NAFDAC approves Pfizer-BioNTech Covid vaccine for emergency use

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has announced the approval of Pfizer-BionTech COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use in Nigeria.

The announcement was made at the agency headquarters in Lagos on Friday by NAFDAC Director-General, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye.

According to her, the approval given was not a full one but it would be in effect within the period of getting people vaccinated and gathering data about the adverse effects following immunisation.

The NAFDAC boss also revealed that the agency relied on a more mature regulatory body for its approval, adding that that the agency was at liberty to review its stance since the World Health Organisation had given emergency use listing.

Adeyeye said, “The purpose of the press briefing is to announce that NAFDAC has just approved Pfizer-BionTech vaccines for possible use in Nigeria.

“They were reviewed carefully by the NAFDAC staff COVID-19 vaccine committee to make sure that the science behind the development is well understood and in accord with our world regulatory activities.

“We used different mechanisms to approve the vaccine. We used reliance, meaning that a more mature regulatory agency across the globe, we can use that as a basis for our review.

“We will get the assessment report, know the peculiarity there, then our COVID-19 committee will get to do their job.”

President Buhari meets service chiefs over insecurity

Worried by the insecurity across the country, President Buhari summoned his service chiefs for a meeting at the statehouse Abuja today April 30.

In attendance were the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and the service chiefs.

23-year-old Kenyan woman allegedly stabs her boyfriend to death

A 23-year-old woman identified as Anne has been declared wanted for the alleged murder of her boyfriend in Gitaru, Kiambu County, Kenya.

It was gathered lady also know as Dolly, allegedly stabbed Kelvin Kamami four times and ran away with his phone.

A message shared by the Directorates of Criminal investigations (DCI) said the incident happened on Wednesday, April 28.

One Nyambura Kamami, believed to be a family member of the deceased, alleged that Anne stabbed Kelvin in the throat. He urged anyone with useful information on her whereabouts to contact the police.

According to reports, detectives in Gitaru have launched a manhunt of the suspect.

Manchester United chief, Ed Woodward finally apologises to fans of the club over the European Super League debacle

Manchester United chief, Ed Woodward, has apologised to fans for his role in the European Super League and told them the club no longer has plans to go ahead with the breakaway competition.

This comes days after United chairman Joel Glazer apologised to supporters following the ESL's collapse, and Woodward, who is stepping down from his position has now apologised.

It comes ahead of planned protests at Old Trafford before Sunday's match against Liverpool.

Speaking at fans' forum on Friday morning to discuss the doomed ESL breakaway, Ed Woodward said: 'I know that you will feel angry and let down by the lack of consultation and by the way the proposal failed to recognise the vital principle of open competition. Proper discussion would have helped us avoid the mistake we made.

'While there would have been a substantial increase in solidarity payments from the leading clubs to the rest of the pyramid across Europe, we fully accept that there were fundamental elements which were badly misjudged.

'As Joel said last week, we failed to give enough weight to the essential principles and traditions of sporting merit which are so vital to football not just in domestic competition but in European competition since the mid-1950s.

'We want to restate our commitment to those traditions. I can assure you that we have learned our lesson from the events of the past week and we do not seek any revival of the Super League plans.

'Manchester United is fortunate to be in a relatively stronger position than many clubs because of the resilience of our self-sustaining model.

'We have a disciplined, long-term approach which has allowed us to navigate the pandemic, while continuing to invest in the team, which we will continue to do this summer.

'We will now continue working with the rest of the football community to address the long-term challenges facing the game.

'But I can assure you that we will be doing that with great sensitivity to the opinions that you and other fans have expressed in recent days.

'As Joel said last week, our fans are what makes Manchester United so great, and they should always be at the heart of this club.'

Lagos state DSVRT says, lists the allegations the actor is being investigated for

The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Team DSVT says it is actively following the Baba Ijesha defilement case.

Baba Ijesha, a Nollywood actor has been accused of molesting a minor. In a statement released this afternoon, DSVT says it is following up on the case and has absolute confidence in the criminal justice system in the state.

Read the statement below

This is to inform members of the public that the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Team is actively following up on the Baba Ijesha’s case, we are also in direct contact with the complainant with a view to providing the necessary support.

We confirm that the duplicate case file has been forwarded to the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) for legal advice. For avoidance of doubt, the following allegations are being considered:

(1) Sexual Assault by Penetration- S 261 of the Criminal law of Lagos State, 2015 punishable by Life imprisonment

(2) Attempted Sexual Assault by Penetration-S262 of the Criminal law , punishable by 14 years imprisonment

(3) Sexual Assault- S263 of the Criminal Law, punishable by 3 years imprisonment

(4) Indecent treatment of a child- S135 of the Criminal Law punishable by 7 years imprisonment

We have absolute confidence in the criminal justice system, as well as social support structures in Lagos State in ensuring justice is served in this matter and most importantly, the survivor receives the relevant support on her journey towards healing.

