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  The 21 individuals who were kidnapped on Thursday along the Ajaokuta-Itobe Road in Kogi State have been successfully rescued.  A team of security personnel, including the Nigerian Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and local vigilantes, carried out the rescue operation. In a statement released on Saturday by the Chief Press Secretary of the state governor, Onogwu Mohammed, it was revealed that the victims, mainly travelers, had been taken to an unknown destination within the dense forest around the Ajaokuta Local Government Area of Kogi State. Upon receiving the distressing report, Governor Yahaya Bello promptly directed security agencies and local vigilantes to take immediate action to free the captives and apprehend the perpetrators.  The governor expressed his unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of the citizens under his jurisdiction. The combined efforts of the security forces resulted in the successful release of the 21 captives within 48 hou

  Abubakar Mohammed, a suspected car thief, narrowly avoided a lynching by an angry mob at the Kure Ultra Modern Market in Minna, the capital of Niger State.  The 40-year-old resident of Tudun-Fulani, Bosso, Bosso Local Government Area, allegedly tried to steal a Honda Civic with registration number KAG 371 AA from the market's parking lot on Thursday.   Witnesses reported that his actions led to a mob forming, but he was rescued and apprehended by responding police officers. During interrogation, Abubakar admitted to using a fabricated key to take the vehicle, intending to deliver it to his regular contact, Bashir Mohammed, in Mando, Kaduna State. He confessed to a previous car theft in March 2023 from the same market, selling the vehicle to Bashir for N200,000, which he used for a shoe business in Kasuwa-Wanbai, Kano State.   Abubakar revealed his motive for the attempted theft, citing the need for more funds for farming and constructing a personal house in Wushishi to prepare fo

  Despite the rising cost of rice and the recent removal of the ban on foreign exchange for its imports, the Nigeria Customs Service has affirmed that rice remains a restricted commodity. Rice, a commonly consumed staple in Nigeria, has experienced a price increase, ranging from N55,000 to N60,000 for a 50kg bag, depending on the location of purchase. This marks a notable surge from approximately N30,000 per 50kg bag a year ago, despite local production and the recent allowance of forex for rice imports. On October 12, The PUNCH reported that the Central Bank of Nigeria lifted the ban on importers for 43 items, including rice, from accessing foreign exchange on its official platform.   Many Nigerians anticipated a drop in rice prices, especially for imported varieties, following this announcement. However, contrary to expectations, the cost of this staple has continued to rise. While domestic rice producers attribute the increased cost to high production expenses, it has been observed

   In Abuja on Friday, Maj-Gen Buba Edward, the Director of Defence Media Operations, revealed that in 2023, troops neutralized 6,886 terrorists, arrested 6,970 suspects, and rescued 4,488 kidnapped citizens nationwide. Additionally, they recovered 100 million litres of stolen crude oil, 60 million litres of diesel, and various weapons and ammunition.   Buba highlighted regional threats, including armed banditry/terrorism in the North-Central and North-West, Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East, and secessionist agitations in the South-East and South-West. The South-South faced challenges like oil theft and youth restiveness. Buba emphasized that the widespread occurrence of crimes such as kidnapping, armed robbery, communal clashes, and cattle rustling was evident across all six geopolitical zones.   He attributed the surge in crime during 2023 to the proliferation of small arms, which entered the country through porous borders and the prevalence of locally fabricated weapons. High

  Throughout the year 2023, several personalities and events played a significant role in shaping the political landscape of Anambra. Notable occurrences included the 2023 general elections, featuring Mr.   Peter Obi as the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), and the incumbent governor of Anambra State, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, along with other political figures. Despite the year coming to an end, indications of notable changes persist. The November 2021 polls in Anambra resulted in the election of Prof Chukwuma Soludo as governor, who was sworn in on March 29, 2022.   While the focus on Anambra might have diminished after the state elections, the entrance of former governor Peter Obi into the 2023 general elections as the Labour Party candidate altered the dynamics. Peter Obi, known for his commendable performance as one of Anambra's governors and admired for his calm demeanor and openness, garnered attention. Although Anambra wasn't electing a governor in this round

  Last night, gunmen attacked a convoy believed to be owned by the self-styled godfather of Anambra politics, Chief Chris Uba. Reports indicate that the convoy's vehicles were extensively damaged by bullets, resulting in the death of two police officers assigned to the politician. Another politician, Mr. Val Ozigbo, narrowly avoided the attack. Eyewitnesses revealed that the incident occurred when Uba's convoy encountered the armed men stationed at UGA junction, leading to a shootout. Uba managed to escape unharmed due to his bulletproof vehicle, but the accompanying police officers lost their lives. Val Ozigbo, returning from Owerri with his family, successfully evaded the aggressive convoy, which later fell victim to the gunmen at UGA junction. The attackers' apparent motive was to kidnap Chris Uba, causing injuries to several individuals. However, it remains unclear if anyone was actually kidnapped. The state police command, through its spokesperson DSP Tochukwu Ikenga,

