LEGENDINFO

The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 24-year-old suspect, Muanaenye Chekwube Victor, male, for luring his friend to be kidnapped by his criminal gang. Our correspondent gathered that the suspect planned the kidnapping and collected a ransom in dollar equivalent of N5.3m with his gang members before the victim was released. The spokesman for the Anambra State Police Command, Tochukwu Ikenga, in a press statement on Sunday, said police operatives attached to the Uli Divisional Headquarters arrested the suspect on Friday. Ikenga said the suspect, who is now cooperating with the police by providing information to help apprehend his accomplices, will face prosecution after the investigation. The statement read in part, “Police operatives attached to the Uli Divisional Police Headquarters on the evening of June 26, 2025, exposed and arrested one Muanaenye Chekwube Victor, ‘M’, aged 24 years, over a reported case of kidnapping. “The case, which is under investigation revealed that...

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery says it will absorb over N1.07tn annually in its plan to distribute fuel directly to marketers nationwide. The refinery said it invested over N720bn to implement the initiative of deploying 4,000 Compressed Natural Gas-powered trucks for the nationwide distribution of petroleum products, saying this was expected to save Nigerians over N1.7tn annually. “This bold step will see the privately-owned refinery absorb over N1.07tn annually in fuel distribution costs. The initiative is also poised to significantly benefit over 42 million Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises by reducing energy costs and enhancing profitability,” the company said in a statement made available to our correspondent on Sunday. The initiative, which aims to eliminate transportation costs for fuel marketers and large-scale consumers, is also expected to help reduce pump prices and inflation. From 15 August, Dangote said it would begin the direct delivery of petrol and diesel to filling ...

The Federal Government has commenced the disbursement of consumer credit to some market women in Abia through the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP) . Launching the disbursement in Aba on Thursday, the Managing Director of CREDICORP, Mr Uzoma Nwagba, said the scheme would enable citizens to access goods and services on credit. Recall that CREDICORP is a government-owned development finance institution committed to enhancing consumer credit access. Nwagba, represented by the Executive Director, Credit and Portfolio Management, Mrs Aisha Abdullahi, said the aim was to boost the quality of life and financial inclusion. According to him, the initiative, which was unveiled by the Federal Government in April, offered Nigerians interest-free consumer credit of up to N2 million. He announced that the institution was in partnership with Sytiamo Technologies Limited to lend to market women across the country. Nwagba further explained that CREDICORP would not lend directly to indivi...

  The US economy contracted more than previously estimated in the first three months this year, according to government data released Thursday, with consumer spending and exports weaker than expected. US GDP decreased at an annual rate of 0.5 percent in the first quarter, according to the  Department of Commerce . This was down from an earlier estimate of a 0.2 percent decline, and lower than the 2.4 percent increase in the fourth quarter last year. The data came after an import surge that was triggered by US President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs since returning to the White House this year. Businesses had stockpiled goods to try and get ahead of Trump’s levies targeting most trading partners — especially products from China. Imports are a subtraction in the calculation of GDP, and the overall decrease in the first three months this year reflected this uptick, alongside a drop in government spending. The movements were partially offset by advances in consumption and invest...

A devastating bomb explosion rocked Ubeheze market in Awo Idemili,   Orlu Local Government Area   of Imo State, on Tuesday, leaving at least five people dead and several others wounded. The explosion occurred around 11 am when traders were opening their stores. Eyewitnesses described the scene as horrific with dead bodies littering the ground and wounded individuals lying in pools of blood. A viral video showed people wailing and structures in the market blown into pieces. Residents, who spoke The Natiin on condition of anonymity expressed shock and fear over the incident. One eyewitness said:”We opened the market around 11 am, traders were seen bringing out their goods and suddenly what we heard was an explosion that rocked the entire market. “Structures in the market were blown into pieces as woods, zincs, and other items were seen flying all over the place. Many traders were killed by the bomb explosion, including children.” Another resident, who declined to be named due t...

President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday assured that his administration is concerned about securing the country. Tinubu said this while commissioning the Wole Soyinka Way/ONEX interchange bridge, katampe extension in the  Federal Capital Territory  (FCT), Abuja. He said security is of immense importance to him while commending FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike for the infrastructure put in place in the nation’s capital. Tinubu who was represented by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio said: “I’m here to represent the hardworking President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, who is very concerned about the infrastructure of this country, about the security of this country. And today celebrating what he has been able to put in place through the Minister of the FCT and his team. “The FCT has changed. Members of the Diplomatic Corps can confirm this. Unfortunately, because of the spread of killings that we are seeing in some parts of the country, the FCT ...

