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Nigerian on-air personality and screenwriter, Dami Elebe, has opened up about a terrifying near-death experience she endured just weeks after giving birth to her first child.

In a post on her birthday, Thursday, October 2, 2025, Elebe expressed gratitude to God for sparing her life and allowing her to celebrate another year.

‘I’m I dying? That was the question I asked my husband and the ER staff just a few weeks after I had my baby. I was having a heart failure. My lungs were filled with fluid. My body was drowning me. simply because I had given birth,’ she recounted.

Elebe revealed that she was resuscitated, admitted to the ICU, and placed on a ventilator. Despite the harrowing experience, she remained focused on small signs of recovery.

‘When I asked a nurse what to do because I wanted to use the toilet, she told me to do it on the bed. I couldn’t speak, so I scribbled that she should play a worship playlist. I intensified my prayers – I asked God to just heal me enough so I could use the toilet myself. I just wanted to go home, to be with my husband and my baby, and to live,’ she wrote.

She expressed immense gratitude for the timely intervention of medical staff, the support of her family, and the prayers of friends.

‘Every little sign of progress, every moment I felt a bit better, I thanked God. I was thankful that we got to the ER at the right time. Thankful that the doctors diagnosed me quickly. Thankful to simply be alive. And today. I’m here. To celebrate a birthday. To be loved and cared for. I am truly blessed,’ she said.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Jigawa Command, has confirmed the drowning of a 15-year-old boy, Sunusi Abubakar in a pond.

The Jigawa Police Command’s spokesperson, Badaruddeen Tijjani, confirmed the incident in a statement in Dutse, on Wednesday.

Tijjina said that Abubakar, a resident of Gabari village in Chamo district, drowned on Tuesday while swimming in a pond in the area.

He said that the deceased was discovered lifeless inside a pond locally referred to as ‘Mahayin gidan Toro’, located about 1.5 kilometers to the north of Gabari village.

‘Prior to the discovery, the shoes and trousers of the deceased were seen abandoned by the river bank.

‘And according to his father, the deceased went to swim in the pond at about 5p:m., but failed to return home.

‘A search was immediately initiated by the community until the body was eventually discovered this morning,’ he said.

The Jigawa NSCDC image maker added that the body of the deceased, which showed no trace of injury, was handed over to his parents for burial.

He urged parents, guardians and community leaders to warn children and youths against unsafe swimming practices in open water bodies in order to avert future occurrences.

He assured that corps remained committed to its mandate of safeguarding lives and property across the state.

Traditional rulers in Ife North Local Government of Osun, have threatened to drag Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi to court of he sis n to retract his recent allegation against the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi within 21 days.

The traditional rulers gave the ultimatum in a communique issued at the end of their meeting and read by Salu of Edunabon, Oba Adesoji Oladepo, on Thursday in Edunabon. The Oluwo had in a viral video posted on his official Facebook page, accused the Ooni of plotting to assassinate him by allegedly ‘packaging’ his ex-wife against him.

The traditional rulers described Oba Akanbi’s comments as an insult and disrespect to the Ooni of Ife.

According to them, Oluwo’s action is bringing the throne of the Obas in Yorubaland to disrepute and ridicule.

The traditional rulers expressed surprise that Oluwo, who’s the descendant of Luwo Gbagida, the 24th Ooni of Ife, could ‘behave irrationally’ to the Ooni. The Obas challenged Oluwo to petition the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun for investigation or sue Ooni to proof the allegation.

The traditional rulers, however, threatened to drag Oba Akanbi to court if he failed to take either of the two steps to proof his allegation against the Ooni.

The traditional rulers lamented that Oba Akanbi previously had issues with his fellow Obas in Iwo axis such as the Olu of Ile-Igbo, Olowu of Kuta, Olu of Songbe, and Agbowu of Ogbaagba.

They recalled that Oluwo’s alleged attack on Agbowu of Ogbaagba led to the Oba’s sustaining injury and hospitalised.

According to them, this action led to Oluwo’s six-month suspension from the meeting of the council traditional rulers in the state.

