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Plans to marry Chika Ike, pregnancy rumours false – Ned Nwoko

Abdulquadir Muritala
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Plans to marry Chika Ike, pregnancy rumours false – Ned Nwoko

The senator representing the Delta North senatorial district, Ned Nwoko has debunked claims that he plans to marry Nollywood actor, Chika Ike and the father of her unborn child.

Earlier in the day, Regina Daniels, wife of Nwoko deactivated her Instagram account to further fuel speculations over a rift in the home.

Read Also:FG to set up ‘power rangers’ to stop vandalism of electricity assets — Minister

However, in a rebuttal statement from the Director of Communications, Office of Senator Prince Ned Munir Nwoko, he said “Our attention has been drawn to the recent false rumours alleging that Senator Prince Ned Munir Nwoko is planning to marry Nollywood actress Chika Ike as his seventh wife and that she is pregnant for him.

”We categorically state that these claims are entirely baseless and a product of malicious speculation. ”

The senator accused bloggers of fabricating statements regarding his support for Tuface to marry Edo lawmaker Natasha Osawuru.

“Similarly, reports claiming he made statements about Tuface and polygamy are completely untrue. As a public figure and with his wife also being an actress, it is not unusual for bloggers seeking attention to fabricate such stories.

Amid the controversy, Chika Ike has yet to comment on the matter.

“However, Senator Nwoko is currently on a national assignment, focused on delivering on his political mandate, and has no time for distractions.

“This office remains available to journalists for verification of information, and we remind media practitioners of the consequences of spreading fake news. The public is advised to disregard these rumours and relies only on official statements from his office.”

Claims that our fuel doesn’t last misleading – NNPCL

Abdulquadir Muritala
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Claims that our fuel doesn’t last misleading – NNPCL

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), on Saturday, debunked claims in a viral video that its premium motor spirit (PMS) does not last as long as the one from Dangote Refinery.

In a statement signed by its Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, the NNPCL said the claim is misleading, false, baseless and entirely unfounded.

Read Also‘Go To Hell,’ Ribadu rebukes Canadian embassy for denying CDS, others visa

The viral video showed a content creator who claimed that he bought a litre of Dangote petrol from MRS filling station in Alapere, Lagos, at N925 and the same litre at NNPCL in Ojodu Berger at the rate of N945.

He said that after pouring the fuel into different generators, the one running on NNPCL fuel stopped after 17 minutes, while the Dangote petrol lasted until 33 minutes.

But the NNPCL said the claim originates from unverified and amateur research, which lacks credibility, accuracy, and professional oversight.

It emphasized that a significant percentage of fuel sold at its filling station the content creator claimed to have bought fuel was sourced from the Dangote Refinery.

The statement reads, “The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Ltd strongly refutes the false and misleading allegations made in a viral video circulating online, which claims that NNPC fuel does not last. This assertion is baseless and entirely unfounded, originating from unverified and amateur research that lacks credibility, accuracy, and professional oversight.

“NNPC Ltd reaffirms that its fuel is carefully formulated with one of the best compositions, ensuring optimal efficiency, durability, and environmental sustainability for consumers. Furthermore, it is important to emphasize that a significant percentage of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) sold at NNPC retail stations in Lagos—where this deceptive video was created—is sourced from the Dangote Refinery, a strategic partner in promoting local production and energy security.

“Dangote Refinery adheres to strict industry standards, guaranteeing the quality of petroleum products supplied to our consumers. This misleading video represents yet another desperate attempt by economic saboteurs to misinform the public and tarnish NNPC Ltd’s reputation.

“We will not tolerate deliberate misinformation designed to undermine our operations and mislead Nigerians. Henceforth, NNPC Ltd will take firm legal action against individuals or groups who intentionally spread falsehoods about our brand and operations. Those engaged in such malicious activities will be held fully accountable under the law.

“We urge the public to disregard such fabricated content and rely on verified sources for accurate information. NNPC Ltd remains steadfast in its mission to ensure fuel availability, affordability, and quality for all Nigerians while maintaining global industry standards.”

Suspected ritualist kills girlfriend, dismembers her body in Kwara

Abdulquadir Muritala
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Suspected ritualist kills girlfriend, dismembers her body in Kwara

A suspected ritualist has killed and dismembered a final-year student of the Kwara State College of Education in Ilorin, Kwara State.

Lawal Hafsoh Yetunde was killed by her boyfriend whom she met on social media.

The suspected killer, after the gruesome killing, dismembered her body for alleged ritual purposes.

