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  • Abducted UNIJOS Graduate John Arum Azi Regains Freedom After 10 Days in Captivity

    John Arum Azi, a former student of the University of Jos (UNIJOS), has regained his freedom after spending 10 days in captivity after he was abducted while travelling to Kaduna State.

    Abduction on road to Zaria

    Arum, a graduate of Early Childhood Education, was kidnapped by armed men while travelling from Jos, Plateau State, to Zaria in Kaduna State.

    His abduction had earlier sparked public outrage after a video surfaced showing him being assaulted by his captors, who demanded a ransom for his release.

    The kidnappers initially demanded ₦30 million, threatening to kill him if the money was not paid.

    Ransom negotiations and increased demands

    Following negotiations with his family, the ransom was reportedly reduced to ₦6 million.

    However, after payment was made with support from well-meaning Nigerians, the abductors allegedly demanded an additional ₦4 million before agreeing to release him.

    The repeated demands further heightened tension around the case and drew widespread condemnation online.

    Freedom after 10 days

    The victim was eventually released on Wednesday after spending about 10 days in captivity.

    A video shared on social media by his family confirmed his release and reunion with loved ones.

    He has since been reunited with his family, bringing relief to relatives and supporters who had followed the case closely.

    Rising insecurity concerns

    The incident adds to growing concerns over kidnappings along major travel routes in parts of northern and central Nigeria, where ransom-related abductions continue to be reported.

  • Yul Edochie Under Fire After Advising Men to “Replace Heartbreak With 5 Women and Get Them Pregnant”

    Nollywood actor Yul Edochie has sparked widespread criticism on social media after sharing a controversial piece of advice directed at men dealing with heartbreak, a statement that quickly triggered backlash online.

    Yul Edochie reacts to Do2dtun’s post

    The actor responded to a recent emotional post by media personality Do2dtun, who encouraged men to speak out and avoid suffering in silence.

    While Do2dtun’s message focused on emotional expression and mental well-being, Yul Edochie took a different position, dismissing crying as unacceptable for men.

    “Replace her with 5 women” — actor’s controversial advice

    In his post, Edochie suggested that men should move on from heartbreak in an extreme manner rather than express emotional pain.

    “My brother Do2, speaking out is ok. Crying is totally unacceptable. Rather than cry for a woman, replace her with 5 new hot women, impregnate all of them at once,” he wrote.

    The statement immediately drew mixed reactions across social media platforms.

    Online backlash and debate

    Many users criticised the actor’s comments, describing them as irresponsible and insensitive, especially in discussions around emotional health and relationships.

    Others argued that the statement was another example of his controversial public persona, which has often attracted attention online.

    Do2dtun’s earlier message, which promoted emotional openness and speaking out during difficult times, continued to gain support from users who disagreed with Edochie’s stance.

    Ongoing conversation

    The incident has reignited conversations around masculinity, emotional expression, and relationship advice from public figures.

  • Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate to Algeria Mohammed Mahmud Lele Dies in Türkiye After Prolonged Illness

    Nigeria’s ambassador-designate to Algeria, Mohammed Mahmud Lele, has died in Ankara, Türkiye, after a prolonged illness, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed.

    Foreign Affairs Ministry confirms death

    The ministry announced his passing in a statement issued in Abuja by its spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, noting that Lele died in the early hours of April 19, 2026.

    He was said to have been receiving treatment before his death in Türkiye.

    Recent ambassadorial appointment

    Until his passing, Lele served as Director of the Middle East and Gulf Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

    He had recently been appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as ambassador-designate to Algeria following Senate confirmation, a posting he did not live to assume.

    Diplomatic career and background

    Born in Gamawa, Bauchi State, in 1976, Lele studied Economics at Bayero University Kano.

    Over the course of his career, he held several diplomatic postings in cities including Berlin, Lomé, and Riyadh.

    The ministry described him as a committed career diplomat with a strong record of service in Nigeria’s foreign missions.

    Final rites and burial

    His remains were received at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dunoma Umar Ahmed.

    He was later buried in Kano in accordance with Islamic rites.

    Nation mourns diplomat

    The ministry said his death represents a significant loss to Nigeria’s foreign service, especially at a time of expanding diplomatic engagements across Africa and the Middle East.

