Osimhen joins Davido, Wizkid, Burna Boy at Tony Elumelu’s all-white party

 Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen on Monday joined Nigeria’s elite at billionaire Tony Elumelu glamorous all-white party in Lagos, embracing the holiday festivities during a visit to his home country.

The Galatasaray forward, who has been in prolific form, was seen mingling with top celebrities at the event hosted by Tony Elumelu, Chairman of the UBA Group, with an estimated net worth of $700 million according to Forbes.

The star-studded affair featured electrifying performances by some of Nigeria’s biggest music icons, including Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy, and Flavour.

Prominent political figures also graced the occasion, with Lagos State Governor Jide Sanwo-Olu and Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun among the notable attendees. 

Source :vanguard 

Declare state of emergency over alarming out-of-school children figure — Oniyitan

 

The Executive Director of Seed Care and Support Foundation, Mrs. Olanrewaju Oniyitan, has called for the declaration of a state of emergency in Nigeria’s educational sector over the alarming numbers of out-of-school children, OSC.

Oniyitan made this known at the launch of Seed Care & Support Foundation and the inaugural conference held recently in Ikeja, Lagos.

Speaking to newsmen on plans put in place by the foundation to ensure that all Nigerians get education, the founder said: “One thing we need to note, accept, and acknowledge is that the government cannot do this alone. In Lagos State where we are, we have just about 1,700 public schools but we have over 20,000 private schools, and most of these schools, about 60 percent of them are low-fee private schools, serving children from low-income communities, even in communities where you will not find any public school at all and so it is critical for us to know that for us to achieve education for all, SDG4, we will work with the affordable non-state sector (these low-fee private schools) to achieve education for all.”

On her part, the immediate past Education Commissioner in Lagos State, Mrs Folashade Adefisayo, advised parents whose children are deprived of free education due to the unavailability of government schools in their communities to opt for low-fee schools. 

“Free education schools would have been a first point of call for them, but unfortunately, there are not enough of them in many communities. So they have to go to the low-fee school in the community. Some schools have been set up by a lot of Nigerians charging the lowest possible fees. They are available to school children in many communities” she said.

Responding to questions on the alarming school fees of some privately-owned schools in Nigeria, she said that they need funds to keep their business running. 

The Advisory Chair of Seed Care & Support Foundation, Mrs Abosede Paul-Obameso, described the founder of the foundation as a drop in a very mighty ocean.

She called on those in the helms of affairs in the educational sector to leave their offices to see for themselves what is happening in the community. 

According to Abosede, this would facilitate a round-table discussion to determine what to do to resolve challenges in the sector.

Source :vanguard. 

Siblings clash over baby in NAPTIP’s custody

 Enugu, Nigeria– A family tragedy has sparked allegations and a bitter dispute over a 22-month-old child now in NAPTIP’s custody. Ikenna Aniekwe, the youngest sibling, revealed that he and his brother-in-law were detained on the day of his sister’s burial after siblings accused them of murder and child trafficking in a petition.

Trouble started when Chukwuma Aniekwe and his other siblings could, allegedly, not account for funeral funds, with the youngest of the siblings, Ikenna, alleging that his siblings failed to provide a record of contributions leaving him unable to acknowledge support from friends – a significant cultural obligation in Igbo tradition.

In contrast, Chukwuma asserts that, based on reports from two prominent South African hospitals, their late sister could not conceive and alleges the child was trafficked. He also accused Ikenna of attempted murder and complicity in their sister’s death.

“My focus is on the 22-month-old child. This child has done nothing wrong,” Ikenna stated. In an interview with Vanguard, Ikenna Aniekwe addresses these allegations and the unresolved issues dividing the family. 

Source :vanguard.

We’ve recovered N78m from N180m funds stolen – Verydarkman

Controversial social critic, Verydarkman has disclosed that N78 million out of the N180 million allegedly stolen from his NGO account has been recovered.

The revelation comes days after he took to Instagram on Friday to raise an alarm about the hacking of his organization’s account, claiming N180 million was missing.

However, his statement sparked skepticism, with many questioning the credibility of his claims.

Providing an update on the recovery process via Instagram on Sunday, Verydarkman expressed gratitude and shared the next steps in the investigation.

“Thanks to the people who called to check up on me. I also want to thank God for the process so far: we have been able to recover N78m, even though the suspect pointed out that the person he did with has run to Ghana, so hopefully, we would be going to Ghana very soon,” he said.

Source: vanguard. 

Nigerian-American Rapper, OG Maco dies at age 32

 Rapper OG Maco, born Benedict Ihesiba Jr., has passed away at 32, weeks after  being hospitalised.

His family confirmed his death on Instagram on Dec. 27, calling his life “a testament to resilience, creativity, and boundless love.”

They added, “While we grieve this immense loss, we also celebrate the new year.

On Dec. 16, the family had shared that Maco was in “critical but stable condition” at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

His manager, Poppa Perc, told AllHipHop at the time that Maco was on life support and undergoing tests, asking for prayers as he fought for his life.

