Criminals now ride in tinted cars – Police

The Borno State Police Command has warned that criminals are increasingly using tinted vehicles to commit robberies, kidnappings, drug trafficking, and even terrorism across Nigeria.

Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Nahum Daso, made this known in a statement released on Saturday, saying data from the Command’s Crime Frequency Report revealed that many serious crimes were carried out using vehicles with darkened glass.

‘Our findings show that tinted vehicles have frequently been used to conceal or facilitate serious crimes. Armed robbers, kidnappers, drug traffickers, and terrorists have all taken advantage of dark glass to hide their identities or illicit objects,’ Daso stated.

He cited a shocking example involving a University of Maiduguri lecturer murdered on April 2, 2024, where CCTV footage captured the vehicle but not the suspects’ faces due to heavy tinting – delaying justice.

Another tragic case, he said, occurred on September 26, 2025, when three children died after being trapped inside a dark-tinted vehicle. Passersby could not see them in time to intervene.

Daso said these incidents show why regulation is critical:

‘Criminals exploit the anonymity that dark glass provides. Failing to regulate it leaves law enforcement handicapped and the public vulnerable.’

He, however, clarified that the regulation is not a total ban on tinted vehicles. Exemptions apply to factory-fitted tint, VIPs, and individuals with medical conditions such as photophobia.

Vehicle owners must now register for digital tinted glass permits, which will capture biometric data, NIN, and vehicle details to aid investigations.

‘This process creates a verifiable database that strengthens security. When a tinted car is linked to a crime, we can trace its owner swiftly,’ he said, assuring that the process will be transparent and corruption-free.

The police also warned officers against using the regulation as a means to extort motorists, urging the public to report unprofessional conduct through the Complaint Response Unit (CRU).

Meanwhile, the Force Headquarters said it had not yet received the Federal High Court order reportedly stopping the enforcement of tinted-glass permits.

Force PRO, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, clarified that enforcement continues nationwide, adding that vehicles without valid tinted permits risk fines and possible impoundment as of October 2, 2025.

Kalu to Tinubu: Demolition of Igbo properties in Lagos makes our hearts bleed

The Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Ben Kalu has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene in what he called demolition of the houses and offices of South Easterners in Lagos State

Kalu made the request on Friday while speaking during the reception at the Enyimba International Stadium organised in honour of Tinubu after inaugurating some projects in Abia.

Kalu pleaded with the president to speak with the Lagos State governor to allow the Igbo people whose houses have not been destroyed already to regularize their documents.

He said that destruction at this time of hardship makes the hearts of victims bleed, stressing that the need for an amicable resolution rather than destruction of property.

‘I also want to say that the destruction and the demolition of the houses, the offices of our brothers in Lagos makes our hearts bleed,’ he said.

The Deputy Speaker also urged the President to grant a sea port to enhance trade in the Southeast zone.

‘Mr President, we want to thank you for what you are doing in our state through our governor and what you are doing around the south East.

‘But I must say it is about time that we had another sea port in the South East; South Easterners are mainly traders and We need a sea port to enhance our trading.

Kalu said governance is about partnership hence the state must partner the federal government and the federal government must partner the state.

He said although he is an All Progressives Congress (APC) party member, it is his character to support the governors of his state to ensure the state succeeded and promised to support Alex Otti to succeed.

‘I have gone with him from the morning, visiting all the projects till this evening and I have seen the state’s projects carried out by the governor and for that we commend him.

‘But as a member and citizen of this state, I request, like Oliver Twist, that the governor should do more,’ he said.

He thanked the president for his assistance in the projects in Abia and urged the Abia Information Commissioner and media houses in Abia to accord Tinubu his merited credits.

Kalu said this would induce the president to do more for the state and the South East which he had shown love to.

Diddy faces fresh sex assault lawsuit hours after sentencing

Less than 24 hours after learning his fate in federal court, music mogul Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs is back in the headlines, this time facing a new sexual assault lawsuit filed in Los Angeles.

