The Anambra State Police Command has arrested two suspects over the murder of an 80-year-old woman in Ihiala, Anambra State.
The suspects were said to have tied the victim’s legs and mouth before murdering her, after which they stole her black CG motorcycle.
This was disclosed in a statement by the Anambra State Police spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, on Tuesday.
Ikenga said the investigation of the incident has been ongoing since the receipt of the complaint on April 2, 2025.
He said, “Today, April 8, 2025, the Ihiala Divisional Police Station has in custody one Chidiebere Igboanugo and Emmanuel Ibeabuchi, all males from Umunwaji Ogboro, Ihiala, over the murder of an 80-year-old woman.
“The victim, late Mrs Theresa Igbojonu of the same village, was tied on both legs and mouth before her murder. Meanwhile, a black CG motorcycle allegedly stolen from the deceased has been recovered.
“Investigation of the incident has been ongoing since the receipt of the complaint on 2nd April 2025 by 11.30 pm.”
Ikenga also added that a joint security team during a patrol in Ihiala had earlier arrested Igboanugo on April 5, 2025, when the deceased’s son sighted the stolen motorcycle being driven by the suspect along Ezego junction in Ihiala.
“Upon interrogation of Chidiebere, the security operatives acted swiftly on Monday, April 7, 2025 and arrested Emmanuel Ibeabuchi, whom Chidiebere mentioned as part of the gang that committed the crime.
“Further information revealed that two other suspects known as Alla and Emeka, currently at large, are part of their gang.
“The Commissioner of Police has directed the immediate transfer of the Case to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Awka, for discreet investigation and urges the operatives to intensify efforts in arresting the mentioned suspects that are currently on the run,” he added.
He said the suspects would be charged to court at the conclusion of the investigations.
The Federal Government has acknowledged the adverse impact of the newly imposed tariffs by US President Donald Trump on Nigeria’s oil and non-oil exports, which could potentially disrupt trade relations and affect the competitiveness of Nigerian products in the US market.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, responded to the tariff decision, admitting that the policy would undermine the competitiveness of Nigerian goods, especially in sectors reliant on market access and price competitiveness.
According to the minister, Nigeria’s exports to the United States have averaged $5–6 billion annually in the last two years.
Oduwole said, “A significant portion (of Nigeria’s exports) — over 90 per cent — comprises crude petroleum, mineral fuels, oils, and gas products. The second-largest export category, accounting for approximately 2–3 per cent, includes fertilizers and urea, followed by lead, representing around 1 per cent of total exports (valued at approx $82 million).
Nigeria also exports smaller quantities of agricultural products such as live plants, flour, and nuts, which account for less than 2 per cent of our total exports to the U.S.
“While oil has long dominated Nigeria’s exports to the US, non-oil products—many previously exempt under AGOA—now face potential disruption.
“A new 10 per cent tariff on key categories may impact the competitiveness of Nigerian goods in the U.S. For businesses in the non-oil sector, these measures present destabilising challenges to price competitiveness and market access, especially in emerging and value-added sectors vital to our diversification agenda.”
The minister also noted that smaller businesses, particularly SMEs, that rely on the African Growth and Opportunity Act exemptions would feel the brunt of the new tariff, with rising costs and uncertain buyer commitments likely to make market access even more difficult.
She added, “This development strengthens Nigeria’s resolve to boost its non-oil exports by strengthening quality assurance, control, and traceability in Nigerian exports to meet global standards and improve market acceptance into more economies across the globe.”
Trump’s decision, which has been heavily criticized by global trade experts, will impose tariffs of up to 50 percent on several foreign exports, including Nigerian goods.
This policy shift marks a sharp departure from the global free-trade approach that has been in place for decades.
Economic experts, in separate interviews with The PUNCH, explained that the policy would raise the prices of goods and services for consumers, weaken the standard of living, slow down manufacturing activities, hinder international trade and consequently weaken demand for Nigerian oil in the US, one of its key markets.