Known for his 2014 breakout hit “U Guessed It,” OG Maco rose to fame with Quality Control, collaborating with artists like Diplo and Migos and joining XXL’s 2015 Freshman Class.

Despite personal challenges, including a car accident in 2016 and a severe skin condition in 2019, his family says his impact “will remain forever etched in our hearts. 

Source:vanguard 

Police deny investigating VeryDarkMan’s missing N180m NGO funds

 

VeryDarkMan

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) police command has said it is not investigating the claim by online personality, Vincent Martins Otse aka VeryDarkMan’s that N180 million meant for his non-governmental organisation, NGO, has gone missing.

Vanguard reported, Friday, that VDM had alleged that over N180 million was stolen from his NGO’s account after it was hacked.

In October, Otse launched the Martins Vincent Osei Initiative, raising over N35 million in donations within hours. Shortly after, he announced receiving a N100 million contribution from music producer Michael Collins Ajereh, popularly known as Don Jazzy.

Otse further explained that he had to shut down the NGO’s app for maintenance to prevent further breaches and promised to provide updates on the situation.

VDM has in the video claimed that he had reported the matter to the police and he was also travelling to Jos because one of the hackers had been found. 

According to reports, the FCT Police Command spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, clarified that the command was not involved in the matter.

She said, “The FCT Police Command has no information regarding any missing funds involving VDM, nor is there any ongoing investigation into the matter. The individual concerned should be contacted directly for details on where the case was reported, as we have no record of such a case with our command.

Source :vanguard. 

Police rescue 13 kidnap victims in Kwara

The Police Command in Kwara says it rescued 13 kidnap victims in a swift and coordinated operation in the state.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, said this in a statement on Saturday in Ilorin.

According to Ejire-Adeyemi, the achievement demonstrates the command’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of residents in the state.

He said a joint operation involving the Police and the Oke-Ero Local Government Security Initiative personnel rescued the victims, who were forcefully abducted by armed assailants on their way to a wedding in Kogi.

“The Kwara State Police Command has achieved yet another remarkable success in its fight against criminal activities with the rescue of 13 Kidnapped victims following a distress call on Dec. 21, 2024.

“Acting on credible intelligence and with the support of local informants, the security operatives swiftly mobilised to the suspects’ hideout located in the Idofin-Igbana area.

“Upon sighting the security team, the kidnappers, six in number and some dressed in military uniforms, engaged the operatives in a gun battle but were overpowered by the superior firepower of the rescue team.

“The suspects fled the scene with various degrees of injuries, abandoning their captives in the process,” he said.

According to him, the rescued victims include three females and 10 males from various locations, including Odo-Owa in Oke-Ero LGA, Ilorin, Ogbomoso, and a group of trailer drivers enroute to Kogi.

“While two victims sustained minor gunshot injuries, all other victims were immediately provided with medical care at a nearby hospital, stabilised, and subsequently reunited with their families, Ejire-Adeyemi said.

Ejire-Adeyemi quoted the state Commissioner of Police, CP Victor Olaiya, as commending the resilience and swift response of the operatives.

Source :vanguard. 

Abductors demand N75 million ransom for Anglican bishop, wife, children in Ondo

Abductors of the Anglican bishop, Rev. Canon Olowolagba, his wife, and children, along Iboropa road in Akoko North-East council area of Ondo State, have demanded a ransom.

of the Anglican bishop, Rev. Canon Olowolagba, his wife, and children, along Iboropa road in Akoko North-East council area of Ondo State, have demanded a ransom of N75 million for their release.

Sources told Vanguard that the abductors have opened a line of communication with the victims family members and leaders of the Anglican Church.

It was also gathered reliably that different associations have asked their members to raise some money to be added to the ransom demanded by the kidnappers.

The Bishop of Akoko Anglican Diocese, Rt. Rev. Babajide Bada, said that the family members were travelling from Ipesi through lsua Akoko when they were abducted.

According to the clergyman, “They drove from Ipesi through Isua Akoko. And when they got to between Isua and Ise-Akoko, they were kidnapped. And we didn’t know, until the following morning, when their members discovered that they didn’t get to Ikaram, where they were going. And they were not also at home.

Bada said that the daughter of the clergyman is a student of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), who was on holiday, and a nine-year-old girl were abducted alongside the couple.

He confirmed that the kidnappers have demanded a ransom of N75 million before the victims could be released.

“But we told them that the money demanded for it was unreasonable; they later agreed to reduce it to N10 million.

“When we gathered some money to“The abductors have now insisted on a N75 million ransom before they could set free the victims.

The cleric said that the matter had been reported to the state security outfit codenamed Amotekun.

“Amotekun is working because we have reported the matter at the Amotekun office in Akure, and they have started work to secure the release of the victims.

“We have also notified the hunters and reported the matter to the police, both in Ikare and Isua.

“Presently, Amotekun and the hunters are combing the bush, to ensure the victims are rescued from their captors.

Speaking on the unfortunate incident, the chairman of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in Akoko North-West Local Government, Sheikh Basiru Aminu, has called on religious leaders and the people of the community to pray for the victims to be released unhurt.

