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Youths Protest in Abuja, Demand Release of ‘VeryDarkMan’

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

A group of youths on Monday staged a protest in Abuja, calling for the immediate release of activist and social media influencer Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM).

According to Leading Reporters, Otse was arrested in the Federal Capital Territory following his recent visit to and public criticism of Guaranty Trust Bank.

The protesters, who gathered in large numbers, carried placards with various inscriptions and chanted slogans including, “He’s not a thief, Now VDM has blocked the road, Release VDM.”

The demonstration took place at the junction leading to the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in the Jabi area of Abuja.

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Entertainment

Police arrests VeryDarkMan in Abuja

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Popular Nigerian social media personality and influencer, Martins Vincent Otse, known widely as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has been arrested by the Nigerian police in Abuja.

The arrest reportedly followed his public criticism of Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) over alleged unauthorized transactions from his mother’s account.

His lawyer, Barrister Deji Adeyanju, confirmed the development on Twitter on Friday, revealing that officers of the Nigeria Police Force apprehended VeryDarkMan at Area 3 in Abuja.

“JUST IN: VDM arrested by the police at GTB. Spoke to them before he was arrested. This is absolutely unacceptable. Demanding accountability is not a crime,” Adeyanju tweeted.

In another update, he added, “A team of policemen arrested VDM at GTB. He was arrested with his friend C Park but they left his mom alone.”

More details to come…..

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Headlines

Protesters Flood Streets in Abuja, Lagos, Others Despite Police Warnings

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Protesters are currently out on the streets of Abuja, Nigeria’s capital City and Lagos, commercial capital of the largest black nation on earth.

The protests organised by the Take It Back Movement, are ongoing despite repeated warnings by the police.

In Abuja, Omoyele Sowore, a leader of the movement, and Deji Adeyanju, human rights lawyer, were seen leading the protest, resisting attempts of police officers to take them off the streets.

In Lagos, group of protesters were seen with placards in Ikeja, capital of the state.

In Rivers, the organisers converged on Isaac Boro Park in Port Harcourt, but were teargassed before the protest gained momentum.

The police authorities had warned against the protest, saying scheduling it to hold on the same day designated by the government as National Police Day was unacceptable.

In a statement, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Force Public Relations Officer, said the planned protest appears to be a deliberate attempt to tarnish the image of the Nigeria Police and, by extension, the nation.

The statement said, “The Nigeria Police Force has read in the news that a group called ‘Take it Back Movement’ is planning a protest across various states of the Federation, most especially the Federal Capital Territory, scheduled to hold on Monday 7th April, 2025, a day earmarked by the Federal Government as the National Police Day, to celebrate the resilience and dedication of officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force.

“While not against the exercise of citizens right to peaceful assembly and association in Nigeria as enshrined in the Constitution, the Nigeria Police Force is deeply concerned about the motive behind such protest scheduled on the same day the contributions of the Nigeria Police Force to national security is to be celebrated, putting into consideration that such glamorous event would bring together dignitaries from all spheres of life both internationally and within the country, including Foreign Inspectors-General of Police and Diplomats.

“The rationale behind staging a nationwide protest on the same day is, however, questionable and perceived to be a deliberate attempt and unpatriotic act that is capable of rubbishing and maligning the image of the Nigeria Police and the nation as a whole.

“The Nigeria Police Force hereby advises the organisers to shelve this planned protest as it is ill-timed and mischievous.”

The statement called on individuals intending to join the protest to engage in discussions with appropriate government agencies instead of taking to the streets.

The take-it-back movement said it called for a nationwide demonstration to address what it called the “authoritarianism of President Bola Tinubu administration, abuse of human rights and the misuse of the Cybercrime Act.”

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Headlines

Man slumps inside Abuja mosque during Ramadan Prayers dies in hospital

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

A 52-year -old man, identified as Salihu Byezhe, has reportedly slumped during Subhi prayers and died at Gudaba village in Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

A resident of Gudaba, Musa Dantani, said the incident happened on Thursday when Byezhe went to observe Subhi (early morning prayers) at the community’s mosque.

