Author: GANUX

 

American actress and singer Jennifer Lopez is facing a $300,000 lawsuit for allegedly sharing copyrighted photographs from the 2025 Golden Globe Awards on her social media accounts without permission, Billboard reported on Tuesday.

 

On January 5, Lopez made a striking appearance on the red carpet in a flowing white gown paired with a white faux fur coat.

 

She later posted five photos from the event, captioned “GG Weekend Glamour.” The images quickly spread online, reshared by fans and media outlets alike.

 

However, photographer Edwin Blanco and his agency, Backgrid, have filed a copyright infringement lawsuit, claiming Lopez posted two of their photos without proper authorisation. They are seeking $150,000 per image, totaling $300,000 in damages.

 

According to the lawsuit, Blanco and Backgrid argued that Lopez used the images to promote her fashion affiliations and brand partnerships by tagging her clothing and jewelry designers.

“Ms Lopez’s unauthorised use of the Images is commercial in nature, intended for the purpose of self-promotion,” the lawsuit reads.

 

“For example, Ms Lopez used the Images to spotlight the designer of her clothing and jewellery, leveraging the publicity from the event to promote her fashion affiliations and brand partnerships.”

 

The suit also claims that her representatives had previously agreed to licensing terms, but Lopez has yet to finalise the agreement.

 

This is not Lopez’s first legal dispute over image rights. She faced similar lawsuits in 2019 and 2020 for posting professional photos without the photographer’s permission.

 

The acting Rector of First City Polytechnic, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Owoeye Michael, has called on newly admitted students to avoid drugs, cultism, sexual misconduct, bullying, and other social vices that could threaten their pursuit of academic excellence at the institution.

 

Owoeye emphasised that the polytechnic maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards such misconduct and will not hesitate to impose strict sanctions on any student found guilty.

 

He also advised parents not to impose their own preferences regarding career choices on their children, but rather to provide guidance and allow them to follow their passions.

 

Making this appeal during the institution’s maiden matriculation ceremony for the 2024/2025 academic year on Wednesday, Owoeye described education as a lantern that illuminates the path to wisdom.

 

He urged parents to nurture the light of knowledge in their children, rather than compelling them to follow a particular academic path.

 

Addressing the matriculating students, he remarked that this milestone marks the beginning of their academic journey, which will be filled with challenges, triumphs, and numerous opportunities for growth and development.

 

The Acting Rector assured the students of countless opportunities to develop essential life skills, in line with the polytechnic’s vision to become a world-class institution, fostering both knowledge and character.

He highlighted the polytechnic’s commitment to maintaining a stable academic calendar, implementing best educational practices, and promoting self-reliance through entrepreneurship-focused education.

 

Owoeye noted that the new students were carefully selected on merit, having met all admission requirements. He urged them to observe the institution’s rules and regulations to ensure a rewarding academic experience.

 

“At First City Polytechnic, we are steadfast in our zero-tolerance policy against social vices, including cultism, sexual misconduct, drug abuse, bullying, and similar behaviours. Any student found in violation of these principles will face appropriate sanctions. It is imperative that every student familiarises themselves with the polytechnic’s rules and regulations, as outlined in the student handbook, and adheres to them diligently. Your cooperation is vital to maintaining a positive and respectful learning environment.

 

“This institution has a rich history, and today, you become an integral part of its future. As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. Your time at First City Polytechnic will be a period of intellectual growth, where you will engage with diverse perspectives, learn from accomplished scholars, and, most importantly, learn from one another. As a new institution, our journey has not been without challenges, but this first matriculation marks a significant milestone, and we are optimistic about steady and progressive growth.

 

“The college has put everything in place for you to excel. The entrepreneurship programme is designed to make you self-reliant after graduation. Please empower yourselves.

 

“You are advised to behave well and dress appropriately, in accordance with the polytechnic’s dress code. You have received a thorough orientation—please adhere to the guidance provided and avoid wandering aimlessly around the city. Build positive relationships with members of the local community, who are peaceful and friendly.

 

“As you navigate the corridors of academia, remember that a tree without roots will fall. Ground yourself in the fundamentals of your chosen field and let your roots delve deep into the soil of learning. Carry with you the conviction that your education here is not just for personal gain, but for the betterment of society. Remember, the grass is never greener on the other side; it is greener where you water it.”

 

The Central Bank of Nigeria, Bauchi Branch, has donated a motorised fire caddy to the Federal Fire Service in Bauchi State as part of its corporate social responsibility initiatives.

