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  • Court Orders VeryDarkMan To Pay Mr Jollof’s Wife ₦30m Over Defamation

    A Federal High Court sitting in Effurun, Delta State, has ordered controversial social media personality, Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, to pay ₦30 million in damages to Mrs Esinjemiyotan Uruneyonjuyei Atsepoyi, the wife of comedian Mr Jollof, over defamatory statements made online.

    The court also directed VeryDarkMan to publish a public apology and retraction across his social media platforms and in two national newspapers within 14 days.

    How The Dispute Started

    The controversy began in September 2024 during a heated social media clash between VeryDarkMan and comedian Mr Jollof.

    During the online exchange, VeryDarkMan allegedly accused Mr Jollof’s wife of engaging in adultery with politicians and internet fraudsters to help her husband secure a political appointment in Delta State.

    The allegations quickly sparked reactions online, with Mr Jollof publicly defending his wife while condemning the statements made against her.

    Following the controversy, Mrs Atsepoyi filed a ₦500 million defamation suit against the social commentator.

    Court Awards ₦30m Damages

    According to court documents reportedly signed by Justice R. Harriman on May 13, 2026, the court ruled that the statements made by VeryDarkMan were defamatory.

    The judge held that the defendant failed to provide evidence to substantiate the allegations published online.

    Justice Harriman stated that the defamatory comments damaged the claimant’s reputation and warranted both general and aggravated damages.

    “I therefore have no hesitation in holding that the words complained of are defamatory in their natural and ordinary meaning and are actionable per se,” the judge ruled.

    The court subsequently awarded ₦20 million as general damages and ₦10 million as aggravated damages against VeryDarkMan.

    Court Orders Public Apology

    The court further ordered the social media personality to issue a public apology and retract the defamatory statements published between September 15 and September 19, 2024.

    “The Defendant is hereby directed to publish an apology to the Claimant in two national dailies and all his social media handles containing a retraction of the defamatory words,” the ruling added.

    Justice Harriman also restrained VeryDarkMan, his associates, agents, or representatives from making any further defamatory publication against Mrs Atsepoyi.

    The judgment has since triggered reactions online, with many Nigerians debating the growing trend of social media defamation cases involving celebrities and online commentators.

  • Tinubu Government Spends N4.24bn On Presidential Air Fleet In Six Months

    The Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu spent about N4.24bn on the Presidential Air Fleet within six months, according to spending records obtained from Govspend, a civic technology platform tracking public expenditures.

    The records showed that the payments were made between June and December 2025 for the operational and logistical maintenance of the Presidential Air Fleet amid increasing public concern over government spending and calls for cost-cutting measures.

    Breakdown Of Transactions

    Findings revealed that the funds were paid into the Presidential Air Fleet naira transit account operated by the State House through eight separate transactions across June, July and December 2025.

    The largest portion of the spending was recorded in July 2025, when four transactions amounting to N2.43bn were made within one week.

    According to the records, N1.285bn was disbursed on June 12, while N430m was paid on July 24. Another N1.28bn followed on July 25, alongside N92m on July 29 and N626m on July 31.

    Further payments were made in December, including N9m on December 18, described as “Presidential Air Fleet forex transit funds,” while N343.9m and N90.9m were disbursed on December 30 and 31 respectively.

    Questions Over Spending Details

    The report also revealed that four of the eight transactions were listed without descriptions and simply marked as “None” in the Govspend database.

    Most of the transfers were, however, labelled as “Forex Transit Funds,” usually linked to foreign exchange requirements for international operations such as aircraft maintenance, fuel purchases and payments for overseas services.

    The latest figures add to the rising cost of maintaining the Presidential Air Fleet since President Tinubu assumed office in 2023.

    Presidential Fleet Costs Continue Rising

    Data showed that at least N26.38bn was spent on Presidential Air Fleet operations between July 2023 and December 2024 alone.

    Out of the figure, N14.15bn was reportedly spent in 2024.

    Budget allocations for the fleet also showed a steady rise over the years. The fleet received N17.32bn allocation in the 2025 budget before it dropped to N14.70bn in the 2026 budget.

    The reduction was largely attributed to lower capital expenditure projections.