     

  • Tinubu Clarifies Exit of Wale Edun, Musa Dangiwa as Resignation, Not Sack

    The Presidency has clarified that former Finance Minister Wale Edun and former Housing Minister Ahmed Musa Dangiwa voluntarily resigned from the Federal Executive Council, insisting that neither was sacked by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    Presidency clears air on ministerial changes

    In a statement issued by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, it was confirmed that both ministers formally tendered their resignation letters before their exits were announced.

    The statement explained that Edun, who recently turned 70, stepped down due to health-related concerns, while Dangiwa also resigned, expressing appreciation to the President for the opportunity to serve in the cabinet.

    Edun’s farewell and final engagement

    According to the Presidency, Wale Edun submitted his resignation on Monday, the same day he marked his 70th birthday, while also thanking Tinubu for the privilege of serving under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

    “It has been a pleasure and privilege to serve your administration and the Renewed Hope Agenda,” Edun wrote, adding that Nigeria had become “stronger, more resilient and more internationally respected” under Tinubu’s leadership.

    He later paid a valedictory visit to the President at the Villa, where he held an hour-long private discussion before stepping away from government duties.

    Dangiwa’s background and resignation

    Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, an architect and former Managing Director of the Federal Mortgage Bank, also confirmed his resignation, thanking the President for the opportunity to serve in the Federal Executive Council since his appointment in August 2023.

    Before joining the cabinet, Dangiwa served as Secretary to the Katsina State Government and held key roles in housing administration at the federal level.

    Presidency praises outgoing ministers

    President Tinubu expressed appreciation to both men for their contributions to ongoing economic and housing reforms, describing their service as significant to the administration’s policy direction.

    He also urged new appointees to deepen reforms and maintain focus on fiscal discipline, innovation, and economic stability.

    The development continues to generate attention across latest Nigerian news platforms and remains part of ongoing breaking news Nigeria today updates.

  • Tinubu Hosts Jonathan at Aso Rock as Details of Meeting Remain Unclear

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday held a closed-door meeting with former President Goodluck Jonathan at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, with details of their discussion yet to be made public.

    Meeting confirmed by presidency

    The development was disclosed by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, via his X (formerly Twitter) handle, confirming that the former Nigerian leader visited Tinubu at Aso Rock.

    Despite the confirmation, no official statement has been issued on the purpose or outcome of the meeting, leaving key questions unanswered.

    Jonathan’s legacy revisited

    Goodluck Ebele Jonathan served as Nigeria’s president from 2010 to 2015, a period marked by significant political developments in the country.

    He is widely remembered for conceding defeat in the 2015 presidential election to Muhammadu Buhari, becoming the first sitting Nigerian leader to lose a re-election bid and peacefully transfer power.

    Silence fuels speculation

    As of the time of filing this report, neither the presidency nor Jonathan has provided further insight into the meeting, keeping the agenda and discussions away from public view.

    The visit has already sparked interest across political circles and continues to trend in latest Nigerian news, with more updates expected in breaking news Nigeria today as details unfold.

  • Chelsea Sack Liam Rosenior After Five-Game Goal Drought, Appoint Interim Coach Ahead of FA Cup Clash

    Chelsea Football Club have sacked head coach Liam Rosenior following a poor run of results, with the decision coming after a 3-0 defeat to Brighton and a historic goal drought in the Premier League.

    Rosenior exits after poor run

    The club moved to terminate Rosenior’s contract after Chelsea suffered five consecutive league defeats without scoring a goal.

    The run marks the team’s worst attacking slump since 1912, raising serious concerns over performance despite heavy investment in the squad.

    Rosenior leaves just over three months after signing a long-term deal in January, with the team currently sitting in mid-table.

    Costly decision for Chelsea

    Reports indicate that the financial impact of the sacking could be significant.

    According to The Mirror, Chelsea may pay over £24 million in compensation following his dismissal.

    The move adds to growing scrutiny over the club’s recent managerial decisions.

    Interim coach takes charge

    BBC Sport confirmed that Calum McFarlane has been appointed as interim head coach.

    He is expected to lead the team through the remainder of the season, beginning with the FA Cup semi-final against Leeds United at Wembley this Sunday.