We therefore use this medium to reiterate Lagos State Government’s position of zero tolerance to all forms of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence and our firm commitment in ensuring justice for survivors.

Signed

Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Response team.

Most preachers give negatives prophecies and encourage their members to hate the country and its leadership - Femi Adesina

Special Adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, has berated preachers he accused of giving negatives prophecies and encouraging their members to hate the country and its leadership.

In his new article titled  “Nigeria will fly again: We can believe Kumuyi”, the presidential spokesperson eulogized General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry, Pastor William Kumuyi for his comforting words especially with the nation’s current woes.

Adesina accused other preachers of provoking their members to hate, and further added that "judgment will truly begin from the household of God."

Read the article below......

NIGERIA WILL FLY AGAIN: WE CAN BELIEVE KUMUYI

You rarely hear his voice in public when it comes to secular or controversial issues.A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench. He just faces the work he is doing, and how very well he does it. Gently.

But early this week, Pastor William Folorunsho (popularly known as WF) Kumuyi came out to speak. He addressed the media as part of a weeklong crusade titled ‘Soaring Above,’ holding electronically in Abuja and the 19 northern states.

What did the simple, self-effacing man say? A lot, which can be distilled into the following points:

*Nigeria is down today, faced by many challenges, but it can still fly again, if only the people can stop hate, killing and divisive utterances.

*God is still interested in Nigeria, but we must eschew utterances that could damage the expected change.

*Don’t give up on Nigeria, but believe things will get better with focus on God.

*Love one another and use resources God has blessed the nation with, for the good of the people.

The former university don-turned-preacher declared: “I believe that we will fly again. Things are going to turnaround. We are praying and if we are praying and criticizing, we have hatred for one another, in that environment prayer cannot work in an optimal and maximal way. But if we understand and stop identifying; this person is my enemy and problem, that tribe is the problem, and if we stop all that and just look up to God, and love one another,” then the expected change will come.

What deep, penetrating words from the former Mathematics teacher, who heads one of the largest Pentecostal churches in the country. And how perspicacious, encouraging, comforting, unlike the things we hear from some pulpits, organizations, and preachers today. Those ones have become veritable parts of the problems of the country.

But permit me to digress a little, and we will then return to the subject matter. In October 2018, we had invited Pastor Kumuyi to speak at the Aso Villa chapel to commemorate the Independence anniversary of the country. He came, with his wife. He declared the gospel in his usual simple but powerful way. It was truly a divine visitation for us.

It was my duty to speak to President Muhammadu Buhari that Pastor Kumuyi was in town, and could he please receive him in a courtesy visit? I did, and while I was trying to tell the President who the impending visitor was, the man amazed me when he said: “I know him very well. Is he not the mathematician?”

I was amazed. What else does this President know, that people don’t know about? He received Pastor Kumuyi and his wife in the residence the next day, and it was such an endearing session, concluded with prayers. Bigot? Those who say so should look for another person. Not the Buhari that I know.

Back to Kumuyi and the state of the nation. Nigeria can fly again. There will be a turnaround. But that’s not what we hear from most preachers today. They talk of doomsday, encourage their members to hate the country and its leadership, give negative prophecies that keep falling flat on their faces, because “God is still interested in Nigeria,” as Pastor Kumuyi said.

Do those other preachers read copies of the Holy Bible different from the one Kumuyi reads? I wonder. Why are they then full of bile and ill will against their country and the leadership? Was it because the sluice gate got closed? Did money stop flowing to them unlike in the recent past? Why do they exhibit such hatred, and make outlandish claims in the name of God? Why don’t they preach hope, but rather provoke their members to hate? There are questions to answer on the Last Day. Judgment will truly begin from the household of God.

Stop hate, killing, use of divisive utterances, Kumuyi said. You hear incendiary utterances all over the place today. On radio, television, social media, and even from the pulpit. All these eventually boil over, and lead to wanton killings.

Don’t give up on Nigeria, but believe things will get better, the preacher also said. He asked all and sundry to focus on God, and not say this or that ethnic group is the problem. Really? That is not what they tell us from some pulpits. The gospel of man, as opposed to the gospel of God.

When we have hatred for one another, Kumuyi submits, prayer cannot work in an optimal and maximal way. Bullseye. But that is not what some others tell members of their flock. They encourage hatred, dissenting and civil disobedience. During the last EndSARS campaign, many preachers were seen, egging the protesters on, and giving them tacit support. And when anarchy flared, those preachers went underground. Not a word did you hear from them, suing for peace and end to bloodshed and destruction.

Stop identifying; this person is my enemy and problem, that tribe is the problem, Kumuyi said. Stigmatization and stereotyping are parts of the problem of the country today. If only we can listen to people like Kumuyi, then we will have a better country. “Let France have good mothers, and she will have good sons,” Napoleon Bonaparte said. And I extrapolate it to say: let Nigeria have good preachers in the mould of WF Kumuyi, and she will have good citizens.