Contacted, the spokesperson for the state police command, Funmi Odunlami, said that the matter was not reported to any police station.

But the state Amotekun commander, Chief Adetunji Adeleye, confirmed the ab

ductor of the victims.                                                      

Source : vanguard. 

Why 53.9% of Nigerian children are multi-dimensionally poor — Report

 

The Situation Analysis (SitAn) of Children in Nigeria Report has identified some of the reasons why 53.9 per cent of children in the country are multi-dimensionally poor.

Source : Vanguard.

Mother’s agony: Son murdered for using fake bank alert to buy cocaine

 

Gloria George’s world was turned upside down when her 34-year-old son, Horsefall Rowland, failed to return home on the fateful night of September 10, 2024

He had informed his mother at about 3.30 pm that he was going for a meeting at Peter Odili road and Government Reserved Area, GRA in PortHarcourt, Rivers State respectively, but never returned.

The apprehensive mother had spoken to him at about 10 pm that day and he had reassured her that he was on his way home. But as the hours ticked by, Gloria’s anxiety grew, as she was unable to reach her son.

Her worst fears were confirmed about 5am the next day, when her son called, frantic with worry, and told her that he was being held captive by ruthless kidnappers.

 As the family scrambled to raise the ransom for their son’s release, it received threatening voice notes and pictures from his captors, warning that Rowland would be killed if the ransom was not paid.

The family’s anguish was palpable as they sent the initial N30,000, hoping against hope that Rowland would be released unharmed. Tragically, it was too late, as Rowland’s lifeless body was later discovered along Queens/Kings Bakery ABULOMA road, Port Harcourt.

Mother’s narration

In her narration to the Police on November 1, 2024, the devastated mother said the kidnappers’ demands were relentless and merciless.

According to her, “When he called on September 9,2024, about 5.05 am, he said that some persons held him and collected his phone. On that note he requested for 30,000 to settle them and I sent him the money. After that, his captors called and demanded for N2.5m though eventually the sum of N300,000 was later sent.

“The suspects at this point sent two threatening voice notes and pictures to Roland’s girlfriend, that if they didn’t receive the N300,000 in the shortest time, we should consider Roland dead. The money was sent to Roland’s account and that was the last time we heard of him.”

Police investigation

Upon receiving the complaint, the Special Operation and Intelligence Team of the Rivers State Police Command swung into action, arresting five suspects.

They were Endurance Thompson, aged 23; Boma Otonye,41, David Ishaku,34; Moses Benjamin, 29 and Emmanuel , 32 years.

Confession

The prime suspect, Thomson, who was arrested in his hideout at Woji area of the state, confessed to the crime, revealing that Rowland was beaten to death after allegedly attempting to pay for hard drugs with a fake bank alert.

He alleged that the late Roland met him on September 11, 2024 about 3am behind Port Harcourt zoo, Trans Amadi, where he (victim) came to buy hard drugs to smoke.

According to the Akwa-Ibom State born: “I have known Roland since December 2023. He usually came to buy Charlie (a street name for cocaine). But unknown to me, he had been using fake transfer alert to buy it.

“Indeed, I received an alert, but the amount in my account remained the way it was when I checked my balance. 

“He was owing me N150,000. He claimed to have transferred N8,000 first and N20,000. I called another colleague that sells same drug to give me his android phone so that I could insert my sim card and check if the money had entered.

“Yet, the transfer I got an alert on didn’t reflect in the total amount I had.

“I raised an alarm on the fake transfer. He was beaten and abandoned. But he later came to me and begged to be taken to the hospital for treatment. I called one of my friends, Justice, who said we should bring the wounded person.

“When we got to Justice’s place, he was not around but he told me to wait for him. We waited until it was dark. Roland died inside the Keke Marwa that rushed him to Justice’s place. I called Justice to inform him of the development.

“Later he came with Michael in another Keke, and took the Roland’s body away. They dumped it beside a bakery on Abuloma road.”

Spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko said the corpse had been deposited in the morgue for preservation.

She added that efforts were still on to arrest other suspects mentioned by prime suspects to have participated in the beating that led to Roland’s death.

Source:- vanguar

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‘N180m stolen from my NGO account’ – VeryDarkMan raises alarm

 

Controversial activist Martins Otse, known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has alleged that over N180 million was stolen from his NGO’s account after it was hacked.

In October, Otse launched the Martins Vincent Osei Initiative, raising over N35 million in donations within hours. Shortly after, he announced receiving a N100 million contribution from music producer Michael Collins Ajereh, popularly known as Don Jazzy.

In a video shared on Instagram on Friday, the activist revealed that the funds were diverted into an unknown account.

“Honestly, I’ve not been myself for the past few days,” Otse said. “Somebody hacked into the NGO website, and N180 million is missing. Thankfully, we’ve tracked the person, and one suspect has been arrested.

“The account is now on PND (Post No Debit). There’s N20 million left, while N160 million was diverted. We’re heading to Jos to recover the money.”

Otse further explained that he had to shut down the NGO’s app for maintenance to prevent further breaches and promised to provide updates on the situation.

 

Source:- 

Vanguard