    Big names linked to Stamford Bridge

    As the search for a new manager begins, several high-profile candidates have emerged.

    Reports from The Daily Mail suggest that Diego Simeone and former Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas are among those being considered.

    Meanwhile, The Athletic reports that Filipe Luis and Marco Silva are also on the shortlist.

    Season under pressure

    Chelsea’s struggles have intensified questions around the team’s direction, with fans and analysts debating whether the issues lie with management or the playing squad.

    The development remains a major talking point in global sports conversations and trending football news.

  • Boko Haram Suspect Alleges Link to Senior Military Figure in Abuja During Interrogation Video

    A man identified as a suspected Boko Haram member has made explosive claims during interrogation, alleging that the terrorist group operates under the influence of a senior military figure based in Abuja, in a video now circulating widely online.

    The suspect, who was seen tied to a tree and questioned by security operatives, repeatedly referenced an unnamed individual he described as “Manga Manga” and “Baban soja,” a Hausa phrase meaning “big soldier.”

    “My oga dey work for big soldier in Abuja”

    Speaking in a mix of Hausa and Nigerian Pidgin English, the suspect alleged that his immediate commander reports to the said figure in Abuja.

    “My oga dey work for that big soldier for Abuja,” he said, insisting that the group’s operations are linked to a high-ranking officer.

    He further claimed that his commander’s family is also with the same individual in Abuja, adding that he could lead security forces to the person if released.

    “If una loose me, I go show everything,” he said, repeatedly requesting to be untied during questioning.

    Denies possession of weapons

    When pressed on his involvement in armed activity, the suspect denied carrying any firearm.

    “I no get gun,” he stated.

    Despite further questioning, he maintained his position but refused to provide additional details unless his demand for release was granted.

    Claims unverified, authorities silent

    The allegations have not been independently verified, and no official response has been issued by security agencies regarding the claims or the identities mentioned in the video.

    The circulation of the footage has, however, triggered fresh debate online about infiltration claims and the credibility of statements made by suspects under interrogation.

    Security experts urge caution

    Security analysts caution that statements obtained under duress or during field interrogations must be treated carefully until independently investigated and confirmed.

    They stress that misinformation and coerced confessions can sometimes complicate ongoing counter-terrorism operations if not properly verified.

  • Adeleke Announces Free Osogbo Concert Featuring B-Red, Davido Affiliates as Osun Politics Heat Up Ahead of 2026 Election

    Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has announced a free concert in Osogbo featuring his son, Adebayo Adeleke, popularly known as B-Red, alongside several top and emerging artistes, in what is already drawing attention amid rising political activities in the state ahead of the 2026 governorship election.

    The announcement was made shortly after the governor appointed his nephew, David Adeleke (Davido), as Head of Youth Mobilisation for his re-election campaign.

    Free concert announced for Osogbo

    In a post shared on Wednesday via his X handle, Governor Adeleke described the upcoming event as an inclusive entertainment gathering for residents across Osun State.

    “Osun, this free Concert is for each and every one of you. I am delighted to have my son @B_RedHKN, his friends in the entertainment industry, and exciting upcoming musical acts from across Osun bringing the vibes home!” he wrote.

    A poster shared by the governor also listed performers billed for the event, including Peruzzi, CDQ, Fido, Shina Peters, May D, Sinarambo, Peller, and Kolu Wahala, among others.

    “No political divide” — Adeleke insists

    Adeleke said the concert is strictly non-partisan, stressing that it is open to all residents regardless of political affiliation.

    “This Get Out to Vote Concert is for everyone in Osun State — Accord, ADC, APC, LP, PDP — no political divide, just pure Osun energy!” he added.

    He also encouraged residents to attend in large numbers, noting that entry will be free.

    The event is scheduled to hold at the Technical Field in Osogbo on Friday, April 24.

    “Come out, groove, and let your voice count!” the governor added.

    Political undertone as election season approaches

    The announcement comes as political activities intensify in Osun State ahead of the August 8, 2026 governorship election.

    Parties have begun early mobilisation and campaign positioning, with stakeholders already engaging voters across different local government areas.

    Adeleke’s blend of entertainment and political messaging is expected to draw wide public attention as the election season gathers momentum.

