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Natasha Denies Viral Audio, Alleges Voice Cloning in Targeted Smear Campaign

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Natasha Denies Viral Audio, Alleges Voice Cloning in Targeted Smear Campaign

Suspended Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has strongly denied involvement in a recently circulated audio recording that allegedly features her voice discussing sensitive matters involving top government officials.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Akpoti-Uduaghan dismissed the viral clip as a manufactured and malicious attempt to tarnish her image. She asserted that the voice in the recording was not hers, but a product of voice cloning technology used to fabricate the narrative.

“My attention has been drawn to an audio making rounds on social media claiming to be a conversation I had with a journalist. I want to state categorically that the voice in that recording is not mine. It is a cloned audio designed to mislead the public and damage my reputation,” she said.

According to the embattled lawmaker, this is not the first time digital tools have been weaponized to falsely implicate her. She revealed that similar incidents had occurred in the past where her identity was digitally manipulated to simulate conversations with prominent Nigerians, including Hon. Emmanuel Ekon, Dr. Tunji Alausa, Chief Allen Onyema, and Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye.

“These attacks follow a disturbing pattern. My name has repeatedly been dragged into fabricated recordings meant to discredit me and sow confusion,” she added.

Akpoti-Uduaghan described the development as part of a larger plot to intimidate and silence her, especially given her outspokenness on issues affecting the National Assembly and governance. She called on security agencies to investigate the origin of the recording and bring those behind the scheme to justice.

Meanwhile, the senator is also at the center of an ongoing controversy involving Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Natasha earlier accused the Senate leadership of sexual harassment and claimed her suspension was orchestrated to suppress the allegation. She insisted that the claim that she disrupted Senate proceedings was a cover-up designed to shift attention from her accusations.

The incident has sparked fresh debate about the use of AI-driven technology in political misinformation, especially as the country approaches the 2027 general elections. Civil society groups and legal experts have called for stronger digital privacy protections and regulatory frameworks to curb the spread of deepfake content in Nigeria’s political landscape.

TheNigerian will continue to monitor the story and provide updates as more facts emerge.

Hon. Philip Agbese Launches Modern Healthcare Centre in Enone to Improve Rural Medical Access

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Hon. Philip Agbese Launches Modern Healthcare Centre in Enone to Improve Rural Medical Access

Every society has defining projects that show a government’s commitment to the well-being of its citizens. One such landmark in Ado is the ongoing construction of the Dr. Edwin Ogbu Ukwonyo Primary Healthcare Center which is evidence of Okanga’s great commitment to affordable, excellent healthcare for everyone. More than only a clinic, this center is a strong message: that no life in Enone should be lost to curable diseases and that everyone, regardless of socioeconomic level should get decent care.
Long afflicted by neglect, healthcare in rural Nigeria lacks even the most fundamental medical infrastructure in several communities. Previously, mothers in Enone had to make exhausting travels to faraway hospitals for birth; the elderly found it difficult to obtain regular care; and curable diseases frequently turned into crises because nearby facilities were lacking. Designed to benefit several villages, the Dr. Edwin Ogbu Ukwonyo Primary Healthcare Center will flip this story.
Conceived as a contemporary, completely equipped facility, the center will provide the following services:
1. Safe delivery units, vaccinations, and prenatal as well as postnatal care comprise maternal and child health services.
2. Emergency medical treatment helps to lower avoidable deaths from accidents, infections, and problems.
3. Guaranteeing early detection and treatment, chronic disease management for illnesses including hypertension and diabetes.
4. Pharmacy and laboratory services let patients avoid travel for drugs or tests.
This implies healthcare is no longer a luxury but rather an accessible right for Enone’s people.
The naming of this center after Dr. Edwin Ogbu Ukwonyo, a beloved icon in Idoma history, is a poignant tribute to his contributions to community health, education, and the progress of the Idoma people.

Tensions Rise in Osun as APC Rejects Adeleke Amid Defection Rumors

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Tensions Rise in Osun as APC Rejects Adeleke Amid Defection Rumors

Political tension in Osun State escalated on Wednesday following a sharp exchange between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over speculations surrounding Governor Ademola Adeleke’s political allegiance.

