Author: Binta Agboola

A devastating fuel tanker explosion rocked the upscale Maitama area of Abuja on Monday evening, leaving multiple people injured and sparking widespread panic. The incident occurred along Shehu Shagari Way, with nearby passengers in a commercial vehicle also affected. Motorists abandoned their vehicles and fled for safety, causing a massive gridlock along Nicon Hotel, MTN, and Chicken House. One eyewitness, #Southsouthboy3, described the scene on X, saying, “A petrol-laden tanker has exploded in Maitama… Many motorists abandoned their vehicles on the busy road and ran for their lives.” Emergency responders swiftly arrived at the scene, and nearby hospitals were alerted…

Nigerians may face another electricity tariff increase due to the rising subsidy shortfall, which reached N181.63 billion in September. The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) data reveals a steady increase in the subsidy since May. The foreign exchange crisis is the primary driver of the electricity subsidy rise. The NERC pegged the dollar exchange rate at N1,601.5 in September, impacting the cost of power production. In April, the government removed subsidies for Band A customers, who receive at least 20 hours of electricity daily, raising their tariff to N225 per kilowatt-hour. However, the tariff dropped to N206.80/kWh in May before…

London’s Wembley Stadium witnessed a thrilling showdown on Saturday as Daniel Dubois defended his IBF heavyweight title against Anthony Joshua. The 27-year-old Dubois produced a breathtaking performance, stopping Joshua in the fifth round with a crushing right hook to the chin. Dubois dominated the bout, sending Joshua to the canvas four times before delivering the decisive blow. The sellout crowd of 96,000 was electrified by Dubois’s impressive display, cementing his position as a formidable force in the heavyweight division. Joshua’s defeat marks a significant setback in his quest for boxing supremacy. A victory would have positioned him for a lucrative…

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) bid to arrest former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello on Wednesday was thwarted by his successor, Governor Usman Ododo. Bello is wanted over an alleged N80.2 billion fraud case. This incident marks the second time Ododo has helped Bello evade arrest, following a similar attempt in April. EFCC operatives had laid siege to the Kogi State Government Lodge in Abuja, but Ododo’s intervention, leveraging his immunity as a sitting governor, allowed Bello to escape arrest. An EFCC official revealed that Ododo’s actions prevented them from carrying out their duties, stating, “Yahaya Bello has…

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors Forum has reaffirmed its support for Governor Siminalayi Fubara as the leader of the party in Rivers State, despite opposition from former Governor Nyesom Wike. Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, had warned the governors to stay out of Rivers State’s affairs, threatening to retaliate in their respective states if they continued to back Fubara. Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, maintained that the decision to recognize Fubara’s leadership is irreversible. “The decision is in order and that is how it is supposed to be. Governor…

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has endorsed Inter Milan captain Lautaro Martinez for the 2024 Ballon d’Or award, describing him as “sensational.” _Praise for Martinez_ Ahead of Manchester City’s UEFA Champions League clash with Inter Milan on Wednesday, Guardiola expressed admiration for Martinez’s exceptional talent. “Lautaro Martínez can definitely win the Ballon d’Or; I would rather a Man City player won that accolade, but he is a sensational player.” _Martinez’s Credentials_ Martinez, among the 30-man Ballon d’Or shortlist, boasts impressive credentials, including captaining Argentina to World Cup and Copa América triumphs. _Guardiola’s Analysis_ “If you are a captain, a forward,…

Sean “Diddy” Combs, the influential rap mogul, was arrested by federal agents in Manhattan on Monday, marking a stunning fall from grace amid mounting sex trafficking and assault allegations. According to US Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Damian Williams, the arrest stemmed from a sealed indictment. “We expect to move to unseal the indictment in the morning and will have more to say at that time,” Williams stated. Combs’s lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, revealed that his client had voluntarily relocated to New York anticipating the charges. “We are disappointed with the decision to pursue what we believe is…

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has confirmed that telecommunications operators will commence disconnecting mobile telephone lines not linked to National Identification Numbers (NIN) starting today, September 15. The NCC had set a deadline of September 14 for subscribers to link their SIM cards to their NIN, and with the expiration of this deadline, approximately 66 million unlinked lines are at risk of disconnection. An NCC official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, dismissed any possibility of an extension, stating, “We will disconnect anyone who refuses to comply; the grace period is over.” The official emphasized that the commission has no…

Lionel Messi made a stunning comeback from injury, scoring two goals and providing an assist in Inter Miami’s 3-1 win over Philadelphia Union in Major League Soccer. Injury Layoff: Messi missed eight MLS games, World Cup qualifiers. Return to Form: Two goals, one assist in 90-minute performance. Quote: “The truth is that I’m a little tired… but I really wanted to come back.” – Lionel Messi Coach’s Praise: Gerardo Martino delighted with Messi’s performance. MLS Standings: Inter Miami extends lead to 62 points, 10 points clear. Messi’s Stats: 14 goals in 13 games, fastest to 15 goals, 15 assists in…

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has reiterated his threat to unleash “fire” on states of governors meddling in Rivers State’s political crisis. Background: Wike and Rivers Governor Sim Fubara locked in battle for control. PDP Governors Forum’s Stance: Forum backs Fubara, angers Wike. Wike’s Warning: “I said it to the governors forum and I repeat without any apologies… Heaven will never fall.” Personal Relationships: Wike claims familiarity with governors, except Zamfara’s. Party Constitution: Wike defends Rivers PDP structure, accuses governors of violating party processes. Defiance: Wike refuses to back down, citing his position as FCT Minister from…