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Obi Cubana Breaks Silence on Adopted Son’s ‘Next of Kin’ Claim

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Obinna Iyiegbu, a Nigerian billionaire better known online as Obi Cubana, has provoked uproar by disclosing personal family details.
The billionaire’s adopted son, Chidi, reportedly claimed to be the next of kin in a TikTok video that was posted.

On his Instagram page, Obi Cubana posted a picture of himself with his son, Alex, but he also stated that his biological son is his next of kin.

Online comments have been made in response to the billionaire’s move. While some netizens felt the drama was needless, others felt a clarification was necessary.

Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo is expected to be re-elected for a second term, according to Obi Cubana.

The chairman of the Cubana Group reportedly claimed that Governor Soludo was retouching and revitalizing every area of the state.

Obi Cubana said in a speech in Awka on Sunday that Governor Soludo is eager to make the state the glory of Nigeria, West Africa, and Africa.

Read Also: 2Baba Hosts Natasha Osawaru for Introduction to Idoma Elders

He went on to say that the governor had no rivals in his bid for reelection.

“This is a walkover because the governor is doing what he promised us in the new Anambra State,” he said, “and I think there may not be a contest for the first time in Anambra State.”

During our earlier meeting, he expressed his desire to do more from Amabra State by stating that he is more interested in discussing what has not yet been done than what has been done. His desire to make this state a source of pride for Nigeria, as well as for West Africa and Africa, is strong.

2Baba Hosts Natasha Osawaru for Introduction to Idoma Elders

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Legendary Nigerian musician Innocent Idibia, also known by his stage as 2Baba, has formally introduced his fiancée and Edo State legislator, Honourable Natasha Osawaru, to the Idoma traditional leadership and his native community.
According to information obtained, the introduction was given at the Och’Idoma Palace in Otukpo on Monday, April 21, 2025, during the Idoma Nation Peace and Unity Symposium.
It has been reported that 2Baba, who was dressed in traditional Idoma clothing, brought together kinsmen and presented Natasha to His Royal Majesty, the Och’Idoma V.

After the palace ritual, 2Baba and Osawaru traveled to Okpokwu, his ancestral home in Benue State, where they had meetings with community members and elders.

In order to gain the elders’ support for the former Deputy Majority Leader of the Edo State House of Assembly, the renowned singer confirmed his dedication.

Read Also: 55-Year-Old Alleged Kidnap Kingpin Arrested by Troops in Kano

2Baba declared his desire to wed Osawaru, calling her a youthful, intelligent, and remarkable woman.

Meanwhile, Nigerian comedian Justice Nuagbe, better known by his stage name Ushbebe, has expressed disapproval of 2Baba’s schoolboy-like behavior of following girlfriend Natasha Osawaru about.

Ushbebe reportedly hinted that 2Baba and Natasha’s relationship goes beyond love and urged the music legend to break free from the lawmaker’s hold.

Adding that he finds it hard to remain silent, the comedian also called for national prayers for 2Baba.

55-Year-Old Alleged Kidnap Kingpin Arrested by Troops in Kano

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At a security operation in Sumana village, Tundun Wada Local Government Area (LGA) of Kano State, troops from the Joint Task Force, Tundun Wada, have apprehended a 55-year-old suspected renowned kidnapper.

On Tuesday, Capt. Babatunde Zubairu, Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 3 Brigade, Kano, made this revelation in a statement to reporters.

The statement claims that the suspect was captured on April 20.

The statement also stated that the suspect was paraded in front of Brig.-Gen. Ahmed Tukur, the Brigade Commander, who came to celebrate Easter with the troops of Forward Operating Base (FOB) Falgore in Doguwa LGA.

The commander praised the troops’ professionalism and bravery, it said.

During the operation, a cache of weapons, ammo, and other essentials was found. The items on the list include one Woodland camouflage clothing, nine rounds of 9mm pistol ammunition, one Den gun, and one fake AK-47 rifle.