 

Speaking at the handover ceremony of the mobile fire suppression system on Tuesday, the CBN Bauchi Branch Controller, James Laburta, stated that the gesture reflected the bank’s commitment to community safety and support for emergency services.

 

Laburta remarked, “The Federal Fire Service deserves commendation for its dedication to combating fire outbreaks in the state. The bank remains steadfast in its commitment to community safety. This gesture underscores the importance of partnerships between government agencies and corporate institutions in safeguarding lives and property.”

 

In response, the Acting State Controller of the Federal Fire Service, DCF Babangida Abba, expressed gratitude for the donation, highlighting its significance in enhancing the command’s capacity to respond swiftly to fire emergencies, particularly in hard-to-reach areas.

 

Abba noted, “The donation comes at a crucial time, given the recent surge in fire incidents across the state.” He encouraged the public to remain vigilant and proactive about fire safety, assuring that the equipment would be effectively utilised for emergency response and training.

 

Also speaking at the event, the Public Relations Officer of the Fire Service, ASF Umar Lawal, explained that the equipment is especially valuable in locations where traditional fire hydrants or fixed systems are unavailable. “This unit is typically portable and easy to manoeuvre, making it suitable for various locations. The motorised fire caddy is designed for both skilled and unskilled firefighters to use as a quick-response tool in the early stages of firefighting. It significantly improves response times and is also used for institutional training, particularly in areas inaccessible to conventional fire trucks,” Lawal said.

 

The eldest son of US President Donald Trump, Don Jr, said Wednesday he could run for president “maybe one day”, after previously denying he was considering a White House bid.

 

Asked during a forum in Doha if he would consider entering a presidential race to succeed his father, Don Jr first chuckled before suggesting it was possible.

 

“It’s an honour to be asked and an honour to see that some people are OK with it,” he said during a panel discussion at Bloomberg’s Qatar Economic Forum as some in the audience applauded.

 

“You never know,” he added.

 

Donald Trump Jr, 47, is an executive vice president at The Trump Organisation, his family’s luxury real estate conglomerate, and a vocal proponent of his father’s right-wing MAGA political agenda.

 

In March, left-leaning website Mediate reported that Don Jr was “seriously considering a run for president in 2028”, which he denied at the time.

But on Wednesday, Don Jr did not rule out a White House run.

 

“I don’t know, maybe one day, you know, that calling is there,” he told the Bloomberg forum.

 

“I think my father has truly changed the Republican Party. I think it’s the America first party, now the MAGA party, however, you want to look at it,” he added.

 

The Trump Organisation has been run by the president’s two eldest sons, Don Jr and Eric, since his 2016 election win.

 

While the president no longer holds an executive title, he has retained his stake in the family business via a trust.

 

AFP

 

The Osun Police Command has said it is yet to receive any official communication on the escape of seven inmates from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Ilesa, Osun State.

 

The Police Spokesperson for the command, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, told NAN on Wednesday that the police state command had not been officially briefed or informed of the incident by the Nigerian Correctional Service.

 

He said, “We also heard about the escape, but there is no official report made to the police by the NCoS. Our Intel revealed to us that actually, there was an escape.

 

“The cause of the escape is what we don’t know because our men have gone there. From the intelligence report we got, there is nothing we can lay our hands on that made the inmates escape.

 

“The NCoS should inform us about what actually happened. The police are out to protect lives and property, and any criminal we see, we will apprehend.”

 

NAN reports that the NCoS declared seven inmates missing as a result of rain that damaged the security perimeter of the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Ilesa in the early hours of Tuesday.

The heavy rainfall around 2:00 a.m. caused a breach in the facility’s structure, allowing the inmates to escape.

 

Confirming the development in a statement on Tuesday, signed by the Deputy Controller of Corrections, Public Relations Officer, Umar Abubakar, the Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, ordered an immediate investigation into the incident and assured the public that efforts were underway to return the escapees to custody.

 

She said, “The service is working closely with sister security agencies as well as community leaders to recapture the escapees and bring them back to custody.

 

“However, the Service solicits the cooperation and support of the public in providing information that may lead to the recapture of the fleeing inmates.”

 

Authorities have since launched a manhunt to recapture the fugitives.

 

NAN

 

The Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has alleged that some Nigerian politicians and members of the armed forces are acting as informants and collaborators for Boko Haram insurgents.

 

Zulum made the revelation on Wednesday during an interview on News Central’s Breakfast Central, where he vowed that the state would strengthen its intelligence network and deal with saboteurs “ruthlessly.”

