No Osimhen, No Problem: Morata Powers Galatasaray to Cup
It was all uphill digging for Galatasaray since Alvaro Morata had to carry the entire weight because the Super Eagles’ hot-shot, Victor Osimhen, was absent from the action.
Osimhen
The Super Lig giants proved again their depth in the squad after thrashing Boluspor 4-1 in the Cup, notwithstanding having the team star striker- Nigerian Victor Osimhen- absent.
The result was a remarkable fillip in the competition for the Turkish giants, who took a step forward in morale victory after posting their first win on Thursday.
Osimhen
Boluspor could have early on served a potential upset, when they took an early lead that silenced the home crowd.
Meanwhile, new signing Alvaro Morata had already made his mark by spearheading Galatasaray’s comeback with a crucial equalising goal in the 21st minute.
This was Morata’s first goal for the club in this competition and it immediately endeared him to fans as it showed promise to fill the void in absence of Osimhen.
Fueled by a goal from Morata, Galatasaray dominated the match. Eyup Aydin capitalised on that momentum, scoring just before halftie to give the Lions a 2-1 advantage at the break.
Osimhen
The second spell was however all Galatasaray as Yusuf Demir and then Ahmed Kutucu added two more goals to complete the rout and remarkably end the match in favor of the Turkish giants.
This is the first Cup win this season for Galatasaray, a welcome one after the previous match ended in a draw. It also serves to enhance Galatasaray’s historical performance against Boluspor positively.
Ex-Marlian Dancer Lil Smart Nabbed for Alleged Crimes
In a very unexpected development, operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have arrested popular dancer Idowu Smart Emmanuel over his very explosive accusations against his former label boss and controversial rapper Naira Marley.
Lil Smart had earlier accused Naira Marley, along with Zinoleesky, of his kidnapping, beating, and robbery of $300, which he claimed was done by the rapper and his Marlian crew.
Furthermore, he alleged that Naira Marley bribes police officers across Lagos to avoid justice and implicated him in a very complex credit card fraud.
Smart
During a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, Nigeria Police Force spokesman Muyiwa Adejobi confirmed that Lil Smart admitted in his written statement that his accusations against Naira Marley were erroneous and laid against him. This admission was made after he was arrested on January 28, 2025, in his house for the charge of defamation.
Smart
The police captioned via Instagram; “ARREST OF SUSPECT FOR CRIMINAL DEFAMATION & CYBERSTALKING: Following a petition filed by a law firm, operatives of the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime arrested one Idowu Smart Emmanuel-a native of Ijebu Igbo, Ogun State-on criminal defamation, cyberstalking, cyberbullying, and falsehood against Abdulazeez Adeshina Fashola (A.K.A Naira Marley).
Investigations revealed that the suspect, using his Instagram handle at lilsmart, falsely alleged that he was abducted, assaulted, and took $300 from him, further alleging that Naira Marley bribed all police officers in Lagos and was involved in credit card fraud.”
Well, it is just that, as regards the details, Uncle Mudashiru had confessed that the Nigerians had been bought, thus giving even an added headway in proving how false Lil Smart’s allegations were against Naira Marley.
Smart
“That will be after investigating his case in full, as it may involve charges ranging from conspiracy through defamation to unlawful acquisition of property. Investigation is still ongoing, so I cannot comment on the case further.”
Arrested on January 28, 2025, at his residence on the grounds of defamation, Lil Smart was also reported by the police to have confessed through a acknowledging statement that his claims against Naira Marley were false.
“The ARREST OF THE SUSPECT FOR CRIMINAL DEFAMATION & CYBERSTALKING: A petition filed by a law firm led to his arrest and that of one Idowu Smart Emmanuel, a native of Ijebu Igbo, Ogun State, by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime for criminal defamation, cyberstalking, cyberbullying, and falsehood against Abdulazeez Adeshina Fashola (A.K.A Naira Marley).
Investigations revealed that the suspect, using his Instagram handle at lilsmart_, falsely claimed that he had been abducted, assaulted, and robbed of $300, further supported with claims that Naira Marley bribed all police officers in Lagos and was involved in credit card fraud.”
SMART
Yes, added that uncle Mudashiru has bought his own persons who proved even an extra headway into proving how false Lil Smart’s allegations were against Naira Marley in the very details of it.
“That will be after investigating his case in full, as it may involve charges ranging from conspiracy through defamation to unlawful acquisition of property. Investigation is still ongoing, so I cannot comment on the case further.”
