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A sickle cell patient has accused a well-known cleric, Bishop Samuel Onyeagoziri, of deceiving her into having sex with him under the claim that it would cure her condition.

Onyeagoziri is the General Overseer of Champions of the Truth Church in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.

The victim, speaking on a podcast, said the bishop had been having sexual relations with her since 2021, when she was still in secondary school. Her account surfaced shortly after a sex tape involving both of them went viral. While Mr. Onyeagoziri dismissed the tape as an ‘AI manipulation,’ she insisted otherwise.

‘It is not AI generated. I am the girl in that video. I have been begging him to delete it since 2021, but he refused. Now he is lying to cover up,’ she said.

The 22-year-old, who has lost three siblings to sickle cell complications, explained that her parents introduced her to the cleric as they searched for a solution to save her life. According to her, he promised healing but allegedly demanded that she sleep with him for seven consecutive days.

‘He told me that once he sleeps with me (for) seven days, my genotype will change from SS to AA. He even said many people had been healed that way. I was desperate, my parents were desperate, and so I had no option. He is the one that broke my virginity,’ she recalled.

She said her health did not improve, but instead worsened, even as she remained in the bishop’s house under threats.

She also alleged that he threatened her life with a rifle and forced her to take nude pictures.

‘People see those pictures and say I was smiling, but they don’t know it was out of fear. He said if I didn’t obey, he would kill me and no one would know what happened,’ she said.

According to her, attempts to leave between 2021 and 2025 were blocked by the cleric, who allegedly threatened both her and her family. Matters escalated this year when he reportedly demanded to marry her despite already being married and much older.

Meanwhile, Onyeagoziri, who denied having any sexual intercourse with the victim, said his phone was stolen and those who stole the phone used Artificial Intelligence (AI) to post his ‘doctored’ nudity with that of the girl.

He said, ‘My phone was stolen earlier this month, and after all efforts by those in possession of the phone to extort me failed, they resorted to denting my image. Those pictures you see are doctored. They aren’t real.’

However, Onyeagoziri was arrested on Wednesday at his home in Abakaliki. Journalists saw him at the state police headquarters on Thursday writing a statement at the Crack Team’s office.

The state police spokesperson, Joshua Ukandu, confirmed the arrest.

‘(The) investigation is ongoing. So, he is with the police,’ he said.

Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr Peter Obi, has said it would be encouraging for Nigerians if they could track and feel the impact of recovered looted funds by the Federal Government.

Obi stressed that such funds should have visible effects in education, healthcare, and poverty reduction across the country.

The former governor of Anambra State made this remark on Friday in response to the disclosure by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) that it recovered ?853 billion in crime proceeds in the past year alone.

While commending the anti-graft agency for the achievement, Obi noted that the major challenge lies in ensuring that the recovered funds are channelled into areas where Nigerians can truly feel the impact.

Writing on his X handle, he stated:

‘The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) announcement that ?853 billion has been recovered from crime proceeds within one year is a step in the right direction.

‘The Commission deserves our commendation for this effort, even though we are aware it’s just a tiny fraction of the funds looted from the public treasury by leaders.

‘Beyond this recovery, what truly matters is the utilisation of these funds in a verifiable and accountable manner, specifically in the critical areas of development, health, education, and poverty alleviation to benefit the people.

‘Nigerians want to see impact. We must be able to trace where and how these recovered funds are invested.

‘Currently, we have over 20 million out-of-school children in the country, the highest in the world. Similarly, we have the highest number of acutely poor people in the world, over 100 million.

‘In both cases, the situation is worse in the North, making all efforts at reducing it imperative. If these recovered funds and subsequent ones are strategically invested, they would greatly contribute to breaking the cycle of poverty, illiteracy, and insecurity.

‘For example, the Federal Government’s 2024 operational budget for Universal Basic Education is about ?251.47 billion. Tripling this sum would require an additional ?503 billion.

‘The remaining ?350 billion could be shared directly among the 19 Northern states as microcredit for the poor. Many of these states have long been applying for as little as ?2 billion in similar funding from our development banks.

‘Let this not just be another announcement of recovery. Let it mark the beginning of a new era of accountability, where every kobo retrieved is turned into classrooms, hospitals, skills, and opportunities for ordinary Nigerians.’

The Chief of Mission of the European Union Election Follow-up Mission (EU-EFM), Barry Andrews, has urged Nigeria’s leaders to urgently implement key electoral reforms to ensure credible, transparent, and inclusive general elections in 2027.

Speaking in Abuja at the conclusion of the EU delegation’s latest assessment, Andrews warned that delays in enacting reforms could undermine preparations for the polls.