The controversy stems from a recent high-profile visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Lagos by Governor Adeleke, his brother and business mogul Dr. Deji Adeleke, and his nephew, music star Davido. Photos from the meeting triggered widespread speculation of Adeleke’s potential defection to the ruling APC.

Reacting swiftly, former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly and APC chieftain, Timothy Owoeye, dismissed any notion of Adeleke joining the party, insisting there is no room for him.

“We are not offering any space to Governor Adeleke in our party,” Owoeye said. “APC’s ticket is not for sale, and we do not consider him one of us. The APC remains the dominant political force in Osun.”

He alleged that the PDP is gripped by anxiety over its future, predicting an end to the Adeleke-led administration by August 2026.

In a fiery rebuttal, PDP spokesperson in Osun, Oladele Bamiji, accused the APC of arrogance and desperation, describing their reaction as politically immature.

“It’s unfortunate that Osun APC views a simple meeting between two political leaders as an act of betrayal. In a democracy, dialogue across party lines is not only normal but necessary,” Bamiji said.

He further criticized the APC’s perceived attempt to monopolize the President, saying, “Their definition of federal power seems to be using the presidency to frustrate Osun’s development.”

Governor Adeleke’s media aide, Olawale Rasheed, also weighed in, denying any defection plans and reaffirming Adeleke’s loyalty to the PDP.

“The Governor remains a committed leader of the PDP in Osun. The visit to President Tinubu was purely a courtesy call. Any insinuation of defection is baseless and unfounded,” Rasheed said.

As political calculations intensify ahead of the 2026 governorship election, both parties appear set for a renewed rivalry, with the recent encounter merely igniting what could be a heated contest in the months ahead.

Eid-el-Kabir: LAWMA Launches Enforcement, Cleanup Campaigns

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Eid-el-Kabir: LAWMA Launches Enforcement, Cleanup Campaigns

The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has urged residents to adopt responsible waste disposal habits during and after the Eid-el-Kabir festivities to ensure a clean and healthy environment.

In a statement released on Wednesday, LAWMA’s Managing Director/CEO, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said the agency has made detailed preparations to handle the increased volume of waste expected during the celebrations.

“Eid-el-Kabir is a season of joy, gratitude, and communal harmony. While residents celebrate, we must all remain mindful of our civic duties, especially concerning the environment,” he stated.

Dr. Gbadegesin emphasized the importance of proper disposal of animal waste, food leftovers, and packaging materials, highlighting the deployment of operational and enforcement teams to monitor compliance across Lagos before, during, and after the holiday.

He noted that past cooperation from residents was appreciated but warned against recurring instances of indiscriminate dumping of refuse on road medians, in drainage channels, and open spaces.

“Such actions compromise public health and would attract penalties,” he warned.

He also appealed to butchers and livestock dealers to use only government-approved slaughterhouses, citing the health risks posed by unauthorized locations.

The LAWMA boss further advised residents to properly bag waste, use covered bins, and ensure timely evacuation by their assigned PSP operators.

In observance of World Environment Day 2025, themed “Putting an End to Plastic Pollution,” LAWMA has initiated various awareness drives and clean-up campaigns in collaboration with schools, environmental NGOs, and community groups.

“Environmental restoration is a sustained process that starts with individual responsibility,” Dr. Gbadegesin added.

He called on market associations, religious leaders, and neighborhood groups to encourage responsible environmental habits like clearing gutters, sorting recyclables, and avoiding street dumping.

LAWMA reiterated its commitment to maintaining cleaner streets and promoting a sustainable Lagos, stressing that environmental health is a shared responsibility.

Residents were encouraged to report waste-related issues and seek more information through official LAWMA contact channels.

Man Faces EFCC Charges for Alleged Visa Fraud Worth N23.5m

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Man Faces EFCC Charges for Alleged Visa Fraud Worth N23.5m

Ewulum Chimeze Felix has been arraigned by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) before Mojisola Dada, a Justice of the Special Offences Court in Ikeja, on 11 charges that include fraud, theft, possession of fraudulent documents, and forgery.

