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A Nigerian man, Lucius Njoku, has left British authorities stunned after he successfully beat one of the UK’s strictest hospital vetting systems, taking shifts at a medical facility under a woman’s name, right inside the A and E department.

For more than two months, Njoku, 33, worked as a healthcare assistant at the Countess of Chester Hospital, posing as a woman identified as Joyce George, who had been legitimately hired through an agency. His deception went unnoticed by management and staff until a patient casually remarked that ‘Joyce’ was, in fact, a man.

By the time investigators pieced it together, George had fled the UK back to Nigeria, while Njoku was arrested at her address in Ellesmere Port. Messages recovered from their phones revealed a carefully coordinated plan, George received the hospital’s shift information, while Njoku physically showed up to work under her identity.

Prosecutors told the Chester Magistrates’ Court that Njoku’s actions undermined the country’s DBS safeguarding system, though no harm or malpractice was reported during his time at the hospital.

When confronted, Njoku admitted to the fraud, claiming financial hardship had pushed him to accept the offer to ‘help out’ with shifts. His lawyer argued that the hospital’s own systems had failed to detect a man working under a woman’s name, saying, ‘He wasn’t pretending to be a male; how this wasn’t picked up by management is shocking.’

Judge John McGarva said the case was a serious breach of trust but stopped short of jailing Njoku, sentencing him instead to 16 weeks imprisonment, suspended for 12 months, along with 80 hours of unpaid work.

He told the defendant:

‘You deceived your way into a job that required safeguarding checks, and that undermines public trust. You’re fortunate this didn’t cause harm – or you’d be in custody today.’

Njoku, who now works at Vauxhalls and depends on his wife for support, walked out of court a free man, but with a conviction that has made headlines across Cheshire.

Meanwhile, UK authorities have issued a warrant for the arrest of Joyce George, believed to still be in Nigeria.

Air Peace has announced plans to start a monthly commercial charter flight from Lagos and Accra to Antigua and Barbados, with connections to Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago, effective Dec. 21.

The airline made this known in a statement by its Head of Corporate Communications, Mr Efe Osifo-Whiskey, on Friday in Lagos.

According to the statement, the new route shows the airline’s commitment to improving air travel between Africa and other parts of the world.

It said Air Peace, which is the only airline offering direct flights from West and Central Africa to the Caribbean, hopes the service will boost tourism, trade, and cultural exchange between the two regions.

The statement said the service would boost tourism, trade and cultural exchange between the two regions.

‘The new flights will link Lagos and Accra to Antigua and Barbados, with onward connections to Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica,’ the statement said.

It recalled the airline’s earlier Caribbean flights, such as the Lagos-Montego Bay (Jamaica) charter in 2020 and the Abuja-St. Kitts and Nevis service in 2025.

The statement described the new service as part of Air Peace’s plan to connect continents and make travel easier across regions.

Nigerian Highlife icon, Jesse King, popularly known by his stage name Bùgá, is set to celebrate an extraordinary milestone – over two decades of musical excellence and cultural influence.

To mark the occasion, Jesse King will host ‘The Rebirth Concert’, a grand event designed as a heartfelt tribute to the rich heritage, infectious rhythms, and enduring legacy of Highlife music in Nigeria.

The celebration is scheduled for Sunday, October 19, 2025, at 1 PM, and will take place at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos – one of the city’s most prestigious venues. Known for hosting high-profile events, the Civic Centre will provide an elegant and culturally resonant setting for what promises to be a night of nostalgia, rhythm, and connection.

Far more than just a performance, The Rebirth Concert is envisioned as a vibrant cultural experience that celebrates tradition while embracing modernity. The event will feature an impressive lineup of talented artists, including Veentage Band, Sammy, Peter De Rock, Most Precious, Ibitayo Jeje, Yemmy TPX, and Judeworldstar. Together, they will create a unique soundscape that honours Highlife’s rich past and reimagines its future.

Themed ‘Back to Highlife – The Rhythm of Our Culture,’ the concert aims to rekindle appreciation for Nigeria’s indigenous sounds while inspiring a new generation of listeners.

Speaking on the inspiration behind the concert, Jesse King described it as a bridge between eras.

‘This concert is to bridge the gap between the old and the new Bùgá; it’s the depth, wisdom, and lyrical genius blended with contemporary times,’ he said.

King’s career has long embodied the timeless spirit of Highlife – his soulful lyrics, cultural storytelling, and rhythmic compositions continue to resonate across generations. The Rebirth Concert will reflect that same essence, blending nostalgia with freshness and tradition with innovation.

