Taiye Ajayi

EFCC
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EFCC Raids Malami’s Properties in Abuja and Kebbi Over Salami Commission Documents

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has raided offices and residences connected to former Attorney General Abubakar Malami in Abuja and Kebbi State. The raids took place on Tuesday, December 16, with Malami confirming the development through his media aide, Mohammed Doka, on Wednesday. According to Malami, EFCC operatives arrived without prior notice and searched for documents related to Chapter 9 of the Justice Ayo Salami Judicial Commission of Inquiry Report. The former justice minister called the raids “deeply alarming,” pointing out they came shortly after he publicly asked the EFCC Chairman to step aside due to alleged bias concerning the same Chapter 9 report. Malami expressed worry that the timing and approach suggested intimidation rather than standard investigation procedure. He also voiced concerns about the safety of his staff and himself. “We hereby place Nigerians and the international community on notice that any harm to our personnel or to Abubakar Malami, SAN, will be solely attributable to this pattern of conduct,” his statement warned. Malami urged Nigerians and the media to examine the circumstances critically. He raised several questions: Why did the raids happen immediately after public mention of Chapter 9? What legal authority supports a search targeting only that specific section? Why was force and secrecy allegedly used instead of standard legal procedures? Why does Chapter 9 of the Salami Report continue causing controversy years after submission? The former attorney general appealed to civil society groups, professional bodies, and human rights organizations to pressure the Federal Government and Ministry of Justice to release the full Salami Commission Report, especially Chapter 9. He argued that making the document public would promote transparency, accountability, and restore public trust in the process.

police
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EFCC Arrests Fake Herbalists With $3.4M Counterfeit Cash in ₦26.5M Fraud Scheme

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested five people posing as traditional herbalists after they allegedly swindled a woman out of ₦26.5 million using fake foreign currency and spiritual deception. Officers from the EFCC’s Ibadan office seized counterfeit notes worth $3.43 million and €280,000 during raids on December 7 and 8, 2025, at locations in Osun and Lagos States. The arrested suspects are Akingbola Omotayo, Adeola Funsho Ogunrinde, Yahaya Amodu, Kubratu Babalola Olaitan, and Familola Sunday Olaitan. Their victim, Halima Sanni, lost over ₦26 million to the group’s elaborate scheme. EFCC investigations revealed the syndicate lured victims by pretending to offer spiritual healing and solutions to personal problems. They convinced people they had supernatural abilities to conjure large amounts of money. The fraudsters then told victims the “conjured” currency needed spiritual cleansing by a genie before it could be used. Under this pretense, they allegedly hypnotized victims and convinced them to hand over huge sums to pay for fake rituals and sacrifices. Intelligence-led surveillance helped EFCC operatives track down the suspects at their shrines. During the arrests, officers also recovered two luxury vehicles and multiple mobile phones. The EFCC confirmed the suspects will face criminal charges once investigations wrap up. This case highlights ongoing warnings from Nigerian authorities about fraudsters exploiting people’s spiritual beliefs for financial gain. Anyone approached with similar “money ritual” schemes should report immediately to law enforcement.

police
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Ondo Police Arrest Suspect After Cultists Kill Rufus Giwa Polytechnic Student

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Ondo State Police have arrested a suspect following the murder of 25-year-old Rufus Giwa Polytechnic student Ayodele Peter, who was shot dead by suspected cultists on Sunday, December 14. Police spokesman DSP Jimoh Abayomi Kazeem confirmed the arrest Monday, revealing that officers responded to a distress call about a violent attack at Shine Villa along Opomulero Street in Owo. “Suspected cult members forced their way into the premises and attacked Ayodele Peter,” the statement said. Police rushed to the scene and immediately took the victim to Federal Medical Centre, Owo, where doctors pronounced him dead. What followed was a swift manhunt. Using intelligence and tactical operations, police tracked down and arrested one suspect in the Opomulero area. The suspect is now in custody and has reportedly provided information that could lead to more arrests. Police say they’re actively searching for other suspects still on the run. Ondo State Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, praised his officers for their quick response, calling it a sign of the command’s improved capacity to handle security threats. He assured residents that police are committed to keeping them safe during the festive season and beyond, with reinforced security measures now in place across the state. CP Lawal has directed all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, and tactical team leaders to stay alert and maintain strong security coverage everywhere. The police also thanked Inspector-General Kayode Egbetokun for his reforms and technology-driven initiatives that have strengthened policing in Ondo State. Authorities are urging the public to stay vigilant, cooperate with security agencies, and report any suspicious activity immediately.

