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  • Focus on development, not public criticism — Wike urges professional bodies

    Focus on development, not public criticism — Wike urges professional bodies

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has challenged professional bodies in Nigeria to focus less on public criticism and more on attracting tangible development to their institutions and members. The minister stated this on Tuesday while receiving a delegation of the Body of Benchers, led by its new Chairman, HRM […]

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  • EFCC explains hospital visit, cites alleged obstruction in fraud investigation

    EFCC explains hospital visit, cites alleged obstruction in fraud investigation

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has explained the circumstances surrounding the visit of its operatives to the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, saying the action was part of an ongoing investigation into an alleged multi-bank fraud case.

    In a statement issued on Tuesday, the anti-graft agency said operatives from its Uyo Zonal Directorate visited the hospital to authenticate a medical report submitted by a suspect currently standing trial before Justice M.A. Onyetunu.

    According to the Commission, the suspect is under remand over allegations of defrauding several microfinance institutions, including the University of Uyo Micro Finance Bank.

    The EFCC stated that the suspect had presented a medical report requiring confirmation from the hospital management. It added that two official letters dated March 11 and April 20, 2026, were earlier sent to the hospital seeking verification, but no response was received.

    “The Investigating Officer handling the matter took the further step of visiting the hospital to enquire about the status of the request. Still, no response,” the statement said.

    The commission further alleged that when operatives visited the office of the Chief Medical Director on Tuesday as a “last resort,” they were met with hostility from some hospital staff.

    According to the EFCC, the operatives were “locked in with a false alarm and subjected to unprovoked attack by misguided staff of the facility who pelted them with stones and other dangerous objects.”

    The agency also claimed that the hospital’s Chief Medical Director ordered the gates of the facility shut, preventing operatives from carrying out what it described as a lawful inquiry.

    It added that the Nigeria Police Force intervened and advised hospital authorities to reopen the gates to allow the EFCC team to leave peacefully, but the request was allegedly ignored.

    Despite the confrontation, the commission maintained that its operatives acted professionally and did not disrupt hospital activities.

    “In spite of the hostility and provocation, there was no breakdown of law and order as the operatives exercised restraint and professionally made their ways out of the hospital premises without disrupting its activities,” the statement added.

    The EFCC stressed that requests relating to its operational duties are lawful and warned that refusal to cooperate with investigations could amount to obstruction of justice, with possible legal consequences.

    EFCC explains hospital visit, cites alleged obstruction in fraud investigation

  • LASU emerges most preferred university in Nigeria for 2026 UTME

    LASU emerges most preferred university in Nigeria for 2026 UTME

    Lagos State University, LASU, has emerged as the most preferred university in Nigeria in the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME, according to figures released by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB.

    According to the statement by the Lagos state government, the development has drawn commendation from Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who described the achievement as another proof of the institution’s growing reputation for academic excellence and national relevance.

    JAMB data showed that the state-owned university recorded 84,426 applications, placing it ahead of other tertiary institutions across the country.

    The University of Lagos, UNILAG, came second with 78,240 applicants, while Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, ranked third with 60,370 applicants. The University of Ibadan and the University of Benin followed with 58,895 and 55,425 applications respectively.

    Reacting to the ranking, Governor Sanwo-Olu expressed excitement over LASU’s performance, noting that the university had continued to strengthen its position as a leading institution in Nigeria.

    He also reiterated his administration’s commitment to making LASU one of the top 10 universities globally.

    “LASU’s improved performance is a direct result of the Lagos State Government’s focus on fostering an academic environment that leads to prosperity,” the governor said.  

    According to the governor, the institution’s rising profile reflects the Lagos State Government’s deliberate investment in education and the creation of an enabling academic environment.

    He said the university’s improved standing was a direct outcome of efforts aimed at promoting innovation, quality learning and prosperity within the education sector.

    The governor further described the achievement as a major milestone in LASU’s 41-year history, adding that the university had continued to distinguish itself in academic excellence, discipline and global competitiveness.

    Speaking on the performance, Sanwo-Olu applauded the institution for retaining its place as the most sought-after university in the country.

    He attributed LASU’s success to “visionary leadership, dedicated faculty, and students” backed by the THEMES Plus Agenda of his administration, which prioritises funding and technological advancement in the education sector.  

    The governor also praised the Vice-Chancellor of LASU, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, for what he described as transformative leadership that has helped improve the institution’s ranking and reputation.

    According to him, her administration has introduced innovative learning methods and positioned the university for both national and international recognition.

    Sanwo-Olu further commended LASU for producing quality graduates and maintaining high-standard infrastructure, assuring that the institution would continue to play a major role in shaping the future of young Nigerians.

    He also encouraged members of staff and students of the university to remain committed to sustaining the institution’s position as Nigeria’s most preferred university.

