The Nation Newspaper

Category: City Beats

  • Legendary wrestler Hulk Hogan dies at 71

    Legendary wrestler Hulk Hogan dies at 71

    The world of professional wrestling has lost one of its most charismatic and enduring figures. Hulk Hogan, the larger than life legend who helped transform wrestling into a global spectacle, has died. He was 71.

    His death was confirmed on Wednesday by his representatives.  The news has triggered a wave of tributes from fans, wrestling stars and entertainers across the world.

    Born Terry Gene Bollea on August 11, 1953, Hogan became a household name in the 1980s as the face of the World Wrestling Federation, now known as WWE. With his signature moustache, colourful bandanas and booming presence, Hogan was the towering face of the wrestling boom that swept through American entertainment.

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    He headlined some of the biggest events in wrestling history, including multiple editions of WrestleMania, and became a central figure in the sport’s rise to global fame under Vince McMahon’s WWE empire. His battles with stars like André the Giant, Randy Savage and The Ultimate Warrior remain part of wrestling folklore.

    Outside the ring, Hogan featured in several movies and television shows, expanding his appeal beyond the wrestling audience. His famous catchphrase, “Whatcha gonna do when Hulkamania runs wild on you?” became an anthem for fans who grew up during the golden years of professional wrestling.

    Though his life was not without controversies, including legal disputes and personal challenges, his contributions to wrestling and sports entertainment remain unmatched.

    Hogan was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005 and made several return appearances in later years to roaring applause from old and new fans alike.

    He is survived by his children, Brooke and Nick Bollea.

  • Helping Hand Community renovates library, toilets, others in Lagos school 

    Helping Hand Community renovates library, toilets, others in Lagos school 

    A non-governmental organisation (NGO), Helping Hand Community has commissioned some facilities renovated in Epetedo High School situated in Lagos Island, Lagos State. 

    Some of the renovated facilities include: toilets, staff room, library, Vice-Principal’s office. 

    The founder, Engr. Oladimeji Faizol Awofusi, described the intervention as a reflection of the NGO’s global vision of supporting humanity and most importantly, helping to improve educational standards at schools by providing students with a modern, safe, and comfortable learning environment.

    According to Awofusi, other similar interventions had been done in schools, and will also be carried out across various schools in Lagos and across the country. 

    Recently, the NGO completed renovations at Dolphin High School, Lagos.

    He said: “We are here to commission the recent renovation done by my NGO, as we have been doing since the beginning of the year.

    “We just finished one at Dolphin High School, where we renovated a school hall and other facilities they needed. We also worked at Stadium High School in Surulere, and last year we were at Onikan. This foundation started five years ago, and we’ve been touching lives since then.

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    “Personally, I picked this because it is my community where I was born. We reached out to different schools, and this was one of the four we could locate and access. 

    “We asked them what they would like us to do, and they requested the tiling of the vice principal’s office, renovation of the library, and repairs to the bathroom. We did the plumbing, painting, and renovation work.”

    On the project timeline, he added: “It took us about six weeks in total, as we were also working on Dolphin High School and Epetedo High School simultaneously.”

    On future plans, he revealed: “We have a big project coming up called ‘Back to School,’ which we do every year. We visit different schools and prepare students for the next school season, which starts in September. We equip students with backpacks, food, school supplies, hygiene products, and provide medical and dental checkups. The next edition will take place on September 6 at Freedom Park, Lagos.”

    On his part, the Principal of Epetedo High School, Afunwape Babatunde, said: “Helping Hand Community came to our school, identified our areas of need, and decided to fix them. Our students can now use the library and toilets conveniently, and our teachers now have a befitting staff room.

    “Only the government has been taking care of the school, and the government always advocates for NGOs to collaborate. Helping Hand Community came to our aid, and this project means a lot to the school because we cannot learn in an unhealthy environment.

    “It was difficult to manage the toilets due to inadequate water supply, but Helping Hand helped us renovate them, and we now have running water.”

    On maintenance, he explained: “We have a mechanism to manage the facilities, and with running water and toilet managers in place, we will ensure the toilets remain clean.”

    He also appealed for further support; “We are appealing to other NGOs to come and collaborate as Helping Hand Community has done. Our field needs renovation, and we need more partnerships to create a conducive environment for learning.”

    During the event, the founder of the NGO also gifted some students with cash prizes and entry passes for the fourth edition of the Back to School program.

