Author: Staff Reporter

A student of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Christiana Idowu, who was kidnapped between Ikorodu and Yaba in Lagos State, has been reportedly murdered by her abductors. The Student Union Government (SUG) president of FUNAAB, Ibrahim Adeyemi, confirmed the incident to our correspondent in a telephone conversation on Thursday. Adeyemi said, “The Union can confirm that she was reportedly killed by her abductor. We will be addressing the matter soon.” A family source had earlier told PUNCH Metro that Christiana was abducted while traveling from Ikorodu to Yaba, where she was observing her industrial training. The source disclosed…

The nominees for the Kopa Trophy 2024, an award that recognizes the best young player in the world, have been revealed. The award, voted for by previous Ballon d’Or winners, has been previously won by Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, Pedri, and Gavi. A total of 11 young players have been shortlisted for the prestigious award, including Lamine Yamal (Barcelona), Alejandro Garnacho (Manchester United), and Arda Guler (Real Madrid). Other notable contenders include Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona), Karim Konate (RB Salzburg), and Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United). The 2023-24 campaign saw a number of youngsters thrive at the highest level, with some of…

A federal high court in Lagos has sentenced Courage Ipaka, an impersonator of popular Nigerian singer, Flavour, to two years imprisonment for defrauding a United States-based lady, Yvelte M. Thompson, of $53,000. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) led the investigation against Ipaka, with Azibagiri Dan Ekpar, an EFCC investigator, testifying in court. Ekpar revealed that Ipaka promised to organise shows in America and received payment from the victim through his Bitcoin wallets. According to Ekpar, the EFCC received a petition from Eyitayo Tolulope Abiodun and others on behalf of the victim, which led to the investigation. Flavour was…

In a groundbreaking development, Aliko Dangote, Africa’s leading industrialist, has announced that petrol produced from his 650,000 barrels per day facility will hit the filling stations within the next 48 hours. During a press briefing, Dangote revealed that the pricing of petrol from his refinery is an arrangement designed and approved by the Federal Executive Council, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He assured that once the modalities with NNPCL are finalized, the product will be rolled out to the market. The Dangote Refinery, which commenced operations last December, has begun supplying diesel and aviation fuel to marketers and is…

Andrew Wynne, a British national declared wanted by the Nigeria Police for allegedly plotting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration, has denied the allegation. In an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Wynne said he was unaware of the warrant for his arrest and was willing to cooperate with the police. The Nigeria Police had earlier accused Wynne of building a network of sleeper cells to topple the government and plunge the nation into chaos. Force spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi said Wynne rented a space at Labour House and established a school as a decoy for his subversive activities. Wynne’s wife…

In a bid to combat the cholera outbreak in Ikorodu division of Lagos State, local government and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) chairmen have launched a sensitization campaign among residents. The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, recently warned that the state had recorded many cases of severe gastroenteritis (cholera) in communities around Eti-Osa, Lagos Island, Ikorodu, and Kosofe Local Government Areas. Wasiu Adesina, Chairman of Ikorodu Local Government Area, advised residents to take preventive measures seriously, including boiling drinking water, maintaining proper sanitation, and safely disposing of faeces. “If all these measures are strictly obeyed, cholera outbreak…

A recent report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has revealed a 1.9% increase in the average cost of a healthy diet in Nigeria, now standing at N1,265 per day. This marks a rise from N1,241 in June 2024. The NBS data shows significant regional variations, with the South West zone recording the highest average cost of a healthy diet at N1,581 per adult per day. In contrast, the North West zone had the lowest at N956 per adult per day. The report notes that the cost of a healthy diet has increased faster than general inflation and food…

In a surprise move, Mercedes has announced that Italian teenager Andrea Kimi Antonelli will join the team alongside George Russell next season, replacing seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton who is set to depart for Ferrari. Antonelli, who celebrated his 18th birthday last weekend, has been promoted from the team’s junior program. He expressed his gratitude, saying, “Reaching F1 is a dream I’ve had since I was a small boy… I feel ready for the opportunity. I will be focused on getting better and delivering the best possible results for the team.” Antonelli’s first F1 drive ended in a spectacular crash…

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported a surge in Mpox cases, with 48 confirmed cases out of 868 suspected cases across 19 states and the Federal Capital Territory. According to the Mpox situation report for week 34, no deaths have been recorded from the disease this year. The report shows an increase in new suspected cases, with 57 reported in week 34 compared to 25 in the previous week. The age distribution of confirmed cases reveals that 17 cases were recorded among children aged 0-10, while the majority of cases were recorded among adults aged…

Big Brother Naija’s ‘No Loose Guard’ pair, Zinwe, comprising Zion Ogiefa and Chinwe Elibe, has shared insights into their relationship after the reality show. In a virtual interview, they revealed that their time on the show had a positive impact on their relationship, teaching them valuable lessons in handling situations and communication. Chinwe noted, “Going into the show has impacted positively on our relationship. Now, we know how to handle situations better… Going on as a couple in Biggie’s house has afforded us the opportunity to confront situations that face us as a couple, and having gone through that, and…