His confession came after he was arrested by police for defamation of character at his home on January 28, 2025. Lil Smart was reported to have also admitted said charges against Naira Marley through an acknowledgement statement.
“The ARREST OF THE SUSPECT FOR CRIMINAL DEFAMATION & CYBERSTALKING: A petition filed by a law firm led to his arrest and that of one Idowu Smart Emmanuel.
Kayode Egbetokun, the Inspector General of Police, has appointed Abayomi Shogunle, the Commissioner of Police to spearhead the Police’s Special Intervention Squad.
Egbetokun, also assigned Shogunle to lead the Elections Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation unit, and the Safe School Protection Squad.
Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Police Force Public Relations Officer, said in a statement that the appointments by the IGP is only targeted at strengthening internal security and improving the police force’s quick response to violent crimes.
The statement also announced the appointment of CSP Chima Ogarashi as the new Force Marine Officer, tasked with enhancing security and tackling crime along the nation’s inland waterways.
The statement readS, “The new SIS head, CP Shogunle, is a highly experienced officer in operations and public relations, with certifications in various capacities. He will lead the SIS in addressing security challenges while also overseeing Elections Planning, Monitoring & Evaluation, and the Safe School Protection Squad,” .
It added, “CSP Chima Ogarashi, in his role as Force Marine Officer, will oversee one of the Force’s most critical units, leveraging his expertise in maritime security, policing, and law enforcement on inland waterways.
“These key appointments come at a crucial time as the Force is set to unveil 25 newly acquired gunboats and plans to procure more maritime safety equipment to boost security operations on waterways nationwide. This strategic acquisition is part of the Nigeria Police Force’s proactive approach to safeguarding lives and property while reinforcing confidence in maritime safety.”
Egbetokun has assured the general public of a safer environment and the police force’s commitment to ensure a tighter security.
An NSCDC deputy commandant, former brigadier general, and ex-chief of naval staff have been arrested by ICPC over N3 billion fraud.
Adam Yusuf, a deputy commandant in the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Kogi State, has been taken into custody by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over corruption allegations.
Demola Bakare, ICPC spokesperson, disclosed in a statement that Yusuf has been dodging the ICPC officers who were looking for him at his duty station in Kogi State. He was later apprehended in his residence at Gwagwalada, in Abuja, and will face the due course of the law.
The agency also disclosed that through its officers, it had uncovered a sophisticated corruption scheme being orchestrated by Vice Admiral Usman Jibrin, a retired Chief of Naval Staff, alongside former Brigadier General Ishaya Bauka Gangum.
ICPC further stated in a statement that the scheme reportedly involved the illegal diversion of over ₦3 billion in public funds through 92 fictitious companies.
The statement read, “Investigations by the ICPC uncovered a sophisticated scheme allegedly masterminded by retired Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Usman Jibrin, alongside former Brigadier General Ishaya Bauka Gangum.
“The scheme reportedly involved the illegal diversion of over ₦3 billion in public funds through 92 fictitious companies, none of which were registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
“Further investigations led authorities to trace the laundered funds to companies such as Lahab Integrated and Gate Coast Properties, among others. The illicit proceeds were allegedly used to acquire over 18 properties, including multiple filling stations.
“So far, four of these properties have been forfeited to the government, while legal proceedings are ongoing regarding the rest. The ICPC has also vowed to intensify efforts to track down other suspects still at large.”
In the early hours of Thursday morning, unknown gunmen abducted an Imam and some worshippers who were saying their prayers (Subhi) in the Bushe community, Sabon Birni Local Government Area.
According to reports, the unknown gunmen, otherwise known as bandits, attacked the mosque to kidnap the Imam and other victims.
DSP Ahmed Rufai, the state police command’s spokesperson, stated that the police and other law enforcement agencies are actively searching for the kidnapped victims to be rescued.
Rufai said, “I just confirmed the incident from the DPO of the community when I spoke with him on the telephone.
“I want to assure you that the Nigeria Police, in conjunction with other security agencies, are working tirelessly to ensure the immediate release of all the abductees.”
A total of 10 persons were abducted from the mosque, and the police are actively searching for the victims.
More details are to be shared on the search and rescue as the story develops.
Adedoye Emmanuel, a man who got his heart broken by his lover, is currently hospitalized in the intensive care unit at Igando General Hospital in Lagos State. He drank Sniper Insecticide to kill himself after his lover dumped him.
According to reports, this incident happened in Emmanuel’s hotel room at Governor’s Road, Ikotun area of Lagos. He is still unconscious after the incident and resides in the Agbado area of Lagos.
