Hello and welcome! In today’s trending news stories;
1. The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, was arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) on Monday morning and released late that night on bail. His arrest, along with an alleged raid on the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) office, sparked widespread condemnation from groups like Amnesty International and civil society organizations. Ajaero was detained at Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport while en route to a meeting in the UK. The arrest is speculated to be linked to his refusal to honor DSS invitations and a petition by an airline operator.
2. Labour Party (LP) National Chairman Julius Abure revealed that Aisha Yesufu and Pastor Itua Ighodalo managed the party’s 2023 campaign funds, countering speculation that the party itself handled the funds. Abure clarified that Yesufu and Ighodalo were signatories to accounts set up for campaign donations and managed the funds, including payments to polling unit agents, with the party having no involvement. He also announced that LP’s presidential and governorship tickets for 2027 would not be reserved for Peter Obi and Alex Otti, making the positions open to all qualified Nigerians. Abure addressed the leadership crisis within the party and the establishment of a 29-member caretaker committee to oversee party congresses and the national convention. The committee was set up after a meeting in Abia State, convened by Obi and Otti, to address a leadership vacuum following a settlement agreement mediated by INEC.
3. Maiduguri, Borno State residents are on high alert after the Alau Dam overflowed, flooding numerous homes. The dam, filled for the past week, broke a new channel, threatening areas along the riverbank. Commissioner for Information, Usman Tar, urged residents to evacuate immediately, as water destroyed farms and neared residential areas. Despite reassurances from the state government, the flood has displaced many residents, including those in key areas like the Shehu’s palace, Monday Market, and Post Office. Similar devastation is seen in Yobe State, where flooding has cut off 12 local government areas, destroying roads, bridges, and property worth billions. Authorities have advised residents to avoid flood-prone areas as safety measures are implemented.
4. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Kaduna has arraigned Ibrahim Shuaibu before Justice Darius Khobo of the Kaduna State High Court on fraud charges. Shuaibu faces a seven-count charge, including criminal breach of trust, impersonation, and obtaining money under pretenses amounting to ₦100 million. One of the charges involves conspiring with a deceased accomplice in 2017 to fraudulently obtain money. Another charge accuses Shuaibu of defrauding Faisal Safiyanu of ₦47 million in 2018 by falsely promising to supply petroleum products. Shuaibu pleaded not guilty, and the court ordered his remand in EFCC custody pending trial, as he failed to refund the money to his victims.
5. Fuji music star Saheed Osupa paid a surprise visit to a devoted fan, Asake Alalubosa, a market woman at Oje Market in Ibadan, Oyo State. This followed a viral video where Asake praised Osupa, stating she would spend money on him if she became wealthy. In the video, she effortlessly sang several of his songs. Touched by her admiration, Osupa visited her shop, blessed her with a gift, and expressed gratitude for her unwavering support. He shared the experience on Facebook, highlighting Asake as one of many fans deeply appreciative of his music.
6. James Earl Jones, an iconic American actor known for his powerful voice, has died at 93. Best known for voicing Darth Vader in Star Wars and Mufasa in The Lion King, Jones had a prolific career on stage and screen. He won multiple awards, including three Tony Awards, two Emmys, a Grammy, and an honorary Oscar. Born in Mississippi in 1931, Jones overcame a childhood stutter to become a celebrated actor, with roles in Shakespearean plays and films like Dr. Strangelove. His deep voice made him a cultural figure, most notably Darth Vader. Jones’ voice recordings will continue to be used in future projects through AI technology. He is survived by his son, following the death of his second wife, Cecilia, in 2016.