 

“We have informants and collaborators within the Nigerian armed forces, within the politicians, and within the communities. What we shall do is to strengthen our intelligence and to deal with them ruthlessly.

 

“Let’s remove contractocracy. In six months, we can put an end to this madness. We need not politicise insecurity,” he said.

 

Addressing the issue of surrendered insurgents, Zulum stated that while not all who surrendered have reformed fully, the overwhelming majority are contributing positively.

 

“I cannot completely say that 100% of those people who have surrendered are doing the right thing, but I want to assure you that over 99% are doing well and are not participating in the ongoing terrorism,” Zulum said

 

The governor reaffirmed the need for Nigeria to embrace both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies in tackling insurgency, noting that over 99% of repentant insurgents are no longer involved in terrorism.

 

He stressed that military force alone would never bring about a total end to insurgency.

 

He stated, “Insurgency will never be ended by kinetic measures alone. We must ensure that the non-kinetic measures are also properly put in place.

“What I mean by non-kinetic measures is social, political, and economic dimensions of the crisis. Our ongoing non-kinetic measures have yielded positive results with the support of the Nigerian military.”

 

He acknowledged that not all 500,000-plus repentant fighters may stay reformed, but believes the system is largely working.

 

“Yes, I believe among the 500,000 or more that have repented, I cannot rule out the possibility of fewer of them going back to the bush,” he said.

 

He criticised the lack of equipment for the military and accused insurgents of having a superior technological advantage, saying “The army doesn’t have the necessary equipment on ground to fight the insurgency.”

 

The governor, however, commended the Nigerian military’s role in supporting peace-building efforts.

“I want to commend the Nigerian armed forces for the support that they have been rendering to our non-kinetic measures,” Zulum said.

 

He urged President Bola Tinubu to pay attention to ground-level intelligence and professional advice from the military.

 

“The forest guard shall be provided immediately. The President of Nigeria needs to listen to those who can differentiate their left from their right.

 

“We should not politicise insecurity. The President needs to listen to the people who can tell him the right thing. The President should listen to the army,” he stated.

 

An overnight rainfall on Tuesday has led to the escape of seven inmates from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Ilesa, Osun State, after the facility’s old perimeter wall collapsed.

 

According to the Nigerian Correctional Service, the breach occurred around 2:00 a.m. and was caused by the structural failure of the wall during the storm.

 

The spokesperson for the NCoS, Umar Abubakar in a statement noted that authorities have since launched a manhunt to locate and return the escapees to custody.

 

The Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, has ordered an immediate investigation into the incident.

 

He assured the public that efforts are being intensified in collaboration with other security agencies and local community leaders, the statement added.

 

“The Nigerian Correctional Service has launched an expansive manhunt following the rainfall that breached the security of its facility at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Ilesa, Osun State.

 

“The force majeure which occurred at about 0200hours on Tuesday, 20th of May 2025 led to the escape of seven (7) inmates.

 

“Following the incident, the Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, has ordered an immediate investigation into the circumstances surrounding the escape.

“The service is working closely with sister security agencies as well as community leaders to recapture the escapees and bring them back to custody,” the statement read.

 

NCoS is urging members of the public to assist with any information that could aid in recapturing the fugitives.

 

Citizens are advised to contact the nearest security agency or reach out via the following hotlines: 07087086005, 09060004598, or 08075050006.

 

Prison escapes have become a recurring security challenge in Nigeria, often exacerbated by the deteriorating condition of the country’s correctional facilities.

 

The incidents have further highlighted the deteriorating state of Nigeria’s correctional facilities, which have been increasingly vulnerable to natural disasters and security breaches in recent years.

 

On September 9 2024, flood triggered the collapse of the perimeter wall at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Maiduguri, Borno State. A total of 281 inmates took advantage of the breach to flee.

On April 24, 2024, heavy rains also caused the walls of the Suleja Medium Security Prison in Niger State to collapse, leading to the escape of 119 inmates.

 

The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed readiness to welcome suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara into the party if he decides to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

 

Speaking with The PUNCH on Tuesday, the reinstated Rivers APC Chairman, Chief Emeka Beke, said such a move would be mutually beneficial to both Governor Fubara and the APC.

 

His remarks come amid speculation that Fubara may defect to the APC as part of a political negotiation to resolve the lingering crisis in Rivers State, which led to his suspension by President Bola Tinubu.

 

Speaking through his Chief of Staff, Chizi Enyi, Beke said the APC would have no hesitation in admitting the governor.