A police inspector, Yakubu Dauda , has been killed, and his rifle seized by unknown gunmen in the Chwelnyap Rim community of Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State. It was learnt that the incident occurred on Monday when police officers were on an operation in the area. The Divisional Police Officer of Riyom LGA, David Tsado, confirmed the death of the officer to journalists on Tuesday in Riyom during a visit by the fact-finding committee set up by Governor Caleb Mutfwang to investigate the causes of violence plaguing the state. According to the DPO, the gunmen ambushed the officers, resulting in the death of Inspector Dauda. He explained that the gunmen were well-armed, adding that despite mobilising their men after the attack, they were unable to overcome the gunmen’s resistance. “We were on ground in the community following a report of security threats in the area, not knowing that some gunmen had laid an ambush. In the process of tracing the gunmen, they opened fire on our me...

  Retail outlets under the nameplate of the  Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited  effected an upward adjustment in the pump price of the Premium Motor Spirit, also known as petrol, to N945 per litre in the Federal Capital Territory on Monday. They also adjusted their petrol price to N915 per litre at several of their Lagos retail outlets, marking a fresh upward shift in the downstream retail market. The latest increase marks a fresh spike of N45 and N35 in Lagos and Abuja, respectively, up from the previous prices of N870 and N910 per litre. Also, independent marketers effected an increase of N60 from N895 per litre to N955 per litre in Abuja. In Lagos, the costs ranged from N915 to N950, depending on the station of the independent oil dealer. The PUNCH  reports that as of Monday, petrol prices hovered between N915 and N950 in Lagos, Ogun and other parts of the South-West. Dangote’s partners, such as MRS, Heyden, AP and others, sold petrol at N925 per litre i...

Rapper, Tochukwu Ojogwu , popularly known as Odumodublvck, has boasted that he is “arguably the hottest artist” in Nigeria. He claimed that despite his celebrity status, he remains humble. The ‘Pity This Boy’ hitmaker said he displayed humility by driving for hours to Osun State to serve as a classroom corper. Rapper, Tochukwu Ojogwu, popularly known as Odumodublvck, has boasted that he is “arguably the hottest artist” in Nigeria. He claimed that despite his celebrity status, he remains humble. The ‘Pity This Boy’ hitmaker said he displayed humility by driving for hours to Osun State to serve as a classroom corper. Odumodublvck featured a guest in a recent episode of the Jusmen 105.7 podcast along with other members of the Antiworld Gang. He said, “Music is more than the ‘music.’ I’m arguably the hottest artist in the country right now. But I’m still driving six hours to Ife while turning down offers worth millions of Naira just to serve schoolchildren. “But the main reason I’m serving...

  Atletico Madrid became the first European side to exit the FIFA Club World Cup, despite a late 1-0 win against Botafogo in Pasadena. The Brazilians duly secured second place in the group, after seeing their five-game winning streak come to a losing end. Atléti  knew they would need to win by at least three goals to advance if results elsewhere went against them, but they started slowly as the Brazilian champions looked comfortable in the early exchanges. Jefferson Savarino  had the first real chance of the game on nine minutes as he raced through on goal, but perhaps spooked by the imposing figure of  Jan Oblak  bearing down on him, he could only produce a timid finish which was easily saved. The Spanish side eventually created a golden chance of their own five minutes before the interval, but  Julian Alvarez  shanked his effort wide after turning on the edge of the six-yard box.  A moment of controversy then arrived in added time, with VAR reco...

The Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN , has announced the restoration of normal bulk electricity supply to the six states in North-east Nigeria. TCN spokesperson, Ndidi Mbah disclosed this in a statement on Sunday. The power restoration comes after completing the connection of the new Bauchi 330/132 kV Transmission Substation to the national grid through the 330 kV and 132 kV Jos-Bauchi-Gombe Transmission Line. “The lines were initially switched off to enable TCN energise the new Bauchi Substation, one of the biggest substations in the region to the grid. “The transmission lines have now been reconnected back to the grid. Consequently, supply to the north-east has been restored since the 19th of June at about 16:45 hours. “With the project completed, bulk power transmission has been restored to Jos and Yola Electricity Distribution Companies, which supply electricity to customers in Bauchi, Gombe, Yobe, Damaturu, Adamawa, and Taraba States. “This connection of the new substation to ...