 On Wednesday night, December 27, thieves targeted the mansion of Manchester City star Jack Grealish, making away with £1 million worth of jewelry. At the time of the burglary, Grealish was playing in his team's 3-1 win against Everton.    The family, including Grealish's fiancée Sasha Attwood, parents, two sisters, and brother, reportedly pressed panic buttons inside the house upon hearing noises upstairs. Despite immediate police response, including a helicopter search, the burglars managed to escape with the valuable items, leaving the family shaken. The thieves carried out their raid while Manchester City was playing live on TV, and Grealish's entire family had gathered downstairs to support him. Although no one was injured, there was widespread panic, with everyone feeling terrified and vulnerable.   The property's vast size contributed to the initial lack of awareness, and it was the family's first visit, making them unfamiliar with the layout.   When the dogs

  The Kano State Police Command has apprehended nine individuals specialized in interstate trafficking, abduction, and the buying and selling of minors.   Commissioner Usaini Gumel revealed this information while presenting the suspects at the Bompai command’s headquarters on Thursday. The arrests followed intelligence-led operations that targeted the long-standing networks of interstate trafficking syndicates operating in Kano, Bauchi, Gombe, Lagos, Delta, Anambra, and Imo states. Gumel mentioned that seven victims, mostly minors, were rescued from the suspects.   Further investigations by the police revealed the existence of these criminal networks for over a decade, with rescued children aged between three and eight being sold for amounts ranging from N300,000 to N600,000 based on their ages. Gumel stated during the investigation that a victim, originally named Mohammed Ilya and abducted from Bauchi, had recently been sold in Nnewi, Anambra State, with his name changed to Chidebere.

 The fashion industry, a dynamic and ever-evolving realm, plays a pivotal role in shaping not only our wardrobes but also the way we perceive ourselves and the world around us. Its influence extends far beyond the seams of garments, intertwining with culture, identity, and the very fabric of human existence. Imagine a world where the kaleidoscope of colors, patterns, and styles that adorn our lives is replaced by a monotony of utilitarian clothing. Life would undoubtedly be less vibrant, less expressive, and lacking the diverse tapestry that fashion weaves into our daily experiences. From time immemorial, clothing has been an essential aspect of human civilization, serving practical functions while simultaneously acting as a canvas for self-expression. The fashion industry, as we know it today, has metamorphosed from a utilitarian necessity into a multifaceted global phenomenon. It's not merely about covering the body; it's a language that speaks volumes about individuality, so

  The Lagos State Police Command reported the arrest of three armed robbery suspects accused of robbing a woman of N3.2 million and a vehicle. The Command's spokesperson, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the arrest to the News Agency of Nigeria on Thursday, stating that the Rapid Response Squad apprehended the suspects.   The gang leader,Sheriff Owolabi, who had been on the police's wanted list, confessed to the crime, leading to the arrest of another gang member, Ibrahim Gambo, in the Ibafo area of Ogun. The suspects sold the robbed car in Ibadan to a receiver from Cotonou, Benin Republic. Further investigation revealed that the same buyer, referred to as Alhaji from Cotonou, was involved in multiple car snatchings in Lagos.   Additionally, Sheriff Olakunle was arrested in Mushin for assisting the suspects in selling stolen phones, and the police traced the POS operator who facilitated cashing the money transferred from the victim's account. Hundeyin explained that Owolabi

 Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and his wife Dolapo conveyed their condolences to the family of the late Rotimi Akeredolu, the former governor of Ondo State, who passed away on Wednesday. In a post on his social media handle, the ex-VP stated, "Dolly and I extend our sincere condolences to Her Excellency Betty Akeredolu, the children, family, friends, associates of HE Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu #rotimiaketi, and the government and people of Ondo State on his passing. I have lost a brother and friend of over 40 years."Aketi was known for his boldness, courage, honesty, fairness, kindness, and devotion to God. He strongly upheld the principles of democracy, justice, and the rule of law. He cared deeply for the people of Ondo State, showing a particular passion for their security and economic progress. We pray that the Almighty God brings comfort to the family and the people of Ondo State in this time of great loss. Amen. "Sun re o Aketi Baba!" Following the

