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Viral Video: Anambra Govt Arrests Vigilante Operatives Over Brutal Assault On Female Corps Member

 

The Anambra State Government has condemned the brutal assault of a female National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Jennifer Elobor, by operatives of its security outfit and confirmed that the personnel involved have been arrested and placed under investigation.

A disturbing video that surfaced online on Tuesday showed armed security operatives storming a corps members’ lodge and violently assaulting Elobor, accusing her and others of being internet fraudsters despite their NYSC identification and uniforms.

The operatives were seen beating her, tearing her clothes, and ignoring her desperate pleas for help.

The incident has sparked widespread outrage across social media, with many Nigerians demanding accountability and swift justice for the assaulted corps member.

Speaking on The Morning Brief on Channels Television, Special Adviser to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Community Security, Ken Emeakayi, described the assault as “unfortunate and unacceptable.”

He confirmed that the officers involved had been arrested and detained pending the outcome of an investigation.

Emeakayi explained that the incident occurred during a joint security operation, codenamed Operation Udo Ga achi, which involved personnel from the police, army, DSS, civil defence, and the state’s own security outfit, Agbunechemba, acting under the Anambra State Homeland Security Law of 2025.

“The operatives were on the trail of suspected cultists riding motorcycles and chased them into a compound,” he said.

“In the process of searching the premises, the unfortunate incident involving the corps member occurred.”

While he acknowledged the legality of the operation, Emeakayi stated that the conduct of the officers during the search was not acceptable.

“Immediately the incident was reported, the government moved swiftly to arrest and detain those involved. Our standard procedure is to launch a preliminary investigation, interview victims and witnesses, and determine if internal discipline or prosecution is warranted.”

He further revealed that he had personally met with Elobor and NYSC officials to hear their account and ensure appropriate steps are being taken.

“Our conclusion is clear, while the operatives were on a legitimate mission, their actions violated professional standards and disciplinary measures are underway.”

Emeakayi also clarified that Operation Udo Gatchi is a broader multi-agency operation, while Agbunechemba is the state-sanctioned security unit established under law.

He reassured Anambra residents of the government’s zero tolerance for abuse of power, stating that Governor Soludo’s administration is committed to protecting the rights of all citizens, especially innocent youth corps members serving the state.

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Tinubu Orders Reduction In Dialysis Cost From N50,000 To N20,000 Across Federal Hospitals

 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a significant reduction in the cost of kidney dialysis in federal hospitals, cutting it from ₦50,000 to just ₦12,000 per session.

The announcement was made on Monday by the President’s Special Adviser on Policy Information, Daniel Bwala, via his official X (formerly Twitter) handle.

Bwala explained that the subsidy is already being implemented across key federal medical facilities in all six geopolitical zones, offering critical relief to thousands of Nigerians suffering from kidney-related illnesses.

According to Bwala, the following federal hospitals are currently offering the subsidized dialysis services:

FMC Ebute-Metta, Lagos

FMC Jabi, Abuja

University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan

FMC Owerri, Imo State

University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), Borno

FMC Abeokuta, Ogun State

Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Lagos

FMC Azare, Bauchi

University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Edo

University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), Cross River

Bwala added that additional hospitals will be included in the subsidy scheme before the end of the year to improve nationwide accessibility.

The dialysis subsidy follows another recent initiative by President Tinubu, the approval of free caesarean sections (C-sections) for pregnant women in federal hospitals.

These measures are part of the administration’s broader commitment to improving healthcare delivery under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“These initiatives are practical steps toward ensuring that no Nigerian is denied access to life-saving healthcare due to financial constraints,” Bwala stated.

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Exchange Rate Gap Shrinks As Naira Strengthens In Parallel Market

 

The Nigerian Naira recorded a slight appreciation in the parallel market on Monday, August 18, 2025, strengthening to ₦1,550 per US dollar, up from ₦1,560/$ recorded over the weekend.

However, in contrast, the local currency weakened at the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM), where it depreciated to ₦1,534.80/$, down from ₦1,530/$ last Friday—reflecting a ₦4.80 drop.

According to data released by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the shift in the official rate marks a slight decline in the naira’s value within the regulated market.

As a result of these movements, the gap between the official and parallel market rates narrowed significantly from ₦30 per dollar over the weekend to just ₦15.20/$.

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FG To Retaliate As US Enforces Stricter Visa Rules On Nigerians

 

The Federal Government of Nigeria has vowed to introduce reciprocal measures following the United States’ implementation of stricter visa rules, including mandatory disclosure of social media activity for Nigerian applicants.