Faithful applaud as the Pope Francis is pushed in his wheelchair during a surprise appearance at the end of a mass for the sick and healthcare workers on St. Peter’s square in The Vatican, on April 6, 2025. (Photo by Alberto PIZZOLI / AFP)
Pope Francis made a surprise Sunday public appearance as he mingled with crowds at the Vatican just two weeks after leaving the hospital for a serious case of pneumonia.
“A good Sunday to all. Thank you very much,” the 88-year-old pope said as he was wheeled through Saint Peter’s Square in his wheelchair after a mass dedicated to the sick.
Surrounded by a mass of smartphones and cameras, and attached to nasal breathing tubes, his voice was fragile but more audible than when he left the Gemelli hospital on March 23. The Argentine’s last public appearance was on February 14.
Francis is, in theory, undergoing two months of convalescence following his life-threatening health scare, with strict rest, no public activity and no contact with crowds.
Yet the Jesuit spent Sunday morning blessing the masses gathered on the sunny square, in an encouraging signal for his health two weeks before Christians the world over celebrate Easter.
His eagerness to reach out to the flock however comes against the advice of his doctors, who have urged him to avoid meeting groups of people to limit the risk of infection.
Pope Francis, seen wearing an oxygen breathing apparatus, looks on during a surprise appearance at the end of a mass for the sick and healthcare workers on St. Peter’s square in The Vatican, on April 6, 2025. (Photo by Alberto PIZZOLI / AFP)
“He’s doing better, that’s clear, and he wants that to be seen,” a Vatican source told AFP on condition of anonymity.
“He’s not yet well enough to deliver a message, but well enough to make a gesture… and show up,” the source added.
– Blessed be the doctors –
According to his doctors Francis almost died twice suring his time in hospital, the longest and most fraught of his 12 years as head of the Church.
His physical state has sparked speculation the pontiff might hang up his papal crook after the example of his predecessor Benedict XVI, who quit in 2013 citing his declining mental and physical health.
A few minutes before his surprise appearance the leader of the globe’s 1.4 billion Catholics received the sacrament in St Peter’s Cathedral, the Vatican said in a statement on Telegram.
As in previous weeks Francis did not read out the customary Angelus prayer, which was published in written form instead.
“I pray for the doctors, the nurses and the healthcare workers, who are not always helped to work in adequate conditions and who are even, sometimes, victims of attacks,” the pontiff wrote.
“Their mission is not easy and must be supported and respected.”
His message went on to offer a prayer for an end to the world’s conflicts, mentioning in turn Ukraine, Sudan, neighbouring South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, quake-hit Myanmar and Haiti.
– Pray for Gaza –
Francis likewise prayed for the Middle East and especially Gaza, where Israel last week again launched a ground offensive against Palestinian militant group Hamas.
In the Palestinian territory “people are forced to live in unimaginable conditions, without shelter, without food, without drinkable water,” the pope said.
“Let the weapons fall silent and dialogue begin again”, he added, calling for the freeing of the hostages held by Hamas since its October 7, 2023 attack that began the war.
Francis, who had part of his lung removed as a young man, has suffered a series of health woes in recent years.
While being assisted his recovery by healthcare workers night and day at his Vatican residence, Francis has not seen any visitors beyond his closest colleagues since his release from the Gemelli Hospital.
Yet he has taken up his papal duties again, notably in editing and putting his signature to documents, according to the Holy See.
He has, however, been forced to reduce his usual frenetic schedule, and the scale of his involvement in the religious events leading up to Easter — the holiest period in the Christian calendar — is so far unclear.
The Nigerian Army has accused the Taraba State Police Command of misleading the public over the circumstances surrounding the rescue of an Israeli national, Mr Gil Itamar, who was abducted in Takum Local Government Area on April 3, 2025.
Itamar, a staff member of SCC Company, was reportedly kidnapped at the Atim community along the Takum–Chanchangi Road.