Additionally, a Bajaj motorbike seat that may have been used to conceal firearms, a desert camouflage vest, and a forest camouflage vest were found.

Brig.-Gen. Tukur praised the soldiers’ efforts and reiterated the Nigerian Army’s and other security forces’ dedication to collaborating with local leaders to bring peace back to communities.

The army is still committed to its mission of protecting people and property. The statement said, “We will not give up on our attempts to hold criminals accountable.

The suspect is presently being held and is the subject of an initial inquiry, it was said.

Rivers State Police Inspector Allegedly Ends Own Life in Port Harcourt

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Maxwell Zubu, an inspector with the Rivers State Police Command, is said to have shot himself on Tuesday in Port Harcourt’s Eagle Island neighborhood.
According to reports, Zubu, who was working as a security detail for a previous chairman of the Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, committed himself for unknown reasons.
The reason of his death has not yet been established, and the specifics of the occurrence are still unclear as of the time of this report.
The incident was reported right away to the Eagle Island police post, which is under the control of the Azikiwe Police Division, which is situated in Illabouchi, Mile 2 Diobu, Port Harcourt, according to sources who talked to Punch.

As part of the preliminary inquiry, Azikiwe Police Division officers had visited the area, according to a police source who spoke on condition of anonymity.

According to the source, “a few police officers from the Azikiwe Police Division came to the scene as part of preliminary investigation procedures.”

Read Also: Victor Osimhen Should Join Manchester United — Louis Saha

The officer’s death was verified by Rivers State Police Command spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko. Citing current investigations, she declined to provide any additional information.

In an interview with Punch, Iringe-Koko promised that a comprehensive inquiry was being conducted to identify the immediate and underlying causes of Zubu’s death.

“Yes,” she answered, “but we have started an investigation to find out what caused the incident, and we will share our findings with the public.”

She added that the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department in Port Harcourt had been tasked with looking into the case in further depth.

Victor Osimhen Should Join Manchester United — Louis Saha

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The Red Devils’ team would benefit greatly from Victor Osimhen’s arrival.
United has had a dismal season in spite of their aspirations and large summer investment in key players.
Forwards Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee are part of their offensive squad, but they have had trouble scoring goals on a regular basis.

United’s current dismal 14th-place position in the league rankings is the result, and this has only increased the strain on both the players and the administration.

Read Also: Tinubu, Fubara Reportedly Hold Secret Meeting

Along with their league difficulties, the Red Devils haven’t shown much improvement this season in the Carabao Cup or the Emirates FA Cup.

Saha highlighted his conviction that Victor Osimhen would be the ideal addition to the team if he were to join this summer, acknowledging the necessity for a significant striker to reenergize the attack.

In a Mega Dice interview, Saha declared, “I am a huge fan of Victor Osimhen.” Both the character and the quality necessary to achieve at the greatest level are present in him. He won the league title in Italy, had tremendous success in France, and has played exceptionally well in Turkey, despite the fact that it was probably not a transfer he had planned to make.

In just 34 appearances in all competitions this season, Osimhen has scored an incredible 29 goals and given five assists, further demonstrating his skill.

According to Saha, “He has scored goals at every level of competition, has priceless Champions League experience, and has the personality and charisma that could significantly help United’s current players.” In my opinion, he would be a game-changer for the team and greatly improve our offensive skills.

Tinubu, Fubara Reportedly Hold Secret Meeting

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Conflicts in the oil-rich nation of Nigeria After weeks of political unrest and demonstrations, Rivers State might be coming to an end as President Bola Tinubu and Governor Siminalayi Fubara engaged in tactful diplomacy that could change the region’s leadership.
Two of President Tinubu’s advisers told The Africa Report that the president had a secret meeting last week with Governor Fubara, who was suspended on March 18, 2025.
According to reports, Governor Fubara, who has been keen to return to power since the president proclaimed a state of emergency in Rivers State, organized the meeting, which was held in London soon after Tinubu returned from Paris.