  Troops of 22 Armoured Brigade , deployed at the Forward Operating Base Patigi, in Kwara, have apprehended eight suspected kidnappers and rescued two victims. A statement signed by Lt. Stephen Nwankwo, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations of the Brigade in Ilorin on Sunday, disclosed that troops, acting on credible intelligence, launched a tactical operation on Saturday, targeting a hideout on the outskirts of Latandaji Village in Patigi Local Government Area. “During the engagement, troops encountered mild resistance, but swiftly subdued the criminals with superior firepower,” he said. Nwankwo stated that the operation led to the rescue of two kidnap victims, identified as Amos Moses and Philip Michael, while eight suspected kidnappers were arrested. He, however, noted that one Mohammed Mohammed sustained gunshot wounds during the exchange of fire and had been taken to hospital for medical attention. The brigade spokesman added that further operational exploits in the...

US President Donald Trump said Thursday he will decide whether to join Israel’s strikes on Iran within the next two weeks as there is still a “substantial” chance of negotiations to end the conflict. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt read out a message from Trump, saying there had been “a lot of speculation” about whether the United States would be “directly involved” in the conflict. “Based on the fact that there’s a substantial chance of negotiations that may or may not take place with Iran in the near future, I will make my decision whether or not to go within the next two weeks,” Trump said in the statement. The announcement could lower the temperature and give space for diplomacy, after a fevered few days in which Trump said Iran’s leader was an “easy target” and vowed that Tehran could never have a nuclear weapon. But Leavitt also told reporters that Iran could produce a nuclear weapon in the space of a “couple of weeks.” “Iran has all that it needs to achieve a nucle...

  The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)  has arrested seven internet fraudsters in Abuja. Its spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, said this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja. According to him, they were arrested in the Lifecamp and Kubwa axes of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT. He said that the arrest was a sequel to credible intelligence that linked them to fraudulent internet activities. ”Items recovered from them include eight high-end automobiles, expensive laptop computers and mobile phones. ”They will be charged to court as soon as investigation is concluded,” he said.  (NAN)

Condolences pour in for renowned singer,  Ariana Grande   following the passing of her grandmother,  Marjorie “Nonna” Grande,   aged 99. The news was announced by Ariana’s mother,  Joan Grande , via a statement released on Instagram. According to the post, Marjorie Grande passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her family and loved ones during her final weeks. The circumstances of Marjorie Grande’s passing were not detailed in the statement. The statement reads, “We are devastated to share that the beloved matriarch of our family has passed away. Major Grande passed peacefully in her home and was surrounded by her family and loved ones for every moment of her last few weeks”.

Red Bull Salzburg went top of Group H at the FIFA Club World Cup after they defeated Pachuca 2-1 in a weather-impacted game at TQL Stadium. It was  Pachuca  who had the first effort of note on 10 minutes, as  Christian Zawieschitzky  batted away captain  Salomóon Rondon ’s effort from a narrow angle in the  Salzburg  goal. The 18-year-old debutant also repelled  Elias Montiel  shortly before his side enjoyed a period of dominance in the middle of the half, albeit without testing  Carlos Moreno . Rondon again came close to an opener on the half-hour mark, but Zawieschitzky brilliantly tipped the Venezuelan’s header onto the crossbar. Some of the Mexican supporters in the stadium were on their feet five minutes later, yet  Agustín Palavecino ’s volley rippled the wrong side of the netting. I sraeli international  Oscar Gloukh  had been testing the  Pachuca  defence, firing a shot over the bar on 40 minutes, shortly...

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday described the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the backbone of Nigeria’s democracy. He also gave reasons the Federal Government is building a befitting secretariat for the electoral agency. The President spoke during the groundbreaking of a new office for INEC in Abuja. Addressing dignitaries at the ceremony, Tinubu emphasised that democracy in the country is not a finished product but a continuous journey that requires collective commitment and vigilance. He consequently called on all Nigerians to actively support efforts to strengthen national institutions, safeguard democratic freedom and protect the nation’s future.  “To all Nigerians, I say this democracy is not a destination but a journey. Together let us strengthen our institutions, safeguard our freedom and protect the future,” Tinubu advised. The President described the ground-breaking of the new headquarters of the electoral umpire which, was attended by  Senat...

