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Why We Arrested Lil Smart – Nigerian Police Speak Out

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Why We Arrested Lil Smart – Nigerian Police Speak Out

The Nigeria Police Force nabbed famed musician and dancer Idowu Smart Emmanuel, commonly known as Lil Smart, for reportedly defaming his former label boss, Naira Marley.
It was previously stated that Lil Smart accused Naira Marley of kidnapping and abusing him.
He further claimed that Naira Marley bribed all Lagos police officers to avoid prosecution and implicated him in a credit card fraud plot.

On January 28, 2025, the police apprehended Lil Smart at his home in Megamound Estate, Ajah, Lagos.

Read Also: Fayemi: We Should Apologize to Nigerians for Jonathan’s Removal

During a press briefing, the Nigeria Police Force spokesman, Muyiwa Adejobi, confirmed the arrest, claiming that Lil Smart was being held for criminal defamation, cyberstalking, and spreading lies about Naira Marley.
“The suspect has been arrested for criminal defamation and cyberstalking. Following a law firm’s petition, Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime operatives arrested Idowu Smart Emmanuel, a resident of Ijebu Igbo, Ogun State, for criminal defamation, cyberstalking, cyberbullying, and lie against Abdulazeez Adeshina Fashola (A.K.A Naira Marley).

“Investigations discovered that the suspect, using his Instagram name @lilsmart_, falsely claimed that he was abducted, assaulted, and robbed of $300, and that Naira Marley had bribed all police officers in Lagos and was involved in credit card theft.

“The suspect then admitted in writing that the claims were untrue and lacked evidence to back up his claim. On January 28, 2025, he was detained at his home in Megamound Estate, Ajah, Lagos, and the exhibits used in this crime were recovered, according to the statement.

Fayemi: We Should Apologize to Nigerians for Jonathan’s Removal

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Fayemi: We Should Apologize to Nigerians for Jonathan’s Removal

The All Progressives Congress (APC), according to former Solid Minerals Minister Kayode Fayemi, has a need to apologize to Nigerians for failing to fulfill their pledges.
In an interview on Thursday, Fayemi reportedly responded in the affirmative when asked if the APC should apologize to Nigerians for their actions in overthrowing former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015.
The former governor of Ekiti State had said that the Occupy Nigeria demonstration against Jonathan’s government’s elimination of gasoline subsidies was driven by political reasons.

He said that despite their protests, they understood Jonathan was correct to abolish the fuel subsidy.
The APC leader acknowledged that the party has not fulfilled its promises to the Nigerian people in an interview with Channels TV.

He said: “Oh, it’s obvious that we ought to apologize to the Nigerian people. We have failed to fulfill all of our commitments to the Nigerian people. This isn’t only because we weren’t capable; there were additional systemic barriers that made our situation more challenging. However, it is obvious that we have not gone far enough in providing the Nigerian people with a good existence.

Read Also: Shettima to Atiku on 2027 Polls: ‘Brace for More Jabs’

I would definitely not think twice about apologizing to the Nigerian people for that. We are capable of much more. Although an apology could make us feel better, it’s not truly what we need. If we want to be leaders in that field, we all need to get our act together. Because the risk we take is greater than the potential rewards if we don’t.

I must confess that I have been quite privileged to stand on the shoulders of giants. The Enahoros, the Wole Soyinkas of this planet, raised me. When I began this trip as a young man, it was they who gave me encouragement.

And I have a responsibility, which is why my spouse and I have agreed to say, “I have a responsibility to the youth of Africa to find a way to enable them to become better actors than I have been.”

Shettima to Atiku on 2027 Polls: ‘Brace for More Jabs’

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Shettima to Atiku on 2027 Polls: ‘Brace for More Jabs’

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has been jokingly warned by Vice President Kashim Shettima to expect more verbal clashes as the general elections in 2027 approach.

This declaration was reportedly delivered by Nigeria’s second citizen at a conference in Abuja.

Atiku, the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) 2023 presidential contender, was among the luminaries he was honoring at the commemoration of former Ekiti State governor Kayode Fayemi’s 60th birthday.

He referred to himself as a “adjunct provocateur” who took “hot shots” at Atiku in the 2023 presidential race, Shettima said.
But he admitted that Atiku had taken the criticism well since he was a revered senior statesman.