The Civic Centre’s distinctive architecture will enhance the evening’s experience, complemented by artistic décor that reflects Nigerian creativity and heritage. Guests will enjoy a warm, welcoming atmosphere filled with laughter, live music, and traditional Nigerian delicacies – all in celebration of the rhythms that define the nation’s musical soul.

The event is being meticulously organised by LA Luxxe Events, a luxury event planning company led by Lawunmi Osode, renowned for curating premium and unforgettable experiences.

According to Osode, the team is committed to excellence and attention to detail.

‘Just like every event we plan, our primary goal is to make The Rebirth Concert a luxurious experience and ensure maximum satisfaction for all attendees,’ she affirmed.

As anticipation builds, King has encouraged fans to secure their almost sold-out tickets, noting that this event will be a once-in-a-lifetime celebration for lovers of Highlife and Nigerian culture.

For ticket details and updates, fans can connect through @officialbuga and @laluxxe_events on social media.

In essence, The Rebirth Concert is more than a musical showcase – it is a cultural renaissance, a tribute to Jesse King’s enduring artistry, and an invitation to rediscover the timeless rhythms that continue to unite and uplift generations of Nigerians.

Ikorodu City FA have emerged champions of the 1xCup 2025 after edging ISAGT in a tough, high-tempo final on Thursday at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos.

The much-anticipated clash lived up to its billing, end-to-end football, missed chances, and a late red card that added more drama to an already heated contest.

Ikorodu City started the brighter of the two sides, pressing high and dictating the early exchanges. They missed a clear chance inside ten minutes and squandered another soon after, keeping ISAGT on the back foot for most of the first half. Their attack was relentless, forcing corners and half-chances, but their finishing let them down as the first 45 minutes ended goalless.

The second half picked up with the same intensity. Ikorodu City kept knocking and finally got their reward with a slick finish inside the box, a goal that broke the deadlock and sent their fans into wild celebration.

However, the game turned tense in the dying minutes. An Ikorodu player, wearing the number 23 jersey, was shown a second yellow card, reducing his team number on the pitch. ISAGT pushed hard for an equaliser, but Ikorodu held firm, defending with discipline and composure until the final whistle.

It was a well-deserved triumph for Ikorodu City FA, who finished the tournament unbeaten, a run that included a 4-1 penalty shootout win over Nath Boys FA in the semifinals. ISAGT had booked their spot in the final after a confident 2-0 victory against Dosu Joseph FC.

Reacting to the victory, Ikorodu coach, Wasghton Egor expressed delight in the performance of his boys saying that the victory was well deserved.

‘It was a tough game but I thank God for the hard fought victory. I commend my boys for their resilience and determination showed throughout the game.

‘I also want to thank our fans for their support given to us throughout our matches and I am very grateful to our club chairman who gave me the opportunity to work in the team,’ he said.

ISAGT Athletic coach, Tunji Omoniyi, also showered praises on his players despite the painful defeat. He, however, admitted that his opponents deserved the victory.

Meanwhile, Dosu Joseph FC edged Nath Boys FA 2-1 to claim the 1xCup 2025 bronze medal earlier in the day.

It was heartbreak for Nath Boys at the same venue as Dosu Joseph came from behind to snatch third place and the ?3 million prize.

Nath Boys had started strongly, taking the lead in the first half after a well-worked move split the Dosu Joseph defence.

But the game flipped in the second half when Dosu Joseph equalised with a stunning free kick that left the goalkeeper stranded. Minutes later, they completed the comeback with a composed finish that sealed the win.

Nath Boys, who had impressed earlier in the competition with a flawless penalty record in the quarterfinals, couldn’t rediscover that spark. Their missed chances proved costly as Dosu Joseph FC held firm to the end.

For 1xBet, the organisers of Nigeria’s largest amateur football tournament, the final marked a fitting end to weeks of thrilling grassroots action that showcased some of the brightest young talents in Nigerian football.

Google.org has unveiled Apolitical’s Government Artificial Intelligence (AI) Campus skills training for Nigerian public servants, a trusted global hub for AI excellence in government.

Google made the announcement on Thursday in Abuja, stating that the partnership is with the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the AI Campus will provide a comprehensive set of practical resources for public servants.

The Minister, Dr Bosun Tijani, emphasised the critical role of AI skills in government, adding that Nigeria sees AI as a major driver of productivity across its key sectors.

‘We have been putting resources into ensuring that we can support our civil servants and our public service in a manner that AI can become something that is native to them –

to accelerate and shorten the time we spend administering our processes, or by using it to better deliver to our people.