    Records further indicated that engine overhaul projects across the fleet consumed N4.58bn in 2024, N8.65bn in 2025 and N6.05bn in 2026, bringing the total spending on engine maintenance to N19.27bn within three years.

    Concerns Amid Economic Hardship

    The development comes at a time many Nigerians continue to raise concerns over economic hardship, rising inflation and austerity measures introduced by the Federal Government following fuel subsidy removal and ongoing economic reforms.

    Budget data also showed that allocations to the Presidential Air Fleet have risen significantly over the years, increasing from N4.37bn in 2017 under the Buhari administration to N20.52bn in 2024.

  • Lakurawa Terrorists Kill Two Customs Officers In Kebbi Gun Battle

    Two officers of the Nigeria Customs Service have been killed during a gun duel with suspected Lakurawa terrorists in Kebbi State.

    The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, confirmed the incident on Wednesday while speaking at a conference in Ilorin, Kwara State.

    Customs officers killed during counter-operation

    According to Adeniyi, the attack happened around 3am during a counter-offensive operation against the armed group.

    The slain officers were identified as Assistant Superintendent of Customs Bamigboye and Deputy Superintendent of Customs Dom.

    “This morning, two officers of the Nigeria Customs Service paid the supreme sacrifice while warding off threats from Lakurawa terrorists in Kebbi,” Adeniyi said.

    “Customs remains the last shield”

    The customs boss described the incident as painful, noting that Customs officers continue to play active frontline roles in border security operations alongside the military.

    “Apart from the military, the Nigeria Customs Service remains the last shield in several of these border communities,” he stated.

    Adeniyi disclosed that he had already arrived in Ilorin before receiving reports of the attack.

    He, however, assured that the deaths of the officers would not weaken the resolve of the service in confronting criminal groups operating around Nigeria’s borders.

    A minute silence was later observed during the conference in honour of the deceased officers.

    Adeniyi speaks on Artificial Intelligence and corruption

    Speaking on the conference theme, “Disruptive Technology: Human and Artificial Intelligence in the Digital Economy,” Adeniyi said the deployment of AI-driven risk management tools by Customs had helped reduce corruption and improve operational efficiency.

    He stressed that Artificial Intelligence should not be viewed as a replacement for human intelligence and leadership.

    “Human intelligence is still required to guide Artificial Intelligence and prevent disruption within the economy,” he said.

    The Customs CG also challenged Nigerian researchers and technology experts to develop affordable local innovations capable of working effectively in areas with poor internet connectivity.

    Kwara governor reacts to officers’ deaths

    In his remarks, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq condoled with the Nigeria Customs Service over the deaths of the officers.

    Represented by his Special Adviser and Counsellor, Alhaji Saad Salahu, the governor described the slain officers as patriots who died serving the nation.

    He also called for stronger legal and ethical frameworks to regulate the use of Artificial Intelligence in Nigeria.

  • Wike Slams Nigerians Over Tax Compliance, Says Citizens Want Infrastructure Without Paying Tax

    Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has criticised Nigerians over what he described as a widespread reluctance to pay taxes despite demanding quality infrastructure from government.

    Wike made the remarks on Wednesday while inspecting ongoing road projects in the Federal Capital Territory.

    “Nigerians don’t like to pay tax” — Wike

    The former Rivers State governor said many Nigerians often criticise tax-related enforcement but fail to meet their civic responsibilities.

    “I’m not trying to defend AMAC when it comes to the issue of tax, Nigerians don’t like to pay tax but they can call you all sorts of names when it has to do with taxes,” he said.

    Wike added that while tax collection must be done in a “civilised way,” compliance remains a major challenge.

    “But knowing what we experienced too about payment of taxes, it would be difficult for me to say that they are right,” he added.

    Call for balance between rights and responsibilities

    The minister maintained that citizens expect improved infrastructure but are often unwilling to contribute through taxation.

    “Nigerians want good infrastructure but don’t want to pay tax. They want everything free in this country,” Wike said.

    His comments come amid ongoing public debates over tax reforms introduced under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, which have faced criticism due to rising economic hardship following the removal of fuel subsidy.

  • Alexx Ekubo’s Family Break Silence, Confirms Actor Died After Kidney Cancer Battle

    The family of Nollywood actor Alexx Ekubo has officially announced his passing, confirming that the actor died after a battle with advanced metastatic kidney cancer.

