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Anambra State Rejects Claims Linking First Lady to ₦38m University Contract Scandal

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By Prosper Mene 

‎The Anambra State Government has categorically dismissed social media allegations implicating Dr. Nonye Soludo, wife of Governor Chukwuma Soludo, in a ₦38 million contract at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), labeling the claims as “malicious fabrications” aimed at undermining her reputation and the administration’s credibility.

‎In a statement released on Monday, Daniel Ezeigwe, Senior Media Aide to Dr. Soludo, debunked reports that the First Lady influenced the award of a ₦38 million contract at COOU’s Igbariam campus through a supposed Senior Special Assistant (SSA) named Mrs. Chinwe Umerie.

‎Ezeigwe clarified that Anambra State has no formal Office of the First Lady, and no such aide exists. “Dr. Nonye Soludo has no involvement in government contracts, including any alleged project at Ojukwu University,” he said. “These claims are the work of mischief-makers desperate to distract from the state’s progress.”The allegations, which gained traction over the weekend on platforms like X, suggested Dr. Soludo facilitated the contract through intermediaries, causing public debate.

‎Ezeigwe emphasized that the First Lady’s activities are limited to voluntary initiatives, such as her “Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo” campaign, which promotes nutrition and wellness, and empowerment programs for women and youths.

‎ In June 2025, she empowered over 1,000 female traders in Dunukofia with grants, and in August, she launched the Renewed Hope Initiative, benefiting 1,000 women with business support.

‎This is not the first time COOU has faced scrutiny. In February 2025, the university refuted similar accusations of contract fraud against its acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kate Omenugha, dismissing them as attempts to discredit her leadership.

‎Dr. Soludo, a trained pharmacist, was honored by COOU in May 2025 with an honorary Doctor of Public Health and Nutrition for her contributions to community health. She also received a Compassionate Service Award from the Nigeria Labour Congress in Anambra earlier this year for her advocacy.

‎The timing of the allegations has raised suspicions of political motives, with the 2025 governorship election looming.

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ARISE News Anchor Somtochukwu Maduagwu Killed in Abuja Armed Robbery ‎ ‎

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By Prosper Mene 

‎The Nigerian media landscape is in pain from the shocking death of Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, a 29-year-old news anchor, reporter, and producer at ARISE News Channel, who was fatally shot during an armed robbery at her residence in the upscale Katampe district of Abuja in the early hours of Monday.

‎Maduagwu, affectionately known as “Sommie” to colleagues and viewers, was ambushed by unidentified gunmen who stormed her home around 2 a.m., local time. According to police reports, the assailants ransacked the property, making off with valuables including electronics and cash, before fleeing the scene. Despite prompt medical attention, Maduagwu succumbed to gunshot wounds at a nearby hospital.

‎The Nigeria Police Force’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command has launched a full-scale investigation, deploying tactical teams to track down the perpetrators and recover stolen items.

‎In a somber statement released by ARISE News management, signed by spokesperson Hadiza Usman-Ajayi, the channel described Maduagwu as “a vibrant voice on air, a professional lawyer, and a supportive friend” whose passion for journalism “connected deeply with audiences across the globe.”

‎ ‎ “Sommie’s tragic passing has left the entire ARISE family in profound shock and grief,” the statement read. “Her spirit, passion, and legacy will endure as part of our collective memory. We extend our deepest condolences to her parents, siblings, extended family, friends, and loved ones.”

‎ ‎Born on December 26, 1995, in Lagos, Maduagwu was a trained lawyer who transitioned into broadcast journalism, bringing her analytical acumen and eloquence to ARISE News. She rose as a fixture on the channel’s prime-time segments, covering critical issues from politics and economy to human rights and social justice.

‎Colleagues remembered her as “a cherished member whose energy lit up the newsroom,” with one anonymous producer telling reporters, “Sommie wasn’t just a colleague; she was the heartbeat of our team, always ready with a laugh or a sharp insight.”

‎ ‎The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) issued joint condemnations, labeling the killing “a brazen assault on press freedom and the safety of journalists in Nigeria’s capital.”

‎ ‎Civil society groups, including the International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria, demanded “swift and transparent justice,” warning that such violence erodes public trust in law enforcement.

‎FCT Police Commissioner Bennett Igwe vowed in a press briefing that “no stone will be left unturned” in the manhunt, assuring the public of forensic leads and community intelligence driving the probe. ARISE News has pledged support for Maduagwu’s family and called for immediate prosecution of those responsible, while planning a memorial broadcast to honor her contributions.