The police, in an earlier statement, claimed the foreign national was abducted while under military escort and was rescued through efforts coordinated by the command.
But the Army, in a statement issued by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Brigade, Captain Olubodunde Oni, on Saturday, described the police version as inaccurate and misleading.
“Contrary to the claim that Mr. Gil Itamar was being escorted by the military at the time of his abduction, we wish to categorically state that he was alone in his vehicle, without any military escort or driver, when the unfortunate incident occurred,” the statement read.
Oni noted that the search and rescue operation was initiated and led by the Commanding Officer of 93 Battalion, Nigerian Army, Takum, in collaboration with local stakeholders.
“The operation was intelligence-driven and executed without firing a single shot. The release of the victim was achieved through intense pressure mounted on local village heads and youth leaders in communities such as Kofai Ahmadu, Abako, and Chanchanji,” he added.
According to the Army, credible information provided by locals led to the location where Itamar was eventually found abandoned by his captors.
While reaffirming the Army’s commitment to inter-agency collaboration, the Brigade cautioned the police against releasing unverified information on joint security efforts.
“We urge our sister agency, the Taraba State Police Command, to exercise due diligence in gathering accurate information before making public statements, especially on sensitive matters concerning inter-agency operations. Misinformation not only misleads the public but may also undermine the credibility of security efforts in the state,” the Army stated.
The 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke reaffirmed its commitment to working with all security stakeholders to ensure the safety of residents and visitors across Taraba State.
The new Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, has announced plans to renovate the ancient Alaafin’s palace in Oyo town, describing it as long overdue for reconstruction while assuring all that the project will retain its traditional and cultural heritage.
Speaking in an interview published by Nigerian Tribune on Saturday, Oba Owoade noted that the palace, originally built almost 200 years ago by Atiba ‘Latunbosun—the first Alaafin in the present-day Oyo—has never undergone major reconstruction.
“If you have been to the Aafin, you will agree with me that it needs some repairs. Some new buildings need to be constructed, and some need to be renovated.
“We are looking at reconstructing the palace without compromising the standard, culture and tradition,” he said.
Oba Owoade also paid tribute to his predecessor, the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, praising him for his efforts in promoting Yoruba culture and tradition.
“I commend Alaafin Lamidi Adeyemi, my immediate predecessor. He really did very well in properly projecting Yoruba culture and tradition. I want to take it from where he left it and take our culture and tradition to the next level,” he said.
Reflecting on his journey to the throne, the monarch revealed that he initially turned down the offer to contest for the Alaafin title.
“I was in Canada when my family—the Mogajis—called and asked if I wanted to participate in the contest for the next Alaafin. I said I was not interested,” he said. “But after some persuasion, I gave in. Thank God I am here today as the Alaafin and I am in Oyo to stay.”
Oba Owoade, who lived abroad for over 20 years, nine of which were in England and another 12 in Canada, disclosed that he received news of his selection while asleep in Canada.
“Around 5 o’clock Canadian time, I woke up and checked my phone. I saw a message from my younger brother with a link. The headline read: ‘Governor Makinde approves Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade as Alaafin-elect’. I thought it was a prank,” he recalled.
On his agenda for Oyo and Yorubaland, the new Alaafin emphasised youth empowerment, peace, unity, and cultural preservation.
“The people need jobs, they need security and peace of mind. Of immediate concern is the need to get our teeming youths gainfully employed and take them off the streets,” he said. He added that plans are underway to provide vocational training in crafts, trades, and cybersecurity for both the less-privileged and graduates.
Oba Owoade also revealed plans to set up a community health centre that will offer free medical services to the people of Oyo, especially the underprivileged, widows and widowers. “I have shipped in some hospital equipment and I think the whole of Oyo is aware of this,” he said.
As part of efforts to honour individuals who have contributed to Oyo’s development, the monarch said some streets will be named after notable personalities, both living and departed.