On Monday, the U.S Mission in Nigeria announced via its official X (formerly Twitter) handle that all Nigerian visa applicants must now provide details of their social media accounts, email addresses, usernames, phone numbers and any other digital identifiers used within the last five years.

Failure to comply with the new requirement could result in visa denial and future ineligibility for U.S entry.

“Applicants are required to list all social media usernames or handles used in the last five years on the DS-160 form. Omitting this information could lead to visa denial,” the U.S Mission stated.

The updated policy expands on existing rules, particularly for student visa applicants, who are already required to remove privacy settings and allow U.S authorities to review their online profiles as part of security vetting.

The requirement stems from broader U.S. immigration tightening policies, first introduced under President Donald Trump and now being aggressively enforced under Secretary of State Marco Rubio, including the revocation of 6,000 student visas over alleged legal and security violations.

In a related development, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has introduced stricter criteria for citizenship applicants under its revised “Good Moral Character” guidelines.

Applicants are now assessed on a wider range of personal behaviors beyond criminal records.

Immigration officers will consider how individuals live, contribute to their community, and whether they adhere to U.S social and legal norms. Indicators include holding a legal job, paying taxes, volunteering, and educational efforts.

In response, the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it is aware of the U.S. policy shift and will take reciprocal action.

“Visa policies are based on reciprocity. If the U.S. mandates our citizens to provide social media history, we will apply the same standards to Americans seeking Nigerian visas,” said Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the Ministry.

He confirmed that the government had prior notice of the changes and will convene an inter-agency meeting involving the Ministry of Interior, National Intelligence Agency (NIA), and other stakeholders to decide on an appropriate and coordinated response.

“A holistic strategy will be developed to ensure our response is well-informed and aligned with national interests,” Ebienfa added.

This is the latest in a string of visa-related measures by the U.S. government affecting Nigerians.

Previous actions include; reducing most non-immigrant Nigerian visas to single-entry with a three-month validity, warning of permanent visa bans for individuals who overstay or violate visa terms and heightened scrutiny for student visa applicants, including privacy removal from social media platforms

The U.S government maintains that these measures are part of its ongoing efforts to secure national borders, protect the integrity of its immigration system and promote compliance with visa regulations.

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Rumours Of Ali Nuhu’s Death Fake, Misleading – Nigerian Film Corporation

 

The Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC) has officially dismissed widespread social media rumours claiming the death of its Director and Chief Executive, Dr. Ali Nuhu.

In a statement released on Monday and signed by Brian Etuk, Director of Public Affairs at the NFC, the corporation confirmed that Dr. Nuhu is alive and actively performing his official duties.

“Dr. Ali Nuhu is hale and hearty, and he remains fully engaged in carrying out his responsibilities as the Chief Executive of the NFC,” the statement clarified.

The NFC condemned the circulation of the false news, describing it as malicious, harmful, and completely unfounded.

It warned those behind the misinformation, including any sponsors, of serious consequences for their actions, regardless of whether their intentions seemed harmless.

“The NFC wishes to draw the attention of perpetrators of these uncouth and dastardly acts, including their sponsors, to the dire and unmistakable consequences of their actions,” the agency warned.

The statement also noted that appropriate steps have been taken to investigate and curb the spread of such damaging misinformation.

Despite the distress caused by the fake reports, the NFC expressed gratitude to members of the public and industry stakeholders who reached out with concern, describing their support as a testament to Dr. Nuhu’s impact and reputation.

The rumours of Dr. Nuhu’s alleged passing began circulating online late Monday, accompanied by edited videos and photos falsely suggesting his death.

Dr. Ali Nuhu was appointed as Director-General of the Nigerian Film Corporation on February 12, 2024, by President Bola Tinubu.

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Zelensky Open To Direct Talks With Putin To End Ongoing War

 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed readiness to hold a direct bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in a bid to end the war that has dragged on for over three years.

Speaking to journalists on Monday after high-level meetings at the White House with U.S President Donald Trump and several European leaders, Zelensky confirmed that Ukraine is open to dialogue.

“I confirmed and all European leaders supported me that we are ready for a bilateral meeting with Putin,” Zelensky said following the summit.

This would mark Zelensky’s first face-to-face meeting with the Russian leader since the full-scale invasion by Moscow began in early 2022.

Zelensky’s comments come amid rising pressure on Ukraine to consider territorial compromises as Russian forces continue to make gains on the battlefield.