  • Kidnap suspects narrate roles in abduction of Bayelsa judge

    Kidnap suspects narrate roles in abduction of Bayelsa judge

    Eight suspects arrested over the abduction of Justice Ebiyerin Omukoro of the Bayelsa State High Court have confessed to their roles in the operation during a parade by security agencies in Yenagoa on Thursday.

    The suspects, six men and two women, were apprehended following a coordinated operation led by the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Bayelsa State Police Command. The Commissioner of Police, Francis Idu, and State Director of the DSS, Adedapo Amao, jointly addressed the media at the event.

    According to police sources, a manhunt has been launched for the suspected ringleader, known only as “General,” who remains at large.

    Justice Broderick, one of the arrested suspects and a native of Ozobo community in Delta State, told journalists he was recruited into the plot by “General” and arrived in Yenagoa with other accomplices in June. He said they were provided with uniforms and a vehicle to carry out the abduction.

    READ ALSO; Five lucrative ways Nigerians can make money on TikTok

    He narrated that the gang abducted the judge from the Kilimanjaro fast food outlet in the Ekeki area of Yenagoa, then moved him to a camp in a neighbouring state.

    Broderick claimed the judge was not a predetermined target. “It was not a fixed target. We were patrolling before we met the Judge at Kilimanjaro. So we approached him and kidnapped him from there to our camp,” he said.

    He also revealed that Justice Omukoro identified himself as an Ijaw man from Ekeremor Local Government Area, which led the gang to “treat him well.” Despite that, the gang leader allegedly insisted that the judge be handcuffed.

    Another suspect, identified as John, claimed he did not participate in the abduction due to illness but admitted he was present at the camp where the judge was held.

    Commissioner of Police Francis Idu attributed the successful rescue and arrests to the collaborative efforts of security agencies and the strategic support provided by Governor Douye Diri. He said CCTV surveillance installed by the state government played a crucial role in tracking the suspects.

    “The DSS sent a special team from Abuja, and with the logistics support from the governor, we were able to make progress. The CCTV cameras installed across the state helped immensely in our operation,” Idu said.

  • Tears as Ponzi rice scheme collapses in Edo

    Tears as Ponzi rice scheme collapses in Edo

    …as trader collected N20,000 for bags of rice from 1,000 residents

    Residents of Auchi, the headquarters of Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State, were thrown into confusion on Thursday morning after a trader allegedly disappeared with money collected from them under the guise of selling subsidised bags of rice.

    The trader reportedly sold several bags of rice at N20,000 each and received payments from over 1,000 residents who were also promised other essential items at discounted prices.

    READ ALSO; ​FRSC Mobile App: How to apply for licence renewal, vehicle verification, others

    However, when the residents returned on Thursday to collect their goods, they were met with empty shops and no trace of the trader or his team.

    Eyewitnesses said the shop used by the scheme had been vandalised in the aftermath of the incident, as frustration boiled over among the defrauded buyers.

    As of the time of filing this report, the identity of the trader remained unknown, and efforts to reach the Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu, were unsuccessful.

  • CISLAC demands accountability, integrity in justice sector

    CISLAC demands accountability, integrity in justice sector

    Worried by perceived corruption in the judiciary, the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has warned of its dire implications on the country’s anti-corruption efforts, democratic stability, and the rule of law.

    The rights group gave the warning in a statement signed by Executive Director, Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani), on Thursday.

    According to CISLAC, recent developments in the judiciary have undermined the credibility of law enforcement agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

    It expressed worry over the striking out of some high-profile corruption cases by the court in which the anti-graft agencies invested significant resources, time and effort to prosecute.

    Rafsanjani particularly raised concerns about the rulings of Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke of the Federal High Court, who, he alleged, has dismissed several high-profile corruption cases despite “impeccable evidence.”

    READ ALSO; ​FRSC Mobile App: How to apply for licence renewal, vehicle verification, others

     He cited the case involving former Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Adesola Amosu, over the alleged misappropriation of ₦22.8 billion, as well as the ruling which cleared former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, despite testimony from former Minister of Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, that ₦2.3 billion was delivered to Fayose in cash using two private jets. Other cases struck out by Justice Aneke include a $140,000 fraud case involving Abdullahi Babalele, son-in-law of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; a ₦322 million money laundering charge against Senator Peter Nwaoboshi; and the ₦12.3 billion case against the Chairman of Honeywell Group, Dr. Oba Otudeko.

    Rafsanjani said these rulings cast a dark shadow over the justice system, recalling the controversial case of former Delta State Governor, James Ibori, who was acquitted in Nigeria but later convicted on similar charges in a foreign court.

    He stressed that no investor would be confident in a system where the judiciary is seen as unethical or as shielding corrupt public officials.