The senator representing Edo South, Neda Imasuen, has said that the Supreme Court’s judgment sacking Labour Party National Chairman, Julius Abure, is a welcomed one.
Speaking to journalists in Benin on Saturday night, Imasuen, an LP Senator, described what has been happening in the Labour Party after the 2023 general election as unfortunate, noting that the party became a personal item for Abure.
He said Abure has been dragging the party in and out of court, and now that the Supreme Court has finally sacked him, the party will now be at peace.
He said, “Sincerely, I welcome the Supreme Court judgement that sacked Barrister Julius Abure as the national chairman of the Labour Party.
“A lot has gone on in the Labour Party after the 2023 general election, and it is very unfortunate. So, Abure, who was the chairman at the time, in my opinion, really didn’t have the party at heart because it had become a personal thing.
“It became something that didn’t really matter to them, and it was like, let’s fight and tear the party into pieces instead of preserving it. That sort of thing was not what I expected from someone who led the party at a time. And so he has been dragging the party in and out of court, and now that the Supreme Court has finally sealed it, so be it. It’s a welcome development.
“But the question for me and for all of us now is, where do we go from here? Someone spoke with me on the matter, and I said, I just hope that it’s not a little too late of what has just come up because the Labour Party is almost decimated. Most of the members have gone. Will this judgement bring them back? I don’t know. Will it energise those who are there now? Again, I don’t know. So, when it’s time, we’ll talk.”
On whether he would defect to the All Progressives Congress or stay in LP to seek re-election, he said, “Why do you say APC? It’s a good question, but whatever decision or direction I take, you’ll be the first one.”
The Supreme Court had on Friday removed Julius Abure as the National Chairman of the Labour Party.
In a unanimous judgment, a five-member panel of the Supreme Court set aside the decision of the Court of Appeal in Abuja, which had recognised Abure as the party’s national chairman.
The apex court, in its decision, held that the appellate court lacked the jurisdiction to make such a declaration, given that the substance of the case concerned the internal leadership of the party.
The court emphasised that matters relating to party leadership are internal affairs, over which the judiciary has no jurisdiction.
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has urged President Bola Tinubu to reject the recently approved $1.08 billion loan from the World Bank.
It said the President should instead direct the Attorney General, Lateef Fagbemi, and anti-corruption agencies to investigate allegations that over N233bn of public funds are missing, diverted, or unaccounted for by various government agencies, including the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc.
In a statement released on Sunday, SERAP argued that anyone responsible should face prosecution if there is enough evidence and that any recovered funds should be returned to the public treasury.
“Anyone suspected to be responsible should face prosecution as appropriate, if there is sufficient admissible evidence, and any missing public funds should be fully recovered and remitted to the treasury,” SERAP said.
The group also proposed using the recovered N233bn to address the 2025 budget deficit and reduce Nigeria’s debt crisis.
“The recovered N233 billion should be used to fund the deficit in the 2025 budget and to ease Nigeria’s crippling debt crisis,” SERAP stated.
The World Bank loan was approved last week to help improve education, nutrition, and resilience for underserved groups in Nigeria.
However, SERAP expressed concerns that borrowing more money is not in the public interest, given the country’s debt burden and the missing funds.
In another letter signed by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said, “The World Bank loan is neither necessary nor in the public interest, especially given the country’s crippling debt burden, and staggering amount of missing public funds from MDAs that your government has failed to probe or recover.”
The organisation highlighted reports from the Auditor-General’s office, showing that NBET paid over N96bn for services not performed, failed to account for over N111 billion, and did not recover more than N2bn in outstanding debts.
Other agencies, like the Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Company, the National Pension Commission, and the Federal Road Safety Corps, also faced allegations of financial mismanagement.
The letter, read in part, “SERAP is seriously concerned that the Federal Government and Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory continue to face a debt crisis, and vicious debt cycles or in debt distress or at high risk of debt distress.
“According to the UN Independent Expert on foreign debt and human rights, Nigeria faces debt service relative to tax revenues that exceed 20 per cent, with escalating social tensions linked to poverty and inequality.