Read Also:Snake, monkey mustn’t swallow $1.07bn health funds, Atiku warns FG

However, police authorities in Kwara State said the suspected killer has been arrested.

Yetunde went missing on Monday, February 10, 2025. She was at a naming ceremony when she received a call from a friend. According to sources, she dropped her food to answer the call and then left.

“Since then, we’ve been searching for her everywhere. But no one knew her whereabouts. On Tuesday, her parents reported the case to the Oja Oba Police Station in Ilorin. The police requested her phone number and used it to track her last call. The call was traced to an individual living in the Offa Garage District area of Ilorin, although his family house is in Isalekuto.

“The suspect was arrested but initially denied knowledge of the lady’s whereabouts. However, when the police searched his house, he confessed that the lady was in his area and had died from an asthma attack after he called her to come over.

“Upon further investigation, the police found the lady’s body, dismembered and hidden in a bowl, along with the equipment used to dismember her. The suspect is now at the police headquarters in Ilorin.

“I commend the Kwara State Police Command, Ojo Oba, for the excellent job they’ve done in solving this case. The deceased lady was a final-year student of the Kwara State College of Education in Ilorin. They met on Facebook, where he obtained her phone number. He then called her, inviting her to come over.

“Disturbingly, evidence found in the suspect’s house suggests this may not be his first offence. A table in his room appeared to be equipped with tools used to dismember bodies,”

Meanwhile, the Kwara State Police Command, through its spokesman Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi said investigations are ongoing over the matter.

The spokesperson said immediately after the issue was reported, “the police detectives swung into action, tracked her number and arrested a suspect, and exhibits recovered. The case was transferred yesterday to the SCID for discreet investigations”.

Tinubu arrives in Ethiopia for AU summit

Abdulquadir Muritala
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Tinubu arrives in Ethiopia for AU summit

President Bola Tinubu has arrived in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to participate in the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union (AU) Heads of State and Government.

The President, who arrived on Thursday night, was received at the airport by the Ethiopian deputy chief of protocol, Eshetu Legesse, the Nigerian minister of foreign affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, and the charge d’affaires of the Nigerian embassy in Ethiopia, Ambassador Nasir Aminu.

Read Also:Senate launches probe into Niger Military leader’s allegations against Nigeria

Ambassador Tuggar later briefed President Tinubu about the summit and some diplomatic wins for the country, a session that stretched until about 2a.m. on Friday.

Among the wins was the re-election of Ambassador Bankole Adeoye as African Union commissioner for political affairs, peace and security. Nigeria also retains its seat on the African Union peace and security council, reaffirming, in the words of Ambassador Tuggar, “Nigeria’s leadership and commitment to peace and security on the continent”.

At the briefing were Wale Edun, the minister of finance; Abubakar Badaru, minister of defence; Jumoke Oduwole, the minister of trade and investment; Festus Keyamo, minister of aviation; Muhammed Idris, minister of information and national orientation; Balarabe Abbas Lawal, minister of environment and Doris Uzoka-Anite, minister of state for finance.

This year’s AU Summit, under the theme “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations,” focuses on reparatory justice and racial healing.

President Tinubu will deliver a speech at the summit-level meeting of the African Union Peace and Security Council, where discussions will focus on current security challenges on the continent, including the escalation of conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

President Tinubu is scheduled to return to Abuja on Monday, February 17.

FG to set up ‘power rangers’ to stop vandalism of electricity assets — Minister

Abdulquadir Muritala
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FG to set up ‘power rangers’ to stop vandalism of electricity assets — Minister

Nigeria has decided to set up a special security team to protect its power installations and infrastructure

The ‘power rangers’ will be created with officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and will be responsible for stopping the vandalism of power infrastructure which has caused blackouts across the country.

Amid growing reports of vandals damaging power installations and outcry over frequent blackouts sometimes caused by vandalism, the minister said it was critical to find a unique solution to the problem.

The decision to set up the power rangers, he said, was influenced by the successes of the Mines Marshalls unveiled by the Federal Government in March 2024 to tackle security challenges in the mining sector.

Read AlsoGhana’s former finance minister wanted for corruption

“What we had before we (the Bola Tinubu administration) came was the generalisation of national assets. But we said no, you cannot have one specific medication that can treat all illnesses,” he said.

“So you have to analyse every sector, the power sector, the water sector, the education sector, the health sector… and be able to create arms of Civil Defence under the same umbrella.”

Although the decision has been made to set up the ‘power rangers’, the minister didn’t provide a date for the unit to be unveiled or inaugurated.

