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The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested four suspects involved in a ‘one-chance’ robbery and attempted kidnapping.

In the process, two victims were successfully rescued.

According to a statement issued on Sunday by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh: ‘On 8th October 2025, at about 10:09 p.m., the Command received a report at Life Camp Police Station that a victim had called in distress, alleging that she had been abducted by suspected criminals who demanded a ransom of ?1,000,000 for her release.

‘Upon receipt of the report, police operatives from Life Camp Division immediately swung into action. Through the deployment of digital and tactical intelligence, on 9th October 2025, at about 4:30 a.m., the suspects were arrested at Dape Village after a near-deadly confrontation with the police.

‘Two victims were rescued during the operation. However, one of them, who sustained multiple stab wounds inflicted by the suspects, was promptly rushed to Gwarinpa General Hospital, where he is currently receiving medical treatment.

‘The arrested suspects are: Solomon Tanko ‘m’, Samuel Audu ‘m’, Chigozie Joseph ‘m’, Emmanuel Chidiebere ‘m”.

Adeh said further investigation revealed that the suspects have been involved in a series of ‘one-chance’ robberies around the Bannex and Kado areas, using a vehicle with tinted windows to deceive unsuspecting passengers.

She said they revealed that they had picked and robbed six (6) victims, both men and women, before their arrest.

Exhibits recovered from the suspects include: 15 international passports, two sharp daggers, two cutlasses, bloodstained documents, four mobile phones, two hammers, and three biros.

Adeh said the suspects will be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.

‘The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, commended the swift response of the Life Camp Divisional Police Officers and urged residents to always trust the police and report incidents promptly for quick intervention.

‘He also advised members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities through the following emergency lines: 08032003913, 08028940883, and CRU FCT: 08107314192’, she added.

The Katsina State Police Command has announced that it successfully foiled several banditry attacks, recovered a General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), fabricated firearms, and arrested 168 suspects across the state.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, disclosed this during a press briefing in Katsina while presenting the Command’s achievements for the month of September on behalf of the Commissioner of Police.

According to him, the Command adopted multiple security strategies and worked tirelessly to safeguard lives and property across the state.

Highlighting the successes recorded, Aliyu said the police arrested 12 suspected armed robbers, 5 murder and culpable homicide suspects, and 14 suspected illicit drug dealers, among others.

‘The Command foiled several bandit attacks, neutralising five suspected armed bandits and rescuing over 80 kidnapped victims within the period under review,’ he stated.

Recovered exhibits, he said, included 1,298 rounds of live ammunition, four cartridges, one GPMG, two AK-47 rifles, and a large quantity of suspected vandalised electric cables, among other items.

Aliyu commended the Katsina State Government and residents for their continued support, collaboration, and assistance in maintaining peace and order.

He also appealed to the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or via the Command’s emergency contact lines to sustain the ongoing fight against crime and insecurity in the state.

All arrangements have been concluded for the 4th edition of the Olawale Ogunbusola School Competition and Awards, scheduled for Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at the National Museum of Unity, Aleshinloye, Ibadan.

A statement by the event’s convener, broadcast journalist, author, and education advocate, Olawale Ogunbusola, described the annual event as a platform designed to strengthen students’ academic competence, boost their confidence, and provide exposure to intellectual and social development.

According to Ogunbusola, the initiative reflects both personal and collective commitment to nurturing a generation of informed, inspired, and responsible young Nigerians through education and the recognition of excellence.

He disclosed that outstanding individuals who have made remarkable contributions in their respective professions will be honoured at the ceremony.

The event will be co-chaired by Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, Chief Press Secretary to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, and Hon. Kunle Olatunji, Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the Senator representing Oyo Central.

Also serving as Fathers of the Day are Dr. Babatunde Balogun Oruomeniowo, Chairman of Prince 89.7 FM, Ibadan, and Pastor Tayo Olatunji.