“The damning revelations about the missing N233 billion are documented in the 2021 audited report published on Wednesday 13 November 2024 by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation.
“The allegations suggest a grave violation of the public trust, the Nigerian Constitution 1999 (as amended), the country’s anticorruption legislation and international anticorruption obligations.
“There is a legitimate public interest in ensuring justice and accountability for these grave allegations.
“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 7 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall consider appropriate legal actions to compel your government to comply with our request in the public interest.”
SERAP emphasised that the Nigerian government should prioritise investigating and recovering these missing funds before seeking further loans.
The group stressed that investigating and prosecuting those responsible for the missing funds would improve public trust in the government’s anti-corruption efforts.
The Abia State Police Command has confirmed the killing of two Chinese nationals and a police escort by gunmen, in an attack along the Uturu-Aguukwu-Amaya road in Isuikwuato Local Government Area of the state.
In a statement issued by the State Police Public Relations Officer, Maureen Chinaka, it was stated that the attack took place around 5:30pm on Thursday, April 4, 2025, when the victims were traveling to their company site located at Agukwu-Amaya, Ndundu Community.
The assailants ambushed the victims, killing the manager, Mr. Quan, and his colleague, Mr. Cai, both Chinese nationals, along with one of the police escorts, Inspector Audu Saidu.
According to the police, the gunmen also took away the rifle of the slain inspector.
“The assailants ambushed the convoy while en route to the company’s site, and in the attack, three people were killed, including two Chinese nationals and one police officer.
“Upon receiving a distress call, the Abia State Police Command, in collaboration with the military and other security agencies, swiftly mobilised a search and rescue mission. The operation successfully led to the rescue of three of the Chinese expatriates, all of whom were unharmed, although one sustained injuries,” said the statement.
Another escort, Inspector Uba Ahmed, who suffered a gunshot wound to his leg, was also rescued.
The statement added, “In an effort to ensure the safety of the remaining expatriates and officers, a tactical team from the Abia State Police, led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), visited the crime scene on 5 April 2025.
“As part of ongoing operations, another officer, Inspector Ijeagwa Friday, was rescued unharmed, thanks to the collaborative effort between the police, military, and local community members.”
The State Commissioner of Police, Danladi Isa, expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and vowed that those responsible for the heinous crime would be brought to justice.
A protester shouts slogans during a “Hands Off!” demonstration called by the Democrats Abroad organisation against US President’s administration and his advisor Tesla CEO in Paris, on April 5, 2025. (Photo by Thomas SAMSON / AFP)
Tens of thousands of protesters flooded the streets of major US cities on Saturday to oppose the divisive policies of President Donald Trump, in the largest demonstrations since his return to the White House.
Opponents of the Republican president’s policies — from government staffing cuts to trade tariffs and eroding civil liberties — rallied in Washington, New York, Houston, Florida, Colorado and Los Angeles, among other locations.
“I am so angry, I’m so mad, all the time, yes. A bunch of privileged, white alleged rapists are controlling our country. It’s not great,” said New York painter Shaina Kesner, 43, joining a crowd marching through the heart of Manhattan.
In Washington, thousands of demonstrators — many traveling from across the United States — gathered on the National Mall where dozens of speakers rallied opposition to Trump.
“We have about 100 people who have come down by bus and van from New Hampshire to protest against this outrageous administration (that) is causing us to lose our allies across the world, and causing devastation to people here at home,” said Diane Kolifrath, 64, a bike tour guide.
“They’re gutting our government.”
In Los Angeles, a woman dressed as a character from dystopian novel “The Handmaid’s Tale” waved a large flag with the message: “Get out of my uterus,” a reference to Trump’s anti-abortion policies.
In Denver, Colorado, one man in a large crowd of protesters held up a placard reading “No king for USA.”
The rallies even extended to some European capitals, where demonstrators voiced opposition to Trump and his aggressive trade policies.
