Year: 2025

The Oyo State Police Command on Tuesday said that the video of the alleged invasion of the state by suspected Boko Haram currently circulating on social media was recycled.

 

The command’s spokesman, CSP Adewale Osifeso, stated this in a statement made available to newsmen on Tuesday in Ibadan, the state capital.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that a video clip is currently being circulated on social media alleging the arrest of suspected Boko Haram members who invaded the state along the Ibadan Expressway.

 

“The Police Command in Oyo wishes to address the recent circulation of misleading information on social media regarding a video that purportedly shows an attempted invasion of the state by Boko Haram elements intercepted along the Ibadan Express road.

 

“The video, which allegedly depicts articulated trucks filled with motorcycles and weapons, has been verified as a recycled clip from 2022,” he said.

 

Osifeso said the re-emergence of the video, particularly during a period of enhanced security in the state, suggests a deliberate attempt by certain individuals with malicious intent, seeking to spread falsehoods and incite fear and unrest.

“The command urges the public to remain vigilant and disregard such antics; we assure that this does not pose any current threat to the safety and security of the state.

 

“To further substantiate our claim regarding the video’s outdated nature, we note that the Divisional Crime Officer (DCO) at the Ilero Divisional Police Headquarters, DSP. Segun Adeyemo, who appeared briefly in the video, retired from the Nigeria Police Force in August 2024 after a long period of meritorious service,” he added.

 

Osifeso reaffirmed the command’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding all residents in the state.

 

He urged the public to avoid circulating outdated video content pertaining to issues that had been previously resolved and encouraged them to thoroughly verify any information before sharing on social media.

 

NAN

A General Court Martial sitting at the Headquarters, 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Enugu, has sentenced Private Adamu Mohammed to death by hanging for murder, while Private Abubakar Yusuf was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for robbery.

 

The sentences were handed down following the conclusion of their trials for murder and robbery respectively.

 

A statement on Tuesday by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 82 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Jonah Unuakhalu said the court martial composed of 11 members, was inaugurated on February 18, 2025, by the General Officer Commanding, 82 Division, Major General Oluyemi Olatoye, to adjudicate cases involving erring personnel within the Division.

 

Delivering judgment on Private Mohammed, the President of the court, Brigadier General Sadisu Buhari, said the soldier was found guilty of the murder of his girlfriend, Miss Hauwa Ali, an offence punishable under Section 106(a) of the Armed Forces Act, Cap A20, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

 

Brigadier General Buhari explained that the panel arrived at its unanimous decision after a thorough review of the evidence, the service record of the accused, and a plea for mitigation by the defence counsel.

 

However, he stressed that in the interest of justice and societal order, the law must take its full course.

 

“Given this, the GCM has determined that the accused soldier, 21NA/80/6365 Private Adamu Mohammed, is hereby sentenced to death by hanging for the charge of murder,” Buhari was quoted as saying.

 

In a seperate case, the court found Private Yusuf guilty of robbery at a mall within Enugu.

Yusuf was convicted under Section 107(1)(b) of the Armed Forces Act, Cap A20 LFN 2004.

 

Although pleas for leniency were considered, Buhari noted that, due to the inability of the court to reach the unanimous decision required for a maximum sentence under Section 107(2) of the Act, the GCM instead relied on Section 140(3) to impose a 10-year prison term.

 

“Accordingly, the accused soldier, 23NA/85/12116 Private Abubakar Yusuf, is hereby sentenced to 10 years imprisonment,” he said.

 

Buhari emphasized that the sentences are subject to confirmation by the appropriate military authorities, which marks the conclusion of the soldiers’ trials.

 

He reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to maintaining discipline and upholding the highest standards of ethics and professionalism.

 

“The wrong actions of a few do not reflect the values of the institution. Swift and decisive measures are always taken to ensure accountability and justice,” he stated.

He assured the public that the Army remains steadfast in its mission to protect the integrity of its operations and foster trust and confidence among the Nigerian people.

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, on Tuesday, commended the commitment and determination of Remo Stars Football Club, which culminated in the team winning its first-ever Nigeria Professional Football League title on Sunday.