In particular, Shettima revealed that he lovingly calls Atiku “Baba” (meaning “father” in Hausa) during their private conversations.

Despite this cutesy word, Shettima jokingly said that Atiku might expect more verbal insults in the future.

This conversation was enjoyable to the audience, and Atiku himself smiled.

Regardless of their political affiliations, Shettima also urged all leaders to unite during his speech.

Read Also: Gov Adeleke Dismisses Claims of Medical Staff Shortage at Iwo Hospital

He underlined that African governments should stop depending on foreign projects and instead embrace indigenous development solutions.

“The tragedy of our day is that African leaders have not only failed to break free from client-state mindsets and governance through hashtag activism, but they have also limited themselves to Western models.

We live in the age of machines, regardless of the divisions we have throughout the continent. This truth cannot be undermined by internal strife.

While the rest of the world is using tanks and missiles to fight the same conflict, we cannot use spears and arrows to solve our development conundrum. “Africa is not waiting for the world to catch up,” Shettima said.

Gov Adeleke Dismisses Claims of Medical Staff Shortage at Iwo Hospital

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Gov Adeleke Dismisses Claims of Medical Staff Shortage at Iwo Hospital

Claims that Iwo General Hospital lacks medical staff have been denied by the Osun State Government.
According to reports, this was said on Friday by Dr. Akindele Adekunle, Governor Ademola Adeleke’s Special Adviser on Public Health.
According to Adekunle, two physicians and two nurses were assigned to the general hospital and have been providing high-quality medical care there.

According to the Governor’s Public Health Advisor, THURIST-Nigeria, an advocacy group, made a false claim regarding the hospital’s staffing levels.
“As a matter of routine, two doctors were sent to Iwo General Hospital to replace a doctor who had been performing medical services there for years. The significance of this administration’s attachment to Iwo General Hospital is demonstrated by the fact that one of the two hospital physicians who was transferred there is a Level-17 officer with extensive experience in providing medical services.

In a similar vein, two nurses were moved out of Iwo General Hospital and replaced right away. In order to guarantee that the people receive the services for which the state budget is used, we must stress that staff transfers are a common occurrence in all forms of government,” he stated.

Adekunle acknowledged that the state’s health sector was being impacted by physicians migrating to Western nations, but he also pointed out that the State Government was using President Bola Tinubu’s decision to raise the retirement age for doctors to fill the staffing vacuum.

President Bola Tinubu recently signed a law extending the retirement age of medical personnel by five more years in order to allow the nation, including Osun, to use the human resources available in the health sector to meet the health needs of the people. This is because of the significant challenge posed by the growing migration of medical personnel from Nigeria to other countries.

Despite this fact, Osun State is considering the possibility of replacing certain employees based on need. We want to reassure the public that this is a continuous endeavor that will attract additional human resources for the provision of healthcare services,” he said.

An infrastructure update for all secondary health facilities in the state has been approved by the governor, according to Governor Adeleke’s assistant.

He reaffirmed the governor’s dedication to offering the state’s citizens and indigenous people high-quality healthcare.

Read Also: First Lady Condemns FGM: ‘Human Rights Violation with No Health Benefit’

“I am happy to notify the public, especially the people of Osun, that Governor Ademola Adeleke has approved the complete overhaul of the physical infrastructures of secondary health facilities, including Iwo General Hospital, as part of ongoing efforts to improve the infrastructures of our healthcare facilities.

Iwo General Hospital and others will undergo rehabilitation, similar to that which was done with the PHCs. This would include updating the infrastructure to contemporary standards and providing them with some cutting-edge equipment to support efficient healthcare delivery. Work at the several secondary facilities intended for renovation will begin in a few weeks after a bill of quantities (BOQ) and other professional assessments were completed.

“This demonstrates the efforts this administration is making to provide high-quality healthcare, and we ask for patience from the public.” We’re gradually taking practical actions to address the massive health sector corruption that this administration has inherited and make sure that everyone’s healthcare demands are satisfied,” he said.

