Author: admin

A profound sense of shock and unease has settled over Suleja, Niger State, following a dramatic jailbreak last Wednesday, April 17th, 2024. The Suleja Medium Security Custodial Center was compromised during a severe storm, facilitating the escape of 118 inmates in a scenario that reads like a script from a high-octane thriller. Nature’s Wrath Meets Human Error? Details of the escape are still emerging, but initial reports indicate that the intense rainfall damaged the prison’s perimeter fence, a mishap compounded by potential security oversights. This combination of natural disaster and human error created a perfect storm for the inmates’ daring…

The quiet town of Suleja in Niger State is under a shadow of tension following a dramatic jailbreak last week at the Suleja Medium Security Custodial Center. The breakout occurred on a stormy night on April 17, 2024, with 118 prisoners initially escaping. Since then, authorities have managed to recapture 14, but 105 detainees remain at large, keeping the local community on edge. The Daring Escape Under Harsh Conditions The escape was orchestrated during a heavy rainfall, exploiting compromised security measures at the facility. This group of escapees includes both pre-trial detainees and convicted prisoners, raising significant concerns about public…

Amidst another debilitating fuel shortage, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has declared the situation resolved, attributing the recent scarcity to “logistical challenges.” This announcement came earlier this week in an attempt to reassure the Nigerian populace. However, the country’s residents remain skeptical, with fresh memories of past promises that failed to yield lasting solutions. A Nation’s Struggle with Recurring Fuel Crises Across Nigeria, the recent shortage has led to serpentine queues at fuel stations, severely disrupting daily life and economic activities. Motorists found themselves waiting for hours, often resorting to panic buying or turning to the black market,…

Oyo State workers experienced a surge of relief today as Governor Seyi Makinde announced that Friday, April 26th, 2024, will be a half-working day. This measure is intended to facilitate participation in the upcoming local government elections. This last-minute announcement, made just a day before the elections, is aimed at allowing public employees to exercise their civic duties without hindrance. Governor Makinde has employed similar tactics in the past, such as the half-day he declared in March 2023 for the governorship and House of Assembly elections. His consistent efforts to boost voter participation reflect a commitment characteristic of his administration.…

Nigerians are gearing up for yet another bout of pay-TV price adjustments as the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) launches a review of the recent increases announced by MultiChoice, the parent company of DStv and GOtv. This investigation comes shortly after MultiChoice’s disclosure of adjusted subscription fees across all plans, set to take effect on May 1, 2024. The news has sparked widespread dismay among subscribers, particularly with DStv’s Premium package set to rise from N29,500 to N37,000—a steep 25% hike. Other popular packages, like Compact Plus, will also see significant price increases from N19,800 to N25,000. MultiChoice…

Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), has ignited fresh concerns about the human rights situation in Okuama, Delta State. In a letter addressed to the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, Falana decried “egregious violations” of human rights against innocent residents of the Okuama community. Falana’s Accusations and Call to Action Falana’s letter details a series of alleged human rights violations, including unlawful arrests, detentions, and harassment of Okuama residents. He accuses security forces of using excessive force and intimidation tactics, creating a climate of fear and anxiety within the community. The letter goes further, urging the Attorney-General to…

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday withdrew its appeal against a Kogi State High Court ruling that restrained the agency from arresting or prosecuting Governor Yahaya Bello. This move comes amidst ongoing investigations into allegations of embezzlement against the governor. A Complex Legal Battle The saga began in February 2024 when the EFCC filed a 19-count charge against Governor Bello bordering on money laundering, breach of trust, and misappropriation of funds to the tune of N80.2 billion. However, Governor Bello filed a suit in a Kogi State High Court challenging the EFCC’s jurisdiction and seeking to prevent his arrest…

A significant shift is underway in the Nigerian pharmacy education landscape. On Wednesday, the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) officially abolishing the training of Pharmaceutical Technologists in the country. This move, following over two decades of advocacy by the PCN, marks a turning point in the regulation of pharmacy support professionals. Previously, Pharmaceutical Technologists, holding National Diploma qualifications, practiced alongside Pharmacy Technicians (with National Diploma qualifications) and Registered Pharmacists (with Bachelor of Pharmacy degrees). The PCN, however, argued that this system created confusion and potential safety risks. Concerns Addressed According…

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday handed over 14 recovered assets to Governor Peter Mba of Enugu State. The ceremony, held at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja, marked the culmination of a long-standing investigation and legal process. EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, revealed that the recovered assets were initially forfeited to the Federal Government after a successful investigation launched in 2007. He emphasized that the commission had secured convictions related to the case. The specific details surrounding the nature of the recovered assets and the original case remain undisclosed. However, Olukoyede did provide a general breakdown, stating that the assets include real estate, radio and…

TikTok, the hugely popular video-sharing platform, has announced the suspension of its rewards program in the new TikTok Lite app. This comes amidst a legal investigation by the European Commission (EU). The EU Commission, the executive branch of the European Union, expressed concern about the way TikTok Lite allows users to collect points by watching videos and redeem them for rewards like Amazon vouchers. Their primary worry, outlined earlier this week, was that the program “has been launched without prior diligent assessment of the risks it entails, in particular those related to the addictive effect.” Essentially, the EU Commission questioned if TikTok Lite’s rewards system…