He said after the deceased finished eating Sahur (morning food during Muslim fasting), he performed ablution and went to observe Subhi prayers when he slumped.

He said as the prayers were going on, the deceased slumped and people quickly took him out of the mosque and rushed him to the hospital in Kuje.

He said the deceased gave up upon arrival at the hospital, adding that the doctor, who confirmed him dead, attributed the death to high blood pressure.

“Prayers were ongoing when he suddenly slumped and some Muslims inside the mosque quickly held him and conveyed him to the hospital. He was still breathing on the way to the hospital, but unfortunately, he gave up on arriving at the hospital,” he said.

Our reporter learnt that the deceased was a high blood pressure patient and that his BP went up during the morning prayers.

Dantani said the remains of the deceased were buried around 10:12 am on Thursday according to Islamic rites.

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Headlines

Ex-Immigration Comptroller General Found Dead In Abuja Hotel Room

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The former Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), David Shikfu Parradang, was found dead inside a hotel in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) after his female guest left.

The spokesperson of the Command and a Superintendent of Police, SP Josephine Adeh, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday.

She said: “In light of the recent reports alleging that retired Comptroller General of the Nigerian Immigration Service, David Shikfu Parradang, was kidnapped and subsequently killed, we wish to clarify the facts surrounding this incident to ensure accurate information is disseminated to the public.

“On March 3, 2025, at approximately 12:00 PM, Mr. Parradang arrived at Joy House Hotel, Area 3 Junction, driving a black Mercedes Benz. He checked into the hotel, paying a sum of Twenty two thousand naira (N22,000) for one night’s stay.

“Shortly thereafter, he directed the hotel room attendant to escort a female guest who had come to visit to his room. This lady left the hotel premises around 04:00PM of the same day.

“Mr. Parradang did not exit his room after the lady left. Around 04:00 AM of 04 March 2025, a friend who is a military officer, concerned for his wellbeing, traced him to the hotel.

“Upon arrival, the hotel receptionist and the officer proceeded to his room, where Mr. Parradang was found deceased, seated in a chair.

“The Durumi Police Station was notified and officers promptly arrived at the scene, secured the area, took photographs, and collected all relevant evidence to preserve the integrity of the crime scene.

“The body has been transferred to the National Hospital for necessary procedures, and hotel staff are currently cooperating with Police investigations. Effort is in top gear to effect the arrest of the lady.”

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Business

GAIM 6 Promo: Fidelity Bank rewards NYSC member with N500,000 Entrepreneurship Grant

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

In affirmation to keeping their word, Fidelity Bank has awarded the sum of N500,000 entrepreneurship grant to Koromo Bomane-aziba, a serving FCT Corp member in the 6th edition of its Getz Alerts In Million, (GAIM) promo.

Abuja Branch Leader Fidelity Bank, Vincent Ijioma while speaking in Abuja on Tuesday at the presentation of the grant stated that the entrepreneurship grant aims at giving back to the society, especially to serving corp members as a start up capital to ease their business startup and make their dreams reality.

Ijioma explained that the grant will be given to corp members who won the promo on quarterly basis adding that more than 12 corp members are currently on the waiting list.

“What we are doing is also part of
the way of rewarding and giving back to the society and part of the things that we have done differently in this year promo is to incorporate the NYSC into it.

“The bank decided they were going to make available 500,000 what we call
entrepreneurship grants that we are giving to people, the lucky winners from the
draw. What we are doing here today is also happening in every other place across the nation with people that have won, they are making that presentation.

“Like I said, from the list that was sent to
us, we have more than 12 corp members currently, you know, that this transition is going on. And it’s not going to be a one-off thing, it’s going to happen every quarter.”. he added.

Expressing her delight after receiving the cash reward, Koromo Bomane-aziba stated that her dreams of starting her culinary business is now a reality, she however advised her fellow corp members to open account with fidelity bank and enjoy many benefits and opportunities that the bank presents.

