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‘My Family Faced death Threats For Criticising Pastors’ — Daddy Freeze

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Well-known media figure Ifedayo Olarinde, better known by his stage as Daddy Freeze, has claimed that he was threatened with murder years ago for his criticism of Nigerian pastors.
The co-host of The Honest Bunch, Daddy Freeze, clarified in a recent broadcast that his family members were also threatened with death.
He also said that his vocal condemnation of Nigerian pastors gave others the confidence to hold clerics across the country accountable.

Read Also: Illbliss Cries Out: Government’s Moves Now Reflect Our Energy

“My pastor attempted to make amends with my ex-wife after my divorce, but I told him I wasn’t interested,” he claims. I was so prohibited from assisting at church functions and from occupying the front row. Jesus never chastised the woman who had been married five times and was living with a sixth man she wasn’t married to, which made me feel rejected. My religion is treating me like I committed murder, even though I just had one divorce. As a result, I quit attending church and began reading the Bible in its original languages. I began reading the scriptures more and more closely. Any Nigerian preacher would make sense to you, but you can’t perform that work for a year. It isn’t doable.

“I am the only one who has ever been persecuted by Nigerian pastors and their henchmen. They swore at me. My family members were given death threats against me. It’s been ten years. And the reason why people are standing up to the church now is because of the work I accomplished.

Illbliss Cries Out: Government’s Moves Now Reflect Our Energy

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Nigeria is at a very risky moment in its history, according to Nigerian rapper Tobechukwu Melvin Ejiofor, better known by his stage name Illbliss.
The musician voiced concerns about growing insecurity, economic hardship, wanton corruption, and the government’s propaganda apparatus during an interview on a recent episode of the Real Shareholders podcast.
He described the removal of his politically conscious song “Country” from the radio due to its criticism of the administration.

He bemoaned the use of digital propaganda tools by the government to spread lies and stifle dissent.

“I had this record in 2020 called ‘Country,'” he continued. They removed it from the radio. I published other conscious songs like “A Different Kind Of War” and “National Cake” prior to “Country.” However, OAPs frequently claim that they are not allowed to perform such tunes due to the possibility of fines. Occasionally, when you release a record, you receive at least 100 tweets asking, “Why are you always trying to make a mockery of the country?” The nation is not as terrible as it seems. And you can tell that it’s a digital reaction to something, or maybe a manufactured pushback. Because I am aware that propaganda is no longer limited to traditional media. Just to claim that the government is doing well, propagandists can create a podcast. “But this government has created jobs,” you’ll see folks from our generation declare as they sit with their faces proudly displayed. You can tell.

Read Also: Billy Gillis-Harry: Dangote’s New Fuel Model Is Welcome, But Collaboration and Fair Regulation Are Key

“That’s our location. The period in our history where the government is matching our energy is really perilous. We assumed we had social media, but with everything that occurs on these platforms, you start to question whether the government has started to support theories of distraction or if it has become much more sophisticated. Look around us, I mean.

Billy Gillis-Harry: Dangote’s New Fuel Model Is Welcome, But Collaboration and Fair Regulation Are Key

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Billy Gillis-Harry, President of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), has weighed in on the Dangote Petroleum Refinery’s announcement to begin direct distribution of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and diesel nationwide. In an interview session, Gillis-Harry emphasized that while PETROAN welcomes Dangote’s initiative, its success will depend on stakeholder collaboration, transparent practices, and strict adherence to regulation.

Dangote’s plan, which includes free logistics using 4,000 new CNG-powered tankers and investments in daughter booster stations and over 100 CNG trucks, aims to streamline product delivery to marketers, manufacturers, telecom operators, aviation firms, and other large users. While the move has been described as disruptive, Gillis-Harry cautioned against blanket criticism of existing marketers.

“The assumption that marketers thrive on arbitrage or depot manipulation is misleading,” he said. “PETROAN members work hard to deliver products even to Nigeria’s most difficult terrains, tackling financing, logistics, security, and timing challenges daily. Accusations must be backed by verified data, not generalizations.”

Gillis-Harry reiterated PETROAN’s long-standing support for domestic refining. “We championed efforts to rehabilitate our refineries, visited facilities, asked tough technical questions, and encouraged completion of these national assets. Our position has always been patriotic.”

On logistics, he urged government intervention. “It’s unrealistic to expect Dangote alone to solve distribution challenges with trucks. The government should develop rail and waterway infrastructure to ease pressure on our roads. Dangote has done his part with massive investment; now, the government must complement this effort.”

Speaking on pricing, Gillis-Harry called for strict enforcement of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). “Current pricing models aren’t fully compliant with Section 207 of the PIA, and that’s part of why we see variations. PETROAN is committed to fair pricing that reflects true business costs, ensuring sustainability for operators and affordability for Nigerians.”