He said, ‘Proposals would be a major step forward and a clear signal that those who break the law cannot act with impunity. Elections are not a contest without rules but a contest governed by law. Even if such a commission is not established, closer cooperation between INEC, EFCC, the police, and the judiciary would go a long way to addressing impunity.’

Andrews stressed that the European Union has no intention of interfering in Nigeria’s internal affairs, but seeks to support institutions and stakeholders working to strengthen democracy.

‘We are here as guests at Nigeria’s invitation, at the invitation of INEC, and we fully respect Nigeria’s sovereignty. Our role is not to interfere but to observe and to support,’ he said.

One of the mission’s strongest concerns centered on Nigeria’s electoral legal framework. According to Andrews, last-minute amendments to laws and regulations risk undermining both INEC’s preparedness and public trust.

‘INEC cannot operate on shifting ground; it needs a clear and stable legal framework well in advance of the elections,’ he said. ‘Completing this work soon would give INEC the clarity it needs and give all stakeholders the confidence to prepare properly for 2027.’

He also emphasised the importance of protecting the Nigerian press ahead of the elections. ‘Journalists are essential to any democracy. They inform voters, hold institutions accountable, and keep public debate alive,’ Andrews noted.

‘Yet we continue to hear troubling reports of harassment, threats, and even violence against media practitioners. What is needed is a credible system to investigate and prosecute attacks swiftly and effectively. Without a free and safe media, citizens cannot make informed choices and democracy itself is weakened.’

The EU mission further called on political actors to address declining voter participation. Successive elections have seen turnout drop, with fewer Nigerians willing to cast their ballots. Andrews described this as a sign of eroding confidence in the political process.

‘Falling turnout in successive elections shows that the stakes have never been higher,’ he warned. ‘The upcoming INEC appointments, greater transparency of results, swift investigation and prosecution of electoral offences, legal clarity, safeguarding freedom of expression and protection of the media, and stronger women’s representation are all crucial for restoring trust.’

On women’s political participation, Andrews welcomed legislative momentum to improve representation but insisted that more work must be done to make politics inclusive.

‘Some positive steps have been taken, particularly the bill for better women’s representation,’ he said. ‘But inclusiveness cannot be postponed. It must be a priority if democracy is to truly reflect the diversity and strength of the Nigerian people.’

The mission also commended cooperation between parliament and civil society, which Andrews described as a promising foundation for reforms.

‘We have seen constructive engagement between lawmakers and civil society groups,’ he explained. ‘This cooperation is essential to ensure that reforms are not only passed but also implemented in a way that responds to citizens’ needs and strengthens democratic governance.’

He reiterated the EU’s long-standing commitment to Nigeria’s democratic development, recalling that European missions have observed elections in the country since 1999.

‘Together with its member states, the EU remains committed to supporting Nigeria’s democratic development and will continue to engage with Nigerian stakeholders on advancing electoral reform,’ Andrews said.

He urged Nigeria’s political class to act swiftly and decisively.

‘The message of this follow-up mission is clear: we encourage all political actors to seize the current momentum, to deliver reforms that can safeguard transparency, inclusiveness, and credibility in the 2027 elections,’ he concluded.

Following an interim injunction filed against the 2025/2026 admission process of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), the Global President of the Great Ife Alumni Association, Mr Leye Bunmi Falode, has called on all stakeholders to remain calm as the matter is being handled.

The injunction was filed at the Federal High Court, Enugu Division, on September 30, 2025, by a group of candidates.

In a statement released by the Global Publicity Secretary of the association, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Falode disclosed that he is in communication with the Vice Chancellor of OAU and has received assurances that the university is actively addressing the legal issue.

‘I have spoken with the Vice Chancellor, and I have been assured that there is no cause for alarm. Necessary actions are being taken to resolve the situation,’ Falode said.

He explained that the statement was prompted by widespread concerns from parents and applicants across the country who are anxious about the implications of the court case.

The legal action was initiated by five applicants, Chibuzor Success, Oyeleye Zainab Ayomide, Adedeji John Samuel, Monsura Aliat Aduragbemi and Bassey Daniel Nsikak.

The suit, filed as FHC/EN/CN/274/2025, names OAU, the University of Lagos (UNILAG) and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) as respondents.

The plaintiffs, acting on behalf of other candidates, are seeking a court order restraining the respondents from approving, uploading or finalising any admission list for the 2025/2026 academic session pending the hearing and determination of their motion on notice.

Nigerian music legend, Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, has debunked viral reports claiming he was arrested in London over an alleged altercation with his wife, Natasha Osawaru.