According to TMZ, the new lawsuit was filed by Houston attorney Tony Buzbee, who represents over 100 alleged victims suing Diddy for sexual assault. The complainant, identified as Leiana Ripley, alleged the incident happened around November 1, 2016, at Club Playhouse in L.A.

Ripley claims Diddy approached her with a drink and ordered her to take it. When she hesitated, he allegedly snapped: ‘Bitch, I’m not asking you. Drink that st and shut the f up.’* Feeling intimidated, she said she complied – only for Diddy to allegedly put his arm around her, shove his hand under her skirt, and penetrate her with his fingers while saying, ‘Bitch, I do what I want, take that s*.’*

The lawsuit claims Ripley tried to push him off but Diddy laughed, appearing amused by her discomfort, before eventually letting her go. She reportedly left the club in shock, returned to her hotel, and later discovered bruising and a tear in her genital area.

Ripley says the incident left her traumatized and is seeking damages for emotional and physical distress.

Diddy’s legal team ,who were in a New York courtroom on October 3 for his sentencing in a separate criminal case have not yet responded to the latest allegations.

Saka, Rice shine as Arsenal sink West Ham on Arteta’s 300th game in charge

Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice were the stars of the show as Arsenal cruised past West Ham United on Saturday, marking Mikel Arteta’s 300th game in charge with a dominant 2-0 victory at the Emirates Stadium.

Rice opened his account for the season against his former club, finishing neatly after Eberechi Eze’s shot was parried by Alphonse Areola. The goal came shortly after captain Martin Odegaard was forced off with an injury, the third straight home game the midfielder has failed to finish.

Despite the setback, Arsenal maintained full control of the match. Their attacking intent was clear from the start, with Arteta fielding an adventurous midfield of Rice, Odegaard, and Eze, showing the depth of a squad strengthened by a £250m summer overhaul.

The Gunners sealed victory in the second half after Jurrien Timber was brought down by El Hadji Malick Diouf inside the box. Saka, making his 200th Premier League appearance, calmly converted the resulting penalty, his 55th league goal for the club.

The win sent Arsenal to the top of the Premier League table, overtaking Liverpool ahead of their clash with Chelsea later in the day.

For West Ham, new boss Nuno Espirito Santo is still searching for his first win. His side showed flashes of discipline and organisation but were ultimately second best against a superior Arsenal team.

Niclas Fullkrug went close from a corner, while Lucas Paquetá fired over the bar, but the visitors rarely threatened Guglielmo Vicario’s goal.

FX: After four days of gains, naira dips to ?1,465 at official market

The Nigerian naira fell sharply against the United States dollar at the close of trading on Friday, ending the week on a disappointing note after days of positive performance.

According to official data released by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the naira depreciated to ?1,465.68 per dollar at the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange Market (NAFEM), compared to ?1,455.25 per dollar recorded on Thursday.

This represents a ?10.43 drop in value within a single day, signaling renewed pressure on the local currency after a brief period of recovery.

The decline comes after the naira had shown strong momentum earlier in the week, gaining steadily for four consecutive days due to improved dollar supply and increased investor confidence.

However, market analysts suggest that renewed demand for foreign exchange by importers and corporate entities toward the weekend may have triggered the latest round of depreciation.

At the parallel (black) market, the naira remained stable at ?1,485 per dollar on both Thursday and Friday, suggesting that traders are maintaining a wait-and-see approach as the market adjusts to recent policy measures introduced by the apex bank.

Despite Friday’s decline, the naira still recorded a slight improvement on a week-on-week basis, appreciating by ?14.98 when compared to the ?1,480.66 per dollar exchange rate recorded on Friday, September 27, 2025.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s external reserves have continued to grow, standing at $42.40 billion as of October 2, 2025, up from $42.33 billion just three days earlier.

Analysts view this steady rise in reserves as a positive sign, reflecting improved foreign inflows and potential stability for the foreign exchange market in the coming weeks.