He concluded by calling for unity. “Dangote is not the regulator. It’s up to regulators to ensure fair play. PETROAN stands ready to work with all stakeholders to build a fuel distribution system that serves Nigerians today and into the future.”

Ric Hassani Talks Gospel Artists’ Shift To Secular Music

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According to well-known singer Ikechukwu Eric Ahiauzu, better known by his stage name Ric Hassani, the trend of gospel performers transitioning to secular music is driven more by fulfillment than by financial gain.
In an interview with Hip TV, Hassani reportedly stated that he started his musical career in the church but changed after realizing it wasn’t his calling.
“Many singers are made for the world,” he said, adding that many musicians who began their careers in the gospel genre move to the secular music industry because they lack the gift of ministration.

“Gospel is more than just singing,” he remarked. To be able to use music to interpret God’s words is a blessing. A Katty Perry, for instance, could never use music to convey God’s message the way CeCe Winans does. It seems to me that CeCe is fortunate to be able to use music to convey the Holy Spirit. Whitney Houston has a unique kind of blessing. Therefore, I disagree with the notion that everyone ought to attend church. For some of us, the world was meant to be. I have Christian tunes, too. I’m a devout Christian. There is at least one gospel song on each of my CDs. However, I’m not really meant for it. I intended to use a different genre of music to make a different kind of impact on the world. I will not approach it in the same manner as Mercy Chinwo or Frank Edwards. I wouldn’t fit in well if I started playing church music now. I’m not into it.

Read Also: Dangote Refinery’s New Fuel Distribution Model: A Game-Changer or Monopoly? says Kelvin

It’s not financial gain when people switch from gospel to secular music. Everyone wants money, including creatives and those who are fortunate enough to have it. However, being able to do it and living while doing it is the true fulfillment. Even the wealthiest people in the world, the Burnas and the Wizkids… Davido has all the money he could ever need, therefore if it was truly about money, he has no reason to do anything.

So, money isn’t the main factor. Money cannot buy the kind of satisfaction that comes from coming up with an idea, recording it, and making music. It surpasses the satisfaction that money can provide.

Dangote Refinery’s New Fuel Distribution Model: A Game-Changer or Monopoly? says Kelvin

The announcement by Dangote Petroleum Refinery to commence distribution of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and diesel nationwide — with free logistics and a fleet of 4,000 new compressed natural gas-powered tankers — represents a bold, disruptive step in Nigeria’s downstream sector. Beyond these tankers, the refinery is also investing in daughter booster stations and over 100 CNG trucks to ensure seamless product delivery across the country. The offering includes credit facilities and direct supply to large users such as manufacturers, telecom operators, aviation firms, and other major consumers.

According to Kelvin Emmanuel, Energy Expert and Co-founder of Dairy Hills, this initiative challenges the traditional supply chain that has long enabled inefficiency in Nigeria. Emmanuel notes that marketers have historically profited from arbitrage, depot price manipulation, and questionable bridging claims — with over ₦100 billion currently outstanding from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). For decades, the fuel distribution system has allowed substandard products and inflated costs to frustrate efforts at achieving stable, fair pricing.

“While some see Dangote’s model as a threat to existing players, it is, in truth, a long-overdue correction,” says Emmanuel. He highlights that the government’s failure to make refineries functional — despite spending billions on turnaround maintenance over the past 25 years — left a vacuum. Now, Dangote’s private-sector solution promises to deliver fair pricing, guarantee nationwide availability, and help control inflation by tackling fuel price disparities that have long plagued the country.

While critics argue that this move could edge out traditional marketers, Emmanuel disagrees. In his view, it forces an industry reset — compelling marketers to deliver real value rather than rely on inefficiencies for profit. He emphasizes the need for the government to support multimodal transport systems — including rail and barges — to complement Dangote’s model, while regulators must ensure fair competition without stifling innovation.

Ultimately, as Emmanuel concludes, this is about providing Nigerians with the energy security they deserve — not about protecting failed systems or entrenched vested interests.

Northeast Stakeholders Endorse Tinubu for 2027, Stir Tensions Over Shettima’s Silence

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The Northeast Consultative Stakeholders meeting held in Gombe has endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the 2027 presidential election, but the gathering conspicuously avoided any mention of Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima — a silence that sparked chaos among party delegates.

Trouble erupted when Mustafa Salihu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Vice Chairman for the Northeast, announced the endorsement of President Tinubu’s second-term bid. His omission of the Vice President from his remarks drew immediate backlash. Aggrieved delegates interrupted proceedings, hurling insults and threatening physical altercations.