Instead, he explained some of the steps being taken to create the unit.

“We’ve already agreed on the modus operandi and as I speak to you, the offices are being screened,” he said.

“Don’t forget that we are going to have officers in all 36 states plus the FCT because there is no state without a power infrastructure; it is just like the solid mineral sector.

‘Go To Hell,’ Ribadu rebukes Canadian embassy for denying CDS, others visa

Abdulquadir Muritala
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‘Go To Hell,’ Ribadu rebukes Canadian embassy for denying CDS, others visa

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, has rebuked the Canadian embassy for denying the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, and other army chiefs visas.

Speaking on Thursday in Abuja at the maiden annual lecture of the National Association of the Institute for Security Studies (AANISS), Ribadu said Canada “can go to hell.”

He described the visa snub as “disrespectful,” while reacting to comments earlier made by the CDS, who narrated how he and other top military officers were supposed to be in Canada for an official assignment on Wednesday but were denied visas.

Musa said the Canada event is about honouring war veterans. He, however, noted that the denial is a clear reminder that Nigeria must “stand on its own, stand strong as a nation, and should no longer be taken for granted.”

“Every disappointment is a blessing. Yesterday, I was meant to be in Canada. There’s an event to honour our veterans, those that were injured during battles, and we were meant to be there,” the CDS said.

“We were invited with our team. Half has gone and half has been denied. It’s very disappointing,” he added.

But the NSA could not hide his displeasure after taking the microphone. He commended the CDS for speaking about the incident.

“Thank you for the courage to say Canada denied you visas. They can go to hell,” Ribadu said.

“Even though it’s painful, it’s disrespectful, but we are peaceful and strong and I agree with you that it is time to fix our country. Yet, this is another reason we work hard to make Nigeria work.”

Ribadu also commended Musa for providing “purposeful leadership” in the war against insecurity. He noted that all security agencies are collaborating across many parts of the country.

NASS passes ₦54.99trn 2025 budget

Rushonline
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NASS passes ₦54.99trn 2025 budget

The National Assembly on Thursday passed the ₦54.99trn 2025 Appropriation Bill.

The bill was passed separately by the Senate and the House of Representatives.

A breakdown of the budget showed N3.645trn for statutory transfers, N14.317trn for debt servicing, N13.64trn for recurrent expenditure and N23.963trn capital expenditure (development fund), with fiscal deficit put at N13.08trn.

Read AlsoFG should allow NUC manage budgets of universities – JAMB registrar

The Deficit-to-Gross domestic product (GDP) Ratio was put at 1.52%.

Last Week, President Bola Tinubu increased the 2025 fiscal year budget from an initial N49.7trn to N54.2trn, seeking approval from the Senate and the House of Representatives.

The Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations, Abubakar Bichi, while presenting the bill for consideration, stated that the committee met with the Presidential Economic Planning team to further discuss revenue projections and expenditure for the 2025 Appropriation Bill.

According to him, the 2025 Appropriation Bill was presented late, compared to that of 2024.

He urged the executive to present subsequent budgets to the National Assembly not later than three months before the next financial year, to maintain the January to December budget cycle.

Ghana’s former finance minister wanted for corruption

Abdulquadir Muritala
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Ghana’s former finance minister wanted for corruption

Ghana’s former finance minister Ken Ofori-Atta was on Wednesday declared a wanted fugitive and accused of corruption by the country’s special prosecutor.

“You have two choices: either return to the jurisdiction voluntarily or the OSP (Office of the Special Prosecutor) will enforce your return,” Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng said, accusing Ofori-Atta of causing financial loss to the state in high-profile government transactions.

Ofori-Atta, who served under former president Nana Akufo-Addo, is alleged to have authorised the release of substantial state funds for the construction of the controversial National Cathedral project in Accra.

The cathedral was conceived by Nana Akufo-Addo as a tribute to God following his 2016 presidential election victory and was supposed to be built using private money.

But claims that $58 million in public funds have been spent on the project and of financial irregularities has triggered a public uproar.

The former minister has also been accused of approving the disbursement of $11.8 million at the request of the presidential chief of staff.

Although the funds were released, construction of the cathedral remains stalled over the past two years and seen by some as a symbol of fiscal irresponsibility.

Critics have accused Ofori-Atta of failing to ensure due diligence and proper oversight before approving the payments.

Beyond the cathedral project, the former minister is also implicated in a contentious contract between the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Ltd (SML), a company specialised in audit and insurance in the oil sector.