Emmanuel attempted to take his own life after being hit with a breakup from his lover, and then an influx of several life issues hit him also. He mixed the Sniper insecticide with Coca-Cola and Action Bitters, went to the popular hotel to lodge, and drank the mixture.
But it looks like he couldn’t bear the thought of dying anymore after the deadly mixture started reacting in his body; he ran out of his room to get help before the owner of the hotel intervened.
He was rushed to a private hospital, where he revealed why he had wanted to take his life before he became unconscious and was transferred to the intensive care unit of the General Hospital, Igando, Alimosho LGA.
While the doctors are trying to save his life, his full identity is yet to be known, as he wasn’t with his phone when he was rushed to the hospital.
The matter was reported to the police at Ikotu Division. The police headed over to his room only to find the container of Sniper that he drank.
However, a good Samaritan has been footing Emmanuel’s bills since he got to the hospital. His lover’s details or whereabouts are also unknown as of the time of this report.
Buhari Celebrates: A Resurgent Economy & Robust Security in Nigeria
Former President Muhammadu Buhari boasted about significant improvements to the country’s security and economy during his eight-year administration.
He said both the economy and security were faring better than when he took over from 2015 from the People’s Democratic Party, PDP.
Buhari made this announcement on Wednesday when he received members of the Katsina State Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigerian Union of Journalists in Daura.
Buhari
“Compared to what we met in 2015, Nigeria’s security and economy improved significantly under my administration. Things will continue to improve in Nigeria,” Buhari said.
“Compared to what we met in 2015, Nigeria’s security and economy improved significantly under my administration. Things will continue to improve in Nigeria,” Buhari said.
He went on to say that people who see him say he looked better than he used to while he was president, adding that he was still strong enough to do things daily during the week.
Two sectors that received much attention while he served as president were security and economy, which Buhari said his government tried to do something about in order to move the country forward.
Buhari
He admitted that Nigeria was no easy nation to govern, but added with some measure of pride that during the eight years of his administration, some major achievements were recorded.
He stated that even before the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF) went on stream, he had put up his home in Daura, while the home in Kaduna State had had no coat of paint for many years.
He, however, said the painting of his home in Kaduna was made possible by the then federal government while he expressed his gratitude to journalists for the coverage that his government received during his presidency.
*Peter Obi Slams Tinubu Over N54.2 Trillion Budget
Peter Obi, former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, said that there was no corresponding break in expenditures justifying the increase in the national budget for 2025.
The statement followed Tinubu’s report Thursday that the appropriation bill for the 2025 fiscal year had been raised from N49.7 trillion to N54.2 trillion.
He noted that Tinubu announced the increment in separate letters sent to the Senate and House of Representatives.
Obi
Responding to the budgetary development, he asserted that Nigerians ought to know how the resources generated were applied to foster the tenets of transparency and accountability.
This, in his opinion, would ensure that spending was done judiciously for national development and for the betterment of the people.
In a Friday post via X, the former Anambra state governor outlined that Nigerians were still waiting for a breakdown of the Renewed Hope budget passed in December 2023 and disbursement to execute it.
Peter Obi, the former governor of Anambra State, said on the X social media platform on Friday that Nigerians are still keen to have a proper accounting of the implementation and expenditures of the Renewed Hope budget passed in December 2023.
Obi
He sought to urge the National Assembly now to grab hold of this opportunity to obtain and make public the complete information on the 2024 budget. He said: “Yesterday I read that the Budget of Restoration was increased to N54 trillion on account of increased revenue.
The sources of revenue were well articulated but there was no accompanying breakdown of expenditures to justify the increase. For issues of transparency and accountability, the Nigerian people need to know how the resources generated are being allocated to ensure that they are judiciously spent on the development of the Country. Besides, it is an erstwhile presidential candidate of Labour Party, LP, Mr. Peter Obi, who has said that there is no corresponding breakdown of expenditures to justify the increase in the 2025 national budget.
Obi
This statement was issued following President Bola Tinubu’s approval on Thursday to increase the Appropriation Bill for the 2025 fiscal year from N49.7 trillion to N54.2 trillion.
Naijaeyes reported that Tinubu announced the increment in two separate letters sent to the Senate and the House of Representatives.
Obi, reacting, said that for the sake of transparency and accountability, Nigerians need to know how the resources generated are being allocated.
This he said, was to ensure that they were judiciously spent on the country’s development and the well-being of the people.