 

The governor described the achievement as an unprecedented feat in the annals of the state.

 

PUNCH Online reports that Remo Stars claimed the NPFL title with a 1-0 victory over Niger Tornadoes on Sunday.

 

Abiodun, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade on Tuesday, said the team has sustained the inherent capacity Ogun State is known for, adding that their resilience and perseverance have paid off.

The governor added that Remo Stars has consistently pushed for the best with an enviable patriotic tendency since its formation

He said the level of the team’s dexterity and capacity earned it the 2024-2025 Nigerian Premier Football League title as well as its promotion to the elite league four years ago.

 

The governor, therefore, implored other local clubs in Nigeria to emulate the degree of resilience and doggedness the team displayed to help promote Nigeria’s local league to enviable heights.

 

“It is my utmost delight that the age-long perseverance and consistency of the Remo Stars Football team have eventually paid off at the national level and to the admiration of every Nigerian, including our amiable President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

 

“As the first privately-owned NPFL champions since 1996, who ceremoniously secured a place in the CAF Champions League, we commend the undiluted and unwavering determination of the players, the coaching staff, as well as the entire management.

 

“This is indeed the clear reflection of the profound trait of Ogun State as the first in all areas of success and our all-inclusive policy of transformation as enshrined in our ISEYA mantra,” the statement read.

A total of 41,027 underage candidates were among the 2.03 million who registered for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.

 

This was according to real-time data obtained from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board registration dashboard on Tuesday.

 

According to data available on the Board’s official website as of Monday, 62 cases of examination malpractice have been recorded so far.

 

Recall that the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, recently reinstated the acceptable age for admission into tertiary institutions as 16 years. He emphasised that candidates below this age would not be eligible for admission, although exceptions would be made for academically gifted students.

 

JAMB has also clarified that underage candidates—those below 16—may be considered for admission if they demonstrate academic excellence by scoring 80 per cent or more in the UTME. Given that the examination is scored out of 400 marks, this translates to a minimum of 320.

This position by JAMB followed the reversal of the mandatory 18-year age benchmark previously introduced by former Education Minister, Prof. Tahir Mamman. The return to the 16-year benchmark has been widely supported by stakeholders across the education sector.

 

Speaking at a recent meeting with key stakeholders—including Chief External Examiners, Chief Technical Advisors, and members of the Equal Opportunity Group—JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, reiterated that while the 16-year age requirement remains the standard, candidates under that age may be granted admission only under strict, exceptional conditions.

 

Meanwhile, the Minister of Education has directed that by November 2025, both the West African Examinations Council and the National Examinations Council must begin administering their objective tests via Computer-Based Testing.

 

According to Alausa, by the May/June 2026 examination season, both the objective and essay components of WAEC and NECO exams are expected to be fully transitioned to CBT—a move aimed at further curbing examination malpractice.

 

 

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has paid N155.4 million as compensation to property owners affected by the dualisation of the Ikere-Akure road.

 

Oyebanji said that the N155.4m “covers the formal acquisition of land valuation and payments for unexhausted improvements on the affected property. The transparent and fair disbursement of these funds is our priority, and I want to assure you that due process has been followed.”

 

The governor, represented by the Deputy Governor, Mrs Monisade Afuye, spoke on Monday at Ikere Ekiti while unveiling the disbursement of compensation.

 

He assured the citizens that embarking on projects that would add value and create vistas of economic activities and business development would continue to dominate the priority lists of his administration.

 

The governor, who noted the road was conceptualised to bolster business activities and enhance the inter-state transportation system, said, “This project is not just an infrastructural intervention; it is a crucial lifeline that will strengthen socio-economic ties between Ekiti and Ondo states and enhance the general well-being of our people.

 

“It is also part of the broader development policy to open up our communities, reduce travel time and ensure the safety and convenience of commuters along this crucial corridor.

He praised property owners for their understanding, acknowledging that the compensation might not match the value of their properties but commending them for their sacrifice.

 

He said, “Though what we are giving might not be commensurate or equal to your property, I want you to know that with this sacrifice, you have written your names with indelible ink in the history of the development of our dear state. I urge you to use these funds wisely.

