025, the three-member panel of Justices, led by Justice Hamma A. Barka, also ordered Senate President Akpabio to pay ₦100,000 in costs to the 1st Respondent, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

The court’s enrolled order, signed by Deputy Chief Registrar Josephine J. Ekperobe, confirmed that the application to withdraw the motions was granted, and the motions were accordingly struck out.

Justice Barka delivered the lead judgment, with Justices Adebukunola A. Banjoko and Okon E. Abang concurring.

The court decisions partly read: “This Court, Wednesday the 21st day of May, 2025, upon reading the Motion on Notice filed on the 20/3/2025 and 25/3/2025 together with the Affidavit in support deposed to by Toyo Jimmy.

“And after hearing, Deborah D. Anyanwu for the Appellant. Peter Erviwode with Daniel Akpoviroro, A. Ε. Imadegbelo and Y. M. Zakari for the 1st Respondent. Arnold Ubua for the 3rd Respondent.

“It is hereby ordered that: “Application seeking to withdraw the two Motions dated and filed on the 20/3/2025 and 25/3/2025 is granted and same struck out.

Cost of N100,000 awarded to the 1st Respondent. Appeal No: CA/ABJ/PRE/ROA/CV/395M/2025 to be deleted.”

Boko Haram Attacked ex-Army Chief Buratai’s Convoy In Borno-Ndume

June 9, 2025 (updated June 9, 2025) Published by

Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd), narrowly escaped death on Friday after his convoy came under a heavy gunfire attack in Borno State.

The assault, believed to be orchestrated by suspected Boko Haram insurgents, has further raised concerns about the escalating insecurity in the region.

The revelation was made by the lawmaker representing Borno, Senator Ali Ndume, during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Sunday evening.

According to Ndume, the retired army general and his accompanying soldiers were ambushed near a frontline military base.

While details on casualties remain unclear, the lawmaker disclosed that a fierce exchange of gunfire ensued between the attackers and the troops escorting Buratai.

We are in a dire security situation. Just two days ago, Buratai was attacked at the front operations base in Borno.

His team responded gallantly, but the insurgents managed to destroy several military assets,” he said.

In some cases, Ndume added, the insurgents not only destroy these assets but also cart away weaponry and equipment.

The attackers reportedly targeted high-value equipment including Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles (MRAPVs), tanks, and machine guns.

The situation in Borno is deteriorating rapidly.

Insurgents now move freely, torching and stealing military equipment. It is becoming a full-blown crisis,” he added

Ndume also used the opportunity to paint a bleak picture of Nigeria’s broader security landscape, noting that violent conflict, banditry, and sabotage have extended across the nation.

All six geopolitical zones are experiencing security challenges to varying degrees.

Even in the South-South, we are grappling with economic sabotage like oil theft. At this point, the South-West appears to be the only relatively safe region,” he said.

The attack on Buratai comes amid renewed calls for a more aggressive overhaul of Nigeria’s security architecture, particularly in the troubled North-East where Boko Haram and ISWAP factions continue to operate with deadly impunity.

Buratai served as Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff from 2015 to 2021 and was a central figure in the country’s counterinsurgency campaign.

Since his retirement, he has remained an influential figure in security circles.

Pochettino Rules Out Spurs Return Amid Tottenham Managerial Shake-Up

June 8, 2025 (updated June 8, 2025) Published by

Mauricio Pochettino has officially distanced himself from speculation linking him with a return to Tottenham Hotspur following the shock dismissal of Ange Postecoglou on Friday.

Despite leading Spurs to their first trophy in 17 years, a historic Europa League triumph, Postecoglou, 59, was relieved of his duties in a decision that has stunned most football enthusiasts.

In the wake of his departure, rumours began swirling that Pochettino, who previously managed the North London club for five years before being sacked in November 2019, was being lined up for a sensational return.

However, the Argentine tactician, currently in charge of the United States men’s national team, has firmly shut down those suggestions.

Today it’s not realistic,” Pochettino, 53, said following the USA’s 2-1 loss to Turkey in Connecticut, the team’s third consecutive defeat. “Look where I am. Look where we [his coaching staff] are. The answer is so clear.”

Appointed USMNT head coach in October 2024, Pochettino emphasised his contentment with his current role, especially as preparations intensify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico

I’ve seen the rumours. We have 100 coaches on the list. Don’t be worried about that,” he said with a smile. “If something happens in the future, you will see. But I am so happy in this moment and we cannot talk about this type of thing.”

During his time at Tottenham, Pochettino built a formidable team that reached the UEFA Champions League final in 2019 and finished second in the Premier League in 2016–2017, achievements that cemented his place in the club’s modern history.