Chimeze, who is said to have functioned under the alias “Slenzy Ventures,” faces accusations of deceiving an unsuspecting individual into giving him more than ₦23.5 million by pretending to help him obtain a UK visa, work permit, and sponsorship certificate.

The EFCC reported that in 2024, Chimeze allegedly contacted the complainant, Nnochiri Boniface, with a promise to help him travel overseas.

Allegedly trusting the assertions, Boniface paid Chimeze ₦18,038,000 to handle the travel documents.

The EFCC, however, stated that Chimeze did not fulfill the promise and became inaccessible thereafter.

One of the charges states: “Ewulum Chimeze Felix (trading as Slenzy Ventures), at some point in 2024 in Lagos and within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, intended to defraud Nnochiri Chiedozie Boniface by falsely claiming that ₦18,038,000.00 (Eighteen Million, Thirty-Eight Thousand Naira only) was needed to obtain a United Kingdom visa and work permit, despite knowing this representation was false.”
Another charge disclosed that on March 10, 2025, Chimeze was purportedly found with multiple fraudulent documents, including a counterfeit Florida driver’s license in the name of “Vojtisek Adriena,” which he allegedly used to mislead unsuspecting people.

Read Also: Sancho Offered by Man Utd in Blockbuster Swap for £60m Premier League Ace

Chimeze entered a not guilty plea when the charges were presented to him in court on Tuesday.

Prosecution counsel M. B. Isha subsequently applied for a trial date and requested that the defendant be held at a Correctional Centre until the trial began.

Michael Nwigbo, the defence counsel, informed the court about a pending bail application and requested a brief adjournment to allow for its hearing.

Dada postponed the trial of the case to June 17, 2025, and ordered that the defendant be held in a Correctional Centre until then.

The EFCC reaffirmed its dedication to seeking justice and cautioned the public to be cautious of people providing dubious visa procurement services.

Sancho Offered by Man Utd in Blockbuster Swap for £60m Premier League Ace

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Sancho Offered by Man Utd in Blockbuster Swap for £60m Premier League Ace

According to reports, Manchester United have attempted to acquire West Ham United star Mohammed Kudus by offering Jadon Sancho as part of the deal. Meanwhile, the player most likely to join Old Trafford next has also been revealed.

Matheus Cunha has joined Manchester United from Wolverhampton Wanderers, marking the club’s first signing of the summer transfer window. Upon discovering that Cunha would be open to joining them even without European football, Man Utd swiftly acted to finalize an agreement on personal terms.

Then, the Red Devils triggered Cunha’s release clause of £62.5 million and confirmed a deal for the Brazilian to transfer to Old Trafford.

To assist in steering his project correctly, head coach Ruben Amorim desires the addition of several more players to Man Utd this summer.

Das umfasst eine weitere No. 10 zusätzlich zu Cunha. Bryan Mbeumo is a specific target, although CaughtOffside has outlined Man Utd’s attempts to capture Kudus instead.

Reports suggest that Manchester United have engaged in ‘talks’ with West Ham regarding the 24-year-old, who can excel as a right winger or central attacking midfielder.

According to reports, during these discussions, Jason Wilcox, the technical director of Man Utd, allegedly ‘offered’ outcast Jadon Sancho to West Ham in exchange for Kudus.

Read Also: DSS, Military Raid Claims Lives of 45 Bandits in Niger State

The offer is, however, ‘unlikely’ to gain acceptance from West Ham. Kudus is valued by them at approximately £60 million (€71 million / $81 million), which is significantly greater than their assessment of Sancho’s worth.

The latter is set to return to Man Utd after a loan spell at Chelsea. The loan deal included a requirement for Chelsea to purchase Sancho for £20-25m (up to €30m / $34m), but the Blues managed to circumvent this by triggering a penalty fee of £5m (€6m / $7m) and returning him to Man Utd.

Sancho relished his time at Chelsea, and Enzo Maresca’s team was eager to secure a permanent deal for him. However, the two clubs could not come to an agreement on personal terms, as Chelsea were not prepared to meet the winger’s demands for a £300,000-a-week salary.

Although United’s attempt to acquire Kudus has encountered an obstacle, Amorim’s team is advancing in their chase of Brentford key player Mbeumo.