In a statement issued on Friday via his X handle, the former Anambra state Governor said Nigerians were still waiting for a detailed account of the execution and expenditures of the Renewed Hope budget passed in December 2023.
The President, Bola Tinubu, on Thursday, ordered the dissolution of the entire governing council of Yakubu Gowon University (formerly UniAbuja) and an immediate removal from office of Professor Aisha Maikudi as Vice-Chancellor.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced this in a press statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Tinubu
The new Pro-Chancellor of the university is Senator Lanre Tejuoso, while Professor Lar Patricia Manko will assume office as Acting Vice Chancellor for six months.
Similar changes have taken place in other federal universities, including the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), where the Professor Polycarp Emeka Chigbu was dismissed as Acting Vice-Chancellor and replaced with Professor Oguejiofu T. Ujam.
The Pro-Chancellor of the university, General Ike Nwachukwu, was reassigned to the University of Uyo, while Engineer Olubunmi Kayode Ojo will now serve as the newly appointed Pro-Chancellor for UNN.
Tinubu
It stated that “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced major changes in leadership positions in several federal universities, including the University of Abuja (now Yakubu Gowon University).”
“Senator Sani Stores is the new Pro-Chancellor at Alvan Ikoku University of Education, taking over from Senator Joy Emordi. Senator Stores is a council member at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
“Also, Barrister Olugbenga Kukoyi, a current council member at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, has been appointed as the new Pro-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Anambra State.
“All appointments and transfers take immediate effect.”
Earlier reports revealed that 43 professors from the University of Abuja had addressed an open letter to President Bola Tinubu as Visitor to the university, giving him an ultimatum for urgent intervention in the crisis of the school long before things get out of hand.
“They claimed the process of selecting Prof. Maikudi as the substantive Vice-Chancellor of the school was flawed and marred by impartiality.”
UK Citizenship? Badenoch Says 15 Years or No Pass!
The head of the Conservative Party, Kemi Badenoch, proposed stricter rules for citizenship by demanding an end to giving UK citizenship to Nigerians and other migrants who have not lived in the country for a minimum of 15 years.
Uk
Badenoch, in a video posted on her X account, intends to tighten the immigration system by changing the period that migrants must live in the UK before being allowed to apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) for a longer period from five to ten years.
It was also stated that anyone who has claimed benefits, taken up social housing, or committed crimes would be disqualified from permanent settlement in the UK.
uK
“I want to reduce immigration and make living here actually mean something. We need to change the way our immigration system works. So I am announcing that the Conservative Party is going to do the following things differently:
UK
“1. If you want to stay in our country permanently and apply for indefinite leave to remain, the time you have lived here before you apply would increase from 5 years to 10 years.”
“2. You will have to be a net contributor with a high enough salary, particularly if you want to bring family members with you. Otherwise, you’re banned if you’ve got a criminal record.”
“We would increase the time you can apply for a British passport from 12 months to 5 years, meaning it will take a minimum of 15 years to start an application.
Instant Access! ChatGPT Web Search, No Sign-In Required
ChatGPT web search without a login is now available
OpenAI’s decision to keep ChatGPT web search open to all without login could render the AI chatbot an attractive alternative to traditional search engines like Google.
Users can once again ask questions through ChatGPT without logging in.
Answers, however, were limited to being based on data available till the last training of the AI.
Then in October, OpenAI instead launched ChatGPT Search as an apparent competitor to Google, letting real-time queries about sports scores, news, or weather that was previously the realm of paid subscribers to ChatGPT.
Later, in December, it was made available to everyone, but still required login, which has now been lifted.
This only applies through ChatGPT.com. Any use of ChatGPT through the native mobile app will still require login.
Usain Bolt & Kassi Melt Hearts With Playful Moments!
Yet another new passion for Usain Bolt, strictly for quality time with Kassi Bennett, Uhuh.
Track legend Usain Bolt and long-time partner Kassi Bennett set the couple goal bar high as they took time off for each other to indulge in the popular game LEGO.
Usain
Bolt, the world’s fastest man as per his claim, showed the video on his X page at the onset of his new addiction of Lego, while his partner was cheering for him sitting jolly at the table at home.
Bolt and partner Bennett have been dating from 2013, but to protect their relationship,
They kept it out of the limelight for as long as possible.
Usain
Finally, during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, they came out as a couple when Jamaican model Bennett could hardly hold her excitement as Bolt sprinted again into the history books.
The couple welcomed their first child, a daughter named Olympia Lightning, on May 17, 2020, then, in June 2021, welcomed twin boys named Thunder and Saint Leo.