“I am happy that I was chosen for this. I was really surprised because I didn’t expect it. This just came about and I really want to thank fidelity Bank for giving me this opportunity. And I would want to go into a business, which is what I love doing. I love cooking. While in camp, I joined the culinary class because that’s what I love doing. So with this money, I’m really going to start a big business. Something I can use to manage myself while I’m in
Abuja.

“I will advise fellow corp member that if something like this happens to them, they shouldn’t take it for granted and they should try as much as they can to own an account with Fidelity Bank. Because just as I was, I was surprised and I didn’t expect this. So once they are able to get an
account with Fidelity Bank, I believe they have more packages for other corp members so they will definitely be opportune like me.”. She added.

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Headlines

VIO returns to Abuja roads despite court restraining order

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Officials of the Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS) of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), popularly known as VIOs have taken to the streets of Abuja to commence e-ticketing for traffic offenders.

This act comes barely one year after a court in Abuja barred the VIO or its agents from arresting motorists or impounding their vehicles across the FCT.

However, speaking on the matter, Abdullateef Bello, the director of DRTS said officials of the agency are on the roads to enforce the e-ticketing initiative.

Urging residents to remain law abiding and respect traffic rules, Bello said the DRTS had appealed the judgement of the court.

He said the VIO has resorted to using technological devices which has legal backing.

“In compliance with the FCT Transportation Secretariat’s strategy of e-enforcement and penalty system, the DRTS has today, Monday, February 17, 2025, commenced e-ticketing and central booking of traffic offenders.

“And henceforth, all violators of traffic issues will now be booked electronically and they will be served with their tickets for seven days. If they fail to pay the fine, then the vehicle will be impounded henceforth.

“We are back on the road and we will now impound vehicles only when you fail to pay your fines within seven days. The DRTS will not be stopping vehicles at random now because the devices will select those that are not adequately in line with the position of law, and those are the ones we will be dealing with henceforth,” Bello said.

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Headlines

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

16-day black-out begins in FCT Abuja today

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The 16-day load shedding for some parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has commenced from today 6th of January 2024 as announced by the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC).

Recall that AEDC had announced the power interruption in parts of its franchise areas that will last until January 21.

It was gathered that the load shedding was as a result of the relocation of the 33 KiloVolt (KV) DC Airport Feeder and 132KV Kukwaba-Apo Transmission Line Towers along the Outer Southern Expressway by the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA).

AEDC listed areas to be affected during the period to include Lugbe and environs, Airport Road, Kapwa, NNPC, Games Village, National Stadium, Eye Clinic, Indoor Complex, Christ Embassy Church.

“Other areas are American International School, Spring Court, American Embassy Quarters, EFCC headquarters, Coca Cola, Railway, Federal Medical Centre (FMC).

”Parts of Apo, Parts of Gudu, Gbazango and environs, Parts of Kubwa, Bwari and environs, Parts of Jahi, Parts of Jabi, Karu, Nyanya, Mararaba, Keffi and environs, and other parts of Abuja.

”We are working round the clock to reduce downtime as much as possible, and regret any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding,” it said.

Meanwhile, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has confirmed the rationing of power supply as announced by AEDC.

Mrs Ndidi Mbah, TCN’S General Manager, Public Affairs made the confirmation in a statement in Abuja on Saturday.

Mbah confirmed that the rationing would be due to the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA)’s road dualisation project along the Apo axis.

She said that eight number of 132 Kilovolt (kV) and 33kV towers would be relocated along the Kukwaba/Apo 132kV line (Outer Southern Expressway route).

Mbah confirmed the areas to be affected to include Kubwa, Karu, Maraba, Nyanya, Masaka, Keffi, Kukwaba, and Apo Mechanic.

According to her, the power rationing will also affect parts of Lugbe, Trademore Estate, Pyakasa, Sabon Lugbe Chika and Alaita axis.