After deciding that he only wants to join the Red Devils next, Mbeumo has reportedly agreed on personal terms with United.

They will now attempt to negotiate an agreement with Brentford. The Bees know of Mbeumo’s wish to move to United, but they want the full amount of their asking price to be paid before allowing a departure.

The fee is likely to be £60m, which is the amount West Ham attributes to Kudus, although some sources have indicated that it may be a bit higher.

As Cunha and Mbeumo are poised to occupy the two No 10 roles behind United’s primary centre-forward, captain Bruno Fernandes might assume a deeper position as a No 8.

Fernandes has verified that he turned down the chance to sign with Al-Hilal for an extraordinary £700,000-a-week deal. The Portuguese playmaker aims to keep competing at the highest level in Europe and will lead United’s quest for trophies after their defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final.

DSS, Military Raid Claims Lives of 45 Bandits in Niger State

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DSS, Military Raid Claims Lives of 45 Bandits in Niger State

In the vicinity of Kuchi town within Niger State’s Munya Local Government Area, the military and the Department of State Services (DSS) have effectively neutralized around 45 bandits.
This operation, carried out with discretion, is said to mark another success in the continuing efforts to combat banditry in the area.
As reported by Daily Trust, security sources have revealed that the DSS carefully monitored the bandits’ movements and prevented an imminent attack on the villages, which was aimed at carrying out large-scale assaults planned by the infamous kingpin Dogo Gide and his loyal bandits.

According to the sources, information obtained from the agency’s revitalized secret operations pointed to Gide’s call for terrorists from the Bilbis forest in Maru LGA of Zamfara State and specific areas of Kaduna State to carry out assaults on villages near Kuchi.

Read Also: Benue on Brink: Charismatic Bishops Demand Tinubu Declare State of Emergency Amid Killings

“In the early hours of Monday, June 2, 2025, approximately 100 bandits from Kaduna and Zamfara States, heavily armed with advanced weapons, moved towards Kuchi town in Munya LGA.

“Nevertheless, operatives mounted a surprise offensive and ambushed the bandits on the fringes of Kuchi town. The operatives engaged the fleeing dissidents in a gun battle, resulting in the elimination of the bandits and the recovery of motorcycles and ammunition, with several individuals sustaining injuries,” the security source disclosed.

At the same time, the reports suggest that five DSS operatives suffered serious injuries and are now in the hospital.

“This ambush is part of ongoing offensives against the bandits. Following the earlier decimation of over 50 bandits, it has dealt a heavy blow to Dogo Gide, who has been losing vast territories in recent months due to the superior firepower and covert disruptions of operatives sent to these troubled areas.

“They have been subjected to intense pressure, and we hope they can endure it. “We pray that these efforts by the SSS, which seem quite new and are aimed at saving our communities from the bandits, will continue,” a source said.

This accomplishment, which took place soon after agency operatives eliminated several bandits in the same Local Government Area (LGA), will offer relief to the local communities.

Even with continual attempts to manage them, bandits have been attacking different communities across the country.

Reports indicate that the Chief of Army Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, moved to Benue State earlier this week out of concern regarding the rising number of killings.

Benue on Brink: Charismatic Bishops Demand Tinubu Declare State of Emergency Amid Killings

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Benue on Brink: Charismatic Bishops Demand Tinubu Declare State of Emergency Amid Killings

Benue on Brink: Charismatic Bishops Demand Tinubu Declare State of Emergency Amid Killings

Watch the full video

A group of Catholic priests has expressed grave concern over the escalating violence and killings in Benue State and other parts of Nigeria, calling on President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in the state.

The priests, under the aegis of the Charismatic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), at a world press conference on Wednesday condemned the persistent attacks on innocent citizens, particularly in the Middle Belt region, and urged the government to take immediate action to address the crisis.

Their call for action comes on the heels of threats made against Bishop Wilfred Chikpa Anagbe, the Catholic Bishop of Makurdi Diocese, who has been vocal about the plight of the people in Benue State.