Popular Nigerian comedian and actor Bovi Ugboma, a.k.a. Bovi, revealed in a recent episode of the ‘Uncolored’ podcast how he relocated his family abroad.
Bovi explained why he relocated his kids abroad since the Nigerian educational system has accepted bullying in schools.
Bovi said, “My kids don’t live in the country [Nigeria] anymore. They have been in the UK for two years now. It started by accident; my first son has been there since 2021 in a boarding house.
“I went to boarding school in Nigeria, and it made me street-smart. So I decided that my kid needs to go to boarding but not in Nigeria because the educational system has accepted bullying by empowering students to bully their fellow students in the name of senior students disciplining their juniors.”
“The saving grace of the country is that we’ve not gone into war or food shortage. We’ve also not had natural disasters.
“So we can lose 500 doctors in one year, but there are about 200 new doctors coming on board. It’s like using balm aid on a big wound. That’s why it has not blown up in our faces.
“If the government wants to stem the tide, they check what the West is doing. Why are doctors comfortable going to work in other countries? It’s not just the money. If you are passionate about something but when you get to work there’s light and an enabling encouragement, you don’t get to fight to go to work or go back home.
“It may not be perfect, but at least that decency is not lost. Patients have died in Nigeria because of lack of blood or power failure during operation. If you are a medical doctor, would you like to work under that kind of condition? The answer is no.”
In light of deteriorating relations among various communities of Udu Ward and Mararaba Udege with respect to the Chiefdom of Afo, the governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule, has dissolved two traditional rulers with immediate effect.
Nasarawa
He made the pronouncement Wednesday after touring the areas of destruction from the recent clashes in the Nasarawa Local Government Area, where the governor expressed the lamentation and anguish at the loss of his people due to the violence, which was sparked by leadership and control of resources, resulting in the loss of three lives and the dislocation of a large number of other people.
Emphasizing the need for peace, he called on the Afo people to stay away from violence but rather embrace unity and reconciliation.
Nasarawa
“Most times, the disagreement amongst ourselves brings about crisis. This definitely is the community of Afo people and belongs to other tribes.
“It is high time we accepted ourselves and went for development in that area,” Governor Sule spoke.
The governor announced the intention to establish a committee to oversee the traditional succession processes in the affected communities, whose members will include a retired military officer.
Nasarawa
Allegedly, he warned both factions against any form of violence henceforth.
The governor stated that the government will not condone any acts that jeopardize the peace and stability of the area.
Healthcare Boost! Tinubu Raises Retirement Age to 65
President Bola Tinubu has approved the change in the retirement age of medical doctors and other healthcare professionals in the country from 60 to 65 years.
Dr. Mannir Bature, National Publicity Secretary of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), made this known in a statement on Wednesday.
Tinubu
Bature stated that the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Pate, has been instructed to present the approval to the Council on Establishment through the Head of Service’s Office for final passport.
He stated that the policy shift was brought up by Pate during a high-profile meeting with NMA President Prof. Bala Audu and other key stakeholders in the health sector.
Batture said the meeting also had the leadership of the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), and the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU).
He said discussions centred on the progress made regarding welfare for doctors and other healthcare professionals in Nigeria.
According to him, the coordinating Minister confirmed that the arrears resulting from the adjustment of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) are ready for payment.
Tinubu
“The necessary funds have been secured and disbursement to beneficiaries will commence soon,” he said.
Bature quoted the minister as saying that President Tinubu has approved the correction of consequential adjustments for both CONMESS and the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), which was as a result of the implementation of the new minimum wage.
“It would be at an advanced stage to effect this correction as a relief to doctors and other healthcare workers,” He said.
He stated that following a long process of review conducted by the NMA, approval has finally been granted for the implementation of new tariffs for healthcare service providers.
He went on to say, “This will be especially beneficial to members of the Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners and Nurses (ANPMPN), ensuring better financial remuneration and sustainability for healthcare services across the nation.
Tinubu
Bature stated that the Coordinating Minister commended the patience and collaboration of all stakeholders and reassured them of the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring the welfare of all healthcare workers.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that NMA has been at the forefront of calling for the increase of the retirement age of health workers from 60 to 65 years as a measure to minimize the brain drain, enhance the transfer of skills, and ensure the delivery of quality healthcare.
NAN report that nationwide strikes were declared by different health associations or unions for the non-implementation of CONMESS and CONHESS for doctors and healthcare workers.