First Lady Condemns FGM: ‘Human Rights Violation with No Health Benefit’

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First Lady Condemns FGM: ‘Human Rights Violation with No Health Benefit’

Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady of Nigeria, has called for the abolition of female genital mutilation (FGM), calling it a violation of human rights.
According to reports, Mrs. Tinubu expressed her disapproval of the findings that Nigeria had 20 million female genital mutilation victims, the largest number in the world.
Senator Tinubu stated that female genital mutilation should be prohibited because it has no health benefits in a statement made by her spokesman, Busola Kukoyi.
“Stepping Up the Pace: Strengthening Alliances and Building Movements to End FGM,” the theme for the 2025 International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, reminded us of our common obligation to preserve the rights and dignity of women and girls,” the First Lady said.

“Female genital mutilation has no health benefits and violates human rights. With more than 20 million women and girls who have had FGM and an estimated 14 million girls at danger of doing so by 2030 if precautions are not taken, Nigeria has the greatest absolute number of FGM cases in the world, according to UNFPA.

Read Also: Breaking: ‘Fuel Subsidy, Economy, Reforms’ – Akume Breaks Down Tinubu’s 12 Key Moves

“There is still a lot of work to be done, even though Nigeria has made great progress toward ending FGM thanks to the cooperation of the government, UNFPA/UNICEF Joint Program, civil society, traditional institutions, and community leaders,” she stated.

Mrs. Tinubu emphasized that violence against women was a problem for all of humanity, not just women.

“We must keep in mind that violence against women is a problem for all of humanity, not just women. It has an impact on everyone and undermines our common ideals of dignity and respect. Every individual, regardless of gender, deserves to live without fear, discrimination, or violation, and we must acknowledge this.In order to put an end to this detrimental practice, this year’s theme calls for a renewed commitment, better collaborations, and ongoing investment.

“Together, we will fortify the fight against FGM by forming cross-sectoral partnerships, empowering survivors, and making sure that women and young people take the lead,” she said.

According to First Lady Oluremi, President Bola Tinubu’s administration is still dedicated to putting a stop to FGM.

“I’ll keep pushing for the required assistance. Our greatest strength is our collective voice, and if we work together, we can eradicate FGM from Nigeria.

“Let’s keep working together, for our women, for our girls, and for a future free of female genital mutilation,” she continued.

Breaking: ‘Fuel Subsidy, Economy, Reforms’ – Akume Breaks Down Tinubu’s 12 Key Moves

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Breaking: ‘Fuel Subsidy, Economy, Reforms’ – Akume Breaks Down Tinubu’s 12 Key Moves

Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, Senator George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), has listed twelve noteworthy advancements.
In February 2023, Tinubu, who was previously the governor of Lagos State, was proclaimed the victor of the presidential election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Tinubu took the oath of office on May 29, 2023, and became the president of Nigeria.
A number of Nigerians have expressed disappointment over the economic policies that the country’s leader has introduced since taking office.

However, Akume pointed out in a series of posts on Thursday on his official X handle that the current administration had made noticeable progress in less than two years.

Under President Tinubu, he claimed, efforts to change the economy started to pay off.

He pointed out that funds saved by eliminating the Fuel Subsidy are now being sent to subnational governments for development at the local level.

According to Akume, the Tinubu administration is making progress on structural changes, especially in the field of agriculture, to ensure food security and agriculture for the long run.

All Nigerians will gain from this, he said, as it will increase the food supply and reduce inflationary pressures.

The 12 Nuggets of Progress that the SGF released are listed below.
“2025 is already well underway, and we are fully committed to our Renewed Hope Agenda. In less than two years, we are witnessing observable advancements as President @OfficialABAT’s initiatives to bring about economic reform start to pay off.

1. To reduce inflation and rebuild the credibility of our monetary system, we are working tirelessly. We are changing the foreign exchange regime to a more transparent and effective market mechanism from an opaque system of preferential allocations.

2. The Fuel Subsidy is no longer available. As the new, market-driven gasoline marketing system boosts the economy, the advantages of deregulation become more apparent. The savings are currently used for grassroots development by the subnational administrations.

Read Also: Nigerian TikToker Faces Rearrest in Court Over Police Harassment Accusations

3. To maintain agriculture and food security for the long term, we are making progress with structural reforms, especially in the agricultural sector. In turn, this will help all Nigerians by increasing the supply of food and reducing inflationary pressures.