This is why we are extremely excited about this opportunity and the support from Google,’ he said.

Speaking about Google’s motivation for supporting the programme, Olumide Balogun, West Africa Director at Google, explained that championing Nigeria’s digital transformation means investing in the people who shape its future.

Balogun said that by working hand-in-hand with public sector leaders and practitioners, Google would provide technical resources and share knowledge in order to better empower civil servants.

He added that through AI, Nigerian communities could benefit from smarter solutions, improved social outcomes, and greater inclusion in a rapidly changing digital economy.

‘We are not only providing technical resources but sharing knowledge that empowers them to deliver better, more efficient government services,’ he said.

Chris Ferguson, Vice President at Apolitical, reinforced the value of upskilling, stating that structured training is the cornerstone of successful AI adoption in government.

‘This initiative is a pioneering effort that will equip Nigerian public servants with the capabilities to lead the digital transformation with confidence and foresight.

Bringing the Apolitical Government AI Campus to Nigeria is part of our broader commitment over the past years to advance AI adoption and digital skills in Nigeria.

This includes partnerships to expand internet access, support local AI innovation hubs, and enhance digital education.

These efforts collectively aim to help build a robust AI ecosystem that powers Nigeria’s sustainable economic growth and social development,’ he said.

Earlier, Mr Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, Communications and Public Relations Manager, West Africa, said AI was emerging as a key driver of Nigeria’s digital transformation.

Kola-Ogunlade noted that research from Apolitical showed that while 72 per cent of government leaders are running AI pilots, over half reported lacking a comprehensive strategy for AI adoption.

He said that every dollar invested in AI has the potential to add more than eight dollars to the economy.

‘To seize this opportunity, Nigeria needs an AI-skilled public service that can accelerate innovation, improve citizen-centred services, and contribute to sustainable economic growth.

They will have access to government-specific online training, covering topics from AI fundamentals to AI leadership, plus expert-led events, tools, and frameworks, all designed to help public servants apply AI learnings in their domain.

They can also join the global AI in Government community, a space where thousands of government peers from around the world share.

Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Tiwa Savage has sparked conversation online after admitting she is open to becoming a second wife, saying most of the men interested in her are already married.

Speaking on a recent episode of the American podcast Lip Service, the award-winning singer explained that her dating pool has become limited with age, noting that most of her potential suitors are either older or unavailable.

‘I’m like a sugar mama, but I don’t want to be,’ Savage said.

‘If I meet somebody who can really marry me, they are either in their 50s or already married. So, I don’t know. Maybe I can be a second wife. I think so. I could be a second wife,’ she added.

The Somebody’s Son crooner, who has a son from her previous marriage, added that she would have no problem maintaining peace in a polygamous union.

‘I think I can get along with the first wife, and she’s going to love me because I’m not going to be troublesome,’ she said.

‘I’ll be going on tours; I’m not really going to stress you. I’m very respectful, I know that you are the first wife and would accord you that respect,’ Savage stated.

Savage was married to music executive Tunji Balogun, popularly known as TBillz. The couple wed in 2013 but divorced in 2018, following public allegations of infidelity on both sides.

The singer’s remarks have since ignited widespread reactions across social media, with fans and critics weighing in on her openness about love, age, and modern relationships.

The Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) has commended President Tinubu and the APC leadership for steering the party into what they described as a new era of inclusivity, ideological clarity, and national consolidation.

This was contained in a communiqué read by the forum’s chairman, Sen. Hope Uzodimma, the Imo State Governor, at the end of the forum’s meeting held in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, from Oct. 16 to 17.

The forum pledged to continue aligning state-level policies with the administration’s national development objectives, especially the model of cooperative federalism and inclusive economic growth.

He said that the meeting, which brought together APC governors from across the country, served as a strategic platform for reflection on the nation’s socio-economic trajectory and a reassessment of the states’ role in Nigeria’s transformation process.

‘The forum also described the collaborative framework involving the federal, state, and local governments as a model of cooperative federalism and inclusive development,’ he said.

Uzodimma said that the forum emphasised the need to deepen synergy between state and federal governments, strengthen institutional integrity, and promote people-centred governance across all APC-controlled states.

‘A major highlight of the meeting was the formal reception of Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State into the APC fold, alongside his team and supporters.

‘The forum described his decision to join the party as historic and transformative, bringing the total number of APC governors to 24.

‘The governors congratulated President Tinubu, the national leadership of the APC, and Nigerians at large on the development,’ he said.