In a bid to douse the tension, Mustafa Salihu appeared yesterday on The Morning Show, where he clarified that he simply read a communiqué that had been agreed upon by various Northeast stakeholders. With the Northwest, Northeast, and North Central regions all jostling for the vice-presidential slot in 2027, questions have arisen about whether Vice President Shettima’s position is under threat.

Observers have pointed to President Tinubu’s political history, noting that during his tenure as Lagos Governor between 1999 and 2007, he worked with three different deputy governors.

Speaking on The Morning Show, Dr. Okuku, Executive Director of Development at Specs Academy, stressed that the issue is less about the Vice President’s personal concerns and more about party discipline and unity.

“It raises concerns about party cohesion and solidarity within the presidency. The chaos points to a lack of genuine grassroots engagement, and it’s a warning to all political parties to strengthen their internal structures beyond election rallies,” Dr. Okuku said.

He further argued that while the Muslim-Muslim ticket hasn’t been directly challenged, the idea of a more religiously balanced ticket could help with public perception and national unity.

Dr. Okuku also criticized political leaders for focusing on 2027 positioning rather than addressing urgent national issues like insecurity, inflation, and flooding.

“Our leaders raise issues when it suits their political aims rather than tackling real community needs. This mindset must change if we are to see genuine national development,” he added.

The Gombe incident has become a focal point for discussions on party cohesion, inclusivity, and the direction of Nigeria’s political future ahead of 2027.

Alleged N151m Extortion: IGP Asked To Ensure Justice Is Served In Police Orderly Room Trial

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As Nigerians await the outcome of the orderly room trial of four police inspectors accused of extorting N151 million from the family of a foreign based Nigerian after whisking him from Lagos to Abuja, the Inspector General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, has been asked to ensure Justice is served

Already, the police have started an orderly room trial of the following personnel and their service numbers:
AP Mohammed Yusuf (No. 229655), AP Ojochenemi Jubrin (No. 227141), AP Rizama Reuben (No. 318195), and AP Isokpuwu John (No. 318172) of the Force Criminal Investigation Department, Area 10, Abuja.

They are currently undergoing orderly room trial for allegedly extorting a N151.5million from a diasporan Nigerian, Segun Okubajo.

Following the conclusion of evidence on June 16, 2025, Nigerians await what the decision of the Police hierarchy will be or whether this will be another case that will be swept under the carpet.

Read Also: Outrage as Scores Killed in Coordinated Attack on Benue Border Community

It will be recalled that following a petition by the victim’s family, the Inspector General of Police swiftly directed that the case be investigated and the police officers made to face orderly room trial, if a prima facie case is established against them.

Following the commencement of the orderly room trial and the close of evidence on June 16, 2025, the stage is set for the police hierarchy to give its decision.

The petition alleged that the four police officers arrested Mr. Segun Okubajo in Lagos, took him to Abuja and held him incommunicado, while the policemen forced his family to cough out the enormous sum allegedly under threats and duress.

The petition further revealed that the illegal arrest was allegedly engineered by one Oladipo Ibrahim, of Eko Imperial Autos.

Following the arrest, the officers allegedly demanded N1billion but eventually settled for a “negotiated” amount of N151.5 million, which the family was forced to raise through loans and contributions from friends and cooperative societies, and paid same to the police officers, after converting same to dollars.

Despite the effort of the Inspector General of Police and the police hierarchy to rid the force of bad eggs, some unscrupulous officers, usually of the rank and file, continue to engage in the unwholesome practice of extorting Nigerian citizens. It is hoped that the police hierarchy will use this case to send a message to the entire police force, once again, that it will not tolerate any form of extortion

Politicians Team Up With Yahoo Boys For Billions Fraud — EFCC

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) claims that politicians are increasingly using cyber fraudsters to steal money and move it to offshore accounts.
Ola Olukoyede, the EFCC chairman, said this during a briefing in Abuja on Monday.
He claimed that the politicians’ criminal acts expose systemic corruption in Nigeria’s political and governance structures.

Olukoyede added that the anti-graft Agency’s investigations have revealed how Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs) work with fraudsters to open cryptocurrency wallets and move stolen monies abroad to buy luxury items like as cars and residences.

He said: “When they (politically exposed persons) steal money in billions, they give it to these boys, they open crypto wallets, and from there, the money goes abroad.” Most of these politically exposed individuals identify these lads, place them in hotels, and the boys open accounts for them to transfer the funds abroad.”

The EFCC chairman voiced alarm about the fraudsters’ expanding criminal operations, which now include banditry, kidnapping, and ritual killings.

He observed that when their schemes failed, they turned to violent crimes, jeopardizing Nigerians’ safety and security.