“This relocation work will necessitate a planned power outage from 6th to 20th January from 9am to 4pm daily, which is the estimated duration for the dismantling and construction of the towers.

“It will also allow for the restringing of the power cables that will enable resumption of bulk power supply to the Apo Transmission Substation from Gwagwalada Substation.

“While the relocation of the transmission towers is a necessity for the road completion project, TCN apologises for the inconvenience this planned power outage will cause,” she said.

Mbah assured customers that power supply would be restored as soon as the towers relocation and cable stringing were completed.

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Entertainment

Abuja Agog, as Makems Excites Fashion Lovers at 2024 Jewellery Exhibition

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Makems Jewellery, an Abuja-based fast-rising jewellery-making company in Nigeria, has set the city agog, as it recently held its annual jewellery exhibition with a wide range of trendy, fine and unique handmade, locally-produced and imported jewellery products on display for hundreds of visitors to the venue of the event.

The jewellery exhibition was an expertly-curated showcase of exceptional ornaments, ranging from contemporary designs to vintage treasures such as Makems handmade jewellery, earrings, long necklaces, jewellery set, bangles and bracelets, rings and male bracelets, among others with special focus on promoting local contents, which aligns with Federal Government’s policy direction on promotion of local contents in all sectors of the economy.

The annual Makems 2024 Jewellery Exhibition, which took place on December 7, 2024 at the Glowing Ages Academy, Games Village Road, Kaura District, Abuja attracted fashion lovers and potential clients, who used the opportunity to purchase trendy jewellery of their choice which meet their status as the Yuletide season begins while networking with other visitors.

Addressing stakeholders and visitors at the event, the Director of Business Development at Makems, Miss Temitope Adejare, said Makems Jewellery makes unique jewellery products locally and also sell imported jewellery products as well.

“Considering what has been happening in the economy in the area of dollar exchange to Naira, you will realise that things that are imported have become so expensive because they are in dollar. So, what we have done at Makems Jewellery is to ensure that we source for local jewellery materials and we have a lot of them that are locally-made in Nigeria on display at this exhibition.

“Makems Jewellery has a passion for making jewellery and we now make do with what we can really do in Nigeria and we have been able to come out with beautiful jewellery pieces that people really love at this exhibition,” Adejare said.

She explained that “what we do is unique to an individual. We do not repeat the design. So, if you buy any Makems jewellery piece, it is the only one that exists in terms of design. Overtime, people have come to know this and they love it also and they like coming for the exhibition.”

According to her, Makems works year round to gather the best of locally-manufactured jewellery products as well as some imported designs and bring people together at the exhibition to come and see the various designs that Makems has brought on display for the season for them to purchase their favourite designs.

“As you can see, we sell imported jewellery pieces as well but as you may have observed, most people would be at the Stand for Nigerian-handmade jewellery products because they are more unique, more durable and are very nice. This means, our locally-produced collection of jewellery appeals more to our clients.

“Why most people run from Nigerian-made products is literally because of the quality. Most of the time, people that do local contents tend to compromise quality standards but what we have done at Makems is to ensure that what we have is of high quality even better than many of the imported jewellery, as the designs are nice and unique and meet the expectation of Nigeria across social divides.

Speaking on affordability, the Business Development Director said because the products are domiciled in Naira, “you find out that it is easier for people to buy.” She optimistically noted that Makems was targeting “exporting our locally-manufactured jewellery products in the long run, thereby helping Nigeria’s Naira-to-dollar exchange to appreciate through local production of the fashion products and exports.”

According to her, “With what we have done at Makems, we have a lot of staff that we have employed and this also means we are creating employment opportunity for Nigerians across the value chain. We are also available online across social media platforms for online purchase of our products.”

Adejare added that Makems’ plan is to become a household name as an indigenous jewellery-sourcing and production firm, thereby enhancing the government’s policy direction to deepen local content, improve value addition through offerings of durable, comfortable and affordable jewellery products in Nigeria in the next few years.

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