As Tottenham begin the search for their next manager, Brentford boss Thomas Frank has emerged as a leading contender. Fulham head coach Marco Silva is also reportedly in the frame

FBI arrests Nigerian ‘tech queen’ Sapphire Egemasi over multimillion-dollar Internet fraud, money laundering

June 7, 2025 (updated June 7, 2025) Published by

Nigerian ‘tech queen’ Sapphire Egemasi is facing more than 20 years’ imprisonment in prison after the FBI arrested her for defrauding several U.S. government agencies of millions of dollars.

Ms Egemasi, a programmer who operates a Devpost account, was arrested around April 10, 2025, in Bronx, New York, alongside other co-conspirators, including Samuel Kwadwo Osei, who appeared to have led the syndicate.

The arrest of the suspected fraudsters followed a federal grand jury indictment on internet fraud and money laundering charges against them last year for the offences officials alleged to have occurred between September 2021 and February 2023

According to court documents sighted by Peoples Gazette, the Nigerian national and her co-defendants, who are Ghanaians, conspired to defraud the city of Kentucky millions of dollars, with Ms Egemasi’s role being to register and design spoof websites of U.S. government institutions to steal login credentials.

Officials noted that Ms Egemasi had lived in Cambridge, United Kingdom, until her arrest.

It is believed that she met her Ghanaian co-conspirators when she was living in the West African nation years ago and subsequently became the tech expert for the fraud syndicate that operated both in the United States and Nigeria.

She was also responsible for helping the gang redirect stolen funds to accounts controlled by the fraudsters through wire transfers.

Retrieved text messages confirmed that the group had once rerouted $965,000 in stolen funds from the city of Kentucky to a PNC Bank account in August 2022.

During the same period, the gang also diverted $330,000, another chunk of money stolen from the city, into an account at Bank of America.

To conceal the true source of her wealth, the defendant claimed to have held several positions, primarily internships, at multinational companies such as British Petroleum, H&M, and Zara.

Ms Egemasi is known among her social media followers, especially on LinkedIn, as a ‘tech queen’. She regularly flaunted her expensive lifestyle, which was apparently paid for by her ill-gotten gains online.

In recent years, she started posting pictures of her leisurely trips to different countries, including Greece, Portugal and other prime tourist destinations.

Meanwhile, she is currently in custody with her co-conspirators awaiting trial in Lexington, Kentucky, where they each face up to 20 years’ imprisonment, thousands of dollars in fines and potential deportation back to their respective countries upon completion of sentences. (Peoples Gazette)

Mokwa Flood Was Ordained By Allah – IBB

June 7, 2025 (updated June 7, 2025) Published by

Former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd) has described the Mokwa flooding incident as an unfortunate happening.

The former military leader, however, added that the tragic incident was ordained by God.

Naija News reports Babangida made the submission on Friday when he received a state government delegation led by the Niger State Deputy Governor, Comrade Yakubu Garba on a Salah homage at his residence in Minna.

While commiserating with the people and and government of Niger over the incident which destroyed many properties and left about 200 people dead, IBB urged the people to use the Eid-El- Kabir period to pray for the repose of lives of the deceased and protection of all those affected

He said, “What happened in Mokwa is unfortunate but it is ordained by Allah. It is beyond our powers, and this is why we should all continue to pray for the souls of the deceased.”

Speaking during the visit, the Niger State Deputy Governor said the delegation’s visit was to seek his blessings and fatherly advice.

He highlighted that the former military leader is obviously disturbed by the flooding, but added that the government under the leadership of Governor Umar Bago is working to bring hope and succour to all those affected.

We are aware that the General is disturbed by the recent incident in Mokwa and all we need from all and sundry is prayers and we will also appreciate your fatherly role at all times especially at this trying period.

The people of Niger State and Nigeria in general are appreciative of your diligent service to the country and we assure you that the State Government will not fail you as you remain a pillar of hope for the Nation,” the Deputy Governor said.

“Everyone makes mistakes – it’s part of the game,” Chelle said at his post-match interview when asked about Safonov’s error.

June 7, 2025 (updated June 7, 2025) Published by

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has defended Russia goalkeeper Matvey Safonov following his error during the two sides’ 1-1 international friendly draw on Friday in Moscow.

Recall that Safonov mistakenly passed the ball to substitute Tolu Arokodare, who slotted home the Super Eagles’ equalising goal in the 71st minute. Semi Ajayi had earlier scored an own goal in the first half of the encounter at the Luzhniki Stadium.

Reacting to the error made by the Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper, Chelle expressed his support for the 26-year-old by insisting that everyone makes mistakes.

“Everyone makes mistakes – it’s part of the game,” Chelle said at his post-match interview when asked about Safonov’s error.

Goals are scored precisely because of mistakes. I don’t think the goalkeeper is the only one to blame – it’s the result of the entire team’s actions. I follow the French championship and I can say: you’ve a great goalkeeper,” he added.

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