Nigeria has severe security challenges. It’s like hell has opened against the country, and foul creatures, evil through and through, have been unleashed against the land. But have we ever seen darkness overcome light, and evil hold sway over good? No, and never. We shall overcome. Nigeria shall fly again.

Let us listen to Kumuyi. Let’s hearken to his words. Paul the Apostle said: “Be ye followers of me, even as I am also of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:1). Nigeria shall indeed fly again. But me must first renounce hatred, from the churches, mosques, media houses, everywhere.

Arms used by insurgents were stolen from Armed Forces - Ndume

Senator Ali Ndume has alleged that the bulk of arms and ammunition used by insurgents, were stolen from the armed forces and other security agencies in the country.

Speaking on Thursday April 29 during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army who represents Borno South further revealed that the terrorists also get weapons from nations like Libya and Chad.

Ndume said;

“Most of the arms and ammunition they use are the ones they succeed in carting away from the Nigerian soldiers and other armed forces or security agencies.

“I know they have some small arms coming from up there like Libya, Chad, and all that but the bulk of the equipment they use are the ones they succeeded in stealing from our armed forces.”

Singer, Ogene Malaysia allegedly shot dead by unknown gunmen in Anambra

A Nigerian singer known as Ogene Malaysia has been reportedly killed by unknown men in Awka, the Anambra state capital.

The deceased, real name, Uchenna Odoh Paul, was reportedly shot dead by assailants suspected to be cultists in Amansea area of Awka North Local Government Area of the state on Friday, April 30.

Details surrounding the incident are still sketchy at the moment.

Meanwhile, friends have taken to Facebook to mourn him. Pasqual Oformata, wrote:

"RIP Ogene Malaysia. Awka has turned to something else. Shot dead at Awka"

"Uchenna odoh Paul ( Nwanayoeze) A.k.a ( ogene Malaysia) we ur classmates are expecting u on December to our end of the party , uchenna y so soon brother but only God's knows why, UC may ur gentle soul rest in peace" another wrote.

"This life no balance at all, is too hard for me to say goodbye to my main man, my childhood friend, rest in peace Uchenaa rest in peace ogene Malaysia." Chidebere Don Kris wrote.

man who kidnapped, drugged, kept 12-year-old girl as sex slave and forced her to sleep with 6 men daily sentenced to three life terms in South Afric

Omoni. Photo Credit: Tshegofatso Ngobeni

A Nigerian national, Augustine Omini Obono, has been sentenced to three life terms for sexually exploiting a 12-year-old girl in South Africa.

Obono, 44, was sentenced for human trafficking, rape, statutory rape, and the sexual exploitation of a minor girl in the Gauteng High Court in Benoni on Thursday, April 29.

Obono, who has been in custody since 2016 following his arrest, was also slapped with seven years for keeping the victim in a brothel and an additional three years for kidnapping the minor.

According to the police, on 3 September 2016, the minor was at a recreational park in Derdepoort when she met a woman, who asked her to accompany her to a flat in Sunnyside, Pretoria.

The woman told the girl she would meet Obono, who was unknown to the victim at the time. The woman promised the minor that she would be given transport money to go to Mamelodi the following morning.

When they arrived at the flat, the woman handed the minor over to Obono. The minor was subsequently sexually exploited and forced to work as a prostitute.

National Prosecuting Authority regional spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana said Obono kept the victim in his flat, against her will, for three months.

Oboni demanded that the child make him money by prostituting herself. When she refused. he assaulted and raped her repeatedly. He allegedly locked her up sometimes without food and supplied her with drugs to get her addicted so he could control her.

"During that period, Obono fed the minor drugs and forced her to have sex with between five to six men a day. In December 2016, the victim managed to flee and went to her uncle's place in Mamelodi," Mahanjana stated.

"When she arrived, she informed her uncle about her ordeal. The uncle reported the matter to the police. The victim pointed out the flat where she was kept against her will. When police arrived at the flat, they found Obono and arrested him," Mahanjana said.

The minor is currently undergoing counselling.

Police arrest ex-convict who stole 273 phones worth N15m in Katsina

The Katsina State Police Command has arrested a notorious thief and ex-convict and recovered 273 mobile phones worth N15m from him.

Spokesperson of the command, SP Gambo Isah, who disclosed this in a statement on Friday April 30, said the suspect, Ibrahim Lawal, specialises in house breaking and theft of motorcycles.

"On 22/04/2021 at about 07:00hrs, based on tip off, the Command succeeded in arresting one Ibrahim Lawal, alias ‘ABBA KALA’, ‘M’, aged 23yrs of Fegi Quarters, Daura LGA of Katsina state, a notorious thief and ex-convict, a habitual criminal, who specializes in House breaking and theft of motorcycles," Gambo stated.