In his address, Bishop Leonard Bature Kawas, the President-General of the group, expressed solidarity with their fellow bishop, who has faced backlash for speaking out against the atrocities committed against defenseless communities.

The statement highlighted the devastating impact of the violence on the people of Benue State, including the destruction of homes, churches, and livelihoods.

The priests emphasized that the situation has been ongoing since 2001, with the frequency and brutality of the attacks increasing over the years.

In light of the dire situation, the priests are urging President Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Benue State and take concrete steps to address the crisis.

They emphasized the need for the government to protect its citizens and ensure that those responsible for the violence are held accountable.

The priests’ call for action is not limited to the government; they are also appealing to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, civil society organizations, and the international community to join them in condemning the violence and advocating for the safety and rights of the people of Benue State.

“The recent spate of insecurity in our nation is so worrisome that one would wonder if this is not the same Nigeria that silenced the dreaded Liberian rebels and sent peace keepers all over West Africa who were exceptional in carrying out their duties and earned acoilades where ever they were assigned,”Bishop Kawas said.

“We stand with Bishop Wilfred Chikpa Anagbe in his courageous stance against the atrocities committed against our people. As shepherds of the flock, it is our duty to speak out against injustice and defend the dignity of human life.

“The persistent killings, displacement, and trauma inflicted on our communities are a grave affront to humanity, and we will not be silenced. The situation in Benue State has become unbearable.

“Innocent citizens are being killed, their homes burned, and their livelihoods destroyed. The government’s inaction is deafening, and it seems as though the lives of our people are of little consequence.

“We cannot continue to watch as our communities are ravaged by violence and destruction. We urge that President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Benue State to address the catastrophic situation on the ground.

“The government must act swiftly to protect its citizens, hold perpetrators accountable, and bring an end to the bloodshed. We will not stand idly by while our people are slaughtered like animals; it is time for decisive action, not empty words.”

Military Air Strike Kills Civilians, Wike vs Fubara, Mokwa Floods, Shehu Sani, Obi & Tinubu Clash

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Military Air Strike Kills Civilians, Wike vs Fubara, Mokwa Floods, Shehu Sani, Obi & Tinubu Clash

Super Eagles Boss Backs Osimhen as World’s No. 1 Striker

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Super Eagles Boss Backs Osimhen as World’s No. 1 Striker

Eric Chelle, the head coach of Nigeria’s Super Eagles, has called Victor Osimhen the best striker globally.
In a recent chat with BBC Sport Africa, Chelle conveyed this viewpoint.
This summer, speculation linked the 26-year-old Nigerian international striker to European teams such as Chelsea, Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Barcelona. The Super Eagles coach praised him in this context.

Chelle encouraged the Galatasaray striker to maintain total concentration and to choose wisely.

„Victor ist für mich der beste Stürmer weltweit.

“It is challenging for him to come for this game because he played a season filled with pressure.

“The truth is, there exists a transfer window. Players of his caliber are not fully focused during this time.

„Ich muss ihn körperlich und psychisch schützen, denn vielleicht wird er [einen Transferwechsel anstreben].

“Perhaps a club such as Manchester United. Or perhaps Chelsea, Barcelona, or Real Madrid. “He needs to concentrate on that,” Chelle told BBC Sport Africa.

Meanwhile, Ademola Lookman, a forward for the Super Eagles, has revealed his thoughts on switching his international allegiance from England to Nigeria. He characterized this move as “one of the most defining choices” in his football career.
During an interview with ARISE TV, the 2024 CAF African Footballer of the Year made the statement while elaborating on the personal and professional changes that occurred after he dedicated himself to the Nigerian national team.

Read Also: Amaechi Raises Alarm Over INEC Chair’s Alleged Bias

The 27-year-old stated, “It undoubtedly changed my career and my life.” „Das ist den Leuten bekannt. This is where I live. This is where I live. I like it here. I am a native son.

Lookman, who was born in London to Nigerian parents, represented England at youth levels before committing to Nigeria for his senior international career.

This audacious move coincided with an astonishing surge in his professional career, peaking with a historic hat-trick in the 2024 UEFA Europa League final that secured Atalanta’s first-ever European title in a breathtaking win against Bayer Leverkusen.

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