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Folarin Kehinde

Entertainment

2baba deletes divorce-related posts on Instagram after public outrage

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Nigerian music icon Innocent Idibia, popularly called 2Face or 2Baba, has deleted all posts and videos related to the speculation about his divorce from his wife, Annie Idibia.

He removed the last video he posted to address the rumors just a few hours after sharing it on Instagram.

The controversy began on Sunday, January 26, 2025, when 2Baba, in a now-deleted post on his Instagram page, announced his separation from Annie, his wife of 12 years.

The original divorce announcement post read: “Hello to my beautiful people of all federations. Well, this thing I have to say is short but also long.

“I and Annie Macaulay have been separated for a while now, and currently filed for divorce.

“I would grant a press release soon to say my story. Not because it is anyone’s right to know about my personal life but because I love my people and I need them to know my innocence or offense.

“Stay blessed my people. I love you all.”

Another post followed claiming the Instagram account was hacked.

“My Instagram account has been hacked, efforts are being carried out to take back control. #onelove!”, the post read.

Moments later, he posted a video. Speaking in pidgin, 2Baba said, “Hello, my people, nobody hacked my account. Na me talk weytin I won yan.”

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Trump
Health

Trump halts funding for over 2 million Nigerians living with HIV

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The US government has halted the support for HIV treatment in Nigeria and other developing countries following an order by President Donald Trump.

The US State Department stopped the disbursement of funds from the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), a programme for HIV treatment in Africa and developing countries, for at least 90 days.

The action originates from President Trump’s executive order on foreign aid, which he signed on his first day in office last Monday.

The order instructed all government agencies managing foreign development assistance programmes to halt the disbursement of funds.

As a result, nearly all US global health funding was halted immediately.

The NPR reported that PEPFAR has stopped disbursing funding and is likely to suspend operations for at least three months if an exemption is not made for the programme in the coming weeks.

With an annual budget of $6.5 billion, PEPFAR delivers HIV/AIDS treatment to more than 20.6 million people. It has helped save lives and curb the spread of the virus.

The US State Department fact sheet showed that PEPFAR has saved the lives of an estimated 26 million people since its inception.

But speaking on the ban, the agency was quoted as saying, “The United States is no longer going to blindly dole out money with no return for the American people,”

However, public health experts fear the new Trump administration might terminate the entire programme.

Some others hoped that Marco Rubio’s appointment as Secretary of State could signal positive news for PEPFAR, given his past support for the initiative.

Effect on Nigeria
About two million Nigerians currently live with HIV with many of them benefitting from PEPFAR.

As one of the countries with the highest HIV burden globally, Nigeria relies heavily on programmes such as PEPFAR for access to life-saving medications, and healthcare infrastructure support.

Over the years, PEPFAR has contributed over $6 billion to support Nigeria’s national HIV/AIDS response.

The suspension or permanent halt to the programme is thus likely to affect the efforts to control HIV in Nigeria.

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Headlines

Expert commends GCEO, Mele Kyari’s Giant Stride on increase in crude oil production

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

…… says unparallel strategy to curb oil theft, sabotage topnotch

A dedicated player in the oil and gas industry, Solomon Oseagah has applauded the efforts of President Bola Tinubu and the Group Chief Executive Officer, NNPC Ltd, Mr. Mele Kyari for their initiatives towards increasing oil production from 900,000 barrels to over 1.5million barrels per day.

Mr. Solomon while speaking over the weekend during an interview with LEADING REPORTERS stated that the Mele Kyari’s move to combat oil theft through the use of the command and control centre has ensured the arrest of over 1,000 oil thieves currently awaiting judicial proceedings.

He explained that security is the main factor that helps towards increasing production stressing that in 2022 production dropped to 900,000 per barrel due to theft and vandalism adding that it was a time where oil majors were selling their assets because they could not deal with the loss due to vandalism that they were facing.

“The government has put in measures to buffer security in oil producing regions and also we have the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited saying that they have set up command and centers where they can track and monitor the our oil assets in real-time, aside the security there are other factors that has contributed to increase in production.”

He also acknowledged that significant reforms were implemented by the GCEO Mele Kyari which aimed at transforming the petroleum sector alluding that this is largely good news because more production means Nigeria can make more revenue their and export adding that the country can have more supply of FX to buffer our currency, buffer their reserve, also in time be able to fund the budget conveniently without large deficit.

“If you look at Seplat energy they said they will double their production to 120,000 barrels per in in the next six month after the acquired Exxon energy and we are looking at Oando that is looking at increasing their production to 100,000 barrels per day from 40,000 barrels per day over the next couple of years after some acquisition from international players.”