 

“You can see that this government is highly compassionate. Some governments can acquire such properties in the public interest and destroy them, and still refuse to pay compensation. But the Oyebanji administration didn’t do that. The administration promised to pay the compensation before the completion of the project, and it is fulfilling this today.”

 

The Special Adviser on Lands, Survey and Geographical Information System, Prof. James Olaleye, said that the properties acquired were strategic for the successful construction of the road that will bolster economic activities and ease traffic gridlock along that pivotal corridor.

 

Olaleye described the road as one of the arteries of business and agriculture development in the state, particularly for its linkage to Ikere Ekiti, perceived as the second largest town in Ekiti State.

 

“To those receiving payments today, use the money wisely. I know it is not easy to give up your property and relocate. But this is a necessary step you have to take for the success of this project. We appreciate your understanding,” the special adviser stated.

 

A massive power outage across Spain caused widespread panic on Monday, with customers rushing to withdraw cash from banks and crowds filling the streets in a futile attempt to get a mobile signal.

 

Carlos Condori, one of millions affected in Spain and Portugal, was travelling on the Madrid metro when the blackout brought his journey to an abrupt halt.

 

“The lights went out, and the train stopped,” said the 19-year-old construction worker, adding that the train eventually crawled into the station.

 

“People were stunned because this had never happened in Spain,” he continued. “There’s no phone coverage, I can’t call my family, my parents—nothing. I can’t even go to work.”

 

At Cibeles Square, one of Madrid’s busiest areas, the failure of traffic lights led to a chaotic scene of sirens, whistles, and car horns as police tried to control the traffic jam.

 

Bewildered office workers stood in the streets with their computers useless without an internet connection, while others were relieved not to have been trapped in lifts.

 

Marina Sierra, disoriented and trying to contact her father, was looking for a way home after her school was shut.

 

“The building we were in was giving off smoke, so they had to evacuate us quickly… I’m shocked because everything is totally out of control,” said the 16-year-old student.

 

‘Not the End of the World’

 

Transport chaos also gripped Spain’s second-largest city, Barcelona, as locals and tourists flooded the streets, desperate for information.

Student Laia Montserrat, who lives an hour outside Barcelona, was in the middle of a presentation when the blackout hit her school, leaving her in a difficult situation.

 

“As the internet wasn’t coming back, they told us to go home, but there were no trains either,” Laia said. “Now we don’t know what to do.”

 

Leonor Abecasis, visiting Barcelona from Portugal, was in a shop when the power went out.

 

“We’re waiting for the electricity to come back,” said the 27-year-old consultant. She admitted she was “a little” worried about her return flight to Lisbon later that day.

In Madrid, Pilar Lopez tried to put the confusion and panic of her colleagues into perspective as they fretted about the food left in their freezers.

 

“We’ve suffered a pandemic; I don’t think this is worse,” said the 53-year-old higher education administrator. “It’s like anything— you get used to it and start to think that this isn’t the end of the world.”

 

For Lopez, the widespread chaos offered a valuable lesson: “Maybe we should go back to basics and not depend so much on electricity for certain things.”

 

She added, “I can’t even pay because my mobile isn’t working. Sometimes you have to be a bit more analogue; this proves it.”

 

AFP

 

The White House announced Monday a crackdown on “sanctuary cities” that defy Donald Trump’s hardline immigration policies, as the president closes in on his first 100 days in office.

 

Trump’s spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said the administration would name and shame cities accused of blocking efforts to protect “American communities from criminal aliens.”

 

The Republican leader will sign an executive order later Monday directing officials to publish a list of “jurisdictions that obstruct the enforcement of federal immigration laws,” she told reporters.

 

The announcement came with Trump celebrating major progress in honoring his election campaign promises to stem illegal border crossings from Mexico.

The figures soared to all-time highs under Trump’s Democratic predecessor, Joe Biden, and the Republican won the White House in part on promises to combat what he repeatedly claimed was an invasion of criminal migrants.

 

But Trump’s popularity has since plunged in the polls, with more than 40 percent of Americans saying they “disapprove strongly” of him, according to a Washington Post-ABC survey.