Other traditional rulers attended that attended the meeting were Oba Mufutau Oyekanmi, Alasipa of Asipa; Oba Meshach Oyediran, Olulamokun of Yakooyo; and Oba OluwaBusola Oloyede, Alakinlalu of Akinlalu.

Police have listed arrest of two notorious members of robbery gang and recovery of assorted illicit drugs and intoxicants valued at N42.9m among their achievements in Kano in recent times.

The two members of notorious gang of armed robbers identified as Nura Sani (20) of Zango town, Bauchi State, and Ibrahim Lawan (35) of Katsina State are now divulging more information to detectives on their mode of operation to the police, spokesperson for Kano Command, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, said in a statement.

According to the statement, the uspects were apprehended following a daring robbery incident on September 14, 2025, at Tokarawa Quarters, Kano where they made away with a Mercedes Benz GLK valued at N26,500,000, along with phones and other valuables.

In a related operation, the Kano state Police Command operatives, in Jalli Village, Dawakin Tofa Local Government Area, recovered 540 packets of suspected Pregabalin capsules valued at N40,500,000.

Moreso, on September 30, 2025, a Surveillance team intercepted two suspects, Alhaji Isyaku Babayo of Kofar Mazugal and Mohammed Ahmed of Dorayi Babba, at the Trailer Park in Dangauro. Each bag contained 350 bottles, totaling 2,450 bottles, with an estimated market value of ?2,450,000.

The Kano state Police Command spokesperson, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, hinted that: ‘In the spirit of inter-agency collaboration, the Command has handed over the recovered cases, including suspects and over N120,000,000 worth of suspected Tramadol, Pregabalin, and Cannabis Sativa to the NDLEA, Kano Command, for further investigation.’

The state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, commended the bravery and professionalism of the officers involved in the operations.

He said efforts are ongoing to trace and arrest other suspects at large and recover all stolen items.

Bakori further appreciated the unwavering support and cooperation of the public and reiterated the Command’s commitment to working together to build a safer and more secure Kano State.

Troops of the Nigerian Army have killed scores of terrorists, apprehended 25 suspects, and rescued 16 kidnap victims in a series of coordinated offensives across theatres of operation.

A credible source at the Army Headquarters told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the operations also led to the recovery of weapons, explosives, ammunition, petroleum products, motorcycles, and assorted illicit drugs.

In the North East, the source said troops dealt decisive blows to ISWAP/JAS elements in Kolori and Karumi communities of Konduga Local Government Area (LGA) in Borno State, and Madagali LGA of Adamawa State. According to the source, a key logistics supplier was intercepted in Mafa LGA with 23 cans of petrol concealed in a bag.

‘In Mubi North, soldiers foiled the smuggling of petrol and fertilisers, while in Garkida, a suspected terrorist confessed to involvement in previous attacks in Damboa.

Recovered items included one M70AB2 rifle, four magazines, and 150 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition,’ he said.

In the North West, the source said troops of 1 Brigade repelled multiple terrorist attacks in Maradun, Tsafe, and Anka LGAs of Zamfara State. He added that six kidnapped victims were rescued, and several motorcycles were seized.

A notorious kidnap kingpin was also arrested in Mayir Village, Sanga LGA of Kaduna State, following precise intelligence.

In the North Central, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke neutralised a violent extremist in Katsina-Ala LGA of Benue State, while 10 abducted passengers were rescued along the Kyado-Wukari road. In Kwara State, soldiers freed three kidnap victims near Eruku town, recovering a motorcycle.

In Nasarawa State, troops intercepted a vehicle loaded with drugs and arrested two suspects, including the consignee.

In the South East, troops arrested two cultists at Mgbidi, Imo State, recovering a pistol, phones, and a motorcycle.

They also disrupted IPOB/ESN activities in Orumba North LGA of Anambra State, where the criminals fled after detonating three improvised explosive devices (IEDs). In the South South, security forces recovered two locally made double-barrel guns and 27 cartridges.

‘In joint operations with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), troops arrested 19 drug dealers in Delta and Bayelsa states, recovering cannabis, tramadol, pentazocine, diazepam, and ‘Canadian loud’.