The speculation was fueled by a controversial blogger who alleged that the singer missed his UK tour performance on Thursday because he had been detained on domestic violence charges.

Reacting in a video message, 2Baba clarified that his absence was due to a medical emergency, not an arrest.

He expressed gratitude to fans who showed up for the concert and assured them that plans were underway to make it up to them.

‘First of all, I want to say everyone that came out, I appreciate you. We had a medical emergency, it was tough. To the organizers and everyone that came out, we go regroup and make something beautiful happen. And please, if una no sabi something, make una no talk abeg. This allegedly, I don tire,’ he stated.

The singer, who traditionally married Natasha, an Edo State lawmaker, in July 2025 after ending his marriage with actress Annie Macaulay, has urged fans to disregard the false reports.

The Oyo State High Court sitting in Ibadan has extended its Order of Interim Injunction against the United Bank for Africa (UBA), maintaining a no-debit restriction on 30 bank accounts into which withheld Osun State local government allocations were paid by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Justice Ladiran Akintola, in a ruling on Friday, extended the Order after hearing submissions from counsels present in court.

He explained that the extension was necessary to allow all parties in the suit No. 1/1149/2025: the Attorney-General of Osun State, the Osun State Local Government Service Commission, and United Bank for Africa Plc to enjoy fair hearing.

Counsel to UBA Plc was absent, but counsel to the court-sacked APC council chairmen, led by Kazeem Gbadamosi, SAN, holding the brief of Kunle Adegoke, SAN, who had just filed an application for joinder, was present.

However, counsel to the plaintiffs, Musibau Adetunmbi, SAN, argued that he needed time to study the two applications filed by the ex-chairmen’s counsel.

He explained that the application for joinder and another one challenging the court’s territorial jurisdiction were filed on Thursday and Friday respectively.

Adetunmbi, while citing points of law, insisted that the ex-APC council chairmen lacked the locus standi to challenge the court’s jurisdiction.

According to him, the ex-LG chairmen remained strangers to the case since their application for joinder had not yet been decided upon by the court.

On the need for extension of the interim order, Adetunmbi said: ‘I received the two applications yesterday (Thursday) and today (Friday). I will need time to study them as well as reply on points of law.’

But counsel to the former APC local government chairmen and councillors faulted the description of his clients as strangers, arguing that they were directly affected by the court’s Interim Injunction of 26 September 2025.

He contended that, under the law, his clients had the right to be joined in the suit.

Gbadamosi, in the application filed on 2 October 2025, also challenged the territorial jurisdiction of the court to hear the matter.

Citing relevant authorities, he argued: ‘The court has no power in respect of a case in which its jurisdiction is being challenged to extend the order of life span that had expired.’

At the court sitting in Ibadan on Friday, further arguments were presented in the form of a further affidavit deposed to by a senior personnel member of one of the 30 local government councils.

In her deposition, Mrs. Aluko Rachael Abidemi, Head of Local Government Administration in Boluwaduro Local Government, revealed that certain individuals were making attempts to siphon council funds in defiance of a subsisting court order.

She cited an undated letter addressed to UBA by two individuals-Mr. Adebayo Oyekanmi and Mr. Lasisi Gbadebo Oyebode-who claimed to be Chairman and Treasurer of Boluwaduro Local Government. In the letter, they instructed the bank to deduct 15% of the statutory allocation and pay it into the account of a private law firm with UBA.

Mrs. Abidemi, however, informed the court that the said individuals had no legal authority to make such instructions. She stressed that Mr. Oyebode was neither a staff of Boluwaduro Local Government nor its Treasurer, as the position of ‘Treasurer’ does not exist in Osun’s local government structure.

According to her, by the 2025 Guidelines for Local Government Administration in the state, only the Director of Finance and the Director of Administration and General Services are recognised as signatories to local government accounts. She also identified the current officers holding those positions and tendered exhibits to confirm their status.

The claimants maintained that the matter of who the legitimate chairmen of the councils are remains sub judice before the Supreme Court in Suit No. SC/CV/773/2025, and warned that disbursing the funds under the present circumstances would undermine justice.

Speaking with reporters after the sitting, counsel to the Attorney-General of Osun State, Adetunmbi (SAN), disclosed that a related case on the funds is already before the Supreme Court and has been fixed for hearing on 7 October.

On Friday’s ruling, he explained: ‘The crux of the matter is to safeguard the money in issue pending the Supreme Court’s determination on Tuesday, 7 October 2025.

