Welcome to your essential Friday morning news digest featuring key stories from Nigerian newspapers. These updates cut across politics, justice, defense, and social developments in Nigeria. Here’s everything you need to stay informed today. 1. Akpabio Demands Probe into Assassination Allegation Senate President Godswill Akpabio has officially called on the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to investigate the assassination allegations made against him by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. Akpabio strongly refuted the accusations and requested a thorough probe to clear his name. Related: How the Nigerian Senate Handles Internal Disputes 2. Edo and Federal Governments Launch Probe into Uromi Killings Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State announced that both state and federal authorities have launched a fact-finding committee to investigate the March 27 Uromi massacre, where 16 hunters were killed. This was disclosed during a meeting with a delegation from Kano State led by Deputy Governor Aminu Gwarzo. See more on security issues in Edo State 3. Over 2,000 Nigerian Soldiers Trained in Pakistan Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Lt.-Gen. Christopher Musa revealed that more than 2,000 Nigerian military personnel have received specialized training in Pakistan’s military institutions, enhancing Nigeria’s defense capabilities through international collaboration. Vanguard: Nigeria’s Defence Collaboration with Pakistan 4. Dangote Reduces Petrol Price to ₦865 per Litre The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has revised its ex-depot petrol price to ₦865 per litre. This price reduction was communicated to its stakeholders in an official notice issued on Thursday. Track Nigeria’s Petrol Price Trends 5. Human Trafficking Now Thriving on Digital Platforms Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), raised alarms over how human traffickers now use digital tools and social media to lure and exploit unsuspecting individuals. The warning was made during a media briefing in Abuja. UNODC: Technology and Human Trafficking 6. NERC Penalizes Eight Power Firms for Overbilling The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has sanctioned eight distribution companies (DisCos) for breaching the cap on estimated billing for unmetered users between July and September 2024. Understanding Nigeria’s Electricity Billing System 7. Armed Herdsmen Kill 3 in Benue State Overnight Attack Three individuals were killed in a renewed attack by armed herdsmen on Mbasombo community in Benue State. Residents, including a survivor named Atumegh Ahemga, described how the attackers opened fire without warning. 8. Nnamdi Kanu’s N50bn Human Rights Case Dismissed The Federal High Court in Abuja has struck out a ₦50 billion lawsuit filed by Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). The case, challenging his 2021 repatriation from Kenya, was dismissed due to the absence of his legal team. : Understanding IPOB Legal Battles 9. Arson Incident in Oyo: Nine Suspects Arrested Police in Oyo State have arrested nine suspects involved in an arson attack on Aagba community, which led to the death of an elderly woman and destruction of nine houses on April 5. 10. Soludo Signs Six Developmental Bills into Law Governor Chukwuma Soludo has signed six new bills into law to support Anambra State’s development drive. The laws include the 2025 Anambra Development and Investment Corporation Law and the Anambra Electricity Law. Explore Anambra State’s Economic Agenda Final Thoughts From political tensions and defense collaborations to energy reforms and security challenges, these headlines summarize the top Nigerian news stories making waves this Friday. Stay connected with LMSINT MEDIA for daily updates, in-depth reports, and professional analysis. Keep Exploring: READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the release of six suspects earlier detained in connection with the stampede that occurred during a children’s carnival in Ibadan. The tragic incident happened on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at the Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan. The stampede led to widespread concern and investigations by law enforcement. In an earlier statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Adewale Osifeso, it was revealed that eight individuals were arrested. Among those initially detained were Prophetess Naomi Silekunola (an estranged wife of the Ooni of Ile Ife), the school principal, Fasasi Abdulahi, and others including Olowola Oluwa Tosin, Genesis Christopher, Tanimowo Moruf, Anisoloja Olabode, Idowu Ibrahim, and Abiola Oluwatimileyin. However, LMSINT MEDIA reports that six of the suspects have now been released from custody at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Iyaganku, Ibadan, on Monday night. Those released include Olowola Oluwa Tosin, Genesis Christopher, Tanimowo Moruf, Anisoloja Olabode, Idowu Ibrahim, and Abiola Oluwatimileyin. A source close to the investigation disclosed that the school principal, Fasasi Abdulahi, and Prophetess Naomi Silekunola remain in custody along with some others. The source said, “Six out of the arrested individuals have been released. The principal and a few others are still being held.” As investigations continue, the Oyo State Police Command is yet to provide further updates on the ongoing case. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
The NDLEA Ogun State Command eradicated a six-hectare Indian hemp farm in Alaka village, arrested four suspects, and conducted successful operations against drug trafficking in 2024. In a determined effort to combat drug trafficking, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Ogun State Command, has destroyed a six-hectare Indian hemp farm located in Alaka village. During the operation, four individuals suspected of being involved in the illicit cultivation were arrested. Investigations into their activities are currently ongoing. This announcement was made by the NDLEA State Commandant, Tijani Rabe, during a press briefing held on Thursday in Abeokuta. The event also highlighted the agency’s 2024 achievements in combating drug-related crimes. NDLEA’s 2024 Performance Highlights Rabe disclosed that the command arrested 675 drug offenders in 2024, a year marked by intensified anti-drug operations. The agency also seized significant quantities of illegal substances, including: As part of its end-of-year strategy, Operation Closed Gates was launched, targeting drug merchants and syndicates. The operation effectively disrupted supply routes into Ogun State, yielding remarkable results. Public Awareness Campaigns Reach Thousands In addition to enforcement, the NDLEA ramped up its public awareness initiatives to address the root causes of drug abuse. The agency conducted: The command also secured 221 convictions against drug offenders, emphasizing its commitment to holding perpetrators accountable. Moving Forward The NDLEA continues to strengthen its efforts to eradicate drug trafficking and abuse in Ogun State and across Nigeria. With strategic enforcement and robust public education, the agency is building a safer and healthier society. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