Special guests expected at the event include Comrade Bosun Olabiyi-Agoro, Oyo State Trade Union Chairman; Mrs. Bosede Sodiq, Senior Special Assistant on Broadcast Media to the Governor; Mr. Adetunji Lam-Adesina, CEO of 11-11-12; Elder Babatunde Oloyede, CAF Competition Manager and former Director of Oyo State Sports Council; Mrs. Oriyomi Pamela Otuka, Zonal Director, National Commission for Museums and Monuments (Southwest); Dr. Oyetunji Oluokun of LAUTECH Teaching Hospital; Mrs. Olaide Turner-Moyet, Director, Alliance Française, Ibadan; and Mr. Johnson Awodeji, Registrar (Exams), Oyo State Ministry of Education.

Also expected are representatives from SQI College of ICT and Robotics, Max-African Publishers, K-Dray, and Ige Sam.

Guest speakers for the 2025 edition include Professor Kehinde Jacob Ayantayo, Professor of Religion, Ethics, and Sociology at the University of Ibadan; Engr. Dr. Anthony Adeniji, CEO of Buff-I-Limited, and Mr. Olagunju Adelayo, Assistant Director, Medical Social Services, University of Ibadan.

They will speak on contemporary issues such as ‘Combating Fire and Flood Menace,’ ‘When Will Religious Crisis End?’ and ‘Addressing Cultism among Students,’ with discussions framed within both national and global contexts.

Ten secondary schools approved by the Oyo State Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology will compete in this year’s edition. They include Springs of Wisdom, Kulodi, St. Louis Grammar School, Lord’s Banner School, Community College High School, Lantem Private School, Outstanding Basic Academy, Immanuel College High School, Qiblah School, Bashorun-Oojo High School, and Unique Private School.

Award recipients include Otunba Ayomiku Ajibola, Chairman, Oyo State Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN); Alhaji Waheed Lamidi, Chairman, Nigerian Institution of Surveyors; Mrs. Ayodeni Aluko, Founder, Iseya TV; Rotimi Agboluaje, Reporter, The Guardian; and Adewale Owoade, Cameraman, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

Others are Pastor Adewale Adeiwa of Prince FM; Ms. Mercy Omoki, Regional Overseer, MFM Gbagi; Dr. Stephen Oyedele, Community Development Advocate; Hon. Oyejide Adeniyi, 2027 Egbeda House of Assembly aspirant; Mrs. Opeyemi Adabaale, Founder, Springs of Wisdom Schools; and ten other trailblazers across education, media, business, and civic engagement.

Over 250 participants, including students, educators, dignitaries, and media professionals, are expected to attend the event.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), Mr. Oludare Sunday, has called for enhanced collaboration between the Corporation and the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) in addressing emerging risks and challenges within Nigeria’s banking sector.

The MD/CE made the call during a courtesy visit by the President/Chairman of the Council of the CIBN, Prof. Pius Olanrewaju, and members of his executive team to the Abuja headquarters of NDIC.

The NDIC Chief Executive emphasized the need for a stronger partnership between both institutions in critical areas such as digital banking, cybersecurity, fraud and forgery prevention, and sound risk management.

The MD noted that while the phenomena of the emerging issues are on the rise, regulators and operators must come together to proffer solutions which help build a stronger financial ecosystem that withstands the vagaries of the innovations to deliver value to the economy.

While commending the growth of the CIBN as a professional body over the years, and its positive impact on the banking system, the NDIC boss further called on the Institute to take a critical interest in working more closely with regulators to fashion innovative failure resolution strategies that strengthen the overall resilience of the banking sector.

In a statement by Hawwau Gambo, Head of Communication and Public Affairs at the Corporation, the NDIC MD reaffirmed the Corporation’s commitment to supporting professional bodies such as the CIBN in developing and implementing initiatives that promote innovation while upholding sound risk management frameworks and ensuring financial system stability.

President and Chairman of Council of the CIBN, Prof. Olanrewaju particularly commended the NDIC for its notable milestone achievements, highlighting the upward review of deposit insurance coverage aimed at strengthening public confidence in the banking system; the deployment of technology to expedite the reimbursement of depositors of the failed Heritage Bank; and the commencement of liquidation dividend payments within one year of the bank’s closure.