    LASU emerges most preferred university in Nigeria for 2026 UTME

  • Music boosts workout endurance by 20% — New study

    Music boosts workout endurance by 20% — New study

    A new study has found that listening to your favourite workout music can significantly boost endurance, helping people exercise nearly 20 per cent longer without making the effort feel more difficult. The research focused on recreationally active adults who cycled at high intensity while listening to music they personally selected. Most of the tracks chosen […]

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  • Terrorism will lead to life imprisonment if I’m elected president – Mohammed Hayatu-Deen

    Terrorism will lead to life imprisonment if I’m elected president – Mohammed Hayatu-Deen

    An African Democratic Congress, ADC, presidential aspirant, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, has threatened to tackle terrorism, criminality and general insecurity if elected president in 2027.

    Hayatu-Deen warned that the crime of terrorism would attract life imprisonment if he is elected president of Nigeria.

    In a statement issued on Tuesday, Hayatu-Deen vowed to establish a terrorism court and reform intelligence coordination among security agencies.

    The presidential aspirant noted that there is a connection between insecurity and the economic stability of Nigeria.

    He said: “When farmers cannot reach their fields, food prices rise. When traders cannot move goods, the cost of living rises.

    “When young men cannot find work, criminal networks find recruits. Insecurity fuels poverty. Poverty fuels insecurity. To break the cycle, Nigeria must restore the authority of the state.

    “Terrorism charges will carry life imprisonment. The days of light sentences, quiet releases and cases disappearing into endless judicial backlogs are over,” he said.

    Since the commencement of the current administration, some states in Nigeria have witnessed varying levels of insecurity following attacks and killings by terrorists.

    Several people have been killed in Plateau, Benue and some other states in Nigeria.

    Amid the attacks, President Bola Tinubu’s administration has vowed to tackle the insecurity situation in the country.

    Terrorism will lead to life imprisonment if I’m elected president – Mohammed Hayatu-Deen

  • LaLiga: Where’s your Ballon d’Or, shut up and play – Gavi tells Vinicius Junior during confrontation

    LaLiga: Where’s your Ballon d’Or, shut up and play – Gavi tells Vinicius Junior during confrontation

    Barcelona midfielder Gavi reportedly provoked Vinicius Junior during the El Clásico match against Real Madrid.

    Hansi Flick and his team emerged victorious with a score of 2–0, securing the La Liga title following their triumph over their rivals at Camp Nou.

    The clash between two of the world’s most prominent clubs featured numerous instances of players from both sides attempting to unsettle one another. This match was no exception, with Vinicius and Gavi engaged in a confrontation.

    Gavi later stated that he would not take the incident to heart, emphasizing that whatever transpires on the field remains there.

    Now, new footage of his tense exchange with Vinicius has surfaced.

    A video circulating on X via Barca Universal suggests that Barcelona’s Gavi provoked Vinicius by asking about his Ballon d’Or.

    The Real Madrid winger placed behind Rodri in 2024, despite contributing to his team’s La Liga and Champions League victories in the previous season.

    Vinicius also declined to attend the Ballon d’Or ceremony after realizing he would not receive the award, with Real Madrid backing his decision.

    In reference to his disappointment at not securing the prestigious individual accolade, Gavi reportedly asked Vinicius:

    “Hey, where’s your Ballon d’Or?”

    Vinicius replied, “What do you want, mate? I’m keeping my cool.”

    The Barcelona midfielder then urged Vinicius to “shut up and play” and stop playing the fool.

    Vinicius has scored 21 goals and provided 14 assists in 51 appearances this season.

    Nevertheless, his contributions have come during a challenging campaign for Real Madrid, who have experienced two managerial changes and instances of teammates clashing with one another.

    LaLiga: Where’s your Ballon d’Or, shut up and play – Gavi tells Vinicius Junior during confrontation

  • Custom intercepts cannabis worth N5bn, rice, others in Ogun

    Custom intercepts cannabis worth N5bn, rice, others in Ogun

    The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Ogun Area 1 Command, has intercepted 10,126 parcels of Cannabis Indica, popularly known as Ghana Loud, at an estimated value of over N5 billion.

    Recall that this seizure comes 41 days after the command handed over 2,543 parcels of cannabis sativa to the NDLEA Idiroko Special Command.

    DAILY POST reports that among the other 72 seizures made are 26 sacks of raw cannabis sativa, 50 cartons of expired Maggi Star, 1,759 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice, 2,685 kegs of 25 litres and 16 kegs (2 litres) of Oki vegetable oil, and 16 kegs containing 14,550 litres of Premium Motor Spirit in jerrycans, 10 cartons of 21kg Basmati rice, and 77 cartons of 500mg Analgin injection with no NAFDAC registration number.

