Otuokpoti community in Ogbia Local Government  Area of Bayelsa State, went agog few days ago after a 55-year-old woman gave birth to triplets. 

Mrs  Tegbe Awusaziba was delivered of the babies through caesarean section after many years of marriage without a child.

Members of the community trooped out to celebrate when they received the news of Mrs. Awusaziba’s delivery. Both the babies and their mother are said to be in good health.

                                           Members of the community celebrating 

Speaking to journalists, Mrs Awusaziba said she did not believe the pregnancy was real at the initial period due to her age, and expressed appreciation to God.

Meanwhile, the Personal Assistant to the SA to Bayelsa State Governor on New Media, Preye Sinclair Emmanuel, shared photos from the celebration in Otukpoti community on April 17. 

By Kingsley U.

The Presidency has declared its support for the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ali Pantami.

There have been calls for Pantami to resign because of his past statements and actions showing his support for Islamic extremist views.

The presidency described the call for Pantami’s resignation as an orchestrated attempt to “cancel” him.

In a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, the Presidency alleged that the recent calls for the sack or resignation of the minister is being sponsored by the opposition and some unnamed Information and Communication Technology (ICT) companies.

According to the statement, Pantami made enemies because he tried to put Nigeria first and had initiated plans and policies that would profit the public.

It acknowledged that the comments made by Pantami were wrong and in bad taste but said the minister had repented from the views and also apologised, adding that they were youthful errors.

The statement reads: “Today, there is an unfortunate fashion in public discourse that makes leaders in politics, religion, and civil society liable in the present for every statement they have ever made in the past – no matter how long ago, and even after they have later rejected them.

“This insidious phenomenon seeks to cancel the careers of others on the basis of a thing they have said, regardless of when they said it.

“The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy is, currently, subject to a ‘cancel campaign’ instigated by those who seek his removal. They do not really care what he may or may not have said some 20 years ago: that is merely the instrument they are using to attempt to ‘cancel’ him. But they will profit should he be stopped from making decisions that improve the lives of everyday Nigerians.

“The Minister has, rightly, apologized for what he said in the early 2000s. The views were absolutely unacceptable then, and would be equally unacceptable today, were he to repeat them. But he will not repeat them – for he has publicly and permanently condemned his earlier utterances as wrong.

“In the 2000s, the minister was a man in his twenties; next year he will be 50. Time has passed, and people and their opinions – often rightly – change.

“But all discerning Nigerians know this manufactured dispute is nothing to do with the minister’s prior words, but solely concern his actions in the present.”

By Hajia R.

A 30-year-old heartbroken man from Chakaipa Village under Chief Gwesela in Zhombe. Zimbabwe has committed suicide following a misunderstanding that ensued after discovering that his wife is cheating on him. 

B-Metro reported that Peter Mlauzi hanged himself at his in-law’s homestead after discovering that his wife Blessing Manokore was having an affair.

Chief Gwesela confirmed that Mlauzi hanged himself after discovering that his wife was having an affair with another man from the village. Mlauzi who couldn’t fathom the thought of his wife cheating on him with another man felt betrayed and decided to end his life by hanging himself at his mother-in-law’s homestead.

Chief Gwesela said the community is still trying to come to terms with the unusual incident as Mlauzi’s actions shocked the whole community. He described the deceased as a very hard-working man, who worked tirelessly as a gold panner to provide for his family and his in-laws.

The village leader also disclosed that he is yet to meet the Manokores so that a cleansing ceremony can be conducted, as they fear that the incident could bring bad omen to the village.

He said; 

“I am meeting with the family next week so that we conduct a cleansing ceremony to help appease Mlauzi’s spirit because if that is not done, we might have problems.”

By Jide N.

The Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Brig. General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) has warned owners/operators of supermarkets and confectionaries to rid their stores of drug cookies, biscuits and other products laced with illicit substances.

The NDLEA boss gave the warning while receiving further briefing on follow up operations from the Commander, FCT Command of the Agency, Mohammed Malami Sokoto over the arrest of a 300-level university student, Rhoda Agboje and her boyfriend, Ifeanyi Nwankwo, both of who specialise in producing and selling drug cookies to schoolchildren, clubs and supermarkets in Abuja.

According to the NDLEA boss, as part of our preventive measures, well henceforth go after supermarkets, clubs, confectionaries and other outlets and their owners, selling drug cookies, biscuits, cakes and other products laced with illicit substances under whatever guise.