In 2019, the GRA allegedly paid over $83 million to SML under Ofori-Atta’s watch without obtaining the legally required approval from the Public Procurement Authority.

The payments were made for various audit and verification services but concerns have since emerged over transparency and the contract’s value for money.

Anti-corruption organisations, including the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), have long called for Ofori-Atta’s prosecution, with some groups filing lawsuits against him, the GRA, and SML to demand accountability and a refund of public money.

The OSP has now taken over the investigation and is pursuing legal action against the former minister. Agyebeng stated that Ofori-Atta had shown no intention of voluntarily

Authorities have not disclosed Ofori-Atta’s current whereabouts.

The new government of President John Mahama has declared zero tolerance for corruption and vowed to pursue former government officials over alleged corrupt practices.

So far, the government has received over 2,000 complaints under its “Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL)” initiative aimed at retrieving all wrongfully acquired state assets in the hands of the previous Akufo-Addo officials.

FULL LIST: Mohbad, Odumodu Blvck, Ayra Starr lead 2025 headies nomination list

Abdulquadir Muritala
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FULL LIST: Mohbad, Odumodu Blvck, Ayra Starr lead 2025 headies nomination list

Nigeria’s most prestigious music award show, The Headies, has announced its highly anticipated 17th edition of the awards, marking a return after a year’s hiatus.

The list released on Wednesday features an array of both local and international artists who have been recognised for their contribution to the music scene in the past year.

According to the organisers, this edition will take place on April 5, 2025

They also said that the awards will be held in Lagos, Nigeria after criticisms from several quarters over it being held in the United States.

Hip Hop artiste Tochukwu Ojogwu, aka Odumodu Blvck, dominated the nominations on the list with a total of five.

A surprise entry was the late Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, who bagged three nominations.

This is almost two years after his tragic death in September 2023.

See the full nominations list below:

BEST RECORDING OF THE YEAR

TEMS – BURNING

SEYI VIBEZ – DIFFERENT PATTERN

BURNA BOY – HIGHER

AYRA STARR & GIVEON – LAST HEARTBREAK SONG

SARZ FEATURING LOJAY – BILLIONS

PRODUCER OF THE YEAR

SARZ – HAPPINESS

LONDON – OZEBA

MAGICSTICKS – BASQUIAT

REMA/PRODUCER X/CUBEATZ/DEATZ/KLIMPERBOY – HEHEHE

DIBS – DIFFERENT PATTERN

SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR

SIMISOLA KOSOKO – STRANGER (SIMI)

CHIMAMANDA PEARL CHUKWUMA – VISION (QING MADI)

MICHAEL AJUMA ATTAH – CAN’T BREATHE (LLONA)

EMOSEH KHAMOFU – FAMILY MEETING (BLOODY CIVILIAN)

FUAYEFIKA MAXWELL – STAGES OF LIFE (WIZARD CHAN)

BEST R&B SINGLE

QING MADI – VISION

JOHNNY DRILLE – FOR YOU

SIMI – STRANGER

TEMS – BURNING

AYRA STARR – LAST HEARTBREAK SONG FT. GIVEON

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR

LLONA

KAESTYLE

TAVES

ZERRYDL

BEST RAP SINGLE

CAST – ODUMODUBLVCK FEAT SHALLIPOPI

BLOOD ON THE DANCE FLOOR – ODUMODUBLVCK FEAT BLOODY CIVILIAN & WALE –

HALLELUJAH – LADIPOE, ROZZZ & MORRELO

CANADA – MAGNITO

IJE NWOKE – JERIQ

BEST VOCAL PERFORMANCE (FEMALE)

AYRA STARR – LAST HEARTBREAK SONG

NINIOLA – LEVEL

SIMI – STRANGER

LIYA – I’M DONE

TOMORROW – YEMI ALADE

MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR

CHARM – (REMA X PERLIKS X FOLARIN OLUDARE)

METAVERSE – (JYDE AJALA)

LIKE ICE SPICE – (PERLIKS & EMEKA SHINE SHINE)

OJAPIANO – (MATTMAX)

EGWU – (DIRECTOR PINK)

SHOWA – (TG OMORI)

NA MONEY – (DAMMY TWITCH)

