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  • Naira Strengthens Slightly to ₦1,345/$ as Stability Holds Across Markets

    The Nigerian Naira opened trading on Tuesday at an average of ₦1,345.47 per dollar in the official market, extending its steady run as efforts to align exchange rates continue.

    What happened

    At the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM), the currency recorded a slight appreciation during early trading.

    It briefly touched ₦1,345.87 per dollar before stabilising, reflecting consistent interbank activity and steady demand.

    Analysts say the performance is tied to ongoing reforms by the Central Bank aimed at improving liquidity and ensuring transparent pricing.

    Parallel market trend

    In the parallel market, the Naira maintained relative stability across major cities including Lagos, Port Harcourt and Kano.

    The dollar traded between ₦1,390 and ₦1,405, with the gap between both markets remaining largely unchanged.

    Traders noted that volatility has reduced compared to previous periods, offering more predictability for users of the informal market.

    What is driving stability

    Market observers attribute the trend to improved investor confidence, stronger external reserves and increased dollar inflows.

    These factors have helped ease pressure on the local currency while supporting gradual convergence between official and parallel rates.

    The bigger picture

    For businesses and households, the current rates point to a period of relative calm.

    While global dollar strength still poses a risk, the Nigerian market continues to meet demand without major disruptions, supporting smoother transactions in the near term.

     

  • “You Deserve a Husband” — Tiwa Savage Shares Son’s Unexpected Reaction During Skepta Talk

    Nigerian music star Tiwa Savage has shared a touching moment with her son, Jamil, revealing how a casual conversation about British rapper Skepta turned into a heartfelt exchange that has since gone viral.

    What happened

    Speaking in a recent interview, the singer said her son walked in while she was discussing Skepta with a friend and asked who they were talking about.

    In a lighthearted response, Tiwa said she jokingly referred to the rapper as her “baby daddy.”

    Jamil’s reaction

    According to her, Jamil immediately pushed back on the remark, telling her she deserved something more.

    “My son Jamil walked in while my friend and I were talking about Skepta. When he asked who we were talking about, I jokingly said ‘my baby daddy.’
    Jamil looked at me and replied, ‘You’re not gonna have a baby daddy… you deserve a husband,’” she said.

    Reactions trail video

    The moment has sparked reactions online, with many Nigerians sharing mixed opinions about the exchange.

    Some users questioned the singer’s comment, while others found the child’s response thoughtful and mature.

    The clip continues to circulate across social media platforms, drawing attention to the singer’s personal life and her bond with her son.

  • Police Release Woman Detained Over Viral “Bread Lasted Two Months” Claim

    A businesswoman, Love Dooshima, has been released from police custody after being detained over a viral social media review in which she claimed a loaf of bread stayed fresh for two months.

    Her release was confirmed early Tuesday following hours in custody at the Zone 7 Police Headquarters in Abuja.

    What happened

    According to human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong, Dooshima honoured a police invitation around midday on Monday but was subsequently detained.

    Her arrest followed a complaint by a bread company, BON Bread, which alleged that her viral video misrepresented its product.

    In the video, Dooshima claimed the bread she purchased remained fresh for two months, sparking widespread reactions online.

    How she regained freedom

    Effiong said he, alongside others, arrived at the police facility late at night after receiving a distress call.

    He disclosed that Dooshima was released at about 12:30 a.m. on Tuesday after intervention from the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu.

    Case not over

    Despite her release, the lawyer hinted that the matter is still ongoing.

    “We will be back by daybreak,” Effiong said, suggesting further legal steps may follow.

    The incident has continued to generate reactions online, with many Nigerians debating consumer rights and corporate accountability.

  • Terrorists Kill Soldiers, Seize Army Gun Truck in Kwara After Hours-Long Gun Battle

    Terrorists have reportedly killed security operatives and carted away an army gun truck after a fierce gun battle with soldiers in Kemanji community, Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, in the early hours of Monday.

    The clash, which lasted nearly two hours from about 3am to 5am, comes amid fresh attacks in Plateau and Benue states where at least 11 persons were also reported killed.

    What happened

    Sources said the attackers stormed the community in large numbers and launched a direct assault on a security formation comprising soldiers, forest guards, and vigilantes.

    A former council chairman disclosed that three soldiers and two vigilantes were killed during the encounter, while several others sustained injuries.

    “They came around 3am and attacked the security post… they also took motorcycles, guns, ammunition, and even the army gun truck,” the source said.

    Weapons carted away

    Residents confirmed that the attackers overwhelmed the troops before fleeing with military equipment, including about 12 motorcycles, arms, and ammunition.

    Another source said the attackers also evacuated their injured members, raising concerns about possible local collaboration.

    Military response

    Security operatives were said to have launched a pursuit operation into nearby forests, believed to be the attackers’ hideout.