Solomon mentioned that three days ago the upstream leadership seek to approach OPEC for a Quota Increase with His relationship with members of European Agency for Energy Security in Vienna-Austria, hence all hands must be on deck to achieve these feat for the benefit of the country.

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JUST IN: Sowore detained indefinitely

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Human rights activist and politician, Omoyele Sowore has been detained indefinitely by the Nigeria Police Force following his outright rejection of bail conditions, which he described as “illegal.”

Sowore, who was invited for questioning over his exposé on alleged police extortion in Lagos, refused the bail terms requiring him to produce a level 16 civil servant as a surety and surrender his international passport.

The activist announced his decision via his X handle, saying, “I refuse to participate in any arrangement that undermines my personal integrity.”

His legal counsel, Femi Falana (SAN), supported his position, citing a Court of Appeal ruling in Dasuki v. Director-General, S.S.S., which declared such bail conditions unconstitutional.

Falana argued that involving public servants in bail arrangements is contrary to civil service rules and undermines anti-corruption efforts.

Sowore is being held at a police facility in Abuja, formerly used by the now-disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).

“I’d rather remain in custody until this joke is over,” Sowore declared.

The activist’s confrontation with the authorities comes amidst ongoing campaigns by the Take It Back Movement to end police extortion and unlawful roadblocks across the country.

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Entertainment

Tuface divorces wife, Annie after 13 years of marriage

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Nigerian music icon Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, has announced his divorce plan with Annie Idibia after 13 years in marriage.

2Baba has however dismissed earlier claims that his Instagram account was hacked.

In a video posted on his Instagram story on Sunday night, 2Baba confirmed that a controversial post about his separation from his wife, Annie Idibia, was indeed made by him. The original post, which announced the end of his 13-year marriage to Annie, read:

“Hello to my beautiful people of all federations. Well, this thing I have to say is short but also long…I and Annie Macaulay have been separated for a while now, and currently filed for divorce.

“I would grant a press release soon to say my story. Not because it is anyone’s right to know about my personal life but because I love my people and I need them to know my innocence or offense. Stay blessed my people. I love you all.”

Soon after, another message appeared on the same account, stating that the page had been compromised. It read, “My Instagram account has been hacked, efforts are being carried out to take back control. #onelove!”

In a twist, 2Baba later posted a video clarifying the situation. He confirmed that his account had not been hacked, contradicting the previous claim, and suggested that the initial post about his separation was indeed genuine.

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Headlines

“I’m not guilty” suspected killer of Salome Adaidu, Timileyin Ajayi pleads in court

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Timileyin Ajayi, the suspected killer of Salome Adaidu, has pleaded not guilty to the allegation.

Leading Reporters gathered that he was arraigned at the High Court of Justice, Lafia, before Justice Simon Aboki on Monday.

Upon arraignment, the suspect pleaded not guilty to the charge.

He is facing one count of culpable homicide, punishable by death, contrary to Section 221 of the Penal Code of Northern Nigeria.

The suspect was found in possession of the severed head of Salome Adaidu, a National Youth Service Corps, NYSC member.

He had admitted to the crime, claiming that he killed Adaidu after discovering she was cheating on him.

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Why I withdrew Suits against Dele Farontimi – Afe Babalola

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Renowned lawyer and founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, Aare Afe Babalola SAN, has agreed to withdraw the cases instituted against activist and lawyer, Dele Farotimi.

The decision comes after a midnight meeting with the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and other top traditional rulers.

It can be recalled that Babalola petitioned the police commissioner in Ekiti State, alleging that Farotimi defamed him in a book titled ‘Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System’. Consequently, Farotimi was arrested and arraigned before two courts in Ekiti for alleged criminal defamation and cyber-bullying.

Despite pleas from prominent personalities, Babalola went on with the defamation suits. He said appeals were made to him from former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Mathew Kukah and others.

However, after the intervention of the Ooni and other traditional rulers, Babalola agreed to withdraw the cases.

Speaking at ABUAD, the lawyer said, “If you go through the pamphlet (Farotimi’s book), you will find that he attacked many judges by names, he attacked Supreme Court judges, and none is bothered, but I am bothered. I am bothered because of where and how I started life, from the farm to where I am.

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BREAKING: Terrorists dare Wike, Kidnap Five in Abuja

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Terrorists, popularly known as bandits, stormed the Chikakore community in Kubwa, Abuja, on Sunday evening, kidnapping five residents, including an entire family.

The heavily armed terrorists, numbering about 20, arrived at the Health Centre extension axis of Chikakore around 11 pm.