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Nigerian Judiciary Gains Ground in Rebuilding Public Trust, Says CJN Kekere-Ekun ‎ ‎ ‎

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By Prosper Mene 

‎Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun announced on Monday that the judiciary is making significant progress in restoring public confidence, driven by sweeping reforms aimed at enhancing transparency, efficiency, and accountability.

‎Addressing stakeholders at the Supreme Court in Abuja, Justice Kekere-Ekun emphasized that her administration’s focus on modernization and integrity is yielding results. “We are not just reforming systems; we are rebuilding trust,” she said. “From digital case management to tackling corruption head-on, the judiciary is becoming a beacon of hope for Nigerians.”The CJN’s remarks align with recent endorsements from various quarters.

‎In July 2025, Vice President Kashim Shettima, speaking at a Securities and Exchange Commission workshop, praised the judiciary’s efforts to expedite capital market cases, describing it as vital for economic growth. “A trusted judiciary strengthens investor confidence,” he noted.

‎Civil society groups have also commended the CJN’s initiatives. The Judiciary Watch Initiative, in a March 2025 statement, lauded her for advancing digital tools like e-filing and strengthening anti-corruption measures under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act. “Her leadership is steering the judiciary toward equity and efficiency,” said Chairman Alhaji Abdullahi Sulaiman.

‎Key achievements highlighted by Justice Kekere-Ekun include:

‎Digital Transformation: Over 70% of federal high courts now use e-filing, cutting case processing times by 40% in pilot regions.

‎Anti-Corruption Measures: A Judicial Integrity Panel has disciplined 15 judicial officers for misconduct since January 2025.

‎Judicial Training: Over 2,000 judges and court staff trained on modern legal challenges, including financial crimes.

‎Public Access: Quarterly “Justice Open Forums” launched to engage citizens and clarify court processes.

‎Despite the progress, challenges remain. The Nigerian Bar Association has urged deeper reforms, including mandatory asset declarations for judges. “The judiciary must continue to earn the people’s trust,” said NBA President Yakubu Maikyau last year.

‎ Justice Kekere-Ekun called for collective commitment: “These strides are a foundation for a judiciary that serves all Nigerians.”The Supreme Court will host a national judicial conference in November 2025 to outline further reforms, including expanding alternative dispute resolution.

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‎Nigeria Bolsters Fight Against Gender-Based Violence with dRPC Partnership

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By Prosper Mene 

‎The Federal Government of Nigeria (FG) has strengthened its alliance with the Development Research and Projects Centre (dRPC) to tackle gender-based violence (GBV), a pervasive issue affecting women and girls across the country.

‎ The partnership, unveiled during a high-level event in Abuja, synce with President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” and focuses on leveraging religious leaders, civil society, and community networks to curb GBV, particularly in northern Nigeria.

‎The initiative, titled “Muslim Opinion Leaders for GBV Prevention in Northern Nigeria,” was launched by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs in collaboration with dRPC.

‎ It targets the alarming prevalence of GBV, with data indicating that 25% of married Nigerian women have experienced physical or sexual violence, a figure exacerbated by post-COVID-19 socioeconomic challenges.

‎ Forms of abuse include intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and technology-facilitated harassment, disproportionately impacting northern communities where cultural and religious norms often intersect with systemic gaps.

‎Minister of Women Affairs, Aisha Suleiman-Ibrahim, underscored the initiative’s alignment with national priorities, stating, “This partnership ensures no woman or girl suffers in silence due to harmful cultural misinterpretations.”

‎The project equips Islamic scholars, imams, and Hisbah (Sharia morality police) officials with training to promote women’s rights through Islamic principles of mercy and non-oppression. Iliyasu Usman, Imam of the National Mosque, emphasized, “Islam prohibits all forms of oppression. We must replace harmful distortions with teachings that empower and protect women.”

‎dRPC, a non-profit focused on women’s empowerment, has been a key player in GBV prevention since 2019. Its efforts include training over 40 imams in Kaduna and Kano to address sexual, domestic, and psychological abuse from an Islamic perspective.

‎ In 2022, dRPC held workshops for Hisbah commanders across six northwestern states, securing commitments to prioritize survivor protection. The organization also conducts policy research on technology-facilitated GBV and collaborates with partners like the Ford Foundation and the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN).Dr.

‎Judith-Ann Walker, dRPC’s Executive Director, described the partnership as “a game-changer,” adding, “By empowering faith leaders and aligning with federal initiatives, we’re addressing GBV at its roots and fostering inclusive justice.”