"Nemesis caught up with the suspect when he trespassed into the house of one Kamalu Ibrahim, ‘M’, aged 33yrs of Shagari Low cost, Daura, and broke into his motor vehicle, BMW 3 Series, with registration number JW 01 DRA and stole away two hundred and seventy-three handsets valued fifteen million Naira (N15, 000, 000)

"In the course of investigation, all the stolen two hundred and seventy-three (273) GSM handsets were recovered in his possession during police search. Suspect confessed to the commission of the offence. He will be arraigned in court immediately investigation is completed." he added.

Zulu King’s widow dies less than two months after husband’s demise

Regent of the Zulu nation and wife of South Africa’s recently deceased Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini, Her Majesty Queen Shiyiwe Mantfombi Dlamini Zulu has reportedly passed on.

Mangosuthu Buthelezi, traditional prime minister to the Zulu monarch who did not mention the cause of her death said she died "unexpectedly" on Thursday April 29.

The statement read;

“It is with the deepest shock and distress that the Royal Family announces the unexpected passing of Her Majesty Queen Shiyiwe Mantfombi Dlamini Zulu, Regent of the Zulu Nation.

“This has taken us by surprise and left us utterly bereft,” he added without mentioning the cause of death."

The sudden death of Dlamini-Zulu, 65, comes days after she was reportedly hospitalised just weeks after her husband's burial.

Zwelithini passed away on March 12, aged 72 after half a century on the throne, following a battle with diabetes-related illness. Although the title of Zulu King does not bestow executive power, the charismatic Zwelithini had moral influence over more than 11 million Zulus, nearly a fifth of South Africa's population.

Suspected drug trafficker excretes 97 wraps of cocaine worth N360m at Lagos airport

A suspected drug trafficker, Chibogu Ernest Obiora, intercepted by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, Ikeja, Lagos, has excreted 97 wraps of cocaine worth N360m.

Director, Media & Advocacy of the agency, Femi Babafemi, who disclosed this in a statement ion Friday, April 30, said Obiora, 47, was arrested during inward clearance of Ethiopian Airline.

"Obiora was subsequently put under observation during which he has so far excreted 97 wraps of substances that tested positive to cocaine with a total weight of 1.55kilogramme and a street value of N360million," the statement reads.

"He was arrested at about 1:16pm on Sunday 25th April, 2021 during the inward clearance of Ethiopian Airline. He had arrived Lagos on board the airline from Entebbe, Uganda via Addis-Ababa, Ethiopia,"

According to the Commander, MMIA Command of the anti-drug law enforcement agency, Ahmadu Garba, Obiora was intercepted in the E-arrival hall of the airport by the operatives of NDLEA on the suspicion that he ingested drug substance.

The suspect was taken for body machine scan and the result was positive for ingestion of substance suspected to be illicit drug. The suspect was promptly moved to the NDLEA excretion/ observation facility.

Barely an hour after he was arrested, Obiora excreted 31 wraps of cocaine weighing 500grammes and another 47 wraps (750grammes) in the evening of same day while 19 warps (300grammes) were excreted the following day, Monday 26th April, bringing the total to 97 wraps, that is, 1.55kg.

Under interrogation, Obiora claimed he was promised $1,500 if he successfully trafficked the drug. He said he opted for the deal because he needed money.

"I did it so that I will be capable of feeding my family. I was living in Madagascar but due to the COVID-19 and the lockdown in the country, I couldnt go back to my place of work. There was a time I started lacking money to feed my family and to pay my childrens school fees and the worst part of it is to pay my rent. So, I decided to take the option to do it.” the suspect claimed.

The suspect said he never knew he could be arrested while stating that he has never met the real owner of the drug.

"I don't know him, they contacted me on phone and asked if I can do the business" he added.

Meanwhile, in continuation of efforts to dismantle all drug spots in Ondo state, the state Command of the Agency has raided two joints, arrested two dealers and seized 80.2kilogrammes of skuchies, while four hectares of cannabis farms were destroyed in Eleyewo area of Akure south local government.

The acting Commander of the Agency in the state, Callys Alumona said a lady, 31-year-old Ibukunoluwa Kemi and a 25-year-old young man, Oluwaseun Sunday were arrested with 78kg and 2.2kg of skuchies respectively. Both were nabbed in different areas of Akure south in the state capital.

Chairman of the NDLEA, Brig. General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) commended the officers and men of the MMIA and Ondo state Commands of the Agency for the seizures and arrests. He charged them and those in other Commands across the country not to rest on their oars in the renewed efforts to rid Nigeria of illicit drugs.

Man dies, others injured as commercial bus tumbles after one of its tyres burst while driving on top speed in Lagos

A yet-to-be-identified man lost his life while several others sustained injuries after a commercial bus driving along the Apapa-Oshodi expressway in Lagos state, tumbled several times today April 30.

According to the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency LASEMA, a commercial bus with registration number HAL 81 XA, tumbled on the ExpressWay due to a burst tyre as a result of over-speeding. Unfortunately, one male adult lost his life, while two others sustained various degrees of injuries and were administered first aid treatment.

