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VeryDarkMan Reacts To EFCC Money Laundering Allegation

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Activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has spoken out following his recent arrest and detention by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of money laundering.

In a viral video released online, VDM alleged that the EFCC still has his mobile phone and suggested they may never return it.

He further claimed the agency logged him out of his iCloud account, thereby gaining access to sensitive videos and evidence stored on the device.

“My phone is currently with the EFCC, but I bought another one after I was released. When I tried to log into my iCloud account, I realised I could no longer access it,” he said.

VDM also issued a warning to the EFCC, cautioning the agency against publishing his photograph with any caption linking him to money laundering without context or evidence.

“EFCC, I want us to start a friendship, but what could ruin that friendship is if you people post the picture you took of me and label it as money laundering,” he warned.

“If you post that picture claiming it’s about money laundering, then you should also release the full context behind it,” he added.

VDM emphasized that any misleading publication would be met with legal action.

“If I see my picture on your website with a caption suggesting money laundering, you’ll have to prove it. That’s where our issue will begin, and we will settle it in court. It might even become the first open court case of its kind,” he stated.

“If you truly want friendship, remove any association of that image with money laundering, because it’s a lie against me. I don’t mind anything else you put up, no problem. In fact, I even want to use your placard as my profile picture,” he said.

VDM concluded by reiterating concerns about the seizure of his device and potential misuse of his private data.

“They didn’t just keep my phone, they logged me out of my iCloud account, meaning they now have access to everything on that phone, including many videos and pieces of evidence”

“I have a strong feeling they won’t return the phone. And even if they do, the phone is as good as gone.”

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27 European Countries Nigerians Can Visit With One Visa

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Dailygazettenig
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In a major boost for Nigerian travellers, a valid Schengen visa now grants access to 27 European countries in 2025, significantly simplifying travel across the continent for tourism, business, education, or family visits.

The Schengen visa allows free movement within the zone for up to 90 days within any 180-day period, without the need for internal border checks.

Once issued by any Schengen member state, the visa permits holders to travel freely across the participating countries.

As of January 1, 2025, Romania and Bulgaria have officially joined the Schengen Area, making them accessible to Nigerians with a valid Schengen visa, whether travelling by air, land, or sea.

However, it’s important to note that not all European countries are part of the Schengen Zone. The United Kingdom, Ireland, and Cyprus remain outside the agreement and require separate visas.

Here’s the full list of 27 European countries Nigerians can visit with a single Schengen visa in 2025:

  1. Austria
  2. Belgium
  3. Croatia
  4. Czech Republic
  5. Denmark
  6. Estonia
  7. Finland
  8. France
  9. Germany
  10. Greece
  11. Hungary
  12. Iceland
  13. Italy
  14. Latvia
  15. Liechtenstein
  16. Lithuania
  17. Luxembourg
  18. Malta
  19. Netherlands
  20. Norway
  21. Poland
  22. Portugal
  23. Slovakia
  24. Slovenia
  25. Spain
  26. Sweden
  27. Switzerland

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Governor Zulum Bans Sale Of Fuel In Bama LGA To Curb Terror Activity

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Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has imposed an immediate ban on fuel sales in Bama Local Government Area, including Bama town and Banki, in a decisive move to bolster ongoing counter-insurgency efforts.

Situated in northeastern Borno and sharing borders with Chad and Cameroon, Bama has remained a hotspot in the region’s security challenges.

The governor’s directive follows consultations with security agencies and is aimed at disrupting fuel supply to insurgent elements in the area.

The announcement was made through a statement issued on Saturday by the governor’s Special Adviser on Media, Dauda Iliya, who emphasized that the move is part of a broader strategic response by the government to intensify the fight against terrorism.

“I have directed the immediate ban on the sale of petrol in Bama town, Banki, and other parts of Bama Local Government Area with immediate effect,” Governor Zulum declared.

He firmly warned against any breach of the directive, noting that the order will be enforced with zero tolerance.

“Let me make it clear, there will be no sacred cows in the enforcement of this ban. Security agencies have been given strict orders to clamp down on any filling station or individual contravening this directive. Anyone found culpable will be dealt with accordingly,” he said.

Governor Zulum reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to restore peace across Borno State and appealed to residents for their understanding and cooperation.

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Hajj: History Made As First International Flight Departs Owerri Airport For Saudi Arabia

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Dailygazettenig
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The Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport in Owerri, Imo State, has recorded its first-ever international flight since its inception, with the successful airlift of Muslim pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj.

The historic departure took place on Friday night and was operated by Nigeria’s foremost carrier, Air Peace. The airline utilized its wide-body Boeing 777-300 aircraft, marking the first time such a large aircraft landed at the Owerri airport, a feat officials say signals the airport’s upgraded capability to handle world-class international operations.