    Some injured personnel have been taken to Kaiama General Hospital, while severe cases were referred to Ilorin for further treatment.

    No civilian casualties

    Community sources and the village head, Alhaji Sanni Zikki, confirmed that residents were not attacked during the incident.

    “The terrorists came from Kainji National Park and attacked our security men. We lost three soldiers… but there was no casualty among residents,” he said.

    Wider attacks

    The Kwara incident occurred alongside separate attacks in Plateau and Benue communities, where no fewer than 11 persons were reportedly killed and several others injured.

    Efforts to get official confirmation from police authorities were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.

  • APC Unveils Full Timetable for 2027 Elections, Fixes Dates for Primaries, Forms

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has released its detailed timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general elections, outlining dates for sale of forms, screening, primaries, and appeals.

    The schedule, signed by the party’s National Organising Secretary, Sulaiman Muhammad Argungu, shows that the process will begin on April 20, 2026, with the notice of election to state chapters.

    Key dates announced

    According to the timetable, the sale of nomination and expression of interest forms will run from April 25 to May 2, 2026.

    Submission of completed forms is fixed for May 4, while screening of aspirants for all positions will take place between May 6 and May 8.

    The publication of screening results is scheduled for May 11, with appeals set for May 12 and 13.

    Primary elections schedule

    The party fixed its presidential primary for May 15 and 16.

    House of Representatives primaries will hold on May 18, followed by the Senate on May 20.

    State House of Assembly primaries are slated for May 21, while governorship primaries will take place on May 23.

    Appeals timetable

    Appeals for the presidential primary will be held on May 18.

    House of Representatives appeals are scheduled for May 20, Senate on May 21, State Assembly on May 23, and governorship on May 25.

    Cost of forms

    The APC also released the cost of nomination and expression of interest forms.

    Presidential aspirants will pay ₦100 million, made up of ₦30 million for expression of interest and ₦70 million for nomination.

    Governorship forms cost ₦50 million, Senate ₦20 million, House of Representatives ₦10 million, and State Assembly ₦6 million.

    The party added that female, youth, and physically challenged aspirants will pay for expression of interest forms and 50 percent of nomination fees.

    What it means

    The release of the timetable signals the formal start of APC’s internal process ahead of the 2027 elections, with political activities expected to intensify in the coming weeks.

     

  • Blord Regains Freedom After 20 Days in Kuje Over VeryDarkMan Impersonation Case

    Popular Nigerian crypto entrepreneur Linus Williams Ifejika, widely known as Blord, has been released from Kuje Correctional Facility after spending 20 days in custody over allegations of impersonating social media activist VeryDarkMan.

    He regained freedom on Monday evening after meeting his bail conditions.

    What happened

    Blord was earlier granted bail on Friday by the court, with a directive to submit his international passport.

    However, he remained in custody after the passport did not arrive in Abuja from Anambra State in time to fulfil the condition.

    He was later released after completing all requirements.

    Sowore confirms release

    Human rights activist and politician Omoyele Sowore confirmed the development in a post on Instagram.

    “Linus Williams, also known as @mrblordofficial, is finally out of Kuje Prison… No one should be abandoned to unjust detention,” he wrote.

    Sowore also thanked members of the public for their support during the period.

    Background

    Blord was remanded following allegations that he impersonated VeryDarkMan, a controversial social media figure known for his outspoken commentary.

    The case drew attention online, with supporters calling for his release.

    His exit from custody now marks the latest development in the ongoing legal matter.

     

  • “I’m Changing My Birthday” — Mr P Drops Bombshell as Feud with Rudeboy Deepens

    Afrobeats star Peter Okoye, popularly known as Mr P, has stirred fresh reactions after announcing plans to change his birthday amid his ongoing rift with twin brother, Rudeboy.

    The singer made the declaration in a viral post on Instagram, though he did not reveal the new date.

    What happened

    “I’m officially changing my birthday date,” Mr P wrote in the brief but striking post.

    The statement has since triggered speculation among fans, many linking it to the lingering tension between the former P-Square members.

    Feud resurfaces

    Mr P and Rudeboy, born on November 18, 1981, rose to fame as P-Square before their split in 2017.

    Their fallout was tied to disagreements over management, finances, and creative direction.

    Although the duo reunited in 2021, the comeback was short-lived as both artists returned to solo careers.

    EFCC controversy

    The latest development comes after Rudeboy accused Mr P of being behind his invitation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

    According to reports, Mr P had filed a petition alleging fraudulent dealings.

    Rudeboy was later cleared after being questioned by the anti-graft agency.

    Despite this, he expressed disappointment that his brother did not apologise over the incident.

    Reactions trail post

    Mr P’s birthday comment has added a new layer to the ongoing family dispute, with fans reacting across social media platforms.