‘Our contention is that even those who paid the money knew the matter was already before the court. They should have respected the Supreme Court by holding on to the money.

‘Let the Supreme Court speak, everybody will be happy, but for you to pay just like that is not acceptable.

‘As I earlier informed the court, there is a letter directing that 15% of the withheld funds from March to September – running into billions of naira – should be paid as legal fees to one individual.

‘In what manner? By what procedure? Without this preservation order, the rest of the money would have been gone by now.’

Commenting on the newly filed applications, he added: ‘They just served us with two applications. One was filed today, the other yesterday. I need time to react. The court has extended the Interim Injunction for the preservation of the disputed funds.’

On the joinder application, the Attorney-General maintained: ‘We are going to oppose the joinder because nothing concerns them with this case.’

Kwara State Government has said that plans have been concluded to mobilise military personnel and other security logistics in identified locations where cases of security challenges have recently been recorded in its planned Measles-Rubella immunisation campaign.

It be recalled that activities of suspected bandits and kidnappers were being recorded in some parts of the state, like Kwara South and Kwara North, in recent times, while the state government had engaged local and federal government assistance to tackle the situation.

Speaking at a one-day sensitisation programme for media practitioners in Kwara on the integrated Polio-Measles Rubella immunisation campaign, the executive secretary of the state Primary Health Care Development Agency (KPHCDA), Professor Nusirat Elelu, said that the campaign, planned to hold between October 11 and 20, 2025, would take place across 16 local government areas of the state.

Represented by the director, Primary Health Care System, Dr. Michael Oguntoye, said that the immunisation campaign is in line with global targets of Measles-Rubella elimination by 2030.

‘We are committed to mobilising military personnel, health officers, and necessary logistics to areas witnessing insecurity. Because we need to protect the health of the people, too. We won’t want to make it a double tragedy for them in not getting immunised and being faced with a security challenge.

‘We’ve opened discussion with the National Emergency Operation Centre of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency and the military on the best strategy to use to ensure that the areas experiencing security challenge have access to the vaccine. So, no community will be abandoned,’ he said.

In their goodwill messages, the representatives of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the World Health Organisation (WHO), among other development partners, allayed the fears of the people on the Measles-Rubella vaccine, saying that the immunisation exercise is not a plan to reduce the nation’s population.

The development partners said that the Measles-Rubella injection does not cause infertility, adding that children not immunised are prone to paralysis and deafness, among other diseases.

In his address, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) representative, Ibrahim Mohammed, said that Nigeria accounts for about 50 per cent of Measles and Rubella cases in Africa, adding that the introduction of the vaccine will protect communities, especially children, against Measles-Rubella diseases and reduce outbreaks by providing immunity.

The UNICEF official, who said that the current campaign targets children between nine months and 14 years, added that immunisation targets the children because they are the most vulnerable.

‘We have made remarkable progress in the fight against preventable diseases. We all stood tall as Nigeria was declared free of wild poliovirus, united by a single mission: to protect our children and communities from preventable diseases through vaccination.

‘For decades, measles has been one of the leading killers of children under five years. Rubella, though less well known, causes lifelong harm when it infects pregnant women and children. With the introduction of the Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine, we now have an additional, powerful tool to stop both of these diseases and protect generations yet unborn.

‘The Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine is safe, paid for by the government, and available for all eligible children (9 months-14 years) at no additional charge.

‘It is concerning that Nigeria has one of the highest numbers of zero dose children in the world. This means that measles outbreaks still claim young lives. Rubella continues to threaten unborn children, and there is continuing spread of the variant poliovirus in the country. Remember, vaccine is only effective when it reaches every child,’ he said.

The UNICEF official called in the media to assist in the campaign, saying that the media has a critical role to play.

‘Your voice can break down myths and misinformation. Your platforms can build trust in science and public health. The stories we choose to share can make vaccination not just a medical necessity but an honorable parental duty and a community value proudly upheld’.

The remains of the former Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase, on Friday interred in Benin, the Edo State capital amid tears from family members, friends and former colleagues.

Solomon Arase was buried at a private ceremony witnessed by few family members and closed associates.

The former IGP was interred after a funeral mass was held at the St. Paul Catholic Church, Airport in Benin.

In his homily, Reverend Father Andrew Obiyan, urged the congregation to work towards making heaven after leaving the physical world.

Obiyan said people would want to go everywhere on earth but refused to go to the House of God.

He expressed disappointed at attitude of some humans towards donating for the work of God.

According to him, ‘Our own life is in heaven. We must never be distracted. We now see old age creeping into our lives daily powerfully.