The body of the male victim was bagged and handed over to State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit, SEHMU for further transfer to the morgue.

See more photos from the scene of the accident below:

Davido’s son, Ifeanyi playfully photobombs his mother, Chioma's birthday photo shoot

Chioma who turned a year older today April 30, has shared a video which captured moment her son Ifeanyi playfully photobombed her birthday photoshoot. 

 

Chioma who shares a son with superstar singer Davido, attached an "assistant birthday boy" caption to the video she shared on her Instastory. 

 

Watch the video below...

Embattled Niger communities allegedly negotiate with Boko Haram, N20m levy agreed

About 65 communities in Niger State have reportedly reached a peace deal with Boko Haram after their communities were invaded by the insurgents. 

 

Punch reported that the agreement was reached, few days after the terror group displaced more than 5,000 villagers from their homes in some local government areas in the state.

 

According to the publication, communities in Gurmana, Manta, Bassa and Kukoki distrists in the Shiroro area of the state negotiated with the terrorists for a peace deal after reaching an agreement to pay certain amount of money.

 

It was also learnt that they have purchased at least six motorcycles worth N500,000 for the terrorists.

 

Yusuf Sani, the co-convener of Concerned Shiroro Youth said; 

 

“This is what most of the communities are resorting to. By my records now, communities that have signed the peace deal with the terrorists are more than 40.

“While some communities have already sealed up deals for ceasefire with the terrorists and are currently reaping the benefits, others are on the verge of finalising theirs.”

 

Sani also said the communities had paid “not less than N20 million to sign the peace deal with the terrorists.”

Most of the problems are politically motivated - Akpabio

Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio has alleged that most of the problems that has led to insecurity in the country are politically motivated. 

 

Akpabio made the claim while speaking at the APC national secretariat in Abuja on Thursday April 29. 

 

He said; 

 

“I think most of the problems are politically motivated. 

“So, we must use our binoculars to be able to look and identify the sponsors of the insecurity we are witnessing in the country.

“What is happening now is not Nigeria; this is unNigeria. We must do everything possible, even through advice, to make sure that Nigeria remains united.

“We have never, in the history of this nation, witnessed where people in uniform are targeted for elimination.

“That will show you that we have infiltrators in our midst, the security of our neighbouring countries must also remain a priority. ”

 

Insisting that now is not the time for blame game, Akpabio said he was at the secretariat to meet with the party’s leadership and to offer his advice on how to move the country and the party forward.

 

He added; 

 

“We have a lot of issues that I think the party can help to resolve, and all hands must be on the deck for us to solve our problems."

6 persons escape death in Osun accident

Six people narrowly escaped death after two vehicles collided on Dada Estate Road in Osogbo, Osun state.

 

The accident happened on Friday morning, April 30, according to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

 

The FRSC spokesperson in the state, Mrs Agnes Ogungbemi, in a statement said the incident occurred at about 12.45 a.m.

 

Ogungbemi explained that the six passengers escaped when a Toyota Camry car with registration number AAB53AJ collided with a mini Suzuki bus (Korepo) with registration number SGB914XA.

 

She said: "Six passengers were involved in the accident leading to only two persons sustaining severe injuries.

 

"The accident occurred due to lack of patience by the drivers and also total disobedient to the Road Traffic Act."

 

According to her, the two injured persons have been taken to the Ladoke Akintola Teaching Hospital (LAUTECH) for treatment.

 

Ogungbemi appealed to motorists and other road users to abide by road safety regulations and shun anything capable of leading to loss of lives and property.

Lagos state Judicial workers suspend their strike

The Judicial Staff Union of Nigeria, Lagos state chapter, has suspended their 23-day old strike.

The workers had joined their national body to embark on the strike action to demand for financial autonomy for the judiciary.

After series of meetings with the state government, the workers have agreed to call off their strike and resume work. Their resumption followed a directive by the Administrative Department of the Lagos State Judiciary.

Although all departments of the state judiciary have opened, the courts are yet to commence sitting.

Body of one of four missing Kenyan friends found in mortuary ten days after they mysteriously disappeared

One of the four close friends who went missing in Kenya has been found dead ten days after they mysteriously disappeared.

Jack Anyango,37, Elijah Obuong, 35, Benjamin Amache Imbai, 30, and Brian Oduor,36, vanished into thing air after sharing a lunch of nyama choma (roasted meat) and drinks at a local pub in Kitengela on April 19,2021.

Their car, a white Toyota Mark X, was found andandoned at a parking lot about 500 metres from the the club the following day.

The body of Elijah Obuong was found in a morgue in Murang’a County on Thursday, April 29. It was identified by the deceased’s younger brother Michael Amollo at around 10:40am, who said the body had no visible injuries.

Authorities in the county told the family and members of the press that the body was spotted by sand harvesters near Mukungai River along the Murang’a-Iyego-Kangema road on April 20.