“We will not shy away from hitting their production spots, supply and sales outlets before getting into the hands of innocent schoolchildren, unsuspecting members of the public and even our vulnerable young men and women. We wont rest on this until we chase them out of this criminal business. This is why I want to seize this opportunity to warn owners and operators of supermarkets, clubs and other sales outlets to clean their stores of these illicit substances before we get to them, Gen. Marwa stated.

A statement issued by NDLEA spokesman, Femi Babafemi on Friday, April 23, said the Abuja drug cookies are packaged in designed paper wraps under the name Function with its motto as “function right with every bite”

“At the back of the package is a quote the suspects attribute to God to justify their illicit trade; Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seeds, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for food.” the statement says.

Narcotics agents with the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Command of the NDLEA had last weekend uncovered a syndicate involved in producing the cookies with Arizona, a highly psychoactive variant of cannabis; alcohol and rohypnol among other ingredients.

Their lid was blown open following the arrest of Rhoda Agboje with four pieces of the drug cookies on Sunday, 18th April, 2021. She was arrested at the NNPC Cooperative estate, opposite Gaduwa estate in Abuja based on a complaint that she gave an unsuspecting young girl the cookies to eat. After eating the drug cookies, the girl lost her mind and could not sleep, making incoherent utterances due to the effects of the cookies.

Under interrogation, the prime suspect, Rhoda confessed she prepares the cookies with a friend and sells each pack of three pieces at N1, 500. A follow up operation in her boyfriends house led to the recovery of over 200 pieces of the drug cookies. The suspect also said she supplies some supermarkets and clubs in the FCT.

By Jide N.

A Nigerian man based in Libya has taken to Facebook to beg his pregnant wife to come back home to him and their young daughter.

According to John Johnson from Edo State, his wife, Hannah Olaitan ran away from their home in Tripoli five days ago and he hasn’t seen or heard from her since then. 

It was gathered that Hannah ran away in January 2021 and returned home after John took to Facebook to beg her. 

In the post shared on Tuesday, April 20, John pleaded with Hannah to forgive him for whatever wrong he has done to her and return home at least for the sake of their daughter. 

“Hannah Olaitan pls for give me if I do wrong to my loving wife. Pls have mercy on me pls come back and take care of your baby pls my love and I promise you that I will be there for you always my love hannah just about when we start pls 4 give me if I offended u my love your beautiful baby is waiting for you pls come back home.” he wrote. 

Reacting to the post, one OloriAshabi Sekinat Junaid claimed that Hannah is fond of running away from home as “ashawo dey her body”

“She always tell me that she need man that will be giving her what she want. And no be say her husband no dey take care of her.” Sekinat added. 

On her part, Iyanuoluwa Adenuga urged Hannah to go back home and settle with her husband. 

“No good husband for Libya ooo. Nah lie lie lovers full Libya ooo. Go back before your husband will change his mind. You should not later regret leaving your husband. I come in peace. Hannah please” she wrote.

By Jide N.

The Anambra state police command has arrested seven policemen over an alleged N500,000 extortion.

The victim is said to be an Onitsha based businessman and it was also learnt that the incident occurred in Onitsha. 

Police spokesman Ikenga Tochukwu confirmed that the arrest followed a petition by a citizen against some men of the Command.

“The sum of N500,000 extorted from the victim was also recovered intact and returned to him and the officers charged with misconduct in line with extant disciplinary procedure of the Force.” he said

 Police Commissioner Monday Kuryas who also confirmed that the money has been returned to its owner, pledged to prosecute the culprits after investigations.

By Jide N.

Human rights activist, Comrade Israel Joe, has disclosed the identities of the prophet and his female accomplice accused of stealing a newborn baby in Warri, Delta state. 

TM reported that Comrade Israel Joe accused the duo now identified as Ogaga Anthony Jeda and Chukwuedo Princess Priscilla, of taking a newborn away from the mother shortly after delivery.

In an update on Wednesday, April 21, Comrade Joe said that the  alleged ‘false’ prophet and the fake nurse admitted that the woman gave birth to a baby at an orphanage home on April 15, 2021 but refused to disclose the whereabouts of the child.

Read his post below: 

In a post I made two days ago, I had given an alleged False Prophet along with his accomplice (a fake nurse) 48 hours ultimatum to provide the child who was given birth to, at a quack centre.

The lady and the prophet has confessed to the police that the woman really gave birth to the child in Potter’s Orphanage along 3rd Marine gate/Oil field Link road. At this point we have to state the facts at our disposal.