Experts have continued to urge the Central Bank to sustain its monetary tightening measures and enhance transparency in the forex market to restore full confidence among investors and businesses.

They also emphasized the need for Nigeria to boost local production and reduce dependence on imports, which remains one of the major factors driving dollar demand.

While the week ended with a slight setback for the naira, economists remain cautiously optimistic that the local currency could regain strength if foreign inflows continue to rise and market reforms are fully implemented.

Sanwo-Olu celebrates autistic teen who painted world’s largest canvas

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has celebrated 15-year-old Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke, a Nigerian teenager living with autism, for making history by creating the world’s largest canvas painting by an individual.

The monumental artwork, titled ‘Impossibility is a Myth’, spans an astonishing 12,303.87 square metres, earning Kanyeyachukwu a place in the Guinness Book of World Records and international acclaim. The piece was unveiled at Marina, Eko Atlantic City, Lagos.

Speaking through his Special Adviser on Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Idris Aregbe, the governor described the achievement as a powerful statement on youth potential, disability inclusion, and the indomitable Nigerian spirit.

‘At just 15, Kanyeyachukwu has done what many thought impossible. His painting is not just a personal triumph – it is a symbol of possibility, inclusion, and hope,’ Sanwo-Olu said.

He highlighted the infinity symbol at the centre of the painting as a message of boundless potential, particularly for people on the autism spectrum. The governor also reiterated his administration’s commitment to investing in platforms that promote youth creativity and global competitiveness.

The painting, first unveiled on World Autism Awareness Day 2025, combines turquoise and coral hues with imagery of multiple human faces to reflect emotions, diversity, and shared humanity.

Kanyeyachukwu, who is non-verbal, has used visual art as his primary form of communication since early childhood. His work has inspired global attention and advocacy for neurodiverse creatives.

Oil prices fall as OPEC plans to produce more

The world oil market is facing a shock as OPEC plans to increase oil production. Oil prices fell again on Thursday, marking the fourth straight day of decline.

Brent crude dropped to its lowest level since early June, as traders worried about too much oil in the market.

Sources say OPEC+ may agree to raise production by as much as 500,000 barrels per day in November three times more than the increase for October. Saudi Arabia is reportedly leading this move to regain its share of the market.

Jorge Montepeque, Managing Director of Onyx Capital Group, said some banks, including Macquarie, are warning of a possible ‘super glut’ meaning there could be far more oil than needed, which is lowering market confidence.

Meanwhile, the finance ministers of the G7 countries said on Wednesday they plan to increase pressure on Russia by targeting those who keep buying Russian oil.

The United States also plans to give Ukraine intelligence to help with long-range missile strikes on Russian energy sites. According to officials, this will help Ukraine attack refineries, pipelines, and other key facilities to cut Russia’s oil revenue.

UBS analyst Giovanni Staunovo said there are renewed concerns that Russian oil supplies could be disrupted. However, he added that unless actual disruptions occur, the effect on oil prices will likely be small.

Terror in Kubwa: Kidnappers murder Abuja doctor, abduct kids

Tragedy has struck in the Federal Capital Territory as unknown gunmen brutally murdered a veterinary doctor, Dr. Ifeanyi Ogbu, and abducted his three children during a late-night invasion of his residence in Kubwa, Abuja.

Dr. Ogbu, a respected veterinarian and former Chairman of the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA),

FCT Chapter, was reportedly taken along with his children on Friday night after the armed assailants stormed his home along the Kubwa-Kaduna Road.

His lifeless body was later discovered by the roadside, raising deep concerns about the growing wave of violent crimes in the capital city.

The heartbreaking news was confirmed by a close associate, Andrew Gabriel Ikechukwu, through a Facebook post. He wrote:

‘Dr. Ifeanyi Ogbu, the immediate past chairman of the NVMA FCT chapter, who was kidnapped alongside his three children from his home in Kubwa Abuja, has been found dead. The children are still missing.