Additionally, in Rivers and Bayelsa, troops seized over 1,200 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and crude oil, while four suspected kidnappers were arrested in Oshimili North LGA of Delta State.’

Across the operations, troops recovered one M70AB2 rifle, four magazines, 150 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, two double-barrel guns, 27 cartridges, one pistol, several motorcycles, large consignments of petrol and fertilisers, IEDs, mobile phones and assorted illicit drugs.

The source reiterated the Nigerian Army’s commitment to sustaining pressure on terrorists, kidnappers, and criminal groups nationwide.

‘Those who threaten the peace and security of the country will face devastating consequences, while communities will continue to enjoy protection to enable farming, economic recovery, and the Federal Government’s food security agenda,’ the source said.

The Zone Five Police Command have begun enforcing the ban on the unauthorised use of sirens and tinted glass permit regulations.

NAN reports that the zone five command located in the South-south Geo-political Zone comprises Edo and Delta.

This is contained in a statement by the Zonal Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tijani Momoh, in Abuja.

The exercise, the command said, is in line with the existing laws and directives of IGP Kayode Egbetokun, which apply to all vehicles with tinted glasses, whether factory or non-factory fitted.

Momoh quoted the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the zone, Salma-Dogo Garba, as saying that the enforcement would also affect the subsisting ban on the unauthorised use of sirens.

According to Garba, there will also be strict enforcement on the use of revolving lights, Police SPY and unallocated official number plates, as well as the use of unregistered vehicles.

‘In view of the above, motorists yet to register their vehicles with tinted glasses are strongly advised to do so at www.possap.gov.ng. Thereafter, they should proceed to their state command headquarters for physical verification. Those who are not desirous of obtaining the tinted glass permit are advised to remove such tints or replace the factory-fitted glasses with transparent ones, as legally provided by the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act 2004,’ he said. The AIG warned field operatives and their supervisory officers to ensure that the exercise was carried out with utmost professionalism, devoid of any form of harassment or extortion of motorists.

He stressed that any officer found wanting would be duly sanctioned, while the concerned supervisory officer would be held liable.

Garba further urged motorists to cooperate with the Police during the exercise in order to ensure public safety and national security.

He also charged residents to promptly report any form of harassment, extortion, or other unprofessional conduct to the nearest police station, the commands CRUs, or the ZPPRO.

NAN reports that the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, announced that strict enforcement of the Tinted Glass Permit requirement will begin across Nigeria on Thursday.

The directive comes under the authority of the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act, 2004, a law intended to bolster security and curb criminal behaviour.

Under the new mandate, all vehicles with tinted windows are expected to carry valid and verifiable permit documents, which must be presented whenever requested by law enforcement.

Reality star Phyna has once again called out the Dangote Group over the death of her younger sister, Ruth Otabor, who was reportedly struck by one of the company’s trucks.

Since the tragic incident, Phyna has consistently demanded justice, accusing Dangote of playing a ‘deceptive game’ with her family.

In a recent video, the BBNaija winner alleged that the family has been denied fair treatment and compensation, sparking conversations across social media. ‘Phyna, I keep seeing you all over my timeline. By now I expected you to have gotten a SAN (Senior Advocate of Nigeria). You need to put yourself together so people can take you seriously. This case is already looking like a joke,’ Blessing said.

She further urged Phyna to engage a competent lawyer rather than rely on social media pressure.

‘There are better ways you can go about this issue. You don’t use gra gra to get compensation. This is the time to get a good lawyer,’ Blessing added.

An Abuja woman identified as Ene Queen Bamaiyi has been arraigned for allegedly fraudulently converting the sum of N124 million out of N240 million entrusted to her by one Bright Okubo for foreign exchange conversion to her personal use.

Bamayi was arraigned before Justice A.A. Halilu of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court, Apo, Abuja, on a one-count charge of criminal breach of trust to the tune of N240, 500,000 (Two Hundred and Forty Million, Five Hundred Thousand Naira) by the EFCC.