  • Ini Dima-Okojie Welcomes First Child After Fibroid Battle, Shares Emotional Journey on Instagram

    Popular Nollywood actress Ini Dima-Okojie has welcomed her first child, marking a deeply emotional milestone in her personal life after years of battling fibroids.

    The actress made the announcement on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, via her Instagram page, where she shared a video of her baby bump and confirmed that she has now become a mother.

    A journey marked by health struggles

    Ini Dima-Okojie’s pregnancy announcement comes after a well-documented struggle with fibroids, which she first opened up about publicly in 2024.

    At the time, she revealed that the condition had returned despite undergoing a myomectomy surgery in 2020 to remove multiple fibroids.

    “My journey with fibroids isn’t over. I recently learned they’ve returned… The surgery was successful; my doctor removed every single fibroid and I healed well,” she wrote then.

    She added that although the recurrence was “disheartening,” she had accepted the situation and opted to explore a more holistic approach instead of another surgery.

    “I get to be a mother” — emotional announcement

    In her latest post announcing the birth of her child, the actress described the experience as a divine and life-changing moment.

    “There are moments when words feel too small for what God has done. This is one of those moments,” she wrote.

    She continued, reflecting on the journey to motherhood:

    “I get to be a mother🥹 What a miracle. What a privilege. What a calling.”

    Quoting scripture, she added: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you… Jeremiah 1:5,” expressing gratitude for what she described as a deeply intentional blessing.

    Fans and colleagues celebrate

    The announcement has since drawn widespread reactions online, with fans, colleagues, and well-wishers celebrating the actress and praising her openness about her health struggles.

    Many described her journey as inspiring, especially given her earlier public battle with fibroids and uncertainty about conception.

    Background

    Ini Dima-Okojie married Dr. Abasi Ene-Obong in a star-studded traditional ceremony on May 21, 2022, in Lagos.

    The wedding, tagged #AChocolateLoveStory, blended Edo and Efik cultural traditions before a white wedding ceremony attended by celebrities.

  • ISWAP Fighters Bury 30 Members After Nigerian Airstrikes Hit Northern Borno Hideouts

    Fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have been seen burying dozens of their members following a series of Nigerian Air Force airstrikes that reportedly struck terrorist positions in parts of northern Borno State, in what security sources describe as one of the most intense recent interdiction operations in the region.

    What happened

    The footage, which surfaced on X (formerly Twitter), was shared by counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama and appears to show ISWAP operatives conducting mass burial rites after sustaining heavy losses from coordinated air operations carried out under Operation Hadin Kai in the North-East theatre.

    The development comes shortly after reports that the Nigerian Air Force carried out precision strikes targeting terrorist hideouts along waterways and forested areas, following intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) monitoring of suspected ISWAP movement in the Kaniram Island axis and surrounding locations.

    How the operation unfolded

    Security sources said ISR platforms first detected unusual movement of approximately 31 boats along a riverbank, with activity patterns consistent with armed terrorist logistics operations. After confirmation of the targets, the Air Force reportedly launched precision strikes in line with established engagement protocols.

    The first wave of strikes disrupted the terrorists’ movement network and damaged several boats believed to be used for transportation and supply operations across waterways in the area. According to the account, follow-up surveillance showed attempts by surviving fighters to regroup in nearby vegetation, prompting additional targeted strikes.

    A second round of precision attacks reportedly neutralised about eight fighters, while a third strike hit another group of roughly 15 militants who had taken cover under dense tree cover. Battle Damage Assessment later confirmed significant casualties, with remaining fighters seen dispersing from surrounding hideouts.

    Burial video and battlefield aftermath

    In the video now circulating online, ISWAP members are seen burying what is believed to be about 30 of their fighters in the Mallam Fatori axis, an area frequently linked to insurgent movement and cross-border activity in Borno State.

    Security sources cited by Makama said the burials followed sustained aerial pressure that left the group with heavy operational losses, forcing them to conduct emergency rites for fallen members in the aftermath of the strikes.

    The Nigerian military has continued its air and ground operations across the North-East, targeting insurgent enclaves and supply routes in a bid to weaken their mobility and logistics capacity.