“What’s happening in America is everyone’s problem,” Liz Chamberlin, a dual US-British citizen told AFP at a London rally.
“It’s economic lunacy… He is going to push us into a global recession.”
And in Berlin, 70-year-old retiree Susanne Fest said Trump had created “a constitutional crisis,” adding, “The guy is a lunatic.”
In the US, a loose coalition of left-leaning groups like MoveOn and Women’s March organized “Hands Off” events in more than 1,000 cities and in every congressional district, the groups said.
– Anger –
Trump has angered many Americans by moving aggressively to downsize the government, unilaterally impose conservative values and sharply pressure even friendly countries over borders and trade, causing stock markets to tank.
We’re out here to stop the, honestly, fascism,” protester Dominic Santella told AFP in Boston. “We’re stopping a leader from… jailing his opponents, stopping him from jailing just random people, immigrants.”
Many Democrats are irate that their party, in the minority in both houses of Congress, has seemed so helpless to resist Trump’s moves.
At the National Mall, just blocks from the White House, thousands heard speakers including Representative Jamie Raskin, a Democrat who served as impeachment manager during Trump’s second impeachment.
“No moral person wants an economy-crashing dictator who knows the price of everything and the value of nothing,” he told the crowd.
Activist Graylan Hagler, 71, also addressed the protest, saying: “They’ve woken up a sleeping giant, and they haven’t seen nothing yet.”
“We will not sit down, we will not be quiet, and we will not go away.”
Saturday’s demonstrations were largely peaceful. An upbeat atmosphere prevailed on a mild day in Washington, with protesters ranging from the elderly to young couples with infants in strollers.
A Women’s March shortly after Trump’s first election in 2016 drew an estimated half-million protesters to Washington.
Organizers for the latest Washington rally had predicted a turnout of 20,000 but by Saturday afternoon said the number appeared considerably larger.
As Trump continues upending Washington, his approval rating has fallen to its lowest since taking office, according to recent polling.
But despite global pushback to his sweeping tariffs and bubbling resentment from many Americans, the White House has dismissed the protests.
The Republican president, still popular with his base, shows no sign of relenting.
“My policies will never change,” Trump said Friday.
A former governor of Oyo State, Dr. Victor Olunloyo, is dead.
According to a statement by his family on Sunday, he died a few days before his 90th birthday.
The statement titled ‘Victor Olunloyo goes home’ was signed Oladapo Ogunwusi on behalf of the family.
It read, “With a heavy heart but gratitude to the Almighty, we announce the passing into glory of Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo, former governor of Oyo State, mathematician and engineer and renowned technocrat, a few days before his 90th birthday.
“The Balogun of Oyo and Otun Bobasewa of Ife, Dr. Olunloyo was first Rector, Ibadan polytechnic and first Rector, Kwara State Polytechnic among other notable appointments.
“His long record of service to the nation and humanity is a source of pride to his family and associates even as we come to grip with this devastating event.
“The Olunloyo family will appreciate the understanding of the press and the public as they commence efforts to give him a befitting burial.
“Even from everlasting to everlasting, He is God.”
About a year ago in April 2024, the rumour of the death of the elder statesman was reported by some news platforms.
But speaking with The PUNCH correspondent who visited his Molete residence in Ibadan, the state capital, he debunked the rumour, saying he was hale and hearty.
“I’m still here, not yet gone,” he declared then.
He also expressed worry over the rumour and asked who would live forever, stressing, “Those breaking death news and the person presumed dead will all die one day.
“I’ve been lucky. My father died at 42, while my mother died at 102. I’m 89. I’ve crossed the expected life age.”
The elder statesman also illustrated how the rumour of his death hit several news platforms on June 7, 2022.
He noted that the rumour mongers claimed that he died at the University College Hospital, Ibadan.
A few days later, the family issued a statement, declaring that he was not dead but suffering from old age ailment and asked Nigerians to pray for him to survive the health complications.