 

“Sure, we will welcome the governor. Do we have an option? Welcoming the governor into the party will mean the APC gains a strategic advantage in Rivers State,” he said.

 

He noted that states where the governor is not from the ruling party often face challenges in funding and participation in state activities.

 

According to him, Fubara’s defection would give the APC greater leverage and visibility in the state’s governance.

 

“As the governor of Rivers State, he automatically becomes the leader of the party at the state level. This would also allow the APC to play a key role in state programmes and functions,” he added.

 

Beke further stated that he would be open to offering guidance to Fubara on how to improve governance in the state.

 

He explained that while the APC, as the opposition, had previously withheld such advice, the dynamic would change should the governor join the party.

“As an opposition party, we have what it takes to help the governor do better than what he is currently doing. But we have kept our suggestions as part of our ideology. If the governor joins us, we’ll open our hearts to him and offer input on how to improve the lives of Rivers people and others residing in the state,” he said.

 

Meanwhile, the Rivers State Elders and Leaders Council has distanced itself from any political party affiliation, insisting that their main concern is the return of Governor Fubara to office.

 

A member of the council and pioneer spokesman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum, Anabs Sara-Igbe, stated this during a phone interview with The PUNCH on Tuesday.

 

He criticised the continued stay of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) as Sole Administrator of the state, describing his appointment as unconstitutional.

Asked whether Fubara should join the APC as part of a peace deal with his former political mentor, now FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, Sara-Igbe said such speculation was irrelevant.

 

“Rivers people are not interested in that now. We are not interested in any party. What we want is Sim’s return. That is our interest,” he said.

 

He added, “We elected him as our governor. We don’t want anyone else coming to take our resources.”

 

Fubara’s media aide on electronic media, Jerry Omatsogunwa, confirmed that reconciliation talks between the governor and Wike are ongoing, though he declined to share details.

 

“They are talking, but the details are not clear. Everything you are hearing is still speculation. In time, we will know the full outcome,” he said.

 

On reports suggesting the governor might defect to the APC, Omatsogunwa said, “We have not heard anything about that for now.”

 

Dr Nonye Soludo, wife of the Anambra State governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has toured the newly-built Solution Fun City, new Governor’s lodge and the new Government House with children from various orphanage homes across the state.

 

The Solution Fun City and the new Government House built by the Soludo’s administration were some of the “legacy” projects commissioned on May 8th, 2025 by President Bola Tinibu during his official one day working visit to Anambra.

 

During the tour, the wife of the state governor conducted the children round the facilities, during which she played with them and shared inspiring stories to the community home children.

 

She said the exercise is aimed at giving the children a sense of belonging and for them to have a feel of what the projects look like, adding that it is going to be a continuous thing.

 

Explaining the reason she took the children around, Mrs Soludo said, “They are Anambra children too, and deserve the same fun and leisure as their peers in their parents’ homes”.

 

She expressed satisfaction that the children had fun and promised to return them to enjoy all the fun facilities immediately the Fun City commences full operation.

 

She said, “Today, I took my children from the orphanage homes to see what is happening in their state. Because of how they are, they do not always have this kind of opportunity.

 

These are children of Anambra too and they deserve some leisure and fun too. My greatest happiness is that they are happy.

 

“All we are doing as a government is for the interest of the children. I cannot wait for the place to be officially opened so that I can take them to enjoy all the facilities there.”

The first lady, who waved aside criticisms over why the state government decided to invest in constructing the fun city, explained that Governor Soludo, had in his manifesto, envisioned to make Anambra a place where people can live, work and enjoy.

 

She noted that some of the facilities like the fun city can only be found in faraway destinations, expressing confidence that when it fully comes on stream, the facility will attract fun seekers and holidaymakers to Anambra, and as such help stimulate the local economy.

 

“We want to make Anambra a destination and not a departure lounge. With this facility, you will see that people will want to bring their children to Anambra for leisure.

 

“Do you know that people travel from Nigeria to other countries just to enjoy facilities like this and have fun with their children and families?

 

“Now, we have this kind of thing in Anambra, it is a major plus to us,” she added.

One of the children, Chinwendu Madueke, expressed gratitude to the first lady for sharing such quality time with them, and the motherly love she showed them.

 

According to Madueke, the tour will leave indelible memories of joy and happiness in their minds.

 

“Since I came of age, this is the most joyous experience for me and I am happy I shared it with Her Excellency. I will always remember this day because it felt like motherly care,” he said.

 

Another child simply identified as little Benita, from a community in Awka, said she had so much fun and will have a lot to tell her fellow children when school resumes next week.