Afrobeats star   Runtown  has announced a new release date for his highly anticipated album, Soundgod Fest IV . The album, initially set to drop on June 13, 2025, will now be released on June 27. Runtown made the announcement on his Instagram page, sharing a teaser clip and the album artwork. He said the decision to push back the release date was made to ensure the final product meets the expectations of his fans. “Moved the drop to the 27th of June to make sure it’s absolutely fire for you guys! Meanwhile, hit the pre save link in bio. #SoundgodFestIV,” he wrote. Runtown has already released two singles, “Flow” and “Do Me”, which have been well-received by fans and critics alike.Runtown has already released two singles, “Flow” and “Do Me”, which have been well-received by fans and critics alike. The album marks his official return to the music scene after a brief hiatus following his 2022 project, Signs. Recently, Runtown collaborated with Kizz Daniel on the track “Peace I Ch...

Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun arrived in Benue State on Monday to oversee efforts to contain escalating violence and restore security, following a deadly wave of attacks by suspected herders that have left more than 160 people dead across multiple communities. Dressed in full uniform, Egbetokun touched down in Makurdi, immediately deploying tactical police units into troubled areas. A statement from the Nigeria Police Force confirmed the intensification of security operations. “IGP arrives Benue, orders for additional deployment of tactical teams,” the police message read. In the past few weeks, Benue State has experienced a surge in bloodshed: Over 160 residents killed in coordinated night raids across various communities. Friday’s attack resulted in scores of casualties and forced mass displacement. Public alarm escalated after dozens were burned alive in Guma Local Government Area, prompting neighborhood protests Governor Hyacinth Alia, speaking earlier, warned that ...

  The Nigerian equities market kicked off the trading week with a loss as investors lost N108 billion on Monday, June 16, 2025, after five hours of trading. This follows a dip in the share prices of stocks like  Northern Nigeria Flour Mills (NNFM), C&I Leasing Plc (CILEASING) and University Press Limited (UPL) , among others, on the trading floor. The benchmark All-Share Index (ASI) decreased to 115,258.77 points from 115,429.54 points, which were recorded the previous trading day. After five hours of trading at the capital market, the equity capitalisation grew to N72.788 trillion from N72. 302 trillion from which the bourse recorded on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, before the Democracy Day holiday. The market breadth was negative as 21 stocks advanced, 43 stocks declined, and 53 stocks remained unchanged in 22,100 deals. G uinea Insurance Plc (GUINEAINS), Ellah Lakes Plc (ELLAHLAKES) and Legend Internet (LEGENDINT) led other gainers with 10%, 9.93% and 9.87% growth each in p...

A 5.6 magnitude earthquake that struck off Peru’s central coast Sunday, rattling Lima and the port city of Callao, has left one person dead and five injured, authorities said. The earthquake happened at 11:35 a.m. local time in the Pacific Ocean, according to the United States Geological Survey. Its epicenter was located 23 kilometers (14 miles) southwest of Callao, west of the capital Lima. A 36-year-old man died in northern Lima while “standing outside his vehicle waiting for a passenger” when a wall from the fourth floor of a building under construction detached and fell on his head, Police Col. Ramiro Clauco told RPP radio. The five people injured are being treated in hospitals, the Emergency Operations Center said. The agency also reported damage to roads and educational centers. President   Dina Boluarte   is heading to Callao to monitor developments, the Peruvian presidency said on X. Footage shared by local media also showed cars hit by falling debris, damaged houses ...

  Indigenes of Ngodo Isuochi in  Umunnochi LGA of Abia State  have condemned, in the strongest terms, the failed plot to assassinate their son, Chaka Ikenna Chukwumerije. Chukwumerije, who is the Abia State Commissioner for Lands and Housing, was attacked on Saturday, June 7, 2025, by unidentified gunmen who riddled his official vehicle with bullets. He, however, miraculously escaped unhurt. Speaking about the incident in a press statement, the Ngodo Town Development Union Youth Wing, NTDUYW, alleged that the attack was a well-conceived act specifically targeted at the commissioner. The statement, which was signed by the President of the Union, Ekeledirichukwu Marvelous Agha, and Secretary, Obioma Anyikwa, stated that Chukwumerije was attacked around the Okigwe area of the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway while returning from his community to Umuahia. NTDUYW alleged that the attack may have been politically motivated. “From the nature of the attack, the ambush on his vehicl...