4. The importance of our contribution to Mission 300, the World Bank project that aims to give 300 million people access to power, cannot be emphasized. We are on track to electrify the entirety of Nigeria before we leave office, as power infrastructure is essential for both industrial and economic growth.

5. We have always prioritized creating a business-friendly atmosphere. Our Ease of Doing Business Index is rising as we draw in sustainable investments and spur growth led by the private sector for a more robust economy.

More information soon.

Nigerian TikToker Faces Rearrest in Court Over Police Harassment Accusations

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Nigerian TikToker Faces Rearrest in Court Over Police Harassment Accusations

Seaking, a well-known Nigerian TikToker, was arrested again during a court appearance on Thursday, purportedly for his recent remarks on social media that exposed police corruption.
Omoyele Sowore, a human rights activist, revealed the development on his X (formerly Twitter) account and denounced the arrest as an effort to silence anyone who disagreed with the Nigerian Police Force.
According to Sowore, Seaking was arrested again under false pretenses of cybercrime by Force Public Relations Officer (PPRO) ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi.

We’ve learned that @PoliceNG in Lagos detained @seaking303 during a court hearing today, apparently charging him with cybercrime because of his recent posts on social media against police corruption. Force PPRO Adejobi Olumuyiwa @Princemoye1 is said to have planned this most recent arrest.

He said, “We ask the police to stop harassing Nigerians with cybercrime accusations and to release @seaking303 immediately.”

Seaking was reportedly first taken into custody on December 20, 2024, and arraigned on December 23 of the same year at Ogba Magistrate Court in Lagos. He was accused of treason and cyberstalking in a widely shared TikTok video in which he urged young Nigerians to fight police harassment by hurling stones at officers who insist on looking at their phones.

The judge granted him bail even though Inspector Christopher John, the police prosecutor, pushed for his 30-day remand. But because to administrative procedures and holiday holidays, his release was postponed.

His attorney, Inibehe Effiong, verified Seaking’s release from Kirikiri Maximum Security Custodial Center on January 6, 2025, following his compliance with the terms of his bail.

“We just left the Maximum Security Custodial Centre in Kirikiri with Olumide Ogunsanwo, also known as Seaking, on TikToker,” Effiong said.

He also promised to challenge the legal processes and chastised the police for stifling free speech through criminal accusations.

The accusations made against Seaking consist of:

According to Section 168(d)(2) of the Lagos Criminal Law, 2015, he posted a TikTok video encouraging the public to oppose police officers inspecting their phones, which is considered a breach of peace.

Read Also: Breaking: Tinubu Dismisses, Reshuffles Leadership in Federal Universities

Section 57(b) of the Lagos Criminal Law, 2015, states that the second count is inciting a breach of peace by inciting young Nigerians to attack police officers.

Section 24(1)(a)(b)(2)(a) and (i) of the Cybercrime Act, 2015, incites violence against the Nigerian Police, according to the third count, which consists of charges linked to cybercrime.

Activists have expressed indignation over Seaking’s rearrest and cautioned against the abuse of cybercrime laws to stifle dissent.

Legal experts and Sowore have called for his quick release, claiming that the police are using intimidation to prevent the people from criticizing the force’s suspected wrongdoing.

Breaking: Tinubu Dismisses, Reshuffles Leadership in Federal Universities

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Breaking: Tinubu Dismisses, Reshuffles Leadership in Federal Universities

The University of Abuja, officially called as Yakubu Gowon University, is one of the federal universities where President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced major leadership changes.
According to reports, in a statement released on Thursday, Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, revealed that these adjustments take effect immediately.
At Yakubu Gowon University, Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi was stripped of her responsibilities as Vice-Chancellor, and President Tinubu dismissed the whole governing council.

Former University of Agriculture, Makurdi pro-chancellor Senator Lanre Tejuoso has been named pro-chancellor of Yakubu Gowon University. Alvan Ikoku University of Education’s pro-chancellor, Senator Joy Emordi, will succeed him in Makurdi.
Professor Lar Patricia Manko was named by President Tinubu as the Acting Vice Chancellor of Yakubu Gowon University for a six-month tenure in order to succeed Maikudi.