A total of 315 pilgrims were on board the non-stop flight from Owerri to Medina, Saudi Arabia.

The development is seen as a major breakthrough for the South-East geopolitical zone and a landmark achievement for Nigeria’s aviation expansion.

Vice President Kashim Shettima officially flagged off the inaugural flight.

He lauded Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, for his commitment to fostering religious tolerance and inclusiveness, saying “This is a great moment for the people of the South-East. I commend the governor for promoting religious tolerance and inclusiveness in the state.”**

The Vice President also addressed the pilgrims, urging them to be mindful of their representation abroad.

“Uphold Nigerian values and serve as true ambassadors of the nation while in the Holy Land,” he said.

Governor Uzodinma, speaking at the event, reassured the people of the state’s commitment to building a robust aviation sector.

“This is only the beginning. The airport will also support the airlift of Christian pilgrims in the future,” he said, adding that Owerri is set to become a strategic hub for religious and international travel.

Dignitaries including the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, were also in attendance, along with religious and political leaders from across Nigeria.

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2027: APC Chieftain Commends Igbo Leaders’ Support For Retaining Presidency In South

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A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Hycienth Ngwu, has applauded prominent Igbo leaders for their commitment to ensuring that the Nigerian presidency remains in the South from 2027 to 2031.

Speaking with journalists on Friday in Enugu, Ngwu, who formerly served as the APC South-East Publicity Secretary, said the continued southern presidency was “very possible to achieve through the re-election of the incumbent President Bola Tinubu.”

According to him, “I appreciate the willingness of eminent Igbo leaders in coming strong to support the retention of the presidency in the South from 2027 to 2031, through the support and re-election of the incumbent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

He highlighted that recent political developments pointed to growing regional support for President Tinubu’s leadership.

“This vote of confidence expressed by massive supports witnessed in the President’s recent visits to Enugu and Anambra States,” Ngwu said.

“It is also a signal that the South Eastern economic and political leaders are now ready more than ever before to play in the mainstream of Nigerian politics.”

Ngwu praised the President’s economic initiatives aimed at enhancing regional competitiveness.

“The President’s warm disposition to crafting policies that will make the South have a strong competitive and comparative advantage economically should be worthy of our commendation,” he added.

He further expressed confidence that the President’s “Nigeria First” agenda would significantly benefit the South-East.

“President Tinubu’s ‘Nigeria First’ policy would certainly rejig the economy of the South-East more than the economy of other zones,” Ngwu noted.

He cited the administration’s tax reforms as an example of its commitment to economic development.

“The laudable Federal Government Tax Bills seek to streamline and abolish multiple taxes, a major bane of economic growth of our small and medium entrepreneurs,” he said.

“President Tinubu’s policies are on track to making our economy stable and ensuring sustainable growth.”

Ngwu called on people of the region to support their leaders and fully embrace central politics.

He stated, “Ngwu urged the people to align with their elders and eminent political sons and daughters to key into the new dawn and politics at the centre fully.”

He concluded by emphasizing the importance of strategic political decisions in preserving the South’s hold on the presidency.

“Truly speaking, no politically right-thinking zone will vote to thwart the zoning arrangement or for a new candidate that, if elected, will ask for another four-year term,” he said.

“We, therefore, need to support the one (President Tinubu) whose policies are impacting positively on us,” he added.

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Police Arrest Apprentice, Accomplice For Diverting N250m Building Materials To Fund Gambling

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Dailygazettenig
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The Police Special Fraud Unit (PSFU) in Ikoyi, Lagos, has arrested two suspects, Ezekiel Taiwo and Rahman Airat, over the alleged diversion of building materials worth over N250 million.

The materials, which included cement and other construction items, were reportedly stolen from Taiwo’s employer and the proceeds allegedly used for gambling.

The PSFU spokesman, Ovie Ewhubare, confirmed the arrests in a statement issued on Saturday.

He revealed that the suspects have been charged before the Federal High Court in Lagos on a five-count charge including conspiracy, stealing, fraudulent conversion, embezzlement, and money laundering.

“In a significant development to an ongoing case of conspiracy, stealing, fraudulent conversion of funds, embezzlement, and money laundering to the tune of Two Hundred and Fifty Million Naira (N250,000,000), the PSFU has arraigned two suspects; Taiwo ‘M’ and Airat before the Federal High Court, Lagos,” Ewhubare said.

The case originated from a petition by Jimoh Atofolaki, the employer of Taiwo, who accused his apprentice of diverting large quantities of cement and other materials from the company’s Osogbo branch, leading to massive financial losses.