    He also called for financial scrutiny of judicial officers, urging the EFCC, the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), and related agencies to investigate judges whose lifestyles appear to be inconsistent with their legitimate earnings.

    The CISLAC boss alleged that some judicial officers might be benefiting from undue political influence, including luxury housing allocations, which were compromising the independence of the judiciary.

     CISLAC urged the National Judicial Council (NJC) to restore discipline, integrity, and accountability within the judiciary, stating that the Council must not be silent while public confidence in the courts erodes. It also called on the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) to enforce regular and transparent asset declaration by all public officials, including judges and judicial officers, as required by law.

     “The judiciary must rise above allegations of inducement and partisanship,” Rafsanjani said. “Nigerians deserve a justice system that upholds the rule of law and protects the rights of the people, not one that serves the interests of the powerful. If the judiciary fails, democracy and justice are both at risk,” it said.

     CISLAC concluded with a strong call for collective civic vigilance, urging citizens, the media, and civil society to hold the judiciary to higher standards of transparency and accountability.

    “The time to act is now before judicial credibility is irreparably damaged in the eyes of Nigerians and the international community,” it said.

  • Army urges NYSC employers to prioritise corps members’ welfare for maximum productivity

    Army urges NYSC employers to prioritise corps members’ welfare for maximum productivity

    The Nigerian Army has called on employers of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members to prioritise their welfare and create a supportive work environment to ensure optimal productivity.

    The charge was given in Katsina on Thursday by the Commander of the 17 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brigadier General B.O. Omopariola, who was represented by Lt. Col. A.A. Yamman, at the 2025/2026 NYSC Corps Employers Workshop.

    The one-day workshop, themed “Place of Educational Intelligence in Managing Corps Members at the Workplace for Maximum Productivity,” brought together corps employers and NYSC stakeholders to share ideas and improve scheme operations.

    “Employers must take full responsibility for the welfare, comfort, and social needs of corps members,” Omopariola said. “They should be treated as our own children and given the right environment to enhance their skills and capacities.”

    Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the NYSC Director General, Brigadier General O.O. Nafiu, Mr. Garba Fagge described the event as a vital platform for strategic communication and policy clarification between the scheme and corps employers.

    He emphasised the workshop’s role in aligning operational goals and strengthening the partnership between NYSC and its host organisations.

    Read Also: Catholic Bishop lauds DSS, Army for rescuing priest, others from Boko Haram

    “This gathering allows for the harmonisation of views, clarification of policies, and exchange of experiences,” he said. “Our collaboration with employers is built on mutual understanding and clearly defined roles.”

    Also speaking, the NYSC State Coordinator in Katsina, Alhaji Ibrahim Saidu, highlighted the scheme’s tradition of periodic engagement with stakeholders to ensure an informed and responsive approach to its operations.

    The event concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthening corps members’ welfare and enhancing the impact of their service across the nation.

  • NAF charges personnel to uphold ethical values in civilian engagement

    NAF charges personnel to uphold ethical values in civilian engagement

    The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has charged Nigerian Air Force (NAF) personnel to uphold the service’s ethical values when engaging with the civilian population.

    Speaking in Abuja on Thursday at the inaugural Directorate of Sport and Physical Education Workshop, Air Marshal Abubakar said sports also strengthen civil-military relations, which is a crucial pillar of the national security framework.

    The NAF Chief described the workshop’s theme, “Enhancing Fitness Management Activities to Improve Operational Efficiency in the NAF,” as apt and timely, noting that physical fitness is a critical component of combat preparedness and a force multiplier.

    He said, “As we confront a dynamic and increasingly demanding security environment, the importance of physical readiness cannot be overstated. Physical fitness is a critical component of combat preparedness; it is, in fact, a force multiplier. It sharpens mental alertness, improves endurance, reduces fatigue, and enhances performance under pressure.

    “Beyond its operational benefits, sports and physical education play a vital role in shaping character and instilling core values. Through physical training, our personnel learn discipline, perseverance, teamwork, and resilience, attributes essential not just in battle but in everyday military life. As such, we must continue to view sports not merely as recreation, but as a deliberate tool for building an agile, mission-ready force.”

    According to him, it was in this spirit that the NAF had continually sought innovative ideas, modern training approaches, and evidence-based strategies to optimise its fitness programmes and maximise its sporting potential.

    “Since assuming office, I have approved the construction and refurbishment of sporting facilities across several bases, including 013 QRF Minna, 213 FOB Katsina and NAF Base Enugu, among others,” the NAF Chief said.