‎ The FG has committed to providing technical support, funding, and integration into national GBV frameworks, including the 2020 state of emergency on GBV.

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‎Ogun Monarch Demands Arrest of Influencer Mandy Kiss Over ‘Sex Marathon’ Plan

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By Prosper Mene 

‎Oba Ebenezer Akintunde Akinyemi, the Eselu of Iselu Kingdom in Ogun State, has called for the arrest of social media influencer Mandy Kiss (Ayomiposi Oluwadahunsi) after she announced plans for a 24-hour “sex marathon” with 100 men in Lagos to break a Guinness World Record.

The 29-year-old’s Instagram post, featuring a flyer with the GWR logo, caused outrage despite GWR rejecting the proposal as unethical and unverifiable.

‎In an open letter to Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the monarch condemned the stunt as a “disgrace” to Nigerian values, urging Mandy’s detention, a drug test, and psychiatric evaluation. He warned of moral decay and risks to public health, citing potential physical and psychological harm.

‎Mandy, a controversial figure from Ogun State, defended her plan as a statement on female sexuality, but critics, including health experts, highlight severe health risks.

‎The announcement has divided social media, with #ArrestMandyKiss and #FreeMandyKiss trending.

‎Some advocate counseling over criminalization, while others demand stricter social media regulations.

‎Lagos authorities have yet to respond, and Mandy vows to proceed on September 30 in Ikorodu. The controversy shows the tensions between Nigeria’s digital culture and traditional values, raising questions about free expression and public decency.

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16-Year-Old Domestic Worker Rescued After Being Scalded with Hot Water by Employer ‎

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By Prosper Mene 

‎Operatives from the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) have rescued a 16-year-old girl from her abusive employer in Abuja’s Gwarimpa district.

The minor, who was working as a domestic staff, was allegedly doused with scalding hot water as punishment, leaving her with severe burns and exposing the vulnerabilities faced by child laborers in Nigeria.The victim, hailing from a modest family in Imo State, had been entrusted to the care of her employer to help support her household.

According to a statement released by NAPTIP, the young girl was responsible for looking after her employer’s three children, including two-month-old twins and a seven-year-old boy, while the employer worked night shifts. Reports indicate that the abuse escalated when the employer, frustrated by perceived shortcomings in the girl’s duties, poured hot water over her in a brutal act of discipline.

‎Eyewitness accounts and initial investigations describe the scene as “heart-wrenching,” with the teenager suffering extensive scalding on her upper body. She was promptly rushed to a medical facility for emergency treatment following her rescue on Friday morning. NAPTIP officials, acting on a tip-off from concerned neighbors, raided the residence and apprehended the employer, whose identity has not yet been disclosed pending further investigation.”

‎This is a stark reminder of the hidden horrors of child domestic labor in our society,” said a NAPTIP spokesperson in the agency’s official release. “We commend the bravery of those who reported this atrocity and urge all citizens to remain vigilant against such exploitation.”The case has drawn swift condemnation from human rights advocates and child welfare organizations.

‎The International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates that up to 15 million children under 14 are engaged in labor in Nigeria, with many serving as unpaid or underpaid “house girls” in exploitative conditions. A 2021 ILO report reported that nearly 89% of child domestic workers face violations of Nigerian labor laws, including excessive hours without rest, conditions that often pave the way for physical and emotional abuse.

‎Activists are calling for stricter enforcement of the Child Rights Act, which prohibits child labor under age 18 and mandates protection against violence. “This isn’t an isolated incident; it’s a symptom of systemic failures in safeguarding our most vulnerable,” noted a representative from the Freedom Fund, an anti-slavery organization working on child domestic worker issues in Nigeria.

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Davido Gifts Wife Chioma a 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon: “The Best for My Lady” ‎ ‎

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‎By Prosper Mene 

‎Afrobeats star Davido has surprised his wife, Chioma Adeleke, with a brand-new 2025 Mercedes-Benz G580 electric G-Wagon, valued at over $150,000 (about ₦240 million). The lavish gift, revealed in a heartwarming Instagram video, is coming just weeks after their glamorous wedding.

‎In the clip, Chioma, dressed in pink sweatpants, jumps with excitement as she sees the sleek black SUV with a giant gift ribbon. Davido, grinning, declares, “Only the best for my lady!” as Chioma hops into the driver’s seat for her first ride. He adds, “We do 2025!” referring to the car’s cutting-edge model year.