The prophet and the woman has refused to disclose the whereabout of the child. The child was birthed on Tuesday the 15th of April, this year. The husband to the woman who has the orphanage home where the child was birthed is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and has threatened to take up the police and ourselves. We are waiting for his court suit because disgrace awaits him.

The child according the information available to us has been sold by the False prophet and the fake nurse. The name of the False Prophet is Ogaga Anthony Jeda with phone number 08154683553 while the name of the fake nurse is Chukwuedo Princess Priscilla with phone number 07031101266. The owner of the Orphanage home where the woman delivered the baby has not been arrested by the police.

The false prophet and fake nurse had before the selling of the child defrauded the father of the missing child to the tune of 2million naira through frivolous prophesies and hypnotization. He had told the father and his wife never to tell anyone about the prayers being conducted on them because their enemies would die in few days not knowing they were targeting to sell their unborn child.

The picture of the false prophet and fake nurse are attached to this post as earlier promised. Families of both the fake nurse and the false prophet has been seriously begging the families of the victim and her husband to let go of the matter.

I can’t understand such appeal when they haven’t told us the whereabout of the child. We want to appeal to the police that extreme measures should be used against them, to compare them, into speaking out about the child’s whereabout, since peaceful questioning has failed. If they sold the child to a politician or others for ritual purpose or for adoption, we wish to know.

Depression has taken over the victim who poured hot water on herself because of the pain of child’s disappearance. Attached to this write-up is the picture of the victim and Comrade Israel Joe.

We hereby call on the Delta State Governor, the Inspector General of Police, AIG Zone 5, Commissioner of Police, Area Commander Warri and all well meaning Nigerians never to take this case with trivial levity. Any attempt or pressure to frustrate and sweep this matter under the carpet would meet a very strong resistance.

By Francisca C.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has ordered commerical banks and authorised foreign exchange (forex) dealers to henceforth accept both old series and lower denominations of the US dollars for deposit from customers.

In a circular by the CBN’s Director of Currency Operations Department, Ahmed  Umar, to all deposit money banks (DMBs), Bureau De Change (BDC) operators and the general public on Tuesday April 20, the apex bank threatened to sanction any banks or forex dealers who refuse to comply with the order.

The Memo, entitled : “The rejection of old/lower denomination of the United States dollar by the DBMs/forex dealers.” reads in part:

“The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has in recent times been inundated with complaints from members of the public on the rejection of old/lower denominations of the US dollars bills by the DMBs and other authorised forex dealers

“All DMBs/authorised forex dealers should henceforth accept both old series and lower denominations of the US dollars that are legal tender for deposit from their customers

“The CBN will not hesitate to sanction any DMB or other authorised forex dealers who refuse to accept old series/lower denominations of the US dollar bills from their customers.

“In addition, all authorised forex dealers are advised to desist from defacing/stamping US dollar banknotes as such notes always fail authentication test during processing/sorting.”

bY Jide N.

Governor David Umahi has asked herdsmen to stay away from Ebonyi state for now, as a result of the tension in the state. 

Umahi gave the directive while briefing journalists at the end of the state executive council meeting on Tuesday April 20. 

The Ebonyi state Governor who condemned the killing of policemen and burning of police stations in the South-East zone, directed the cattle owners to stay away from the state until peace is restored. 

He said; 

“We are killing policemen, we are burning police station which means that South East leaders should know that our problem is not just herdsmen. We want to put it on record that no herdsman is in Ebonyi state now.

“We didn’t ask them to leave. They left on their own, which means they were privy to the attacks on Ebonyi state.

“I have been begging the National leadership that with what is going on, no State Governor is in control of bandits and because of the killings of the defenceless Ebonyi people, for the safety of them, they should not return now.

“There is high tension. We have sent text messages to Myetti Allah that Ebonyi state is under tension and we would not want them to still stay until such a time that the State is safe.”

By Lucky B.

The federal government has reacted to the United Kingdom government’s decision to grant asylum to “persecuted” members of Biafran secessionist groups, Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB). 

LIB reported earlier that the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) had released new guidelines on how to treat asylum applications by members of Biafran secessionist groups. The guideline centers on if a person “who actively and openly supports IPOB is likely to be at risk of arrest and detention, and ill-treatment which is likely to amount to persecution”.

Reacting to this at a forum organised by NAN on Tuesday April 20, Minister of Information and Culture Lai Mohammed described the decision as “disrespectul” to the Nigerian government and also added that it “sabotages the fight against terrorism and generally undermining Nigeria’s security.”