“It’s true. Last week, the president and Governor Fubara met in private. Fubara has pledged to make some concessions. His ban would likely be removed before the six-month limit, according to ongoing negotiations, a presidential adviser told The Africa Report, speaking on condition of anonymity.

In an attempt to curry favor with the president, Fubara is also allegedly ready to joining the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), which might improve the APC’s chances in Rivers State. “The president’s chances of winning Rivers State are significantly higher if Fubara joins the APC,” the aide said.

However, Nyesom Wike, Fubara’s estranged political godfather and the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, was reportedly not present for the meeting because he feels uneasy about the behind-the-scenes conversations. To address the state’s ongoing crisis, however, Tinubu is anticipated to arrange a meeting between lawmakers from Rivers State, Fubara, and Wike.

Read Also: Oluremi Tinubu Partners with Leadership Newspaper to Empower Two Million Nigerians

On March 18, President Tinubu suspended Fubara in response to the burst of two oil pipelines, which sparked the political unrest in Rivers State. Security sources attributed the explosion to a conflict between 27 Wike-aligned state politicians and Fubara. Under the influence of Wike, these parliamentarians attempted to remove the governor from office on grounds of purported constitutional violations, including charges pertaining to the bombing of the state parliament building.

In order to stop more instability, President Tinubu’s administration chose to impose a state of emergency in Rivers State, since oil money accounts for almost 60% of Nigeria’s government income and 90% of its foreign exchange. Ibok-Ete Ibas, the former head of the navy, was given full governorship authority when Tinubu designated him as Rivers State’s only administrator.

The media, the opposition, organized labor, and the Nigerian Bar Association were among those who criticized the proclamation. Before the 2027 election, prominent opposition leader and former vice president Atiku Abubakar referred to the action as a “power grab.” Despite having previously denounced a similar move by President Olusegun Obasanjo in 2005, Tinubu defended his decision, claiming that he had the constitutional authority to proclaim a state of emergency. The Nigerian parliament later approved the proclamation.

Oluremi Tinubu Partners with Leadership Newspaper to Empower Two Million Nigerians

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Wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has reaffirmed her commitment to empowering two million Nigerians through her pet project, the Renewed Hope Initiative.

Hosting the management team of Leadership Newspaper at the State House in Abuja on Tuesday, the First Lady expressed enthusiasm about partnering with the media organization on the empowerment program. She welcomed their proposal to collaborate towards achieving the ambitious goal, emphasizing the importance of collective efforts in supporting Nigerians.

Mrs. Tinubu noted that addressing the needs of citizens cannot be left to the government alone, stressing that partnerships with private organizations and individuals are crucial for sustainable development.

Earlier, Leadership Newspaper’s Vice Chairman, Mr. Mike Okpere, briefed the First Lady on the newspaper’s ongoing charity initiatives. He proposed a strategic collaboration with the Renewed Hope Initiative, explaining that the plan aims to empower 1,000 individuals, each tasked with mentoring and uplifting four others — ultimately reaching two million Nigerians.

Okpere outlined that the program would offer practical skills training in sectors like tie and dye, fishing, tailoring, and more, with the goal of fostering financial independence and productivity among beneficiaries.

Also speaking, Chairman of Leadership Newspaper, Mrs. Zainab Nda-Isaiah, praised Mrs. Tinubu for her relentless efforts in advocating for the less privileged. She described the First Lady as the “Mother of the Nation,” applauding her humanitarian work across the country.

NNPP Chieftain Urges Leaders to Model Pope Francis’ Example of Service

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After joining Christians around the world, especially the Catholic faithful, in mourning the Vatican leader’s death, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, the South West Chieftain of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), has called on world leaders, particularly Nigerian political leaders, to follow in Pope Francis’s selfless service.

According to him, political leaders should honor him not just with words but also by acting on their principles of justice, equity, fairness, and government love for the governed.

According to him, the Pope’s death—as a lowly servant of God—occurs during the celebration of Jesus Christ’s resurrection, marking a holy return to his Creator.

According to Ajadi, everyone should learn that death can strike at any time when Pope Francis passed away just hours after giving a speech at a Vatican Easter Sunday service.