May God please intervene.’

Dr. Ogbu was widely admired for his dedication to animal health and community service.

Friends and professional colleagues described him as a man of integrity and compassion whose death leaves a painful void in the veterinary community.

The deceased leaves behind his wife, who is reportedly in deep distress, and other grieving family members as search efforts intensify to rescue the abducted children.

This gruesome incident follows closely on the heels of another violent crime in Abuja the killing of Arise TV journalist Somtochukwu Maduagwu during a robbery in Katampe last week.

Security experts and residents have expressed alarm over the rising cases of abductions and killings across the FCT, calling for urgent government intervention.

As of press time, the FCT Police Command had yet to issue an official statement concerning thebjwCalls and messages to police spokespersons went unanswered, though sources said an investigation into the attack is ongoing.

Taraba youths urge Gov Kefas to join APC for state’s future

The Concerned Taraba Youth Group has advised Gov. Agbu Kefas of Taraba to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for the better future of Taraba.

Mr Shadrach Gani, Leader of the group gave the advice on Saturday, while briefing newsmen in Jalingo.

He stressed the need for the state to key into the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Bola Tinubu administration. He noted that the state lacked the capacity to turn around infrastructural development that could create jobs and attract modern amenities.

According to him, Taraba must not be left behind in Nigeria’s development journey.

‘Today, Taraba stands at a defining moment. As young people, we carry the weight of tomorrow on our shoulders, and our greatest desire is to see our state prosper with opportunities, jobs, and modern amenities.

‘Gov. Kefas has already inspired us with bold reforms in education, healthcare, and empowerment. His energy and commitment have rekindled confidence among young people.

‘But the truth remains that many of the challenges holding our state back are beyond what Taraba alone can solve hence the state beeds strong federal support.

‘Critical projects that could transform our economy and create jobs for our youth have been abandoned for too long.

‘The Ibi Bridge, a gateway for trade and commerce. The collapsed Namnai Bridge, which has cut off communities and opportunities.

‘Federal highways in worsening condition, especially the Jalingo-Lau-Karim Lamido road and the River Benue crossing.

‘The massive Wukari-Jalingo-Zing Road project, running into hundreds of billions of naira, far beyond the state’s purse.

‘The Mambilla Hydro Power Project, a dream that can power industries and households across Nigeria.

‘These are not luxury projects; they are lifelines for Taraba’s growth. Without federal partnership, they will remain unfulfilled promises.

‘If Governor Kefas joins the APC, Taraba will gain direct access to federal projects, resources, and opportunities that our people, especially the youth desperately need,’ he said.

Clampdown Begins: 250 commercial vehicles caught for overloading in FCT

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) FCT Command says it apprehended more than 250 commercial vehicles in just two days for overloading, as it begins full enforcement of safety regulations in the territory.

The FCT Sector Commander, Corps Commander Felix Theman, disclosed this in a statement signed by the Command’s Public Education Officer, Mrs Helen Ntaji, on Saturday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the enforcement, which started on Oct. 2, specifically targeted the practice of carrying two passengers in the front seat of taxis.

Theman said that the two-day figure demonstrated the scale of violations in the FCT, in spite months of sustained engagement and education to transport unions.

He explained that his top priority since assumption of office had been restoring passenger dignity and safety, noting that enforcement was the most civil way to ensure compliance.

According to him, overloading makes the use of seatbelts impossible, weakens vehicle suspension and tyres and limits driver control in emergencies.

Theman added that the command’s operation was being carried out in collaboration with mobile magistrate courts to ensure immediate prosecution of offenders.

He said that full activation of mobile courts across the FCT would begin on Oct. 6 to intensify the enforcement.

The commander also warned drivers operating vehicles below minimum safety standards to upgrade them or risk outright impoundment.

He hinted that transport unions had pledged full support for the initiative and urged passengers to cooperate to protect their rights to safe and dignified transportation.