On the day they went missing, the men were spotted arriving at the joint where they enjoyed their meal and drinks. They soon left the club at around 3PM and headed to the parking lot where a Toyota Mark X was parked. That was the last time they were seen and their phones have not been going through.

A search for the three remaining friends by authorities and distressed family members is ongoing.

The Nation Kenya reported that the four men lived in the fast lane and had a history of run-ins with the law.

The Nation also established that the quartet lived large and spent their fortunes on fast cars, women and alcohol.

Benjamin preferred "the finer things in life" and was always out with his friends partying, his younger brother said.

"My brother had a soft spot for the finer things in life. He has a child from a previous relationship but he had a fiancée. He was in the car hire business and could be a victim of circumstances," said Mr Elvis Imbai.

Elvis had accompanied their father to Benjamin's apartment at Everest Estate in Athi River. They had earlier visited the Athi River Directorate of Criminal Investigations offices for an update on investigations.

"My brother owned several SUVs, which he hired out regularly. The business could sustain his lifestyle; he was not a criminal. It's true he has been to several police stations, but that had to do with his business. He lost three vehicles mysteriously between 2016 and 2017 to clients," said Mr Imbai.

Police records, however, place Benjamin at the centre of a crime committed on January 11 last year when a gang of seven broke into a car and stole Sh900, 000 at a yard on Ngong Road.

Benjamin was reportedly among the gang that had trailed the victim from KCB Buruburu branch to the yard, where he had intended to buy a vehicle. The victim had left the cash in the car to negotiate with the dealers. He also had another case at Mavoko Law Courts and his last appearance was December 10 last year.

Elijah also lived like a king as he always drove SUVs and told his friends that his lifestyle was supported by a relative working abroad.

"It's wrong for people to insinuate that my son was a criminal. Most of our relatives work abroad and they have always supported him. A day before he disappeared, he sent me Sh30,000 for the weekend," said Ms Caroline Obuong, his mother, at her home in Kitengela's Milimani Estate.

Lagos state government denies withholding N25m donation to viral amputee

The Lagos state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, has denied media reports that the state government has seized the money donated to viral amputee hawker, Mary Daniel.

A report by the Nation alleged that the state government withheld Mary's money after finding out the single mother ''lied'' about her condition.

Nigerians took to social media on Wednesday night April 28 to demand that the state government release the funds to the lady.

PM News reports that during an interview with Staf FM today April 29, Omotoso said that the government had no plans to deny Daniel of her N25 million donation. According to him, what the government did was to ensure that she was not molested and safe to do whatever she intended to do with the money raised for her.

According to Omotoso, Mary is free to set up her dream supermarket store in Lagos State since it was in the state that fortune smiled on her.

Police investigate brutal murder of a widow in Abia as gateman flees

The victim

The Abia State Police Command has launched manhunt for a fleeing gateman after a widow was brutally murdered in Umuahia.

The victim, Mrs Queeneth Alozie, a retired nurse from the Federal Medical Centre FMC Umuahia, was allegedly slaughtered on Sunday morning, April 25, by yet-to be identified assailants.

Until her death, Mrs Alozie was the wife of a late Dr. Alozie from Isingwu Umuahia, the owner of the popular Obioma Hospital at School Road Umuahia.

She was living alone in their mansion opposite the Broadcasting Corporation of Abia, BCA as the children are all based abroad.

It was gathered that the slain widow had recently employed the fleeing gateman from her maternal home in Mbaise.

According to reports, the older security man returned from church on that fateful day and attempted to enter the compound but the gate was locked from behind.

"I called his (gateman’s) phone number many times and his line was switched off. I then called that of my madam, there was also no response”, he said.

The older security guard alerted neigbours who broke into the compound through the back door and discovered the widow in the pool of her blood. She was said to have sustained an axe cut on the head.

Spokesperson of the command, Geoffrey Ogbonna, who confirmed the incident on Tuesday, said investigations were on to unravel the circumstances surrounding the murder.

Meanwhile, the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives of Abia State, have staged a protest over the gruesome killing of her member.

Carrying placards with inscriptions like, "those involved in this wicked act will not go free, Our Lives are under threat, today it is Queeneth, Who knows whom it may be tomorrow" the nurses called on the government and security agents to fish out the perpetrator of the crime for justice to prevail.

Speaking to journalists during the protest on Tuesday, the state Chairman, National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, Comrade Ugochi Akoma described the murder as barbaric.

On her part, the unit Chairman, FMC, Mrs Stella Onwumah, called on the state government to ensure that Heath workers are protected even in the discharge their duties.

The leadership of the Association advised nurses, midwives and other health workers to be security conscious both at home and work places.

See photos of protesters below...

"Till we meet again" Last video inside doomed submarine shows crew members singing goodbye song

A heartbreaking video shows the crew of the doomed Indonesian military submarine singing on board just weeks before the craft sank.

The clip shows some of the 53 sailors on the vessel smiling as sang the popular Indonesian hit "Sampai Jumpa" on his guitar.