In order to show compassion for the neglected, the refugees, the migrants, and the marginalized, he called on world leaders to follow the late Pope’s example.

He said, “I was devastated to hear Monday morning that His Holiness Pope Francis passed away.

“The Catholic Church and the Christians received my deepest sympathies and condolences.

“He was the Pope for the forgotten, the poor, and the oppressed, in fact. He embodied the core teachings of Christ—love for God and love for people—and was a tool of peace.

He was a staunch supporter of the developing world, advocating for peace and security in unstable areas and speaking out against economic inequality.

Ajadi personally signed a statement on Monday to express his sorrow over Pope Francis’s death, saying, “I urged World leaders and especially Nigeria political leaders to honor him not with words alone but with action: by lifting those who are down, healing our communities, and defending the dignity of every person.”

Long Jump Champion Ese Brume Recovers and Returns After Car Crash

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Ese Brume, a Nigerian long jump athlete, is set to begin her season this weekend in the 115th Drake Relays in Des Moines, Iowa.
This event is expected to draw top-tier amateur and professional competitors from around the world, making it a major event on the track and field calendar.
Ese Brume’s participation in this weekend’s meet marks her return to competition after finishing fifth in the Paris Olympics in August 2024.

Following a terrible vehicle accident in the United States last December, she has shown remarkable resilience in her recuperation. In March, she resumed limited training after suffering a sprained ankle and strained neck.

Read Also: Pressure Mounts on Tinubu to Sack Rivers Sole Administrator Amid Criticism

In this highly demanding event, Brume will face a formidable competition, including Tara Davis-Woodhall, the 2024 Olympic gold medalist and three-time U.S. champion, and 2021 Olympian Naij Quanesha Brooks.
As Brume enters a World Championship year, she is determined to recapture her podium spot, having set high expectations for her performance.

In an interview with Making of Champions, Brume reflected on her experience in Paris and expressed newfound motivation.

“To be honest, it was an amazing experience for me” , stated the actress. “Looking back, I didn’t compete very much this year due to injuries. I pledge myself and the world that this will be the last time I lose out on a medal in a big competition.”

Brume, 29, is already one of Nigeria’s most recognized athletes, with an amazing track career that includes two Commonwealth gold medals, four African championships, and the African record in the women’s long jump, which she set in 2021 at 7.17m.

Pressure Mounts on Tinubu to Sack Rivers Sole Administrator Amid Criticism

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A coalition of 100 civil society organizations, under the Civic Room for Rule of Law, has thrown its weight behind human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) in calling for the removal of Vice Admiral Ibok-ete Ibas (rtd.) as the sole administrator of Rivers state. In a statement issued by the group’s president, Barrister Maxwell Egboh, the coalition condemned Ibas for violating presidential directives and acting outside the constitutional framework, which it claims threatens the stability and democratic integrity of the state.

The coalition referred to a presidential directive from March 18, 2025, which outlined regulations governing the sole administrator’s role. Despite this, the group alleged that Ibas had unilaterally made appointments and dismissed officials previously appointed by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, actions they argue were not authorized by any legal framework.

The coalition accused Ibas of disregarding the president’s orders, describing his conduct as illegal and destabilizing, and called for his immediate removal. They emphasized that Ibas’ actions had created an atmosphere of uncertainty in Rivers state, and the people deserved lawful governance led by officials chosen through democratic means.

The coalition also expressed support for the Ad-Hoc Committee of the House of Representatives on Rivers state, which recently summoned Ibas for questioning. They called on the committee to conduct a thorough investigation to ensure justice.

In related news, the Save Democracy Vanguard, another Nigerian civil society group, has petitioned the United Nations over what it described as an illegal suspension of democratic governance in Rivers state. The group urged the UN to intervene, warning that the situation posed a serious threat to Nigeria’s democracy.

The Civic Room for Rule of Law has vowed to continue monitoring developments in Rivers state and advocating for transparency and accountability in governance.