‘It crept in to remind us of immortality. We study so hard to receive so many titles. At death, those titles mean nothing to God. The only title that means so much is a grace of battle.

‘We have the assurance that Arase will reap the fruit of baptism in the presence of the eternal King.

‘Sometimes we go everywhere but we dont want to go to the House of God except when we want to please people. We do not want not to come to the House of God.

‘Late Arase feared and loved God. Policing is a profession with risk. We see soaring crime rate yet many police officers are exemplary hard.

‘We give glory to God for Arase’s getting to the peak of his career. The lord do not take from you what he cannot give.’

Governor of Bayelsa State, Duoye Diri, said late Arase was of great service to the Nation.

‘Moments like this are for us to know that one day we will lie down like this. We should be humble to serve our state and country to the best of our ability.

‘All about him are great and good testament. From his professionalism and service to the country, his relationship with the rest of society marked his humility and spreading love everywhere he goes.’

Dignitaries at the event were Governor Monday Okpebholo represented by his Deputy, Dennis Idahosa, Oba Ewuare II represented by Chief Oseni Elamah and Chief Uso Osaretin, the Usoh of Benin Kingdom.

Others were former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, FRSC Zone 5 Commander, Stella Orakwe, Secretary to the Police Service Commission, Onyeabuchi Nnamani, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, Senator Neda Imasuen, amongst others.

Social media has become an inseparable part of our daily life, especially for Generation Z – young people born between the mid-1990s and early 2010s. While platforms like TikTok, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and Snapchat provide entertainment, connection, and opportunities, they also come with significant downsides.

In this article, Tribune Online examines seven negative effects of social media on Gen Z:

1. Mental Health Struggles

Constant exposure to curated ‘perfect lives’ on social media has been linked to anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem among Gen Z. Many young people struggle with comparing themselves to unrealistic standards.

2. Addiction and Reduced Productivity

less scrolling, binge-watching short videos, and constant notifications can lead to digital addiction. This often disrupts study schedules, reduces productivity, and affects real-life responsibilities.

3. Cyberbullying and Online Harassment

Gen Z is highly vulnerable to online trolling, body shaming, and cyberbullying. Hurtful comments or viral hate posts can have long-lasting emotional and psychological effects.

4. Sleep Deprivation

Late-night scrolling has become common among Gen Z. Studies show that excessive screen time before bed disrupts sleep patterns, leading to fatigue, poor concentration, and reduced academic or work performance.

5. Shortened Attention Span

The rise of short-form content like TikTok videos and Instagram reels has contributed to shrinking attention spans. Many Gen Zers now struggle with focusing on tasks or consuming long-form content like books and articles.

6. Unrealistic Expectations and Pressure

From viral ‘glow-up’ challenges to luxury lifestyle posts, social media often sets unrealistic expectations. This can pressure young people into overspending, unhealthy dieting, or chasing clout for validation.

7. Privacy and Safety Risks

Oversharing personal details makes Gen Z vulnerable to scams, identity theft, and exploitation. Many underestimate how much private information can be misused by strangers or even corporations.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, on Friday declared that Nigeria’s marine and blue economy sector is being strategically repositioned to serve as the country’s major revenue earner, replacing crude oil as the dominant source of national income.

Speaking at the Institute of Maritime Studies, University of Lagos (UNILAG), during the official visit of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Secretary-General, Arsenio Domínguez, Oyetola highlighted the vast opportunities inherent in the maritime sector. He said the Federal Government is committed to unlocking these opportunities through investments in infrastructure, manpower development, and international partnerships.

‘Nigeria’s future lies beyond oil. The marine and blue economy is a goldmine that can drive sustainable economic growth, create millions of jobs, and position our nation as a global maritime hub. We are determined to harness its full potential to become the primary driver of our economy,’ the minister said.

Oyetola, an alumnus of UNILAG, urged Nigerian youths to take advantage of the numerous career and investment prospects within the sector. According to him, the government’s vision for the blue economy requires a new generation of skilled professionals who will drive innovation and competitiveness.

‘There are abundant opportunities for our young people in shipping, logistics, fisheries, shipbuilding, marine research, and offshore energy. I encourage you to be bold, innovative, and diligent. The future of this sector, and indeed the future of Nigeria’s economy, rests on your shoulders,’ he added.

He commended UNILAG and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) for their collaboration in maritime manpower development, particularly the establishment of a modern facility for the Institute of Maritime Studies.

The minister reaffirmed that the Federal Government’s marine and blue economy agenda is anchored on sustainability, innovation, and inclusivity, stressing that youth engagement and capacity building are central to achieving the long-term vision.