According to police sources, the attackers targeted the homes of their victims, including Adesiyan Akinropo, a resident from the Southwestern part of Nigeria. The bandits kidnapped Akinropo, his wife, his son, and a visitor, as well as another neighbour, bringing the total number of abducted persons to five.

The attack also left a woman severely injured, with a deep wound on her head inflicted by the butt of a gun. She was rushed to the hospital, where she received treatment for her injuries.

It is understood that police operatives from the Byzahin division arrived at the scene an hour and a half after the incident, but the attackers had already escaped with their victims.

“The bandits have resumed attacks in Chikakore. We need a police division here in this community. We have land and a five-bedroom apartment already built to accommodate the police but there is no deployment yet.

“In the Sunday incident, the policemen came one and a half hours after the bandits had escaped with their victims,” a resident lamented.

A meeting between the police and community leaders has been scheduled for Monday to discuss the incident.

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Headlines

Impeachment: Obasa fights back, insists on due process

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The embattled and ousted Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa has maintained that his removal as Speaker was unconstitutional, saying that the due process was not followed.

Recall that Obasa was removed by 35 out of the 40 members of the assembly on January 13, 2025 over allegations of misconduct and mismanagement of funds and replaced with his former Deputy, Mojisola Lasbat-Meranda.

I present news like rap music to keep young people informed – Joshua Gapsiso0:00 / 0:00

Obasa, spoke on Saturday amid cheers from members of Mandate Movement and politicians from some local governments in the state at the official residence of the Lagos Speaker in GRA, Ikeja.

The former speaker stressed that the allegations made against him by the lawmakers could not be substantiated, and that he is the most experienced lawmaker in the assembly having been elected six times since 2003.

“I thank you for your support and dedication. I will take this advantage to debunk the allegations that were circulated and raised about me

“Is it possible to construct an ordinary gate with N16 billion? It is not the wall of Jericho or the wall that demarcated the United States of America and Mexico.

“How can they say we bought one Hilux bus for N1billion each and that we bought 40 pieces for N40 billion. Talking about Thanksgiving, they should compare the one they said we spent N200 million on and the one organised by the state government.

“I am not disturbed or perturbed and I am not afraid. I will debunk all the allegations levelled against me by the House.

“I have not done anything wrong. I have been a lawmaker for over two decades and I am the longest serving lawmaker in the House,” he said.

The former speaker added that it was important that the due process ought to have been followed before his removal.

According to Obasa, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police led police officers to invade the state assembly on the day of the removal, adding that over 200 policemen also invaded his private residence in Agege and blocked the gate, while they prevented members of his family from going out of the house.

“I am not afraid of being removed, after all it is not my father’s chieftaincy title. I am representing my people and they have returned me six times. If you want to do anything, do it well.

“They did the removal all because I was out of the country. Lagos is a special place, we cannot denigrate the state.

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Notorious Terrorist Kingpin, Turji Bello Ready to surrender – Military

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, on Friday disclosed that notorious terrorist kingpin, Bello Turji, has declared that he is ready to surrender.

With his second in command and other lieutenants recently taken out by the military, the Chief of Defence Staff said that Turji has been forced to discard most of those under him, signalling his willingness to lay down his arms.

“They (terrorists) are within the communities; the people know them. So, sometimes when they see them, before you get the information, it’s like two hours – the man has moved. So, when the information gets to you before you move, he has left that area.

“But I can tell you, we have taken out his second in command, we have taken out most of his lieutenants, in fact, he is forced now to release most of the people under him. I am telling you that recently he is beginning to say that he doesn’t want anything, he is ready to surrender,” General Musa said on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday.

Despite Turji’s reported willingness to surrender, the Defence Chief maintained that anybody who has engaged in killing innocent citizens must not be spared.

“We want to take everybody out. Anybody who has killed should go, people like him should not be allowed to stay,” General Musa said.

Following its continued onslaught on Turji, the military on Wednesday said troops of Operation Fansan Yamma neutralised his second in command of notorious Aminu Kanawa.

A statement by the Defence Director, Edward Buba, said the troops also inflicted terminal injuries on some of Turji’s close allies identified as Dosso (Bello Turji’s younger brother) and Danbokolo (one of Turji’s closest allies).

The military also said the troops neutralised several of Bello Turji’s key commanders namely: Abu Dan Shehu, Jabbi Dogo, Dan Kane, Basiru Yellow, Kabiru Gebe, Bello Buba and Dan Inna Kahon-Saniya-Yafi-Bahaushe, among others.

Over 24 fleeing terrorists from Bello Turji’s Camp around Gebe and Isa LGA of Sokoto State, as well as around Gidan Rijiya in Shinkafi LGA of Zamfara State were also neutralised, according to the statement.

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