Prior to their meeting, Trump had urged Ukraine to consider relinquishing Crimea and dropping its bid to join NATO, two of the Kremlin’s long-standing demands.

However, Zelensky emphasized that his discussions with Trump were productive, providing an opportunity to give the former U.S. president a clearer understanding of the situation.

“This was the best of our meetings,” Zelensky said.

“I was able to show many things, even on the map, to all American colleagues regarding the situation on the battlefield.”

Rather than focusing on concessions from Ukraine, the summit discussions centred around the development of security guarantees for Ukraine, in case a peace agreement is reached.

French President Emmanuel Macron stated that the goal is to establish a framework for long-term support.

Trump added that any future security guarantees would be coordinated among European countries and the United States.

Zelensky further confirmed that planning for these security arrangements is already underway.

“It is important that the United States gives a clear signal that it will be among the countries that will assist, coordinate, and participate in these guarantees,” he said, noting that the framework could be finalized within a week to ten days.

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Okuama Community Demands Release Of Detained Leaders After One Year Without Trial

 

One year after the arrest of six community leaders in connection with the killing of 17 soldiers, residents of Okuama in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State are calling on President Bola Tinubu to secure their release or ensure they are given a fair trial.

At a press conference held in the village on Monday, the people of Okuama, under the platform of the Citizens Right Concern Enhancement Initiative (CRCEI), described the continued detention of their leaders by the Nigerian Army as a “gross violation of fundamental rights” and a clear departure from constitutional norms.

CRCEI Chairman and human rights advocate, Comrade Edewor Egedegbe, led the protest, naming those still held in military custody as Prof. Arthur Ekpekpo, Chief Belvis Adogbo, Mr. Dennis Okugbaye, Mr. Dennis Amalaka, and Mrs. Mabel Owhemu.

A sixth detainee, Mr. James Oghoroko, reportedly died in custody while awaiting trial.

According to the community, the arrests occurred between August 18 and 19, 2024, following the tragic March 14, 2024 incident in which 17 military personnel were killed while on a peacekeeping mission in the area.

“The ongoing detention of our leaders without due process is an affront to democracy and a slap on the face of the Nigerian justice system,” the group declared.

The villagers said the detainees have been denied access to medical care, legal representation, and family visits for over 12 months.

They also criticized the military for refusing to hand over the case to civilian courts, insisting that handling such matters outside Nigeria’s judicial system erodes public trust and undermines the rule of law.

“Even in the most severe security situations, due process must be respected. If there’s no credible evidence to prosecute them, they must be released immediately,” the group said.

The community urged President Tinubu, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Senator Ede Dafinone to intervene and ensure that justice is served not just for the slain soldiers but also for the detained community leaders, many of whom they claim are innocent.

They also demanded a transparent and independent investigation into the Forcados River killings to ensure accountability on all sides.

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Wike Dismisses N5bn Contract Claims, Challenges Local Contractors To Present Evidence

 

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has firmly denied allegations that he awarded contracts worth ₦5 billion to local contractors, calling the claims false and unsupported.

In a statement released on Monday, August 18, 2025, by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, the minister challenged those making the accusations to provide documentary evidence.

“No contract was awarded by Minister Nyesom Wike to any local contractor,” Olayinka stated.
“If anyone claims otherwise, they should produce the documents showing that he approved such contracts.”

Olayinka clarified that in December 2023, shortly after Wike assumed office, the Ministry received claims totaling around ₦10 billion from local contractors for work they said had already been done under the category of “Shopping” or Minor Procurement, projects allegedly carried out before Wike took office.

According to Olayinka, the Minister approved and ensured payment of over ₦5 billion in December 2023, and another ₦5 billion-plus in January 2024, effectively clearing the ₦10 billion backlog.

However, by March 2024, another bill surfaced, this time over ₦15 billion, also allegedly for “Minor Procurement” work done in the preceding months.

“The Minister then raised concerns,” Olayinka said.

“Who approved these fresh contracts? Because Minister Wike did not. It’s unrealistic that in just three months, contracts worth over ₦15 billion could be executed without his knowledge or authorization.”

He further noted inconsistencies in the figures being circulated.

“We’ve seen the claims drop from ₦15 billion to ₦8 billion, and now to ₦5 billion. The core question remains: who approved these contracts? That’s what they must explain first.”

Wike’s office insists that the Minister is committed to transparency and will not be coerced into validating undocumented expenditures or questionable claims.

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FG Reduces Enugu Airport Concession From 80 To 30 Years After Public Outcry

 

Following intense public criticism and stakeholder backlash, the Federal Government has revised its concession agreement for the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu, reducing the duration from a proposed 80 years to 30 years.