    Others include 20 cartons of turkey vegetable oil, 3 litres each; 10 cartons of 21kg Basmati rice; 216 cartons of 20kg Basmati rice; 205 packs of footwear; 66 bales of secondhand clothing; 11 kegs of 25 litres of diesel; 46 bags of 25kg foreign sugar; seven sacks of secondhand clothing; two used vehicles; two sacks of ladies’ handbags; 16 cartons of organic honey; 858 packs of macaroni; two sacks of spaghetti; and six live pangolins already handed over to the relevant agency.

    Speaking on Tuesday at a press briefing held at the Sentry Idiroko Border Post, the Acting Customs Area Comptroller, Olukayode Afeni, said the contraband items were intercepted at different locations within the state.

    According to him, the seizures are proof of the command’s fight against smuggling operations, preventing the drainage of national resources through illegal trade and dismantling the organized networks that facilitate smuggling.

    Afeni lamented the devastating effect of drugs on the lives of consumers, especially youths, adding that they have the potential to influence criminal activities such as armed robbery, banditry, cultism, kidnapping, terrorism and other vices.

    He said, “We remain resolute in our duty to ensure that Ogun State and the nation at large remain a hostile environment for those who seek to undermine our economic stability.

    “Through enhanced intelligence and inter-agency cooperation, the Command intercepted 73 seizures in just five weeks (41 days).

    “The cumulative Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized items is N6,777,236,000. It is essential to state that the aforementioned items were intercepted at different locations within Ogun State with the aid of intensive intelligence strategies and concerted efforts of our intelligence personnel.

    “From January to date, we have taken 26,002 parcels of cannabis off the streets. This isn’t just a seizure; it’s a preventive measure. Without this intervention, our society would face a wave of drug-related crises that our already overstretched healthcare and rehabilitation systems may not be able to handle.

    “The Command, from March 16, 2026, up till this morning, May 12, 2026, generated and remitted into the Federation Account the sum of ₦125,430,757.00 in revenue through baggage assessment and the auction of seized petroleum products,” he added.

    The acting comptroller reaffirmed the command’s commitment to residents’ safety and well-being, calling for public support and cooperation to boost economic growth.

    Afeni handed over the seized banned substances to the Commander of the Idiroko Special Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Ekundayo Williams, and lauded the collaborative efforts of other sister agencies and critical stakeholders in the fight against smugglers and economic saboteurs.

    Custom intercepts cannabis worth N5bn, rice, others in Ogun

  • Save us from incessant road accidents – Ogbomoso residents beg Makinde [PHOTOS] 

    Save us from incessant road accidents – Ogbomoso residents beg Makinde [PHOTOS] 

    Residents of the Odo-Alamo area in Ogbomoso have appealed to the Oyo State Government under the leadership of Seyi Makinde to save them from incessant road accidents.

    The residents lamented that the poor condition of the road serving the community has resulted in many road accidents.

    They appealed to the state government to come to their aid.

    The residents further lamented that the access road to the community has become greatly dilapidated and a death trap.

    The residents of the community made these declarations on Tuesday after a lone accident in which a car fell into a ditch near the bridge over the Alamo Stream.

    A community leader, Mr. Mathew Ogunkanmi, who spoke on behalf of the residents, said:

    “The road has become dilapidated; it has become a death trap.”

    A distraught resident lamented that successive administrations have neglected the community.

    He, however, appealed to Makinde to come to their aid.

    Ogunkanmi, while speaking, said, “We have made several appeals to successive council chairmen. Former chairmen such as Alhaji Ibrahim Toskay, Alhaji Kabir Ayoade and even the present chairman, Hon. George Ogunlade, all came, but nothing has been done.

    “And it is sadder that the road is not among those being rehabilitated in Ogbomoso presently. Only Governor Makinde can help us now.”

    Another resident of the community, Mrs. Kafilat Adekunle, disclosed that such accidents are common in the area because of the poor condition of the road serving the community.

    Adekunle said, “Something needs to be done to alleviate our suffering, and urgently too. Government should please come to our aid.

    “The car, it was said by eyewitnesses, fell into the ditch while reversing. It crashed and landed on its back, with its four tyres glaring at the sky.”

    Save us from incessant road accidents – Ogbomoso residents beg Makinde [PHOTOS] 

  • NIMC launches WhatsApp, live chat platforms for NIN support

    NIMC launches WhatsApp, live chat platforms for NIN support

    The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has introduced new digital customer support channels, including WhatsApp and live chat services…

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  • NUT kicks against FG’s decision to scrap UTME for NCE applicants

    NUT kicks against FG’s decision to scrap UTME for NCE applicants

    The President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Audu Titus Amba, has faulted the decision of the Federal Government to exempt candidates seeking admission…

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