“Investigations revealed that Taiwo conspired with Airat to convert the goods and used the proceeds for gambling,” the PSFU spokesperson added.

The Commissioner of Police in charge of the Special Fraud Unit, Okunade Nurat, issued a cautionary note to business owners on the need for due diligence when employing staff.

“We urge members of the public to be wary and always ensure that they carry out thorough background checks before employing individuals to take charge of their businesses,” she stated.

This case echoes a similar incident from 2019, when a 20-year-old apprentice, Kosi Nnamani, was arrested and charged for allegedly stealing goods valued at N1.94 million from his employer.

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South African Authorities Rearrest Nigerian Pastor, Timothy Omotoso

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Dailygazettenig
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Nigerian televangelist, Timothy Omotoso has been rearrested by South African authorities just weeks after being acquitted of multiple rape and human trafficking charges.

The arrest took place early Saturday morning in East London, according to confirmations from both the South African Police Service and the Department of Home Affairs.

Omotoso, 66, is the founder of Jesus Dominion International church based in South Africa.

He was first arrested in 2017 and faced 32 charges including rape, sexual exploitation, and human trafficking.

The case, which stretched nearly a decade, involved testimonies from several young women, some of whom were schoolgirls at the time.

They alleged that Omotoso handpicked them and later prayed for forgiveness after sexually exploiting them.

Despite the serious allegations, Omotoso was acquitted last month of all 32 counts after being detained and tried for nearly nine years.

Confirming the latest development, National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola said, “Well, I know it’s Omotoso.

He was arrested this morning around 5 o’clock in East London as he was finishing the church,” Masemola stated.

He further explained that the arrest stemmed from immigration concerns and involved a joint operation.

“Inspectorate immigration of the Department of Home Affairs, together with the South African Police Service and TRT [Tactical Response Team], did effect the arrest,” he said.

“The arrest is based on immigration matters. He will appear in court somewhere around Monday, and everybody will know exactly what charges he’s facing. But it’s immigration-related matters,” Masemola added.

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NAPTIP Rescues Two Year-Old Girl Trafficked For N100,000

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Dailygazettenig
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The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has successfully rescued a two-year-old girl who was trafficked from Abuja to Aba, Abia State.

In a statement shared via the agency’s official Facebook page on Friday, NAPTIP disclosed that the child was sold for N100,000 and that a suspect connected to the case was arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS).

“A 2-year-old girl, renamed Chiamaka Favor (alias), who was trafficked from Abuja to Aba in February 2025, has been rescued by NAPTIP Abia Command on May 8, 2025,” the agency stated.

According to the report, the arrested suspect had ties to at least three trafficking syndicates operating from Abuja and was believed to have facilitated the sale of the child for ₦100,000.

“The suspected trafficker, arrested by DSS Abia and handed over to NAPTIP, is alleged to have worked with three trafficking syndicates from Abuja and sold the child to a buyer for ₦100,000. Investigations are ongoing,” the statement added.

NAPTIP also appealed to the public for assistance in tracing the child’s biological family.

“NAPTIP is calling on the biological parents or any relatives of the child to urgently contact the agency,” it said.

DAILY GAZETTE recall that NAPTIP in collaboration with the Taraba State Ministry of Women Affairs and Child Development had in April, rescued eight trafficked children who had been “deceitfully taken away from their homes and trafficked to Aba, Onitsha, and parts of Imo State.”

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NAF @61: Embrace Careers In The Air Force, AOC Urges South-East Youths

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Dailygazettenig
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As part of activities marking the 61st Anniversary of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), the Air Officer Commanding (AOC) Ground Training Command (GTC), Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Ahmed Shinkafi, has called on youths from the South-East to consider careers in the Nigerian Air Force.

The appeal was made during an Open Day event held in Enugu on Friday.

Represented by the Chief of Staff of the GTC, AVM Anthony Martins, Shinkafi expressed concern over the low enrollment of youths from the region in military and paramilitary services.

He emphasized that the Nigerian Air Force offers structured career progression, educational advancement, and specialized training opportunities both within Nigeria and abroad.

“You can build a distinguished career while serving the fatherland through the NAF,” he said.

“There is equal opportunity for both male and female candidates, and we encourage young women to take up roles as airwomen, officers, and combatants.”

“Their energy, innovation, and ideas are essential to confronting current and emerging security threats.”

He further urged community leaders and dignitaries present to help sensitize youths in their respective communities about the opportunities available in the NAF, noting that each state in the South-East has a recruitment quota yet to be fully utilized.

Highlighting the achievements of the NAF, Shinkafi said it remains a dominant force in air combat operations in Africa and has successfully participated in several peacekeeping missions across the continent.