The original plan, revealed in a draft Public-Private Partnership (PPP) agreement, had proposed an 80-year term with an optional 20-year extension.

The plan sparked outrage, particularly across the Southeast, with critics describing it as a move to “mortgage the region’s future.”

According to reports, the controversial clause, Clause 5.1 of the 64-page agreement, outlined that the concession would begin from the “Effective Date” and include performance-based extension and early termination clauses for non-compliance.

However, in a major policy reversal, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved a significantly shortened 30-year concession period on August 1, 2025.

The Council also approved over ₦919 billion in aviation infrastructure projects under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, announced the decision during a media briefing at the State House.

He emphasized that the revised concession reflects the government’s commitment to transparency and responsiveness to public concerns.

Keyamo confirmed that the concession deal, now approved under a Full Business Case (FBC), was initiated by Aero Alliance Consortium through an unsolicited proposal. The agreement includes both the main airport terminal and the still-unfinished cargo terminal.

“The revised concession is in line with our strategy to optimize underutilized airports through responsible private sector partnerships,” Keyamo stated.

“We have ensured that labour unions and all relevant stakeholders were consulted throughout the process.”

In addition to the Enugu concession, the Federal Government rolled out several big-ticket aviation projects:

₦712.2 billion for the full rehabilitation and modernization of Terminal One at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos (22-month timeline).

₦46.4 billion for runway and taxiway upgrades at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano.

₦42.1 billion for runway and lighting improvements at Obafemi Awolowo International Airport, Port Harcourt.

₦44.1 billion for Category II LED lighting upgrades at Runway 18L/36R and taxiways at Lagos airport (30 weeks).

₦24.3 billion for the expansion and conversion of the Lagos domestic terminal apron to rigid pavement (82,000 square meters over 17.5 months).

The government has promised to make the full details of the Enugu concession deal public soon, as it continues to promote private sector involvement in the management and revitalization of critical infrastructure.

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2027: Enugu APC Youths Urge Gov. Mbah To Join Party, Endorse Tinubu For Second Term

 

As Nigeria begins the countdown to the 2027 general elections, youths of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State have thrown their weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid, while making a bold appeal to Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah to join the ruling party.

Operating under the banner of the Progressives Youth Stakeholders, the group held a strategic meeting in Enugu over the weekend.

There, they declared their commitment to mobilizing massive grassroots support across the state’s 260 wards and 17 local government areas, aiming to reverse the party’s poor showing in the 2023 elections.

Back in 2023, Tinubu garnered only 4,772 votes in Enugu State, a performance the youth group blamed on internal party crises and poor leadership by former APC state chairman, Barrister Ugochukwu Agballa, and the 2023 governorship candidate, Chief Uche Nnaji.

During the meeting, Mr. Peter Chime, leader of the youth coalition, emphasized that APC in Enugu must no longer be controlled by external forces. He also called for inclusivity and ownership of the party at the grassroots level.

“APC is not a personal business. It belongs to all of us. We must go back to our communities and become the face of APC,” Chime said.

The group extended a public invitation to Governor Mbah, urging him to consider defecting from his current party to the APC.

According to them, his leadership could catalyze development and attract greater federal benefits to Enugu State.

“We are begging our governor to join APC. If he does, not only will he receive an automatic ticket, he will also draw heavyweight politicians into the party,” Chime stated.

“Enugu needs to be connected to the center, and Governor Mbah is our bridge.”

The youths also pressed for a fairer reward system within the APC, calling on President Tinubu and the National Chairman, Prof. Mentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, to recognize loyal party members who have been sidelined since the 2023 victory.

“Those who toiled for the party deserve appointments and recognition,” Chime noted.

In addition, the group reached out to founding APC members who had distanced themselves due to past internal conflicts, urging them to return and rebuild the party.

“We ask our pioneers who left because of the actions of the former chairman and Hon. Uche Nnaji to come back. This is the house they built,” Chime appealed.

Also speaking at the event was Dr. Ben Nwoye, former APC State Chairman and a national leader of the Progressives Group, who highlighted the meeting as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen APC structures and prepare for 2027.

“This is about reenergizing the APC base in Enugu and nationwide,” Nwoye said.

“Governor Mbah would be warmly welcomed. If he joins us, he becomes the undisputed leader of APC in Enugu.”

He further underscored the need to empower youth leaders and strengthen political activity at polling units and ward levels.

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