BEST COLLABORATION

EMOTIONS – TIWA SAVAGE FEAT. ASA

BLOOD ON THE DANCE FLOOR – ODUMODUBLVCK, BLOODY CIVILIAN, AND WALE

CAST – SHALLIPOPI FT ODUMODUBLVCK

EGWU – CHIKE & MOHBAD

OLE – QING MADI & BNXN

TWE TWE REMIX – KIZZ DANIEL & DAVIDO

IDK – WIZKID FT. ZLATAN

BEST STREET-HOP ARTISTE

SEYI VIBEZ – “DIFFERENT PATTERNS

AYO MAFF – DEALER (FT. FIREBOY DML)

SHALLIPOPI – CAST (FT. ODUMODUBLVCK)

ZHUS JDO – JOHNBULL

MOHBAD – ASK ABOUT ME

AFROBEATS SINGLE OF THE YEAR

BIG BIG THINGS – YOUNG JONN FT. KIZZ DANIEL AND SEYI VIBEZ

TWE TWE REMIX – KIZZ DANIEL

EGWU FEAT. MOHBAD – CHIKE

REMEMBER – ASAKE

OGECHI REMIX – HYCE, BOYPEE, AND BROWN JOEL FT. DAVIDO

BIG BALLER – FLAVOR

LYRICIST ON THE ROLL

MOGADISHU – A-Q

VIEWERS CHOICE AWARDS

BIG BIG THINGS – YOUNG JONN FT. KIZZ DANIEL AND SEYI VIBEZ
OGECHI REMIX – HYCE, BOYPEE, AND BROWN JOEL FT. DAVIDO
EGWU – CHIKE & MOHBAD
OZEBA – REMA
DIFFERENT PATTERN – SEYI VIBEZ
SHOWA – KIZZ DANIEL
LOVE ME JEJE – TEMS
CAST – SHALLIPOPI FT. ODUMODUBLVCK
DEALER – FLAVOUR FT. FIREBOY
BIG BALLER – FLAVOUR

BEST WEST AFRICAN ARTISTE OF THE YEAR

BLACK SHERIF (GHANA)
KING PROMISE (GHANA)
HIMRA (IVORY COAST)
JOSEY (IVORY COAST)
TOOFAN (TOGO)

BEST EAST AFRICAN ARTISTE OF THE YEAR

BIEN (KENYA)

DIAMOND PLATNUMZ (TANZANIA)

JUMA JUX (TANZANIA)

BRUCE MELODIE (RWANDA)

AZAWI (UGANDA)

BEST NORTH AFRICAN ARTISTE OF THE YEAR

MOHAMED RAMADAN (EGYPT)

ELGRANDE TOTO (MOROCCO)

SOOLKING (ALGERIA)

BALTI (TUNISIA)

ABU (EYGPT)

BEST SOUTHERN AFRICAN ARTISTE OF THE YEAR

TITOM (SOUTH AFRICA)

YUPPE (SOUTH AFRICA)

TYLA (SOUTH AFRICA)

KELLY KAY (MALAWI)

PLUTONIO (MOZAMBIQUE)

ZEE NXUMALO (SOUTH AFRICA)

Dangote refinery drops diesel price from ₦1,075 to ₦1,020 per litre

Abdulquadir Muritala
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0
Dangote refinery drops diesel price from ₦1,075 to ₦1,020 per litre

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals has dropped the cost of its diesel product to ₦1,020 per litre, down from ₦1,075 per litre at the gantry price.

In a statement, the $20bn company said the reduction was part of its effort to better serve its customers and Nigerians in general.

Read Also:Ogun government warns Portable against assault of its officials

“Since it began diesel production in January 2024, the refinery has reduced the price of diesel more than three times, from an initial N1,700 per litre to the current rate, thus providing much-needed relief to manufacturers and consumers alike,” the company stated.

Recently, the private refinery slashed its ex-depot price for petrol from ₦950 per litre to ₦890 “based on market realities”.

Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, faces energy challenges, with all its state-owned refineries non-operational for decades until 2024. The country was heavily reliant on imported refined petroleum products, with the state-run NNPC being the major importer of the essential commodities.

Fuel queues are commonplace in the country. Prices of petrol more than quadrupled since the removal of subsidy in May 2023 by President Bola Tinubu, from around ₦200/litre to over ₦1000/litre, compounding the woes of the citizens who power their vehicles, and generating sets with petrol, no thanks to decades-long epileptic electricity supply.

Last December, Aliko Dangote, Africa’s leading industrialist, commenced operations at the facility situated in Lagos with 350,000 barrels a day. The refinery, which was initially bogged by regulatory battles, hopes to achieve its full capacity of 650,000 barrels per day by the end of the year. The refinery has begun the supply of diesel and aviation fuel to marketers in the country and now petrol.

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