While expressing confidence in the capacity of the MD/CE to uphold the trust reposed in the Corporation by the public based on his sound track record and expertise, Prof. Olanrewaju noted that these accomplishments by the Corporation have significantly enhanced depositor and investor confidence in the financial system.

The CIBN President also expressed appreciation to the NDIC for its invaluable contributions and active role as a member of the Institute’s Governing Council, noting that its participation has greatly strengthened the Council’s oversight functions, policy direction, and ethical leadership.

China has reaffirmed its commitment to working with Nigeria and other nations to promote the comprehensive advancement of women around the world.

Speaking at the weekend during the China Women’s Film Festival in Abuja, Zhou Hongyou, Minister at the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, underscored China’s longstanding dedication to gender equality and women’s empowerment.

Hongyou noted that the Chinese government continues to prioritize women’s progress in education, employment, and social inclusion, describing women as a vital force in the country’s rapid economic and social transformation.

He announced that the forthcoming Global Women’s Summit will focus on promoting gender equality and empowering women as key agents of sustainable development, in alignment with the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

‘This year’s summit will focus on promoting gender equality and women’s development, and on advancing the implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,’ he said.

Hongyou added that China has integrated women’s development goals into its national five-year economic and social plans, using women’s status as a benchmark for assessing the nation’s overall progress.

‘Chinese women have fully utilised their intelligence, talents, and creativity, playing an indispensable role in China’s transformation from a poor and backward country to a world economic powerhouse over the past five decades,’ he stated.

He also highlighted China’s expanding international cooperation efforts, noting that partnerships with countries like Nigeria are crucial to accelerating global progress in women’s development.

‘China is working with the Nigerian side and other countries around the world to accelerate the comprehensive development of women and open a new chapter in the advancement of the women’s cause globally,’ Hongyou said.

In his remarks, Gabriel Saleh Zock, Chairman of the House Committee on Culture and Creative Economy, lauded China’s partnership with Nigeria in promoting cultural diplomacy through initiatives like the China Women’s Film Festival. He said such collaborations not only celebrate women in film but also strengthen cultural and creative ties between both nations.

‘I commend the Embassy of China and the China Cultural Center in Nigeria for their consistent commitment to building cultural diplomacy and fostering creative exchange between our two nations, Nigeria and China. This festival is another bridge linking our creative communities, inspiring new possibilities for cooperation, artistic collaboration, and knowledge exchange,’ he stated.

Zock also stressed Nigeria’s dedication to gender inclusion and empowerment, revealing that the National Assembly is actively working to ensure greater female representation in governance, aligning with broader global goals for gender equality.

‘Just like how we are doing in the National Assembly now, we are trying to amend the Constitution and make a reserve seat for 30% women inclusion in governance. By God’s grace, in the coming years, more women will take their rightful place in leadership and decision-making across our nation.

‘Together, Nigeria and China can champion a creative future where talent knows no bounds and where art continues to unite humanity. When women tell their stories, society evolves; and when nations exchange their art, peace and prosperity follow. Let us reaffirm our shared responsibility to make cultural diplomacy a cornerstone of development and mutual understanding,’ he added.

Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Iman Suleman-Ibrahim, said the China Women’s Film Festival is a distinguished platform that celebrates creativity, resilience, and the power of storytelling to connect nations and inspire change.

‘It is a great honour to join you at this year’s China Women’s Film Festival, a distinguished platform that celebrates creativity, resilience, and the power of storytelling to connect nations and inspire change. Through the art of film, we are reminded that stories have the power to bridge cultures, ignite compassion, and build mutual understanding across borders,’ she said.

She said that the festival coincides with renewed international reflection on the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, underscoring its lasting influence on global gender equality and women’s empowerment.

‘This festival holds a special significance as it coincides with the renewed global reflection on the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a landmark framework that has guided three decades of advocacy for women’s rights, gender equality, and empowerment. As the world revisits the spirit of Beijing, we reaffirm our shared duty to ensure that every woman and girl, everywhere, lives freely, fulfilled, and empowered to reach her full potential,’ she added.

Rukkayah also highlighted Nigeria’s ongoing efforts under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, emphasizing programs designed to uplift women, strengthen families, and support vulnerable groups.