‎This isn’t Davido’s first big gift to Chioma. Earlier this year, he gave her a Mercedes-Benz AMG G63 for her 30th birthday. But after learning about the 2025 G-Wagon’s electric features and sleek design, he traded in the older model to get her this upgraded version.The G580 is a luxurious, eco-friendly SUV with a spacious interior and top safety features, perfect for Chioma and their twins.

‎ Fans are thrilled, flooding social media with comments like, “Davido is husband goals!” and “Chioma’s living the dream.”Davido and Chioma, who tied the knot in a stunning three-part wedding in August 2025, continue to capture hearts. From their playful banter in the video to this extravagant gift, the couple’s love story keeps shining. With Davido’s music empire and Chioma’s new ride, 2025 is off to a dazzling start for the Adelekes.

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Juma Jux’s Emotional Reunion with Wife Priscilla Ojo and Newborn Son Rakeem in Tanzania

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By Prosper Mene 

‎Tanzanian music star Juma Jux, known for his soulful Bongo Flava hits, shared a heartfelt reunion with his wife, Nigerian influencer Priscilla Ojo, their one-month-old son Rakeem Ayomide Mkambala, and Priscilla’s mother, Nollywood star Iyabo Ojo, in a lovely homecoming celebration that captured hearts across social media.

‎The family gathered in Tanzania yesterday after weeks of separation, as Priscilla delivered Rakeem in Canada on August 24, 2025, coincidentally Jux’s birthday. Visa complications kept Jux from being present for the birth, making this reunion especially important. To mark the occasion, Jux pulled out all the stops, hosting a blue-themed welcome party at their home adorned with balloons, a towering “RAKEEM” standee, framed family photos, and a banner proclaiming, “Welcome Home Mommy and Rakeem.” The setup reflected the couple’s signature style, showing the blue motif of their July gender reveal that announced their baby boy.

‎Social media buzzed with clips of Jux cradling Rakeem, his face alight with pride and joy as he walked through a cheering crowd of family and friends. Priscilla, glowing as a new mother, clutched a bouquet gifted by her in-laws, while Iyabo Ojo, ever the lively matriarch, teased Jux for his extravagant preparations, laughing, “Juma, you are so extra!”

‎The Nollywood icon’s presence added a warm cross-cultural touch, blending Nigerian and Tanzanian family traditions.

‎Jux and Priscilla, who married in a series of ceremonies across Nigeria and Tanzania between February and May 2025, have become a beloved power couple. Priscilla, daughter of Iyabo Ojo and a prominent brand influencer, shared glimpses of her pregnancy journey, including a humorous labor room post where she noted Rakeem “wanted his own day” instead of sharing his father’s birthday.

‎On Instagram, she posted a touching carousel of images: Jux and Rakeem lying side by side in matching poses, the couple sharing a kiss over their son’s head, and the trio in coordinated outfits. Her caption, “Home,” summed up the relief of their long-awaited reunion.

‎Fans flooded X and Instagram with praise, with comments like, “Jux is the definition of intentional! God bless this family ” and “Rakeem’s sister coming soon? Papi, give Priscy a break!”

‎The outpouring highlighted the couple’s ability to connect with audiences through their authentic love story. Iyabo Ojo’s recent bonding moments with Rakeem in Canada, alongside clips of Priscilla’s father doting on the newborn, further showcased the tight-knit Ojo family, now beautifully intertwined with Jux’s Tanzanian roots.

‎This reunion is more than a personal milestone, it’s a celebration of resilience and unity across borders.

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‎Atiku Celebrates Natasha’s Senate Return, Calls It Victory Over Tyranny ‎ ‎

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By Prosper Mene 

‎Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduagha has reclaimed her seat in Nigeria’s Senate, six months after her controversial suspension.

The dramatic unsealing of her office at the National Assembly on Tuesday marked the end of a protracted political battle, drawing effusive praise from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who declared that the “voice of reason has prevailed over tyranny.”Akpoti-Uduaghan, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senator representing Kogi Central, was suspended on March 6, 2025, for alleged breaches of Senate standing rules, including conduct deemed disruptive during plenary sessions.

‎The six-month debarment barred her from legislative duties and sealed her office in Suite 2.05 of the Senate wing, depriving her constituents of representation and sparking widespread accusations of political persecution.

‎The tide turned on July 4, when a Federal High Court ruled the suspension “excessive and unconstitutional,” a decision that fueled ongoing legal challenges and public outcry.