 

On Monday he suggested pollsters and news organizations should be sued for fraud over the “fake news.”

 

Trump will this week be hailing his achievements in his first 100 days, claiming successes on the economy, foreign policy and government efficiency as well as on migration.

 

Leavitt noted a 95 per cent drop in encounters of undocumented migrants at the Mexico border — from 140,000 to 7,000 — in the 12 months from March 2024, when Biden was still in office.

 

“America’s borders are now secure because of President Trump,” she said. “He has restored the rule of law, enforced our immigration laws and defended America’s sovereignty.”

 

Trump’s election campaign rhetoric about taking on the alleged hordes of rapists and murderers resonated with voters concerned about illegal immigration.

As part of the drive to deliver on his pledges, Republicans are targeting “sanctuary cities,” which typically prohibit local officials from telling federal agents about undocumented immigrants if they are at risk of deportation.

 

The Democratic mayors of four major cities — Boston, Chicago, Denver and New York — were hauled over the coals in Congress in March over what Republicans called “pro-criminal” immigration policies.

All four cities have struggled to cope with a huge influx of migrants crossing from Mexico.

 

Trump has also sent troops to the Mexican border, imposed tariffs on Mexico and Canada for allegedly not doing enough to stop illegal crossings and designated gangs like Tren de Aragua and MS-13 as terrorist groups.

 

But he has butted heads with judges, rights groups, and Democrats who say he has ignored constitutional rights in rushing to deport migrants, sometimes without the right to a hearing.

 

Under Trump’s use of the Alien Enemies Act — previously seen only during war time — migrants have been accused of gang membership and sent to El Salvador without going before a judge or being charged with a crime.

 

Trump has also repeatedly said he would be open to sending American citizens convicted of violent crimes to the notorious El Salvador prison, CECOT, outside San Salvador.

 

Tom Homon, Trump’s point man on border security, told reporters Monday that “we have the most secure border in the history of this nation.”

 

Homon was asked about deportation rates, which have lagged behind Biden’s numbers, despite Trump’s promised campaign of the largest mass removal campaign in US history.

 

The government has not been releasing comprehensive data, but the Migration Policy Institute said it appeared on track to deport roughly half a million people this year — fewer than the 685,000 deportations recorded in 2024 under Biden.

 

Homon argued that comparisons were bogus since Biden’s deportation numbers included people removed at the border, and most of those people were now being stopped before getting in.

 

AFP

 

Music streaming giant Spotify said Monday it had paid out more than $100 million to creators of audio and video podcasts in the first quarter of 2025, marking the first time the platform has shared such figures.

 

The Swedish company generated a revenue of 15.7 billion euros ($17.9 billion) last year.

 

“For the first time, we’re revealing that Spotify paid out more than $100 million to podcast publishers and podcasters worldwide in the first quarter of 2025 alone,” the company said in a statement.

 

“This figure reflects our deep commitment to the creator economy and underscores Spotify’s position as a leading platform for audio and video creators alike,” it added.

 

Spotify’s payments include “ad-based revenue and revenue generated through the Spotify Partner Program, which launched earlier this year in select markets” and provides content creators with more ways to monetise their content, the streaming giant said.

Spotify first began offering non-music audio and video content on its service in 2015.

 

It has since accelerated its investment in podcasts in and in 2019 it acquired prominent podcast producer Gimlet Media.

 

The Swedish platform is due to publish its earnings for the first quarter on Tuesday, having made its first annual net profit, 1.1 billion euros, in 2024.

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority has announced that starting January 1, 2026, it will begin sanctioning airstrip operators who fail to obtain the required permits.

 

The Director of Aerodrome and Airspace Standards at the NCAA, Engr. Godwin Balang stated this during a stakeholder engagement programme for airstrip owners and operators held in Lagos on Monday.

 

The event, themed “Enhancing Safety, Compliance, and Collaboration for Efficient Airstrip Operations,” marked the maiden edition of such an engagement.

 

According to Balang, Nigeria has a total of 92 airstrips, including operational, non-operational, and those under rehabilitation or construction. However, only a few are currently compliant with safety and regulatory standards.