‘For Nigeria, this moment aligns closely with the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which places people at the heart of national development. Through the Renewed Hope Social Impact Intervention Programme, the Federal Ministry of Women’s Affairs is driving transformative initiatives that promote women’s economic empowerment, strengthen the family system, enhance child protection, and improve welfare for vulnerable groups building a more inclusive, just, and compassionate society.

‘Deepening collaboration with the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria holds immense promise for advancing women’s development. China’s success in leveraging culture, technology, and social innovation provides valuable lessons for Nigeria. Together, our partnership can expand opportunities for capacity-building, creative industry exchange, and women-led entrepreneurship particularly in film, digital storytelling, and cultural diplomacy ensuring that women’s voices continue to shape communities and inspire global progress,’ she stated

The Director-General of the National Pension Commission (PenCom), Omolola Oloworaran, has reaffirmed that the ongoing recapitalisation exercise remains central to the Commission’s reform strategy aimed at strengthening the pension sector against financial shocks, enhancing efficiency, and safeguarding contributors’ funds.

Speaking at the Commission’s 2025 Customer Service Week Seminar in Abuja, themed ‘Mission Possible,’ Oloworaran described the recapitalisation drive as a crucial step toward bolstering the financial resilience and long-term sustainability of Nigeria’s pension industry.

According to her, the exercise is designed to ensure that Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) are adequately capitalised to secure pension assets, promote fair competition, and maintain public confidence in the system.

‘With the continuous growth of pension assets and the expanding participation base of the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), recapitalisation has become critical to align the industry’s capital structure with its operational and investment realities,’ she said.

Oloworaran noted that the initiative forms part of the Commission’s new reform framework, Pension 2.0, which focuses on innovation, inclusion, and integrity as the next phase of Nigeria’s pension development.

Under this framework, PenCom has introduced landmark reforms such as the Guideline on the Administration of Retirement Savings Accounts in Foreign Currency, which allows Nigerians in the diaspora and those in foreign employment to participate in the CPS, and the *Personal Pension Plan (PPP) designed to integrate self-employed and informal sector workers into the pension system.

To further drive inclusion, the Commission has developed a Framework for the Engagement of Accredited Pension Agents to promote the Personal Pension Plan in rural and underserved areas. Additionally, PenCom has issued Revised Guidelines for Corporate Governance for Licensed Pension Fund Operators (LPFOs) to strengthen ethical conduct, accountability, and transparency across the industry – key complements to the recapitalisation policy.

‘Recapitalisation, combined with strong governance standards, ensures that operators remain financially sound and accountable to contributors and retirees. Our mission is to build a sustainable and customer-focused pension system that Nigerians can trust,’ Oloworaran stated.

She added that under the Pension 2.0 agenda, PenCom would continue to modernise pension operations through digital innovation, improved service delivery, and stronger stakeholder collaboration.

Speaking at the event, Mrs. Ngozi Akinbodewa, Head of Operations at SERVICOM, represented by Duruba Sesugh, urged PenCom to ensure that retirees receive their benefits promptly. She commended the Commission for celebrating its employees’ dedication to improving customer service and ensuring positive user experiences within the pension sector.

Singer-songwriter Johnny Drille has explained what makes a hit song, admitting that no artist can truly predict when a track will blow up.

Speaking on a recent podcast, the Mavin Records artist reflected on his creative process with Don Jazzy, revealing that even their popular hit wasn’t originally intended to top the charts.

‘I don’t think when we were making it, we thought, ‘Oh, this is going to be a huge song,” he said. ‘I don’t think anybody ever knows what a hit song is going to be until it just goes out and does its thing.’

Johnny Drille also found humor in artists who confidently label their upcoming releases as ‘hit tracks.’

‘Sometimes I laugh when I see people say, ‘I’m about to release my next hit track,’ and I’m like, bro, you don’t know what’s going to hit. A lot of the time, people who release the biggest songs didn’t even know it would be a hit,’ he remarked.

The singer further explained that even with strong production, investment, and marketing, success in music is never certain.