    The announcement, made on behalf of the family, puts to rest days of speculation and growing concern across social media platforms.

    Family confirms cause of death

    According to the statement, Alexx Ekubo died at Evercare Hospital following complications arising from metastatic kidney cancer.

    The family described his condition as a brief but courageous battle, noting that he fought the illness privately while maintaining strength and hope.

    “He bore his pain with strength,” family says

    In the statement, the family described the late actor as a beloved husband, son, brother, and friend.

    They said he endured his health struggles with “remarkable strength, unwavering faith, and enduring hope,” adding that he believed his healing testimony would one day be shared publicly.

    Family requests privacy and prayers

    The statement also appealed for privacy during the mourning period, while requesting prayers for the peaceful repose of his soul and comfort for those he left behind.

    It added that details regarding funeral arrangements and other family matters would be communicated later.

  • Fubara Denies Dumping APC For NDC Amid Fresh Rivers Political Crisis

    Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has denied reports claiming he dumped the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC).

    The governor spoke with journalists on Wednesday, insisting that he remains a member of the APC despite growing political tension in Rivers State.

    “Nothing has changed,” Fubara says

    Fubara dismissed social media reports suggesting he had defected from the ruling party.

    According to him, his loyalty to the APC remains intact.

    “I’m a member of the APC, and nothing has changed. Whatever happens, what is important is supporting the overall interest of the party,” he said.

    The clarification followed widespread reports on Tuesday alleging that the governor had moved to the NDC amid the ongoing political crisis in the state.

    Fresh twist in Rivers APC crisis

    The controversy comes amid renewed tension between Governor Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

    The political dispute reportedly escalated after the APC House of Assembly Screening Committee disqualified all 32 aspirants allegedly backed by the governor ahead of the party primaries for the 2027 Assembly election.

    However, the committee cleared 29 serving lawmakers loyal to Wike, including lawmakers led by Deputy Speaker Dumle Maol, to participate in the primaries.

    Reports also indicated that the Speaker of the House, Martin Amaewhule, obtained the APC nomination form to contest for a seat in the House of Representatives.

    Committee submits screening report

    According to reports, 98 aspirants appeared before the four-member screening panel set up by the APC National Working Committee.

    The exercise reportedly took place at the party secretariat in Port Harcourt over the weekend.

    A copy of the committee’s report, signed by Muraina Ajibola, Ishaku Tanko Yamawo, Abdullah Hajia Aisha Abdullahi Adamu, and Danjuma Samuel, stated that the process was conducted using a “transparent, orderly and participatory procedure.”

    Defection of Fubara’s ally fuels speculation

    Political tension further intensified after Blessing Fubara Snr, described as a close political ally and elder brother to the governor, reportedly defected from the APC to the NDC.

    Supporters of the move claimed it was driven by alleged humiliation and manipulation within the APC screening process.

    The development has continued to fuel speculation over possible political realignments in Rivers State ahead of the 2027 elections.

  • 70-Year-Old Nigerian Pilgrim Dies During Hajj In Saudi Arabia

    A 70-year-old Nigerian pilgrim from Nasarawa State, Hajiya Rukayya Haliru, has died in the Holy City of Makkah, Saudi Arabia, during the ongoing Hajj pilgrimage.

    The death was confirmed on Wednesday by the Nasarawa State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board.

    Pilgrim reportedly fell ill in Makkah

    The Executive Secretary of the board, Mallam Idris Ahmad Almakura, disclosed that the deceased was from Keffi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

    According to him, the elderly pilgrim complained of illness before her death.

    Almakura explained that medical personnel attached to the Nasarawa pilgrims’ contingent attended to her immediately after she reported feeling unwell.

    “She complained of illness and despite medical efforts, she drew her last breath this morning,” he said.

    Funeral rites conducted in Saudi Arabia

    The board stated that officials, alongside family members of the deceased, were present at the hospital to oversee the necessary burial arrangements.

    Her remains were later moved to the Grand Mosque in Makkah for the Janazah prayer, an important Islamic funeral rite for deceased Muslims.

    The funeral prayers were attended by relatives, officials of the pilgrims’ welfare board, and fellow Nigerian pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.