    Many described the move as symbolic, while others called for reconciliation between the twin brothers.

  • Tinubu Approves New Police Academy Campus in Ogun, Releases ₦15bn Take-Off Fund

    President Bola Tinubu has approved the establishment of a new Nigeria Police Academy campus in Erinja, Yewa South Local Government Area of Ogun State, alongside a ₦15 billion take-off grant for its development.

    The approval was confirmed in a statement issued on Monday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

    What was approved

    According to the statement, the ₦15bn intervention fund will be sourced from TETFund’s 2026 allocation.

    It will cover key infrastructure, academic facilities, student accommodation, and essential training equipment for the new campus.

    The Presidency said the move aligns with the Nigeria Police Academy (Establishment) Act, 2021, which allows the institution to operate multiple campuses nationwide.

    Why Ogun was selected

    The siting of the campus in Erinja followed recommendations from a high-level meeting involving top government officials.

    Participants included the Minister of Police Affairs, Minister of Education Tunji Alausa, the Inspector General of Police, and the National Universities Commission.

    They considered factors such as student capacity, funding, academic standards, and the long-term training needs of the Nigeria Police Force.

    What it means

    The Presidency said the expansion is aimed at strengthening policing education, institutional governance, and national security.

    The Nigeria Police Academy currently operates a single campus in Wudil, Kano State.

    The new Ogun campus will be the first additional campus created under the 2021 Act.

    Background

    The Academy began in 1988 with temporary campuses in Kano and Kaduna before relocating to Wudil in 1996.

    It became a degree-awarding institution in 2012 and now offers programmes across law, sciences, and related fields.

    Lawmakers had earlier called for decentralisation of the Academy, proposing campuses across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

     

  • “Stay There, Fight Them, Scatter ADC” — Gbajabiamila Tells Abejide Amid Party Crisis

    Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, has urged ADC lawmaker Leke Abejide to remain in the African Democratic Congress and intensify internal battles within the party amid its ongoing leadership crisis.

    He made the remarks at a birthday event in Abuja, where a video of his comments later surfaced online.

    What happened

    In the viral clip, Gbajabiamila openly encouraged Abejide to stay in the ADC and resist rival factions.

    “I know you to be a committed party man… Stay in that same ADC. Fight them. Scatter them. Hold on to your party,” he said.

    He added that Abejide should ignore opposing voices and continue his political efforts within the party.

    “We like what you are doing. Continue… Nobody can come and take your party away from you,” Gbajabiamila stated.

    ADC crisis deepens

    The ADC has been engulfed in a leadership tussle, with multiple factions battling for control, including a group linked to former Senate President David Mark.

    Abejide is aligned with the Nafiu Bala faction, which is contesting the legitimacy of the rival leadership bloc.

    Abejide’s stance

    The Kogi lawmaker has maintained support for President Tinubu despite remaining in the ADC.

    Speaking on Channels Television, he said his political loyalty cuts across both APC and ADC.

    “My heart is in the APC, and in the ADC… Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, and it’s not about party,” he said when asked about his 2027 presidential choice.

    Protest at INEC

    Last week, Abejide and other supporters staged a protest at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission, rejecting the Mark-led faction.

    They accused the group of attempting to hijack the party’s leadership in violation of its constitution.

    “We are here to urge INEC to do the right thing… These people are hijackers,” Abejide said.

    What this means

    The development highlights growing tensions within the ADC as political alignments begin to shift ahead of the 2027 elections.

    The party’s internal crisis is expected to shape its strength as a potential opposition platform.

     

  • “I’m Stepping Back” — VeryDarkMan Announces Social Media Break Amid Criticism

    Popular social media commentator Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan, has announced a temporary withdrawal from all social media platforms following criticism over his influence on Nigerian youths.

    He made the announcement in a video shared on his Instagram page.

    What he said

    VeryDarkMan explained that his decision was triggered by allegations that his content distracts young Nigerians from holding the government accountable.

    “Because of the allegations and accusations that it is my posts that have been distracting the Nigerian youths from holding the government accountable, I have decided to not post again on social media during this period,” he said.

    Calls on others to step up

    The influencer urged fellow content creators, celebrities, and activists to use his absence to push conversations around governance and accountability.

    “I would expect all influencers and celebrities and activists to use this opportunity to take over, let’s watch and see,” he added.

    Full break from platforms

    He further clarified that the decision applies across all his social media accounts.

    “I’ve made my decision that from today I am not going to be making any post on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube everywhere.

    “I am going to leave you people, I am going to give you people time… VeryDarkMan is going to be taking a back stage,” he said.

    Context

    VeryDarkMan is known for his outspoken commentary on social and political issues, with a strong following across digital platforms.

    His temporary exit has sparked reactions online, with many debating his impact on public discourse and civic engagement.