The song title translates as "goodbye" or "until we meet again".

Only weeks after the beautiful scene was filmed, the KRI Nanggala-402 sank to the seabed, killing all 53 aboard.

The video was released by Indonesian military chiefs as more parts from the submarine were retrieved, including an anchor and fluorescent orange safety suits for emergencies. The discovery came a day after the navy first confirmed it found parts of the vessel and declared that it had sunk, effectively ending any chance of finding survivors.

An international search and rescue effort involving aircraft and specialised naval vessels had raced against the clock to find the submarine in case it was still intact and before oxygen ran out.

Unfortunately, on Sunday April 26, four days after the submarine was declared missing, military chief Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto confirmed the Nanggala had sunk and all of it crew had died.

He said: "With deep sadness, I can say that all 53 personnel onboard have passed. We received underwater pictures that are confirmed as the parts of the submarine, including its rear vertical rudder, anchors, outer pressure body, embossed dive rudder and other ship parts.

"With this authentic evidence, we can declare that KRI Nanggala 402 has sunk and all the crew members are dead."

Below is a video of the crew members singing a goodbye song before their death.

This is not time to impeach President Buhari - Senator Sani Musa says

Senator Mohammed Sani Musa has said that impeaching President Buhari because of the deplorable state of security in the country will only throw the country into more crisis.

Musa who represents Niger East in the Senate, said this during an interview with newsmen in Abuja on Tuesday, April 27. According to him, this is not the time for a motion seeking the impeachment of President Buhari.

When asked why he and his colleagues have not moved to remove the President from office following the alarming rate of insecurity in the country, Musa said;

“You and I know what impeachment is all about. It’s another crisis into another crisis. Why do we need that now? What we need is solution. We need this country to come back to where we were in terms of peace. I will rather prefer a situation where all the operations of government is directed at security.

Anything we are going to do in this country, should be towards tackling insecurity. We are not safe. No leader, from councillor to the president, that will sleep with two eyes closed.

I do not subscribe to a situation whereby, because we have the legislative powers to impeach, that we are bringing a motion for impeachment. This is not the time for a motion on impeachment.”

It is my responsibility to say the truth to Mr President, we need to get support to succeed in this war against insurgents - Governor Zulum

Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has reiterated the need for Nigeria to get support to win the fight against insurgency.

The Borno state who spoke to newsmen after meeting President Buhari yesterday April 26, recalled how soldiers were killed after a Brigade headquarters in Borno state was attacked by insurgents.

Zulum described Boko Haram's attack in Damasak and Geidam as pathetic and also stated that it is his responsibility to tell President Buhari the truth.

He said; '

“In Borno, particularly, Brigade headquarters was attacked, many soldiers, men and officers of the Nigerian Army were killed.

“Let me use this opportunity to extend my condolences to the families of the deceased, may God, in His infinite mercy, forgive them.

“I think it is my own responsibility to come and say the truth to Mr President.

“Llet him know what is going on in the entire Northeast sub-region.

“I think there is a need for us to get support for us to succeed in this war against insurgents. It’s very pathetic. A few days ago, Damasak was attacked, hundreds of people started fleeing Damasak and now Geidam is almost deserted, many people have left Geidam.”

Commenting on the cause of the deteriorating security situation in his state, Zulum said;

“I think the military is yet to receive some of the equipment that they have ordered for.”

Insecurity: Every nation will go through these curves and difficult time - Tinubu

National leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerians to come together to help those in power tackle the security challenges witnessed in the country.

The former Governor of Lagos state who addressed journalists after meeting President Buhari at the state house on Monday April 26, stated that every nation will go through curves and difficult times.

Tinubu further maintained that there is no President who will want his country in chaos or its citizens exposed to banditry and danger.

He said;

“The best way is what we are doing; coming together to reduce banditry, to move for unity and be able to bring a better Nigeria to the people. The welfare of our people is extremely important. And yes, every nation will go through these curves and difficult times. How we communicate it to the people, what are the areas to help make it easier for people to bear, those are ideas on how to be able to change the leadership of the country.

“There is no president who will want his country in chaos. Have you seen one? Point one to me. There is no one that will want his citizens exposed to banditry and danger. There’s no president or leader that will want his nation fractured by tribalism, religious differences and all that. It calls for serious management and serious evaluation and dialogue once in a while.”

On having an unhealthy relationship with Buhari, Tinubu said;

“Nothing like that; nothing like unhealthy. Who is our doctor? Is it social media that is measuring the relationship? I don’t have to disturb him openly on camera. No, we have so many ways to look at issues. We have nothing like that.”

On APC’s chances in the 2023 general election, he said;

“I don’t want to predict that one right now. I don’t want to do that subject now. The chances are as bright as a midnight star. We’ll continue to work for a better Nigeria and that’s what you need.