    “To revitalise our fitness infrastructure, modern gym equipment has been procured for over 22 units, with ongoing distribution to ensure wide accessibility. Additionally, efforts are underway to equip our units with archery gear and formally establish archery clubs across NAF Commands and Direct Reporting Units. These initiatives are designed to encourage broader participation in physical activities, such as our weekly Wednesday games, not only by personnel but also their families.”

    Air Marshal Abubakar commended NAF athletes and coaches for consistently flying the NAF flag high in various competitions, noting that their achievements have brought pride and honour to the organisation.

    “But remember, true success is not just measured by medals and trophies, but by the integrity, discipline, and sportsmanship you display.

    Read Also: NAF airstrike eliminates 95 terrorists in Niger

    “As ambassadors of the Nigerian Air Force, I urge you to consistently embody our values and ethics, especially when engaging with the civil population. Through sports, you are also strengthening civil-military relations, an increasingly important pillar of our national security framework,” he added. 

    The Chief of Administration (NAF), Air Vice Marshal I Sanusi, said the workshop was conducted “to engage, listen, and learn from a wealth of experience of guest speakers and our invited senior officers, both serving and retired.”

    He said their insights and perspectives remain “invaluable” as the NAF leadership forges ahead in transforming the Service into an even more agile, responsive, and resilient force.

  • NAFDAC seals warehouse stocked with chemicals used for explosives in Kano

    NAFDAC seals warehouse stocked with chemicals used for explosives in Kano

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has confiscated 88,560 litres of sulphuric and nitric acids contained in jerry cans in a warehouse in Kano.

    The seizure was made at Kwakwaci, Fagge Local Government Area of the state.

    The chemicals, which could be used for other purposes, such as production of fertiliser, are ingredients for manufacturing explosives and the volume seized could destroy Kano State, Dr. Martins Iluyomade, Director Investigation and Enforcement NAFDAC, told reporters on Wednesday.

    Iluyomade said the discovery is mind-boggling, because the acids are controlled chemicals that require authorisation of the National Security Adviser (NSA) before anyone can bring them into the country.

    He said he was surprised to find out that the owner is not even enlisted as a chemical marketer in the data base of the country where the uses of such chemicals are monitored.

    “There are procedures for bringing them in and disposing of them. This is because these chemicals you see here are used to manufacture explosives.

    “So, this has serious implications to our security, more so that they are found in this large volume by one person,” he said.

    He said since the discovery, the owner had been at large.

    “But, we are on his trail to bring him to justice. He must tell us how these things got into the country, for what purpose and if they are the kind of people we are looking for?” Iluyomade said.

    He narrated: “Following intel and surveillance by our gallant officers, they were able to get to this warehouse where controlled precursor chemicals are illegally being sold and distributed.

    Read Also: NAFDAC denies banning popular food brands in viral audio clip

    “I have never seen this volume of nitric acid and sulphuric acid concentrated together in one place.

    “These acids are controlled chemicals and are not to be handled by just anybody. Before you bring them in, you need an import permit and clearance from the National Security Adviser (NSA).”

    A breakdown of the seizures by Kano State Coordinator of NAFDAC, Kasim Ibrahim, included: Sulphuric acid (98.5per cent) 20 litres X 1,479 gallons; Sulphuric acid (98.5per cent) 30 litres X 1,014 gallons; and nitric acid (68 per cent) 30 litres X 952 gallons.

    “We have 20 litres and 30 litres capacities for the kegs. The total for the sulphuric acid is 60,000 litres and the nitric acid we have 28,560 litres, totalling combined kegs of 88,560 litres,” Ibrahim said.

    A thorough check in the facility indicated 411 empty jerry cans, indicating the kegs of the chemicals dispensed or sold.

    The manager of the place, one Alhaji Sani Bala, 74, has been arrested.

    He told reporters that he and his principal had been in the business at Kwakwaci, whose company name was given as “Victor Chidi Ike General Enterprises,” for two years.

    Bala said they get supplies from Ogun State.

    NAFDAC said: “The culprit will be interrogated on the sources of these illicit controlled chemicals and his distribution outlets.

    “Eventually the company will be prosecuted by a competent court of law in accordance with the extant laws of the land.”

  • Soldiers kill scores of bandits in Niger communities

    Soldiers kill scores of bandits in Niger communities

    • Troops kill fleeing terrorists from Zamfara
    • From Justina Asishana, Minna and Abdullahi Abdurahman, Gusau

    Hundreds of bandits have been killed at Udara-Chifu village in Rijau Local Government Area of the state by soldiers attached to Warari military camp.