“Our operations are driven by cutting-edge technology, modern aircraft, precision weapon systems, and highly trained personnel. These ensure the effectiveness and accuracy of our missions,” he added.

Also speaking at the event, the Sarkin Hausawa of Enugu State, Alhaji Abubakar Sambo, commended the Nigerian Air Force for its contributions to national security over the past 61 years.

He praised the Open Day initiative for allowing civilians to engage with military personnel and gain insight into the workings of the force.

“This platform bridges the gap between the military and the public, especially young people who may be inspired to pursue military careers,” Sambo noted.

Some of the students who attended the event shared their experiences.

Master Ralph Uchechukwu, a student from Nike Grammar School, said he was fascinated by the aircraft demonstrations and the engineering checks that precede flight operations.

“With what I’ve seen today, I would love to become a pilot in the Nigerian Air Force,” he said.

Miss Nonye Onyeabor of New Haven Secondary School, Emene, also expressed interest in a career with the NAF, noting that the presentation made the profession more appealing and accessible, especially for females.

The Open Day featured a range of activities, including documentary screenings on the history and operations of the NAF, exhibitions, guided tours of aircraft and NAF facilities, an interactive session, and group photographs.

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‘Dr’ Title Controversy: Your Remarks Mischievous, Divisive, Threat To Interprofessional Collaboration – Resident Pharmacist Blasts Resident Doctors

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Pharm. King-David Ahuchaogu,

Pharm. King-David Ahuchaogu, Secretary General of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria–Young Pharmacists Group (Enugu State chapter) and a resident student of the West African Postgraduate College of Pharmacists, has issued a strong rebuttal to a recent statement by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD).

In a statement made available to DAILY GAZETTE on Saturday, Ahuchaogu described the association’s remarks against pharmacists, physiotherapists, and optometrists as “mischievous,” “divisive,” and detrimental to the spirit of interprofessional collaboration in the healthcare sector.

In a detailed response titled “Response to the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD),” Ahuchaogu challenged NARD’s opposition to the use of the “Dr” title by non-physician health professionals and their stance on salary relativity, dismissing both as misinformed and misleading.

He argued that the title “Dr.” is not the exclusive preserve of medical doctors, explaining that its origin lies in the Latin word docere – meaning “to teach” and was traditionally reserved for scholars.

“The title ‘Dr.’ can be used by anyone who earns it, whether through an academic degree, a professional doctorate, or even by honorary conferment,” he said.

“Physicians with only MBBS degrees, which are bachelor’s-level qualifications, use the title by convention, not entitlement.”

Ahuchaogu rejected the notion that pharmacists and other professionals are attempting to rival physicians, clarifying that they earn the “Dr.” title legitimately through rigorous professional doctoral programs such as the PharmD (Doctor of Pharmacy) and OD (Doctor of Optometry), which typically span six years of academic and clinical training.

Addressing salary-related issues, he defended calls for the upward review of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), pointing to a 2009 Memorandum of Understanding between the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) and the Federal Ministry of Health.

The MoU, he explained, stipulates that any increase in the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), used for doctors, must be reflected in CONHESS to maintain relativity and fairness.

“This is not about demanding equal pay with doctors,” he stated.

“It’s about ensuring equity and upholding the principle of relativity as agreed upon by all stakeholders.”

Ahuchaogu also condemned NARD’s assertion that only physicians are sought by patients for diagnosis and treatment, calling such a claim dismissive of the broader healthcare team.

“Healthcare is not a solo endeavor,” he said. “Doctors cannot function effectively without pharmacists, laboratory scientists, physiotherapists, and other allied professionals.”

He criticized what he described as NARD’s “disrespectful tone” and use of the term “quackery” to describe certified professionals trained in NUC-accredited institutions and licensed by their respective regulatory bodies.

Taking a swipe at the perceived inconsistency in NARD’s argument, he questioned why Nigerian surgeons, unlike their UK counterparts, still use the “Dr.” title, despite the British tradition of reverting to “Mr.” after surgical training.

“If MBBS holders without doctoral degrees can use the ‘Dr.’ title, how much more professionals who actually complete doctoral-level training?” he asked.

He urged resident doctors to channel their energy into academic growth and professional development, rather than stoking division within the healthcare system.

“NARD members, who are still undergoing training, should concentrate on their studies and refrain from making inflammatory remarks that undermine unity and mutual respect among healthcare professionals.”

Commending the National Universities Commission (NUC) for recognizing professional doctorate degrees, he called on the commission to stand firm against pressure from “distractors,” insisting that Nigeria’s health education and workforce policies must align with global best practices.

“Nigeria is not an island. We must think globally, even as we act locally,” he concluded.

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