He said; 

“Let me say straightaway that this issue is within the purview of the honourable minister of foreign affairs and I am sure he will handle it appropriately. 

“But as the spokesman for the federal government of Nigeria, I will say that if indeed the report that the UK will grant asylum to supposedly persecuted IPOB and MASSOB members is true, then something is wrong somewhere.

“Against the background of the fact that IPOB is not only proscribed but also designated as a terrorist organisation here in Nigeria, the UK’s decision is disrespectful of Nigeria as a nation.

“The decision amounts to sabotaging the fight against terrorism and generally undermining Nigeria’s security.

“It is not only unconscionable, it is inexplicable.

“For the UK to choose this time to give succour to IPOB beggars belief and calls to question the UK’s real intention.

“If we could go down the memory lane, what the UK has done is like Nigeria offering asylum to members of the IRA before the 1998 Good Friday Peace Agreement.”

Lai Mohammed also claimed that IPOB is alleged to be behind the recent attacks against security operatives in the South-East, even though the secessionist group has repeatedly denied this. 

By Jide N.

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has replied the United Kingdom after the country indicated interest to offer asylum to persecuted members of the secessionist group.

On Tuesday, April 20, LIB shared a report that the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), a division of the Home Office in the just-released ‘Country Policy and Information Note Nigeria: Biafran secessionist groups’, directed its decision-makers to consider if a person “who actively and openly supports IPOB is likely to be at risk of arrest and detention, and ill-treatment which is likely to amount to persecution”. Read here. 

IPOB has now responded, saying its desire is to have a referendum on self-determination for the South-East and not asylum. 

A referendum is a vote on which the citizens of a country give their opinion or decide an important political question. A territorial referendum could lead to the breakaway of a region from a country.

A statement from Emma Powerful, IPOB media and publicity secretary, reads;

“We the global family of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) ably led by our great and indomitable leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has noted with satisfaction the news that the United Kingdom has agreed to grant asylum to persecuted Biafra agitators resident in the UK.

While we commend them for this bold initiative, we wish to most graciously remind them that what we Biafrans need and cherish the most is referendum and not asylum in the UK.

We are tired of living in bondage in the devilish contraption called Nigeria they single-handedly created.

We would not wish our children, now and generations unborn, to share the same geo-political space with those that reward terrorists and criminalize law abiding citizens.

We particularly thank the UK government for confirming what the rest of the civilized world already know that the great IPOB worldwide family are not terrorists but peaceful agitators and freedom fighters.

That Nigeria is a country run by terrorists for the benefit of terrorists has been confirmed by this noble move by the United Kingdom.

Aso Rock, the seat of power in Nigeria is a terrorist haven with serving ministers who are openly sympathetic to terrorists and their activities coming and going as they please, while freedom fighters are languishing in jail. We want freedom not asylum.”

By Kingsley U.

Persecuted members of Biafran secessionist groups, Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), which has been designated as a terrorist organisation by the Nigerian government and the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), will now be reportedly granted assylum by the UK government. 

TheCable reported that UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), a division of the Home Office in the just-released ‘Country Policy and Information Note Nigeria: Biafran secessionist groups’, directed its decision makers to consider if a person “who actively and openly supports IPOB is likely to be at risk of arrest and detention, and ill-treatment which is likely to amount to persecution”.

‘Biafra’ was defined as an area “in the south-east of Nigeria that comprises the states of Abia, Imo, Ebonyi, Enugu and Anambra. The area is inhabited principally by Igbo (Ibo) people who are one of the country’s 3 largest ethnic groups”.

The decision makers are to consider the following; 

“Must also consider if the [Nigerian] government’s actions are acts of prosecution, not persecution. Those fleeing prosecution or punishment for a criminal offence are not normally refugees. Prosecution may, however, amount to persecution if it involves victimisation in its application by the authorities. 

“Consider each case on its facts to determine if the person is likely to be of interest to the [Nigerian] government and whether this is for the legitimate grounds of prosecution which is proportionate and non-discriminatory”.

Giving an example of persecution, the UKVI said is “if it is the vehicle or excuse for or if only certain groups are prosecuted for a particular offence and the consequences of that discrimination are sufficiently severe. Punishment which is cruel, inhuman or degrading (including punishment which is out of all proportion to the offence committed) may also amount to persecution”.