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Borno Attack: Suicide Bomber Kills Five Soldiers at Military Checkpoint in Gwoza

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Five Nigerian soldiers were killed Sunday morning when a suicide bomber struck a military checkpoint in Pulka town, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State. The December 14 attack happened as troops manned their post in the early hours. According to residents and security sources who spoke with Daily Trust, the bomber is believed to be an Islamic State–West Africa Province (ISWAP) operative who had been hiding in the nearby Mandara Mountains. What makes this attack particularly chilling is how it was carried out. A security source revealed the suspect allegedly spent the night near the checkpoint, waiting for his moment. “Some people said he slept close to the military checkpoint,” the source explained. “When the road opened for civilians in the morning, he blended in with them and detonated the bomb among the soldiers. Five died instantly.” A local resident described the incident as deeply unsettling, especially since the area hadn’t experienced a suicide bombing in over a year. “This is the first suicide attack here in more than a year,” the resident said. “It’s a wake-up call. Security forces need fresh strategies to stop this from happening again.” The attack has reignited fears about safety in parts of Borno State, particularly communities near known insurgent hideouts in the Mandara Mountains.

Celebrity Gist

Social Media Expert Claims Peller’s Car Crash and Jarvis Breakup Are Staged for Clout

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A social media analyst has ignited fierce debate online after claiming that Peller‘s December 14 car crash and his breakup with Jarvis are elaborate publicity stunts. The TikTok star’s accident, which happened during an Instagram livestream on Eko Expressway, sent shockwaves through social media as bystanders rushed him to the hospital. But not everyone is buying the story. Twitter user @austeiin, who describes himself as a content expert, says he’s willing to bet his December salary that both the crash and breakup are fake, carefully orchestrated to rack up engagement and keep people talking. “This is pure content creation,” he wrote in a viral post. “Nigerians are being used to amplify drama again.” He didn’t stop there. The analyst questioned Peller’s actual value beyond generating social media noise, arguing that without Nigerians constantly hyping controversial content, the influencer wouldn’t have his current level of fame. His criticism touched on what he sees as a troubling trend: people gaining instant celebrity status through reckless behavior and manufactured drama. “If you think acting ‘anyhow’ online leads to something meaningful, then the setup was never serious from the beginning,” he said. He also called out Jarvis, questioning why someone educated would turn their relationship into constant online content. The endless livestreams, public displays, and lack of boundaries made the eventual outcome predictable, according to him. As for the breakup sympathy flooding social media? He’s not buying it. “This is engagement farming, plain and simple. The separation and the accident are part of the same strategy.” His final point hit hard: Nigerians fuel these viral moments with excessive hype, then act surprised when things spiral out of control. It’s a cycle, he says, driven by clout-chasing and the hunger for the next trending topic.

Celebrity Gist

Laura Ikeji Exposes Shocking December Price Hikes in Nigeria: “₦70K Braids Now Cost ₦250K”

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Beauty entrepreneur Laura Ikeji Kanu has sparked heated conversation online after calling out Nigerian service providers for extreme price increases during December’s holiday season. In an Instagram video, the influencer shared her frustration with what she calls exploitative pricing. A hairstyle that cost her ₦70,000 before she left Nigeria is now quoted at ₦200,000, and some stylists are asking for ₦250,000 simply because it’s December. Laura didn’t hold back, warning that these inflated prices could ruin the festive season for many Nigerians. While she understands December is peak season for businesses, she argues there’s a difference between reasonable demand-based pricing and outright exploitation. She also pushed back against assumptions that diaspora Nigerians are automatically wealthy. “Many of us work regular jobs, save our money, and come home to relax, not to be overcharged,” she explained. Laura pointed out that this practice has been going on for years and is now spiraling out of control. The beauty entrepreneur questioned how a hairstyle already expensive at ₦70,000 could reasonably triple in price within months. Laura extended her criticism beyond beauty services to Nigeria’s housing market. She blamed short-term rental platforms like Airbnb for driving up annual rents, as landlords now calculate yearly prices based on inflated daily rates.

NLC
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Tinubu Holds Late-Night Meeting with Labour Leaders to Stop Nationwide Protest Over Insecurity

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President Bola Tinubu met with Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) leaders late Tuesday night in a bid to stop the union’s planned nationwide protest over the country’s deteriorating security situation. The emergency meeting at the State House in Abuja kicked off around 11:27pm, just hours before the protest was scheduled to begin on December 17. NLC President Joe Ajaero led the labour delegation, alongside Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, and Labour Minister Nkeiruka Onyejeocha. The NLC had announced the protest last week in response to what it called Nigeria’s “degenerating security situation.” Earlier on Tuesday, the union also raised alarm over an alleged plot by “unscrupulous agencies and desperate political hirelings” to hijack and violently disrupt the demonstration. Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Ajaero said the union would reconsider its position after reviewing the president’s proposals. He made it clear no final decision had been reached. “We came for consultation with the president, and we have finished,” Ajaero said. “Now we have to go back to our meeting and continue tomorrow. By tomorrow, you will get the outcome. Whether we are insisting on the protest or not, I will communicate it to you. This is not an organisation ruled by one person.” He added that the NLC leadership would hold further talks with state governors before making a final call on Wednesday. “We will go back to the drawing board, digest all that Mr President said, and move forward from there,” he said. Governor Uzodimma described the meeting as productive and assured Nigerians that more information would be shared soon. “Consultation is ongoing; we were dialoguing,” he said. “At the end of the day, Nigerians will know what they need to know. We are all here to serve the country, labour, government, and the governed. Everyone is working in service to the nation.”