    Sources said the bandits had written letters to the community that they would be attacking them on Monday, putting everyone under fear and tension as several people had to relocate from Mariga, Rijau and other communities to safer places to prevent being victims of the attack.

    The soldiers were informed about the notice of attack, and they mobilised with support from soldiers from Zuru barracks. On Tuesday, the soldiers surrounded the villages dressed in civil outfits as they were informed that the bandits may attack wearing camouflage disguising as soldiers.

    According to a source close to Rijau, the bandits who tried to invade communities around Warari and Bangi-Mariga axis were attacked from the air and on ground, as all their escape routes were blocked. The operation was said to have lasted for four hours leaving the bandits with several casualties.

    The soldiers were said to have recovered sophisticated arms  from the dead bandits while their bodies and motorcycles littered the bus and nd on the road leading to Rijau on Wednesday morning.

    Read Also: Troops foil terrorist attacks, neutralise dozens in Zamfara-Niger axis

    The villagers said only few bandits were able to survive the onslaught and signals had been sent to villages to be on the watch for any new face that might try to enter the towns.

    It could be recalled that bandits in their numbers invaded Rijau town, the headquarters of Rijau Local Government on Tuesday last week Tuesday, held the people hostage and looted shops and houses without resistance.

    In a statement yesterday, the spokesman of Operation Fansan Yamma (OPFY), Captain David Adewusi, confirmed the operation.

    He said: “During the engagement, the Air Component of OPFY provided vital intelligence, surveillance, and air strikes in support of the ground troops, enabling a decisive response.

    “Several terrorists were neutralised, and numerous motorcycles and communication equipment were recovered.’’

     Recovered from the terrorists were two AK-47 rifles, one magazine loaded with five rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and 18 motorcycles, among other items.

    Adewusi stated that the assault thwarted the terrorists’ plans to destabilise the area and rustle livestock. Sadly, one of the soldiers was injured during the firefight.

    “OPFY remains resolute in its mandate to defeat terrorists and criminal elements operating across the Northwest and parts of the Northcentral region. We assure the public of our commitment to achieving this mandate and urge continued cooperation through the provision of credible information that will support ongoing offensive operations,” he added

  • Bayelsa Judge’s abductors nabbed

    Bayelsa Judge’s abductors nabbed

    Operatives of Bayelsa Police Command have arrested the abductors of Justice Ebiyerin Umukoro of the Bayelsa State High Court.

    It was learnt a manhunt had been launched for the gang leader.

    Justice Omukoro was kidnapped on June 21 in Yenagoa and was held for 12 days before he was rescued by security agents.

    Governor Duoye Diri in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, said everyone involved in the kidnap had been picked up by the police except the gang leader who was on the run.

    Also, the governor honoured a Superintendent of Police, Sentome Obi, who rejected a $17,000 bribe offered by a suspect involved in organ harvesting.

    He restated his warning to criminals to steer clear of Bayelsa, stressing his administration’s commitment to its zero-tolerance policy for crime and criminality.

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    He said the government had improved security architecture with the acquisition of drones for the police to fight crime in addition to the installation of CCTV cameras in different parts of the state capital.

    His words: “We have greatly improved our crime fighting efforts using technology. In the recent kidnap of a serving judge in the state, we were able to get him released unhurt.

    “We summoned the security agencies and gave them the necessary logistics. At the end of the day, all those who committed the crime were apprehended except one that is still on the run. Bayelsa State has zero tolerance to crime and criminality.”

    Diri commended the security agencies for their effort in ensuring that the state was safe and peaceful.

    While honouring SP Obi, the Bayelsa governor praised his gallantry, honesty and devotion to duty.

    He said the officer, who is an indigene of the state, brought dignity and pride to the Force and to Bayelsa.

    He recommended Obi to the Inspector-General of Police for his gallant effort in crime fighting.

    On behalf of the state government, Diri announced a reward of a three-bedroom flat and a car as a mark of honour for his exemplary integrity.

    He said at a time the Nigerian Police was grappling with image issues, Bayelsa had produced a police officer with commendable character and proved that a good name was better than riches.

    According to him, “SP Obi did not only make the state proud, but he also bolstered the image of the Nigerian Police and I urge other officers to emulate his shining example.”

    Bayelsa Police Commissioner, Mr. Francis Idu, congratulated the government and people of the state on producing one of the most dedicated and well-groomed officers in Obi.

    He stressed the need for the government to invest more in boosting security towards the protection of lives and property.