‎Despite the court’s intervention, the National Assembly initially resisted her resumption on September 9, citing pending litigation. However, mounting pressure from civil society, opposition figures, and legal precedents forced the hand of Senate leadership under President Godswill Akpabio.

‎On Tuesday, Deputy Director of the Sergeant-at-Arms, Mr. Alabi Adedeji, formally unsealed the office in a brief ceremony, followed by immediate fumigation and cleaning to prepare for Akpoti-Uduaghan’s return. Supporters erupted in jubilation outside the National Assembly, chanting songs of solidarity, though the festive mood was briefly marred by reports of police teargassing a crowd of her backers.

‎Stepping into her office for the first time since March, the senator wasted no time in asserting her unyielding stance. “I have no apology to tender to anybody,” Akpoti-Uduaghan told reporters, dismissing rumors of a potential motion by Minority Leader Senator Abba Moro demanding contrition upon the Senate’s full resumption on October 7.

‎She lambasted the suspension as a “deprivation” orchestrated by Senate leadership and vowed to continue her advocacy for Kogi Central’s interests.

‎The former vice president linked Akpoti-Uduaghan’s ordeal to a pattern of institutional weaponization under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, citing the recent suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and assembly members, as well as the lifted emergency rule in Rivers. “These are not isolated acts,” Atiku warned, accusing the government of subverting democracy to silence opposition voices.

‎Akpoti-Uduaghan echoed this gratitude in her post-resumption address, thanking Atiku, former Senate President Bukola Saraki, former Education Minister Oby Ezekwesili, the Nigerian Bar Association, Labour Congress, and parties like the Labour Party (LP) and African Democratic Congress (ADC). “Their voices created the pressure that made the Senate President realize he just can’t,” she said, crediting the solidarity for her vindication.

‎As the Senate prepares for plenary resumption next month, all eyes remain on Kogi Central’s firebrand senator. Her return not only restores legislative balance but reignites debates on accountability, free speech, and the fragility of democratic institutions in Africa’s most populous nation.

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Bandits Unleash Terror in Kwara: Pregnant Woman, Cleric Among Dead in Deadly Raid; Eight Kidnapped, ‎

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By Prosper Mene

‎Armed bandits stormed three remote villages in Kwara State’s Patigi Local Government Area early Tuesday morning, leaving a trail of devastation that claimed the lives of a pregnant woman and a visiting cleric, while abducting eight residents and rustling dozens of cattle.

The brazen assault, which occurred between 6 and 7 a.m., has forced hundreds of terrified villagers to flee their homes, revealing the escalating insecurity plaguing Nigeria’s North Central region.

‎The attacks targeted Motokun, Egboro, and Fanagun villages, where gunmen, believed to be herder-affiliated bandits, operated with impunity for hours, firing indiscriminately at anyone who resisted. Eyewitnesses described scenes of utter chaos as families scattered into the bush, abandoning homes and livestock. “We woke up to the sound of gunfire and screams. People were running everywhere, carrying their children and whatever they could grab,” recounted Hon. James Ibrahim, a local resident who barely escaped with his family.

‎Among the victims was an unidentified pregnant woman, shot dead in her compound while preparing for the day. A cleric from nearby Patigi, known for his weekly sermons in the villages, was gunned down and mutilated in a particularly gruesome act of violence. Community leader Mallam Mohammed confirmed the kidnappings, noting that the bandits targeted “wealthy individuals whom they know can be extorted.” The abducted include three Fulani herders from Fanagun, whose cattle were also seized, along with at least six others from Motokun and Egboro. Reports indicate the gunmen made off with over 15 motorcycles and hundreds of cows, further crippling the local economy reliant on herding and petty trade.

‎This latest outrage follows a violent clash on Monday between security forces and bandits in the same area, during which dozens of cattle were rustled and at least four assailants were wounded, according to vigilante commander Gina Gana. “The bandits came back stronger, as if to retaliate,” Gana told reporters, underscoring the porous security landscape that allows such reprisals.

‎Residents expressed deep frustration over the delayed response from authorities. Security operatives, including soldiers and vigilantes, arrived hours after the attackers had vanished into surrounding forests. “By the time help came, our people were gone, and the dead lay in pools of blood,” said another villager, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals.

‎Bandit incursions have become a weekly ritual in Patigi, ravaging villages like Lata, Ndanaku, Takarfu, Motokun, Egboro, and Lele.

‎ The relentless violence has prompted the Kwara State government to relocate the 2025 Batch B Stream II NYSC orientation camp to safer Ilorin and impose curbs on cattle markets in the north.

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