The charge reads: ‘That you, Ene Queen Bamayi (female), sometime in May 2024 in Abuja within the Judicial Division of this Honourable Court, while being entrusted with the sum of N240,500,000.00 (Two Hundred and Forty Million, Five Hundred Thousand Naira) by one Bright Okubo for conversion at dollar equivalent, did dishonestly convert N124,000,000.00 (One Hundred and Twenty-Four Million Naira) out of the said sum to your personal use in violation of the purpose for which the money was entrusted with you, and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 311 of the Penal Code and punishable under Section 312 of the same Code.’

She pleaded ‘not guilty’ to the charge, following which the prosecution counsel, Joshua Saidi requested a trial date and informed the court of his intention to invite five witnesses to prove the case. However, the defence counsel, M.A. Attah, SAN, prayed the court to grant his client bail on self-recognition and on liberal terms, citing her status as a single mother of a two-year-old child.

Justice Halilu, after considering the submissions, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N30 million with two reliable sureties in like sum, who are not below Grade Level 14 in the civil service.

The Judge further ordered that the defendant deposited her passport with the EFCC and be remanded in Suleja Correctional Centre, pending the fulfilment of her bail conditions.

The case was adjourned till December 2 and 3, 2025 for trial.

Reports from the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights suggest Bashar al-Assad has been hospitalised in Moscow following an alleged poisoning attempt.

Daily Mail report claims Assad was released from hospital on Monday, with his condition described as stable.

Assad, 60, who was granted asylum in Russia after being ousted in Syria nearly a year ago, has not been seen in public since arriving. Only his brother Maher has been permitted to visit him amid heightened security. The motive behind the alleged attack is unclear, but it is believed to have been orchestrated to damage Russia’s diplomatic interests and implicate Moscow. The Russian government has yet to comment.

Syria’s new authorities have demanded Assad’s extradition, but Russia has refused. There are no confirmed reports of his condition being critical, although unverified reports previously indicated he felt unwell before his hospitalisation.

There is no independent confirmation of the poisoning at this stage. Further updates are awaited.

Pan-African game development studio, Maliyo Games, is once again in the global spotlight as Apple Inc. prepares to feature some of its flagship titles as part of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day celebrations.

The showcase underscores Maliyo’s growing reputation as one of Africa’s most influential creative technology companies.

Among the titles to be highlighted on the App Store are Safari City, Crazy Ludo, Whot King, and Secret Letter. Each game reflects African artistry and storytelling, combining familiar play mechanics with themes rooted in music, art, and everyday experiences across the continent.

‘This recognition from Apple, coming just months after our feature by Google, is another powerful validation of our vision,’ said Hugo Obi, Founder of Maliyo Games.

‘We are proving that African stories and creativity belong on the global stage, while inspiring the next generation of developers across the continent,’ Obi added.

Earlier this year, Maliyo was profiled in Google Play’s #WeArePlay campaign – a global film series spotlighting developers who are shaping the future of gaming. The feature chronicled Obi’s journey from Lagos to the world, emphasising not only the studio’s expanding catalogue but also its pioneering training initiative, GameUp Africa. ‘Through this feature, millions of players and industry leaders are discovering how Maliyo is blending African creativity with mobile-first accessibility, and how programmes like GameUp Africa are ensuring that African titles are designed for Africans, by Africans, and for the world,’ Obi explained.

Now in its fifth year, GameUp Africa has reached over 6,000 aspiring developers across more than 20 countries, offering training in programming, game art, and audio design.

According to Obi, its graduates are already contributing to major projects and launching independent studios. ‘Behind every global spotlight is a growing ecosystem of African talent,’ he said.

Maliyo’s recent milestones also include Apple’s Africa Day App Store Feature and partnerships such as the Disney-backed Iwájú: Rising Chef project, further positioning the studio as a cultural ambassador for African creativity in gaming.

Looking ahead, the company will host MaliyoCON 2025, its first-ever developer-led gaming conference, in Lagos this December. The event will bring together creators, investors, policymakers, and innovators to explore the future of Africa’s gaming industry, unlock opportunities in mobile entertainment, and showcase homegrown talent on a global stage.