“The most hazardous component of it isn’t only yahoo-yahoo; some of these individuals are involved robbery and kidnapping. “When they don’t see people scamming on time, they turn to these vices,” Olukoyede stated.

Read Also: Labour Party Condemns Benue Violence, Declares ‘This Cannot Continue

In addition to their criminal acts, Olukoyede regretted that these scammers had caused Nigeria national humiliation and harmed the country’s standing on the global stage.

He stated, “If you fly abroad with your green passport and stand in line with so many other people, you will see that at the time you produce the passport, the folks (immigration inspectors) will look at you with some reservation.

“That is, unless they take you away for extra inspection. That is a national humiliation that certain young Nigerians (yahoo-yahoo lads) have brought upon us.”

Labour Party Condemns Benue Violence, Declares ‘This Cannot Continue

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In response to the recent mass killings in Benue State, the Labour Party (LP) has called for the prompt deployment of security forces to protect communities in danger across North Central Nigeria.
The party warned that Nigeria could not stick with this trend, calling the attacks “a new wave of senseless violence.”
In a statement made public on Monday, Senator Nenadi Usman, the chairman of the party’s National Caretaker Committee, reportedly demanded that all of the criminals be promptly prosecuted and subject to a thorough inquiry, regardless of their affiliations or status.

Usman expressed deep sorrow for the loss of the houses and livelihoods, as well as the lives of more than 100 people, including women, children, displaced people, and security officers.
“These were more than just figures. They were people, and their lives were ruthlessly taken.

They killed children who should have been protected. In mass graves were mothers who ought to be caring for their families. According to her, fathers who attempted to protect their homes were mercilessly destroyed.

The leader of the Labour Party voiced his sadness at the ongoing violence, pointing to the burning of houses, assaults on security personnel, and continuous attacks on displaced people as direct evidence of the government’s failure to protect its citizens.

“This Benuean carnage ought to shock everyone’s conscience.

It is not only a local dilemma; it is a national embarrassment. A concerning lack of accountability and leadership is evident in the victims’ susceptibility and the attackers’ audacity, Usman said.

Apart from military action, Usman promoted a coordinated humanitarian endeavor that includes food supplies, shelter, medical assistance, and psychological support for the impacted individuals.

Stressing that inaction and indifference only serve to embolden those who carry out violent crimes, she urged Nigerians to go beyond simple “routine condemnations” and demand concrete measures.

“As a mother, I share your grief, sorrowing families.

“We hear your screams, widowed women, orphaned children, and destroyed villages. “Your demand for justice must not be disregarded, as your pain is felt across the country,” she continued.

Read Also: Outrage as Scores Killed in Coordinated Attack on Benue Border Community

She restated the Labour Party’s dedication to promoting laws that put everyone’s safety and dignity first, especially those living in rural and conflict-affected areas.

“This is not how Nigeria can continue,” Usman bemoaned.

Outrage as Scores Killed in Coordinated Attack on Benue Border Community

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There is widespread outrage over the scale of killings in an agrarian border community in Benue State, where scores of residents lost their lives in a brutal and coordinated assault that lasted from Friday night into Saturday morning.

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, who visited the scene, described the aftermath as devastating — with dozens of homes burned and properties destroyed, leaving a grim reminder of the horror that unfolded. During a closed-door meeting with community leaders, he offered condolences and assured them of immediate military reinforcement to stabilize Yata and other flashpoints across the state.

“We are tired of innocent souls being killed. We’re here to ensure that we address this from now. I will be meeting with my commanders, and we have to change our strategy. We will look inward to see how we can address it. But as I mentioned, we cannot do it alone. We need the cooperation of the community, the state, and everyone to end this,” General Musa stated.

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, who was also on ground, revealed that tactical police units in the area have been doubled to strengthen law enforcement and improve intelligence gathering. “When one incident happens, hundreds more have been prevented — incidents that the public never gets to know about. The fact that this happened does not mean we have not been deploying. We have been working closely with the military and other security agencies to end the reign of impunity by these criminal elements. We urge residents to report strangers or suspicious activities promptly,” he said.

Benue State Governor, Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia, condemned the killings in strong terms. He expressed confidence that the visit by top security chiefs would mark a turning point in ending the cycle of violence. “The President is deeply concerned. The presence of these top security officers here today is reassuring to our people. We remain hopeful that such devastating occurrences will no longer happen — not just in this local government but across the entire state,” the governor stated.

General Musa also proceeded to the 401 Special Forces Brigade headquarters in Makurdi, where he held strategic sessions with commanders and addressed troops at the 72 Special Forces Battalion. Both the military and the police high command have reiterated their determination to prevent such atrocities in the future.