“We cannot interject politics and assumption into everything. We have a nation to build; we have a baton to pass. You can depend on Buhari that he will not spend one hour beyond his tenure. He will do that. He will comply with the Constitution. So, how it happens? Read the Nigerian Constitution and find out from INEC website.”

IDPs fleeing after suspected herdsmen attacked camp in Benue and killed 10

Many Internally Displaced Persons have fled their camp following the brutal murder of 10 persons by suspected Fulani herdsmen.

LIB reported that the armed herdsmen attacked Abagena community housing Internally Displaced Persons in Makurdi Local Area of Benue State on Monday, April 26.

One Mfa Mdooyongo, who visited the camp shared photos of some of the IDPs fleeing, adding that he asked them their destination but got no answer.

"Re-displacing the internally Displaced by militant Fulani herdsmen. I asked some, "where to" They had no answer." he wrote.

Mdooyongo also shared photos of himself with the IDPs who stayed back in the camp.

Governor Wike imposes curfew in Rivers state after killing of security operatives

Governor Nyesom Wike has imposed a nighttime curfew at all exit and entry points of the state, few days after gunmen killed security personnel in some parts of Rivers state.

Wike in a statewide broadcast on Tuesday April 27,  said no vehicle will be allowed to enter into or travel out of Rivers State from 8pm to 6am every day, beginning from tomorrow April 28 until further notice.

The Governor who said that the killers of the three Customs officials, five soldiers, and an unspecified number of police officers between Saturday and Sunday are people from outside the state, said the curfew decision is aimed at curbing the increasing rate of insecurity in the state.

He pleaded for understanding from residents of the state as an investigation to arrest those behind the act is being carried out.

Chris Weidman undergoes successful surgery after horrific leg break at UFC 261

Chris Weidman has undergone successful surgery after breaking his leg at UFC 261 on Saturday, April 24.

The former middleweight champion suffered the horrific injury just 17 seconds into his clash with Uriah Hall after throwing the first kick. As soon as the kick landed, Weidman’s leg was immediately injured and he fell down to the canvas in agonizing pain as medical personnel rushed to help him.

The bout was immediately waved off as Weidman, 36, fell to the mat in agony.

Omg UFC fighter Chris Weidman breaks his leg horrifically on the first kick of the fight.

#UFC261 pic.twitter.com/U4UdhRWloh

— Mildly Depressed Lakers Fan (@OprahSideClark) April 25, 2021

The American UFC star was soon carried out of the ring on a stretcher and transported to a local hospital.

He underwent surgery on Sunday and later posted an update on his Instagram.

“The pain is pretty bad,” Weidman said. “I think it’s like 3.30 in the morning. They’re trying to get me some more pain meds now.

“I know Uriah Hall was super classy and upset this happened to me, and I really appreciate that. It’s pretty brutal, but I’m gonna get through this. I think it’s gonna be eight weeks ‘til I can walk without crutches and stuff and drive and all that.

“As far as actual training, I don’t know. They said between six and 12 months, I’ll be good to go. I’m trying to find the blessing in disguise, the silver lining in this.

“Honestly, as soon as it happened and I hit the mat, saw what happened and the pain started hitting me, I was just trying to put my mind on something positive that’s gonna come out of this.

“This is not fun, I can’t believe it happened. I just appreciate all my family, my friends and fans.

“[And] the surgery was successful. They put a titanium rod through the tibia. They go through the knee and drill it through the tibia, make it straight and hard. My fibula was broken as well, but I guess when they put the tibia back together and my leg was straight, the fibula kind of matched back up to where it was broken.”

'It's easier to win at big clubs' - Pep Guardiola plays down his amazing trophy haul after winning 25th trophy of his career

Manchester City head coach, Pep Guardiola has played down his amazing trophy haul after helping Manchester City win the Carabao Cup, on Sunday, April 25th, making it his 25th major trophy of his coaching career.

Guardiola became the first manager to win the League Cup in four consecutive seasons on Sunday April 25, while no manager has lifted the trophy more times than the Spaniard (four – level with Brian Clough, Sir Alex Ferguson and Jose Mourinho).

Defender, Aymeric Laporte's late winner clinched a 1-0 win for City over Tottenham at Wembley, and despite experiencing success from his days at Barcelona to Bayern Munich and Man City.

Guardiola however says his success is due to the fact he has coached big clubs.

"It's good. I was in big clubs: Barcelona, Bayern Munich, here. That's why it's easier to do," Guardiola told Sky Sports after being asked about his managerial accomplishments.

Guardiola also spoke about supporters being allowed at Wembley- the first time his club have played in front of fans for months since the pandemic started.

"It's not full [in the stadium] but it was a great noise [from the supporters]," he added.

"Today we are incredibly happy that we have four in a row in this competition. We tried to win the game, created a lot of chances.

"They had some chances on the counter but in general we had a good game."

City are also close to winning the Premier League title as they have a 10-point lead over second-place Manchester United.

City will also face PSG in their semi-final first leg on Wednesday.