Author: Ayo

The Government of Equatorial Guinea has taken legal action against Baltasar Engonga, former Director General of the National Financial Investigation Agency, over allegations of misconduct related to a sex tape scandal. Engonga’s actions have been condemned by the government as a “violation of the ethical and moral values of noble Equatorial Guinean society”. The scandal came to light after several videos went viral, showing Engonga engaging in sexual relations with multiple women, including married individuals ¹. The footage, reportedly recorded with consent, features encounters with high-profile individuals, such as his brother’s wife, his cousin, and the sister of the President…

The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has secured a landmark agreement with Dangote Refinery to lift products directly, paving the way for a steady and affordable supply of PMS products nationwide. This partnership is expected to eliminate middlemen, reduce costs, and ensure a steady supply of fuel across the country. Abubakar Garima, IPMAN’s National President, announced the partnership at a press briefing in Abuja, following a meeting with Aliko Dangote and his management team in Lagos. “After meeting with Aliko Dangote and his management team in Lagos, we are pleased to announce that Dangote Refinery has agreed to…

In a significant blow to banditry in the Northwestern region, the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA has successfully neutralized scores of bandits in Zamfara and Kebbi states. This achievement is part of the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s renewed drive to eliminate all forms of criminality in the region. According to Air Commodore Olusola Akinboyewa, Director Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, the troops initiated a series of intense, independent air interdiction missions. “This focused campaign of air interdiction, nicknamed Operation FARAUTAR MUJIYA, was kickstarted with a series of high-impact night operations deep within the strongholds of notorious bandits…

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has prohibited the Western Nigeria Security Network, also known as Amotekun, and Vigilante Corps from participating in the forthcoming Ondo governorship election. This decision aims to ensure a peaceful and orderly electoral process across the state’s 18 local government areas, 203 wards, and 3,933 polling units. To guarantee a smooth election, the IG has deployed officers from specialized units, including: – _Special Intervention Squad_ – _Police Mobile Force_ – _Counter-Terrorism Unit_ – _Special Protection Unit_ – _Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit_ – _K-9 Unit_ – _Federal Investigation and Intelligence Response Team_ – _Federal Intelligence and…

Baltasar Engonga, the former Director-General of the National Financial Investigation Agency in Equatorial Guinea, has been remanded in Malabo’s notorious Black Beach Prison. His arrest came after the discovery of over 400 sex tapes allegedly involving the wives of prominent figures in the country. The scandal surfaced during a fraud investigation into the 54-year-old economist, leading to a search of his home and office by ANIF officials. The officials reportedly found CDs revealing Engonga’s sexual encounters with different married women. As the footage leaked online, causing a media uproar, Equatorial Guinea’s President, Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, dismissed Engonga. According to Decree…

Nigerian music stars have made a sweeping statement at the 67th Grammy Awards nominations, occupying all but one spot in the Best African Music Performance category. The nominees were announced on Friday, November 8. _Category Nominees_ – Yemi Alade – “Tomorrow” – Asake featuring Wizkid – “MMS” – Chris Brown featuring Davido and Lojay – “Sensational” – Burna Boy – “Higher” – Tems – “Love Me JeJe” American artist Chris Brown made the cut with his song “Sensational,” featuring Nigerian stars Davido and Lojay. Rema and Tems also secured nominations in the Best Global Music Album category for their albums…

The Plateau State Command of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) has wrapped up its ember months safety campaign, tagged “Speak Up Against Dangerous Driving: Crashes Kill More Passengers Than Drivers.” The campaign, which kicked off on November 6, 2024, in Jos, aimed to reduce road accidents during the peak travel season. *Campaign Highlights* – Press briefing and town hall meeting to sensitize the public – Distribution of fliers and motorcade carnival to raise awareness – Call to action for travellers to report reckless driving Sector Commander Maxwell Plateau emphasized the need for behavioural change among drivers, stressing that passengers…

Nigeria’s Minister for Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has directed the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and other relevant agencies to immediately implement the recommendations of the inter-agency committee to address the persistent national grid collapses. The minister’s order comes after the national grid experienced its 11th collapse this year, causing widespread power outages across the country. The investigative panel revealed that poor maintenance culture, inadequate and aged equipment, and other challenges are the underlying reasons for the incessant grid collapses. The panel outlined recommendations to be achieved in one month, six months, and one year, including reviewing relaying philosophy, capacity development…

The European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service has sounded the alarm, declaring 2024 “virtually certain” to surpass 2023 as the world’s warmest year since records began. This dire prediction comes ahead of the UN COP29 climate summit in Azerbaijan, where nations will convene to discuss crucial funding increases to combat climate change. However, the recent U.S. presidential election outcome, with Donald Trump’s victory, has tempered expectations for meaningful progress at the summit. The COP29 talks aim to secure commitments from countries to reduce their reliance on CO2-emitting fossil fuels and transition to cleaner energy sources. According to C3S Director Carlo…

Following President Bola Tinubu’s reprieve on Monday, several minors aged 14-17, arrested during August’s #EndBadGovernance protests, recounted their traumatic experiences in custody to The PUNCH. The minors, arrested for alleged treason and inciting mutiny, described their experiences as “hellish.” Umar Ali, 15, said, “We saw hell; we suffered a lot. We sometimes stayed for three days without food. And even when we were given food, it was always not enough.” Ali denied involvement in the protest, stating he was arrested while heading to the market. Ibrahim Aliyu Musa, another minor, revealed they were kept with hardened criminals and often went…