    Pilgrims advised to prioritise health

    Following the incident, Almakura urged other pilgrims to pay close attention to their health throughout the Hajj exercise.

    He advised them to quickly report any signs of illness to the medical teams deployed by the board for immediate treatment.

    The executive secretary also extended condolences to the Nasarawa State Government, the family of the deceased, and staff of the pilgrims’ welfare board.

    In a separate reaction, a relative of the deceased, Abdulwab Aboki, appreciated the board for supporting the family and handling the burial process transparently.

  • NDLEA Intercepts ₦10.4bn Canadian Loud Hidden Inside Vehicles At Lagos Port

    Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have intercepted 4,173.5 kilograms of Canadian Loud, a strong strain of cannabis, worth over ₦10.4 billion at the Tincan Island Port in Lagos.

    The agency disclosed that the illicit consignment was uncovered after months of intelligence gathering, surveillance, and international collaboration involving multiple security agencies.

    Shipment traced from Canada to Lagos

    According to the NDLEA, the container left Toronto, Canada, on March 28 before being moved by rail to Montreal.

    The shipment was later loaded onto a vessel identified as Jakarta Express Voyage, which arrived at Tanger Med Port in Morocco on April 15 before being transferred to another vessel, Osaka Voyage, that eventually arrived in Lagos on May 9, 2026.

    The agency said the container had been under close monitoring throughout the journey.

    Drugs hidden inside vehicles

    NDLEA revealed that the Canadian Loud was professionally concealed inside two vehicles packed within the shipping container.

    The illicit substances were reportedly hidden inside a used Ford bus and a Mercedes-Benz C300 car.

    The seizure was eventually carried out on Tuesday, May 12, during a joint examination involving NDLEA operatives, the Nigeria Customs Service, and other security agencies.

    International agencies assisted operation

    The anti-drug agency said the operation was executed in collaboration with international partners, including the United Kingdom Home Office International Operations, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

    Speaking during the handover of the exhibits in Lagos, NDLEA Director of Seaports Operations, ACG Ibinabo ArchieAbia, said the success of the operation showed the importance of intelligence sharing and inter-agency cooperation in tackling transnational drug trafficking.

    Fresh seizure comes days after Lekki raid

    The latest interception comes barely days after NDLEA operatives uncovered another large stash of Canadian Loud at a mansion in Lekki, Lagos.

    During that operation, the agency recovered 4,000 parcels of the psychoactive substance weighing 2,326 kilograms, valued at over ₦5.8 billion.

  • Military Rejects Report Claiming Airstrike Killed Over 100 In Zamfara

    The Nigerian military has dismissed reports alleging that more than 100 people were killed during an airstrike in Zamfara State, insisting that there is “no credible evidence” showing civilians were affected.

    The reports, which surfaced on Tuesday, claimed that scores of residents died after a military operation targeting insurgents hit a community in the state.

    Amnesty alleges women, traders among victims

    Rights organisation Amnesty International alleged that many of the victims were women and girls trading at a local market during the strike.

    According to the organisation, one affected village reportedly buried about 80 people at once following the incident.

    Amnesty also stated that dozens of injured persons were taken to hospitals in Zurmi and Shinkafi, while others were referred to Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital in Gusau for treatment.

    Defence Headquarters denies civilian deaths

    Reacting to the reports, the Defence Headquarters denied that civilians were killed during the operation.

    Defence spokesperson, Michael Onoja, said the strike targeted a “confirmed high-level gathering” of militant leaders based on intelligence gathered from multiple sources.

    According to him, the operation was conducted in compliance with international humanitarian law.

    “No credible, substantiated evidence of civilian casualties has been established through any official assessment or independent verification,” Onoja said.

    He added that the military’s post-strike assessment indicated that “several terrorists were neutralised.”

    Fresh concerns over military airstrikes

    The development has renewed concerns over civilian protection and intelligence accuracy during military operations in northern Nigeria.

    The latest controversy comes barely weeks after another reported airstrike in Jilli, located on the Borno-Yobe border, allegedly killed several civilians in April 2026.

    Previous operations in Zamfara and other northern states have also triggered disputes over whether those killed were terrorists, vigilantes or civilians.

  • Veekee James Welcomes First Child With Husband Femi Atere, Shares Emotional Announcement