This, according to him, will further strengthen national unity and progressive leadership across the country.

‘We warmly congratulate His Excellency, Dr. Peter Mbah, on his courageous decision to join the APC.

‘His entry reinforces the party’s growing national appeal and validates the policy strength of the Renewed Hope Agenda,’ the forum’s leader said.

Uzodimma said that the forum also commended President Tinubu and the APC leadership for steering the party into what it described as a new era of inclusivity, ideological clarity, and national consolidation.

‘During the meeting, the governors undertook a comprehensive appraisal of the political, security, and socio-economic situation in the country.

‘They expressed satisfaction with the progress being recorded in fiscal reforms, food security, power sector stabilisation, infrastructural modernisation, and social intervention programmes,’ Uzodimma noted.

He added that the forum noted that under President Tinubu’s leadership, the nation’s economy was recording steady growth, with inflation and interest rates declining, while revenue accruing to the three tiers of government continues to increase.

‘The forum lauded the President for initiatives introduced through the National Economic Council aimed at creating opportunities for Nigerians across the 8,809 INEC wards of the federation.

‘The Progressive Governors’ Forum commends the foresight of President Tinubu and reaffirms its collective resolve to support all policies and programmes under the Renewed Hope Agenda,’ the chairman said.

Commenting on the ongoing warning strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), the forum urged the union to sheathe its sword and embrace dialogue in the interest of the nation and the future of Nigerian children.

A 78-year -old Kano farmer identified as Dan’azumi Muhammad has been sentenced to five years imprisonment after he pleaded guilty to one-count charge bordering on attempt to sexually abuse a seven-year-old girl.

Muhammad, who lives in Kumurya Village, Bunkure Local Government Area of the state was arraigned on a one-count one-count charge of procurement and attempted sexual exploitation before Federal High Court sitting in Kano.

Mr Hassan Nuruddeen, the prosecution counsel, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Kano Command, said the defendant committed the offence at Kumurya Village, Bunkure Local government area of Kano state, on July 18.

Nuruddeen said that on the same date the defendant accosted minor on her way to school at about 8:am and dragged her into a local Silo at Kumurya, close to his house.

The prosecution presented the confessional statement of the convict and the victim’s testimony to the court to prove his case.

He said the offence contravened the provisions of Section 29 and punishable under section 16(1) of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Act 2015.

Muhammad was convicted on the one-count charge after he pleaded guilty.

The defence counsel, Mr M B Isah, however pleaded for leniency on behalf of the convict, as a first-time offender.

Delivering judgment Justice S M Shuaibu, held that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt.

‘I hereby sentence the convict to five years imprisonment without option of fine.

This will serve as a deterrent to others as cases like this are becoming prevalent,’ he said.

Nollywood actress, Sarah Martins has finally spoken up after being confronted by officials during a community outreach.

Martins on her Instagram page, explained her ordeal, claiming that the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) officers harassed her.

The actress also showed bruises she endured during the incident, stating that it was an unprovoked attack.

‘My heart aches. Today, as I was cooking free food for the vulnerable and homeless people on the streets of Lagos, like I always do, some uniformed men came there, harassed me, bullied me, and took away the food I was cooking, my cooking gas, and everything I was using. My only offence was serving love on a plate through my healthy meals. I am not a chef, and I do not cook for a living,’ she stated

Nigerian music star Tiwa Savage has sparked fresh reactions online after making a series of candid confessions during her appearance on the Lip Service Podcast, where she opened up about relationships, love, and intimacy.

The ‘Somebody’s Son’ crooner admitted she sometimes feels like a ‘sugar mama’, but said it’s not something she really wants to be identified with.

‘I’m like a sugar mama, but I don’t want to be,’ Tiwa said during the chat. ‘The question is, do I need somebody to. or anybody that can. if they’re in their 50s or already married, maybe I can be a second wife. I could be a second wife.’

Her revelation drew laughter from the hosts, but the singer quickly acknowledged that many women might have an issue with her statement.

‘Oh my God, I don’t know how this is going to sound. I feel like a lot of women are going to have a problem with me saying that,’ she admitted, before adding that ‘sometimes, the second wife gets the better treatment.’

Tiwa made the comment while reacting to another speaker’s claim that being the first wife guarantees more respect and care in marriage.

In another moment from the same conversation, the 45-year-old award-winning singer surprised the hosts when she confessed to learning about a particular sexual act only recently.

‘I just learnt recently about scissoring,’ she said, laughing. ‘I didn’t know that.’