‘You can make fantastic music, be hopeful, tick all the boxes, and still, it just doesn’t pop. I think it’s a combination of good luck, timing, and the audience liking what they like. They just do what they want with the song,’ he said.

He concluded by advising artists to focus on what they can control – the music itself.

‘For the artist, there’s not really much you can do beyond creating beautiful music,’ he added.

Two sisters caused a scene at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Sunday after missing their NG Eagle flight, leading to a heated argument and physical altercation.

According to the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Michael Achimugu, the sisters, in their rage, also scattered luggage and other items around the terminal.

Airport security personnel reportedly intervened and took the women to the interrogation office, but the situation escalated further as they continued exchanging blows until one of them fainted.

Achimugu, who shared the incident on his official X handle, @mikeachimugu01, described it as ‘the strangest thing’ he had witnessed at the airport.

He added that despite one sister collapsing, the other refused medical assistance, insisting that their ordeal was ‘spiritual.’

‘Perhaps one of them blamed her sibling for their missing flight (not sure), but these two siblings began to fight each other. They scattered luggage and other items before being dragged to the interrogation office by airport security.

‘Inside, they began to fight again until one of them fainted. Calls were made for an ambulance to take her to the hospital, but her sister said that the problem is more spiritual than medical and, therefore, did not need a hospital.

‘She is presently receiving attention at the FAAN clinic. Hopefully, she makes a recovery. This is not how things should be’.

Afrobeats singer Iyanya has appealed for greater empathy toward celebrities, especially men, who face intense pressure under the spotlight.

In a post on X, the singer reminded fans that public figures are human beings with emotions and personal battles, despite the glamour associated with fame.

‘We need to understand that celebs are humans with deep feelings and struggles like everyone else. Beyond the media glamorisation of their lives is a person yearning to just be human,’ he wrote.

Iyanya added that male celebrities, in particular, often endure the burden of concealing their vulnerabilities to meet public expectations of strength and composure.

‘For male celebrities, perhaps there may be an even deeper level of struggle to come back up when one has hit a low – because men are wired to be stoic, not show vulnerability, not ask for help, or they’d be considered weak,’ he added.

The federal government’s effort to expand trade infrastructure and decongest the nation’s seaports has received a boost as the Ogun state government officially handed over 130 hectares of land to the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy for the construction of the Ijebu-Ode Inland Dry Port.

The handover marks a major milestone in the Federal Government’s trade facilitation agenda and paves the way for developing a logistics and cargo hub in Ijebu-Ode to boost intermodal transport connectivity and ease pressure on Lagos ports.

Speaking during the signing of the Transfer of Rights, Control, and Possession on behalf of the Federal Government, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Olufemi Oloruntola, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to completing the project within a short period.

‘The federal government remains committed to completing the Ijebu-Ode Inland Dry Port swiftly. This development is part of our broader efforts to enhance port efficiency, strengthen regional trade logistics, and promote seamless cargo movement across the country,’ he said.

Representing Governor Dapo Abiodun at the ceremony, the Ogun State Commissioner for Transportation, Engr. Gbenga Dairo said the land transfer demonstrates the state’s readiness to partner with the Federal Government to advance Nigeria’s trade infrastructure and diversify its transport system.

‘The state has provided land to the Federal Government to facilitate the construction of the inland port terminal within the Ijebu-Ode economic cluster area. This initiative will significantly improve intermodal transportation in the state and help decongest the Western Ports,’ he said.

The ceremony was attended by key maritime stakeholders, including the Director of Maritime Services, Dr. Mercy Ilori; the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Pius Akutah; and officials of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), who all expressed optimism about the project’s potential impact.

The Ijebu-Ode Inland Dry Port is part of the Federal Government’s wider inland dry port initiative aimed at decentralising cargo handling and stimulating economic growth in the hinterlands. Similar projects are underway in Ibadan, Kano, Funtua, and Jos, aligning with the administration’s goal of improving logistics efficiency and reducing trade costs nationwide.

When completed, the Ijebu-Ode facility is expected to enhance cargo distribution, attract investment, and position Ogun State as a major logistics hub within the South-West economic corridor.