When the substantive Vice Chancellor position becomes available, she will not be allowed to apply.

Furthermore, Professor Polycarp Emeka Chigbu was dismissed by President Tinubu prior to his term ending on February 14 from his role as Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).

For the six months that he has been his successor, Professor Oguejiofu T. Ujam will not be able to seek for the permanent position.

As part of the leadership changes at UNN, Gen. Ike Nwachukwu was moved to the position of Pro-Chancellor at the University of Uyo.

Read Also: UK Immigration: Badenoch Proposes 15-Year Requirement for British Citizenship

Olubunmi Kayode Ojo, an engineer, was named the new UNN Pro-Chancellor by President Tinubu. Ojo has worked at the Federal Universities of Oye-Ekiti and Lokoja in the same capacity.

The Federal University of Lokoja has named Professor Zubairu Tajo Abdullahi, who is currently the Pro-Chancellor of the University of Uyo, to succeed Ojo.

Senator Joy Emordi has been replaced as the Pro-Chancellor of Alvan Ikoku University of Education by Senator Sani Stores. The University of Nigeria, Nsukka, has Senator Stores on its council.

Furthermore, the new Pro-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Anambra State, is Barrister Olugbenga Kukoyi, a current Council Member at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

“All decisions regarding reassignment and appointments take effect right away.

The administration’s dedication to revitalizing Nigeria’s higher education sector via effective leadership and accountability is reflected in these improvements, President Tinubu emphasized.

In Nigeria’s tertiary education system, “the restructuring aims to strengthen governance and academic excellence,” the statement continued.

UK Immigration: Badenoch Proposes 15-Year Requirement for British Citizenship

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UK Immigration: Badenoch Proposes 15-Year Requirement for British Citizenship

For immigrants to be eligible for a British passport, Kemi Badenoch, the leader of the UK Conservative Party, has suggested a 15-year timeframe.
The Nigerian-British legislator reportedly made this statement in support of his party’s immigration stance.
“Brititian is still a home, not a hotel,” Badenoch added. The policy would protect Britain and maintain its economy, she said.

“We call Britain home,” she said. It isn’t a lodging establishment. The moment has come to state the facts about immigration and offer practical solutions. My goal is to decrease immigration and give living here a purpose. Our current immigration system must be modified. The Conservative Party will be doing the following things differently, I am declaring.First, you will need to live in our country for ten years instead of five if you wish to apply for indefinite leave to remain and stay here permanently. Second, if you wish to bring family members along, you will need to have a high enough wage and be a net contributor.

Read Also: Breaking: Obasanjo’s Former Aide-de-Camp Jemitola Passes On

You are prohibited if you have a criminal record. Third, you cannot even apply if you have already received benefits or require social housing.

Fourth, we will extend the 12-month period before you can apply for a British passport to five years, which means that it will take at least 15 years to begin the application process.

Five, you will never be allowed to obtain a passport or leave to remain in this country again if you unlawfully enter or overstay your visa.

The most significant adjustments to our immigration system will be these modifications combined with a stringent cap on the number of applicants. Reduced numbers, safe borders, and an immigration system that at last benefits the British people. Our strategy to manage our immigration system includes this step as well. Join us and let’s finish it if you agree.

Breaking: Obasanjo’s Former Aide-de-Camp Jemitola Passes On

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Breaking: Obasanjo’s Former Aide-de-Camp Jemitola Passes On

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s Aide-de-Camp (ADC), Major General Chris Jemitola (rtd), died Thursday morning after collapsing at the IBB Golf Club.
His family confirmed to The Whistler that he was taken to the hospital right away, but that he was declared dead when they got there.
From 2003 to 2007, Jemitola, who was a colonel, supported Obasanjo as his ADC.

Following a distinguished military career, he served as Nigeria’s Defense Attaché in Brazil before rising to the position of Director of Defense Information.
After rising to the rank of Major General in 2014, he served in the Nigerian Army as the Chief of Policy and Plans (COPP) until leaving active duty.

Read Also: FRSC Officer Reportedly Shot by ‘Police’ in Lagos

Jemitola entered the private sector after retiring, joining Pinnacle Communications Limited in 2019 as Senior Advisor for Military Communications.

A formal statement about his passing has not yet been released by his family.

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