On Friday, Martins Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan, a well-known social media activist, was charged before an Abuja Chief Magistrate Court located in Wuse Zone 6 on a charge that he had impersonated a police officer. The defendant entered a not guilty plea to the accusation of impersonation and unlawful use of the police uniform, which was associated with the offense designated CR/510/2024. The court then gave him N2 million in bail, with the two sureties contributing the same amount. The court ruled that in addition to having to reside in Abuja’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the sureties also had to submit its registry with their passports. The court has mandated that the sureties always present a form of identification and attest to an affidavit in order to present the defendant for trial. It required the police investigating the case to confirm the sureties’ addresses, and they were also instructed to present proof that their utility bills had been paid. Additionally, the defendant was instructed to sign an affidavit stating that he would always be available for the trial. It should be remembered that the VeryDarkMan was arrested on Thursday after accepting an invitation from the police. The defendant was seen wearing a uniform in a video that went popular on social media. that was comparable to the Nigerian Police Force. He humorously asked his supporters and followers to always refer to him with his new rank rather than calling him an activist, describing himself as a CSP of an online division. However, the defendant eventually apologized publicly for his actions after an earlier encounter with the police that involved a video summons. While warning other video creators to always get the required clearance from law enforcement authorities before using their uniforms for creative purposes, he clarified that he was unaware that wearing such a uniform without authority was illegal. READ ALSO: NAFDAC warns Nigerians not to use recalled NIVEA product. The FCT Police Command, however, was not pleased with the apologies and promised to bring legal action against him. in order to emphasize the NPF’s dedication to maintaining “the integrity of its symbols and preventing their misuse.” We love having you back, Kindly Subscribe to our NewsLrtter.
The NIVEA Black & White Invisible line of roll-ons, which was created especially to address the issue of deodorant stains on garments, includes this one. The usage of Nivea Black and White Invisible Body Deodorant has been cautioned against by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration (NAFDAC). In a statement released on Thursday, the agency said that European officials had recalled the product due to the presence of dangerous ingredients that are not allowed in cosmetics. According to NAFDAC, the hazardous substance is known as 2-(4-tert-Butylbenzyl propionaldehyde (BMHCA). Beiersdorf AG, a global German corporation with headquarters in Hamburg, Germany, is the manufacturer of the Nivea Black & White Invisible Roll-On Deodorant. The Nivea Black & White Invisible line, of which this roll-on is a part, was created especially to address the issue of clothes stains caused by deodorant. Marketed as a “no stains” deodorant line, the series is ideal for all-day protection without worrying about yellow stains on light-colored clothing or white marks on dark clothing. The European Union’s Rapid Alert System for Dangerous Non-Food Products (RAPEX) in Brussels has flagged the product, according to NAFDAC. Chemical ProhibitionAccording to NAFDAC, the chemical BMHCA is not allowed in cosmetic items since it may cause skin irritation and have an adverse effect on the reproductive health of both the user and the fetus. According to reports, the recalled Nivea product contains 2-(4-tert-Butylbenzyl propionaldehyde (BMHCA), a chemical that is not allowed in cosmetics because it can damage the reproductive system and endanger an unborn child’s health. as well as burns and skin discomfort to users,” the statement said. To stop the identified batch from being imported, distributed, sold, or used, the FDA recommends supply chain participants to be extra cautious and vigilant. Be carefulAccording to the FDA, anyone who currently own this impacted product are advised to stop selling or using it right away. Stockholders are asked to deliver their items to the closest NAFDAC office for additional review. “To prevent the importation, distribution, sale, and use of the aforementioned Nivea Roll-on with the impacted batch, importers, distributors, retailers, and consumers are advised to exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain.” Public members who own the impacted batch of goods ought to stop using the sale or usage and deliver goods to the NAFDAC office that is closest to you,” it stated. Additionally, the government urges consumers and medical professionals to report any negative experiences related to using regulated products, such as the impacted Nivea Roll-on batch. The organization stated that “e-reporting platforms are available, and healthcare professionals and consumers are encouraged to report adverse events experienced with the use of regulated products to the nearest NAFDAC office via [email protected].” READ ALSO: Senators Plan to Distribute 10 Billion Copies of Rhapsody of Realities in Reach out world day NAFDAC pledged to make sure that swift action is done in cases of product safety issues and emphasized the need of public knowledge in upholding health and safety standards. We love to have you back, Kindly Subscribe to our NewsLetter