While the onus is on the applicants to demonstrate that they will be “at risk of persecution or serious harm” in Nigeria, the publication reported that the decision makers are to consider each case on its facts, taking into account:

• profile, size, and organisation of the group/organisation to which the person belongs and its activities
• whether a person in the UK would wish to continue their activism if returned to Nigeria (if not, why not)
• whether the group/organisation has a presence in Nigeria as well as outside of the country and any evidence that it is being monitored by the government
• person’s profile and political activities (including those online) and relevant documentary or other evidence
• profile and activities of family members
• past treatment.

Acknowledging that the Nigerian government has a responsibility to maintain law and order, “to prevent and protect the public against acts of violence”, the communique added that when supporters or members of MASSOB or IPOB “have incited or used violence to disrupt public order, the government may have legitimate grounds to arrest and prosecute those people”.

It also noted that “where the government has arrested and detained persons who, for example, peacefully participate in demonstrations and has then charged them with treason or the person is subjected to periods of detention in degrading or inhuman conditions, such treatment is unlikely to be fair or proportionate, and is likely to amount to persecution.”

The UK, which is a signatory to several human rights and refugee conventions, believes Biafran secessionist agitations are covered by one or more of the following policies:

• A person is reasonably likely to face a real risk of persecution or serious harm
• The general humanitarian situation is so severe as to breach Article 15(b) of European Council Directive 2004/83/EC (the Qualification Directive)/Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights as transposed in paragraph 339C and 339CA(iii) of the Immigration Rules
• The security situation presents a real risk to a civilian’s life or person such that it would breach Article 15(c) of the Qualification Directive as transposed in paragraph 339C and 339CA(iv) of the Immigration Rules
• A person is able to obtain protection from the state (or quasi state bodies)
• A person is reasonably able to relocate within a country or territory
• A claim is likely to justify granting asylum, humanitarian protection or other form of leave, and
• If a claim is refused, it is likely or unlikely to be certifiable as ‘clearly unfounded’ under section 94 of the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002.

Decision makers are directly to still consider all claims on an individual basis, taking into account each case’s specific facts. The Nigerian government is reportedly yet to react to this. 

By Lukcy B.

An Accra High Court has granted convicted actress, Akuapem Poloo, ¢80,000 bail.

The court granted her bail on Wednesday,  April 21, with two sureties to be justified.

As part of her bail condition, Poloo, whose real name is Rosemond Brown, has to report to the case investigator every two weeks.

She is also supposed to deposit her passport with the registrar of the court.

The court, presided over by Justice Ruby Aryeetey, said she will only travel with the express permission of the court.

The court further said the applicant has satisfied the four grounds of bail pending appeal.

The application for bail was not opposed by the state who were present in court represented by Senior State Attorney Selasie Kuwornu.

According to him, this is because the State had no control over the length of the appeal which could travel beyond the 90 days jail sentence.

The Ghanaian actress had been sentenced to 90 days in jail for snapping naked with her 7-year-old son.

Poloo’s lawyer filed a motion to appeal the 90-day jail sentence . He also filed a motion for bail pending appeal.

The bail is what Poloo has now be granted.

By Jide N.

A 28-year-old South African woman who survived a car crash was killed by a hit-and-run-driver while searching for her missing cellphone.  

Reaction Unit South Africa’s Prem Balram, who disclosed this in a statement said the woman had been a passenger in a bakkie that overturned on N2 between uMhlanga and North Coast Road in the early hours of Monday, April 19.

The statement read;

“A passenger in a Toyota Hillux bakkie that overturned was killed while searching for her cellphone on the south bound lane of the N2 between Umhlanga and North Coast Road this morning (Monday).”

“A member of Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) was on patrol on the highway when he noticed the bakkie lying on its side. The Officer called for assistance at 04:09. The driver of the overturned vehicle informed the Reaction Officer that he was travelling with his girlfriend from Pinetown to Cornubia. As they approached the Umhlanga offramp he lost control of his vehicle which veered into the south bound lane and overturned. The couple were not injured in the initial accident.

“Emergency Services began clearing the scene when the female decided to search for her missing cellphone. She was struck by an unknown vehicle which was travelling on the extreme right lane. The vehicle sped off without stopping. The woman landed approximately 50 meters away from the point of impact.

“Medics were called back to the scene and the female was pronounced deceased on their arrival.”

Police spokesperson, Captain Nqobile Gwala, said a case of culpable homicide was opened at Durban North police station for investigation.

“This morning at 5am, a 28-year-old female was allegedly knocked by a vehicle on the N2 South Bound Bridge” he stated on Monday. 

By Jide N.