Trump
Foreign News, Trending

US Adds Nigeria to Travel Restriction List Over Security and Visa Overstay Issues

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The United States has added Nigeria to its list of countries facing partial travel restrictions, citing security concerns and high visa overstay rates. The move comes as part of a broader crackdown announced by President Donald Trump on Tuesday, aimed at tightening border control and national security measures. According to a White House fact sheet dated December 16, 2025, the proclamation targets countries with weak traveller screening systems and poor information-sharing practices with US authorities. Nigeria is now one of 15 nations facing partial restrictions. US officials pointed to ongoing extremist activity by groups like Boko Haram and Islamic State affiliates in parts of Nigeria, making it harder to conduct thorough background checks on travellers. Visa compliance was another red flag. Data shows Nigerian visitors had a 5.56% overstay rate on B-1/B-2 business and tourist visas. Students and exchange visitors on F, M, and J visas did worse, with an 11.90% overstay rate. Trump had already labeled Nigeria a “country of particular concern” back in October, following reports of religious violence in the country. Five countries face even stricter measures. Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan, and Syria are under full travel bans. The restrictions also apply to anyone traveling with documents issued by the Palestinian Authority. Nigeria joins Angola, Benin, Senegal, and Tanzania on the partial restriction list. The White House confirmed that certain groups are exempt from the restrictions. These include lawful permanent residents (green card holders), current visa holders, diplomats, and people whose travel is considered in US national interest. Waivers may also be granted case-by-case. US officials said the goal is to protect public safety while pushing affected countries to step up cooperation on security and immigration issues.

House of Representatives
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Senate Orders Investigation into Fake News About Akpabio’s Death and Collapse

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The Senate has ordered an urgent investigation into viral social media claims that Senate President Godswill Akpabio collapsed or died. According to report, the directive, issued during Wednesday’s plenary session, tasks the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, with tracking down whoever started and spread the false reports. Senator Titus Zam from Benue North West brought the issue to the floor, raising alarm over rumours that had been circulating online for over 48 hours. He called the misinformation “dangerous, irresponsible, and unacceptable.” Zam specifically shut down claims that Akpabio suffered a medical emergency and was flown to a London hospital, saying the entire story was fabricated. “The Senate President, as Nigeria’s number three citizen, should not be subjected to such misleading and damaging misinformation,” Zam said. He pushed for those behind the false narratives to be identified and prosecuted, warning that such content threatens national stability. He also noted that similar false reports recently targeted former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon, pointing to a troubling pattern of fake news aimed at prominent Nigerians. Responding to the motion, Akpabio acknowledged how difficult it is to control what gets posted online, describing much of it as “garbage in, garbage out.” He asked fellow lawmakers whether the matter warranted a formal investigation by security agencies. The motion was put to a voice vote and passed unanimously. The NSA and DSS are now officially tasked with investigating the origin, motive, and spread of the false rumours about the Senate President.

Celebrity Gist

Toyosi Etim-Effiong on Marriage and Infidelity: Why Faith Comes Before Walking Away

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Toyosi Etim-Effiong, wife of popular Nollywood actor Daniel Etim-Effiong, recently got real about marriage, cheating, and what keeps relationships going when things get tough. In a conversation on the Toke Moments podcast, Toyosi made a surprising confession: infidelity wouldn’t automatically end her marriage. Instead of running for the door, she’d turn to prayer first. “Cheating is not a dealbreaker for me,” she admitted. Her approach? Lean into faith, seek spiritual direction, and fight for the relationship rather than abandon it at the first sign of trouble. Toyosi didn’t stop at personal prayer. She actually started a faith community called the Wives of Entertainers Prayer Group, where women come together to pray specifically for their husbands, especially those working in the entertainment world. According to her, the group focuses on spiritual protection, recognizing that temptation is real and people can be swayed. “I even created a prayer group, Wives of Entertainers Prayer Group, to pray for our husbands so that Jezebels will not carry them. I believe people can be lured, so in our prayer group, we pray,” she explained. Toyosi was clear that love alone doesn’t keep a marriage standing. She pointed to resilience, honest communication, and genuine understanding as the real foundations of a lasting relationship.

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