 On Thursday, Russia officially reopened its embassy in Burkina Faso after being closed for nearly 32 years. The Burkinabe foreign ministry confirmed the reopening in a statement, and the Russian ambassador to Ivory Coast, Alexei Saltykov, mentioned that President Vladimir Putin would appoint the new envoy. Saltykov, who will lead the mission temporarily, emphasized the strong and friendly ties between Russia and Burkina Faso, describing the nation as an "old partner." It's noteworthy that Burkina Faso faced two military coups last year, partly fueled by dissatisfaction with the inability to counter a growing jihadist insurgency. Since assuming power in September 2022, the ruling junta has distanced Burkina Faso from France, its historical partner and former colonial power, opting to strengthen ties with Russia. In October, Burkina Faso entered into an agreement with Russia for the construction of a nuclear power plant, aiming to enhance energy supply in the Sahel country

 The renowned South Korean actor Lee Sun-kyun, globally recognized for his role in the Oscar-winning film “Parasite,” was found deceased in Seoul on Wednesday, as confirmed by the police. The 48-year-old actor was discovered in a vehicle parked on a street within the mid-northern Seongbuk district, as reported by an official from the Seongbuk police station to AFP. According to police sources cited by Yonhap, a South Korean news agency, Lee left behind a note resembling a will. He had been under investigation by the police for alleged involvement in the use of marijuana and other drugs. In response to his passing, several entertainment industry events in South Korea were canceled on Wednesday as a gesture of condolence for the late actor. Filmmaker Byun Young-joo, who had collaborated with Lee on her 2012 thriller “Helpless,” paid tribute to him by posting a pitch-black image on her Instagram account. Actress Claudia Kim, also known as Soo Hyun, mourned Lee’s death on social media, emp

  The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has fined British American Tobacco (BAT) Nigeria and its affiliated companies $110 million for multiple violations of the FCCPC Act, the National Tobacco Control Act, and other legal instruments. In a statement released in Abuja on Wednesday, the commission clarified that the fine resulted from mutual engagement with BAT under the FCCPC’s Cooperation/Assistance Rules & Procedure (CARP) 2021, offering potential benefits for cooperation. BAT parties will undergo a 24-month compliance and monitoring program by the FCCPC to ensure adherence to appropriate business practices. They are also required to conduct a mandatory public health and tobacco control advocacy campaign compliant with relevant laws. Additionally, BAT parties will provide written assurances to the Commission as per Section 153 of the FCCPA. In exchange, the Commission has withdrawn pending criminal charges against BAT Nigeria and one employee for obst

 Nollywood star Funke Akindele has achieved significant success with her latest film, 'A Tribe Called Judah,' earning an impressive N400 million in its first 12 days of release. This accomplishment has elevated the movie to become the highest-grossing film of 2023, as reported by the Cinema Exhibitors Association of Nigeria (CEAN) in a tweet on Tuesday. Funke Akindele's 'A Tribe Called Judah,' which she wrote and produced, raked in an impressive sixty million naira within just two days of its release, signaling its capability to set new box office records. The announcement, made by Film One Entertainment, highlighted the movie as the highest-grossing film in 2023. It has now joined the ranks of the top five highest-grossing Nigerian movies of all time, alongside notable productions like 'The Wedding Party' and 'Omo Ghetto: The Saga.'

  After the fourth round, Portable, a Nigerian street-pop artist whose real name is Habeeb Badmus, was declared the winner of the celebrity boxing match against Nollywood actor Charles Okocha on Wednesday. The fight, sanctioned by Heritage Boxing Entertainment, took place at Landmark Beach in Victoria Island, Lagos State, starting after 1 am and lasting about 40 minutes. The conflict between the two arose from alleged contractual issues, leading to an online feud over an alleged N40m rip-off. Portable claimed that Okocha cheated him out of the money, sending only a small amount contrary to their contractual agreement. In Round One, Portable took an early lead with a confident start, wearing a blue pair of knickers and an armless top. He controlled the ring, landing several jabs to Okocha's body, who was dressed in a red top and red shorts. In Round Two, Okocha made a comeback, avoiding blows from Portable. Despite being in a favorable position to win, Okocha worked to amass more po

 Unknown gunmen invaded Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Nkweagu, Ebonyi State, killing at least three worshippers. The assailants had contacted one victim, a popular POS operator at Nkwuagu market, instructing him to leave the church before shooting him upon his exit. This tragic incident has plunged the community into mourning, disrupting economic activities, particularly at the Nkwuagu market on Christmas Day. The violence may be linked to cult-related clashes in Nkwuagu, where a recent killing added to the tensions. Despite attempts to seek reactions from the Commissioner of Police and the PPRO, no response was received. The Catholic Bishop of Abakaliki Diocese, Most Rev. Peter Nworie, swiftly condemned the brutal murder of the three Immaculate Conception Catholic Church worshippers on Christmas Eve. Nworie expressed profound sadness, describing the incident as disheartening. He highlighted that the suspected killers attacked the church during a vigil mass service, resultin