 

He said “It may interest this forum to note that as part of our efforts to uphold aviation safety, two of our international airports were recertified late last year, and work is ongoing to certify others.

 

Balang also said. “Furthermore, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has been informed that, effective January 1, 2026, any local airport under its management operating without valid permits will face sanctions. This is not a threat but a collective resolve to enforce compliance.”

 

The PUNCH gathered that from the 92 airstrips in the country, 68 are managed by the Federal Government through the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, while the remaining 24 are owned by private individuals and organisations.

 

Balang emphasized the need for greater collaboration between the NCAA and the Ministry to define the roles of operators and regulators clearly.

He also announced the NCAA’s intention to develop localized operational guidelines for airstrips, citing the need to adapt regulatory strategies to the evolving aviation landscape.

 

“Although the term ‘aerodrome’ encompasses airstrips, there is a need for distinct policies tailored to the specific nature of airstrip operations,” he added.

 

While referring to Section 71 (3) and (4)(a) of the Civil Aviation Act (CAA) 2022, which authorizes the NCAA to certify and issue permits for aerodrome operations and to establish safety standards for their design, operation, and maintenance, Balang stressed that the stakeholder forum aligns with this mandate and seeks to advance airstrip regulation across Nigeria.

 

Echoing Balang’s remarks, the Director General of the NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo stressed the importance of regulating not just aircraft and personnel, but the entire operational environment.

 

Najomo said, “Aviation has evolved beyond focusing solely on machines and personnel. A poorly regulated operating environment poses significant risks.

 

“Global and regional bodies now recognize this reality, prompting us to expand and intensify oversight over all types of aerodromes including airstrips in the interest of safety.”

Najomo also stated that the engagement underscores the agency’s commitment to strengthening oversight, with a focus on airstrip operations.

 

 

In a heartwarming and historic show of affection and loyalty, the 88/93 Class Set of the Remo Secondary School Old Students Association (RSSOSA) staged a grand surprise birthday celebration in honor of their own, the National President of RSSOSA, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking.

The event, which took place at the prestigious Marriott Hotel, Lagos, was a spectacular and deeply emotional affair that left the celebrant overwhelmed and moved to tears. Unknown to Aare Adetola, the surprise had been meticulously planned since January of this year, in close collaboration with his wife, who kept the arrangements a secret until the big day.

The celebration was marked by an electrifying atmosphere of joy, laughter, and heartfelt emotions as classmates reunited to honor one of their own in grand style. The 88/93 Set spared no expense, presenting Aare Adetola with gifts worth several million naira.

Adding to the magic of the occasion, members of the 88/93 Set residing in the diaspora joined virtually from the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States. Notable among them were Segun Osho, Rev. Fr. Oshitimehin, Sade Odesanya, Akeem Elegbeji, Gboyega Solarin, Johnson Olumuyiwa Sanya, Tope Otunba, Semeton Amosu, Yemisi Olowu, Bukky Alli, Bunmi Ojutialayo, Bolaji Desalu, Wasiu Talabi, Azeez Awolaja, Jimmy Adetayo, and Bisoye Sholuade, whose heartfelt participation further heightened the emotional resonance of the event.

 

The success of the surprise was largely credited to the tireless efforts and leadership of the Class Set Governor, Engr. Bola Owolabi Oladeinde, whose commitment, coordination, and attention to detail ensured a seamless and unforgettable celebration.

In his heartfelt appreciation speech, a visibly emotional Aare Adetola expressed profound gratitude to every member of the class set, describing the surprise as one of the most touching and humbling experiences of his life.

“Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that such an elaborate and deeply moving celebration awaited me,” he said. “You have honored me beyond words, and I am eternally grateful. May God bless and replenish each of you for your sacrifices, generosity, and steadfast love.

 

Aare Adetola appreciated his wife for her support and for keeping the surprise a secret with such admirable dedication.”

 

The event was a powerful reaffirmation of enduring friendship, unity, and loyalty. The 88/93 Set of RSSOSA once again demonstrated that true brotherhood and sisterhood only grow richer and deeper with time, setting a remarkable example for alumni associations everywhere.